Through Nov. 15 American Quilts in the Modern Age, 1870-1940 International Quilt Study Center & Museum, 33rd and Holdrege Lincoln, Open daily except Mon. 472.6549, quiltstudy.org
Any serious consideration of quilts beyond purely decorative, utilitarian objects must recognize the context of the times in which they’re made. A new exhibition encourages an appreciation of quilts as reflections of their times. The pieces represent their makers’ responses to the Modern Age in America, when the urbanization-industrialization movement upset the rural-agrarian model. Some quiltmakers embraced change; others decried it. The resulting quilts express optimism in one case and nostalgia in the other. The works are also products of the new technologies, materials, techniques and designs that evolved with “progress.” A series of public programs related to the exhibit is scheduled. — Leo Adam Biga
Through July 19 Earth From Space Strategic Air and Space Museum 28210 W. Park Hwy, Ashland, 944.3100 strategicairandspace.com
It’s important to look in the mirror sometimes. This exhibit allows Earth-bound humans to do that, featuring views of our home from outer space. Images taken from orbiting satellites around the Earth show the swirling arms of a hurricane, shadows cast by the Great Pyramid, and Kansas farmland. Those images are more than the typical blue planet vision most of us are familiar with. The technology that captured these images is also highlighted in the exhibit. The images are sure to inspire people to explore the final frontier of space, even if only in their imaginations. — Kim Buckley
June 20 Apocalypse Goo Sokol Underground, 2234 S. 13th St. 9 p.m., $10, 18+, 346.9802, goodanse.com
Goo has upped its own ante with this pre-apocalyptic party. Vito and Druzzi of The Rapture DJ after an early set by Loom’s Brent Crampton (a Reader contributor). The Rapture boys are so good Daft Punk has asked them to DJ DP after-parties, which speaks very highly of their skills. Get the apocalyptic look with Mayan-themed war/face paint courtesy of Justin Queal. According to the event’s Facebook page, “We were going to throw this party on the winter solstice of 2012, but when we realized that we only have three-and-a-half years left to live we were like, ‘F*** it, let’s do it NOW!’” Savor the memories at redbullmusicacademyradio.com where Vito and Druzzi’s recorded Goo set will be uploaded after the gig — should the world be left spinning. — Sarah Wengert
June 11 Dane Cook Qwest Center, 455 N 10 St. 8 p.m., $30-$100, 341.1500 qwestcenteromaha.com
Love him or hate (and I mean haaaate) him, there’s no denying Dane Cook has become a personality. Ever since the advent of MySpace, the Boston-born standup “comedian” and “actor” has practically — inexplicably! — become a household name and the schoolgirl crush of women (and men) alike. Even with accusations of plagiarism (courtesy of Louis C.K.) and an almost universal critical drubbing of most of the films, which include the likes of Good Luck Chuck and Employee of the Month, the man still has his legion of fans. Somewhere, beyond the grave, H.L. Mencken is gloating and, if you listen closely enough, can be heard shouting “Told ya so!” — Hal G. Senal
June 5 Freestyle 50 Screen Ink, 416 S. 11 St., Lincoln, 6-10 p.m., 464.0501, thefreestyle50.wordpress.com
Most skateboards you see are fairly beaten up and usually sport some sort of demon or company logo. The Freestyle 50 art exhibit recruited 50 local artists (or out-of-towners with local ties) and asked them to decorate a board in the medium of their choice. There are no limits or rules, the art is truly freestyle and the show will offer a range of art-boards. The artists include Dave Nelson, Brandon Miller, Suzann Holzworth and Ryan Holt. DJ Nost supplies sonic support. —Jesse D. Stanek
June 5 Mr. Lif w/ Grieves and Willie Evans Jr. Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. 9 p.m., $12, onepercentproductions.com
If rap is CNN for black people, as Chuck D famously proclaimed, Mr. Lif is reporting directly from the frontlines of an urban battlefield. The Boston-based rapper’s newest album, I Heard It Today, feels ripped from the headlines. In fact, the songs were released like blog entries in the fall of 2008, responding to Obama’s election, the housing crisis, the global economic collapse and the U.S. financial bailout. While his political screeds and social commentary can be a bit grating and repetitive, Mr. Lif is a rapper who can voice our fears but still provide a vision of hope. — Avishay Artsy
