Purchase a Ticket Online

he Sheldon Art Association is inviting the public to celebrate its 125th anniversary and the building’s 50th anniversary

The Sheldon Art Association is inviting the public to celebrate its 125th anniversary and the building’s 50th anniversary on June 1, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Attendees of the event will enjoy anniversary cocktails, small plates, and live music in stunning gallery settings. $200 per person supports exhibitions and education.

Purchase tickets online or call Jennifer Cantrell at 402-472-1454.

As always, if we’ve missed any listings feel free to send us a quick email at jbuckley@downtownlincoln.org and we’ll your listing added as soon as possible. Happy Friday everyone!

May’s downtown First Friday listings:

Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R streets
When: 5-7 p.m.
Who: Details about The Naked Museum here: http://www.sheldonartmuseum.org/exhibitions/current_exhibitions.html?topic=detail&exb_id=179&category_sent=Sheldon+Exhibitions

Where: Elayne Woods Photography, 1416 O St., Studio Three
When: 6-9 p.m.
Who: Art by Elayne Woods and music by Bret Welstead

Where: Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St.
When: 5-7 p.m.
Who: Molly Murphy Adams

Where: Duo Shoes, 1309 O St.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Who: William Holland

Where: SPATIVM, 116 N. 14th St. (second floor of the Parrish Project)
When: 6-10 p.m.
Who: Chad M. Olson presents Tansparency + Landscapes

Where: Doc’s Place, 140 N. 8th St.
When: 6-10 p.m.
Who: Whitney Williams

Where: Gallery Nine, 124 S. 9th St.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Who: Judith Andre and Su Harvey

Where: Noyes Art Gallery, 119 S. 9th St.
When: 6:30-9 p.m.
Who: Brenda Scott, Franny Upp, Kris and Beth Anderzhon, Lisa Smith, Thurston Baker and Jessica Taylor

Where: Burkholder Project, 719 P St.
When: 7-9 p.m.
Who: Julie McCullough, Alyssa Williams, Jay Gerber, Liz Shea, Matt Spilker, Toney Redman, Elizabeth Rieke Hefley, Pat Wendt

Where: Tugboat Gallery, 116 N. 14th St.
When: 7-10 p.m.
Who: Jordan Bushur, Angeles Cossio and Victoria Hoyt w/ the ones and twos from Ol’ Moanin’ Corpse

Where: Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P St.
When: 7-10 p.m.
Who: Crated by Chris Haskins from Artists on the Edge and open mic jam session with Amy Schmidt

Where: Duffy’s Tavern, 1412 O St.
When: 7-10 p.m.
Who: 15 concert photography prints from Hear Nebraska contributors and music from Life is Cool, Red Cities and Fraternal Durango

Where: Screen Ink, 416 S. 11th St.
When: 7-11 p.m.
Who: Outside the LUX Box featuring 100 artists, proceeds benefit the LUX Center for the Arts

Where: Crescent Moon Coffee, 140 N. 8th St.
When: 8 p.m.
Who: William Matchett

Where: SP CE, 116 N. 14th St. (second floor of the Parrish Project)
When: 9 p.m.
Who: Featured readings by Rachael Wolfe, Amanda Huckins and Kelsey Reifert

Vocalists include Annette Murrell, Lauren Silverman Durban, David Claus, Cris Rook, Bret Olsen, Morgan Foreman, John Harroun, Greg Ward, Shaun Vanneman, Kristen Works and pianist Curtis Moeller will accompany the performers.

Doors open at 7:00pm with The Gender Bender cabaret beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets are only $15 and can be reserved by calling (402) 438-TADA (8232) or on-line at http://www.tadatheatre.info
The Showcase Stage is TADA’s second stage with table seating and features comedy, cabarets, play readings, musical workshops and more. The award-winning TADA Theatre is located in the Creamery Building at 7th & P Streets in the historic Haymarket district of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Promotions & News
TADA Productions Inc.
Home Of The Award Winning
TADA Theatre
701 P Street Suite 203
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-438-TADA (8232)
http://www.tadatheatre.info

Advance tickets are $7 at ShoptheBlocks.com

Shop the Blocks Spring Into Fashion will take place on May 9th from 4-8 p.m.

