Friday Live | NET Radio

Friday Live -- May 18th, 2012

Friday, 18 May 2012 14:45:00 CDT

This week, live from Homestead National Monument near Beatrice…. The Nebraska Humanities Council Chautauqua program commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Homestead Act beginning May 20th, as well as the other important Acts passed in 1862, the Pacific Railway and Morrill Acts. We preview the festivities for this very special week for American history featuring scholar-performers and events at the Monument and in Beatrice. Special guests include: Patrick E. McGinnis who portrays Grenville Dodge, the U.S. Army general who became chief engineer for the Union Pacific during the transcontinental railroad construction; Betty Jean Steinshouer as Pulitzer Prize-winner Willa Cather, who benefited from studying at the newly established University of Nebraska, made possible by the Morrill Act of 1862, also known as the Land Grant College Act; Homestead National Monument Superintendent Mark Engler; Nebraska Humanities Council Executive Director, Chris Sommerich; and, NHC Chautauqua Program Coordinator, Kristi Hayek. The Beatrice Community Players open their summer show, WRONG WINDOW, June 1st-3rd, and 8th-10th. Jamie Ulmer chats up their new season as well. Also, Beatrice Public Library Director Laureen Riedesel drops by to preview the summer reading program, "Dream Big—Read!" and the June display for Homestead Days, "Weaving Our Way West." And, when we hit the road for a program we like to have live musical guests. This week we hear a few numbers from the Beatrice Community Players' upcoming season, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS, and a fiddler or two in honor of the Homestead National Monument's annual Fiddling Championship contest. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar. That's on Friday Live at 9 a.m. Central on NET Radio, or as a podcast on netnebraska.org.

Friday Live -- May 11th, 2012

Friday, 11 May 2012 13:15:00 CDT

This week… The LUX Center for the Arts hosts a conversation with ceramic artist Gail Kendall and Lincoln Journal-Star critic L. Kent Wolgamott on May 15th. We have a preview. Besides his day job as Nebraska Wesleyan Director of Choral Activities, William Wyman also leads Lincoln Choral Artists. Wyman will lead them in a concert called A CELEBRATION IN SONG at St Paul United Methodist on May 13th. The chorus will be joined by members of Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra and the South Central Nebraska Children's Chorale for Mendelssohn's "Symphony No. 2, 'Lobgesang,'" written in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the invention of printing. And, Wyman tells us all about the concert. Lincoln's TADA Theatre continues its special Showcase Stage musical series with THE SUPER SOUNDS OF THE SIXTIES for two nights only on May 18th and 19th. We get a peek at the production. Sarah Peetz from the Lincoln Community Foundation drops by to preview the foundation's community wide on-line fundraising event GIVE TO LINCOLN DAY on May 17th. Also, would you want to be an extra in an actual movie? The UNL Carson School of Theatre and Film 2nd annual Screenplay Competition winner is currently filming in Lincoln. We take a look at the romantic archeological comedy DIGS with director Donald Petrie's assistants, Joshua Waterstone and Dennis Henry, who are putting out the call for extras in a May 22nd shoot. And, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNL have collaborated with the Lincoln Community Playhouse for an old-time USO show. OLLI's Leta Powell Drake and LCP's Morrie Enders say the free evening RADIO ACTIVE PLAYERS USO SHOW on May 21st and 22nd at the Playhouse have been so popular, they are already sold out. But don't worry, an additional performance on May 22nd has been added.

Friday Live -- May 4th, 2012

Friday, 4 May 2012 13:15:00 CDT

This week… The Lied Center for Performing Arts announces its 2012-13 season. We will get a preview. Allison Hedge-Coke chats up the UNK Reynolds Poetry and Creative Writing Scholarship recipients. That classic musical ANYTHING GOES opens at the Lincoln Community Playhouse on May 11th. We get a peek at the production. Also, RAZIA'S SHADOW is another unique project of the Angels Theatre Company. Director Judy Hart previews this creation story rock opera, at the Sheldon Museum of Art, May 11th and 12th and, The Lincoln Lutheran Choir and Doane College choirs and orchestra perform a series of concerts on May 5th and 6th in Lincoln and Crete. We tell you a little about it. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- April 27, 2012

Friday, 27 Apr 2012 14:15:00 CDT

This week for our Spring member drive, a special extended program from the NET Studios features live performances from Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra maestro Edward Polochick, other LSO musicians, and guest choirs to preview LSO's season finale concert of Britten's oratorio masterpiece, A WAR REQUIEM, on April 28th at the Lied Center in Lincoln. Abendmusik: Lincoln hosts the American Boychoir for an April 29th concert at First Plymouth Church to close its season, and for its annual Abendmusik Festival Children's Workshop. We will have a preview. The Willa Cather Foundation and Red Cloud Opera House has two big events in May. Leslie Levy tells us all about them. Mason Burbach, director of the West Nebraska Arts Center in Scottsbluff, previews the center's open house on April 29th. Burbach also talks about the opening of the Sheldon Statewide touring show there on May 16th. Also, the Sheldon Friends of Chamber music caps off its season with the Jasper String Quartet on April 29th at Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. Board member Marina Fabrikant previews the concert. And, Maribel Cruz, Elizabeth Govaerts, and Sandra Halpern drop by to talk about the Lincoln Contemporary Dance Project's 10th anniversary events from May 3rd to the 5th. All that, and a statewide arts calendar, on NET Radio, or as a podcast on netnebraska.org.

Friday Live -- April 20, 2012

Friday, 20 Apr 2012 14:45:00 CDT

This week for the first day of our spring membership drive…. The HOMESTEAD NATIONAL MONUMENT near Beatrice celebrates and commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act this year. Ranger Susan Cook previews the April 25th unveiling of the display of the act itself and the Commemoration Event May 20th, as well as several events, such as the Heartland Storytelling Festival April 26th-27th, and the Nebraska Humanities Council's special Homesteading Chautauqua programs May 21th-25th. Conductor Tyler White previews UNL's Symphony Orchestra concert at Kimball Hall, April 21st. The Norfolk Arts Center presents the annual KEN IVERSON PROJECT, featuring 16 sculptures by groups from nearby high schools, colleges and the community. Sponsored by Nucor Steel, proceeds from the April 27th auction benefit industrial arts programs. We get a preview. Also, the YUVAL RON ENSEMBLE'S MYSTICAL MUSIC OF THE MIDDLE EAST is the final concert on Lincoln's First Presbyterian Church's ARTS FOR THE SOUL series on April 21st. Oud player Ron, has assembled a group of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim musicians and dancers whose universal language of music promotes understanding between religions and ethnic cultures. We get a taste of the program. And, the 2012 Neihardt Spring Conference at Neihardt State Historic Site and center in Bancroft is April 28th. Neihardt board member, and UNL Journalism professor, Timothy Anderson previews this year's topic: NEIHARDT'S WORLD: 1900-1948. All that, and a statewide arts calendar, on Friday Live at 9 a.m. Central on NET Radio, or as a podcast on netnebraska.org.

Friday Live -- April 13, 2012

Friday, 13 Apr 2012 15:45:00 CDT

The Nebraska Chamber Players April concert features the world premiere of ASHFALL by composer-in-residence, Rusty Banks, in the NET Studios on April 13th and 15th, which will also be broadcast live on NET Radio. We'll have a preview. Sutton High School and Sutton Community Theatre have once again collaborated on a musical. THE WIZARD OF OZ plays April 27th, 28th, and 29th. We'll get a peek at the production. Lincoln native, artist, design and fashion editor, and author, Jody Shields has transformed once again, this time into a film producer. She and photographer-turned film director, Josef Astor bring their documentary, LOST BOHEMIA, to the Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln on April 13th. After the screening, they will answer questions about this sad but spirited elegy for the Carnegie Hall Studios, which for more than a century provided working, living and teaching space for all kinds of artists—both celebrated and unsung—on the floors above the famous concert hall. She'll tell us more about it. On April 14th at the Lied Center, Lincoln audiences will have the chance to experience the power of Tango. THIS IS TANGO NOW: IDENTIDAD, courtesy of the UNL Interdisciplinary Arts Symposium, offers up dramatic stories told through the passion of Tango. We'll hear a little about it. Also, pianist, KATHRYN STOTT performs at the Lied Center in Lincoln on April 17th. A frequent collaborator with cellist Yo Yo Ma, she is also one of finest soloists of her generation, especially in the English and French repertoire, as well as Chopin. We will get a preview of the concert. And, Deborah Jean Templin previews her one-woman show, UNSINKABLE WOMEN - Songs and Stories from the Titanic, at the Merryman Center in Kearney on April 14th.

Friday Live -- April 6, 2012

Friday, 6 Apr 2012 14:45:00 CDT

TADA Theatre in Lincoln readies the regional premiere of THE SPIDEY PROJECT opening April 12th. The show became an overnight media sensation when creator Justin Moran laid the smackdown to that other web-slinging musical, proving that a production could be done for far less than $65 million and focus on the story, characters and music. We'll have a preview. The Sheldon Museum launches its statewide art magazine today, ARTLAND. Sheldon Director Daniel Venciano chats up this new venture. The Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City opens a new exhibit on decorative objects from World's Fairs. INVENTING THE MODERN WORLD opens Saturday 14th, and curator Catherine Futter tells us all about it. Anthony Hawley is the next NEBRASKA NOW artist at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney. Opening April 14th, his LE SEGNAVIE/THE GUIDES installation incorporates sculptural and found objects, audio/visual, and traditional two dimensional artworks inspired by a quote from the Lewis and Clark journals, "I am much engaged in reriting." Also, The Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln opens a new exhibit on April 6th of one of the most successful American illustrators of the 1930s through the 1960s. Curator Deb Arenz drops by to preview "THE ILLUSTRATOR'S PENCIL: John Falter, from Nebraska to the Saturday Evening Post." And, The TUGBOAT GALLERY in Lincoln hosts Craig Roper and Carlos Guerrero for its April show, opening for the First Friday Gallery Walk on April 6th. We'll tell you all about it. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- March 30, 2012

Friday, 30 Mar 2012 11:45:00 CDT

Nebraska Wesleyan University music students in Lincoln ready Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE for performances on March 30th and April 1st at O'Donnell Auditorium. Director Dawn Pawlewski Krogh and a few of the singers drop for a preview. Jan Wright travels over from Brownville to preview the exciting new season of the BROWNVILLE CONCERT SERIES, beginning with cabaret favorites, K.T. Sullivan and Mark Nadler, the week of April 16th. Theatrix, the student-run theatre series at UNL'S Carson School of Theatre & Film, ends its season with a series of love stories, ALMOST, MAINE, from April 4th to the 7th. We'll take a peek into the production. The HASTINGS COLLEGE JAZZ FESTIVAL and Workshop on April 1st through the 2nd, brings high school students from across Nebraska, plus a performance by Kansas City jazz ensemble THE DOUG TALLEY QUARTET. Jazz Professor Marc LaChance invites you to a free public performance on April 2nd in French Memorial Chapel. LAYERS AND LINES is the newest show at Kiechel Fine Art in Lincoln, featuring work by trio of artists, printmaker Karen Kunc, oils by Judith Cherry, and the paint and metal assemblages of Diana Woods. We'll have a preview. Also, Project/Educational Coordinator at Native American Public Telecommunications, Brendan McCauley, shares his thoughts on Spike Lee's film, HE GOT GAME, just in time for March Madness. And, Justin Senkbile reviews the two films that open this weekend at the Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- March 23, 2012