May 28-June 21 The Secret of the Old Queen: A Hardy Boys Musical Adventure SNAP! Productions, 3225 California St. Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sundays, 6 p.m.; $15, $12 students/seniors, $10 every Thurs., 341.2757 snapproductions.com
A popular series of books about a pair of young male protagonists is inspiration for a new musical romp that toys with the idea of what these amateur detectives could be doing when not on the case. The Hardy Boys series ran when “gay” was “queer” and still very much in the closet. As a tagline for the show puts it: “The only mystery those accomplished American teen sleuths … can’t seem to solve is that of their own sexual identity.” Writing partners Paul Boesing and Timothy Cope revisit a simpler, pre-‘diversity is good’ era. Call it spoof, parody, social commentary or an evening of musical comedy with a message: “We like you just the way you are.” — Leo Adam Biga
May 23 Bacon Brothers Benefit Concert Rococo Theater, 140 N.13th St., Lincoln 9 p.m., $50, 476.6540, rococotheatre.com
Like bacon? Like Kevin Bacon? Of course you do! The Bacon Brothers Band, a folk-rock outfit the movie star founded with his brother, Michael Bacon, play in Lincoln tonight to benefit the Autism Family Network (AFN). The band, out of New York City, is on a U.S. tour of theaters and music halls to promote its latest album, New Year’s Day. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the 250 families aided by the program. Hosted by Complete Children’s Health Charitable Trust, the event features an extraordinary auction as well. Items include a week-long vacation in Winter Park Colo., a guitar autographed by the Bros., an autographed and framed Grant Winstrom jersey, an autographed Alex Gordon jersey, a Tom Osborne-autographed football, framed art work, specially designed jewelry, gift baskets and gift certificates. — Benjamin J. Hankey
May 14 It’s True w/ Midwest Dilemma, Brad Hoshaw & the Seven Deadlies, Little Black Stereo and Haywood Yards Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. 8:30 p.m., $8, onepercentproductions.com
Truth is a pretty debatable phenomenon, and that seems only to become more true all of the time. One thing I promise you, though, is that the lineup for this Thursday night, bargain of a show is more stacked than all of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends in a dog pile. It’s True, led by songsmith Adam Hawkins, continues to gain momentum after a double EP release early this year on Kyle Harvey’s Slo-Fi Records. Hawkins’ compositions have the strength, texture and lyrical underpinnings of early Simon Joyner, and he’s built on his solo sound with a backing band of local all-stars. OEAA winners Midwest Dilemma and Brad Hoshaw & the Seven Deadlies are other great examples of singer-songwriters at heart who’ve assembled great bands to help enliven and enlarge their sound. The much-buzzed about Little Black Stereo and Chicago’s Haywood Yards (the latter featuring Nebraska-native Mike Semrad, brother of LBS’ Nick) also open. And there will be Playmates aplenty. I’m sorry, that very last part is not true. — Sarah Wengert
May 7 Art on Tap: Wild West Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. 6–8 p.m., FREE, 342.3300, joslyn.org
Gander at the art of Jacob Miller, 19th-century painter of the American West, while gulping beer on tap, compliments of Crown Imports and Quality Brands of Omaha. This year’s Western theme of the Young Arts Patrons’ kick-off membership drive event also features live music by the Black Squirrels (2008 Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards winners for Best Roots/Folk/Country/Americana/Bluegrass) and the opportunity to win free tickets to see country crooner Kenny Chesney at the Qwest May 8. The event is open to all art-loving young professionals, and those who become members will get invited to events year-round, such as a private studio tour of the Clover Valley Art Company at the end of this month. Yee-haw! — Sally Deskins
May 7 Loom’s Annual All-White Attire Celebration Espana Tapas Bar, 6016 Maple St. 9 p.m., 505.9917 myspace.com/loomgathering
Loom co-founder Jay Kline said anyone attending Loom’s third annual All-White Attire would be well advised to “expect a lot of very happy and excited people” to be projecting “a lot of love.” The event, which Kline deemed a “Loom-plus,” is expected to garner a full house. A silent auction is planned (silent only insofar as no auctioneer is involved — the club will no doubt be noisy) with profits going to NextAid to help AIDS orphans. So while you’re at the store stocking up on Purel to avoid the Swine Flu, get some Clorox to get your whites their whitest. — Neil Sandhoefner
