Charismatic crooner Johnny Boyd brings his stellar players back to The Reverb Lounge Tuesday, Sept. 8, 8 p.m. Boyd’s distinctive vocal style swings and soars as he and the band romp through a perfect blend of swing, jazz, torch, jump-blues, pop, country, gospel and vintage rock.
Boyd is well-known to roots music fans for his work as the leader of Indigo Swing, one of the best and most memorable bands that found their love of American roots music put them on the leading edge of the swing revival in the 1990s.
Now based in Portland, Ore., Boyd’s current group mixes favorites from the Indigo Swing years with tunes from Boyd’s recent solo releases. On this tour they’ll also be giving the audience a sneak preview of material from Boyd’s upcoming 2015 release, Someday Dreams Of You. His current tour will please fans of Indigo Swing but will delight music-lovers who appreciate the pure joy of American roots music played with romance, passio, heartfelt perfection and fun. See johnnyboyd.com.
Jamborama
The Omaha Jitterbugs’ big annual Cowtown Jamborama weekend is Sept. 10 through Sept. 13 with nightly dances featuring live jazz groups from around the country plus a full slate of dance classes from beginning to advanced. Prices range from the full weekend pass to individual dance classes or just admission to the evening dances. See jamborama.com.
21st Saloon Blues
The 21st Saloon presents the following Thursday shows, starting at 6 p.m. Sept. 3, Andria Simone; Sept. 10, Zac Harmon band and Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones featuring Dennis Gruenling; Sept. 17, Jeff Jensen Band; Sept. 24, Candye Kane featuring Laura Chavez plus The 24th Street Wailers. Saturday, Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m. is guitarist Dennis Jones. Saturday, Sept. 26′ 7 p.m., it’s Chicago’s guitar-charged Nick Moss Band.
Nebraska Blues Challenge
The Blues Society of Omaha (BS)) presents the Fifth Annual Nebraska Blues Challenge this month. Interested bands must contact coordinator Michelle Olmstead, 402-658-5737, before Tuesday, September 8. Preliminary rounds will be Sept. 13, Sept. 20 and Sept. 27. The highest scoring band from each round will advance to the three-band final October 4. All dates are Sundays. All events take place at The 21st Saloon, 96th & L. For updates watch omahablues.com and Facebook.com/BluesSocietyOfOmaha. The winning band represents the BSO at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in January 2016. See blues.org.
In the Market for Blues
Hector Anchondo Band and E3 Music Management present In the Market for Blues Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Old Market’s Harney Street Tavern and The Hive. A $5 wristband gets you into both venues 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Performing at Harney Street are Matt Cox, Nita & The Pipe Smokin’ Charlies, Swamp Boy and Hector Anchondo Band. Scheduled for The Hive Rock Club & Art Gallery are Amanda Rey, 40SINNERS, Cleveland Blue and Lauren Anderson. See Facebook.com/InTheMarketForBlues.
Hot Notes
Playing With Fire promoter Jeff Davis presents a special concert Sunday, Sept. 6, Music For The City, with headliner, Canada’s soul-pop-funk artist Andrea Simone plus Freeway and The OK Sisters. It’s free, rain or shine, at the River City Star’s tented pavilion. Music starts at 4:30, see playingwithfireomaha.net.
Rave-up rockabilly siren Kim Lenz hits The Reverb Lounge Wednesday, Sept. 16, 9 p.m.
Sunday Roadhouse showcases songwriter Robbie Fulks and phenomenal guitarist Redd Volkaert at The Waiting Room Thursday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. Kris Lager Band plugs in at Waiting Room Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 p.m.
Louisiana bluesman Tab Benoit brings his swampy roots music to The Bourbon Theatre Monday, Sept. 21, Kris Lager Band opens at 7 p.m. The venue hosts Todd Snider Sept. 23 and Reverend Horton Heat Sept. 25. Tickets are on sale now for the legendary Booker T. at The Bourbon Dec. 6. See bourbontheatre.com.
Zoo Bar shows of note include The 24th Street Wailers Friday, Sept. 25, 9 p.m. Check zoobar.com for schedule updates. See the digital-only Hoodoo update online each week for more event news.