Friday Live | NET Radio

Friday Live -- February 5, 2010

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:00:00 CST

Maestro Ed Polochick drops by to preview the February 6th concert with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC features Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," as well as Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3," Britten's evocative "Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings," and a special choreographed performance of Richard Strauss' "Suite for 13 Winds" by UNL Dance Professor Susan Levine. | The Community Players in Beatrice ready their production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, opening next Friday, February 12. Jamie Uhlmer and cast offer a preview. | Young organist Ahreum Han is the next guest on First Presbyterian's ARTS FOR THE SOUL series on February 7th. She and Brian Pfoltner preview the concert. | Opening February 11th at The Haymarket Theatre in Lincoln is a Bob Hall-directed production of that classic musical MAN OF LaMANCHA, starring Vince Learned as Don Quixote. | Also, The DARRYL WHITE GROUP has a standing gig every Thursday at Zen's Lounge in Lincoln. Zen general manager Andy Osterman and Darryl drop by to invite everyone over for a diverse playlist of R&B, jazz, funk, New Orleans, even gospel! | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 29, 2010

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:45:00 CST

This week, Morrill Hall's 6th Annual DINOSAURS AND DISASTERS DAY is Saturday, February 6. Museum Education Coordinator Kathy French, and Professor of Geosciences Mary Anne Holmes preview this fun-filled day of discovery and hands-on activities based on this year's theme: EXTINCTION. | The Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island opens its annual photography competition and show February 1st, with the awards reception on Friday, Feb. 5th. We'll get a preview. | Chiara String Quartet cellist Gregory Beaver premieres the "Fantasy for Cello and Piano" by composer Robert Sirota (father of Chiara violist Jonah Sirota), with pianist Soyeon Lee at Lincoln's St. Paul Methodist Church Friday, January 29. The concert also marks the premiere of the GREGORY BEAVER/SOYEON LEE DUO and includes cello and piano sonatas by Franck and Debussy. | UNL's Nicole Narboni performs music from her 2nd PIANO-IN-TOW Tour at UNL's Kimball Hall on Tuesday, February 2nd, before hitting the road to several Nebraska communities like Bridgeport, Morrill, Harrison, Crawford, Oshkosh, and Ogallala. | Also, the Lied Center has been taken over by the Second City Players comedy improv group. They drop by before they take the Lied stage. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 22, 2010

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:00 CST

This week, Dennis Kornbluh from StarCityBlog.com and Lincoln's community radio station KZUM manager Cathy Behrns drop by to talk about the April 18th KZUM benefit concert with King Sunny Adé and His African Beats, who bring their unique and infectious "juju music" to the Bourbon Theatre in Lincoln, thanks in part to the Berman Foundation. | The Historic Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff hosts the National Theater tour of a new musical comedy. CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES will cook up some good church humor and music on January 29th at 7:30 pm. | Alisa Belfower previews this year's CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN SONG concert, featuring Harold Arlen on January 25th at Kimball Hall at UNL in Lincoln. | Also, Kiechel Fine Art in Lincoln continues its THOMAS HART BENTON AND THE REGIONALIST MOVEMENT: 1930 TO TODAY through March 1st. Buck Kiechel drops by preview the show, which explores the movement's evolving growth with work from traditional and contemporary Regionalist artists including Thomas Hart Benton, John Steuart Curry, Terence Duren, Anthony Benton Gude, Hal Holoun, Keith Jacobshagen, Dale Nichols, and Grant Wood. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 15, 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:15:00 CST

This week, can you improve on a masterpiece? Nebraska Wesleyan University opens its spring theatre season with two productions, one a Shakespeare classic, the other its sequel. Shakespeare's TAMING OF THE SHREW will open January 21 and alternate with THE TAMER TAMED, a sequel to the original, featuring professional guest director Jason King Jones. SHREW director Parker Reed and TAMED director Jason King Jones drop by to tell us all about it. | Also, Nebraska State Historical Society archivist and Film Series coordinator Bunny Faling starts off her spring series of Road Trip Movies on January 17 with It HAPPENED ONE NIGHT at the Museum of Nebraska History in Lincoln. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 8, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:15:00 CST

This week, Larry Roots from Modern Arts Midwest drops by to preview FAVORITES FROM THE MAM COLLECTION, featuring works by gallery and guest artists opening this Friday for First Friday Gallery Walk in Lincoln. Suzanne Wise, Executive Director for the Nebraska Arts Council, drops by to announce that the NAC is now taking nominations for the Governor's Arts Awards (the deadline is January 15th). The second annual St. David's Welsh Society winter benefit brings to life the TWELFTH NIGHT REVELS on Sunday, January 10th from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. David's Episcopal Church in Lincoln. Lori MacAlister and friends will hold forth in honor of the year end festivities begun in the British Isles and France. Cris Rook has made quite a name for herself in Nebraska for her Liza Minnelli impersonation. She previews Tada Theatre's world premiere of ALMOST LIZA, opening next Thursday, January 15th for a two-weekend run. Also, Carlos Guerrero from the LUX Center for the Arts chats up the galleries and shops open for tonight's North Lincoln Art Crawl, featuring the Lux as well as Against the Wall Gallery, Heart of Gold Jewelers, Mo Java Cafe, and the lichen. And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's Poetry of the Plains.

Friday Live -- December 18, 2009

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:00:00 CST

This week, Clawfoot House in Lincoln hosts a diverse array of December shows from the Chiara String Quartet, to a puppet show, and NET Radio's own Jerry Johnston. Ember Schrag drops by to give you the scoop. | Lincoln City Libraries Library Director Pat Leach and Youth Services Supervisor Vicki Wood have pulled together another exciting list of GIVE THE GIFT OF BOOKS this year. They drop by to offer a few suggestion for book lovers of all ages. | Also, the annual Christmas concert of the Abendmusik Chorus & Plymouth Brass at First Plymouth in Lincoln is Sunday, December 20th at 4:00 p.m. Tom Trenney and Jeremy Bankson preview LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- December 11, 2009

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:45:00 CST

(Note: Due to technical difficulties, the audio quality of this edition of Friday Live is poor - again. Apologies, NET Radio & Podcast staff.) | This week, the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company celebrates its 25th Anniversary of producing that classic holiday favorite, THE NUTCRACKER. Artistic Director Shari True and a few of the dancers preview their two shows at the Lied Center December 19th & 20th. | The Chiara String Quartet kicks off the new the new Hixson-Lied Concert Series with the start of a complete Beethoven cycle on Sunday, December 13th at Kimball Recital Hall on the UNL campus. It's going to be a stunning show of artistry and simple stamina, as they will perform three string quartets in each of three concerts this season. This week they'll be featuring the: Op. 135; Op. 18, No. 4; and Op. 59, No. 1 quartets on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. | Also, you can celebrate the holidays with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra as it continues its series with its most popular concert of the year, CHRISTMAS & ALL THAT JAZZ, Tuesday, December 15th at Lincoln's Cornhusker Marriott. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- December 4, 2009

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:00:00 CST

(Note: Due to technical difficulties, the audio quality of this edition of Friday Live is poor. The Gebhardt interview, from 8:58 to 15:35, plays at our usual standard clarity, however. Apologies, NET Radio & Podcast staff.) | This week, Tada's ROCKIN' CHRISTMAS will paint Lincoln red & green this season at the Tada Theatre. | Kristin Gebhardt, ARTreach Coordinator for the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney, tells us about the holiday exhibition at MoNA, entitled CURRIER & IVES: WINTER WONDERLAND, a charming collection of Currier & Ives prints depicting winter scenes from simpler times. | UNL Carson School of Theatre & Film Chair Paul Steger dons his jingle bells for another round of SANTALAND DIARIES in Lincoln. It's a look at the season through the jaded eyes of author David Sedaris. | Becky Key drops by to preview The Angels Theatre Company production of GIRL GONE in Lincoln, opening Dec. 9th. | UNL Dance Professor Susan Levine previews all of this semester's hard work in a dance recital you can see this Friday. | Also, Julia Noyes reveals the holiday treats available at the Noyes Art Gallery starting Friday night for the First Friday Gallery Walk in Lincoln. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- November 20, 2009

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST

This week, Timm Hoff's 100-year-old floral and plant shop in Alliance, Hoffhaus Gardens, has sprouted a few new performance series, LIVE @ 1910, in 1910 [the secret coffeehouse] located in the Hoffhaus Gardens greenhouses. Timm chats up musician Sara Sample's show, coming November 21st. | Steven Patterson, Equity actor from New York City, drops by to preview KING LEAR at the UNL Carson School of Theatre & Film, starting November 19th. | Guitarist Petar Jankovic travels to Doane College in Crete for a recital November 23rd. Jankovic, Professor of Music and Coordinator for the Guitar Department at Indiana University - Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, gives us a preview. | Also, the Lux Center of the Arts' WINTERFEST First Friday opening on December 4 includes art demonstrations and hands-on projects such as holiday card making, hosted by the Lux Arts in the Community class at UNL. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- November 13, 2009

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST

Latin Grammy winner, pianist Pablo Ziegler headlines a special Friday Live from the Lied Center, performing with his quartet's bandoneon player, Hector del Curto. Also: the Norfolk Arts Center hosts Wendy Jane Bantam's oil paintings & ink illustrations / submissions to the New Yorker Magazine and granite sculptures by artist and Lutheran pastor, Adrian Hanft; First Presbyterian Church's "Arts for the Soul" performance series presents Celtic crossover flutist Rhonda Larson; "Reefer Madness, the Musical", opens at the Lincoln Community Playhouse; and the Lincoln Lutheran Choir's American music concert is in collaboration with the Lincoln Quilters Guild at St. John Lutheran Church in Beatrice, and Grace Lutheran Church in Lincoln.