Friday, 23 Mar 2012 10:45:00 CDT

The Flatwater Shakespeare Company continues its non-bard repertoire with the second part of Tony Kushner's epic masterpiece, ANGELS IN AMERICA, Part Two: Perestroika, March 29th through April 15th. We'll have a preview. The Historic Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff welcomes the Grammy Award Winning Soweto Gospel Choir for a Palm Sunday concert, April 1st. Member Kevin Williams tells us all about the concert. Lincoln's Aging Partners organization celebrates Women's History Month with an evening of music and comedy. IT'S OURS FOR THE TAKING features the comedy stylings of T. Marni Vos on March 27th in the Cotner Center Condominiums, with vocal trio Julie Enersen, Melodee Landis, and Nancy Marshall. We'll get a preview. Also, The Kearney Concert Association announces its 2012-13 season. Steve Lewis has a special incentive to subscribe early, add in this season's final concert, the Russian Red Star Army Chorus on April 13th! And, The Kearney Evangelical Free Church hosts a special Palm Sunday performance of Handel's "Messiah" on April 1st. NET Radio's own Graham House previews the concert, a tradition of the Axtell Area Oratorio Society since 1958. Grahahm also chats up the Aikido of Nebraska Open-House March 31st to April 1st in Lincoln and it's cultural connection to Japan's "warrior" class. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- March 16, 2012

Friday, 16 Mar 2012 10:45:00 CDT

March 28th-30th is The Center for Great Plains Studies annual symposium at UNL, celebrating many 150th anniversaries with "1862-2012: The Making of the Great Plains." Rick Edwards, Director of the Center for Great Plains, and Mark Engler, Superintendent of Homestead National Monument drop by to preview the festivities. The Beatrice Regional Orchestra has a big concert on March 24th in the Hevelone Center. Entitled PSALMS, HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS, the concert features choral sacred music or orchestral works based on sacred music, such as Mendelssohn's Reformation Symphony and Finlandia by Sibelius. Conductor Kevin Boesiger tells us that he has invited the Beatrice High School Concert Choir and the Norris Titan Singers to perform "Missa Festiva" by John Leavitt on the second half of the program. Kevin Boesiger, who is also on the board of the Beatrice Area Arts Council, tells us about Ballet Nebraska, which has a diverse collection of short dance works in a variety of styles that will be featured in a program called MOMENTUM on April 1st also at the Hevelone Center in Beatrice. The NEBRASKA ARTS COUNCIL'S GOVERNOR'S ARTS AWARDS dinner is April 2nd at Lincoln's Embassy Suites. NAC Executive Director Suzanne Wise and emcee comedian Juli Burney preview the festivities. The Sheldon Friends of Chamber Music welcome QUARTETO LATINOAMERICANO to the Sheldon Museum of Art's Abbott Auditorium, March 17th. We'll get a preview of the concert. Also, Lincoln Midwest Ballet presents a three show run of Prokofiev's CINDERELLA in Nebraska Wesleyan University's McDonald Theatre on March 23rd, 24th, & 25th. We'll tell you more about it. And, Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra has a crowd-pleaser concert planned for Lied Center audiences on March 16th with CLASSICS BY REQUEST, featuring hits such as "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," the finale from Tchaikovsky's "Violin Concerto," as well as music of Mozart to Howard Hanson. LSO Conductor and Music Director Ed Polochick fills you in on the details. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- March 9, 2012

Friday, 09 Mar 2012 10:45:00 CDT

We'll have music from Lied Center artist SUSAN WERNER, who's contemporary folk songs are much more, as they incorporate classical, jazz, roots, and gospel into a style-defying mix. She'll preview her March 9th concert. At the Lied Center's Carson Theatre, PROJECT CAREGIVER is a unique exploration of how we care for one another. Led by the Angels Theatre Company in collaboration with the Lied Center, Project Caregiver features two plays, MARVIN'S ROOM, March 14th-18th, and DAYTRIPS, March 22nd-25th. Angels Director Becky Key Boesen tells us that she also hopes to spark further involvement through story collecting, intensive classes, collaboration with caregiving experts and service providers, and panel discussions following the Sunday performances. We'll also have a number or two from UNL Saxophone & Jazz Studies Professor Paul Haar, bassist Hans Sturm, and pianist Tom Larsen, who also previews the UNL WEEK OF JAZZ series of concerts and workshops from March 27th-29th. Also, Irish singer, bodhrÁn player, actor and playwright, MÁIRTÍN DE CÓGÁIN, a favorite of Nebraska audiences, returns to Homestead National Monument of America near Beatrice to present INTRO TO TRADITIONAL IRISH CULTURE on March 9th. He'll explore Irish singing, dancing, the Irish language and story-telling there and at First United Methodist in Lincoln that weekend as well. He'll give us a preview. And, UNL Art Professor Sandra Williams previews a unique mosaic public art project at UNL's Multicultural Center from March 13th-15th, featuring guest artist Lily Yeh. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- March 2, 2012

Friday, 02 Mar 2012 10:45:00 CDT

The March show at the Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln opens March 2nd for the First Friday Gallery Walk and the North Lincoln Art Crawl. SYMBIOSIS features the work of nine married artist couples whose work compliments each other in a multitude of mediums and concepts. Artists Keith Jacobshagen and Paula Day drop by for a preview. The Red Cloud Opera House hosts a day of events in honor of its current exhibit on March 3rd. "THE WARTIME ESCAPE: Margret and H.A. Rey's Journey" recounts the true story of the World War II escape from France by the creators of famous storybook character, Curious George. In addition to the exhibit there's a showing of the movie "Curious George" and Nebraska Humanities Council scholar David Nienkamp presents "Teachers in Nazi Germany." Plus, the Hastings Community Theatre travels to the Opera House that afternoon with its current production, the comedy "Jerry Finnegan's Sister." Leslie Levy tell us all about the events. The next ABENDMUSIK: LINCOLN concert features Abendmusik's professional chamber choir in a program called "Songs of Hope: Abendchor Sings American Music." The concert also features the Nebraska premiere of Cleveland composer Anne Wilson's inspiring choral-orchestral work, SONG OF HOPE, March 4th at First Plymouth Church in Lincoln. We'll let you know more about this concert. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNL (OLLI) hosts another open house March 4th at the UNL Champions Club. We'll tell you more about the classes, workshops, and trips that OLLI offers to those age 55 and over. Also, the arts advocacy group, Nebraskans for the Arts, has selected violinist Yasmeen Bora as its current STUDENT SPOTLIGHT. The recognition is another in an already long list of achievements for this junior at Millard North High School. We'll have a conversation with her about this award. And, a we'll also talk with violinist Anne Akiko Meyers about her new CD and her TWO Stradivarius violins! All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- February 24, 2012

Friday, 24 Feb 2012 10:45:00 CDT

Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra continues its first full season at the Lied Center in a program called AN EVENING WITH BEETHOVEN on February 25th. The concert features UNL Professor of Piano Mark Clinton in the "Emperor" piano concerto, the seventh symphony, and a joint performance of the overture from "Egmont" with the Lincoln Youth Symphony. We'll have a preview. Director Pam Saalfeld chats up that classic bedroom farce, NO SEX PLEASE, WE'RE BRITISH, coming to the Norfolk Community Theatre March 1st through the 11th. The Omaha-based KANEKO collaborative presents HOMAGE: REMEMBERING CHERNOBYL, a photo exhibit by award-winning artist and Omaha native Jim Krantz that poignantly chronicles life at Chernobyl 25 years later. Kaneko Executive Director Hal France previews the show, which runs from March 2nd through the 10th at KANEKO. The Medici Friends of UNL's Department of Art & Art History ready their annual fund-raiser show for March 1st. We'll tell you all about it. Also, February 28th sees new Kearney Symphony Orchestra conductor Deborah Freedman take the podium for the Concert SCENES OF LOVE at UNK's Ponderosa Room. She'll let us know a little about the concert. And, Wendy Jane Bantam is back from her teaching trip to Great Britain, and Modern Arts Midtown Gallery in Omaha celebrates with an new show of her work, opening on March 1st. We'll hear all about it. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- February 17, 2012

Friday, 17 Feb 2012 10:45:00 CDT

The UNL Opera program goes back to the beginnings of the art form with its production of Monteverdi's THE CORONATION OF POPPEA on February 24th and 26th at Kimball Hall in Lincoln. We'll take a look at this production. The Moran Woodwind Quintet performs as part of the Sheldon Friends of Chamber Music series on February 17th. Flutist John Bailey previews the diverse program. The Tada Theatre in Lincoln readies LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS for a February 23rd to March 4th run. We'll find out how it's going. Also, the UNL Carson School of Theatre & Film opens that classic THE THREE MUSKETEERS on February 23rd. We'll go behind the scenes for a quick look. And, NET producer Penny Costello previews the second NET Television documentary on Philanthropy in Nebraska, debuting February 17th at 730 p.m. Central on NET 1. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- February 10, 2012

Friday, 10 Feb 2012 10:45:00 CDT

The Interdisciplinary Arts Symposium at UNL hosts the New York City Latin jazz group SYOTOS at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, on February 10th. Founder and trombonist Chris Washburne drops by for a preview. Cellist ZOE KEATING is a one woman virtual orchestra, combining live performance with digital technology. She brings her unique sound world to the Midwest Theatre in Scottsbluff on February 17th. We'll give you a taste of what's to come. The popular dessert concert and charity fund-raiser on the ARTS FOR THE SOUL series at Lincoln's First Presbyterian Church returns on February 12th. This year, the Child Advocacy Center is the beneficiary of the SING FROM THE HEART concert, which includes fabulous desserts! UNK Musical Theatre and Opera professor Anne Foradori chats up an exciting opportunity for her students in Kearney...a new musical revue by Georgia Stitt called SING ME A HAPPY SONG, from February 15th-19th. And, in Lincoln, Nebraska Wesleyan University Theatre opens a two weekend run of the Tony Award-winning rock-pop musical, SPRING AWAKENING, February 9th-11th and 16th-19th. Then next week, Spanish, Japanese, Taiwanese, French, and German films are represented on Nebraska Wesleyan's annual INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL from February 16th-19th. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- February 3, 2012

