Matt Whipkey is a notable player on the local rock scene with the ability to move into roots-rock and twang equally well. He also gets beyond the studio into strong companions to his musical visions like making Super 8 films, cool videos and creative original packaging. Now he goes vinyl. Earlier this year he launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a passionate and ambitious double-vinyl project designed as an homage to Peony Park. The landmark amusement park formerly at 78th & Cass closed in 1994. The project exceeded its goal by almost half the original amount. Penny Park: Omaha, NE: Summer 1989, pressed on pink vinyl, is his romantic embroidering on the amusement park days and nights those of us in our late 20s and beyond remember.
In the Kickstarter notes Whipkey observes “There had to be a girl, there is always a girl, one with a name that brings it all back home, Penny Park,” adding that this project, “transports the listener to a time when your only concern was summer, summer, summer.” The album is a project of The Whipkey Three with Travis Sing on bass and Scott “Zip” Zimmerman on drums.
Quantities are limited for the double-vinyl release. There will also be iTunes downloads and a limited number of CD copies. Whipkey hosts a record release party on Saturday, June 22, 9 p.m. at Waiting Room with special guests including Moses Prey, Jessica Errett, Tara Vaughan and Fizzle Like a Flood.
Hot Notes
Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys rock their up-tempo, Chicago boogie blues at The 21st Saloon Thursday, June 20, 5:30 p.m. Soul man Terry Evans plays next Thursday, June 27.
Johnny Rawls, 2010 Blues Music Award winner for Soul Blues Album of the Year, plugs int at Kilt’s at Clancy’s, 777 N. 114th Street, Friday, June 21, 9 p.m.
40 Sinners unleashes some raucous, guitar-fueled blues at The Hive Saturday, June 22, 9 p.m.
Junkstock offers thrifting and junk hunting plus local live music performances. Admission is $5 per day. Located at 315 S 192nd St. near Elkhorn, before you go, please see the details at junkstockomaha.com.
Lincoln’s Zoo Bar hosts Popa Chubby Thursday, June 20, 6-9 p.m. and slide guitar sensation Eric Sardinas Wednesday, June 26, 6-9 p.m. See zoobar.com for details, more shows and 40th Anniversary schedules.
K.C.’s Grand Marquis has a CD release party at Omaha Jitterbugs’ dance Friday, June 21, 9 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 24th & Douglas. See jitterbugs.org.