Friday Live -- November 6, 2009

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:15:00 CST

This week, the UNL School of Music pays tribute to one of America's greatest composers, Ned Rorem, with a production of his opera, OUR TOWN, opening Thursday, November 12th at Kimball Hall in Lincoln. | The 2009 Nebraska Book Festival is Saturday, November 14th at the Nebraska State Historical Society's Museum of Nebraska History in Lincoln. NEBRASKA WRITERS: CULTIVATING CREATIVITY features a host of Nebraska writers reading their work, workshops for participants, and will highlight Nebraska poets Ted Kooser, Bill Kloefkorn, and Don Welch in a conversation about reading and writing poetry and sharing insights on how their intentional writing community has supported each other's work through the years. | The Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music present the Zodiac Trio, a young clarinet, violin, and piano ensemble, Sunday, November 8th at 3 p.m. in Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. | Sheridan Lutheran Church's annual dinner theatre musical in Lincoln opens November 12th for a two weekend run. It's a family affair with father/son combo Mark and Jordan Klasek playing a brother and Jordan is playing Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. They chat up another reason to attend; proceeds from the event will benefit the Lincoln Food Bank Backpack Program. | Also, artist Michael Burton's RUMPF opens at the Haydon Art Center with a reception for First Friday Gallery Walk in Lincoln, November 6th. Michael drops by Friday Live to talk about how his work creates a narrative based on time and process through his multi-layered paintings and videos. And, Haydon Director Lora Rocke chats up the center's prints by Michelle Murillo. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 30, 2009

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:15:00 CDT

This week, the Ross Media Arts Center starts off the VisionMaker Film Festival on October 30 for a week-long celebration of Native American and Indigenous-produced films from the Native American Public Telecommunications consortium, in residence at NET. Ross director Danny Ladely and NAPT director Shirley Sneve tell us all about the festival. Milt Lee, producer of VIDEO LETTERS FROM PRISON, tells us the story of three young Lakota girls from the Pine Ridge Reservation, as they form a tentative relationship with their incarcerated father through the exchange of video letters. | Also, Opera Omaha presents the children's opera BRUNDIBAR on November 7 at The Rose Theater. Composed in 1942 by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krasa with a libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister, it was originally performed by the children of Terezin concentration camp in occupied Czechoslovakia. A charming, cheeky tale of a bully getting his comeuppance, the opera rang out with hidden meaning and was a final act of defiance from its creators, cast, and audience, most of whom were murdered in the gas chambers of Auschwitz. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 23, 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:45:00 CDT

This week, Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra plays "The Planets" on Friday, October 23rd at Kimbal Hall. LSO also features UNL professor and principle bassoonist Jeffrey McCray. He'll preview the Bassoon Concerto by American composer Dan Welcher, who also joins us. | Grand Island's Central Community College hosts a Halloween special Oct 27th. William Stibor chats with Bill Sinnard about GHOST HUNTERS OF NEBRASKA MEET SPIRITS OF THE PAST, a fascinating round table discussion between the various Nebraska Ghost Hunters. | Executive directors for the Nebraska Arts and Humanities Councils, Suzanne Wise and Jane Renner Hood, drop by to chat up all the fine programs, projects, and events the NAC and NHC support, present, and collaborate with communities and organizations across the great state of Nebraska! Pam Snow, the executive director of the Nebraska Cultural Endowment also drops by. | Sheldon Museum of Art curator Sharon Kennedy previews DAN CHRISTENSEN: FORTY YEARS OF PAINTING, opening Friday, October 23rd. Dan was a Nebraska native associated with the Color Field movement, and abstract style that focuses on the use of color and paint in pictorial space. | Sharon also chats up the bounty at this year's ART FARM ANNUAL ART HARVEST October 24th to 25th near Marquette, where seven environmental artists serve up a unique recipe by manipulating the landscape into artistic installations. | Also, Bob Rook from Tada Productions brings over a few cast members from CHARLIE BROWN, open at the Tada Theatre in Lincoln on Thursday, October 29th. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 16, 2009

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:30:00 CDT

This week, NET Radio kicks off Fall Member Drive with an extended program in the NET Studios featuring Maestro Ed Polochick from Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. He'll preview LSO's Family Concert October 18th featuring the Madcap Puppets choreographing Stravinsky's FIREBIRD SUITE, and other concerts. Ed will tickle the ivories and LSO musicians will play some live music on the show until noon Central! | U.S. Poet Laureate emeritus and Pulitzer Prize-winner Ted Kooser returns for a few readings from his new memoir, LIGHTS ON A GROUND OF DARKNESS, just published by the University of Nebraska Press. | The Neihardt Center at the John G. Neihardt State Historical Site in Bancroft hosts UNO Professor of History & Native American Studies Dr. Michael Tate, Sunday, October 18th. Tate will discuss the relationships between immigrants and Indians along the overland trails, taken from his book INDIANS AND IMMIGRANTS: ENCOUNTERS ON THE OREGON TRAIL. | The Rastrelli Cello Quartet has signed up for the Lied Center's Arts Across Nebraska tour, starting off in Holdrege at The Tassel Center Oct. 20th, and continuing on to Scottsbluff's Historic Midwest Theater on October 21st, followed by a stop at Hastings College October 22nd, and concluding in Omaha at the Presbyterian Church of the Cross's Organ Vesper Series. Billy J. Estes and Rastrelli friend and colleague Ann Chang from the Lied Center chat up this tour. | The Ross Media Arts Center welcomes Academy Award winning producer Donna Dewey back to Lincoln. This Nebraska native and UNL alum previews SKILLS LIKE US, directed by Monty Miranda. | Also, KING O' THE MOON opens Friday, October 16th at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. Director Judy Hart and a few cast members drop by for a preview. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 9, 2009

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

The Barbershop Harmony Society Convention and Competition is at the Lied Center… One of the groups features Stibor's 2nd cousin, Pete Stibor, who brings his quartet, Now and Then, down to The Mill for some close harmony Friday Live… Something's Afoot opens the 2009 Community Players in Beatrice season… Ted Kooser previews his reading from his new memoir, Lights on a Ground of Darkness, at Lee Booksellers… The Lincoln Civic Choir celebrates its 30th Anniversary Season, beginning with a concert tribute to the Nebraska State Fair at Nebraska Wesleyan with historians Ed Zimmer and Jim McKee… Fortepiano specialist Malcolm Bilson drops by before his concert at Kimball Hall, courtesy of the Lied Center for Performing Arts… All that plus our statewide arts calendar and poetry of the Plains with Nebraska State Poet, William Kloefkorn.

Friday Live -- October 2, 2009

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:00:00 CDT

This week, the first few weeks of October is full of all things Barbershop, with the documentary AMERICAN HARMONY opening at the Ross Media Arts Center on Friday, October 2nd, and the Barbershop Harmony Society Central States Convention and Competition come to the Lied Center in Lincoln October 9th & 10th, while international barbershop champions Crossroads are in concert on the Abendmusik: Lincoln series on Sunday, October 11th. | Danny Ladely has also invited screenwriter Barry Sandler, Professor at the University of Central Florida, and best known for his screenplays for MAKING LOVE and CRIMES OF PASSION, for showings of those films at the Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln October 1st & 2nd. | Lincoln's historic Wyuka Cemetery celebrates its 140th Anniversary, Sunday, October 4th. Wyuka Historical Foundation Executive Director Lori Merliss previews the festivities, and brings along historian Ed Zimmer, whose walking tour is always a hit and greatly expanded for the anniversay this year. | Troika Ranch is in residence at the Lied Center in Lincoln. They drop by Friday Live to preview the upcoming shows. | Tapestry Dance Company's THE SOULS OF OUR FEET - A CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN TAP DANCE comes to the Johnny Carson Theatre, courtesy of the Norfolk Arts Center, Saturday, October 3rd. | The Norfolk Community Theatre's season-opener, EVERYBODY LOVES OPAL, is coming up the first two weekends in October. Pam Saalfeld tells us more. | Also, artist Enrique Martinez Celaya, the UNL Presdiential Scholar, is back in Nebraska this week. He'll preview his talk on THE PROPHET at the Joslyn Museum of Art on Friday, Oct 2nd. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 25, 2009

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Lincoln Arts Council's annual Lincoln Arts Festival gets underway at Southpointe Shopping Mall. LAC Executive Director Deb Webber and the festival's emerging artist drop by for a preview. | Tapestry Dance Company's THE SOULS OF OUR FEET - A CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN TAP DANCE comes to the Johnny Carson Theatre, courtesy of the Norfolk Arts Center, Saturday, October 3. | TIE, The International Experimental Cinema Exposition brings a host of groundbreaking films to the Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln September 24 & 25. Ross director Danny Ladely brings along TIE founder and curator Christopher May to chat up the exhibition. | Also, the season of the Lincoln Association for Traditional Arts (LAFTA) is underway and heading onward with a house concert Friday, September 25 featuring Cosy Sheridan. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 18, 2009

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:30:00 CDT

This week, the new Minister of Music and organist at First Plymouth Church in Lincoln, Tom Trenney, inaugurates the 2009-10 season of the Abendmusik:Lincoln performance series, of which he is also the new Artistic Director, Sunday, Sept. 20th. | Maestro Ed Polochick and Concertmaster Anton Miller preview the Friday, Sept. 18th concert of Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra at Kimball Hall, featuring Brahms' "1st Symphony" and his one and only "Violin Concerto." | Musician Ember Schrag has put together a performance and reading series at her residence, Clawfoot House in Lincoln. Ember previews a few upcoming events, including a Monday, Sept. 21st reading by author Stephen Elliott. | Also, Clark Potter previews the Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music season, beginning with the Borealis String Quartet on Sunday, Sept. 27th at the Sheldon Museum of Art. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 11, 2009

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:15:00 CDT

This week the Tada Theatre season gets underway with SUDS, a fun musical revue of the 1960s, opening September 17th at the Tada Theatre in Lincoln's historic Haymarket District. | The One Book One Lincoln reading project has named its selection for this year, PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks. Scott Clark and Sean Story drop by to chat up not only the regular series of public discussions on the book, but also its Facebook page and YouTube channel for online lovers of reading. | Opera Omaha kickoffs the 2009-10 season with NIGHT FOR AMERICAN SONG – A SALUTE TO SERVICE on September 12th at the Holland Performing Arts Center featuring acclaimed Broadway artist and CBS's Guiding Light star Ron Raines. Opera Omaha General Director John Wehrle brings along accompanist and Broadway legend Don Pippin, who was music director of Radio City Music Hall and for Jerry Herman, as well as one of the originators of A CHORUS LINE. | Journalist Stew Magnuson reads and discusses his award-winning nonfiction book, THE DEATH OF RAYMOND YELLOW THUNDER: AND OTHER TRUE STORIES FROM THE NEBRASKA-PINE RIDGE BORDER TOWNS in Valentine and McCook next week. Friday Live presents an encore broadcast of Fred Knapp's 2008 feature on the book. | Also, UNL Professor of Trumpet Darryl White has brought in a few of his New York friends for a concert to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Melvin Jones Foundation Awards, which is in honor of former UNL Vice Chancellor Melvin W. Jones. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 4, 2009

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CDT

The Flatwater Shakespeare Company continues its season at the Swan Theatre at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln with Julius Caesar. | This year the Third Chair Chamber Players are in residence at the NET studios in Lincoln. | Another lineup of entertaining and provocative guests for this year's UNK Reynolds series starts next Wednesday with Anne Waldman, friend and colleague of Alan Ginsberg. | NET Television and Homestead National Monument near Beatrice are partnering to present the Traditions Festival at the monument next Sunday with local musicians and a sneak peak at the new Ken Burns PBS series on the National Parks. | And Lincoln's Lux Center for the Arts previews its September show, an annual art auction. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 28, 2009

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:00:00 CDT

The Osher Lifelong Learning institute - OLLI to its friends - has its open house on September 1st at the Champions Club across the street from Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Leta Powell Drake previews all the great classes, workshops, and presentations for those committed to growing and learning at any age. | Daniel Gilbert from the Carson School of Theatre and Film at UNL is collaborating with the Lincoln Community Playhouse on the production of a new play by wife Sara Gilbert. Daniel and LCP's Laurie Lessman drop by to drum up interest in auditions for THE SURFACE OF THE SUN, September 2nd at LCP. | Also, Tom Trenney is the new Minister of Music and organist at First Plymouth Church in Lincoln, where he is also the new artistic director of the Abendmusik:Lincoln performance series. Trenney and associate director Jeremy Bankson preview the season, which Trenney inaugurates with an organ concert September 18th, and concludes with the return of Chanticleer. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 21, 2009

