2009 Celebrate Lincoln
June 19, 2009 - June 20, 2009
Downtown Lincoln, 12-14th Streets on N Street(Select Another Event)
| Celebrate Lincoln Stage on 13th Street (*schedule subject to change) | ||
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| Friday, June 19, 2009 | ||
| 11:15am - 12:45pm | ||
| Little Brown Jug - Visit Website | ||
| Little Brown Jug (LBJ) is a high-energy, old-time string band. This group of four talented musicians and singers is confident and always gives 100%. The instrumentation is: two fiddles, banjo, guitar, and bass fiddle. LBJ is easy to listen to and fun to watch! (see their video!) Their dynamic stage presence stems from their strong friendships and passion for the music. They play fiddle tunes and songs rooted in the old-time tradition. LBJ has a vision to share this amazing style of music with everyone and is contributing to the old-time repertoire by writing their own music. A person of any age will appreciate and enjoy LBJ as this group delivers rock-your-pants-off old-time music. | ||
| 1:00pm - 4:30pm | ||
| Lincoln's Got Talent Competition - Visit Website | ||
| Celebrate Lincoln will be showcasing some of Lincoln's most talented kids! Top performers in three categories (grades K-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12) were chosen by KFRX listeners and now they'll perform on the Celebrate Lincoln Stage! | ||
| 5:00pm - 6:30pm | ||
| Ellis Island - Visit Website | ||
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Ellis Island started on St. Patrick’s Day in 1996, after a couple Casino executives from Harrah’s heard Mick Doyle singing with another Irish act at the Dubliner Pub In Omaha. They offered a spot at their Grand Opening on St Patrick’s Day to Mick and “his band”. The only problem was Mick did not have “a band”, but he did have a lot of willing and able friends who were willing to give it a go and so a band was born. Lead by an Irishman with another one on bass, a Scot, an Italian and a German in the line up, “Ellis Island” was a natural name for the band. After a couple line up shuffles over the years, Mick and Dave Marsh decided that it would be just the two of them that carried on with an occasional guest musician now and then. Ellis Island performs 2 – 3 times a month at bars and pubs in the Omaha and Kansas City area. They have developed a strong following of loyal and enthusiastic fans, some of which bring their own props and instruments to sing along and be a part of the show. Mick and Dave have played at several festivals including the Omaha Irish Festival, Weston Irish Festival, Sioux Falls Irish Festival and the prestigious Kansas City Irish Festival. They have also been nominated for the Irish Music Awards. |
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| 6:30pm - 6:45pm | ||
| Parade of Nations - Visit Website | ||
| Celebrate Lincoln is proud to present the Parade of Nations! Like the Parade of Nations featured in the Olympic Games, Celebrate Lincoln's Parade of Nations introduces the festival's audience to the nations and cultures that shape our community. | ||
| 7:00pm - 9:00pm | ||
| The Young Dubliners - Visit Website | ||
| Seamlessly blending their rock and Celtic influences into a high energy, anthemic and lyrically poignant mix, the band jumps energetically from ballad to barn burner, documenting as they go the vibrant yet chaotic world they find themselves in. From edgy political tunes to the travails of life in an internationally touring band, they chronicle and tackle it all with joy, wit, enthusiasm and a profound belief that things can get better. | ||
| 9:30pm - 11:30pm | ||
| The Elders - Visit Website | ||
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Since forming in 1998, The Elders have set the American music scene on its ear, thanks to a skillful mix of amped-up roots rock, augmented with powerful vocals, blazing instrumentals and top-notch song writing. The line up consists of a group of wicked-fine Kansas City musicians with a passion for Celtic music, and a charismatic Irishman with a love of all things American. This combination makes for cross-pollination that is high octane and progressive, yet rooted in tradition. These six gentlemen collectively create original music that transcends & endures - music that is unaffected by fads, trends and the giant maw of mind-numbing commercialism. The songs are mystical, comical, political and cultural while covering a wide variety of topics such as poverty, civil war, family bonds, spirituality, love and friendship. They speak of generations of immigrants, and address their heritage through songs and stories of history, characters, places and events - some distant, some recent, some real and some imagined. The Elders continuously attract capacity crowds throughout the US and abroad. Their fan base is ever-expanding, consisting of people of all ages, from all walks of life, many who follow the band from gig to gig, sometimes driving for hundreds of miles to see their energetic performances. |