Come 4:00 p.m. on May 9th, downtown Lincoln will be overrun by a mad dash of avid shoppers, descending on 24 downtown boutiques in search of great deals on everything from books, clothing and jewelry to cell phones, shoes and art supplies. Advance registration for the fourth biannual event is $7 ($10 day of event) and shoppers can register now at www.shoptheblocks.com.

We spoke with a handful of retailers participating in the Spring 2013 event to learn a little bit more about their respective businesses and what events like Shop the Blocks mean to them.

Follow this series on our Facebook page over the next few weeks leading up to the event. And thanks to our sponsors at KFRX, Screen Ink, Single Barrel, Leisure Limousine & Sedan and Embassy Suites for helping make this event possible.

                             
                                        A Novel Idea will offer 20% off all Cooking,
                                              Gardening, Quilting & Craft Books

How long have you been in business now?

“22 years!” - Cinnamon Dokken, A Novel Idea, 118 N. 14th St.

“In August it will be 10 years.” - Peggy Gomez, Gomez Art Supply, 120 N. 14th St.

“Just over 19 months, we opened in August 2011.” - Ashlie Hadden, Embellish, 144 N. 13th St.

“Duo opened its doors May 7, 2011” - Betsy Sperling & Nicole Dewald, Duo Shoes, 1309 O St.

“The Black Market was opened in 2004.  In October, it will mark our 9th year in business.  The Public Shoes, inside the Black Market was opened in October 2008, we will be celebrating 5 years this fall.” - Jackie Geist, Black Market/The Public, 1033 O St., Suite 101

“Although the store has only been around for a few years, I have been in business for about a decade.” - Jessica Plymate, aorta, 1416 O St (second floor of Parrish Project)

“Hunter Gatherer has been open since August of 2012, so not quite a year yet.” - Toby Burnham, Hunter Gatherer, 1416 O St. (second floor of Parrish Project)

                                     
                            Aorta is offering 20% off regular prices store wide.

What would you say have been your biggest challenges of growing as a downtown business?

“When you first open a business, you have lots to learn about your product, customer service and best business practices. I was very young when I opened shop, so I mostly learned on the go. Downtown was (and is) a great environment for me. Its proximity to the University, offices, museums, restaurants and retail makes it a destination for many people, so we quickly developed a base of regular customers. The other downtown business owners were also very supportive and friendly.” - Cinnamon Dokken, A Novel Idea

“Parking. Getting people that haven’t been downtown in years to want to come downtown.” - Peggy Gomez, Gomez Art Supply

“Getting people to understand the advantages of shopping downtown more often - there are so many wonderful businesses! Embellish gets new merchandise 1-3 times per week so there is always something new to see. Additionally we only get up to 6 pieces per style, so it is a great way to differentiate yourself from the masses. You know you won’t see someone else out and about with your same outfit!” - Ashlie Hadden, Embellish

“A major challenge we have faced since opening our doors is getting our name to resonate with Lincoln shoppers. We continually find new, creative ways to advertise, but we still hear, ‘I had no idea your store even existed.’ We are still a young store, and know establishing ourselves as a go-to store for everyone will take some time.” - Betsy Sperling and Nicole Dewald, Duo Shoes

“A challenge that we have run into is the fact that we can’t keep the racks full.  We rely on the Public to stock our inventory. We need more people bringing in their unwanted items to keep the racks stacked to keep up with the demand from our shoppers. Another rising challenge is educating the public about the First Hour Free Parking.  Customers are so use to meter parking but parking in the garage across the street on 11th will save them the money and the hassle of worrying about finding an open meter.” - Jackie Geist, The Black Market

“The biggest challenge about being a downtown business is the parking myth.  There is parking downtown!” - Matel Rokke, Tsuru, 114 N. 14th St.

“We have been here for 37 years, maybe 15 -20 years ago there was an issue being downtown - not any more for us! People know we are here - they come to destination stores!” - Ann Ringlein, Lincoln Running Company, 1213 Q St.

“The biggest challenge for me has been being able to commit myself fully to the project. As a full-time student, Hunter Gatherer sometimes has to take the backseat to other priorities. I wish I could devote myself to it 100%.” - Toby Burnham, Hunter Gatherer

                           
                            Hunter Gatherer will offer 20% off regular prices store wide.

Shop the Blocks is an event that encourages a sense of community within the downtown shopping district. Do you see that sense of community outside of this event? How so?

