RIP John Heaston of The Reader
RIP John Heaston of The Reader
Saturday and Sunday Live Music Lineup
Yesterday, I posted on the Omaha Buzz Facebook page that it had been a year since we started Omaha Buzz. I recounted the day that The Reader’s John Heaston called me and told me that The Reader was ending, and my panic that day also led to me forming this page, also on that day. I found out in the afternoon yesterday that John Heaston passed away from his battle with leukemia.
I just spoke with him on the phone last week; he was still working to make sure all of the loose ends were sewed up with the transition of The Reader. The Reader has been acquired by Nebraska Public Media, and I hope to be involved with the new publication, though I will continue to do Omaha Buzz the same way it is done currently and continue to grow it. John sounded very much like he always has, and when I asked how he was doing, he said that it was still a fight and he was doing it.
John encouraged me in many ways. He encouraged a young me to write a music column when I had zero skills to do so. He encouraged me to help lead the music portion of the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards, when that was very much not in my skill set. He saw things in me that I would have never seen in myself.
John helped shape who I am over the last 25 years, big time. He did that for many people. John’s contribution to Omaha’s culture could never be put into words. His contribution to Omaha itself could never be put into words.
John was honored as the new face on the barroom floor at the Omaha Press Club last night. An event that was planned before his passing. A very well deserved honor.
The reason I write these posts today is because of the path that John Heaston placed me on. I will continue to do so in his spirit. Thank you, John.
There is no easy way to transition-so here is what we have happening the rest of this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
Southern rock band Thelma and the Sleeze are coming to Nebraska. This is not their first time through, and many of us have had rowdy and gritty nights with the band in various venues around the area. This time through, they are at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln for the late show on Saturday and at the Benson Theatre on Sunday.
Saturday is actually a great all around night at The Zoo Bar, as you have country band The Derailers there for the early show. That band has been doing the pure country thing for a few decades now. It’s probably been two decades since I've seen them. I am due; they were always an incredible live band.
The Real Zebos headline the Waiting Room Lounge tonight. The popular area band will be playing their last show with guitarist Jake Strange, who is moving away from Omaha with his family. Expect a packed house and an energetic set, but that is always the case with The Real Zebos.
There is a blues festival happening Saturday at Soaring Wings in Springfield. The lineup includes Blue House, Tyron Benoit Band, Chambers & DesLauriers and a jam session.
Check out the 50 live music events offered this weekend below
Have a great weekend, and be safe!
Saturday June 1st
The Derailers at The Zoo Bar 5PM (Lincoln)
Thelma and The Sleaze at The Zoo Bar 9PM (Lincoln)
The Real Zebos with Beachmont and Uh Oh at Waiting Room Lounge 8PM (Omaha)
Salsa at Sonnys 9PM (Omaha)
Blue House, Tyron Benoit Band, Chambers & DesLauriers, JAM Session at Soaring Wings 4:30PM (Springfield)
David Diaz at Heron Bay 6PM (Springfield)
Spoy with Ivory Daze and Pagan Athletes at Reverb Lounge 8PM (Omaha)
Jerry Forney at Mouth of the South Old Market 11AM (Omaha)
Joe McCarthy at Mouth of the South Lakeside 11AM (Omaha)
Blues Agent, Rhythm Collective, Raptor, High Heel, Mick Adams and The Stones at Taste of Omaha at The Riverfront 11AM (Omaha)
Kristen Kelly with Rye Davis at Bucks Bar and Grill 9PM (Venice)
Blue Venue at B. Bar 7PM (Omaha)
Andre Vander Velde at The Jewell on Capitol 7PM (Omaha)
Heath Church at Beach House Bar and Grill 8PM (Omaha)
Taxi Driver at the Dock 7PM (Council Bluffs)
Piscin and Luch at Dubliner Pub 9:30PM (Omaha)
The New Wave at Verdict 9PM (Omaha)
Letter From Friends, Gnostic Girls, The Vix at 1867 8PM (Lincoln)
Acoustic Rooster at Cellar 426 7:30PM (Ashland)
Gravestone at Therapy Bar & Grill 8PM (Omaha)
Jimmy Little at Copacabana 9PM (Omaha)
K9 Suite at Grays Keg 8PM (Lincoln)
Rat Pack Jazz at Gorats (Omaha)
Grunge Pop at Krush Ultra Lounge 7PM (Omaha)
Travis the Band at Stinson Park 7PM (Omaha)
Secret Weapon at Cottonwood Cove Marina (Blair)
Dan Reynolds Tribute to Neil Diamond at Deer Springs Winery 7PM (Lincoln)
Tchaikovsky 6 with Omaha Symphony at Holland Center 7:30PM (Omaha)
The Fishheads at Whiskey Roadhouse (Council Bluffs)
Colin Roberts at Vino Mas 7PM (Omaha)
Sunday June 2nd
Thelma and the Sleeeze at Benson Theater 7PM (Omaha)
Open Mic At Bodegas Alley 7PM (Lincoln)
Turn It Up at Waiting Room Lounge 6PM (Omaha)
Contortion with Neo Soul and Iced Wrist at Reverb Lounge 8PM (Omaha)
Denise Howe at Kinkaider 4PM (Lincoln)
Roots Music Jam at The Zoo Bar 4PM (Lincoln)
Kool Katz at Bushwackers Noon (Ralston)
Mark Irvin at Soaring Wings 2PM (Springfield)
Olus at Heron Bay 3PM (Springfield)
Beyonce Brunch at Maloney’s Live 10:30 AM (Council Bluffs)
Tom Peaver at Mouth of the South Old Market 11AM (Omaha)
Hector Anchondo at Mouth of the South Lakeside 11AM (Omaha)
Unbridled Soul and Silver Moon Band at Pla Mor Ballroom 7PM (Lincoln)
DJ Animale at Sonny’s 11AM (Omaha)
Denise Howe at Kinkaider 10AM (Omaha)
Vertigo, True Blues, The Clockstoppers, Blue House, Finest Hour at Taste Of Omaha at The Riverfront 11AM (Omaha)
Luigi Inc. at Mr. Toads 7PM (Omaha)