Friday, 03 Feb 2012 10:45:00 CDT

The Angels Theatre Company presents PARTNERS & ADVERSARIES, a collaboration with the Sheldon Museum of Art, every February Tuesday evening in Lincoln. Angels Director Becky Key Boesen chats up the five short plays that explore themes of love, loss, sex, fear, humor, and hope inherent in relationship dynamics, as well as the relationship between visual art and performers. Up and coming British chamber choir VOCES8 make a stop at the Merryman Center in Kearney on February 6th (courtesy of the Kearney Concert Association), and Grand Island on February 7th. We'll offer a preview. Also, the Hanlon House Bed and Breakfast in Scottsbluff welcomes 2007 Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriter Contest Winner C. Daniel Boling for a February 8th concert. We'll get a little heads up on the show. And, the Lied Center in Lincoln has hit the ground running for the second half of its season. Bill Stephan and Ann Chang preview what's coming up and bring along a cast member from MAMMA MIA, which will be at the Lied Center through February 4th. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- January 27, 2012

Friday, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 CDT

The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra features trumpeter Kirk Garrison in their next concert called TRUMPET PYROTECHNIQUES. The February 1st concert also welcomes the 2012 Young Lions All-Star Band at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. We'll take a musical peek. Scottsbluff's Theatre West presents a musical fundraiser, BROADWAY IN THE BLUFFS, on Febrary 4th at the WNCC Little Theatre, featuring cast members past and present singing tunes from shows classic and current. We'll have a preview. UNL Coordinator of Musical Theatre Studies, Alisa Belflower, previews this semester's American songbook recital, A BERNSTEIN CELEBRATION, on January 30th at Kimball Hall in Lincoln. Also, The Nebraska Chamber Players' ALL STRINGS ATTACHED concerts, Jan. 27th and 29th at the NET Studios in Lincoln, feature a few extra instruments as well, such as voice and flute! Becky Van de Bogart tells us all about the extra instruments, and more. And, The Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney's next show in its NEBRASKA NOW series features contemporary artists working today. AGAINST THE SKY is a collaborative installation by Wendy Weiss & Jay Kreimer. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- January 20, 2012

Friday, 20 Jan 2012 14:30:00 CDT

NEBRASKAland editor Jeff Kurrus and nature photographer Michael Forsberg have collaborated on a children's book about Sandhill Crane migration. Courtesy of University of Nebraska Press, HAVE YOU SEEN MARY? is the perfect book for kids just in time for the Sandhill Crane season in February and March! We'll have a preview. THE ROMM TRIO continues the ARTS FOR THE SOUL performance series at Lincoln's First Presbyterian Church on January 22nd. Founding member and former Canadian Brass trumpeter Ronald Romm makes it a family affair with his wife Avis and their son Aaron who also plays trumpet. Romm tells us a little about the concert. Also, actor Tim Marrone headlines the next family concert of Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra at Nebraska Wesleyan's O'Donnell Auditorium on January 22nd. THE COMPOSER IS DEAD features music by Nathaniel Stookey and text by Lemony Snicket, best known from his popular children's books "A Series of Unfortunate Events." We'll get a small peek at this performance. And, "12 ANGRY MEN" opens at the Lincoln Community Playhouse on January 20th. Director Mary Douglass chats about what it's like to wrangle all those guys! All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- January 13, 2012

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:15:00 CDT

Each January, Hastings College students immerse themselves in a single course for the month. For the Departments of Theatre Arts and Music students taking the Musical Theatre Workshop, they'll ready not one but two musicals: THE CLUB, presented January 19 to the 21st in the Hastings Masonic Temple Ballroom; and the Sondheim musical ASSASSINS, February 2nd to the 5th in the Hastings College Scott Studio Theatre. The Nebraska District METROPOLITAN OPERA AUDITIONS competition returns to Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln on January 14th. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN FILM is this year's theme for the Nebraska History Museum's film series in Lincoln. Curator Bunny Faling previews the Sunday matinee series, beginning January 22nd with CABIN IN THE SKY, featuring Vincente Minnelli's ground-breaking use of an all-African American cast. Also, the TADA Theatre starts the new year with a special two night cabaret celebration, ART ISN'T EASY, January 13th and 14th in Lincoln. And, Grand Island's Stuhr Musuem opens its Quilt Exhibit and Contest, OPPOSITES ATTRACT, on January 13th. Curator Kari Stofer previews this stunning array of quilts covering both floors of the museum. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- January 6, 2012

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CDT

January 8th is this year's annual 12th NIGHT REVEL in King Arthur's Court, and it features NET Radio's own Genevieve Randall and the Weinert Family Mummers. Leta Powell-Drake previews the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Open House, also on January 8th at the UNL Champions' Club. In addition to checking out the Spring semester classes and workshops, attendees will be serenaded by Nebraska favorites, The Lightning Bugs. First Friday Gallery walk is not just about visual art anymore. First Friday Jazz at First Lutheran Church in Lincoln features this time around series host JAZZOCRACY, led by Tommy van de Berg, on January 6th. Also, Ann Burkholder celebrates 25 years of the BURKHOLDER PROJECT for the January 6th First Friday Gallery Walk in Lincoln. And, Danny Ladely previews the full film schedule at the ROSS MEDIA ARTS CENTER for January. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- December 16, 2011

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CDT

A preview of the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra's CHRISTMAS & ALL THAT JAZZ concert on December 20th at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. WELCOME ALL WONDERS is this year's Abendmusik Christmas concert at First Plymouth Congregational in Lincoln on December 4th. Jeremy Bankson and Tom Trenney tell you about this concert and Abendmusik's annual New Year's LAST BLAST concert. Also, The Norfolk Chamber Singers present IN THE CHILL OF THE NIGHT on December 16th in the Norfolk Art Center Gallery. We'll have another preview. And, Lincoln City Libraries Director Pat Leach and Youth Services Supervisor Vickie Wood drop by with a few reading and holiday gift suggestions for the young and not so young. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- December 9, 2011

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CDT

Lincoln Midwest Ballet readies its 27th annual NUTCRACKER production, December 17th & 18th at the Lied Center in Lincoln. You have another chance to hear Handel's MESSIAH before the season is over. Rod Drews leads the triennial performance at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson on December 18th. The Brownville Concert Series welcomes Broadway star and musical director Eric Michael Gillett and friends for the annual CHRISTMAS GALA series of cabaret concerts, December 9th-11th. We'll have a preview. Also, December 10th is a full day for the Red Cloud Opera House, because you can take a tour of the Cather Foundation's newly acquired second home of Willa Cather in Red Cloud, then you can take in a show at the Opera House with Paul Warshauer's production of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, performed as a live radio play, with sound effects and all. And, Lincoln Choral Artists would like you to have a HAVE A HOLLY, JOLLY CHRISTMAS at their December 11th concert in O'Donnell Auditorium on the Nebraska Wesleyan University campus in Lincoln. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- December 2, 2011

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CDT

The Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln opens its December show this week. It features the UNL clay club show, and WINTERFEST. The UNK REYNOLDS WRITERS SERIES wraps up its first semester with local writer Rick Marlatt reading from his new chapbook, HOW WE FALL APART, on December 2nd at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney. UNL's Dance program features its annual STUDENT DANCE PROJECT on December 4th and 5th in Mabel Lee Hall on the UNL city campus. Program Director Susan Levine previews new works by 14 choreographers and three others who will present their work on film. AN IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA features top Irish musicians, singers, and dancers, plus local guitarist, Daniel Martinez at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln on December 2nd. Also, while the Americana/acoustic concert series The Listening Room in Hastings waits for its new space, The Lark building, to complete renovations, the Masonic Temple has been gracious enough to host The Listening Room's December 2nd concert, featuring SWEET TALK RADIO. And, The Tugboat Gallery opens its two-person show for the First Friday Gallery Walk this week. It features Heidi Bartlett's and Anthony Hawley's quirkily-titled HEIDI AND TONY'S A LITTLE CHIFFON GOES A LONG WAY, which features collaborative wall drawings, installations, and performance art. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- November 18, 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CDT

Celebrate the holiday season with A NEBRASKA BRASS CHRISTMAS as they tour the state beginning on November 27th at Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island, and continuing with stops in Blair, Omaha, Minden, Lincoln, and Fremont. Brian Pfoltner stops by to preview the next ARTS FOR THE SOUL concert at Lincoln's First Presbyterian. Hastings College presents a community sing of Handel's MESSIAH on December 4th with the Hastings Symphony. Robin Koozer says there's still time to get in on the final rehearsals. The Omaha Symphony Presents DOUBLE TAKE & DEAD ELVIS at the UNO Strauss Performing Arts Center on November 19th. Conductor Thomas Wilkins takes us through six works by three composers, Schumann, von Weber, and contemporary American composer Michael Daugherty's provocative mash-up of the "Dies Irae" and "The King" in DEAD ELVIS. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- November 11, 2011

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CDT

Due to technical difficulties we are not able to bring you the entire Friday Live program for 11/11/11. Quilter Yvonne Wells' QUILTED MESSAGES is being featured at the International Quilt Study Center and Museum in Lincoln, she'll tell us about it on this week's program. LA CAMERATA MADRIGAL SINGERS in Grand Island are getting ready for their annual Christmas concert series right after Thanksgiving, but Dori Bush says you don't even have to wait that long as they have a brand new Christmas CD, A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION. LINCOLN'S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA continues its first full season in the Lied Center on November 13th, with Rimsky-Korsakov's exotic SCHEHERAZADE and the dazzling PIANO CONCERTO #3 by Prokofiev, featuring acclaimed pianist Mark Markham. We'll have a preview. Tada Theatre gets ready for the season with NUNCRACKERS: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, opening on November 17th. Also, author JOY HARJO is the next UNK REYNOLDS WRITERS SERIES guest on November 15th at the Merryman Center in Kearney. We'll get a sneak peek at her visit. And, The Angels Theatre Company presents Arthur Miller's classic tale of religious zealotry THE CRUCIBLE at the Sheldon Museum of Art in collaboration with the Nebraska Girls Shakespeare Company November 11th-13th. Director Becky Key Boesen asks how far would you go to protect what is yours? All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- November 4, 2011

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:00:00 CDT

The hottest Latin group playing these days is TIEMPO LIBRE. Formerly from Cuba, these musicians throw a big music party at the Lied Center in Lincoln on October 28th, and some of them will tell you all about it! Opera Omaha's season continues at the Rose Theatre with that classical family opera, HANSEL & GRETEL, November 11th-13th. We'll offer a preview. Sheridan Lutheran Church in Lincoln presents its annual dinner theatre production November 10th-19th. All your favorite Dr. Seuss characters come to life and sing to you in of SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL!. An exclusive preview screening of THE ADVENTURES OF LOOP & RHETT, by Nebraska native Michael Tushaus. Michael chats up his Western Action short film, to be shown in his hometown of Hastings on November 6th at the Hastings Museum Lied Super Screen Theatre, then at Lincoln's Rococo Theatre on November 10th with two showings each. Cast members Will Cover and Don Cook, who is also one of the producers, will drop by as well. KEN HOPPMANN, music director at Lincoln's Southeast Community College, is guest pianist on the OMAHA SYMPHONIC WINDS concert in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue at Lincoln's Our Saviour's Lutheran on November 5th. Ken and conductor William Hall drop by to tell us all about it. Also, Chiara Quartet members Julie Yoon, violin; and Gregory Beaver; cello, play J.S. Bach's "Complete Works for Unaccompanied Violin and Cello" as part of the UNL Faculty Artists series November 4th and 10th at St. Marks on Campus in Lincoln. And, UNL Professor of Orchestral Activities Tyler White previews the School of Music's Fall opera, Mozart's THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at Kimball Recital Hall on November 11th, and a Sunday matinee November 13th. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- October 28, 2011