“The Parrish building as a great sense of community.  First Fridays are certainly about community.” - Peggy Gomez, Gomez Art Supply

“I love Shop the Blocks. It’s fun for the businesses to cooperate on such a large event – and it’s a great way for the public to see the huge number and variety of shops downtown. Many people get in a rut, going to the mall. When they come downtown, they realize that there are lots and lots of products they can’t get anywhere else. Also, the shops downtown are run by owners who have a vast knowledge of their product and an incentive to provide the best customer service experience.

In the past few years, many new shops have opened downtown and the area has a renewed sense of energy and vibrancy. Most of the new shop owners I know are young women and there is a new sense of collaboration in the neighborhood. There has always been a friendly, neighborhood feel downtown – but there’s a spark now. We do more events together like Scarlet Days, downtown’s back-to-school sidewalk sale, and Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving when people make a special effort to support local business. I’ve also noticed the window displays in the downtown area have become more stylish. It’s a fun area to explore these days!” - Cinnamon Dokken, A Novel Idea

“Shop the Blocks has really brought the downtown business owners together to collaborate on an event that benefits us all. After seeing such a success with an event like this I think it has really taught us that working together can be great for boosting business A collaborative environment among the downtown retailers allows us to create a friendly place for people to shop. We all give customers recommendations and I always send them to neighboring stores. I think you’ll hear the same from other business owners as well.” - Ashlie Hadden, Embellish

“Most definitely. So many of our customers are supporters of local businesses.  The downtown shopping district is filled with businesses owned and operated by those who reside in Lincoln and our customers love that.  Throughout the week we see the familiar faces of those who work close by who pop in to see what is new or even just to say hi. On any given Saturday groups of shoppers grab lunch downtown and then spend the day making their rounds at all the boutiques.  It is so amazing to see the appreciation from the community.” - Betsy Sperling and Nicole Dewald, Duo Shoes

“Shop the Blocks is a great way for all of us to work together.  We see it happening more and more especially as a collective way to advertise and let people know the vast amount of shopping that is downtown.” - Matel Rokke, Tsuru

“I definitely think Lincoln is very fortunate in that our downtown scene is one big community. Most of the locally owned businesses know each other and want to see each business thrive. Lincoln is the perfect size to maintain close business relations with other business owners. Being a part of the downtown culture for the past several years, I have personally come to know many awesome, independent people who want to see Lincoln thrive and will help each other to do just that. I love Lincoln because it does have such a great sense of community.” - Toby Burnham, Hunter Gatherer

Stay tuned for part two of our Q&A later this week!

Bulu Boxes allow consumers to
test drive vitamins and supplements
before making bulk purchases

Bulu Boxes allow consumers to test drive vitamins and supplements before making bulk purchases

Shortly after making the move to San Francisco a few years back, Paul and Stephanie Jarrett were excited to make the region their new long-term home.

After honing their marketing chops at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the duo had spent time locally and also in New York working for firms including LeapFrog, Nike, Curel, TD Ameritrade and Complete Nutrition building brand recognition and managing ad campaigns. For the couple, the move to San Francisco was a logical move in seeking new entrepreneurial opportunities to explore.

Both Jarrett’s had strong fitness backgrounds. Paul played Division I football as a defensive lineman, always on the lookout for supplements that would enhance his playing abilities and overall general health. Stephanie is an avid runner, occasionally nudging Paul to join her in running a full or half-marathon with her.

The San Francisco half-marathon ended up being the catalyst to a shortened stay in the San Francisco area. Upon completing the race, Paul and Stephanie loaded up on samples of vitamins, supplements and recovery gels from vendors at the event and the idea for Bulu Box was born.

             
                      Bulu Box offers two boxes, one for vitamins and
                    supplements and another specifically for weight loss.

The general idea was to offer a monthly subscription sample box containing various premium vitamins and supplements so people could try out new products before committing to buying a large quantity of an unknown product.

“We wanted to solve two problems,” Stephanie Jarrett said in an interview at the Bulu Box headquarters, now located on the third floor of the Pepperberg Cigar Factory building in the Haymarket.

“First there was the customer problem where people were overwhelmed with the number of vitamins and supplements offered at nutrition stores. We wanted to give them an opportunity to try some of those products without having to commit to a large purchase.

