Inside The Zoo Bar

The Creation

In a downtown Lincoln, Nebraska building built in 1921 sits the ZOO BAR, a narrow nightspot that’s been a staple for live music in downtown Lincoln since 1973. Some big time acts have walked through the hallowed club’s doors including Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Albert Collins, Robert Cray and Otis Rush. Throughout 2020, a variety of bands will play on the same stage graced by those blues legends in honor of ZOO Bar’s 47th Anniversary.

The History

The Zoo Bar is a blues music venue and nightclub located in downtown LincolnNebraska, on 136 North 14th Street. Styled around the Chicago blues clubs, it is a long, narrow venue in a building built in 1921.

Around 1971, Jim Ludwig, Bill Kennedy, and Don Chamberlin purchased the bar. Larry Boehmer, a Master of Fine Arts student at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln at the time, promoted the bar to his fellow artists. He booked the first band in 1973 and was sole owner by 1977.

Boehmer met Chicago musician and promoter Bob Riedy and formed a connection that brought many revered Chicago artists to the Lincoln club. Because of this connection, the Zoo Bar was the first white club that Magic Slim ever played. In 1975 he had never ventured outside the clubs in Chicago’s African-American neighborhoods.

In 1977, Boehmer was the sole owner and the Zoo was established as an important stop for bands on the touring circuit. The first band Boehmer booked to play in the club was The Cotton Blues Band in the summer of 1973. The first national act to play at the bar was Luther Allison in September 1974.

Numerous live albums have been recorded in the club including the famed double album by Little Jimmy Valentine and The Heart Murmers.

Magic Slim and his band were regular performers at the bar, playing week-long stints. In the 1990s, Magic Slim moved his family from Chicago to Lincoln.

In 1993 the Zoo Bar won the Blues Foundation‘s Keeping the Blues Alive Award for Club of the Year.

James Harman wrote a song on behalf of the club called “Everybody’s Rockin’ (At The Zoo Bar)”, which can be found on Harman’s 1995 Black And White CD.

In 2000 Larry Boehmer retired and passed the bar on to his sons, Jeff and Tim Boehmer, and Pete Watters; Pete Watters now owns the club. On September 4, 2012, Larry Boehmer died after struggling with lung cancer. Many not only remember Larry as a visual artist and an incredible blues bass player, but as a community builder who stands out as one of Lincoln’s finest.

In July 2021, the bar celebrated its 48th anniversary.

The Front Door of The Zoo Bar
Pete Watters and the Boehmer Boys
Pete Watters The Zoo Bar
The Zoo Bar Posters

The Bands

Over the years, there has been a long list of absolute legends grace the stage at The Zoo Bar.

Musical acts have included: Bernard AllisonLuther AllisonDave Alvin, Billy Bacon and the Forbidden Pigs, Tab BenoitTommy CastroAlbert CollinsRobert CrayDeke DickersonBo DiddleyChris Duarte, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Tinsley Ellis, Rick Estrin, Anson FunderburghBuddy Guy, the Hacienda Brothers, John Hammond, The Belairs, James Harman, Mark Hummel, Candye KaneJay McShannMatt “Guitar” MurphyCharlie MusselwhiteRod PiazzaAna PopovicOtis RushDoug SahmCurtis SalgadoGina SiciliaMagic SlimWatermelon SlimSon SealsKoko TaylorJunior WellsKim Wilson, and Link Wray. Eddie Clearwater, Mighty Joe YoungClarence Gatemouth Brown, Carey Bell, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and the list goes on.

THE ZOO BAR CALENDAR

December 2, 2023
  • Rado w/ The Midland Band - $12

    December 2, 2023  9:00 pm - 11:59 pm

    Denver groove rock band RADO return to Lincoln as part of their 2023 Fall Tour!
    "The genre mashing conglomerate of styles has something for everyone. Whether it’s a high-speed four-to-the-floor psychedelic jam, or a low bpm groovy, funk section, RADO keeps the bodies moving.”- Compose Yourself Magazine
    The Midland Band - “The four members of The Midland Band have been playing together since the middle of 2008. With their progressive fusion jazz rock sound, they have created a significant fan base over the years. Their intense, high energy music also creates an atmosphere that is enticing to new listeners. This year, they've been hard at work and just released their debut album, Reflections, earlier this summer.” Bailey Foss - Hear Nebraska.org
    $12

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December 3, 2023
  • Whiskey Richards $8 ( Phil Yoakum’s 60th birthday)

    December 3, 2023  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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  • Zootenanny: Derek Sheen

    December 3, 2023  8:30 pm - 10:00 pm

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December 4, 2023
  • First Monday BLUES JAM! - No Cover

    December 4, 2023  7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

    Join us at the Legendary ZOO Bar for our First Monday BLUES JAM!!!

    No cover.

    Bring your axe.
    Play the Blues.
    And you know that, man.

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December 5, 2023
  • THE JAZZOCRACY

    December 5, 2023  7:00 pm

    The Jazzocracy is Lincoln's longest running weekly jazz Jam session. Open to students and jazz musicians to come jam or for anyone to come listen. Featuring a wide variety of modern and classic jazz compositions. No cover charge.

