by B.J. Huchtemann

Levi William received the most points from the judges in the Nebraska Blues Challenge (NBC) finals May 20 at The 21st Saloon and will represent the Blues Society of Omaha in the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Catch William after 9 p.m. on Friday, May 25, at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar.

Get Out
This year’s Playing With Fire concert, Saturday, July 28, is back on the Riverfront’s Lewis & Clark Landing. See playingwithfireomaha.net.
Lincoln’s Pinewood Bowl offers shows in a variety of genres including the B.B. King and Robert Cray tour Aug. 16. See the line-up at pinewoodbowltheater.com.
Big indoor shows on the horizon include The Black Keys at the Mid-America Center Wednesday, Aug. 1.
Later this summer, Lyle Lovett performs Aug. 21 at The Holland.
Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples tickets are on sale for The Orpheum Aug. 24.
There are also notable shows coming up at the Horseshoe Casino’s Whiskey Roadhouse including blues supergroup The Royal Southern Brotherhood (Devon Allman, Mike Zito and Cyril Neville) on June 7 and the R&B/Soul of Ryan Shaw on June 23.

This Weekend
Chicago blues-rocker Ronnie Baker Brooks plugs in at the Sumtur Amphitheater Sunday, May 27. See sumtur.org for details on this show presented by the Blues Society of Omaha (BSO).

Coming Soon
Soaring Wings Vineyard presents their annual Blues Festival Saturday, June 2, with regional talent including Hector Anchondo’s hot blues band. Visit soaringwingsvineyard.com.
The BSO’s BluesEd youth program has a fundraising concert showcasing all the bands Sunday, June 3, at Slattery Vintage Estates in Nehawka, Nebr. See BluesEd.com
The BSO presents West Coast soul-blues vocalist John Nemeth at Aksarben Village’s Stinson Park Saturday, June 13.

Zoo Bar
Lincoln’s Zoo Bar marks 39 years as a historic blues venues with a week-long July celebration that culminates with an outdoor street fest July 13 and 14.
The Zoo hosts some big acts in the club including Tommy Castro & The Painkillers Monday, June 4, 6-9 p.m. The Royal Southern Brotherhood featuring Devon Allman, Mike Zito and Cyril Neville plays Wednesday, June 6, 6-9 p.m. Walter Trout plugs in Tuesday, June 12, 6-9 p.m.

Hot Notes
The 21st Saloon presents Brad Cordle Band Thursday, May 24, 5:30 p.m. Guitar great Debbie Davies plays The 21st Saloon next Thursday, May 31, following a gig at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, May 30, 6-9 p.m.
Son Volt performs at The Waiting Room Thursday, May 24, after 9 p.m.

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