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| Saturday, June 20, 2009 | ||
| 11:15am - 11:45am | ||
| Czech Dancers | ||
| 12:00pm - 12:45pm | ||
| Omaha Pipes and Drums - Visit Website | ||
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The Omaha Pipes and Drums have been thrilling audiences with their repertoire of traditional Scottish and Irish music since 1970. The Band is a registered non-profit teaching organization providing free highland bagpipe and drumming lessons. In 2004, the Omaha Pipes and Drums competed in three games in Scotland; North Berwick, Bridge of Alan, and the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. The band finished in 6th place in Grade 4 at Bridge of Allan, 8th Place in Grade 4 at North Berwick, and 7th place in the qualifying rounds of Grade 4B at the World Pipe Band Championships. The band is outfitted with traditional kilts, hose, flashes, sporran, belts, vests, Inverness (rain cape), and cap badges. |
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| 1:00pm - 2:00pm | ||
| Less Talk More Polka - Visit Website | ||
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A polka band composed of UNL students and graduates that play a variety of Czech and Bohemian polkas. The band is composed of two clarinets, two trumpets, a saxophone, a tuba, and a trombone. They play a number of Czech polkas, along with waltzes, marches, schottisches, and even some dixieland. |
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| 2:30pm - 3:30pm | ||
| Executive Steel Band - Visit Website | ||
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Executive Steel Band plays the original Caribbean Styling of Steelpan; percussions, and bass guitar, with smooth vocal sounds, made famous in New Orleans. The band is taking the Midwest by storm! The Executive Steel Band brings you a unique style and original compositions of classical and modern rhythmic sounds born in Trinidad & Tobago. |
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| 4:00pm - 4:30pm | ||
| Linh Quang Lion Dance Troupe - Visit Website | ||
| An Asian Lion Dance Troupe. | ||
| 5:00pm - 6:30pm | ||
| Lucas Kellison and the Assembled Soul - Visit Website | ||
| Lucas Kellison and The Assembled Soul bring a unique rendition of soul music to the stage and studio, alike. Their sound is driven by a gritty rhythm section, soaring harmonies, and infectious funk. With a vast array of original music and interesting spins on classic covers, LK&AS bring substance and thought to their always danceable, fun music. | ||
| 7:00pm - 9:00pm | ||
| Harper - Visit Website | ||
| Part Harmonica wizard and part rhythmic explorer, Harper is a fiery artist who blurs the lines between rock, blues, soul and world music. His trademark virtuoso harp performances, distinctive instrumentation, deeply soulful grooves and instantly memorable songs provide another prime example of why his unique roots music style occupies a category of its own. Harper is able to tap into the kindred spirits running through his traditional and modern influences, borrowing from western and world music, to develop a highly original take on the roots genre. He also takes the harmonica beyond its assigned place. Harper’s innovative use of electronic enhancement and feedback breaks the traditional boundaries of the harmonica, giving his music its distinctive harmonics and effects. | ||
| 9:30pm - 11:30pm | ||
| Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band - Visit Website | ||
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Chubby Carrier is undeniably "The World’s Premier Zydeco Showman." Born on July 1, 1967 in Churchpoint, Louisiana, Chubby is the third generation of zydeco artists with such famous relatives as Roy Carrier (father), Warren Carrier (grandfather), and cousins Bebe and Calvin Carrier who are presently considered legends in zydeco history. Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band have recorded five CDs over the past ten years of Chubby’s professional career. His band has traveled all over the world, performing to audeiences in all parts of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada. North Africa and Europe. Chubby and the band travel 150-175 days a year, taking his act to major festivals in the United States and Europe. Ann Wilson of the group Heart encourages Chubby to "continue the great sound that you have. This sound will take you places." |
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| World Stage on 12th Street (*schedule subject to change) | ||
| Friday, June 19, 2009 | ||
| 11:00am - 1:00pm | ||
| Sarabande Sax | ||
| Sarabande Sax features sounds of jazz and jazz-influenced pop music from the 20th Century. | ||
| 1:15pm - 1:45pm | ||
| Tradewind Dancers - Visit Website | ||
