Omahan Gary Flanagan was an ardent supporter of local musicians. After his untimely passing of an apparent heart attack in January, his funeral reception was held at Slowdown. A good 20 or so of Omaha’s most notable singer-songwriters were in attendance. They all had the same message, in nearly the same words. “Gary came to all my shows and he always sat in the front row.” “Gary knew the words to all my songs.” Many shared how much Gary’s support and his words of encouragement had meant. Sarah Benck, who was one of Gary’s favorite artists, noted that Flanagan demonstrated “the importance of showing up,” how just by making the effort to come out and support the acts he liked, he made a difference.
After this wonderful outpouring at the funeral reception, Matt Whipkey, in attendance that afternoon, organized this Saturday’s Gary Flanagan Memorial Tribute Show. Whipkey tells Hoodoo, “He loved music for all the right reasons, the music. It did not take too long before Gary became part of more than just our performance life. His presence at birthdays, weddings, funerals, baseball games have made him all the more missed. The least we can do to show our appreciation for all of his support is give him a line up with many of the artists he regularly supported over the years. We know he’ll be there” in spirit.
The event Saturday, March 18, at Waiting Room, features a reunion of Sarah Benck & The Robbers, plus performances by The Whipkey Three, Brad Hoshaw, Midwest Dilemma, Scott Severin, Matt Cox, Elizabeth Webb and more. Music begins about 8 p.m. Proceeds will be given to the Flanagan family.
Hot Notes
Blues Society of Omaha presents New York City guitarist Popa Chubby Sunday, March 17, in a special 6 p.m. show at Whiskey Tango, 311 S. 15th St. See omahablues.com for details and a listing of St. Patrick’s weekend blues. Note: I am no longer on the BSO board.
Josh Hoyer & The Shadowboxers play Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Friday, March 15, 9 p.m.. along with music from DJ Relic during the evening.
40 Sinners debuts at Louis’ Bar Saturday, March 16, 9 p.m. Johnny Rawls plays Kilt’s at Clancy’s West March 16.
Oregon’s Too Slim & The Taildraggers bring their stomping roots-blues to The 21st Saloon Thursday, 5:30 p.m. Next Thursday popular guitarist Mike Zito & The Wheel are at The 21st. Zito also plays Tuesday, March 19, 6 p.m. at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar.