This morning Kevin Coffey signed off as the music reporter at the Omaha World-Herald. Kevin’s been covering the scene for 15 years, interviewing national touring acts coming through town, reviewing their concerts and keeping up with what’s happening music-wise locally. He posted on Facebook that he’s starting a new gig at Creighton University, where I’m sure he’ll kick much ass. Kevin continued a long line of OWH music writers that included Niz Proskocil, Roger Catlin, Tony Moton, Christine Laue, Steve Millburg, Jim Healy and Jim Minge.

So who will be covering music at the OWH in Kevin’s wake? That remains to be seen. The Omaha World-Herald historically has played an important role covering the arts, but the way things have been going at the paper the past few years… It would be a shame if they cut back on coverage. Reminds of what musician/stock broker Matt Whipkey once told me: “Getting a story about the band in The Reader is great, but getting a story in The Omaha World-Herald… I mean, my parents read the Herald.” It’s true, oh so true.

At least Kevin says in Facebook he hopes to continue as a freelance contributor to the OWH. And he has other music-relate stuff up his sleeve that he’ll reveal when he’s good and ready. I have no doubt I’ll continue to bump into Kevin as shows, once we get past all this pandemic nonsense…

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The Slowdown continues its summer concert series its hosting in partnership with Maha Music Festival. The gigs are being held on the Slowdown’s parking lot with enforced social distancing in the form of cattle fencing! We’re talking 10’ by 10’ pods, each holding 10 people. There’s also some small pods for two or three people. Bring a lawn chair if you want to sit down on something other than pavement. And of course, wear a friggin’ mask!

All the rules are right here.

Tonight’s headliner outside at The Slowdown is country picker Kolby Cooper, with Pecos & the Rooftops opening at 6:30 p.m. $15

Tomorrow night (Saturday) indie-folk artist Andrea Von Kampen headlines Slowdown outside, with Matt Cox opening at 4 p.m. $15.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily (if there’s news) 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 © 2020 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

Ramon Speed at Junkstock #20 at Sweatshop Gallery, Nov. 8, 2014. The band has a livestream tonight at 6 p.m.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

The Slowdown announced two upcoming concerts featuring full bands. No, you can’t attend. Both are livestream events.

The first is Omaha punk newcomer No Thanks and hip-hop royalty Marcey Yates (a.k.a. Op2mus), Thursday, May 21 at 8 p.m. (RSVP/tickets here).

The second features two of Omaha’s most beloved punk/indie bands — Noah’s Ark Was a Spaceship and Little Brazil Saturday, May 23 at 8 p.m. (RSVP tickets/here).

These are not free streams. Tickets are $5, and ticket holders will receive a link to the event 48 hours and 10 minutes prior to start time. The shows begin at 8:15 p.m.

No doubt you’ll get your money’s worth. Expect the highest quality stream experience possible, with sound by house engineer Dan Brennan and video production by Love Drunk’s Django Greenblatt-Seay – it doesn’t get any better.

All acts will be performing on the big stage, making them safe from a social-distancing perspective.

I intend to tune in for both, and have to wonder if this livestream approach is successful if it isn’t something Slowdown will continue even after COVID has gone its merry way. Because some nights you just want to stay in, but you don’t want to miss the rock…

Speaking of livestreams… there’s a red hot one going on tonight.

Tonight at 6 p.m. via their Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/ramon.speed ) tune in for a performance by Ramon Speed (Unread Records).

Tomorrow night (Saturday) Matt Cox is live from Mars House starting at 7 p.m. Go to Facebook to watch the stream.

While we’re talking streams, Low End, the new performance space that used to be Bemis Underground, is hosting a livestream Thursday, May 14 , featuring FXTHR^, the sound collage art of Dustin Bushon. More info here.

I’m sure there’s more live streams going on this weekend I don’t know about. If I missed yours, put it in the comments section. Have a great weekend.