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CDT

This week back at The Mill in Lincoln, The NEBRASKA CHAMBER PLAYERS get ready for the next duet of concerts, as well as the next MUSICALLY SPEAKING class for OLLI. The SANDHILLS SYMPHONY opens its 51st season on October 30th in the North Platte High School performing arts center. New conductor Maestro Bryan Bohn previews SOMETHING OLD, NEW, BORROWED, BLUE, with a James Bond Medley, Blue Tango, Blue Moon and Pizzicato Polka all on the program. The UNL Johnny Carson School of Theatre & Film opens the Oscar Wilde comedy LADY WINDEMERE'S FAN on November 10th (running through November 19th). Director Carrie Lee brings along a cast member to preview this incisive comedy of manners. Also, The Red Cloud Opera House Gallery is showing the originals of Richard Schilling's book of watercolors by the University of Nebraska Press. PORTRAITS OF THE PRAIRIE: The Land that Inspired Willa Cather is the title of Schilling's book and exhibition. He'll tell us all about the paintings. And, Marjorie Maas from the Nebraskans for the Arts says to get your nominations in for the 2012 The Nebraska Arts Council GOVERNOR'S ARTS AWARDS by Nov 15th!. All that, and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- October 21, 2011

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CDT

Friday Live kicks off the Fall Member Drive with a special extended edition from the NET Studios with special guests and live music. The Lied Center has a busy weekend, with a production of LOCAL WONDERS by UNL Theatre Professor Virginia Smith and musicians Paul Amandes (it's a musical adaptation of Ted Kooser's book), and the TURTLE ISLAND STRING QUARTET wraps up their Nebraska tour at there. The Kearney Area Arts Council presents KIDS FINE ART DAYS on October 22nd at the Activity Center at Harmon Park in Kearney. UNL Professor of Piano Paul Barnes tells us about Franz Liszt's 200th birthday celebration called LISZT & THE CROSS, which is a lecture-performance at Kimball Hall on October 22nd. This October 26th through 30th, Apollon, a new Omaha arts production project will partner with Lincoln's Haymarket Theatre to present a collaborative arts experience that brings together performance, visual, and culinary art. Also, we'll tell you about all the mayhem that ensues on the set of "Gone with the Wind" in MOONLIGHT & MAGNOLIAS, opening October 21st at the Community Players Theatre in Beatrice. Also, live music provided by the UNL choral ensembles in anticipation of their COCOA & CAROLS: Yuletide Family Festival on December 5th at Kimball Hall in Lincoln, as well as the LOCAL WONDERS cast, and UNL Professor of Piano, Paul Barnes. All that, and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- October 14, 2011

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CDT

This week, CUTTING FOR STONE is the 2011 "One Book One Lincoln" selection. We'll preview the Lincoln City Libraries' series of discussions and presentations on this modern epic by Abraham Verghese with Layne Pierce and Kathryn Kelley. LINCOLN'S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA has the number "four" on its mind for the October 14th concert at the Lied Center. "The Four Seasons" features all four of Vivaldi's famous concertos, with violinist Rachel Barton Pine, while The Chiara String Quartet joins LSO for Piazzolla's tango-inspired "Four Seasons of Buenos Aires." Rachel Barton Pine then makes a weekend of it in Lincoln, high-tailing it over to the Sheldon Art Museum to play a concert of French baroque chamber music with TRIO SETTECENTO for the Sheldon Friends of Chamber Music on October 15th. Also, Opera Omaha opens its 2011-2012 season with a big gala concert, THIS IS OPERA! It's October 15th in the Orpheum Theater. And, author Terese Svoboda is getting great buzz on her new book, BOHEMIAN GIRL from the University of Nebraska Press. Svoboda stops by before her launch party October 15th at the OMAHA LITERATURE FESTIVAL.All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- October 7, 2011

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CDT

This week, The African American and African Studies Program at UNL celebrates its 40th anniversary October 19th-22nd. Associate Professor of English and Ethnic Studies Kwakiutl Dreher previews all the presentations, performances, and special guests. The Sandoz Society at Chadron State College has invited Ron Hull for its 2011 Pilster Lecture on October 13th. Hull and Sandoz Society President Lynn Roper drop by for a preview. UNL Professor of Art Sandra Williams and Janice Deeds, Director of the UNL Women's Center, are collaborating with Lincoln's Friendship Home for abused women in an art project that pairs William's students with Friendship Home residents. Also, AN EVENING IN PARIS is the UNL Friends of Opera fundraiser complete with dinner and entertainment provided by the UNL Opera Department. Friends of Opera President IV Dickson previews the festivities at the Country Club of Lincoln on October 15th. And, The Hildegard Center for the Arts is partnering with the UNL Medieval & Renaissance Studies Program, School of Music, and Department of Classics and Religious Studies to bring University of Notre Dame Music History Professor Margot Fassler to Lincoln for a free presentation on the Medieval Abbess, mystic, poet, and musician, Hildegard von Bingen. All that, a Ross film review and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- September 30, 2011

Fri, 30 Sept 2011 12:00:00 CDT

This week, KANEKO, named after Omaha artist Jun Kaneko and headed up by conductor Hal France, is an organization that serves as a catalyst and facilitator for collaborative, multi-disciplinary projects where art, science, philosophy, technology, history, or "anything else" intersect. Created by violinist Tim Fain, PORTALS combines music by Philip Glass and spoken word by Leonard Cohen with film, the internet, and dance to explore the ways in which we communicate and find meaning in the digital age. Before its world premiere in New York, Tim Fain joins up with UNL Professor of Piano Paul Barnes for a preview at the UNL School of Music October 4th, and at KANEKO in Omaha October 5th. Gwen Meister, from the Nebraska Folklife Network, previews the 5th Annual HARVEST OF TRADITIONS Fall Festival, featuring a new location and an Irish theme. "Shamrocks on the Prairie" is on October 9th at the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center south of Denton, which is co-sponsoring the event. Paddywhack member Chris Sayre also stops by for a few Celtic toe-tappers. Central Community College in Grand Island's BEYOND THE SCREEN series is a chance for movie lovers to watch a classic, then discuss it afterwards with CCC English instructor, Jim Kosmicki, who'll tell us all about it. The movie for October 5th POLTERGEIST! Also, the fourth biennial VISIONMAKER FILM FESTIVAL at the Ross Media Arts Center and the Sheldon Museum of Art September 30 through October 6th is sponsored by Native American Public Telecommunications. Friday Live previews this festival that showcases Native film and video projects with NAPT Executive Director Shirley Sneve, including a feature story by NAPT/VisionMaker Project Coordinator, Brendan McCauley. And, The Flatwater Shakespeare Company opens its fall season with OTHELLO October 6th at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. We'll give you a sneak peek. All that, All About Books and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- September 23, 2011

Fri, 23 Sept 2011 13:45:00 CDT

This week, Vietnamese-American artist Binh Danh opens his exhibit VIET-NAM, NEBRASKA at the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. BIG RIVER IN CONCERT marks 20 years of directing for Tada Theatre's Bob Rook. Joining him will be several veterans of the Tada stage, and Lincoln Choral Artists led by Wesleyan Professor William Wyman. Dr. Wyman also previews the first season of Lincoln Choral Artists under that name. They were previously known as the Lincoln Civic Choir. A preview of this weekend's Nebraska Concerts on NET Radio, featuring a concert by the Ames Piano Quartet that almost didn't happen. Also, the annual LINCOLN ARTS FESTIVAL, sponsored by the Lincoln Arts Council is September 24th & 25th at Southpointe Shopping Center. We'll have a preview. And, author Robert Olen Butler visits Kearney as a guest in the Reynolds Writers Series. We'll talk to him before his visit. All that, a couple Ross film reviews and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- September 16, 2011

Fri, 16 Sept 2011 13:45:00 CDT

This week, Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra opens the 2011-12 season in its new home at The Lied Center on September 16th. The Abendmusik: Lincoln series opens on September 18th with A Night at the Movies: Silent Film with the Lied Organ. Artistic Director and organist Tom Trenney and Executive Director Jeremy Bankson drop by to preview the rest of the season. The Chiara String Quartet has re-upped for another three year residency at the UNL School of Music. We'll have a preview of Ibsen's groundbreaking A Doll's House, opening at the Haymarket Theatre in Lincoln. Also, Brendan McCauley, Project Coordinator for Native American Public Telecommunications and its VisionMaker Film Festival, reviews REEL INJUN, which documents the portrayal of Native Americans in film and media. And, the executive director of PBS's venerable documentary series POV, Simon Kilmurry, speaks in Lincoln on September 15th and in Omaha in October, but you can hear him on this week's program first.

Friday Live -- September 9, 2011

Fri, 09 Sept 2011 17:15:00 CDT

"Friday Live" host William Stibor features the Norfolk Arts Center's current exhibit, "Running Water, Rolling Hills," with artists Rebecca Herman and Christina Narwicz. Executive Director Kara Weander-Gaster also previews the center's upcoming Arts Festival, and Pam Saalfeld from the Norfolk Community Theater will preview the 2011-12 season beginning with one of Neil Simon's most famous plays, "Plaza Suite." Live music will be performed by the Nebraska Chamber Players (formerly known as the Third Chair Chamber Players) and local duo Eclectic Mayhem.

Friday Live -- September 2, 2011

Fri, 02 Sept 2011 17:15:00 CDT

This week, The Angels Theatre Company opens THE MERCY SEAT for a five performance run at The Haymarket Theatre in Lincoln, September 7th-9th, and the 11th. The Community Players in Beatrice opens A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM September 9th. Jamie Ulmer travels up to preview this hilarious musical, and to chat up the new after-school education program by the Players. Lincoln Community Playhouse Executive Director Morrie Enders previews the 2011-12 season, beginning with that classic, WEST SIDE STORY, starting September 9th. Also, Martha Florence, Director of Community Engagement for NET Television, previews the first ever NET Film Festival at the historic Fox Theatre in McCook. And, The Kearney Concert Association season is fast approaching. Steve Lewis previews the diverse concerts. All that, a statewide calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- August 26, 2011

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:00:00 CDT

This week, Liz Shea-McCoy, President of the Board of the Friends of Arts Are Basic program at Doane College in Crete, and Director Rhea Gill drop by to chat up this teacher training program and its upcoming fundraiser Garden Tour on September 4th. The Sheldon Art Museum's annual STATEWIDE traveling exhibit hits the road at the end of August, starting off at Chadron State College for September, then continuing on to North Platte, McCook, Seward, Columbus, York, Falls City, and Scottsbluff. The Hildegard Center for the Arts in Lincoln is teaming up with local faith communities to sponsor a LINCOLN SPIRITUAL ART TOUR on August 28th. Kim Einspahr invites everyone on the tour of meditative prayer gardens, soaring towers and inspiring spires, and of course, dazzling stained glass windows. Two panel discussions, one in Lincoln and one in Kearney, preview the October Governor's Lecture in the Humanities. We'll preview the panel discussions. Also, The Young Americans are a multicultural performance group that also does workshops for aspiring artists and entertainers. KVNO's Felicia Mesadieu tells us about the workshop held earlier this summer at Midland University in Fremont. And, Justin Senkbile, film critic for Star City Blog.com and The Reader, takes a look at the new films opening this week at The Ross in Lincoln. All that, and a statewide calendar.