“Then there was the company problem, there was no feedback on existing sample programs. Giving random people product after a marathon meant there was no good way to track conversion so we wanted to know, can we measure this? And how do we measure this?”

By tracking data through friend referrals, retention rates, reward point opportunities, web site feedback and getting items into the hands of influential people, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about what products are out there. The companies offering products see immediate results when consumers go beyond trying the samples and make purchases of full products from the Bulu Box web site.

Some examples from a recent Bulu Box include Between!, a dental gum designed to reduce mouth odors and freshens breath, C Spray, a spray bottle with liquid Vitamin C, GU Chomps, an energy chew with caffeine and electrolytes, and REVIVE, a juice drink that combines super fruit purees and green tea.

“Growth is good,” Paul Jarrett said. “We’ve had a few reasons to celebrate, for sure. The boxes are $10 a month with free shipping and are completely different every time. People can discover what works best individually and make more informed larger scale purchases from there.”

Paul said the Bulu Boxes are currently being shipped to subscribers in all 50 states and the company is planning to expand its employee roster beyond the current seven person full-time and five person intern crew in the coming weeks.

             
                                        The Bulu Box team

“All of our employees have backgrounds in Nebraska, whether they grew up here or stayed here after finishing school. We’ve prevented talented workers from leaving Lincoln and we think that’s great.”

For more information about Bulu Box, feel free to check out the company website at http://www.bulubox.com.

Jake’s will host a block party on May 4 in the same
street space as the annual Zoo Fest.

Jake’s Cigars and Spirits will host their first Lincoln block party to celebrate their 15th year of business downtown.

Jake’s Cigars and Spirits, 101 N. 14th St. will host its first block party next month on May 4 from 5 p.m. until 12 a.m. After being denied a permit last fall because of downtown construction issues, the venue and its employees were determined to get something coordinated for sometime in the spring and were able to secure May 4 as the confirmed date for the event.

The city will cordon off 14th St. for the event between O and P streets with a stage located at the northern end of the corridor. Jesse Erickson, event and marketing coordinator for Jake’s, said for the inaugural event, the goal was to make sure things run smoothly so expansion could be considered in years to come. This time around, patrons should expect food, beverages, five hours of live music and an expanded version of Jake’s wildly popular pub quiz. Erickson said Jake’s general manager Jason Hutchison has been diligent in making sure all forms were filed with the city to make sure the event was a go, and that the motivation was to celebrate 15 years of Jake’s being a downtown establishment.

Before settling in to its current location at the southwest corner of 14th and P streets, Jake’s had previously been located where Grateful Greens currently resides before moving to a second spot, where Tsuru is now located. The move to the current location afforded the opportunity to expand the business’s offering from off-sale liquor and tobacco products to allowing for on-sale liquor sales along with becoming a place to sit and enjoy a cigar.

In considering bands, Erickson said, “I picked the bands based off of who either worked at Jake’s or who came into Jake’s. I wanted to show them thanks by making them play.”

The event and pub quiz will begin at 5 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m. Bands include The Ghost Runners (band member Kyle Gibson is a former employee), Landing on the Moon (Oliver Morgan is a former employee), and Eli Mardock (Joey Manthey is a current employee), with Halz & Oate and Universe Contest rounding out the quintet of bands.

The cover charge for the event is $5 and this will be an all ages event. 

The 2013 Lincoln Community Foundation Garden Performance Series schedule has been confirmed!  Arts Incorporated is pleased to present a schedule full of interesting variety and high quality to please every musical taste.

May 1 - The Lightning Bugs (swing vocals)
May 8 - Honeyboy Turner Band (Chicago blues)
May 15 - Harris Academy of the Arts (string quartet)
May 16 - PANgea and PANgea Prep (steel drum band)
May 22 - Tupelo Springfield (rocking Americana)
May 29 - The Rockerfellers (classic rock with brass)
June 5 - Peter Bouffard Jazz Quartet (jazz)
June 12 - The Resonators (roots rock and blues)
June 19 - The Upstairs Blues Band (blues)
June 26 - Jackie Allen Trio (vocal jazz)
July 3 - Midwest Dilemma (American folk rock)
July 10 - Josh Hoyer (soul/R&B/blues)
July 17 - Jazzocracy (jazz)
July 24 - Melody Wranglers (classic/retro C&W swing)
July 31 - Grassfire (bluegrass, folk, country)
August 7 - 2 Gals & a Guitar (adult contemporary rock)
August 14 - The Usual Suspects (blues/classic rock)
August 21 - Oasis Bluegrass Band (bluegrass)
August 28 - We Be 3 (jazz)

FGPS The Lincoln Community Foundation Garden Performance Series will be held every Wednesday, May 1 through August 28, 2013, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Community Foundation Garden at 1415 “N” Street in Lincoln.  These free public concerts are a 28-year tradition and bring hundreds of audience members each week to enjoy their lunch hour in the sunshine.