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The Tradewind Dancers are a Polynesian dance troupe specializing in Hawiian, Tahitian, Samoan, and Maori Dancing. Their principal dancers have trained at the Polynesian Cultural Center/Brigham Young University in Hawaii and study frequently on the mainland and in Hawaii with Kuma Hula's (master hula teachers.) Using a variety of exotic native instruments and beautiful, colorful costumes, the Tradewind Dancers have entertained and delighted audiences since 1980 with their authentic Hawaiian, Tahatian , Samoan and Maori Dances. |
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| 2:00pm - 3:00pm | ||
| Fiesta Mexicana of the Heartland | ||
| 3:30pm - 4:30pm | ||
| Lincoln Irish Dancers | ||
| 5:00pm - 6:00pm | ||
| Lincoln's Got Talent Winning Performances - Visit Website | ||
| Celebrate Lincoln will showcase the finalists of the Lincoln's Got Talent Competition. | ||
| 6:15pm - 6:30pm | ||
| Parade of Nations - Visit Website | ||
| Celebrate Lincoln is proud to present the Parade of Nations! Like the Parade of Nations featured in the Olympic Games, Celebrate Lincoln's Parade of Nations introduces the festival's audience to the nations and cultures that shape our community. | ||
| 7:00pm - 9:00pm | ||
| Insectoid - Visit Website | ||
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Insectoid is a mind-controlled reproductive experiment being conducted by members of a race of extra-terrestrial insect-like creatures. These creatures will hereafter be referred to as “insectoids” for the sake of brevity. This experiment requires complex signal generators, powerful audio-band amplification, and close-proximity human subjects, so it has been cleverly disguised as an early-21st century rock band. Electronic musical apparatus invented and used by humans are suitable signal generators for the experiment, however, an interface is required between the insectoids and the musical apparatus, so three hominids were randomly selected. These randomly-selected nobodies serve as conduits between the mind-beams of the insectoids and the physical musical apparatus, which, under normal conditions, the aforementioned nobodies would be incapable of operating. Due to the physical limits of hominid auditory sensing capabilities, only about 27% of Insectoid’s music is perceptible to humans. The experiment has nonetheless shown promising results. As Insectoid performs, billions of audio spores are released which are ingested by unwitting listeners and hapless bystanders. After an incubation period ranging from six earth-days to six thousand earth-years, if the host is still living, these spores move into their larval stage of development, in which the larvae burst forth from their hosts and devour them. This initial nutritional input allows the larvae to grow into immature adult-form insectoids, who obtain further nourishment by means that are beyond the scope of this text. Thus, hominids that expose themselves to Insectoid’s music play a vital role in the life-cycle of this galaxy’s preeminent life-form. |
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| 9:30pm - 11:30pm | ||
| Somasphere - Visit Website | ||
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Somasphere is known for its energetic live shows that combine the dance floor sensibilities of DJ culture with the performance capabilities of rock music. Their unique approach centers on solid danceable rhythms created by the use of both traditional and electronic drum kits. The flow of these distinct, yet equally energetic sources allows the band to traverse the spectrum of grooves and tempos; from steady house, hard-hitting breaks, and intense jungle to mid-tempo and hip hop. In any of these styles, Somasphere brings the low-end deep and dirty with both bass guitar and synth. While the rhythm section is powerful, many of the sonic textures that have come to define the band’s sound center on melodies created by both guitar and laptop based sample manipulation. These disparate elements combine to create a sound that is equally at home in the headphones or on a packed dance floor. |
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| Saturday, June 20, 2009 | ||
| 11:00am - 12:30pm | ||
| Academy of Rock - Visit Website | ||
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The Academy of Rock is a lot like it sounds. It’s an intensive music program for students in Kindergarten through 12th grades designed to teach kids how to rock. With the guidance of local professional instructors, students are taught the necessary skills needed to play, perform and exist in a band. All students who sign up for AOR are placed into groups consisting of other students from their class. Students create a band name and begin learning selected cover songs to perform at concerts along with other AOR classes. Additionally, students learn basic skills related to music theory, genre specific playing, caring for instruments, rock history, graphic arts, live sound, and business management. The Academy of Rock is an authentic experience that guarantees an opportunity for all students to be successful; whether they are just starting off or have been playing for years. But the purpose of AOR extends beyond just training talented young musicians. Through AOR, the student learn about working together as a team, helping one another and the excitement of accomplishing real goals. As students progress in AOR, advanced classes are available where students form real bands and focus on writing original music. These students are linked into the local music scene opening for touring artists or other local bands. They create their own identity through recording, web management, band promotion and merchandising. |