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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 © 2020 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

Brad Hoshaw and the Seven Deadlines at The Waiting Room, Feb. 21, 2014. The band plays its farewell show tonight at Slowdown, Jr.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Tonight we say goodbye to Brad Hoshaw and the Seven Deadlies as the band perform its farewell concert at Slowdown Jr. Brad’s moving to the West Coast in the coming weeks. The show is part of Brad’s “Farewell Tour.” 

But I think it won’t be the last we hear from Brad. Hoshaw just wrapped up a new album and (likely) will be on the road supporting it, and I’d be shocked if he didn’t roll through his old stompin’ grounds at some point. Hoshaw will always stand as one of my favorite singer/songwriters not only from Nebraska, but from anywhere. Here’s hoping he can break into the crowded California music scene.

Helping say goodbye are Brad’s old pals Midwest Dilemma and Matt Cox. This is an early show — starts at 7:30 p.m. $9. 

BTW, Brad’s also doing a solo farewell show July 28 at The Trap Room…

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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 © 2019 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

Clarence Tilton at the Parkwood Lane Bluegrass Festival, Sept. 10, 2016. The band plays tonight at The Waiting Room.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

If you’re wondering why Lazy-i hasn’t been updated daily lately, it’s not that I’m slacking off. There simply hasn’t been anything going on. It’s that time of year when shows slow to a trickle. The only out-of-towners booked for the balance of the year are Whispertown and Jake Bellows at Slowdown Jr. Dec. 26. At least we have those holiday shows in a week or so to look forward to…

And this little show happening tonight at The Waiting Room — It’s a coat drove for the Heart Ministry Center headlined by alt-country superstars Clarence Tilton. The band has a new split-LP with Des Moines band Monday Mourners coming out in mid January. No doubt you’ll hear a few of the new ones tonight. Also on the bill are  Sack of Lions and Matt Cox. Tickets are $8 or a gently used coat. It’s an early 7 p.m. start time.

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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 © 2017 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

Matt Cox celebrates the release of his new album, Nishnabotna tonight at The Waiting Room.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Not a lot happening from a national indie standpoint again this weekend, but we’ll make up for that next Saturday when the Maha Music Festival blows up Stinson Park again.

That said, there is one national show worth mentioning. Houston singer/songwriter Jolie Holland headlines at The Slowdown tonight. Holland has quite a pedigree, having been courted musically by the likes of Tom Waits. She was sort of known as a bluesy twanger but walked away from that slightly with her latest, Wine Dark Sea (ANTI-, 2014), an album at times rife with rough-hewn, feedback-fueled electric guitar while at other times, haunted by glowing strings. There’s a hollow shimmer to this recording that reminds me of very early Cowboy Junkies, a loose, jazzy, dark-lit feel that’s both lonely and inviting. Opening is Brooklyn trio Shy Hunters. $12, 9 p.m.

Also tonight, Matt Cox is having a big ol’ CD release party at The Waiting Room for his new album, Nishnabotna (2014, Sower).  The self-produced album was recorded and mastered at Hidden Tracks Studio/J Garrett Sound Productions over the past year. Very laid-back, very country. Cox’s press release references Allman Bros and Willie Nelson, which certainly gives you an idea of his influences. Opening are his pals Sarah Benck, The Filter Kings and The Electroliners. $7, 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, over at fabulous O’Leaver’s, it’s the return of Midwest Dilemma. Where have these guys been the past couple of years? With Las Vegas folk-pop band Rusty Maples. $5, 9:30 p.m.

Tomorrow night’s only gig (on my radar, at least) is Millions of Boys, Free Cake for Every Creature and Lincoln’s Once a Pawn opening for The Shidiots at The Barley Street Tavern. $5, 9 p.m.

BTW, the new bar across the street from The Waiting Room, 1912 (read about it here), finally opened its doors this past Tuesday. The rooftop deck awaits you. And no, the kitchen isn’t open yet and won’t be for awhile.

Did I miss anything? Put it in the comments section. Have a great weekend.

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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 © 2014 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.