An additional special performance by PANgea will be held Thursday, May 16 at 11:45 a.m. in celebration of Give to Lincoln Day.

Warmer weather is here and what better reason to get out and about than First Friday. So far we’ve found information about 10 exhibits in the downtown area this month. If we missed something, feel free to email us a news flash at info@lincolndowntown.org and we’ll get any relevant shows added. Thanks!

Where: Fuse Coworking, 800 P St.
When: 4:15-9 p.m.
Who: Wendy Jane Bantam

Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R streets
When: 5-7 p.m.
Who: Encounters: Photography from the Sheldon Museum of Art, Five Decades of Collecting, Modern Madness: The Armory Show Revisited, Making a Presence: F. Holland Day in Artistic Photography, and The Shadow of the Natural.

Where: SP CE, Parrish Project, 116 N. 14th Street, Parrish Building, 2nd floor
When: 6-9 p.m.
Who: Ian Huebert

Where: Jacht Ad Lab, 201 N. 8th St. (2nd floor of the Candy Factory)
When: 6-8 p.m.
Who: Gabe Sanchez, Susan Bishop, Drew Davis and Patrick Wright

Where: Grateful Greens, 1451 O St.
When: 6 p.m.
Who: Music by Jack Hotel, Stan Sticka, The Silver Rabbit, Life in Prism and DJ Nst, Art by Jason Buckner and Ashe Anne

Where: Noyes Art Gallery, 119 S. 9th St.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Who: Works from 29 artists to celebrate Noyes Art Gallery’s 20th Anniversary

Where: Gallery Nine, 124 9th St.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Who: Robert Esquivel and Vonni Sparks

Where: Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P St.
When: 7 p.m.
Who: Music by Prairie Psycho with art from Artists on the Edge and Writers Workshop

Where: Tugboat Gallery, 116 N. 14th St., Parrish Building, 2nd floor
When: 7-10 p.m.
Who: Featured artists from Iron Brush Tattoo (Lincoln) and Liquid Courage Tattoos (Omaha)

Where: Burkholder Project, 719 P St.
When: 7-9 p.m.
Who: John Nollendorfs, Albert Rhea, Howard Kaye, Beth Vogel-Baker

Where: Screen Ink, 416 S. 11th St.
When: 7-10 pm.
Who: Wendy Jane

Where: Zen’s Lounge, 122 N. 11th St.
When: 7-10 p.m.
Who: Matt Spilker and Sarah Whitt

Where: Crescent Moon, 140 N. 8th St.
When: 8 p.m.
Who: Bob Esquival with music from Jack Hotel

Who will win the coveted title of Miss Glamouresse? Find out as Pageant, the musical comedy beauty contest, comes to the stage of the TADA Theatre beginning April 4th.

Pageant is an interactive, campy musical theatre romp like you’ve never seen before! Pitting six beauty queens against each other in an extravaganza of evening gowns, bathing suits, spoke models and the hilarious talent competition, the contestants that make up this powerhouse of a show are ‘endowed’ with more than just talent and good looks; these loveable ladies have something a little extra. Who will be crowned the winner in this hilarious parody? That is for the judges in the audience to decide, resulting in a different winner each and every show! Join your charming host Frankie Cavalier as the Miss Glamouresse Beauty Pageant gets underway at the TADA Theatre.

Pageant cast members include Dustin Witte as Miss Deep South, Michael Booton as Miss Bible Belt, Brent Welch as Miss Texas, Greg Ward as Miss Industrial Northeast, Ronnie Hurlbut as Miss Great Plains, Curtis Moeller as Miss West Coast and David Claus as host Frankie Cavlier. The production is directed by Robert D. Rook with musical direction by Cris Rook, choreography by Brent Welch and Cris Rook, accompaniment by Bill Maltas, scenic design by Dustin Witte, costumes by Spencer Wolfe, properties by Ladd Wendelin and stage management by Megan Rook.