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:15:00 CDT

This week, the Sheldon Museum of Art's annual touring exhibition STATEWIDE hits the road, opening August 25th at Chadron State College. Curator Susan Soriente and Sharon Kennedy preview this year's show, DIVINE ABSTRACTIONS: SPIRITUAL EXPRESSIONS IN ART, which then travels to North Platte, McCook, York, Seward, Nebraska City, Falls City, and Scottsbluff. Ed Rumbuagh also drops by the chat up his curated show, ALTERED LAND, PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE 1970S, back in the Sheldon in Lincoln. | Also, the Lincoln Community Playhouse opens the second show in Disney's smash hit series HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL on Friday, August 21. Director Noel Bohaty and Michael Corner, who plays Troy Bolton, drop by to tell us all about it. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 14, 2009

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:15:00 CDT

This week, KOOL-AID DAYS takes over Hastings this weekend with three stages of entertainment, including: Billy McGuigan's Beatles tribute, YESTERDAY AND TODAY at Brickyard Park; a capella group No Better Cause from Lincoln on the downtown mainstage; and MiShMaSh Productions' ALICE IN WONDERLAND on the new second stage in downtown Hastings. Randy Kottwitz previews the festivities. | The mental health and substance use assistance resource, Centerpointe, has expanded its ARTISTS ON THE EDGE exhibtion to a month-long August festival of visual art with its Open Studio project and literature with its Writers Wordshop, and spans several Lincoln art galleries: Gallery at Grand Manse; Noyes Gallery; Gallery 9; the Tugboat Gallery; Modern Arts Midwest; and the Burkholder Project. The Gallery at Grand Manse hosts a reunion of poets reading some results of their creative work, where Centerpointe's 7th issue of WRITERS ON THE EDGE will be available as well. | Bill Stephan from the Lied Center for Performing Arts drops by to chat up the upcoming 20th Anniversay Season that features an all-star line-up, with individual tickets going on sale August 17. | Also, the Nebraska Humanities Council-sponsored Smithsonian traveling exhibit NEW HARMONIES: CELEBRATING AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC is up at Kearney's Trails & Rails Museum. In conjunction with the show area musicians will play a free concert. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 7, 2009

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:15:00 CDT

This week, Todd Murray is the next cabaret star in the Brownville Concert Series with his show STARDUST & SWING on August 7 & 8 at 7:30 p.m., and August 9 at 2:00 p.m. Todd previews the program with a free show August 6 at Whiskey Run Creek Winery in Brownville. | The Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art is located in David City, the home town of nationally recognized artist Dale Nichols. Amanda Mobley and Brian Zimmer drop by to chat up the museum as well as it's summer exhibitions and a special afternoon event on Sunday, August 9. AGRARIANISM EXPRESSED IN ART AND POETRY features poets Ted Kooser, Twyla Hansen, and Leo Kovar who will read some of their poetry and speak about their impressions of agrarianism with the museum curators. | The Angels Theatre Company has struck on a great idea, bringing TRUE WEST to Barry's Outback in Lincoln. Judy Hart previews the August 12 opening. | Also, First Friday Gallery Walk gets underway tonight at the Lincoln area art galleries. Lora Rocke drops by Friday Live to preview the Haydon Art Center exhibitions featuring Edward V. Kelley newspaper scupltures and Todd Peterson's prints of children, dancers, and ballplayers. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- July 17, 2009

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:45:00 CDT

This week, the musicians from the Meadowlark Music Festival have been busy in Nebraska with concerts in North Platte, Grand Island, and Blair. This weekend they wrap up in and around Lincoln and drop by for a preview of their concerts. | Plus, the Native American Public Television has another installment of their Native American Radio Theatre series. Musican and participant Arigon Starr tells us all about it. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- July 10, 2009

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:30:00 CDT

This week, the Crooked Codpiece Company revives their production of SODA POP, a lip-sync musical by Nebraska native Jim Hanna, which spoofs life in the 1950s. Patrick Lambrecht and Tom Crew preview all the fizzy fun, opening July 23rd at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. | Pianist Ryan Wells has a new CD out. COLORS OF EXPRESSION includes some very sensual SONGS AND DANCES by Federico Mompou and a brand new work by Richard Faith titled GARDENS BY THE SEA. | Director and actor Andrew Leibel hails from Superior, Nebraska, but has found a new home at the New York-based Paper Plane Theatre Company. But he's happy to be back in Nebraska for a summer residency at the Red Cloud Opera House where he and the company will be performing 22 works in July, headlined by Julia Locascio's production of Sarah Ruhl's EURYDICE. | A preview of the One Book One Lincoln finalists. | A look at this year's Meadowlark Music Festival. | Also, Nebraska native Michael Tushaus grew up in Hastings, Nebraska, and now makes his home in Las Vegas, working for Cirque du Soleil. But this theatre and film designer also has a new production company with a new short in an online competition. WHATERVER IT TAKES is a narrative drama on the plight of the homeless. We chat with Tushaus and several Nebraska actors in the production. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- July 3, 2009

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:30:00 CDT

This week, it's a shortened program due to the 4th of July holiday, but it'll still spark your interest as Barbara Zach, Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra Executive Director, drops by to talk about the UNCLE SAM JAM concert on Friday, July 3rd at Oak Lake Park. Maestro Ed Polochik will be picking the music for this morning's show as well. | Also, we'll preview the NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE July shows. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 26, 2009

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 CDT

Note: Due to technical difficulties, portions of the show, such as the Statewide Arts Calendar, are not available. The included audio is of poor quality until timecode 20:03; after that the show's quality becomes normal. | This week, Lincoln's Tada Theatre has quite a feather in its cap... the Nebraska premiere of the Tony award-winning Broadway show, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, opening Thursday, July 9. | Celebrate the Fourth with Dynamite Duo and The Sparklers on Friday, July 3 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 4 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Norfolk. Carla Post previews all the festvities, featuring patriotic, Broadway, gospel, and golden oldies music performed by local musicians on pipe organ, grand piano, band, strings, accordion, and vocal. There'll be sing-along numbers, dance and flag exhibitions, costumed characters, and dramatic readings for young and old. | Omaha resident Jun Kaneko is internationally recognized for his large ceramic dangos (the Japanese word for dumpling) but few people know that he was first a painter. This summer the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln presents a two-part exhibition that explores the relationship between Kaneko's painting and sculpture. Sheldon Director Daniel Veneciano chat's up Kaneko's mammoth ceramic pieces, new large-scale paintings, works on paper, and glasswork for PLAY'S THE THING: THE PAINTINGS AND OBJECTS OF JUN KANEKO, with a reception this Friday, June 26. | Also, poet Anthony Hawley has been branching out into visual art the past few years. He drops by talk about his new project called 100 WORK, comprised of a projected 100 small works, each with a unique buyer but related to one another by the idea of making a kind of "community" artwork. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 19, 2009

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:00:00 CDT

This week, Friday Live hits the road, traveling to the BLUE MOON COFFEE COMPANY in Hastings to celebrate the COTTONWOOD FESTIVAL, which gets started Friday night, June 19th with NET-sponsored jazz concert featuring Bill Wimmer Project Omaha. | Donna Hastings and Dan Peters serve double duty, chatting up all the great acts for the festival like the Charlie Daniels Band, as well as the upcoming HASTINGS COMMUNITY THEATRE production of WIZARD OF OZ, while Rich Lloyd previews the new LEED-certified "green" Morrison-Reeves Science Center at HASTINGS COLLEGE. Robin Harrell from THE LISTENING ROOM drops by, bringing a few musicians from the FLATWATER FOLK FESTIVAL coming next week, featuring a songwriting workshop with DARRELL SCOTT. Dan Glomski chats up the newly renovated J.M. McDONALD PLANETARIUM at the HASTINGS MUSEUM OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY. | We'll have live music from the COTTONWOOD FESTIVAL'S Got Talent contest and the FLATWATER FOLK FESTIVAL musicians, as well as a sneak listen to the Hastings Community Theatre's WIZARD OF OZ. | Also, host William Stibor chats with Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden about her recent Tony Award and her new movie, HOME, which is a real family affair. Acting with real-life daughter Eulala Scheel, Harden portrays a poet in personal crisis. Harden previews the opening at the Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln Friday, June 19th. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 12, 2009

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:00:00 CDT

This week, the Nebraska Humanities Council's summer touring Chautauqua program gets underway Thursday, June 17 in Broken Bow with BRIGHT DREAMS, HARD TIMES: AMERICA IN THE THIRTIES, which continues through the 21st before moving to Plattsmouth June 24-28. Scholars will portray five historical characters who helped shape America's response to the Great Depression. The characters are humorist Will Rogers, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Louisiana governor and U.S. Sen. Huey Long, evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, and Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neale Hurston. Executive Director Jane Renner Hood previews this especially resonant program for the current situation in the U.S. | The annual GREAT AMERICAN COMEDY FESTIVAL at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk gets underway Wednesday, June 17th with 24 comics in performance and competition, with special judge and comedian great David Brenner. The festival will also honor comedy legend Bill Dana at the festival ending gala. | Cheril Lee tells us about the upcoming Omaha Performing Arts season. | The Sheldon Museum of Art hosts a unique show of nearly 40 works by American master, James Whistler. Curator Sharon Kennedey its the first time they've been on view at one time. | Also, Grand Island Little Theatre readies its production of OKLAHOMA!, opening next Tuesday, June 16 for a five-night run. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 5, 2009

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:00:00 CDT

This week, a preview of the Third Chair Chamber Players summer season which gets underway next Thursday, June 11th at Lincoln's Welfare Hall for a resurrection of TCCP's PDQ Bach concert, who's music refuses to die, no matter how many times we try to bury it! Becky Van de Bogart tells us about the fun and frivolity, as well as TCCP's Concerts on the Creek summer series in Cambridge on June 13 and August 1. | The TADA Theatre in Lincoln is offering a June full of great shows on the SHOWCASE IN JUNE series, including: the first Wine and Broadway - Lincoln; the musical trio Baby Needs Shoes; two nights of stand-up comedy with comic/magician Gayle Becwar; plus the first Stand-up comedy workshop on June 20. | Quentin and Mary Murrell Faulkner are the last recitalists for Lincoln's American Guild of Organists' International Year of the Organ celebration. They drop by Friday Live to preview their June 7th concert at St. Mark's on the Campus. | Bill Wimmer and Project Omaha are on tap for this month's Jazz in June performance series in the Sheldon Musuem of Art sculpture garden on June 23. The series starts this Tuesday, June 2nd with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, continues with ZARO and Andrew Vogt unleashing high-energy progressive jazz and funk on June 9th, the free-spirited vocals of the Kendra Shank Quartet on June 16th, and concludes with the John Riley Trio from New York City June 30. Wimmer offers a preview. | Also, the Bright Lights summer program in Lincoln still has a few openings for kids to partake in the June sessions, like Cooking American & Japanese Cuisine, Digital Photography: Take Your Best Shot!, Games for the Brain, Robotics Exploration, Dissecting Sharks -- Tooth to Tail, Inside & Out, Water Rockets to Infinity & Beyond, and Woodworking Exploration. Barb Hoppe offers some enticing tidbits of information this Friday Live. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 29, 2009