Friday Live -- August 19, 2011

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the theatre program at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff hits the ground running the first week of school with Samuel Beckett's WAITING FOR GODOT, August 19th to the 21st. Assistant to the Theatre Director, Byron Allen, and former Democratic candidate for Governor of Nebraska, Mike Meister, will hit the boards as Estragon and Vladimir, two vagabonds who wait for the the mysterious Godot - if he even exists! The LIED CENTER'S 2011-12 SEASON has something for everyone, and we have the scoop! The Listening Room hosts a grand opening on November 19th in their brand new space, The Lark, in downtown Hastings. However, before that the space needs some TLC, so The Listening Room has launched a fundraising campaign and have chosen Listening Room board members and musicians, Todd Brown and Cody Carson Brown, to spruce up the venue. With degrees in architecture they are sure to have some insight about re-fitting an old space for acoustic music. Also, seven films are the featured on this year's Local Filmmakers Showcase at Film-Streams in Omaha. And, OmniArts Nebraska, a new Lincoln performing arts company, will perform two original theatre and dance works at the Haymarket Theatre August 18th through the 27th. WE'll give you previews of both THE LONELY BOOK and MARGINALIA @ 40. All that, and a statewide arts calendar and All About books.

Friday Live -- August 12, 2011

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:30:00 CDT

This week, Friday Live debuts a new arts review segment, beginning with blogger Justin Senkbile on the new film drama at The Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln, IN A BETTER WORLD. OLLI's next open house is scheduled for August 14th at the Champions Club at UNL. Leta Powell-Drake drops by to preview the fall semester of classes and presentations for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and brings along musician Chris Sayre. KVNO's Lindsay Peterson tells us about a tour of the old "Gritty City" of Omaha, sponsored by the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Also, Billy Estes says season tickets for the MIDWEST THEATRE in Scottsbluff are now available, this year featuring the Turtle Island String Quartet and the Soweto Gospel Choir. And, LINCOLN'S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Executive Director Barbara Zach previews the 2011-12 LSO season in its new home at The Lied Center, beginning with the Cirque de la Symphonie acrobats and aerialists joining the symphony Sept 16th, preceded by the LSO Gala Benefit. It's WORLD WAR WEEK at the Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln, August 14-19, featuring tours, talks, and exhibitions including a one-day-only stop of the big-rig exhibit from the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, MO on Aug. 19th. Director of the Nebraska State Historical Society, Michael Smith drops by Friday Live. All that, and a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- July 22, 2011

Fri, 29 July 2011 15:30:00 CDT

This week, STANDING BEAR'S FOOTSTEPS, a new documentary on the Ponca Chief's 19th century battle for civil rights, premieres on July 22nd on NET Television. Produced by NET Television and Native American Public Telecommunications we chat with NET producer/director Christine Lesiak and associate producer Princella Parker, who is a member of the Omaha Nation. By popular demand THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE makes a return to the Tada Theatre in Lincoln, Aug 4-28. We'll get a sneak peek. Mishmash Productions in Hastings is back this summer with their second SHAKESPEARE WITH NOODLES production. Director Margaret Marsh says she has upped the challenge for her young actors and swimming pool noodle props with part one of King Lear at varous Hastings parks in August. They're also taking the show on the road for the first time with a performance at Two Men and an Oven in McCool Junction. Also, the Red Cloud Opera House presents part two of the series of plays called THE NEBRASKA CYCLE by Superior native and New York playwright and director, A.P. Andrews, July 22-24. Set amidst the volatile, mood-altering, ever-changing backdrop of the rural Nebraska countryside, Andrews says BURNING BARN is a study of family, boredom, adultery, epressed anger, young love, hope, and of the ties that bind. And, Lincoln native Nick Jester is headed off to Columbia College in Chicago in the Fall to pursue music, improv, and comedy, but not before putting up his first every musical comedy, CHIROPRACTICAL, at The Haymarket Theatre, August 11-13. Jester explains the show. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- July 15, 2011

Fri, 15 July 2011 15:30:00 CDT

This week on the program, Alfred Hitchcock's spy thriller, THE 39 STEPS, is the third and final production for the 2011 NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE season at UNL's Carson School of Theatre & Film. Opening July 20th, this stage adaptation cleverly assigns the more than fifty characters encountered by our hero, Richard Hannay, to only three other actors. In conjunction with its Dale Nichols exhibit, the BONE CREEK MUSEUM of Agrarian Art in David City will host a Chautauqua-style afternoon of speakers, teachers, musicians, and entertainers on July 16th. Crane River Theater in Kearney opens LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at the Merryman Center on July 21st. Also, there's a new theatre company in town. The Red Theater Collective previews a futurist version of Shakespeare with RED HAMLET at the Lincoln Community Playhouse before taking it to the Minneapolis Fringe Festival. Aaron Sawyer drops by preview this exciting new performance venture. And, The Third Chair Chamber Players' second summer CONCERTS ON THE CREEK in Cambridge is fast approaching on July 23rd. You might get your reservations in now as this summer series has proven to be very popular in Southwest Nebraska! All That, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- July 8, 2011

Fri, 08 July 2011 13:00:00 CDT

This week, on July 13th the NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE opens its second offering for the 2011 summer season at UNL's Carson School of Theatre & Film, BECKY'S NEW CAR. Becky Foster, a wife, mom, and car dealership sales manager undergoing a mid-life crisis will be played, appropriately enough, by Becky Key Boesen. She'll have a preview. The Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney wraps up its SOUNDS OF THE SUMMER Concert Series July 21st with Thalken, Tesdall and Thalken playing all your jazz & pop favorites. Of course there are always great works of art to see in the galleries! Modern Arts Midwest opens a new exhibit mid-month. July 15th sees new oils by Byron Anway and Tom Reierden, and ceramics by Richard Chung. We'll have a preview. Also, The Ross Media Arts Center begins it's annual Jensen's Cinema 16 Movies on the Green on July 14th with the Howard Hawks classic HIS GIRL FRIDAY starring Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant. Danny Ladley says set up a lawn chair or blanket in front of Kimball Recital Hall. Plus BUCK, a warmly engaging portrait of Buck Brannaman, the Horse Whisperer himself, opens at The Ross proper July 15th. And, Patrick Lambrecht directs RENT, opening at the Lincoln Community Playhouse July 15th. He'll have a preview. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- July 1, 2011

Fri, 01 July 2011 13:00:00 CDT

The NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE opens its summer season with the charming musical, CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES on July 7th at UNL's Carson School of Theatre & Film. Rep Artistic Director and LADIES director Virginia Smith previews this charming musical along with cast member Debra Watassek, as the good women serve up lots of hot dishes, coffee, and laughs in generous portions. Celebrate the 4th of July 1800s style at Fort Robinson State Park. Jerry Johnston speaks with Fort Robinson Museum curator Tom Buecker about the festivities there. The Lincoln Municipal Band kicks off its 2011 Summer Concert Series on July 3rd with the patriotic concert STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR. Bob Krueger leads the band in all your American favorites at the John Shildneck Memorial Bandshell in Antelope Park, and he'll tell us all about it. Also, Lincoln's newest art space, the DRIFT STATION GALLERY, specializes in conceptual art and opens its July show for First Friday Gallery Walk. "n/En-" features new works by Drift Station founders, Angeles Cossio and Jeff Thompson. And, the writers reading series, TUESDAYS WITH WRITERS, celebrates its 12th anniversary on July 6th with a marathon read at home base, The Mill Coffeehouse south location near Union College. All that, as well as a statewide arts calendar and the second to last Poetry of the Plains by Nebraska poet William Kloefkorn.

Friday Live -- June 24, 2011

Fri, 24 June 2011 12:00:00 CDT

This week, the Nebraska Humanities Council 2011 Chautauqua program is in residency in Aurora this week. NHC Executive Director Chris Sommerich drops by for a preview, and we'll chat with a few of the scholars/historical interpreters from BRIGHT DREAMS HARD TIMES: AMERICA IN THE THIRTIES. Also, SNOOPY!!! THE MUSICAL returns to The Merryman Center in Kearney, June 23rd-25th, and June 30th-July 2nd, courtesy of the Crane River Theater Company. Director Steve Barth previews this heartwarming musical take on Snoopy, Charlie, and the "Peanuts" gang. And, do you need to feel a little Christmas-y in June? Tom Trenney invites you to drop by First Plymouth Church in Lincoln for Abendmusik's SUMMER SING June 29th that will get you into the spirit with a "Messiah" sing-a-long. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- June 17, 2011

Fri, 17 June 2011 13:15:00 CDT

This week, Amy Sandeen chats up this year's FLATWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL at the Prairie Loft Education Center in Hastings on Friday and Saturday June 24th and 25th. The FOUNDATION GARDENS PERFORMANCE SERIES is underway. Dean Haist, Sara Peetz, and John Scofield all drop by to chat up this Lincoln summer tradition. Also, photographer Helen Johnson's NEBRASKA WOMEN ARTISTS' HANDS PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT! (or N-WAHPP!) continues at the Burkholder Project in Lincoln. Helen has captured sixteen Nebraska women artists as they create their art and their world in studios or wherever their art takes them. And, the NEBRASKA HUMANITIES COUNCIL 2011 CHAUTAUQUA takes place in in Aurora this year from June 22nd to the 26th. We will have a preview. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and Poetry of the Plains.

