Upcoming Events

Wednesday 
Feb 1
6pm
$6


Playing a mix of Blues and Americana, Vic Medley on lead vocals, guitar and keys, Doug Moslander on guitar, Johnny Riffle on bass guitar, from Bobby Dorsey on drums.

Wrymwood is Folky psych rock from Omaha, NE. Americana meets Brit style prog rock & folk.
LISTEN: https://www.facebook.com/reel/407991781315846

Neon Zoo is Groove-rock band based out of Lincoln, Nebraska.
LISTEN: https://fb.watch/ihGxdYE29a/

Toast lit up the ZOO Bar at their debut performace a few months ago! Please join us for a special 2 hour show featuring GREAT Soul and R&B cover songs done in a fresh way with a LOT of GREAT imrpovisation!

Sat Feb 4
6-8pm.
$10

LISTEN: https://vimeo.com/672215769

"The Toast is the brainchild of guitarist and songwriter Andrew Bailie. Formed in late 2021, Bailie brings together some of the most celebrated musicians in the region to perform iconic music from a variety of eras and styles – from classic funk and soul to 80s, modern hits, and beyond. Whether you catch them at a public show or your best friend’s wedding, they’re sure to keep your heart happy and the dance floor full."

All Knowing McGill Album Release!
Saturday, February 4
9pm
$10.

LISTEN: https://allknowingmcgill.bandcamp.com/album/broken-down-dreams

Craig Beougher was born and raised in Downs, Kansas. Craig started playing guitar at 14 but music has always been an integral part of his life. There was always music playing whether it be in the house, garage or truck.

During college, Craig started writing music and would play for family and friends. It was in 2015 when his family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, that things changed. Craig started playing with many musicians and bands working on his song writing. This led to the recording of his first EP, Conflicts, which was released in March 2019 under the name All Knowing McGill. During the promotion of this EP, Craig met Will McGuire. Will joined on lead guitar and they started to fill out a band.

All Knowing McGill now consists of Craig (vocals, guitar), Will (lead guitar), Chris Bowling (bass), Emma Nelson (fiddle, piano) and Nick Johnson (drums). All Knowing McGill released the EP “Judge and Jury” in May 2021. Their full-length album, Broken Down Dreams, is being released February 3, 2023.

Craig writes his songs about love and loss and all the in between. There is truth in his songs whether it be from his own life experiences or stories others have trusted him with.

AMY LAVERE & WILL SEXTON

ZOO Bar

February 7, 2023 . 6-9pm

$12 admission

Advance ticket link:  https://www.ticketweb.com/.../amy-lavere-will.../12890475

LISTEN: https://youtu.be/_QIaxGcnTGE

Just when you think Amy LaVere is at the top of her craft, it grows into something even more powerful. Her songs are both original and timeless, making her well known among songwriters and critics alike. NPR’s Robert Siegel says she “specializes in lyrics that are more barbed than her sweet soprano prepares you for.” Amos Perinne of No Depression has written of Amy saying “Her songs have a level of detail comparable to a photo. LaVere has a knack for documenting simple moments and making them riveting. “Her growing catalog of material and steady critical acclaim suggest a first-tier presence on the Americana and indie-folk circuits.

Her record ‘Painting Blue’ (2019) showcases her depth and creative storytelling, beautifully. The production is gorgeous, original and naturally ‘Amy’, captured perfectly by producer and husband, Will Sexton. Mojo Magazine gave the project 4 out of 4 stars.

Amy’s live performances are anything but predictable. She captivates her audiences and never fails to take them on a memorable journey. Her performances have been called hypnotic, mesmerizing and legendary. She’s never had trouble finding top tier players like drummer Brady Blade, Violinist Bob Furgo or guitar players WIll Sexton and David Cousar to travel and perform with her to support her stellar songwriting material. Her voice is unique and beautiful and she’s been honored by having been voted ‘Best Of Memphis’ on three separate occasions and been nominated many times.

Amy has performed in venues as wide-ranging as St. Andrew’s Hall in London to Memphis’ famed dive bar Earnestine and Hazel’s. She’s been featured at festivals such as Bonnaroo and Beale Street Music Festival and also performed in intimate clubs and house concerts around the world. Be it a small listening environment or a grand festival stage, there’s no room she can’t find an audience in and charm it to pieces.

Outside of Detroit and only just entering high school, Amy formed her first band and began writing and performing.  She moved to Memphis, TN in 1999 and began hitting the local music scene hard with various live projects, performing regularly on Beale Street and the dive pub Murphy’s where she also spent time tending bar.

Music fans first discovered this “sweet soprano” on This World is Not My Home in (2005), but it was her Jim Dickinson-produced breakout album Anchors & Anvils two years later that put Amy LaVere on the map. Stranger Me, the (2011) release on Archer Records, was called “the break-up album of the year” by Spin. Paste said it was “among the year’s best,” and it earned a first listen feature from NPR’s All Things Considered. She followed it in 2014 with another critical smash: Runaway’s Diary (2014), a concept album based on her own experience as a teenage runaway, produced by Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars). American Songwriter called it “boundary pushing… heartfelt, reflective, challenging and consistently compelling.” NPR Music’s Robert Christgau said it was her best yet.  Of Hallelujah I’m A Dreamer (Archer Records, 2015) No Depression said simply: “pure bliss.”

