The Zoo Bar’s Christmas night blues tradition continues with Shawn “Lil’ Slim” Holt taking over the Christmas night gig long held by his later father Magic Slim. Holt, announced earlier this month as a national Blues Music Awards nominee for Best New Artist Debut, will be throwing down Chicago style blues after 9 p.m.
Other Zoo Bar holiday musical events include Basil McJagger and Gina Lee’s Real Fine Country X-Mas Show Thursday, Dec. 26, 9 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 27, 9 p.m. catch some great local Americana and old-time country with The Betties CD release show with special guests Ringo of Kill County, Jack Hotel and Bud Heavy & The High Lifes.
Saturday, Dec. 28, 6-9 p.m. The Bel Airs are back onstage at the Zoo with their great mix of Delta blues, New Orleans rhythms and vintage rock ‘n’ roll.
Monday, Dec. 30, the rockin’ blues of K.C.’s Samantha Fish takes center stage 6-9 p.m. Come early for the wonderful Emily Bass and her piano blues happy hour 5-7 p.m. Stay late for a special holiday jam edition of the Zoo Bar House Band after 9 p.m.
21st Saloon
The 21st Saloon serves up a special edition of Greg Lindberg’s Crabby Blues Band and a jam Thursday, Dec. 26, 6-9 p.m. Lindberg’s Crabby Blues Band typically plays the first Tuesday of every month at Shuck’s 1218 S 119th St. location, with a regular First Tuesday of each month event where donations benefit designated local charities. Thursday, Jan. 2, Zac Harmon is scheduled 6-9 p.m.
Hot Notes
Barry O’s in the Old Market features a special all-star jazz-blues “Barry Christmas” show Monday, Dec. 23, with Matt Wallace, guitarist Tim Kobza, Jeremy and Jon Hegg, Greg Ahl and other special guests, 7-11 p.m.
Hector Anchondo hosts a songwriter’s night at Slowdown Thursday, Dec. 26 with guests John Larsen, Taking The Hourglass (Ohio) and Aly Peeler. See theslowdown.com.
The folks at HearNebraska.org host an album release party for their brand new vinyl compilation Friday, Dec. 27, at Waiting Room. Roots fans may be interested in the appearance of Simon Joyner & The Ghosts, other genres are represented as well. See HearNebraska.org.
Monday, Dec. 30, The Wingtips reunite for a show at Waiting Room, 9 p.m. playing ska, reggae and dance music. The band was a popular local staple in the mid-1980s.
There are lots of great blues and roots music options shaping up for New Year’s Eve. Check out the Blues Society of Omaha’s compilation of events at omahablues.com.