Friday Live -- June 10, 2011

Fri, 10 June 2011 13:15:00 CDT

This week live from the lobby of NET in Lincoln, we'll have a musical preview of this year's MEADOWLARK MUSIC FESTIVAL featuring cellist Dave Eggar, violinist Gregor Huebner, and more! Homestead National Monument of America near Beatrice hosts its annual HOMESTEAD DAYS June 17-19. We'll have the details. Also, The Post Playhouse at Fort Robinson State Park season opens June 10th with a musical tribute: HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY. The summer repertory continues with FOREVER PLAID, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPEELING BEE, and cast members also perform several BROADWAY CABARET concerts. Tom Ossowski and Clint Wright tell us more. And, on the other end of the state, the MAHONEY STATE PARK annual Melodramas are underway. We'll get a peak at what's happening there. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- May 27, 2011

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:30:00 CDT

This week, on May 30th Lincoln City Libraries announces its ONE BOOK ONE LINCOLN finalists at The Mill. Libraries Director Pat Leach drops by this to scout out the best seat at The Mill. The Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City opens its summer blockbuster exhibition on May 28th, featuring one of Nebraska's most famous artists, DALE NICHOLS TRANSCENDING REGIONALISM. We'll have a preview. The Red Cloud Opera House and Willa Cather Foundation host Mike Adams and The Pilgrim Classic Country Band for MUSIC ON THE CATHER PRAIRIE on May 28th. They'll explore the evolution of country music from Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash to contemporary greats like George Strait and Garth Brooks. After that preview, we chat with Angela Glover, Artist-in-residence for the PRAIRIE WRITERS' WORKSHOP June 2nd-5th. This year the topic is "Place-Based Identity," which is a creative-nonfiction workshop focused on connections between self and place. Also, the Tada Theatre in Lincoln opens its summer show just in time for vacation; SECRETS EVERY SMART TRAVELER SHOULD KNOW opens June 2nd. We'll get a peak at the production. And, Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff plays host to the 2011 THEATRE WEST summer rep season. It opens with RENT on June 1st, and continues with: the family comedy THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA, ABRIDGED; and, ALL SHOOK UP, Joe DiPietro's exuberant jukebox musical of Elvis Presley songs. Plus we'll take a look at Theatre West's TOFY Camp (Theatre Opportunity for Youth). Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- May 20, 2011 (Some technical difficulties with audio)

Fri, 20 May 2011 15:30:00 CDT

This week, the deadline for the annual LINCOLN ARTS COUNCIL MAYOR'S ARTS AWARDS on June 8th is May 25th. LAC Executive Director Deb Weber will be here to tell you to get your reservations in now! Homestead National Monument of America near Beatrice hosts its annual MONUMENTAL FIDDLING CHAMPIONSHIP and Acoustic Band Contest May 28th. We'll have a preview. The Haydon Art Center's annual fundraiser, DRAWING THE LINE: NEXT GENERATION, features artworks from 30 emerging artists, live music, food and drinks on April 20th. We'll get a peek at it first. Also, The Nebraska State Historical Society's Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln hosts the 2011 NEBRASKA BOOK FESTIVAL on May 21st. This festival features workshops, readings, discussion, and many writers, including Timothy Schaffert and his new novel, "The Coffins of Little Hope." The festival will also feature a conversation between former U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser, Nebraska Repertory Theatre's Virginia Smith, and Paul Amandes of the Theater Department of Columbia College Chicago about translating Kooser's book "Local Wonders" for the stage. And, the executive director for Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra, Barbara Zach, invites you to the LSO Fundraiser at the Grand Manse May 25th. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- May 13, 2011

Fri, 13 May 2011 11:30:00 CDT

This week, the LUX Center for the Arts annual SPRING BLING JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW is May 19th in Lincoln. We'll tell you all about it. NET Radio's crossover classical program, The Verge, hosts a live CD release party for the CHIARA STRING QUARTET on May 15th. Their new album features the music of the quartet's long-time friend, Jefferson Friedman. Chiara members drop by Friday Live for a preview and an invite to the radio show and CD Release party at the NET Studios. Profiled on NET Television's Nebraska Stories this weekend, Jerry Johnston goes behind the scenes of this year's WAUSA HIGH SCHOOL ONE ACT PLAY for a Friday Live preview. Directed by the principal, with 53 of the 55 students in the school involved in some way, they're out to win their fifth consecutive state championship. The Lincoln Civic Choir joins up with the American Guild of Organists for its season finale on May 15th at St. Paul Methodist. We'll find out more about the concert. Also, The Lincoln Community Playhouse opens THE SOUND OF MUSIC on May 13th. They have a live number or two for us to give us a preview. And, novelist Timothy Schaffert has a new book out. THE COFFINS OF LITTLE HOPE continues his unique Midwestern Gothic style. We'll get a peak at it. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- May 6, 2011

Fri, 06 May 2011 11:30:00 CDT

This week, Maribel Cruz and Beth Govaerts preview the next dance concert May 13th & 14th in Lincoln. The Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff invites you to join them for the 65th Anniversary Celebration of the Midwest Theater on May 7th. The festivities begin with a FREE "Spring Vocal Music Celebration" by Western Nebraska Community College Vocal Music Department, directed by Rita Stinner. There'll also be an historic display, plus sing-a-long showings of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Grease." We'll have a detailed preview. First Presbyterian's ARTS FOR THE SOUL Series wraps up its 2010/11 season with "A Trip to the Caribbean" on May 8th with steel drum soloist Tom Miller and local steel drum group Pangea. The Angel's Theater Company is performing with The Sheldon Musuem of Art's photo show. We'll get some details. Also, Nancy Peterson previews the 2011 GRIDIRON SHOW May 6th & 7th at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. And, there's something for any kid in the summer BRIGHT LIGHTS program of workshops and classes in Lincoln, says Annie Mumgaard. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- April 29, 2011

Fri, 29 April 2011 11:30:00 CDT

This week, enjoy a night at the movies with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra and jazz vibraphonist Joe Locke at the Lied Center on April 30th. This pops concert features cinema scores from Mancini's "Moon River" and "The Pink Panther," to John Williams' hits from "Indiana Jones," and newly-commissioned works by Locke. We'll chat with Joe Locke and conductor Ed Polochick about this special show to be recorded for a future CD release! The UNK Senior Music Theatre Showcase 2011 features Broadway hopefuls in concert. This year Amy Knispel and Jillian Parkera perform a program called WHAT KIND OF GIRL IS SHE? Coordinator Anne Foradori previews the two concerts, May 2nd at Omaha's PS Collective, and May 4th at the UNK Fine Arts Recital Hall in Kearney. Josh Norris leads the Lincoln Lutheran Choir on May 8th in a concert featuring Fauré's "Requiem" and a newly commissioned piece by Lincoln composer Kurt Knecht. Knecht and Norris drop by to preview the concert at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln. Also, The Brownville Concert Series presents jazz sensation Annie Sellick this weekend, April 29th & 30th, and May 1st in Brownville. However, she drops by here first! John Lauber talks about the rest of the season as well. And, LIFE IN A JAR tells the story of rural Kansas students discovering the true story of a Catholic woman who saved Jewish children. Nancy Intermill previews the story of Irena Sendlerowa at the Lied Center's Johnny Carson Theater on April 30th. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- April 22, 2011

Fri, 22 April 2011 12:45:00 CDT

This week, The Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln announces its 2011-12 Season! The Hildegard Center for the Arts presents Pippa White on April 30th. Pippa will perform her show WOMEN WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE with proceeds going towards the purchase of a new piano for the Matt Talbot Kitchen in Lincoln. UNL Professor of Orchestral Activities Tyler White previews the April 28th UNL Symphony Orchestra concert at Kimball Hall in Lincoln, playing symphonic fantasies by Berlioz and Vaughan Williams. The 2011 University Place Art Festival in Lincoln is April 30th, featuring fine arts and crafts, arts demonstrations, food vendors, and street entertainment on St Paul Avenue between 47th and 48th Streets. Jo Ann Emerson from the LUX Center for the Arts and Charles Yost from Heart of Gold Jewelers preview the festivities. Also, FOR THE LOVE OF MOVIES: THE STORY OF AMERICAN FILM CRITICISM is the first documentary to dramatize the rich saga of American movie reviewing. Directed by Boston Phoenix critic, Gerald Peary, he drops by before his Q & A after a showing at The Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln on April 22nd. And, Tim Anderson, associate Professor of Journalism at UNL, is the official biographer of John G. Neihardt. Anderson previews this year's Neihardt Spring Conference April 30th in Bancroft at the Neihardt State Historic Site. This year's topic, BIOGRAPHY, WRITTEN LIVES. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar. That's on Friday Live at 9 a.m. Central on NET Radio, or as a podcast on netnebraska.org.

Friday Live -- April 15, 2011

Fri, 15 April 2011 11:45:00 CDT

This week, Friday Live celebrates the final Friday of NET Radio's Spring Member Drive with more live music from the NET Studios, featuring the Third Chair Chamber Players. Andrew Jewell has coordinated this year's CATHER SPRING CONFERENCE in Red Cloud. He drops by to invite you to the two day seminar on all things Cather, April 29th-30th. Lincoln native and cellist Kim Cook returns to Nebraska with the The Castalia Trio for the Sheldon Friends of Chamber Music concert on April 16th at the Sheldon Museum of Art. Cook is a Professor of Cello and Artist Laureate at Penn State University, and she'll be joined by her Penn state colleagues performing piano trios by Ravel, Schubert, and Muczinsky. Wendy Jane Bantam has a whole slew of new paintings at Gallery 9 in Lincoln. A portion of all sales will go toward a new art scholarship for women attending the UNL Department of Art. Also, Steve Lewis from the Kearney Concert Association announces its next season and subscription drive. And, Chadron State College Theatre puts up Oscar Wilde's masterpiece of manners THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST from April 14th-17th. We'll have a preview.

Friday Live -- April 8, 2011

Fri, 08 April 2011 16:00:00 CDT

Friday Live kicks of the NET Radio Spring Membership Drive with an extended show from the NET Studios. This program features musicians from Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra, including Maestro Ed Polochick tickling the ivories and LSO concertmaster Anton Miller. Miller plays the virtuosic Jean Sibelius "Violin Concerto" at the next Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra concert, TRIUMPH AND ROMANCE at Kimball Hall on April 9th. Tchaikovsky's dramatic "Symphony No. 5," with its musical representation of ultimate victory over despair, is also featured. Friday Live catches up with Bluegrass/Folk/Roots band THE WAYBACKS who play Omaha's Holland Center on April 8th, then travel over to First Congregational UCC in Crete on April 9th. UNL dance professor Susan Levine previews EVENINGS OF DANCE, featuring student choreographer and dancers from the UNL Dance Area with three performances from April 14th-16th at the Lied Center's Johnny Carson Theatre. This year's WINE, WRITERS & SONG FESTIVAL in Brownville has a great lineup. Cinnamon Dokken previews the highlights including: Midwest Dilemma and comedian T. Marnie Vos; and, Free Range Readings with Brent Spencer, Allison Hedge Coke, JV Brummels, Roy Scheele, and many others. Also, Celebration of American Folk Songs, Hymns, and Spirituals is the next ARTS FOR THE SOUL concert at First Presbyterian in Lincoln on April 10th. Brian Pfoltner conducts the First Presbyterian Choir with special guests, the Grace University Chamber Singers, and Charles W. Ore, organist. Many of these familiar tunes are in exciting new arrangements, including several by Pfoltner. And, the UNL Carson School of Theatre and Film, completes its season with Shakespeare's delightful comedy and romance TWELFTH NIGHT. Director Ian Borden talks about this version set in the West. Performances are April 7th-9th and 13th-16th.