In addition to her solo records and a tireless touring schedule, Amy enjoys working with other artists. She joined an all-star collaboration called The Wandering, composed of Amy, Luther Dickinson,Valerie June, Shannon McNally and Sharde Thomas They released Go On Now, You Can’t Stay Here (2012) to critical acclaim and sold-out shows.

Amy and Luther also collaborated on Sisters Of The Strawberry Moon (2019). This project featured Allison Russell, Amy Helm, The Como Mammas, Sharde Thomas and Lily May Risch.

Amy LaVere also has three releases with the band ‘Motel Mirrors’. The self-titled Motel Mirrors (2013), In The Meantime (2018) and Gotta Lotta Rhythm (2019). This band features Will Sexton, Shawn Zorn and John Paul Keith and Will Sexton.

Amy has been sought out to be a part of MANY great projects over there years. Notably, Luther Dickinson has called on Amy to join his band “The Collaborators” on live performances and also his solo records, including record ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Blues’ and his Grammy nominated record, ‘Blues And Ballads: A Folksinger’s Songbook’. Todd Snider called on Amy to sing backing vocals on the ‘Songs of Jerry Jeff Walker’. Seasick Steve features her on a hidden track duet cover of ‘I’m so Lonesome I could Cry’ on his record ‘Man From Another Time’.

There is so much more to come from Amy. Her 8th studio record is in the works. Recording on this project begins in October 2022 with Grammy winning producer/engineer Matt Ross-Spang.

She’s already begun recording songs for  ‘Volume Two’ of ‘Hallelujah I’m a Dreamer’.

Do yourself a favor and keep your ears open for future works from this artist.

*Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, this future bard moved continuously throughout childhood due to her father’s job. She spent notable parts of her life in Louisiana, Ontario and Quebec Canada, East Texas, Baltimore Maryland, Central Ohio and South East Michigan. She now calls Memphis TN home.

soulful | groovy | moody | no cover chargeVIBE CHECK continues its run at The Zoo Bar every other Wednesday night.+The music and vibes continue to elevate with every show.

Greene says he wanted to “go somewhere; find something.”  Fortified by the historic backdrop-a birthplace of Blues and Jazz- as well as his new bandmates and their cultural connection to the area, The New World Blues displays Greene’s lifelong reverence for Delta and Chicago Blues, respectfully and affectingly, detailing each of the eleven cuts with honesty and respect.  “I endeavor to play the Blues.  It’s some of my favorite music.  And I have a responsibility to inform where this music comes from,” Greene says.  “This is a Black, African-American art form that is basically responsible for everything we love today.  I want to be true to what I love.”

$12 cover charge.  No advance tickets.  Pay at the door day of.

The Tidball and Barger Band started a few years ago, as simply Tidball and Barger. Tim and Randy were getting together as a duo and decided to share what they’d been working on with the public, at a local open stage. The topic of a name hadn’t come up, so when asked to put the name of the act on the sign up sheet, Randy wrote “Tidball and Barger.” It wasn’t long before Jim Pipher and Terry Keefe  joined the fun, and the duo turned into a band. Jim’s bass work and vocals, along with Terry’s masterful fiddling and mandolin playing have turned what once was a duo into a band that takes great pride in their tight arrangements, expert musicianship, and sweet and soaring vocal harmonies, not to mention a dose of witty stage banter. A recent set list included covers of The Kinks, Johnny Cash, The Moody Blues, John Hiatt, Los Lobos, Tom Petty, The Beatles, and The Troggs. A T & B Band show provides an eclectic repertoire, not likely to be found anywhere else.
ADMISSION-$8 at the door

Join us for the DEBUT of Omaha Beat Brigade at ZOO Bar!
Friday, February 17.
9pm.
$10.

LISTEN: https://youtu.be/XUL6CNoBbRs

Omaha Beat Brigade brings sounds of Afrobeat to The Zoo Bar! Some of the band's biggest musical influencers are Fela Kuti, Orgone, Chicago Afrobeat Project, The Budos Band, Nomo, Antibalas and many more. 
Admission: $10

KLB at the ZOO!
Saturday, Feb 18.
9pm.

LISTEN: https://youtu.be/RABLMwnyk-Y

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kris-lager-returns-to-lincoln-tickets-517911506257

Kris Lager is a Nebraska-born singer/songwriter and guitarist who handles a room like a King of Celebration Music, uplifting souls with his booty-shaking brand of American Roots Music, converting new fans with every visit. -The Ogdenite

Seven-time Blues Music Award nominated artist Brandon Santini is bringing his harmonica driven American roots rock & blues back to The Zoo Bar. 
With two BILLBOARD charting albums in the last three year and a Blues Music Award nomination this year, Santini is back on track. Don't miss this show!
Featuring:
Brandon Santini- Lead Vocals, Harmonica
Timo Arthur- Guitar, Backing Vocals
Chris Breen (Kilborn Alley Blues Band)- Bass
Ron James- Drums, Backing Vocals
WATCH:  BRANDON SANTINI - One More Day - 07/13/18 - Ottawa Blues Fest - Official - YouTube
ADMISSION: $12 at the door only.