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  • Shake a Tail Feather Tuesday

    December 5, 2023  9:00 pm - 11:30 pm

    Come downtown and hear the sounds of the Bridge Gap Brothers ( DJ Funk Tonne & DJ Relic). Playing all of your favorite dance tracks on wax! There is No Cover so stick around and move the ground!

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December 6, 2023
  • Mike Zito Band $20/$25

    December 6, 2023  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Mike Zito is one of the most lauded artists in the contemporary blues arena today and rightfully so, but for him, the thing that counts the most is maintaining his honesty, authenticity and integrity. Those are the qualities that have steered Zito’s career since the beginning and continue to define every effort he’s offered since.

    “I have nothing to hide; it seems my honesty is what people relate to most,” he once told Vintage Guitar magazine. “Anders (Osborne) told me early on, ‘If you don’t believe what you’re singing, you’ll never be a good singer.’ I try not to write fluff; I try to make every word count.”

    Tickets $20 advance | $25 day of show

    Available to purchase online at Tickets for Mike Zito | TicketWeb - Zoo Bar in Lincoln, US or you can purchase in person at The Zoo Bar.

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  • VIBE CHECK!

    December 6, 2023  9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

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

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December 7, 2023
  • SHITHOOK-LIVE BAND KARAOKE

    December 7, 2023  9:30 pm - 10:55 pm

    Sing with a LIVE karaoke band! They know a TON of songs! No cover charge

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December 8, 2023
  • Matt Cox & The Marauders $10

    December 8, 2023  5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

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  • Mothhawk Album Release w Perfect Form - $8

    December 8, 2023  9:00 pm - 11:59 pm

    Join Mothhawk (formerly known as Strawberry Burns) as they release their new album which is sure to be a local Top Ten release! Also - joined by Jim Reilly's new band Perfect Form! This is will be a great night of seasoned local indie rock and pop.

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December 9, 2023
December 10, 2023
December 11, 2023
  • Catalyst Sessions - No Cover

    December 11, 2023  8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

    Hosted by Riley Agena
    THE CATALYST SESSIONS
    8pm-11pm
    ZOO Bar
    Every Monday (except first Mondays)

    Providing a welcoming space for a Lincoln Performaning Arts Showcase!

    Bring yourself and your ideas to gather, connect, create and grow in Lincoln's Historic ZOO Bar.

    This is a night for you to feature your talents and ideas in :
    Instrumental Music
    Vocal Music
    Spoken Word and MC'ing
    Comedy
    Dance

    Come and grow your improvisational skills and collaborate with like-minded creators in our community.

    We hope these nights become the impetus for MANY new projects and friendships!!!

    NO COVER.

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December 12, 2023
  • THE JAZZOCRACY

    December 12, 2023  7:00 pm

    The Jazzocracy is Lincoln's longest running weekly jazz Jam session. Open to students and jazz musicians to come jam or for anyone to come listen. Featuring a wide variety of modern and classic jazz compositions. No cover charge.

    See more details

  • Shake a Tail Feather Tuesday

    December 12, 2023  9:00 pm - 11:30 pm

    Come downtown and hear the sounds of the Bridge Gap Brothers ( DJ Funk Tonne & DJ Relic). Playing all of your favorite dance tracks on wax! There is No Cover so stick around and move the ground!

    See more details

December 13, 2023
  • Mississippi Heat $15

    December 13, 2023  6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

    Led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat is a world-class Chicago Blues Band. Their motto is “Traditional Blues With A Unique Sound” as they present fresh yet vintage-based musical ideas.

    MISSISSIPPI HEAT’s name is a reflection of Pierre’s reverence for Mississippi’s blues culture and music. The band’s conviction is that there is no deeper music than Delta-inspired blues to express what lies in everyone’s soul. They have received world-wide critical acclaim, including from Living Blues Magazine: “MISSISSIPPI HEAT delivers its traditional urban blues with a freshness, energy and competence that makes them a treasure on today’s Chicago scene.”

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  • VIBE CHECK!

    December 13, 2023  9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

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

    See more details

December 14, 2023
  • SHITHOOK-LIVE BAND KARAOKE

    December 14, 2023  9:30 pm - 10:55 pm

    Sing with a LIVE karaoke band! They know a TON of songs! No cover charge

    See more details

December 15, 2023
  • Scallywags $8

    December 15, 2023  5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

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  • SPEED! SHOWCASE! WAGON BLASTERS, DOMESTICA, BAD BAD MEN, CLARENCE TILTON!

    December 15, 2023  9:00 pm - 11:59 pm

    SPEED! SHOWCASE!
    Wagon Blasters 9:00-9:30 p.m. 
    Domestica 9:45 - 10:15 
    Bad Bad Men 10:30 - 11:15 p.m. 
    Clarence Tilton 11:30 pm - 12:00 am

    FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15TH!
    ZOO BAR - LINCOLN, NEBR.
    DOORS AT 8:00 PM - ROCK AT 9:00 PM!
    Admission: $10

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