Friday Live -- April 1, 2011

Fri, 01 April 2011 11:30:00 CDT

This week, the Haydon Art Center has an exciting artist-in-residence and exhibition that brings four Native American artists to Lincoln to create artwork in four locations throughout Lincoln. April 30th is the deadline for submission to the annual Poet's Calendar from Blackstar Press. Publisher Sarah Fairchild and a few poets drop by to read some poetry. Former Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts composer-in-residence, Rob Scheps, returns for a free performance at the Nebraska City Public High School Auditorium. One of the stops on the tour includes Nebraska City on April 7th. Come listen to the Rob Scheps/Greg Gisbert Quintet consisting of Rob on tenor sax and flute, along with Greg Gisbert on trumpet and flugelhorn. Also, UNL's saxophone professor Paul Haar previews HONOR JAZZ WEEKEND, featuring special guest trombonist Ray Anderson. And, The Lied Center in Lincoln has a busy April, starting off with "Menopause The Musical" on April 1st & 2nd, pianist and Nebraska favorite Jon Nakamatsu on April 7th, rock trio Los Lonely Boys on April 9th, and soprano Sylvia McNair singing a selection from The American Songbook on April 14th. And that's only the first half of the month! Imago Theatre with FamFest!, Spring Awakening, and Simply Sinatra follow later in the month. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- Mar. 25, 2011

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CDT

This week, the Flatwater Shakespeare Company joins forces with The Haymarket Theatre in its newly restored space for a Bob Hall directed production of Pulitzer Prize-winning play ANGELS IN AMERICA, Part One. Also, NET Television begins a series of programs on philanthropy in Nebraska April 1st. Jeff Beckman and Penny Costello put out the call for story ideas and profile suggestions of people in the arts community who do major work in philanthropy or even those who make small, yet significant differences through their generosity in the arts that impact many Nebraskans. And, IT'S THE HOUSEWIVES! is the story of three young moms who get their humble start at the P.T.A. talent show, then go on to "clean up" as the most celebrated, yet unlikely girl group in rock 'n roll history. Tada Theatre brings this delightful musical by composer lyricist Hope Juber and her husband, Grammy winning guitarist for Paul McCartney's Wings, Laurence Juber to Lincoln March 24th through April 17th. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- Mar. 18, 2011

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:00:00 CDT

This week it's a double-header weekend of unique concerts for Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra, beginning with Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" on Saturday, March 19th at Kimball Recital Hall, and a 2 p.m. concert on Sunday, March 20th. Conductor Ed Polochick brings along a special guest for both concerts, trombonist Andy Strain, who breaks out the brushes to paint the Mussorgsky, Rossini's "William Tell Overture," and Sarasate's "Ziguenerweisen" on a giant virtual canvas, using light and infrared technology. And, Brent Spencer has a new novel out. He'll read from "Rattlesnake Daddy" for the Ames Reading Series at Bennett Martin Library in Lincoln, Sunday, March 20th. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and "All About Books."

Friday Live -- Mar. 11, 2011

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:30:00 CDT

This week, Tony Award-winning Broadway and film star Bernadette Peters makes her Lied Center debut on March 12th. Guest host Jerry Johnston chats with her opening act, Nathan Pacheco. The Nebraska State Historical Society's Chimney Rock Visitor Center continues its SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT THE ROCK speaker series. On March 13th Attack on Blue Water recounts General Harney's attack on Little Thunder's band of Brule to revenge the Grattan Massacre in Wyoming. Paving The Way: A History of Western Nebraska's Highway System is March 20th, and the series concludes on March 27th with The Story of the Transcontinental Telegraph. Join the Nebraska Brass for the fourth concert tour of the season, HOMEGROWN, featuring music from their upcoming CD that showcases Nebraska composers, some commissioned by the Nebraska Brass. Dean Haist and colleagues will take the show on the road in March to Kearney's Faith United Methodist on March 13th, St. Andrew's United Methodist in Omaha March 20th, March 26th at Christ Lutheran in Norfolk; and Lincoln's Westminster Presbyterian on March 27th. Also, TRIO NUOVO is the next ensemble for the Sheldon Friends of Chamber Music series at the Sheldon Museum of Art on March 13th. SFCM welcomes familiar faces in a different context to its Nebraska-themed season. Trio Nuovo is comprised of Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra concertmaster and principal cellist, Anton Miller and Karen Becker, and UNL Professor of Piano, Mark Clinton. And, director Melissa Lewis drops by Friday Live to preview INTO THE WOODS JR., courtesy of the YOUTH ACTORS ACADEMY OF LINCOLN, coming to the Lied Center's Carson Theatre, March 17th-20th. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- Mar. 4, 2011

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 CDT

This week, the ARTS FOR THE SOUL series continues at First Presbyterian in Lincoln with a cello & bass husband and wife duo, March 6th. Brian Pfoltner has a preview. SAL SABELLA has trod Broadway stages and national tours for "Phantom of the Opera," but this home-town boy from Gering returns March 12th for a Theatre West Benefit Concert at the Midwest Theatre in Scottsbluff. He tells us about it. The Norfolk Community Theatre wraps up its season with DEATHTRAP, which continues this weekend and next. Pam Saalfeld has a preview. Hastings College art professor KELLY MANNING shows new paintings at Modern Arts Midwest in Lincoln. WATERFORMS, a collection on photo-realist paintings opens at First Friday Gallery Walk March 4th. She'll tell us all about it. Also, Jerry Johnston has the story on UNK's NO LIMITS! University of Nebraska Regional Conference & The James E Smith Midwest Conference on World Affairs March 4-8, featuring Haitian-American Artist/Poet Lenelle Moïse, Coptic-Egyptian Poet and Professor Matthew Shenoda, and the UNK String Project. And, RAY CHEN is a 22-year-old violinist with a debut CD on Sony. An extended interview with him can be found on a Friday Live Podcast Extra at NetNebraska.org/radio, but we'll get a sneak peek on the program. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- Feb. 25, 2011

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:15:00 CDT

This week on the program, UNL's Center for Great Plains Studies' annual GREAT PLAINS SYMPOSIUM is March 4th. DIVERSE FACES, SHARED HISTORIES features national and state scholars and writers speaking on various aspects regarding the history, politics, and personal narratives on immigration at the Great Plains Art Museum in Lincoln. Two big shows pay the Lied Center this weekend: Jazz greats Branford Marsalis and Terence Blanchard team up for an evening gig on February 25th; then February 26th sees the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra play Bernstein, Barber, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Korngold's "Violin Concerto" with soloist Phillipe Quint. The UNL School of Music Opera Program opens ROMEO & JULIET by Gounod on February 25th & 27th at Kimball Recital Hall. Omaha's Orpheum Theater plays host to Opera Omaha's production of DON GIOVANNI by Mozart, also on February 25th & 27th. Also, IPHIGENIA 2.0 is an updated version of that classic Greek tragedy, opening February 24th at the UNL Carson School of Theatre & Film. And, FOUR SHILLINGS SHORT is a Celtic/Folk/World duo who's hitting Nebraska along I-80 starting March 2nd with stops in Gothenburg, North Platte, Kearney, Hastings, Lincoln, and Omaha. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- Feb. 18, 2011

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:15:00 CDT

This week, the SHELDON FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC continues its Nebraska-themed season with Lincoln native and cellist George Work, who returns with the AMES PIANO QUARTET, Friday, February 18th at the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. Cindy Boehler has put together a Nebraska version of the Grand Ole Opry. She drops by to invite everyone to the GREAT PLAINS OPRY at the Merryman Center in Kearney on Saturday, February 26th. The Angels Theatre Company, in collaboration with The Lincoln Community Playhouse, presents STRING OF PEARLS, a play about life, loss, love, and new beginnings, February 18th to the 27th. Also, the next Nebraska Jazz Orchestra concert at the Cornhusker Marriott Ballroom in Lincoln is called LIVE FROM NEW YORK. Featured woodwinds soloist Scott Robinson and director Ed Love preview the February 18th gig, which also showcases the 2011 Young Lions All Star Band. And, the program director for the Omaha Film Festival, Marc Longbrake, drops by to preview this year's line-up and events. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- Feb. 11, 2011

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:00:00 CDT

This week, MEDICI is the support group for the UNL Department of Art & Art History. Art Department chair Ed Forde and Medici member Patty Pansing Brooks preview the annual art show on February 26th, a fundraiser for the department. URINETOWN, the satirical comedy musical is a first for the NORTH PLATTE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE. Opening February 18th, it represents the first production by the company of a work created in the 21st century. UNL School of Music Professor of Digital Arts & Composition artist DAMON LEE presents his own work February 17 at The Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln. Tom Stoppard's comedy ROSENCRANTZ & GILDENSTERN ARE DEAD opens the new season of THE HAYMARKET THEATRE February 17th, but you can catch a preview on February 12th, during the theatre's re-opening gala! Also, February 11th is the deadline for amateur photographers to sign up for PHOTOGRAPH NEBRASKA SYMPOSIUM on February 25th & 26th at Lochland Country Club in Hastings, where they can learn more about their craft, network with other photographers and listen to advice from seasoned professionals. And, Oregon's Eugene Ballet Company presents ALICE IN WONDERLAND, February 18th at the Lied Center in Lincoln. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- Feb. 4, 2011

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:45:00 CDT

This week, Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra conductor Edward Polochick leads the ensemble in a program of CLASSICAL GIANTS on Friday, February 4th at Kimball Recital Hall. Dedicated to great classical era composers, the program opens with the overture to Mozart's "Don Giovanni," followed by Schubert's sparkling "Symphony No. 5," Haydn's "'Surprise' Symphony No. 94," and Beethoven's "Romance No. 2 for Violin & Orchestra," featuring concertmaster Anton Miller. Ed and Andrea Bolland, UNL Professor of Art History, who'll conduct a presentation to the LSO Orchestra Club about 'Classical' architecture, art and philosophy, drop by to give us a preview. Paul Johnsgard drops by to talk about his most recent book "Sandhill and Whooping Cranes." Also, the Tada Theatre in Lincoln premieres a new musical based on that classic TV sitcom, HAPPY DAYS, in collaboration with the Lied Center in Lincoln. And, The Durham Museum in Omaha hosts a unique exhibit on Abraham Lincoln. WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition offers rarely seen treasures from the Library of Congress collections. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- Jan. 28, 2011