Pageant is on stage at The TADA Theatre April 4-28, with curtain times at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. All tickets are only $18.

A new parking area with over 200 stalls is now open just west of the theatre. The award-winning TADA Theatre is located in the Creamery Building at 7th & P Streets in the historic Haymarket district of Lincoln, Nebraska. Pageant is brought to the stage with the generous support of the Friends of TADA. Tickets can be reserved by calling 402-438-TADA (8232) or on-line at http://www.tadatheatre.info.

Lincoln, Neb., March 26, 2013—“Whose Live Anyway,” featuring cast members of the hit TV show “Whose Line Is it Anyway,” has rescheduled its Lied Center for Performing Arts appearance to June 14 from the previously announced April 20. “Whose Live Anyway” management and the Lied Center worked together to change this date, enabling a cast member to gain a television appearance.
“We’re excited for the cast member who was chosen to take on this television appearance, and are pleased to be able to reschedule this popular performance for June,” said Bill Stephan, Lied Center executive director.
Ticket holders should hold on to their tickets, which will be honored for the June 14 performance date. Any current ticket holders unable to attend the new performance date will need to contact the ticket office no later than 5:30 p.m. April 8 to receive information on the option to receive a refund or exchange their tickets for a different event in the Lied’s 2012-13 season.
Individual tickets for the event at the Lied Center are available at http://www.liedcenter.org or by calling 402-472-4747.
“Whose Live Anyway” is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. The cast leaves its audiences gasping with witty scenes they invent before its eyes.
Audience participation is the key to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage. “Whose Live Anyway” performs some of the games made famous from the Emmy-nominated TV show, “Whose Line Is it Anyway,” plus some new ones.

The Lincoln Symphony Orchestra will present their seventh annual Golden Baton Awards on Sunday, May 5th. The awards celebrate individual, corporate, musician, and volunteer award recipients. Nominations are being accepted through Thursday, April 4th.

Last year’s Golden Baton winners include:
Individual Award: MarySue Harris
Corporate Award: Nebraska Lottery
Musician Award: Jack Snider
Volunteer Award: Jack Saltzman

If you would like to submit a nomination for one of the categories listed above, please email LSO at vote@lincolnsymphony.com, or call the LSO office at 402.476.2211 and provide the following information: Nominee Name, Nomination Category, and Reason for Nomination. You can also fill out this form and mail it to the LSO office. Invitations and further information forthcoming.

The Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment provided support toward LSO’s 2012-13 season.

Frightened Rabbit headlines a
show with The Twilight Sad on
Tuesday at the Bourbon Theatre

A list of concerts for the week of March 19, 2013.

The weather continues to warm as the days get longer. People are escaping from their wintertime hibernation and Lincoln’s downtown district is abuzz with almost 40 concert events. If we missed anything please feel free to email us at info@downtownlincoln.org and we’ll get it added to the list.

Tuesday, March 19

Frightened Rabbit w/ The Twilight Sad
Bourbon Theatre, 8 p.m., $18

The Soft Moon w/ Burning Down the Villager and The Krayons
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m., $8

Mike Zito and the Wheel
Zoo Bar, 6 p.m., $10

Anna Christiansen w/ Jamie Brown, Emily Ward and Joshua Stephens
Zoo Bar, 9 p.m., $4

The Original Prime Suspects
Crescent Moon Coffee, 8 p.m., free

Wednesday, March 20

Dead Larry w/ Funk Trek and The Midland Band
Bourbon Theatre, 9 p.m., $5 for 21+

Liberty Lush w/ Five Star Divide
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m.

Poppa Chubby
Zoo Bar, 6 p.m., $12

Erik and Nate
Crescent Moon Coffee, 8 p.m., free

The Pines w/ Matt Cox and Root Marm Chicken Farm
Zoo Bar, 9 p.m.

Thursday, March 21

The Short Circuit Tour w/ Toki Wright, Carnage, Kristoff Krane and TSMC
Bourbon Theatre, 8 p.m., $10 advance., $12 dos

Sunday Letter w/ Jared Hayes and For Edward
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m.

Jack Hotel & the Bottletops
Zoo Bar, 6 p.m.