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| 1:00pm - 1:30pm | ||
| Athenian Dancers - Visit Website | ||
| The Athenian Dancers are a bellydance troupe that perform both as soloists and together as a group. | ||
| 1:45pm - 2:45pm | ||
| Lincoln International Folk Dancers | ||
| 3:00pm - 3:45pm | ||
| Ashanti - Visit Website | ||
| Talented local musicians play African, World Beat, Soukous, Reggae, Hi-Life, Blues, etc. | ||
| 4:00pm - 5:00pm | ||
| Learn to Juggle with Lincoln City Jugglers - Visit Website | ||
| The Lincoln City Jugglers are extremely skilled in the art of juggling balls, clubs and more. They'll teach you how to juggle! | ||
| 5:30pm - 6:30pm | ||
| Project Dynamite - Visit Website | ||
| Project Dynamite's edgy humor and high-energy charisma will blow you away, literally. The Edmonton Journal wrote "They attract big audiences", and it's easy to see why. This action packed duo show features astonishing stunts and memorable moments wrapped up into one hilarious presentation. Their grande finale brings danger to an all new level, David and Alex climb 20 feet into the air and balance atop six folding chairs to perform their most dangerous stunt. This signature trick, matched by their non-stop humor, has led them to international venues and countless newspaper, radio, and television appearances. Including a spot on USA Network's Character Fantasy. You'll be holding your breath one second and laughing hysterically the next. | ||
| 7:00pm - 8:30pm | ||
| Tim Wildsmith - Visit Website | ||
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Even at first listen, Omaha-based singer/songwriter Tim Wildsmith can make you feel like you've known him for years. His songs have a level of intimacy that you don't often find in pop music, but you still find yourself singing along. It's that blend of alternative and pop that makes him accessible to such a wide variety of listeners. "I grew up listening to my parents' Beach Boys and Beatles records. Elvis too," says Wildsmith. "I think that shows in my writing. I love to entertain, but I also want to create something significant." His 2007 release, A New Morning, chronicled his life after the collapse of a romantic relationship. His touring in support of that album has included sellout headlining shows as well as opening for artists like Brandi Carlile, Richard Marx, and Andy Davis. He won an Omaha Entertainment Award, was named Best Songwriter in a regional songwriting competition, released an EP exclusively on iTunes, and had several songs featured in films in the U.S. and Canada. In 2009 he returns to the studio, backed by his touring band, to record his next full-length album entitled Little Armor. The new songs lyrically maintain the vulnerability that audiences have come to love, while sonically stepping into a landscape reminiscent of David Gray and Wilco. "I don't think anyone fully gets what I'm doing as an artist until they see a full-band performance," Wildsmith says. "Something just clicks when we're in that setting. That's why I wanted to make the next album with these guys. I think it's gonna be really special." |
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| 9:00pm - 11:00pm | ||
| Levi William - Visit Website | ||
| Levi is an up and coming vocalist and lead guitarist. He had his first chance to play in a bar in Lincoln, NE at the age of 13. He was able to learn from some of the best musicians around town with his countless experiences in the open stage environment. At the ripe old age of 16 he was asked to join a local blues band, he played with them until he formed his own group. The band Levi William is made up of three unique backgrounds, Levi William guitarist and lead vocals, Brian Farr vocals and bass, and Ben Johnson on drums. Ben brings many years of experience and an incredible talent. Brian lends a taste of soul and funk to the group. Levi has taken the feelings from some of the legends of the blues and wrapped them into a powerful sound that excites audiences every time he takes the stage. With influences from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and a little John Mayer, every song is full of heart and soul, and stone cold blues. It's something you have to see to believe. | ||
