Classic underground indie band Refrigerator plays tonight at O’Leaver’s.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

The holiday weekend. Rarely a good thing music-wise. That said, there’s a grip of shows happening through Monday. Let’s go…

The weekend kicks off at fabulous O’Leaver’s with Refrigerator, one of the more storied and least-known underground indie bands which, if you were a former frequenter of The Antiquarium, is not unknown to you.

There is a detailed description and history of Refrigerator at the Facebook invitation. Here’s a summary: Allen and Dennis Callaci formed the band in 1990. Shortly afterward, Dennis created Shrimper records. The band and label are truly underground — no internet presence for either of them. You want the records? You’ll have to frequent your friendly neighborhood independent record store (or “know someone”).

Refrigerator’s last record, Temple City, came out in 2014. The band hasn’t toured in nearly 20 years and has never performed in Omaha. They’re apparently in Omaha to record a new album with the help of Simon Joyner, who, incidentally, will be opening tonight’s show with his band, The Ghosts, and the L. Eugene Methe band.

Yes, this is a special occasion. The show starts at 9:30. $7. See you there.

Also tonight, progressive jazz rock band Chemicals headlines at the Barley Street Tavern. Joining them are All Young Girls Are Machine Guns and Kethro. 9 p.m., $5.

Tonight also is Benson First Friday. They’re trying something different this month with a summer street concert on Military Ave. (in front of Jake’s). It’s free and starts at 7 p.m. More info here.

If you’re in Benson tonight, stop in at the Little Gallery (right across the street from The Sydney) where we’re featuring the work of printmakers from Frogman’s Print Workshops, all of which celebrate multi-modal transportation. A portion of proceeds from print sales will go to Mode Shift Omaha. The opening reception is 6 to 9 p.m. and is absolutely free.

Also tonight, Tara Vaughan plays at Slowdown Jr. with Tiny Monsters and Tony Bonnaci. $7, 9 p.m.

Tomorrow night Lincoln band Universe Contest headlines at Reverb Lounge. KC band The Philistines opens, along with Heavy Lungs. $7, 9 p.m.

Sunday night, Lookout Lounge is hosting a Punk Rock BBQ. Among the rock being served is legendary band The Queers, along with a slew of local punkers, all listed here. The music starts at 4 p.m.. Tickets are $8 Adv.$10 DOS.

Then comes the Fourth of July.

The only bar crazy enough to hold an event on a national holiday is, of course, O’Leaver’s. The Club is hosting an ice cream social and early evening concert featuring Philly band punk band Pinkwash (Don Giovanni Records), whose music has been described as “hypnotic mathy metal riffs and tight punishing drumming.” Sounds about right for fireworks day. Also on the bill are Hussies and Big Slur (ex-Deleted Scenes) The free show starts at 5 p.m.

That’s what I got for the weekend. If I missed your show, put it in the comments section. Have a great 4th….

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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 © 2016 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.