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:00:00 CDT

This week, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR opens the summer season of the Flatwater Shakespeare Company in the Swan Theatre at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, June 4-21. We'll have a preview. | Barneston's 125th Anniversary Celebration is Sat. May 30. Friday Live previews the festivities sponsored by the BARNESTON OTOE-MISSOURIA RESERVATION HERITAGE PROJECT. Lori McAlister brings along Lewis St. Cyr of the Many Moccasins Dance Troupe from Macy, NE, and First Nations member from Canada, singer Buffy Handel. | Mishmash productions is presenting an all children's version of ALICE IN WONDERLAND, Sat. June 6 and Sat. June 13 at Chautauqua park in Hastings. Margaret Marsh chats up the cast of 21 kids ranging in ages from 7-14. | Nebraska Wesleyan presents PRINCESS DIANA, THE MUSICAL June 4-7 in Lincoln and June 11-14 in Omaha. The musical was written by Omaha native Karen Sokolof Javitch. Karen and Ashlyn Eggebrecht, who plays the role of Diana, join us for Friday Live. | Classical marimbist and composer Pius Cheung is the next guest on the BROWNVILLE CONCERT SERIES, performing Sunday, May 31 at 2:00, followed by a free Master Class for area students. He'll offer a preview. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 22, 2009

Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:00 CDT

This week, the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film has just wrapped up principal photography on its first film in the Carson School Film Series, VIPERS IN THE GRASS, by Jorge Zamacona. This project brings together film professionals and over 120 students from the UNL Hixon-Lied College of Fine & Performing Arts and the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, with over 25 faculty and staff members involved from the Carson School, the School of Music, the Department of Art and Art History and NET. Friday Live chats with Carson School Director and producer, Paul Steger, and other collaborators. | Scottsbluff kicked of its CATCH THE BEAT Summer Concert Series this month. Drop by after work at 5:00pm (Mountain) every first Thursday through August between 17th & 18th Streets on Broadway. We'll tell you more about it. | Patricia Crews and Marin Hansen from the International Quilt Study Center & Museum in Lincoln have edited a new book, AMERICAN QUILTS IN THE MODERN AGE 1870-1940. They'll give a preview of the book. | Classical marimbist and composer Pius Cheung is the next guest on the BROWNVILLE CONCERT SERIES, performing Sunday, May 31 at 2:00, followed by a free master class for area students. We'll give you a sneak peek. | The Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney begins its SOUNDS OF SUMMER Concert Series on Thursday, May 28, with Thalken, Tesdall and Thalken featuring showtunes and Broadway favorites. On Thursday, June 18 enjoy acoustic groove and classic blues with the OK Sisters. Sounds of Summer closes Thursday, July 16 with the Lightning Bugs playing music from the '40s. We'll tell you all about it. | Also, the Lofte Theatre near Manley, Nebraska gets its summer season underway May 29th with OVER THE TAVERN. Artistic Director, Kevin Colbert drops by Friday Live. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 15, 2009

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:00:00 CDT

This week, Danny Ladley drops by to chat up the wealth of summer movies you won't see anywhere but at the ROSS MEDIA ARTS CENTER, where actor and author Harley Jane Kozak is back in her home town of Lincoln for a special screening of Arachnophobia on Saturday, May 16. | Theatre West in Scottsbluff gets underway with its 2009 summer rep season, opening with ALTAR BOYZ May 27, and continuing with OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS in June, and SOUTH PACIFIC in July. | The National Homestead Monument of America near Beatrice hosts its annual MONUMENTAL FIDDLING CHAMPIONSHIP next Saturday, May 23. It's an all-day affair of fun, food, and fiddling says Ranger Susan Cook. | The Lincoln Civic Chorus presents its Spring Concert on Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist. Conductor William Wyman previews MASTERS OF THEIR TIME, featuring two choral masterpieces, Morten Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna" and Felix Mendelssohn's "Psalm 42." The LCC welcome guest groups the Court Choir from Lincoln Southeast High School and members of Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. | Also, the Haydon Art Center in Lincoln is holding its 2nd Annual DRAWING THE LINE Benefit on May 29, showcasing the works of 100 artists and local celebrities. Haydon director Lora Rocke and artist Wendy Jane Bantam drop by to talk about DRAWING BLITZ's preview on Saturday, May 16, where Wendy and fellow artists will be stationed at Lincoln libraries, as well as the Pioneers Park Nature Center, and the Sheldon Museum of Art. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 8, 2009

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra wraps up its season with SMOOTH ROMANCE at Kimball Hall, Saturday May 8th. Featuring principal tombonist Jay Wise in Tomasi's jazz-infused "Trombone Concerto," as well as Rachmaninoff's "Symphony No. 2" with its lush romanticism and grand sweeping gestures. Jay, Maestro Edward Polochik, and LSO Executive Director Barbara Zach drop by with the details. | Omaha's Metropolitan Community College has selected 56 plays from 17 states and Canada for the 2009 Great Plains Theatre Conference. Those playwrights who take advantage of this prestigious selection will experience a valuable opportunity to meet and interact with peers from around the country during the week-long conference in Omaha. Kevin Lawler and Scott Working talk about the conference. | Also, Kat Cover directs the biographical musical about Tammy Wynette, STAND BY YOUR MAN, opening at the Lincoln Community Playhouse Friday, May 15th. She'll tell us more. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 1, 2009

Fri, 01 May 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS in Lincoln honors us with a first look at the 20th anniversary season. Ann Chang drops by to preview a diverse program of stars and new discoveries. | The Yorkshire Playhouse in York opens its next show, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, on Thursday, April 30. We catch up on all the spooky fun with John Baker. | I DON'T WANT TO GROW OLD AND BITTER ALONE; I WANT TO GROW OLD AND BITTER WITH YOU is the May exhibition at the Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln. Artists Sandra Williams and Gerit Grimm curated this multi-media exhibition that takes a closer look at our intimate relationships. | UNK Professor of Voice and Musical Theatre Anne Foradori has a few seniors ready to break out in UNK's annual MUSICAL THEATRE SHOWCASE, May 2 in Kearney and May 3 in Omaha. She'll offer us a preview. | Also, Josh Norris directs the Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir in Corigliano's Fern Hill and Monteverdi's Beatus Vir on Sunday, May 3, at O'Donnell Auditorium in Lincoln. He'll tell us all about it. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- April 24, 2009

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Peter Eklund previews the April 25th performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio, ELIJAH, featuring all the choirs of the UNL School of Music at the Lied Center and bass-baritone Charles 'Chip' Smith in the title role. | The Northeast Players, Northeast Community College's drama students, present Michael Frayn's NOISES OFF, April 23 - 26. Director Pam Saalfeld chats up this ever-popular and hilarious comedy. | The Center for Great Plains Studies's 11th volume of PLAINS SONG REVIEW is out. Editor Katie Sisneros says there are lots of good poems, short stories ,and photos. Plus, we'll hear from the center's artist-in-residence this year, sculptor Gail Sundell. | Soprano Karen Beardsley Peters is the next guest for Lincoln's 1st Presbyterian's concert series, Arts for the Soul. Her program, AN EVENING OF AMERICAN ART SONGS & BROADWAY FAVORITES showcases the varied talents of this veteran of opera stages and concert halls around the world. She will be joined by Richard Pearson Thomas, piano, and her husband Maitland Peters. | Also, Dr. Christine Beard and the Heartland Community Flute Choir come to Grand Island. We'll get a preview. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- April 17, 2009

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Judy Hart of the Angels Theatre Company is making a a stage adaptation of Mary Pipher's book, REVIVING OPHELIA. Judy and Mary drop by Friday Live to preview the April 23rd opening at The Loft at The Mill in Lincoln. | A Novel Idea bookstore owner Cinnamon Dokken and Nebraska Writers Collective Director Ryan Tewell preview this year's WINE, WRITERS, AND SONG FESTIVAL in Brownville April 24th-26th. | The BLACKS IN FILM FESTIVAL returns to the Ross Media Arts Center this weekend. We'll get a sneak peek. | Hot on the heels of Steel Magnolias, director Paul Peason is back with something with a little more camp...and a little more skin. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW opens April 17th at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. | Opera composer John Musto is in residence this week at the UNL School of Music as the first Ariel Bybee Visiting Professor of Opera. John drops by Friday Live to preview his one-act opera inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, LATER THE SAME EVENING, at UNL's Sheldon Museum Auditorium, Tuesday, April 28th. | Also, Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg continues her successful musical partnerhsip with guitarists, the Assad Brothers. They play Omaha's Holland Center on Saturday, April 18th. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- April 10, 2009

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Third Chair Chamber Players wraps up its winter season at Lincoln's Loft at The Mill April 17th and 19th. Becky Van de Bogart previews TCCP's most adventurous program of the year with Bartok, Thea Musgrave, Chrisitan Ellenwood, and Tristan Fuentes. | Opera Omaha readies its next production, that classic tale of living through art and love, LA BOHEME. | April 23-26 the Nebraska Association of Community Theatres (NACT) hosts the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) regional festival in Minden. With winning shows from seven states, Nebraska is well-represented by the Community Players of Beatrice and the Sheridan County Players. Festival Chair Jamie Ulmer, from Beatrice, and Sue DeCamp from St. Paul preview the four-day extravaganza. Jamie is also adding to his insanity by opening the next Community Players show, ART OF MURDER, the week before on April 17. | Nebraska musician Chris Saub swims in many streams of music, from pop and jazz to his current stint as acoustic guitarist & singer-songwriter. He plays Lincoln's new music venue, red9 next Thursday, April 16th. | Also, the Ying String Quartet returns to the Sheldon Museum of Art to wrap up the Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music season, Saturday, April 18th. William Stibor chats with violist Phil Ying. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- April 3, 2009

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, a look at the annual WILLA CATHER SPRING CONFERENCE in Red Cloud April 24 & 25. Cather Foundation Executive Director Cindy Bruneteau and board member Chuck Peek say that you should get your registration in by the 16th. | THE LONDON CUCKOLDS opens April 9 at the UNL Carson School of Theatre & Film. We'll get a preview from guest director Gil Lazier. | The Flatwater Shakespeare Company continues its collaboration with The Haymarket Theatre in Lincoln's historic district of the same name, presenting Oscar Wilde's most famous play, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, April 16 through May 2. We'll get a sneak peek. | On Saturday, April 4th the Norfolk Arts Center hosts FROM BACH TO BERNSTEIN, A Beginner's Guide through the History of Music with Denise Bender, Orchestra Director for Norfolk Public Schools, in anticipation of the Omaha Symphony's LinkUP! education workshop and concerts April 28th at the Norfolk Arts Center and the Johnny Carson Theatre. | The arts advocacy group, Nebraskans for the Arts, has begun a new honors program for the state's High School students. Each month the NFTA's SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENTS selects a student who is outstanding in a particular artistic medium. Friday Live chats up committee member Angela Fischer, as well as Benson High teacher Astra Patterson who selected April's honoree, Jeny Orona. The May student recipient will come from the Scottsbluff-Gering area. | Also, daring dance theatre troupe Diavolo collaborates with Nebraska dancers, gymnasts, actors, athletes, stunt performers, sculptors, designers, and composers to shape a surreal and witty commentary on the ironic and humorous patterns, as well as the darker consequences, of human behavior. Co-commissioned by the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, the fruits of everyone's hard work hits the Lied stage next Friday, April 10. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- March 27, 2009

