by B.J. Huchtemann

The early Thursday 5:30 p.m. shows at The 21st Saloon feature the return of Anthony Gomes Thursday, May 3, and soulful blues from The Kinsey Report Thursday, May 10. Chicago’s Americana-blues band Sarah & The Tall Boys is scheduled May 17. Looking ahead to Thursday, May 31, guitar star Debbie Davies plugs in.

Nebraska Blues Challenge
Lincoln’s Levi William band garnered the most points from the judges in the second preliminary round of the Nebraska Blues Challenge held at Shamrock’s on Sunday, April 29. William advances to the finals along with Brad Cordle Band. The finals will be held Sunday, May 20, at The 21st Saloon, 5 p.m. The winner of the Nebraska Blues Challenge will represent the Blues Society of Omaha at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2013.
The final preliminary round happens Sunday, May 6, at Gator O’Malley’s. Bands scheduled to perform in the last preliminary round are MoJoPo (3:30 p.m.), Hector Anchondo (4:40 p.m.) and Lil’ Slim Blues Band (5:50 p.m.).

Zoo Bar

Guitarist extraordinaire Dave Gonzalez and his band The Stone River Boys cook up both country and soul. The humor and funk of singer Mike Barfield are front and center. Catch them at Lincoln's Zoo Bar 6-9 p.m. Thursday May 3. Mezcal Brothers play 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 4. The dance-floor-crowding sounds of The Bel Airs are up Friday, May 4, 9 p.m. and on stage Saturday, May 5, 6-9 p.m. Gooding goes up Saturday after 9 p.m. Alligator Records' Kinsey Report also performs Wednesday, May 9, 6-9 p.m.

Slowdown Roots
Slowdown offers some cool roots shows. Thursday, May 3, after 9 p.m. it’s Minneapolis band The Pines with Midwest Dilemma and Matt Cox. The Pines includes iconic producer/musician Bo Ramsey’s sons Benson and Alex. See thepinesmusic.com. Next Thursday, May 10, 8 p.m. is a night of punk-edged psychobilly, rockabilly and roots with Detroit’s Koffin Kats plus Columbia, Mo., band The Hooten Hallers, The Blacktop Ramblers and Video Ranger.

Hot Notes
May 3 after 9 p.m. catch Lil’ Joe & Big Trouble at Gator O’Malley’s free Thursday blues shows. The following Thursday, May 10, Christy Rossiter & 112 North Duck are featured.
Lincoln’s Honeyboy Turner Band plays the Old Market’s Havana Garage Saturday, May 5.
Funky Voodoo Method is at Waiting Room Saturday, May 5.
Coming Saturday, May 12, former Commander Cody guitarist Bill Kirchen rocks Sunday Roadhouse at Waiting Room, 7:30 p.m.

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