Amidst its cornfields and scenic countryside vistas, you'll find various forms of cultural entertainment in Nebraska. The cities of Lincoln and Omaha are where you'll find the most cultural venues, including art museums and live theater houses. Music lovers will also be pleased with the availability of concert venues and festivals in these two large cities. Bookworms can sit in at a poetry reading at a local library, and film buffs may even recognize the filming location of a big-name blockbuster.
The Arts
Music, dance, and mainstage events make up Nebraska's offering of performing arts, while quilts, paintings, and other fine arts media comprise the state's crafts and visual arts scene.
Performing Arts
When it comes to finding live music in the Cornhusker State, Omaha is your best bet for the most concert venues. Jazz and blues are the most dominant musical elements in Omaha, which has deep roots in African American music history. Numerous well-known jazz and blues artists hail from the area. In addition, Omaha has been home to several notable historic jazz and blues concert venues, including the renowned Dreamland Ballroom. In addition to its jazz and R&B scenes, Omaha is also rich with the sounds of indie rock, even considered by some to be the "indie rock capital of the world." Surf rock is especially popular among local music lovers. The capital city of Lincoln also supports its fair share of live music. Several rock groups hail from this college town, including The Millions and Sideshow. Music festivals are another great aspect of Nebraskan music culture. The Comstock Music Series is made up of three musical events including the Comstock Windmill Festival, Comstock Rock, and Godstock. The Jazz in June fest is also an option when considering music festivals in Nebraska.
Just as with music venues, Omaha is also the best place to for live theater in Nebraska. With a little stage history dating back to 1856, Omaha boasts theater groups that range from community acting troupes to professional players. One of the most well known theaters in the city, the Omaha Community Playhouse has gained accolades throughout the country for its fine productions and big-name actors like Marlon Brando. The historic Orpheum Theater adds depth to the roster of playhouses in Omaha. Lincoln boasts a number of theater venues as well, including the Lincoln Community Playhouse and the Haymarket Theatre. You'll also find a few theater options in small towns like Beatrice and North Platte.
Professional dance performances are few and far between in Nebraska, but there are some outlets at which you can enjoy this art of movement. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's dance program holds one major production and two informal shows during its concert season. Various groups, including the university's resident dance troupe The Moving Company, perform the dance concerts. The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company also offers pre-professional and professional dance performances, with productions like The Nutcracker. The Cornhusker State also has several dance schools that offer one-time lessons or series of lessons you can take during your vacation.
Fine Arts and Crafts
When seeking out visual arts in Nebraska, the best cities to search are Lincoln and Omaha, home of two of the state's three art museums (the other is in Kearny). Omaha's Joslyn Art Museum is the state's largest and most esteemed fine art museum. The Joslyn's holdings consist mostly of historic American and European pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as some more modern works. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Sheldon Gallery and Sculpture Garden is one of the country's top art museums located on a college campus. Here you'll find a collection of over 12,000 pieces of American art in an assortment of media. Exhibited at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearny are the works of many prominent local Nebraskan artists. In addition to museums, you'll have more art options at Nebraska's art galleries. The most galleries are located in Omaha, with Lincoln coming in a close second. Galleries in the Cornhusker State feature a range of media including sports art, welded sculptures, and much more.
Quilt making holds an important place in Nebraska's craft history. For the first pioneer women to settle in the Cornhusker State, this craft was an important tradition passed on from generation to generation. You can view historic needlework pieces at the Museum of Nebraska History in Lincoln. Its holdings include quilts from as early as 1860. In addition to the museum's exhibits, you can also find quilt and other craft displays at local arts and crafts festivals and shows. The Spring Festival Craft Show in Kearny is a popular event among craftspeople.
Other Cultural Entertainment
Film
While visiting Nebraska, film buffs may notice some familiar scenery from a number of silver screen hits, including About Schmidt, Citizen Ruth, and To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar. If you'd like to take in some independent flicks, plan your vacation during either of Nebraska's film festivals. The Omaha Film Festival aims to expose audiences to new independent films and to teach about the art of cinema through its education program. Held in February, its cinematic roster features narrative feature films, documentaries, international films, animated films, and short films. In Scottsbluff, the Midwest Theater has been hosting its annual film festival in October for more than three years. The festival spotlights local filmmakers and their works, as well as celebrates the state of Nebraska in film.
Literature
Poetry readings and open mic nights are among the top literary events in Nebraska. In Lincoln, reading series like Tuesdays With Writers at the Mill, Lunch at the Library, and the No Name Poetry Reading Series are regularly scheduled, with a literary happening almost every day of the week. The One Book - One Lincoln reading program has been a literary tradition in the capital city for more than six years. Check with the Nebraska Library Calender for more listings of literary events throughout the state.
Rounding out the Cornhusker State's literary community is its roster of local authors. Nebraska has turned out several writers who have left a standing mark on American literature, including celebrated author Willa Cather. Known for such works as O, Pioneers! and Death Comes for the Archbishop, Cather moved to Webster County around 1882 when she was nine. Another historically famous author from Nebraska is Bess Streeter Aldrich, one of the most read writers in the state. During her 40 year writing career, Aldrich authored over 100 short stories and articles, nine novels, one novella, two books of short stories, and one omnibus. Some of her more famous works include the short story The Silent Stars Go By, which was made into a T.V. show, and the novel Miss Bishop, which became a movie. Of course, these are only two of Nebraska's many literary talents; quite a few contemporary authors hail from the Cornhusker State as well.
You may be pleasantly surprised at how many avenues of cultural entertainment Nebraska has available. Just remember, the top spots for the arts are Nebraska's larger cities, Omaha and Lincoln, with a few other options sprinkled throughout the state. Wherever your desires for arts and entertainment may lead you, there's definitely enough to satisfy in Nebraska.
