Bridge Beats get spicy with the Cajun sounds of the Prairie Gators
Tis the season for outdoor shows and the Bridge Beats series is in full swing. This outdoor concert series offers families a chance to enjoy some great bands al fresco, playing on the landing right by the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge. The next show will be July 24th with the Prairie Gators and the Pink Flamingos. The Prairie Gators have long been Omaha’s only Cajun fusion band, playing their brand of traditional Cajun/Americana based music complete with accordion, Cajun/French lyrics, and a little hootin’ and hollerin’ for extra flavor. Recently the band made an appearance and live performance on the Worlds of Wayne Podcast and talked about how this band of music veterans got together to perform a style of music Omaha hasn’t known it needed. Members include Josh Dunwoody (Bass), Joe Watson (Guitar), Steve Monson (Drums), and Steve Kunasek (Vocals, Accordion). In the interview, Kunasek shares how he got so passionate about Cajun music, a little history of the music style, and how much fun the band has exploring the possibilities of mixing in various musical influences in the band’s repertoire. Check out the interview HERE and visit them on facebook HERE.
Thursday Blues Series
The Thursday Blues Series at the 21st Saloon is trucking along with their popular blues shows featuring national touring artists. From B.J. Huchtemann:
“Just a reminder that The 21st Saloon blues-roots shows are back on track for Thursdays except for July 22, which is a Wednesday show with Chubby Carrier and Anni Piper. The 21st Saloon is located at 96th & L. Shows are 6-9 p.m. unless otherwise noted!”
Visit the Blues Society of Omaha HERE and keep up to date on all the shows heading our way this summer. Also remember to check out B.J.’s weekly Hoodoo column.
Live at O’Leaver’s with See Through Dresses
LAO has release another set of live tunes, this round is See Through Dresses. Check out the recordings (and all the other artists), HERE. Songs from See Through Dresses include Drag Scene, Happy, Herbivore, and Little Apple Rot. Looks like the band will be touring in August with stops in Kansas City MO, St. Louis MO, Kalamazoo MI, and Rock Island IL. Check out their schedule HERE.
Backbeat Blips
Rock Drummer Dynamite – Omaha roots rock raconteurs Rock Paper Dynamite is getting ready to celebrate the release of their new album “Teeth” and recently the band welcomed a new drummer into the fold. Geoff Boyer has replaced founding member Scott Zrust and will be handling the skins for the band from here on out. No word yet on why the switch, but the band will be making an appearance on the Worlds of Wayne Podcast on August 3rd to promote their album release August 8th at the Waiting Room Lounge. Maybe then you will get the full story and a preview of a few songs off the new album. For now check out their event page for info on the CD release party HERE
Old news but still good news – Desaparacidos got a write up in Spin talking about the band and it’s new album. The band was recently on Late Night With Seth Myers and you can check out the performance HERE. Read what Spin had to say about the Oberst-fronted band HERE.
Omaha Girls really do rock – Omaha Girls Rock is a true gem for our fair city and its music scene. Local musicians teaching their young female students all about songwriting, forming bands, and everything that goes into being passionate about playing music. Go check out our next generation of local rockstars at the Omaha Girls Rock! Session Two Showcase at the Slowdown Saturday July 18th. Show starts at 5:30pm and it’s always a great time packed with enthusiastic supporters.
Bloodcow kind of weekend – This Saturday is finally the album release show from Bloodcow, who will be playing three shows at three venues, in one night. There’s a party bus involved as well. Kicking off the night at the Barley St. Tavern, the band cruises from gig to gig followed by a legion of Xenu worshipers. Check out the event for the Barley HERE.
Icky – Fresh off tour and with a newly released album in hand, the Icky Blossoms will be killing the stage at Vega in Lincoln July 24th. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 day of show. Music kicks off at 9:00pm. Icky Blossoms shows always consist of heavy dance, synth, fun, glitter, and who knows what else, so get down there and cut loose. Watch the band get kidnapped and disemboweled in their recent video for “In Folds” HERE.
Get Jazzy – Finally there is a place you can catch some local Jazz. Vega in Lincoln is hosting a Friday Live at Five Jazz Series you’ll want to enjoy with your happy hour. This series will feature small jazz ensembles comprised of musicians from around the area.
About the event:
The event will be held on Fridays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Vega, located in the Haymarket above the The Railyard Lincoln. Food and full beverage service will be available. Attendees can take advantage of Vega’s happy hour offerings, featuring $1 off beer and well drinks. Admission to the event is $6 per person. – Check out the series on social media and for bookings click HERE.
July 10: The Lightning Bugs
July 17: Jazzocracy
July 24: Cub Phillips & Mike Frederickson Group
August 7: Peter Bouffard & Max Stehr
August 14: Jim Williamson Trio featuring Ed Love