Sandy Creek Bluegrass Band
Zoo Bar, 9 p.m., $6

Vaudeville w/ Closed for Repairs
Red 9, 9 p.m., $5

Open Mic Night
Crescent Moon Coffee, 7 p.m., free

80s Night
The Alley, 9 p.m., free for 21+

Blazin’ Piano’s
Brewsky’s Underground, 9 p.m., free

Dennis Taylor
The Oven, 6 p.m., free

Friday, March 22

Fire Forth w/ Hilary Saunders and Stackshack
Bourbon Theatre, 9 p.m., $5 for 21+, $7 for 18-20

Gypsyhawk w/ Dudes Gone Rude
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m.

Brad Cordle Band
Zoo Bar, 5 p.m.

Aaron Zimmer Band w/ Willis and Daniel Christian
Zoo Bar, 9 p.m.

The String Demons
Crescent Moon Coffee, 8 p.m., free

Blue Simon
Red 9, 9 p.m.

SMS
The Alley, 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 23

Commander Killroy w/ Ku$h, Fraternal Durango and FCC Bros.
Bourbon Theatre, 8 p.m., $5 for 21+, $7 for 18-20

A Summer Better Than Yours w/ A Place in Time, Everything Goes and Guide
Knickerbockers, 6 p.m.

Select Flavor w/ The Wind Up and The Broke Loose
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m.

Cowboy Up Band
Single Barrel, 9 p.m.

Academy of Rock
Zoo Bar, 6 p.m.

Sitchbak
The Alley, 9 p.m.

$pencelove w/ DJ Clay
Mix Bar & Arcade, 10 p.m., free for 21+

Lloyd McCarter and the Honky Tonk Revival
Zoo Bar, 9 p.m.

CA Waller
Crescent Moon Coffee, 8 p.m., free

Eckophonic
Red 9, 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 24

Nebraska Blues Challenge
Zoo Bar, 12 p.m.

Guy Forsyth
Zoo Bar, 8 p.m.

Planet RAWK w/ AZP and Kill the Youth
Duffy’s Tavern, 21+, $5

The New “Smart” Meters

The city has installed solar-powered and programmable meters that accept credit/debit , pre-paid parking cards and dollar coins, dimes and quarters.  The new meters will be installed generally in the area bounded by 7th, 16th, “M” and “R” streets.

The city has finished installing 1,400 new “smart” parking meters downtown. Lincoln paired with Duncan Parking Solutions and three teams from Republic Parking to install the meters.

Duncan Parking Solutions arrived in Lincoln February 19 and has been programming the meters for each location and testing their use for credit cards and coins. Duncan Solutions also had to replace and install new retainer plates in order for the new meter mechanisms to fit in the meter housing. The new meters are solar-powered and programmable and will accept credit, debit and pre-paid parking cards in addition to dollar coins, dimes and quarters. Meters take Visa and Mastercard but users must buy a minimum of one hour of parking for $1.

The whole transaction, from inserting a card to picking the time—the meters display both cost and time given—to authorizing the transaction takes 30 seconds to a minute.

The city maintains about 2,300 parking meters downtown. The new meters will be installed generally in the area bounded by 7th, 16th, “M” and “R” streets. New meters also will be installed in the Haymarket lot north of “O” street and on 14th and “W” streets on the UNL campus. Some of the meters will be multi-space meters.

Beginning Monday, March 11, the hourly rate at all downtown meters will increase from 50 cents to $1, the first meter rate increase since 1995. The rates at meters are six minutes for a dime, 15 for a quarter and an hour for $1. After the rate change, City-owned parking garages with the first hour free and $1/hour after that will be the cheapest downtown parking option.

“The goal is to make the most convenient space available for short-term parkers and have high turnover in those spaces,” former parking manager Ken Smith said when the city purchased the meters. “We want longer-term parkers to move to the garage, which will be cheaper with the first hour free and a dollar an hour after that.”

The new Liberty brand meters from Duncan Solutions cost about $500 each and another $6,000 for management and training. The expense is covered through the City parking fund, and no General Fund tax dollars are being used. The City Council approved the new meters and the rate increase as part of the budget process.

For more information on downtown parking, call Parking Services at 402-441-PARK (7275), visit parkandgo.org or follow @LincolnParking on twitter.