Electrified American Roots Music!
ADMISSION: $12 at the door only
WATCH:  Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations - Across The Desert (Official Video) - YouTube

The Algorhythyms at ZOO Bar
Friday, Febraury 24
9pm.
$8

LISTEN: https://www.facebook.com/algorhythmsassemble/videos/1194420577406018

The Algorhythms is a folk rock band from Lincoln, NE. Formed in 2016.

Ron Elwell-Vocals, Lary Lehman-Drums, Mike Wiegert-Vocals&Bass, Rod Laschanzky-Vocals&Guitar, Brian Hull-Keyboards.
Keeping the Blues alive.
ADMISSION:  $10

Edem Soul Music w/ TBD
Zoo Bar
Saturday, Feb 25.
9pm
$10.

LISTEN: https://youtu.be/7iKArOQx1cM

“Edem Soul Music (Edem K. Garro) is a World-Class Vocalist, Performer & Multi-Instrumentalist currently living in Omaha, Ne. Originally from the East Coast, Edem was also raised in the Midwest. A large part of her music focuses on the ‘Creative content’ that comes from a place that can only be described as her ‘Soul’. Edem defines her sound by utilizing the many instruments she plays. Quite the instrumentalist, Edem plays over 12 instruments including the Harp, Ukulele, Guitar and various forms of African Percussion. Edem sings in English as well as in her native tongue, called ‘Ga’ originating from the Ga Tribe of Ghana, West Africa. 

Edem is a 13X Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award nominee, 2018 OEAA winner for Best Soul a 2020 and 2021 Winner for Outstanding World Music. After completing her 2017 residency with the Union for Contemporary Art, Edem became Omaha, Nebraska’s first Capitol District Musician in Residence. 

Recently, Edem also became a finalist in a national songwriting competition with Lincoln (Luxury Motor Vehicle). As one of the finalists, the competition awarded her a role in a national commercial campaign for the competition with Lincoln, as well as a seat at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.

Edem Soul Music continues to shape her sound with the very instruments she was raised by. Edem Soul Music’s sound ranges from Classical to hip-hop. Soul to Folk. Singer-Songwriter to Electronic while Utilizing stringed instruments like the Ukulele and the Harp, percussive instruments like the Djembe and much more. As you listen to ESM, you will not only hear her rhythmic African sounds and her ethereal voice, but you will also hear her soul.”

Multiple Blues Music Award Winner – NICK SCHNEBELEN - “What Key Is TROUBLE In” TOUR 2023
A high energy, blues-rock show, with Nick Schnebelen (guitars/ vocals), Cliff Moore (electric bass) & Adam Hagerman (drums & percussion).

Arkansauce
Thursday, March 2.
6-9pm.
$12
TICKETS: Tickets for Arkansauce | TicketWeb - Zoo Bar in Lincoln, US

LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/live/IarXJsi_K1w?feature=share

Arkansauce is a genre-hopping, four piece string band from northwest Arkansas, bending the rules and blurring the lines between bluegrass, newgrass, folk, americana, with notes of country, blues, and funk. With a loyal following growing every day in the Natural State and along their tour routes, the band is proud to be stepping into a hard-driving sound unique to the Arkansas quartet.

Their fourth album, Maybe Someday, (release in late 2019) expands the groups sonic direction with introspective songwriting, driving rhythms, tight harmonies, and detailed instrumental arrangements.
The hard-working musicians have been beating up the road playing shows from Colorado to Connecticut over the last several years in addition to two tours in Europe. They supported Yonder Mountain String Band for a leg of their summer tour in 2019, and played mainstage spots on festivals with bands (including but not limited to) Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, The Del McCoury Band, Billy Strings, Leftover Salmon, Tauk, The Wood Brothers, and shared the stage with the legendary Sam Bush as a guest.
The band’s roots go back to 2011 when founding members Ethan Bush, Zac Archuleta, and Stephen Jolly began writing together after becoming acquainted through mutual connections in the close-knit Fayetteville music scene. After a couple of years building a repertoire of original music and releasing their first album (Hambone) as a trio, they were joined by Tom Andersen on the upright bass and Adams Collins on the five-string banjo. The road-tested chops Andersen and Collins brought to the table helped to cultivate the mature, well-rounded sound needed to accommodate their sophomore release “All Day Long.”
An Arkansauce show is riddled with improvisational guitar, banjo, and mandolin leads, paired with powerful harmonies and heart-felt songwriting, all held together by deep foot-stompin' bass grooves. There’s an undeniably intimate connection between the band and their fans that's contagious and leaves everyone in front of, and on the stage wanting more. Arkansauce holds their head high, as they look forward to enjoying everything life and music has in store for them and their fans.