Keyboard virtuoso Bruce Katz has two local shows, hitting The B. Bar below Castle Barrett at 4330 Leavenworth St. Friday, April 6, 6 p.m. Katz is at work on a new CD and also plays Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Saturday, April 7, 6 p.m. Katz is a multiple Blues Music Award nominee and is one of the scene’s finest piano and organ players, mixing up jazz, R&B, boogie-woogie and blues styles with his great band.
Matt Cox CD Release
Matt Cox’s sixth studio CD, High Places, showcases the continuing evolution of this fine singer-songwriter, guitarist and bandleader. The CD drops April 20 and the official Omaha CD release show is Friday, April 27, at Waiting Room with artists Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations and Rex Granite Band featuring Sarah Benck opening the show. The band’s Lincoln CD release is Friday, April 20, 5-8 p.m. at the Zoo Bar. For more info and to hear the first single from the disc visit mattcoxmusic.net.
Zoo Bar Blues
Guitar great and gifted songwriter Ian Moore has a special show at the Zoo Saturday, April 14, 6-9 p.m. Moore has a new release, Toronto, out in May, which promises a return to his blues-rock roots after successful forays into a variety of roots styles. Now based in Seattle, Moore always delivers spectacular musicianship combined with thoughtful songwriting. Check out ianmoore.com. Other shows coming up at Lincoln’s historic Zoo Bar include the Nick Schnebelen Band and Sebastian Lane Band Wednesday, April 11, 6-9 p.m. and horn-driven band The Jimmy’s Friday, April 13, 5-7 p.m. Guitarist Michael Charles plays the Zoo Wednesday, April 18, 6-9 p.m. The Mezcal Brothers heat things up Thursday, March 19, 6-9 p.m. with Andy Frasco & The U.N. playing after 9 p.m. that night. Saturday, March 21, Too Slim & The Taildraggers plug in 6-9 p.m. The 24th Street Wailers are up Wednesday, March 25, 6-9 p.m and K.C.’s Katy G & The Girls are back Thursday, March 26 6-9 p.m. K.C.’s self-described “roots, blues and prohibition-era jazz band” Grand Marquis features two horn players and takes the stage Friday, March 27, 9 p.m. See grandmarquis.net. Versatile and highly accomplished Texas guitarist and songwriter Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch is scheduled for Wednesday, May 2, 6-9 p.m.
Chrome Lounge Thursdays
BSO Presents early Thursday shows at Chrome Lounge continue along with some special Saturday music bookings. Thursday, April 5, everybody’s favorite Chicago blues band, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials plug in with their energetic show. Thursday, April 12, it’s a very special show with one of the big names in contemporary blues, Louisiana’s Cajun guitar star Tab Benoit. The Jimmy’s open the show. Advance tickets are recommended. See the event listing at omahablues.com for details.
Saturday, April 14, Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling bring their top-flight musicianship and extremely entertaining show to town. The band just released their new disc, The High Cost of Low Living, on Alligator Records and it went straight to Number Three on the Billboard blues charts. The recording was produced by Kid Andersen. See nickmossband.com. Too Slim & The Taildraggers are back on Thursday, April 19, and Florida blues-rock guitarist Albert Castiglia is up Thursday, April 26. Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch take the stage Wednesday, May 3. All these shows happen 6-9 p.m.
Playing With Fire
Playing With Fire has announced the line-up for this summer’s two free concert dates at Midtown Crossing. Saturday, July 14, the headliner is multiple Juno and Maple Blues Award winner, blues-rock guitarist Jack de Keyzer. See jackdekeyzer.com. Supporting acts are Monkey Junk and the Heather Newman Band. Saturday, August 25, the headliner is Paul Reddick. Hailing from Toronto, the singer-songwriter and harmonica player is the 2017 Juno Award winner for Blues Album of the Year. Supporting acts are Blackie & The Rodeo Kings and Matt Cox.
Hot Notes
April brings Junkstock with lots of great music April 6-8, see junkstock.com. Also make time for Record Store Day April 21st at Homer’s. And Earth Day Saturday, April 21, in Elmwood Park also offers live music along with vendors, informational talks and booths.
Sebastian Lane’s Blues Jam is the first Friday of every month at Barley Street Tavern in Benson. Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal get funky at Slowdown Saturday, April 21, 8 p.m.
The amazing, high-octane roots rock of Lindsay Beaver & The 24th Street Wailers takes the stage at The B. Bar Friday, April 27, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday Roadhouse presents Malcolm Holcombe and special guest Peter Case Sunday, April 29, at Reverb Lounge, 5 p.m.