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:45:00 CDT

This week, it's the final concert in the CHIARA STRING QUARTET'S Beethoven Cycle for the UNL Hixson-Lied Concert Series on Tuesday, February 1st at Kimball Recital Hall. The Quartet previews the two works on the program, the Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 18, No. 6, and the Mount Everest of the string chamber repertoire, the Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 130, with the infamous "Grosse Fuge" original finale. The annual fundraiser concert for Theatre West in Scottsbluff is Saturday, February 5th at Western Nebraska Community College. Managing Director Judy Chaluopka chats up BROADWAY IN THE BLUFFS, featuring local and collegiate Theatre West All-Stars singing Broadway show tunes and musical theatrical songs. Niho Kozuru is known for her New England-inspired spindles of brightly colored rubber sculptures. This Friday, January 28th, the Sheldon Museum of Art installs a newly commissioned work in the Great Hall, which is sure to create a conversation with the Sheldon's famous Noguchi piece "Song of the Bird." Also, it's a full weekend of events for ABENDMUSIK:LINCOLN, beginning with a community sing featuring legendary arranger Alice Parker on Friday, January 2th8 and the St. Olaf Choir concert on Saturday, January 29th, all in conjunction with the Abendmusik: Lincoln Midwinter Music Workshop and Children's Choir Festival. We chat with Ms. Parker, and St. Olaf's conductor Anton Armstrong, along with Abendmusik's Tom Trenney and Jeremy Bankson. And, Alisa Belflower has put together another fine program for the UNL School of Music's AMERICAN SONGBOOK Series, this semester's concert features the music of Frank Loesser. We'll have a preview. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- Jan. 21, 2011

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:30:00 CDT

This week, MUSIC FOR THE SENSES is the next program of the Third Chair Chamber Players, featuring the Midwest premiere of a new trio by Rusty Banks. Becky Van de Bogart previews the two-performances at the NET Studios in Lincoln on January 28th & 30th. The Museum of Nebraska History in Lincoln debuts its annual winter film series on January 23rd. JUST A PUNK KID FROM NEBRASKA features the films of Nebraska native, Robert Taylor, whose centennial is this year. Bunny Faling chats up Taylor's centennial and the series, which begins with "Magnificent Obsession." Also, guitarist Edgar Cruz is next up on the Kearney Concert Association 2010-11 concert season on January 22nd at The Merryman Center. Playing everything from Bach to the Beatles, Cruz says that audience participation, from "oles to yee-haws," are an important part of his show. And, Bill Stephan from the Lied Center in Lincoln previews violinist Joshua Bell, The Blues Brothers Tribute, and a very full second half of the season! Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- Jan. 14, 2011

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:00:00 CDT

This week, the Nebraska district of METROPOLITAN OPERA NATIONAL AUDITIONS hosts this annual competition at Nebraska Wesleyan on Saturday, January 15. Board member Jim Hewitt drops by to invite the public to this free event. Come by and try to spot the judge's favorites, and who might go on to international opera fame and glory! Also, A GREATER SPECTRUM: AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS OF NEBRASKA at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney is the first major exhibition devoted to 100 years of African American artists that had/have a relationship to Nebraska. Curator Teliza Rodriguez brings along two of the contemporary participants for chat, including: UNO Professor Peggy Jones, an artist who has done extensive research on Aaron Douglas; and, Omaha World Herald photographer Rudy Smith, who took many photos of the Civil Rights Movement in Omaha. And, on January 21st & 22nd The Haymarket Theatre in Lincoln presents a new dance/theatre piece by playwright Megan Lenihan and choreographer Daniel Kubert. THE LONELY BOOK tracks the universal journey down the path that leads toward inner-peace and solitude. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- Jan. 7, 2011

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:15:00 CDT

This week, it's the second semester OLLI OPEN HOUSE this Sunday, January 9th at the Champions Club in Lincoln. Leta Powell Drake drops by to chat up all the great classes courtesy of the Osher Lifelong Institute, and the open house's special program, THE MUSIC OF POETRY/THE POETRY OF MUSIC. Marjorie Maas, director of Nebraskans for the Arts, invites the entire state to send in their arts education success stories from adults and students, and puts out the call for nominations for the 2011 Art Student Spotlight awards, which features 12 middle school, high school, or college students who have made outstanding achievements in the visual and/or performing arts. WE THE PEOPLE: THE NEBRASKA VIEWPOINT opens at the Museum of Nebraska History on Saturday, January 8th. Former State Senator Ernie Chambers presents a public lecture at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18th. Nebraska State Historical Society's John Carter talks up the exhibit, which features legal cases and events in Nebraska's history that had an effect beyond our borders. Also, it's the Third Annual 12th NIGHT REVEL at St. David's Episcopal in Lincoln, Sunday, January 9th at 2 p.m. Lori MacAlister and Brent Shaw preview the festivities to benefit the St. David's Welsh Society of Nebraska. The theme this year: Masqueing and Mumming, with Gustav Holst's "Masters in This Hall" the featured theme song. And, The Lincoln Arts Council puts out the call for nominations for the annual Mayor's Arts Awards, coming June 8th. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- Dec. 17, 2010

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:00:00 CDT

This week, DAWN OF REDEEMING GRACE is the title for this year's Abendmusik :Lincoln Christmas concert on Sunday, December 19 at 4 p.m. We'll have a preview. The Norfolk Arts Center hosts the Northeast Nebraska Art Association's Holiday Art & Gift Sale through December, and tickets go on sale for the Center's annual fundraising event January 30th. We'll you tell you all about it. Also, Morrie Enders drops by to remind you that you got one more weekend to see ANNIE at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. And, The J.M. McDonald Planetarium in the Hastings Museum of Natural & Cultural Histories has a special season-specific show, SEASON OF LIGHT, which investigates the mystery behind the Star of Bethlehem, as well as looking at holiday traditions from cultures around the world and how these traditions have been incorporated into our modern celebrations. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar.

Friday Live -- Dec. 10, 2010

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:00:00 CDT

This week, the annual production of THE NUTCRACKER comes to the Lied Center in Lincoln on December 18th & 19th. We'll have a preview. The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra's annual holiday show CHRISTMAS & ALL THAT JAZZ comes to Lincoln's Cornhusker Marriott ballroom on Tuesday, December 14th. We'll get a sneak peek. Pat Leach and Vicki Wood from Lincoln City Libraries drop by to chat up books for the gift-giving season. Also, The Nebraska Repertory Theatre at UNL's Carson School of Theatre & Film gets into the seasonal spirit with a winter production of THE GIFT OF THE MAGI, December 9th - 12th. We'll take a look at it. And, Director Noelle Bohaty, previews the Youth Actors' Academy of Lincoln production of "13'" at Savannah Pines Theatre, December 9th-12th. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- Dec. 03, 2010

Mon, 06 Nov 2010 08:45:00 CDT

This week, Indigo Bridge Books manager Kate Janulewicz drops by to chat up some books just in time for the gift-giving season. The Lux Center continues its GIFTS FROM THE HEART exhibition. We'll have a preview. The Prairie Arts Center in Grand Island opens its annual holiday show called IN THE SPIRIT on Friday, December 3rd. We'll tell you what's in it. The Norfolk Community Theatre opens EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME), December 2nd. Pam Saalfeld chats up the two weekend run. Poet Marge Saiser has a new collection out, BESIDE YOU AT THE STOPLIGHT. Marge tells us all about it. Also, Photographer and author David Owen is a Connecticut Yankee who found himself captivated by the Sandhills and Ellsworth, Nebraska. His new book, LIKE NO OTHER PLACE: THE SANDHILLS OF NEBRASKA, features beautiful black & white photos along with Owen's essays about his experience with the landscape and people who befriended him. And, the UNL Symphony Orchestra's AMERICAN FESTIVAL concert at Kimball Hall on Thursday, December 9th features an all-American program, including a piece by conductor Tyler White. Tyler tells us more about the program and brings along UNL Professor of Piano Paul Barnes, who is the piano soloist in Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and Poetry of the Plains.

Friday Live -- Nov. 19, 2010

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:15:00 CDT

This week, Grand Island's LA CAMERATA MADRIGAL SINGERS celebrates their 25th anniversary. We'll take a look at this year's performance. A new ecumenical, faith-based visual and performing arts organization,The HILDEGARD CENTER FOR THE ARTS, welcomes actress/singer Linn Maxwell to Lincoln for her lively portrayal of the center's namesake, 12th century German abbess, mystic, and artist, Hildegard of Bingen. Hildegard Center director Kim Einspahr and board member Liz Shea-McCoy preview performances at the Lincoln Country Club on November 20th, and at St. Paul United Methodist Church on November 21st, and talk about the mission of the new center. The International Quilt Study Center & Museum in Lincoln opens the exhibit, MARSEILLES: WHITE CORDED QUILTING, a traditional form found only in France. Curator Carolyn Ducey drops by tell us more. Also, there's a world premiere at The Lofte Community Theatre in Manley on December 3rd. Director Kevin Colbert previews the debut of an original holiday script, CHRISTMAS AT LEON'S, running through December 19th. And, THE LISTENING ROOM in Hastings welcomes back DARRELL SCOTT for two shows the evening of December 3rd supporting his new CD "Crooked Road." Listening Room Director Robin Harrell has made it a homecoming celebration of sorts with Wine Styles' wine tasting and dinner at the Back Alley Bakery. The Graham Gallery's holiday showcase of local artists will also be open late, as will the new flower and gift shop downtown, A Perfect Gift. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.

Friday Live -- Nov. 12, 2010

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:15:00 CDT

This week, a preview of SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, Tada Theatre's holiday show, opening Nov. 11. The congregation of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church has invited the somewhat gospel group, the Sanders Family, to get the congregation's spirits moving! The Chiara String Quartet continues its COMPLETE BEETHOVEN STRING QUARTETS cycle, next Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Kimball Hall in Lincoln as part of the UNL School of Music Faculty Artist series. THE MISANTHROPE opens Nov. 18 at the UNL Carson School of Theatre & Film in Lincoln. Director Cristina Skinner drops by to preview this classic French Classical comedy by Moliere. Also, the UNL School of Music presents THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA by Adam Guettel, Nov. 12 and 14 at Kimball Hall. And, BARRAGE features an eclectic, high-energy mix of fiddle music, song and dance. Described as "Stomp meets Riverdance." BARRAGE plays Friday, Nov. 12 at The Lied Center in Lincoln. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar this week.

Friday Live -- Nov. 5, 2010

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:45:00 CDT

This week, the UNK Reynolds Writers Series continues its fall semester readings with this year's crop of Reynolds Scholars recipients next Thursday, November 11, then Natasha Trethewey November 18, both in Kearney. The Lincoln Community Playhouse presents the Family Theatre production of HOLES November 12-14 and 18-21. LCP Executive Director Morrie Enders previews this adaptation of Louis Sacher's award-winning book about Stanley Yelnats, who is mistakenly sent to a youth work camp where the warden insists on daily digging. Also, The Interdisciplinary Arts Symposium at UNL's Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts continues with French performance and visual artist ORLAN in residence at the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. IAS founder and director Rhonda Garelick and Sheldon Director Daniel Veneciano talk about her work, which blends biotechnology, fashion, film and design, and showcases the harlequin patchwork motif as a metaphor for ethnic diversity and multiculturalism. And, UNL music professors Mark Clinton, piano; Diane Barger, clarinet; Clark Potter, viola; and Jeffrey McCray, bassoon, perform a benefit concert Friday, November 12 at the Masonic Temple in Lincoln. The CHANGE FOR THE TROOPS concert proceeds go to phone cards for our troops stationed around the world. Those things, as well as a statewide arts calendar and All About Books.