May 1 The Box Elders w/ Brimstone Howl and Flamethrower’s Tribute to Black Flag Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. 9 p.m., $7, onepercentproductions.com
For those wondering which Omaha band is going to be “the next big thing,” you needn’t look any further than The Box Elders. The approach to rock ‘n’ roll is old school and bare bones and the trio plays an unforgettable brand of garage rock with an earnest simplicity. While the band has of yet only released a much-talked-about 7”, its highly anticipated full-length will be out on Memphis’ Goner Records this year. Fellow garage-rockers and Alive Records act Brimstone Howl open along with Flamethrower’s jazz tribute to punk legends Black Flag. — Jesse D. Stanek
April 30 Leon Joseph Littlebird w/ Michael Murphy Pizza Shoppe Collective, 6056 Maple St. 7:30 p.m., $10, 960.9971, pscollective.com
Native Americans commune with nature to intersect with the spiritual, healing properties of the universe. Music is a pathway to tranquility and equilibrium. Drawing on his Navajo and pioneer roots, Leon Joseph Littlebird’s work promotes mind-body-environment harmony. “The conduit between music and nature and adventure is the connection to all things that live,” Littlebird has said. His indigenous sounds/tales invoke Native American rites of passage, ceremonies and healings. This resident musician at the Colorado History Museum said healing underlies his music and folk tales, which also form a historical narrative of the West. — Leo Adam Biga
April 23 M. Ward w/ The Watson Twins Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. 9 p.m., SOLD OUT, theslowdown.com
As a community, Omaha music lovers have watched M. Ward grow so gracefully from the bashful, sometimes unsure guitarist playing in earlier Bright Eyes touring bands to the even more unsure solo act with his hat pulled down and eyes nailed to the floor, to the celebrated virtuoso headlining concert halls that he has blossomed into. He always had the chops and his voice was always something different, but now he plays (and produces) with a confidence born of years of trying new arrangements and styles and within his past few albums, settling on smoky, nostalgic sound that suits him just fine. — Jesse D. Stanek
April 24 Of The Earth Glass Harmony Gallery, 1319 S. 50th St. Reception April 24, 7-11 p.m., showing through the weekend, 960.4255 glassharmonygallery.com
Like an inverted housewarming party with art, Midtown’s Glass Harmony Gallery opens and closes its final show this weekend — in Midtown that is. The gallery moves to its new location at 1108 Jackson St. in the Old Market this May. Of The Earth features Corey Broman’s blown glass, paintings by Joseph Liebentritt and photography by Rebecca Liebentritt. The exhibit features the trio’s “artistic interpretations of objects, living and non, found in nature.” According to co-owner Broman, GHG hopes to be up and running in its new digs by mid-May. While it’s sad to see galleries leave Midtown, GHG’s migration downtown, as well as that of Benson’s PULP, should make for an even better Gallery Walk series (formerly known as “Gallery Crawl,” kicking off May 13th) this summer. — Sarah Wengert
April 16-18 The Coronation April 16, UNO Strauss Center, 7:30 p.m.; April 17, Creighton University Lied Center, 7:30 p.m.; April 18, Iowa Western Community College Art Center, dance and drumming workshop, 10 a.m., show at 5 p.m.; $10, $7 students, 238.8259, africancultureconnection.org
Tradition! No, not Tevye’s Fiddler on the Roof anthem. Try a traditional African story using authentic drumming, dancing and singing to make a plaintive plea for unity among the African continent’s disparate nations and tribes. “We want everybody to come together because Africa is divided. Walking together as a community is a good way to educate our children to educate everybody. That’s the message we’re trying to send,” said Charles Ahovissi, artistic/executive director of African Culture Connection, the Omaha nonprofit presenting this performance. Ahovissi, who’s toured the world with the Ballet National of Benin (West Africa), will be joined on stage by other internationally renowned dancers, drummers and local artists. — Leo Adam Biga
April 16-25 A Midsummer Night’s Dream University of Nebraska at Omaha, Weber Fine Arts Bldg., 6001 Dodge St., Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; $15/$12 students and seniors 554.2335, unotheatre.com
