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 Lincoln, Nebraska, 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 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 Allison, Luther Allison, Dave Alvin, Billy Bacon and the Forbidden Pigs, Tab Benoit, Tommy Castro, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Deke Dickerson, Bo Diddley, Chris Duarte, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Tinsley Ellis, Rick Estrin, Anson Funderburgh, Buddy Guy, the Hacienda Brothers, John Hammond, The Belairs, James Harman, Mark Hummel, Candye Kane, Jay McShann, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Charlie Musselwhite, Rod Piazza, Ana Popovic, Otis Rush, Doug Sahm, Curtis Salgado, Gina Sicilia, Magic Slim, Watermelon Slim, Son Seals, Koko Taylor, Junior Wells, Kim Wilson, and Link Wray. Eddie Clearwater, Mighty Joe Young, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Carey Bell, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and the list goes on.
- October 17, 2026
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Gooding $12
October 17, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Gooding sings stories of his life growing up in the Great Plains throughout each song, expertly executing what fans have grown to love: skillful, thoughtful songwriting and genre-bending guitar work.
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- October 18, 2026
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Tijuana Gigolos | Gabe w/Pants | Pete's Birthday!
October 18, 2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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- October 19, 2026
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Emily and Friends Happy Hour (no cover)
October 19, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us on Mondays at The Zoo Bar for Emily Bass and friends playing up close and personal next to the bar and taking requests 5:30 to 7:30. Good company and always the best way to start your week! No cover charge.
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Bluegrass Jam-All Pickers Welcome
October 19, 2026 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
No cover charge. Unplugged.
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- October 20, 2026
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- October 21, 2026
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Sailing in Soup $10
October 21, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sailing In Soup features Gunnar Guenette, Elwin " Elmo" Moseman, Craig Balderston, and Joey Gulizia. The connection between these players is magic and the song list is as vast as their years of engaging audiences. Along with their originals, covers range from Ben Harper to Delbert McClinton, John Hiatt to Buddy Guy. Sailing in Soup delivers a global tour of soul-enriched musical styles all delivered by some of the finest players in the Midwest.Admission: $10, collected at the door before the show.
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Vibe Check!
October 21, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm
soulful | groovy | moody | no cover charge
VIBE CHECK continues its run at The Zoo Bar every other Wednesday night.
The music and vibes continue to elevate with every show.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17GFJtsYjF/
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- October 22, 2026
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The Jazzocracy
October 22, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 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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Shithook Live Band Karaoke!
October 22, 2026 9:30 pm - 11:55 pm
Did you know that you could sing karaoke with a live band every Thursday at The Zoo Bar? Meet Sh*thook 🎤 🎸They’re not just a band… they’re YOUR band.You pick the song. They play it LIVE. Sh*thook knows (or can quickly learn) hundreds of songs.(Yes, even that one guilty pleasure you swore you’d never sing in public.)Come by tonight, and every week after, at 9:30pm to sing, watch, or just to have some fun!! 😎
Must be 21+- October 23, 2026
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Church of Blues $10
October 23, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Church of Blues is a supergroup of Lincoln, Nebraska-based musicians, featuring Josh Hoyer, Levi William, Joe Gourlay, and Dave Boye, who perform classic and traditional blues music.
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Jonathan Leach - $10
October 23, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:59 pm
Jonathan Leach, rooted in jazz fusion, has evolved by seamlessly incorporating R&B into his music. With smooth vocals and profound lyrics on human existence, he’s gained acclaim for his intellectually engaging compositions and mesmerizing piano solos. Through his melodies and lyrical storytelling, Jonathan invites audiences on a distinctive and unforgettable journey.
- October 24, 2026
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Vempire Album Release w/ Hair Person, Ex Lover and Luna River - $10
October 24, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:59 pm
Vempire Album Release!!!!
With
Hair Person
Ex Lover
Luna RiverFemales in front - ALL NIGHT.
- October 25, 2026
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Davina and the Vagabonds $20adv./$25dos
October 25, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene with their high-energy live shows, level A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe.
$20 adv/$25 day of show
Ticket Link: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/davina-and-the-vagabonds-at-zoo-bar-tickets/14335894?pl=zoobar
- October 27, 2026
- October 28, 2026
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Catalyst Sessions (no cover charge)
October 28, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm
The Catalyst Sessions is all about giving local musicians a stage to share their music.
The band brings a mix of rock, jazz, and funk that’s as engaging as it is unpredictable. With a focus on groove and live energy, they’re here to showcase their sound and keep the local scene thriving
Members:
Austin Griswold – Saxophone/Vocals
Aydin Mack – Trumpet/Guitar
DJ Oestmann – Bass Guitar
Ben Stacy – Drums
Will Stacy – Guitar
- October 29, 2026
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The Jazzocracy
October 29, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 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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Shithook Live Band Karaoke!
October 29, 2026 9:30 pm - 11:55 pm
Did you know that you could sing karaoke with a live band every Thursday at The Zoo Bar? Meet Sh*thook 🎤 🎸They’re not just a band… they’re YOUR band.You pick the song. They play it LIVE. Sh*thook knows (or can quickly learn) hundreds of songs.(Yes, even that one guilty pleasure you swore you’d never sing in public.)Come by tonight, and every week after, at 9:30pm to sing, watch, or just to have some fun!! 😎
Must be 21+- October 30, 2026
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Drunk Monkey $10
October 30, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
DrUnK MoNkeY is one of the most unique bands you’ll see on a stage. This band evolved from Shawn Cole’s successful, one-man band show. Cole plays the drums, rhythm guitar and harmonica at the same time, and also handles most of the vocal duties. Cole’s success allowed him to handpick his favorite musicians to join him in DrUnK MoNkeY. The band is known for putting their own spin on popular songs from several genres.
Jim Jenkins - sax
Mark Leeker - Lead guitar, -
Josh Hoyer's Colossal 4 / Post Service Collective COSTUME PARTY- $10
October 30, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:59 pm
COSTUME PARTY!!!!
Josh Hoyer's Colossal 4 and Post Service Collective join forces for a night of Soul, Funk and Classic R&B.
$10
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