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Becky Thomas from the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center in Alliance talks about this year's Smithsonian Institute touring exhibition, NEW HARMONIES: CELEBRATING AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC. | Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra is adding a few rows to its next concert... rows of pipes that is. LSO travels to First Plymouth Church to feature the Lied Organ for PEDALS AND PIPES with two performance nights, next Thursday and Friday (April 2 & 3). | The UNL Jazz Ensembles play the music of Eric Richards Fri. April 3rd at Kimball Recital Hall. Eric chats up this great oppirtunity to hear new jazz works, and to hear guest soloists Christine Hitt, piano/vocals; and Paul Haar, tenor saxophone. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- March 20, 2009

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, a preview of CANNIBAL: THE MUSICAL, which opens next Thursday, March 26 at Lincoln's Loft at The Mill. Director Shawn Carlson drops by for a look at all the gruesome fun! | The University of Nebraska at Kearney Reynolds Series presents, HONORING THE SANDHILL CRANE MIGRATION LITERARY RETREAT AND FESTIVAL II. Reynolds Chair Allison Hedge Coke tells us all about the events happening at UNK, the Museum of Nebraska Art, and Rowe Sanctuary while the Cranes are resting up in Nebraska before continuing on their ancient journey. | Union College's drama department presents a unique production of Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST, March 26-29 and April 4 at Union College Woods Auditorium in Lincoln. We'll get a sneak peek. | The 2009 Center for Great Plains Studies symposium commemorates the bicentennial of Charles Darwin's death and the 150th anniversary of the publication of ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES with CELEBRATING DARWIN'S LEGACY. We'll look at the variety of presentations from March 26th through March 28th, including the impact of evolution vs. creationism in the schools, Darwin's influence on on poetry and literature, and look at the art exhibtion inspired by Darwin currently up in the Center's Christlieb Gallery. | Also, Dean Haist chats up the final concert of the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra for the season. IT'S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE features world-class percussionist Dana Hall, Tuesday, March 24th at 7:30 pm at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- March 13, 2009

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:00:00 CDT

This week, 17 year-old Samuel Gaskin is taking the organ world by storm. This 'Wunderkind' from Texas has Nebraska roots, where he'll be the next guest of the Lincoln chapter of the American Guild of Organists' International Year of the Organ celebration, performing Sunday, March 15. | Hastings College art professor Turner McGehee has a new set of prints at the Graham Gallery in Hastings. He'll tell us all about them. | Stephen Sondheim's musical COMPANY opens March 19 at the Tada Theatre in Lincoln's Haymarket. We'll get a preview. | STEEL MAGNOLIAS opens this weekend at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. Cast memebr Leta Powell-Drake drops by for a peek. | Also, Ed Polochik takes up the baton on March 14 for a concert of movie music featuring Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra at Kimball Hall. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- March 6, 2009

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:00:00 CST

This week, Rough Magic Productions presents its annual 24 hour Play Festival next week, March 13 & 14. at Lincoln's Loft at The Mill. JUST ADD WATER brings together local writers, directors, designers, and actors to challenge them to create and stage a series of plays in a 24 hour period. | Celtic guitarist Jerry Barlow returns to Nebraska for a tour featuring music from his recording BRING DOWN THE STORM beginning March 14 in Columbus. Jerry then travels to Albion, Norfolk, Neligh, and O'Neill. | Dancer/Choreographer Maribel Cruz drops by to invite everyone to WINE! CHOCOLATE! TANGO!, a fundraiser evening for El Centro de las Americas in Lincoln (formerly the Hispanic Center), Saturday, March 14th at the Champions Club on the UNL campus. It's an evening of South American wine and chocolate, and a chance to try your hand (or feet) at the forbidden dance, the Tango! | Also, Dana Ludvik from the University of Nebraska State Museum has a great way for kids across Nebraska to get involved in paleontology and animal science with its COLORFUL CREATURE CONTEST. Have preschool through 5th grade children create the most wildly colorful versions of their favorite ancient or modern creatures, submit them by April 18th, and they'll be showcased at at Morrill Hall in Lincoln. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- February 27, 2009

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:00:00 CST

This week, a look at CHILDREN OF EDEN, this year's musical at Lincoln's Sheridan Lutheran, running March 6-14 and partnering with the City Mission outreach program, The Barnabas Project. | Judy Hart of the Angels Theatre Company is making a a stage adaptation of Mary Pipher's book, REVIVING OPHELIA. In anticipation of the April 23 opening she's putting out the call for organizations that serve adolescent girls to participate in some of the educational components surrounding the production. | New faculty member of the UNL Carson School of Theatre & Film, Ian Borden, has hit the ground running with his production of THE GOOD DOCTOR, which plays at the Temple Theatre at UNL. | Also, director Randy Kottwitz previews the Hastings Community Theatre production of TWILIGHT OF THE GOLDS, a brilliant dramedy about a family's struggles with hard-to-accept truths. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- February 20, 2009

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:00:00 CST

Friday Live travels to the Midwest Theatre in Scottsbluff-Gering for its annual Midwest Theatre Film Festival. We'll chat with attending filmmakers, along with guests from the area arts community such as the West Nebraska Arts Center, Theater West Summer Repertory Season, and the Western Nebraska Community College. | NET Radio friend Rita Stinner will put together some live music for us, a preview of the upcoming benefit for WNCC, "A Gala Evening." | We'll also check in with Lincoln's newest music venue, red9, who brings YouTube phenom, acoustic guitarist Andy McKee to the stage on Sunday Feb. 22. If you're a fan of Michael Hedges or Stanley Jordan, McKee will be right up your alley. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- February 13, 2009

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:00:00 CST

This week, UNL School of Music Professor of Organ Christopher Marks previews the next concert for the Lincoln chapter of the American Guild of Organists' International Year of the Organ celebration. Organist John Scott from St. Thomas Church in New York performs Friday, February 13 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lincoln. | The Sandburg Project continues to roll along. UNK Professor Kathryn N. Benzel joins up with poets Bill Kloefkorn and Charles Peek, along with singer-songwriter Mike Adams, and McCook area musicians for a performance and a series of workshops in McCook on Febraru 26-27. It's sponsored by McCook Community College and the Fox Theatre. | Independent film veteran actor Seymour Cassel drops by Friday Live before his appearance at the Ross Media Arts Center on Saturday, February 14 to preview his next film, REACH FOR ME, directed by LeVar Burton. | Lincoln's celebration of its namesake's 200th anniversary continues at the Lied Center Friday, February 13. Lincoln attorney Jim Harris has a unique family connection with the Civil War as explored in his new musical, CIVIL WAR VOICES, based on family correspondence. Composer Mark Hayes and director Rob McKercher preview the Friday, February 13 performance at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln. | Also, International slam poet, Roger Bonair-Agard, is special guest Saturday, February 14 for the Nebraska Writers Collective. NWC Executive Director Ryan Tewell brings him along to Friday Live. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- February 6, 2009

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:00:00 CST

This week, INSPIRATIONAL MELODIES is the title for the next concert with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra on Sat. Feb. 7 at Kimball Hall. Conductor Ed Polochick chats up Haydn's dramatic LORD NELSON MASS featuring the UNL University Singers, and concertmaster Anton Miller previews his chance to shine in the Mendelssohn VIOLIN CONCERTO. | Arno Minkkinen is the keynote speaker at the Sheldon Museum of Art's opening of EVOLVING EDEN, Sheldon's showcase exhibition during LINCOLN PHOTOFEST, a city-wide celebration of photography and Symposium. Sheldon curator Sharon Kennedy brings along Arno and another guest from one of the other participating galleries. | CROWNS opens Fri. Feb. 6 at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. It's an endearing play with music that is a tribute to the fabulous church hats and the African-American women for whom they are symbolic crowns. | Also, Nebraska Jazz Orchestra musician, Ed Love is appropriately named for the NJO's annual VALENTINE DINNER & DANCE. Ed drops by to invite you to get your tickets to the Grand Ballroom of the Cornhusker Marriott for Sat. Feb. 14th. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 30, 2009

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:00:00 CST

This week, it's another regional debut for Tada Productions. They'll be opening THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL next Thursday, Feb. 5, for a four-week run at the Tada Theatre in Lincoln. | The Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island hosts its ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION AND SHOW, opening Sunday, Feb. 1, with judge Rick Rasmussen presenting the winning awards at the Opening Reception Friday, Feb. 6. | That classic musical THE FANTASTICKS opens at Lincoln's Haymarket Theatre on Feb. 5 for a three-week run. Director Bob Hall says it's a perfect Valentine's present. | Also, vocal Trio BABY NEEDS SHOES performs at the next First Thursday at the Loft at the Mill in Lincoln on Feb. 5. They'll tell us all about it. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 23, 2009

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:00:00 CST

This week, we travel to the Lied Center in Lincoln to preview the second half of the season. It includes broadway shows JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', as well as the Chiara String Quartet, who'll perform during the show. | We'll also chat with Becky Van de Bogart about this Friday's live broadcast of the Third Chair Chamber Players' concert on NET Radio. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 16, 2009

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:00:00 CST

This week, the city of Lincoln celebrates its namesake with the ABRAHAM LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION in Februrary. Diane Gonzolas previews the programs and events. They include: a concert by the Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Family Band Thursday, Feb. 12; CIVIL WAR VOICES, a new musical written by Lincoln attorney Jim Harris based on Civil War correspondence, Friday, Feb. 13; and a free forum on Sunday, Feb. 15 with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. | Also in honor of Abe's 200th, the film series at the Nebraska State Historical Society's Museum of Nebraska History explores The REEL Lincoln: Screen Depictions of Abraham Lincoln. Andrea 'Bunny' Faling drops by to preview the movies, beginng this Sunday, Jan. 18 at 1:30. | Bonnie O'Connell, Art Professor at UNO, is the next NEBRASKA NOW artist at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney. Friday Live previews her opening reception talk tomorrow (Sat. Jan 17) at MoNA, where she'll talk about her unique way of bookmaking, which pushes the boundaries of what we may think of as a book or its use. | Playwright Tony Kushner previews his talk at the Lied Center in Lincoln. | Carlos Guerrero previews the Jewelry Trunk Show, LUXURIOUS, at the Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln next Thursday, Jan. 22. | Omaha veteran performer of stage and concert hall, Jill Anderson, has a new CD out, titled Celtic Cabaret. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 9, 2009