You don’t have to wait for the summer festival to see Will Shakespeare at UNO, and you can skip the bug spray because it’s indoors. (That probably means you also can’t bring a bottle of wine.) You know the problem here: Puck mucks things up with a love spell that has everyone falling in love in all the wrong places, unless you’re into a fairy princess getting it on with a braying ass. Check it out and see if director Cindy Melby Phaneuf sets love on a truer path for Titania and Oberon. — Warren Francke
April 9 “Harper’s Island” Thursdays for 13 weeks CBS (Cox Channel 5)
Scary series don’t usually work on broadcast TV, given the frequent interruptions by Burger King commercials. But Harper’s Island got under my skin. It’s about a wedding party that boats into Harper’s Island, the scene of shocking murders seven years earlier. The bride (Katie Cassidy) is a millionaire’s daughter from the island, the groom (Christopher Gorham) a poor boy who grew up washing her dad’s boat. The groom’s best friend (Elaine Cassidy) is jumpy about returning to her childhood home, since her mother was one of the murder victims. But the killer is dead, right? Right? “Harper’s Island” works because it doesn’t just try to scare us. The pilot takes its time with exposition, creating an absorbing soap opera that features lots of characters and subplots. The pilot’s shocking conclusion had me diving for the safety of a Burger King commercial. — Dean Robbins
April 9 Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band w/ Capgun Coup and Mal Madrigal Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St., 9 p.m., sold out, theslowdown.com
A couple of weeks back Oberst joined longtime collaborators Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott for what some have speculated may have been the last Bright Eyes performance. Not to worry, Oberst still works with Mogis and Walcott in other projects and his Mystic Valley Band finds the hometown-hero stretching his comfort zone and creating some of the best country-rock in recent memory. The band’s show last summer at Anchor Inn was a high energy, sing-along affair and this concert is sure to be more of the same. According to Merge Records you can expect a new album by Oberst & TMVB within the next couple of months. — Jesse D. Stanek
April 2 Carolyn Wonderland Murphy’s Lounge, 4727 S. 96th St. 5:30 p.m., $12, 339.7170 murphysomaha.com
Carolyn Wonderland’s eclectic and electrifying mix of blues-soul-Americana and jam band music continues to dazzle both fans and critics. Wonderland was awarded Best Female Vocalist and Best Blues Artist honors at the Austin Music Awards, March 18. In 2008, Wonderland was featured on Austin City Limits and profiled in Guitar Player magazine. Wonderland’s excellent latest CD, Miss Understood, was produced by Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson. If you are reading this on April 1, Wonderland can be seen at the Zoo Bar tonight from approximately 7-9 p.m. Sarah Benck plays a later slot after Wonderland’s Thursday night Murphy’s gig. — B.J. Huchtemann
April 3 Blue October w/ Ours Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. 8 p.m., $35, 346.9802 sokolunderground.com
It’s not Yellow September or Red July but mega-group Blue October that is blasting through the country on a tour promoting its latest release. Approaching Normal, the band’s fifth album, includes the group’s latest hits, “Dirt Room” along with a track to be featured on the television drama NCIS, “Kangaroo Cry.” You may know the rock group from previous hits “Hate Me” and “Into the Ocean,” which received regular radio play. A bit more rock-ish than previous efforts, Approaching Normal’s subject matter and lyrical content will still be familiar to Blue October fans — “Bloctoberians,” they are called. — Neil Sandhoefner
March 26 Raul Malo w/ Sarah Benck Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. 8 p.m. $20, 345.7569 onepercentproductions.com
Raul Malo was the lead singer for Grammy-winning country band The Mavericks before stepping out to pursue a solo career. His new disc is the remarkable Lucky One (Fantasy Records). Produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, Malo’s vocals soar over lush, romantic arrangements from upbeat swing and gypsy jazz to cinematic orchestrations. If you enjoy Chris Isaak’s sweet, seductive tenor, you’ll dig Malo’s evocative voice, which can be by turns tough and beautiful. Malo follows in the vocal traditions of the young Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison, with vintage crooning a la Frank Sinatra thrown into the mix. Vintage Guitar magazine raved, “Every song here will give you goose bumps,” and they are right. — B.J. Huchtemann
