Representing Down South

by STAFF

Nebraska's musical contingency at SXSW took on forms from traditional polka to electronic music-backed performance art. Here's what our eyes and ears took in:

Harouki Zombi:

Featuring Orenda Fink (Azure Ray, Art In Manila, O+S) and Nina Barnes (Of Montreal), this dance/performance art project aims and fires at all senses, with spinning dance beats providing the soundtrack to a cast of...

Awarding Omaha’s Best

by Chris Aponick

Call it a big surprise.

The Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards ended its sixth annual awards ceremony Sunday night with an unexpected first, when Galvanized Tron became the first hip-hop or rap artist to be crowned  the Artist of the Year.

The hulking rapper quickly leapt on stage, dispensed a quick, heartfelt thanks and bounded back off stage.

Galvanized Tron performed about 10 minutes...

Big In Omaha

by Chris Aponick

While technology and the music business' economy continue complicating life for those looking to survive in the music industry, there was still plenty of activity in Omaha's music scene. This is what was big in Omaha during 2011.

* Emphatic: The local hard rock heroes became major label modern rockers with the release of their Atlantic Records debut Damage. Label executive Jeff Blue and...

Hope Survives

by Tim McMahan

Two years ago for The Reader’s Year in Review wrap-up article, I said that it was the beginning of the end, that there had become a universal recognition that the best days for those who make a living making music were very likely behind them.

That was in the year 2009 B.S. – Before Spotify.

Now it’s 2011 and nothing has changed, not really. Except for one thing: There used to be a glimmer...

Video Concert Review: Of Montreal at The Slowdown

by James Derrick Schott

One dash of David Bowie, a pinch of The Cure twisted with a peel of vaudeville - shakin', definitely not stirred. I wasn't sure what to expect from the Athens GA. electronica funk glam afrobeat musical stylings of Of Montreal after spending a day in the office youtubing them. Getting my face, ears, body and mind blasted at their show this past Friday at the Slowdown left me impressed. Armed...

Concert Review: Bob Seger

by Andy Roberts

Bob Seger is a legend, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and, yes, he has credibility to rival almost anyone on the American stage. But until seeing Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band live — one of the best rock ensembles on the road — it’s easy to forget just how many great songs are in his catalog. And this old pro really knows how to work a crowd, leaving them wanting still after two...