Omaha’s blues community lost one of its finest when Dave Barger passed away early Saturday, Oct. 8, after a debilitating illness. Barger was the Omaha scene’s go-to blues guitarist for over 30 years, including popular ’80s bands Oasis and Risky Shift. A memorial jam is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at the G.I. Forum, 2002 N Street.
Tributes poured in on Facebook. Former Howard Street Tavern manager Rick Renn wrote, “One of the best people I have ever run across. I already miss ya, buddy.” Lash LaRue, veteran of many Omaha roots bands including The Mercurys, recalled, “Dave was amazing. Throughout his illness, he still always had a positive attitude and never failed to have a kind word and encouragement for others. I learned something every time I interacted with him, about music and about heart.”
Welch & Rawlings
The always magical Gillian Welch and David Rawlings play Lincoln’s Rococo Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. Welch’s first studio release in eight years is the beautiful The Harrow & The Harvest (Acony). See rococotheatre.com.
Robbie Fulks
The New York Times observes “He’s one of our most consistent and clever songwriters.” Dean Dobmeier, co-promoter for The Sunday Roadhouse series, writes that Fulks is “a little too country for the Alt crowd and a little too country for Nashville … gleefully irreverent … literate without being pretentious.” Fulks plays the Sunday Roadhouse series in a special Thursday show at the Side Door Lounge on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. See sundayroadhouse.com.
21st Saloon Music
The 21st Saloon presents the twangin’ roots music of Oregon’s Too Slim & The Taildraggers on Thursday, Oct. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Next Thursday, Oct. 20, catch soul-blues entertainer E.C. Scott.
Zoo Bar Blues
E.C. Scott also plays Lincoln’s Zoo Bar next Tuesday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Boston keyboard wizard Bruce Katz performs Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. He mixes soulful funk, New Orleans jazz and blues. He is on a solo tour after performing for the last year with Gregg Allman and playing with Delbert McClinton’s band. Stick around for the late-night show with the Lil’ Slim Blues Band.
Guitar star Coco Montoya takes the stage Thursday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The late show includes Hector Anchondo with My Brother. See zoobar.com.
Hot Notes
Bruce Katz also plays Gator O’Malley’s on Thursday, Oct. 20, after 9 p.m.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band plug in at Slowdown on Wednesday, Oct. 19.