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:00:00 CST

This week, the Third Chair Chamber Players and NET Radio have enjoyed a long and successful partnership over the years, each bringing great classical music to our mutual audiences. Becky Van de Bogart previews a special concert at the NET Studios Friday, Jan. 23rd before TCCP's Sunday matinee concert Jan. 25th at Lincoln's Loft at The Mill. | Spend an evening with two internationally-known authors in conversation at the Lied Center Thursday, Jan. 22nd. Nebraska's own Dr. Mary Pipher, clinical psychologist and acclaimed author of "Reviving Ophelia," interviews "Angels in America," playwright Tony Kushner. Pipher previews the evening, and next Friday we'll speak with Kushner. | Organist David Heller from Trinity University in San Antonio is the next guest for the Lincoln chapter of the American Guild of Organists' International Year of the Organ celebration. He'll talk about his hymn workshop and his concert set for this weekend. | The annual openhouse of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNL is this Sunday at the Nebraska Champions Club. Leta Powell-Drake drops by to preview this valuable resource of programs and classes for curious minds over the age of 50. | Also, musicians Chris Sayre and Nina Burgess Vejnovich are a part of this year's 12th Night Celebrations in Lincoln, they and Lori McAlister drop by for a preview before the festivities get under way. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- December 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:00:00 CST

This week, Linda Hillegas from Lee Booksellers makes her annual visit offer a few suggestions for the holiday season. | Cythnia Bruneteau chats up a unique photo contest featuring Nebraska's Highway 136. | The Plymouth Brass will ring in the new year with newly commissioned works and arrangements by Tony Falcone, David Sharp and Jeremy Bankson on their annual LAST BLAST concert Dec. 31st at First Plymouth Church in Lincoln. | We'll preview a performance of Handel's Messiah this Sunday, Dec. 21st in Henderson featuring the Bethesda Mennonite Church Chancel Choir, the Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra, and soloists led by Rod Drews. | William Shomos drops by before this putting this year's production of AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS on its feet this Sunday, Dec. 21st at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. at the Lied Center's Johnny Carson Theatre. | Also, Ernest Richardson, Assistant Conductor for the Omaha Symphony, previews OSO's Christmas concerts Friday and Sunday afteroon, Dec. 19th & 21st, at the Holland Center. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- December 12, 2008

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:00:00 CST

This week, Judy Hart and Lindsey Porter drop by to talk about the Angels Theatre holiday production, COOKING WITH LARD, at the Loft at The Mill in Lincoln. | Nebraska poet and Professor Emeritus from UNK Dr. Don Welch speaks about is new collection called WHEN MEMORY GIVES DUST A FACE. | Nebraska Jazz Orchestra's CHRISTMAS & ALL THAT JAZZ Concert comes next Thursday, Dec. 18th at Lincoln's Embassy Suites. We'll have a preview. | We'll take a look at Lincoln's First Presbyterian Church's ARTS FOR THE SOUL performance series that features a Christmas Concert with the Union College Unionaires this Sunday, Dec. 14. | Also, CHRISTMAS STORY, leg lamp and all, hit the boards last week at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. Director Paul Pearson drops by to chat up this classic American holiday story. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- December 5, 2008

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:00:00 CST

This week, the director of the UNL Carson School of Theatre & Film, Paul Steger, is a busy man. He stars in an adaptation of David Sedaris' hilarious book, THE SANTALAND DIARIES, opening December 11. | The Stuhr Museum on Grand Island opens it's signature holiday event, CHRISTMAS: PAST & PRESENT, this weekend. | UNL saxophone professor Paul Haar drops by before the UNL Jazz Ensemble I's concert next week at Kimball Hall, and chats up their new CD, BEYOND THE PLAINS. | Also, director Mary Douglass brings along a few cast members to preview CINDERELLA at Southeast Community College's Beatrice Campus, opening December 11. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- November 21, 2008

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:00:00 CST

This week, as part of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum's 30th anniversary celebrations, painter Keith Jacobshagen has several of his Nebraska landscapes and notebooks at the Great Plains Art Museum in Lincoln. He drops by to preview his Dec. 5th slide presentation, STAYING CLOSE TO HOME, which comes to the GPAM after a statewide tour of arboretums that began in summer 2007. | Running through January at the Norfolk Arts Center are: NATURE SERIES, a collection of photo-realist colored pencil drawings by JoAnn Morrison; and, THE COLOR OF WOOD, intricately designed vessels and bowls by Dennis Wattier; and various mediums by Peg Timmer-Kathol for IN RETROSPECT. We'll get a preview. | Tada Productions presents a musical review of your favorite holiday songs from the '50s and '60s with PLAID TIDINGS, opening Dec. 4th at the Tada Theatre in Lincoln. | Also, the Nebraska Brass is getting into the mood of the season with a brand new Christmas CD and a holiday tour of seven Nebraska communities beginning in Grand Island on Nov. 30. Dean Haist and gang drop by to spread some brassy cheer. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- November 14, 2008

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:00:00 CST

This week, Becky Van de Bogart's Third Chair Chambers Players' second concert of the season includes Haydn, von Weber, and Martinu. | The Brownville Concert Series hosts soprano Nadine Sierra this Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Sierra made her operatic debut at 16, and is the youngest singer ever to win the Marilyn Horne Foundation Award. Now at the ripe old age of 19, she's still got enough energy to drop by Friday Live, in addtion to performances in Omaha and Auburn. | Lincoln's P.O. Pears bar has re-opened as red9, and celebrates with Kansas City Blues singer Kelley Hunt, who launches her new CD at the grand opening on Friday. Kelley, red9's Aeloa Delany, and Darryl White drop by for a preview. | The Alash Ensemble, a group of throat singers from the Central Asian Republic of Tuva return to southeast Nebraska next week, with performances at the SCC campuses of Milford, Lincoln, and Beatrice, as well as the Hevalone Center in Beatrice and the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. | Also, the Chiara String Quartet breaks out of the classical box, once again playing a gig at Lincoln's Box Awesome on Saturday. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- November 7, 2008

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:00:00 CST

This week, UNL School of Music Professor of Voice and Opera chair William Shomos previews next weeks production of Britten's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Thu-Fri, Nov 13-14, and Sun, Nov 16. | Boston-based singer-songwriter Mare Erelli returns to the Listening Room in Hastings Nov. 7th in support of his latest record, the haunting and soulful DELIVERED. | The Lux Center for the Arts opens its annual Holiday show, GIFTS FROM THE HEART, on Nov 7th. | Les Musiciens travel under the name the Paris Piano Trio, when in the states. They drop by to preview the Nov 7th Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music concert at the Sheldon Museum of Art. | Also, composer Joseph Curiale is back in school at the UNL School of Music, but is taking time out from classes to conduct the LINCOLN CIVIC ORCHESTRA next Sunday, Nov. 16th at 3:00 pm at Nebraska Wesleyan's O'Donnell Auditorium. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 31, 2008

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Lincoln's First Presbyterian's Music & Fine Arts performance series, ARTS FOR THE SOUL, continues Nov. 2nd with a blast from the silent era past as organist Brett Valliant carries on the tradition of providing live organ accompaniment for the Harold Lloyd film, SAFETY LAST. | After playing for the silent film NOSFERATU at the Ross in Lincoln, the Alloy Orchestra drops by before heading to play for PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at the Red Cloud Opera House this Friday night. | We'll have a preview of Neil Simon's LOST IN YOUNKERS, opening next Friday at the Lincoln Community Playhouse, as directed by Judy Hart. | Carolyn Albracht in Aurora chats up the next L'eglise Art Center exhibit, FRESH AND SEASONED, featuring works by artists from York, Nebraska. | Also, the UNL Carson School of Theatre & Film is collaborating with the UNL Lutheran Student Center and Sheridan Lutheran Church in bringing RESURRECTION DANCE THEATRE from Haiti to campus next Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7:30pm, and around the Lincoln community as well. Pastor Rhonda Bostrom and the Carson School Director Paul Steger drop by. Steger also previews the school's next production, Shakespeare's AS YOU LIKE IT, opening Nov 13. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 24, 2008

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week the Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff hosts the Hugo Wolf Quartet on Mon. Oct. 27th. We'll have a chat with cellist Florian Berner. | Documentarian Arthur Dong previews his entertaining and historically significant new film, HOLLYWOOD CHINESE, opening at the Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln. | Kori Taylor coordinates this year's First Plymouth Fine Art Show at the Lincoln church. Nebraska artists donate a variety of works in support of the church's Women's Ministries' Scholarship fund for non-traditional students. | Also, Cheril Lee will preview THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?, now at The Blue Barn Theatre in Omaha. | And, a statewide arts calendar. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 17, 2008

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:00:00 CDT

Note: Due to technical difficulties, the full version of this show is not available. | This week, Judy Hart from the Angels Theatre Company invites you to AN EVENING OF LOVE, RAGE & HOPE: 60 YEARS OF HUMAN RIGHTS at the Loft at the Mill in Lincoln on Friday. This free evening celebrates the anniversary of the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights with a reading of the Declaration, a performance of Elena Dodd's one woman show, MEET ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, and youth-produced videos focusing on the Declaration's Articles. | The UNK Reynolds Writers Series presents poet Marvin Bell, emeritus professor from the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, on October 24th in the UNK Student Union. | Ed Polochick previews this week's SYMPHONIC SPOTLIGHT concert with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra at Kimball Hall. On the program: Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Suite, Franz Liszt's powerful Totentanz, played by LSO's principal keyboardist Richard Fountain, and Bartok's popular and virtuosic Concerto for Orchestra is infused with folk melodies from the composer's native Hungary. | We'll have a preview of Scottsbluff's Monument Theatre production of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. | Also, Nebraska Book Festival Director Michael Cartwright, chats up the opening of the festival with Kent Haruff at the Nebraska State Capital, after which the celebrations move to various locations in Lincoln later in the evening, and then onto a full Saturday of workshops, readings, and presentations for both kids and adults. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 10, 2008

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the International Year of the Organ continues with simultaneous organ concerts country-wide on October 19th, including some in Nebraska. | Jamie Ulmer travels up to Lincoln to talk about the Community Players in Beatrice new musical, CHILDREN OF EDEN. | The Museum of Nebraska History opens it's newest exhibit on Friday October 10th. SAVING MEMORIES: SCRAPBOOKS, PHOTO ALBUMS, HOME MOVIES AND LEDGER DRAWINGS looks at the way people in different times and different cultures have sought to send messages to the future by preserving memories of things past. Nebraska State Historical Society's Associate Director for Museums & Sites, Ann Billesbach, also talks about the society's Preservation at Work Conference, which will explore how to revitalize communities with historic preservation and heritage tourism projects. | Also, we'll have a preview of the first Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music concert with the St. Louis Brass. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 3, 2008

