* Local punk-power pop rockers The Seen will open this year’s Maha Music Festival, Saturday, August 11th at Aksarben Village’s Stinson Park, 2285 South 67th St. The band got the slot by virtue of winning a popular vote held at last weekend’s Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards‘ Summer Music Showcase, which was held at various venues in the downtown Benson area.
* Team Love Records is eyeing mid-September release date for Tilly and the Wall‘s fourth studio album. The as-yet-untitled disc is the band’s first new material since 2008’s O. The new disc was put together during various sessions here in Omaha late last year. Mike Mogis produced, recorded and mixed the album.
* Meanwhile, Tilly songwriter Derek Pressnall is preparing for the release of his other band’s debut album. Icky Blossoms, an indie dance-rock band that also features vocalist Sarah Bohling and Nik Fackler, will release its self-titled debut Tuesday, July 17th on Saddle Creek Records. TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek produced the album. Icky Blossoms play the Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St., Tuesday, July 3rd. Harouki Zombi and Depressed Buttons round out the $7 show.
* Omaha Performing Arts unveiled the line-up for the sixth series of the 1200 Club at the Holland Center for Performing Arts. The events, which consist of a laidback, intimate evening of music at the center’s Scott Recital Hall, kick off Jan. 19, 2013 with Lucky Peterson featuring Tamara Peterson. The eight-show series includes performances by the Bad Plus, the Iguanas, the Hot Club of San Francisco and comedian Greg Proops. For more information, visit omahaperformingarts.org.
* The summer show season may only be getting on the way, but the fall is already starting to come into view with two major October shows slated for the Slowdown, 729 North 14th St. Beach House brings their floating, ethereal indie pop vibes to the club Monday, October 8th, while Philadephia’s Dr. Dog will play their loose-limbed brand of hooky ’60s-inspired rock two nights later on Wednesday, October 10th.
* Against Me!, who played the Slowdown last month, were joined by Joan Jett last Friday at Manhattan’s Terminal 5. The band and Jett played a cover of the Replacements‘ 1984 song “Androgynous”. The song has become a calling card of Against Me! after the band’s transgendered singer Laura Jane Grace came out earlier this year. The band also played the song as part of their encore in Omaha. A high-quality clip of the performance with Jett is available on YouTube.