On Tuesday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Mental Health Association of Nebraska
will be Dining For Dollars at Famous Dave’s BBQ restaurant, 2750 Pine Lake Rd. We are
celebrating the Mental Health Association of Nebraska’s nationally accredited programs while
enjoying Famous Dave’s nationally award winning BBQ.

On that day, 10% of all pre-tax sales at Famous Dave’s go to the Mental Health
Association of Nebraska. Donations will include both dine-in and to-go sales.

Learn about all of the Mental Health Association’s nationally accredited programs, run by
people who have lived the experience with mental health recovery. Programs include supported
employment and services that divert people from costly levels of mental health care. Some of
our programs are the first of their kind to be recognized.

If you would like more information, please contact Nicole Eisele at our office number, (402)
441-4371 or Cell number (402) 805-2518. Barbeque lover’s can also contact Famous Dave’s at
(402) 421-3434. The Mental Health Association of Nebraska loves working with our Lincoln
community and our success rates prove this. We see individuals. Not their illness.

Icky Blossoms will stop through
Lincoln on their way to SXSW.

Here’s a quick list of concerts for downtown Lincoln this week.

More than 30 concerts dot this week’s calendar as we move into warmer weather. Get your dancing shoes on.

Tuesday, March 5

Jazzocracy
Zoo Bar, 6 p.m.

DJ Relic Soul Dance Party
Zoo Bar, 9 p.m., Free for 21+

Coed Pageant w/ Powerful Science and King Thumper
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m., $5

Tony Church
Crescent Moon Coffee, 7 p.m., Free

Wednesday, March 6

John Primer
Zoo Bar, 6 p.m.

Hollis Brown w/ The Saturday Giant and The Renfields
Zoo Bar, 9:30 p.m., $5

Dan Tedesco w/ Bonehart Flannigan and Virtuopath
Bourbon Theatre, 9 p.m., $5

KRNU presents: Jodie Loves Hinckley, Twinsmith, Good Show Great Show and Windpants
Duffy’s Tavern, $5 for 21+, $7 for 18-20, $2 off with UNL ID

Kink Ador
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m., $5

Ian Thomas in the Busdriver Tour
Crescent Moon Coffee, 7 p.m., Free

Thursday, March 7

Billy Bacon Thursday Afternoon Club
Zoo Bar, 6 p.m.

Hector Anchondo Band
Zoo Bar, 9:30 p.m., $5

Letlive w/ HRVRD, Night Versus, Conditions and Rescuer
Bourbon Theatre, 6 p.m., $10 adv., $13 dos

White Noise Hypocrisy w/ Caligula and Moltron
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m., $5

Open Mic
Crescent Moon Coffee, 7 p.m., Free

Friday, March 8

EOTO w/ Crizzly
Bourbon Theatre, 8 p.m., $16 advance, $20 dos

Tijuana Gigolos
Zoo Bar, 5 p.m., $5

Billy Bacon
Zoo Bar, 9 p.m.

AZP w/ More Man Now Than Machine
Yia Yia’s, 10 p.m., Free for 21+

Under a Blood Red Sky: A U2 Tribute
Rococo Theatre, 8 p.m., $15

Toyboxx
Red 9, 9 p.m.

J Boog w/ Hot Rain and Ro Hempel
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m., $5

The McGovern String Band
Crescent Moon Coffee, 8 p.m., Free

Ashley Buchart
Single Barrel, 9 p.m.

The Wheeze-Tones
Duggan’s Pub, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 9

UUVVWWZ w/ Icky Blossoms and Churls
Duffy’s Tavern, 9 p.m., $7 for 21+

Billy Bacon
Zoo Bar, 6 p.m.

The Henhouse Prowlers w/ Manny Coon and the Spotlight Killers
Zoo Bar, 9:30 p.m., $7

Violent Death Equipment w/ Rising Foe and Drowning in the Platte
Knickerbockers, 9 p.m., $5

Frek and the Elixir
Crescent Moon Coffee, 8 p.m., Free

D’Funk
Red 9, 9 p.m.

BreakFace
Duggan’s Pub, 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 10

Ian Helmer’s Stage Fright w/ Goodnight Golddust and Grassfire
Zoo Bar, 6 p.m., $5

Ol Yeller w/ Dead leaves and Magma Melodier
Duffy’s Tavern, 9 p.m., $5

Andy Hall Duo
The Oven, 6 p.m.