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Tada Productions' new Tada Theatre in Lincoln is a busy place, featuring Cris Rook and Julie Enersen in DIVAS UNITE for two shows only on Friday before Kyttra Burge becomes Patsy Cline for the mainstage series beginning October 16th. | Gwen Meister from the Nebraska Folklife Network previews the Harvest of Traditions Festival near Lincoln on Sunday, October 12th. | The Tassel Center in Holdrege gears up for its season. Director Rachel Morgan has more. | The Nebraska Writers Collective in Lincoln begins its series of events October 9th, and we celebrate its Slam Poetry team doing well at this summer's National Poetry Slam Competition. | The Clean Part Reading Series continues to bring innovative poets to Nebraska once a month to read at the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. Series coordinator Anthony Hawley stops by to chat up the next reading on Thursday, October 9th that features Peter Gizzi, who's on faculty in the UMass MFA program, poetry editor of "The Nation," Guggenheim fellow, and Visiting Professor at the Iowa Writers Workshop. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 26, 2008

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Beatrice Public Library, in conjunction with Southeast Community College, hosts the art exhibit PROMENA for October. SCC art instructors Liz England and Nancy Haigler-Vujovic along with SCC art student Heather Williams preview the show and its surrounding events. | Spanish folk and early music ensemble La Musgana returns to Nebraska, and they'll tell us what they're doing here this time. | Scott Clark and Lisa Voss from Lincoln City Libraries say it was tough to do, but the book has been chosen for this year's ONE BOOK ONE LINCOLN reading program. | Pam Saalfeld directs the season opener for the Norfolk Community Theatre, Charles Ludlam's THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, October 2-11. | Also, Dan Newton stops by to preview his Cafe Accordian ensemble's season opening gig for the Lincoln Association for Traditional Arts at the Loft at The Mill. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 19, 2008

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Lincoln Arts Council annual Arts Festival gets under way next weekend, September 27 & 28 at Southpointe Pavillions. Deb Weber and this year's featured artist drop by for a preview. | Author Carol Moldaw is the next guest at UNK's Reynolds Writers' Series in Kearney. She'll tell us all about it. | The Third Chair Chamber Players open the 2008-09 season with CPE Bach, Mozart, and Mahler at Lincoln's Loft at The Mill this weekend. Becky Van de Bogart and musicians offer a glimpse. | Jorge Daniel Veneciano is the new Director of the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. He stops by to mention several major plans the Sheldon has going, such as the future satellite gallery in the Haymarket District. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 12, 2008

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, we travel to the Neville Center in North Platte, the city's premiere performance venue. | We'll talk about all the events taking place in North Platte in the coming months, such as: the North Platte Community Playhouse's season with Peggy Fox and Ann Schmit; Open Mike Night at A to Z books with Sharon Owen and George Lauby from the North Platte Bulletin, who's also chairman of the Nebraska Writers Guild Conference held in North Platte Oct. 3rd & 4th; Dave Harrold previews the annual North Platte Railfest; and, the Creativity Unlimited Arts Council's Patsy Smith talks about the council's unique Obelisk Project. | Also, live music from Brette Covington (she'll sing some songs from the North Platte Community Playhouse's production of GODSPELL), the gypsy jazz trio Blue Swing, the gospel quaret Four in a Chord, and the Treble Makers String Quartet. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 5, 2008

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, RICHARD III rounds out the summer portion of the Flatwater Shakespeare Company season at the Swan Theatre at Wyuka Cemetary in Lincoln. | Opera Omaha's premiere of THE BLIZZARD VOICES, a poetry collection of US Poet Laureate emeritus and Pulitzer-prize winning Nebraska poet Ted Kooser, debuts at the Holland Performing Arts Center on September 12. The tale of the 1888 blizzard has been set to music by Pulitzer-prize winning composer Paul Moravec. | This year's TWILIGHT ON THE TALLGRASS prairie festival at the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center near Denton will be centered around the works of Loren Eiseley. Director Marian Langan says come enjoy the trails as the sun sets September 13th. | Cameron Carpenter has set the organ world a-buzzing. He opens this season's Abendmusik:Lincoln series at First Plymouth Church's Lied Organ. First Plymouth organist Jeremy Bankson also chats up the Lincoln Organ Showcase's YEAR OF THE ORGAN series. | NET Radio's own Annette Murrell (aka Dr. Diva) Celebrates Fifty Years of Life and Song with Jazz, Blues & Birthday Cake at The Loft at the Mill in Lincoln this Sunday. We'll have a Friday Live Podcast extra available after the show to ask why Annette's making the most of a number most folks would rather hide! | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 29, 2008

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the 2008-09 season of Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra gets underway September 12th at the Lied Center. Executive Director Barbara Zach previews A NIGHT IN ITALY featuring soprano Esther Heideman, as well as the rest of the season. | The Kearney Area Arts Council hosts the 5th Annual Uptown Arts Festival on September 6th. Mark Foradori talks about this all-day event featuring visual, performing, literary, and musical artists at downtown Kearney businesses. | Ann Chang Barnes invites everyone to the new season of the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln. | And, that classic musical revue, BEEHIVE, continues the inaugural season of Tada Productions new Tada Theatre. Bob Rook and a bee or two fly in for a preview. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 22, 2008

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, SWEET CHARITY opens the 2008-09 season at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. Laurie Martinez Lessman and Jason Weixelman preview this classic musical, opening August 29th, as well as the rest of a very full season. | John Wehrle, the new exective director of Opera Omaha, brings along the new artisitc director, Garnett Bruce, to preview the season and upcoming projects for 2008-09, including the premiere of a musical setting of Ted Kooser's classic book of poems, THE BLIZZARD VOICES. | Also, we'll hear from the brand new CD of Jean Francaix' colorful music by pianist Nicole Narboni, who's also hitting the road in October for her inaugural Piano in Tow tour of Nebraska. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 15, 2008

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Crooked Codpiece Company readies two one-acts for Lincoln's Loft at The Mill opening August 21st for a two weekend run. Patrick Lambrecht and Tom Crew drop by for a preview of LONE STAR, and LAUNDRY AND BOURBON, both by James McClure. | The Glenn Miller Orchestra is still going strong, so strong that the Midwest Theatre in Scottsbluff has added a second concert for this Sunday, August 17th. Billy Estes says you are sure to hear your favorites! | The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNL offers a variety of learning experiences to persons 50 and older, including programs on arts and culture. Friday Live previews some of the upcoming classes in September. | Nebraska Wesleyan University opens its 2008-2009 theatre season next Thursday, August 21st, with the hip, tongue-in-cheek fairytale musical PIPPIN, running through August 30th. We'll talk with director Joan Korte, John Stimac (Pippin), and Spencer Smith (Charlemagne) this Friday Live. | Cheril Lee previews all kinds of family fare at the upcoming season of Omaha's Rose Theater. | The new Tada Theatre debuts its Showcase Stage series with the family-friendly group The String Beans on Saturday, August 23rd. String Bean Curt Bright drops by along with Tada Productions' Bob Rook. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 8, 2008

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, you've got three more chances to see JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at the Yorkshire Playhouse in York. Sue Roush drops by to chat up this charming musical, a mainstay of community theatres and high schools across the country! | Carol Swanson from Lincoln City Libraries talks about One Book One Lincoln. | Also, Randy Kottwitz previews this year's Kool-Aid Days in Hastings. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- July 18, 2008

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the 2008 Meadowlark Music Festival artists have been busy in North Platte, Crete, Hastings, Grand Island, and Blair, but they drop by Friday Live before this weekend's culminating concerts in and around Lincoln. Pianist Spencer Myers has established himself as one of the most outstanding pianists of his generation. The Metales M5 Brass Quintet is Mexico's leading brass quintet. And, the Jupiter String Quartet has been described as "pleasing...polished...superb" by the Boston Globe. | Poet Greg Kuzma's annual parties at his place in Crete are legendary. This year the festivities are more than just hanging out with and listening to Nebraska literati hold forth. Hear Ted Kooser, Pulitzer Prize Winner and U.S. Poet Laureate emeritus, and Poet Laureate of Kansas, Denise Low. The July 26th Last Bash at Greg Kuzma's is a fundraiser for Greg Kosmicki's labor of love, Backwaters Press. | The Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln is letting sculptor, installation artist, and animator Elizabeth King spread across Sheldon's three big galleries. Elizabeth previews her opening of THE SIZES OF THINGS IN THE MIND'S EYE. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- July 11, 2008

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Meadowlark Music Festival spreads its reach further this year, beginning with performances on July 15th at North Platte's Midland Community College by the Jupiter String Quartet, pianist Spencer Meyer at Doane College, and the Metales MF Brass Quintet in Hastings. The 2008 Meadowlark artists will drop by Friday Live next week, but this week we'll preview those performances and other ones next week in Grand Island, Lincoln, Blair, and Walton. | The 2008 Flatwater Folk Festival at the Adams County Fairgrounds Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning in Hastings gets underway July 18-20, with songwriting workshops in addition to performances by: Mike and Amy Finders of Iowa City, Iowa; Tom Prasado Rao and Cary Cooper from Houston, Texas; and Nebraska bands Burnt Biskits, and the Wild Clover Band. Coordinator and musician Bernie Seifert sings a tune or two. | Drum Corps International returns to UNL for a big blast blow-out of band and drum corps ensembles. Tony Falcone from the UNL School of Music chats up the big blast blow-out at Memorial Stadium. | Also, Carlos Guerrero chats up Steve Ryan's Lux Center for the Arts exhibit, Unreal Landscapes, featuring digital photo manipulations of seemingly mundane outdoor scenes. Chat with Ryan himself at the opening reception Friday evening, July 11th, then return on Sunday, Aug 3rd, for the annual Community Arts Afternoon at the Lux, with art demonstrations, dancing, hands-on collaborative art projects including an outside mural and the reggae band RC Dub. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 27, 2008

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, in residence at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre & Film at UNL, opens its season July 10. We'll have a preview of this summer's three shows, SOUVENIR, DOUBT, and THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN. | Tada Productions has a new home, the Tada Theatre in Lincoln's Haymarket. Bob Rook and cast drop by to chat up the inaugural production, an encore of last season's smash hit, the charming musical GILLIGAN'S ISLAND. | Omaha's Joslyn Art Museum's annual JAZZ ON THE GREEN series begins Thursday, July 10th. Amy Rummel says it's another great month of jazz and art. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 20, 2008

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, The Great Plains Chautauqua summer tour gets underway next Thursday, June 26th in Falls City, courtesy of the Nebraska Humanities Council. Jane Renner Hood previews the week-long residency of presentations and historical performances. | The inaugural Great American Comedy Festival in Norfolk comes to a head this weekend, with a series of performances featuring the best comedians from a week-long series of workshops and competition stand-up. | Rough Magic Productions has updated the Pinnochio story for PURE ANIMA by Rough Magic resident playwright Gregory Peters. Director and puppet designer Joe Luppo and Jack Carpenter drop by to talk about this modern fairy tale of a mad scientist and his little boy robot with a soul. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 13, 2008

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Friday Live travels to the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln for the 2008-09 season announcement, featuring live music from Lied's interim executive director, pianist Ann Chang-Barnes. | The Lofte Theatre near Manley, Nebraska, opened its summer season last week, but there's still time to catch that classic comedy, CHARLEY'S AUNT for June, while THE SOUND OF MUSIC opens in July, says Kevin Colbert and Will Cover. | The Bright Lights summer activities program gets underway June 9th, with lots of art, humanities, and science classes to keep the kids out of the house... there's even an architectural project! | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 6, 2008 (PDF)

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:00:00 CDT

Due to technical difficulties, the Friday Live show from Friday, June 6, 2008 was not recorded and thus is not available for podcast download. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, but we look forward to sending out our regularly scheduled episode this Friday, June 13. Thank you.

