by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Catching up on the news in my absence…

Yesterday there was a “press event” to present the full Loessfest event schedule, and the festival’s collaboration with the folks who put on the annual Maha Music Festival. They’re calling it “Mini Maha.” The three bands slated to play the free concert at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park May 30 are 2010 Maha festival alum  Ben Kweller, Polyvinyl band The Dodos and Lincoln band Oketo. I didn’t see the press conference and don’t know the logic behind Maha’s participation, though one assumes it’ll be a good platform for marketing the “real” Maha Music Festival at Aksareben Village Aug. 15.

The rest of the Loessfest schedule is ho-hum. Dinosaur act Chicago kicks things off May 23; the rest of Loessfest is “family fun” events like a screening of “Jaws” May 27. The “Mini Maha” show is what I hoped they’d be hosting at River’s Edge throughout the year — it’s a fantastic park. But so far, other than Loessfest, CB has let the property just sort of sit there. Oh well.

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Speaking of concerts, it’s a real hit and miss weekend for shows, with most of the good stuff happening tonight.

Tonight Sucettes headline a show at Slowdown Jr. with Staffers, The Dead Flower Preservation Club Band and Sidewalkers. Sucettes is Dave Goldberg’s latest project with Jeremiah McIntyre, who you may remember from Box Elders. Any time you get a chance to see these guys, you should take it. $5, 9 p.m.

Meanwhile at fabulous O’Leaver’s Friday night it’s Canadian garage band Peach Kelli Pop, who records for notable garage rock label Burger Records, among others. Also on the bill is Austin trio BUHU, Sioux City band It Really Is and Omaha duo Lunch. $5, 9:30 p.m.

And at the Reverb Lounge in Benson Post Verse headlines a show with Sun-less Trio and Swampwalk. $5, 9 p.m.

Looks like I’ll be heading to The Brothers Saturday night as I’m not seeing a single indie rock show on the calendar.

Finally Sunday night it’s the big Maha Music Festival lineup announcement hosted at O’Leaver’s. The actual announcement takes place at 7 p.m. and is followed by a performance by 2014 Maha act M34n Str33t. Be the first person on your block to find out who will be headlining the big stage at Aksarben Village August 15. I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2015 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.