March 19 (He)Art & Soul: A Funky Lil' Fundraiser for PULP PULP, 6114 Military Ave.; Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Art sale 7-9 p.m., FREE; Dance party 9 p.m., $7 319.7857, p-u-l-p.com, onepercentproductions.com
Before Benson’s Pulp gallery makes its journey farther east, owner Brigitte McQueen is saying goodbye to Benson. On Thursday night she’ll play host to her last event in the Benson space, a $100 art sale featuring tons of donated work from all over the arts community. There’s a huge list of artists who donated work (a list too long to print here) so you’ll have to bring a Benjamin and check it out. After the final event, McQueen arranged the Sweet Soul Review and Dance Party at the neighboring Waiting Room Lounge. The $7 cover lets you eat food from Dixie Quicks, buy some baked goods and groove to the sounds of Tim Shew, TimMcEvoy and some guest DJs all night long. We’ll miss Pulp’s quirky vibe in one of the city’s quirkiest neighborhoods, but can’t wait to welcome her to downtown later this spring. — Sarah Baker
March 14, 15 and 17 Celtic Cabaret on the Water Rick’s Café & Boatyard, 345 Riverfront Dr. March 14 and 17, 7:30 p.m.; March 15, 2 p.m., $20, $25 for private table 345.4545, redchairrecords.com
Omaha’s soprano lassie extraordinaire is taking her lineup out of Benson and moving it to the riverfront. Irish folk singer Jill Anderson said her set list for the special St. Patrick’s day show has changed to reflect the new aquatic influence. “We are unveiling a large quantity of new repertoire that will focus on songs about water: oceans, lakes and rivers — songs about the fishing trade, immigration over the ocean, lovers parted by bodies of water, etcetera,” she said. Anderson also noted that local musician Kenneth Be will open for her with 17th-Century Scottish songs played on the lute. — Patricia Sindelar
March 6 African Children’s Choir Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. 8 p.m., $19-$35, 345.0606 africanchildrenschoir.com
In 1984, Uganda was devastated by civil war. Human rights activist Ray Barnett went to help the children — thousands of orphaned, starving and vulnerable children. He was inspired by the singing of one small boy, and that inspiration led to the creation of the African Children’s Choir. Youths selected for the choir are trained and prepared to tour the Western world. The Choir funds their education so they can return to Africa to make a difference. The choir also builds orphanages and schools, and supports mobile medical clinics in Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, Sudan, Nigeria and Kenya. — Patricia Sindelar
Feb. 27 Andrew Bird w/ Loney Dear Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. 9 p.m., $20/SOLD OUT, 345.7575, theslowdown.com
Andrew Bird, the classically trained multi-instrumentalist turned it-boy, has been bowling over crowds his whole career. First as a seminal part of Squirrel Nut Zippers, and later as an inventive performer who insists on thinking and playing outside the box, Bird has become known as a performer who leaves it all on the stage. Touring in support of his recently released and critically acclaimed Noble Beast, Bird may have very well just released a career-defining album, the kind of rare song collection that awes and inspires for years and maybe even generations to come. This is a rare opportunity to see an American legend in the making. — Jesse D. Stanek
Through Feb. 22 Grease Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16 St. Thurs. 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; $28-$60, 345.0606, omahaperformingarts.org
Tackling serious topics like teen pregnancy and gang violence amidst dancing contests and bad dye-jobs, Grease was the word only on Broadway before Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta brought it to the big screen. The love story of an innocent girl next door and a rebellious greaser set in the 1950s is equally enjoyable onstage as a fast-paced, singing, dancing extravaganza. Fortunately, if you love all the songs from the movie, you won’t feel shortchanged — three songs written for the 1978 film, including “You’re the One That I Want,” have been incorporated into the theater revival, making it a little more familiar than what you would’ve seen onstage in 1972. — Layne Gabriel