Friday Live -- May 30, 2008

Fri, 30 May 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Fred Child from Performance Today drops by Friday Live. | NET Television's new documentary explores the history of Nebraska's beef industry. NET Producer Olive Bucklin and research contributor John Carter from the Nebraska State Historical Society drop by Friday Live to preview the statewide premiere of BEEF STATE on NET Television, Sun. June 1, at 6:00pm CT. | The summer repertory series at the Post Playhouse at Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford begins June 13th. Director Roger Mays pulls no punches for the 41st season, featuring three musical heavy hitters: OKLAHOMA!, SOUTH PACIFIC, and GUYS & DOLLS, beginning June 13th. | TAMING OF THE SHREW is the first summer production of the Flatwater Shakespeare Company, opening Thur. June 5 at the open air Swan Theatre at Wyuka Cememtary in Lincoln. Director Bob Hall brings along the very un-shrew-like Melissa Lewis for a preview this Friday Live. | Darryl White and his Darryl White Group start off this year's JAZZ IN JUNE in the Sheldon Museum of Art Sculpture Garden Tue, June 3rd, before heading over to the Hornady-Marshal Theatre on the College Park campus in Grand Island on Sat. June 7th. Broadcast live statewide on NET Radio, it's an all-star line-up featuring White on trumpet, Dave Pietro, sax; Jeff Jenkins, piano; Brandon Draper, drums; Michael Pujado, percussion; Craig Akin, bass. | Cheril Lee form Omaha chats with Dean Koontz about his newest book, ODD HOURS. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 23, 2008

Fri, 23 May 2008 15:00:00 CDT

The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra wraps up its season tonight at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln with a salute to Russ Long and NJO's Young Jazz Artist of the Year winner for 2008. | The improv troupe LypSchtick goes from sketch comedy to full theater with their first play QUASIMODO! opening at Lincoln's Loft at the Mill June 5th. | The Haydon Arts Center in Lincoln hosts a fundraising exhibit next week. DRAWING THE LINE features donated artwork by 100 artists, like Peggy Gomez and Karen Kunc. | This weekend's Superior's Lady Vestey Victorian Festival also celebrates the first annual wine label art competition for Superior Estates Winery. | The Homestead National Monument's annual fiddling championship takes place in Beatrice this Saturday, May 24th. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 16, 2008

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:00:00 CDT

Lincoln's Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents a MYRON J. ROBERTS RETROSPECTIVE on Sunday, May 18th at 3:00 at Holy Trinity Episcopal, featuring organ and choral works by this world-renowned composer who helped make the UNL Organ Dept a powerhouse in the organ world. Organ builder and long-time friend Gene Bedient and AGO concert chair Dick Morris preview the festivities. | Judy Chaloupka says Theatre West in Scottsbluff is gearing up for its summer series, beginning with the musical comedy A DOG'S LIFE May 28, and continuing with ON GOLDEN POND and the Stephen Schwartz musical CHILDREN OF EDEN at Western Nebraska Community College Theatre. | The Great Plains Theatre Conference gets underway May 24 for a week-long series of all things theatre at Metro Community College in Omaha. Metro's Sheila O'Connor previews the heavy hitters presenting and conducting masterclasses and workshops such as Pulitzer, Tony, and Obie award-winning Doug Wright. Nebraska playwright Ladd Wendelin chats about the chance to have his script workshopped during the conference. | Jim McKee from Lee Booksellers in Lincoln has collaborated with National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore on a new coffeetable book about Nebraska's capital, VISIONS OF LINCOLN. Jim and Joel drop to to chat up that book as well as Joel's new how-to book, PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR FAMILY, and his photography class at Lee Booksellers, Sat. May 17th. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 9, 2008

Fri, 09 May 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, A HEROIC FINALE wraps up the season for Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. Ed Polochick and LSO's own principal trumpet player Michael Thompson drop by to talk about the bold and tuneful TRUMPET CONCERTO by Armenian composer Alexander Arutiunian, in addition to Beethoven's EROICA SYMPHONY. | Maribel Cruz and gang are back with a new set of new dances next Friday, May 16 at the Haymarket Theatre. | Playwright and Nebraska native Christopher Cartmill returns to the Lied Center for his Lied-commissioned one-man theatre piece, THE NEBRASKA DISPATCHES, about the historic trial of Chief Standing Bear. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 2, 2008

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Tada Productions revives that classic home-spun musical, QUILTERS, at the Loft at the Mill. Cast-member Melodie Landis and director Bob Rook preview the show, opening next Thursday, May 8. | The 2008 Star City Poetry Slam team competition in Lincoln is coming up in May, after which the team will be releasing a new collection of poems and going on a 25-show regional tour this summer that culminates in their trip to the National Poetry Slam in August. | The Lied Center hosts mezzo-soprano Anne Donnadieu and pianist Mark Clinton Saturday, April 3rd in a recital celebrating the richness and diversity of French vocal repertoire. Anne, Mark, and the Lied Center's Charles Bethea drop by this to preview Saturday's show. | Clark Potter conducts the Lincoln Youth Symphony this Sunday, along with alumni from LYS's past 50 years. Clark drops by to chat up the 50th anniversary concert. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- April 25, 2008

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Abendmusik: Lincoln concert series continues Sunday, April 27th at First Plymouth Church with a collaboration featuring the Abendmusik Chorus and the UNL University Singers, Concert Choir, Collegiate Chorus, and East Campus Choir in a program of three 20th century masterpieces: Stravinsky's SYMPHONY OF PSALMS, Britten's REJOICE IN THE LAMB, and Bernstein's CHICHESTER PSALMS. John Cummins and Peter Eklund preview this Sunday's show. | Film documentarians Jeremy Wagener and Scott D. Roberts preview their new film about the oil industry and the future of alternative fuels. GASHOLE opens at the Ross Media Arts Center on April 25th. | David Breckbill previews the season finale of Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music concert series this Sunday afternoon, April 27. This concert features the New York Chamber Soloists at the Sheldon Museum of Art. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- April 18, 2008

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Paul Barnes leads an Easter in Byzantium program next Sat. April 26 at the Annunciation Greek Othodox Church in Lincoln beginning at 11:15 p.m. Paul drops by to preview this late night tradition featuring a special choir for traditional and neo-Byzantine chant. | Susan Levine's UNL dance students' EVENINGS OF DANCE features new works with young dancers this weekend at the Lied Center's Johnny Carson Theatre. | The Friendship Home in Lincoln opens an art exhibit. | Lincoln Lutheran Choir director Josh Norris drops by before the final concert of their 30th anniversary season. | Also, Superior Estates Winery is sponsoring an art exhibit and wine label competition. Ken Hoppmann invites artists to submit their works for a chance to have your artsy label shown at the Winery May 15 through June 30. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- April 11, 2008

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Bob Hall's Flatwater Shakespeare Company is branching out with its next production, Moliere's classic comedy, THE MISANTHROPE. It opens at Lincoln's Haymarket next Thursday, April 17. | The Moran Woodwind Quintet has released their third Theodor Blumer album. To celebrate this, they'll play a few tunes from it on their April 13th concert at Kimball Hall in Lincoln. | Matt Works and Ladd Wendelin have signed up for Tada Productions' next show, that tour de force comedy of multiple characters and only two actors, GREATER TUNA. It opens next Thursday, April 17 at the Loft at the Mill in Lincoln. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- April 4, 2008

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, soprano Lorraine Beadell joins Becky van De Bogart to tell us about the Third Chair Chamber Players final concert of the season that features a song cycle by her late husband and former UNL composition professor, Robert Beadell. UNK Professor Darleen Michell also performs at The Loft at The Mill next Friday night and Sunday afternoon, April 11 & 13. | Robin and Linda Williams of A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION fame are the season finale performers for the Lincoln Association for Traditional Arts. We'll chat with Robin and preview their April 5th concert at Lincoln's Loft at The Mill. | DIE FLEDERMAUS is the next production at the Nebraska Wesleyan. William Wyman and Dawn Pawlewski Krogh preview this delightful operetta. | Opera Omaha opens Verdi's classic tale of love and tragedy in Egypt with AIDA at the Orpheum Theatre in a stunning new production. We'll get the inside scoop from stage director Sam Helfrich. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- March 28, 2008

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the International Quilt Study Center and Gallery has its grand opening this Sunday. We'll get a sneak peak of the new building with guests from the center's staff, quilt artists, architects, and donors. | We'll have live music from Lincoln's own family-friendly String Beans, whose new album, CRAZY CRITTER BABY SITTER, is taking Nebraska by storm. And singer-songwriter Christopher Williams stops by before his show at the Listening Room in Hastings, in support of his new blues and gospel album SWEET REDEMPTION. | Jerry Johnston previews the annual Mennonite quilt auction in April at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Aurora. | David Breckbill previews this Sunday afternoon's Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music concert at the Sheldon Museum of Art featuring the Ying String Quartet. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- March 21, 2008

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Tom Ineck drops by to preview the musical celebration of life in honor of the late Butch Berman on Sunday, March 23rd at The Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. Berman was a long-time rock and jazz musician as well as supporter of music through the Berman Music Foundation. Many of his musician friends from Nebraska and across the country will offer him a fine send-off. | Also, Phil Heckman is busy learning lines for the opening of next week's ON GOLDEN POND at the Lincoln Community Playhouse, but puts down his script long enough to offer a preview. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- March 14, 2008

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Friday Live stops at the The Lied Center in Lincoln to preview Saturday night's concert with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Ed Polochick drops by before leading LSO, the Nebraska Wesleyan University and Lincoln Civic Choirs, the University of Nebraska at Kearney Choraleers, and special guest soloists in Bach's monumental masterpiece of choral literature, ST. MATTHEWS'S PASSION. | Also, David Batter drops by to talk about the Omaha Chamber Singers Abendmusik: Lincoln concert at First Plymouth Church this Sunday. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- March 7, 2008

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Dr. Kwakiutl L. Dreher steps out of her classroom as UNL's Assistant Professor of English and Ethnic Studies and steps into her performer role for AN EVENING OF DISTINCTION at the Lincoln Community Playhouse Sat. March 8. | The Prairie Winds Art Center hosts its annual SPIRIT OF THE CRANES show, featuring bronzes from Grand Island native Doug Jensen. Charlann Mitchell chats up the exhibit and the opening reception on March 7th. | The Aquila Theatre returns to the Lied Center in Lincoln, featuring Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR on March 7, and CATCH 22 on March 8. | Brian Pfoltner wraps up the first Arts For The Soul concert series at First Presbyterian church in Lincoln with THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST, a Sacred Cantata by Theodore Dubois, this Sunday, March 9th. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- February 29, 2008

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Doane College Theatre Department premieres a musical written by Lincoln lawyer Jim Harris. MY EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY runs next Thursday-Saturday, March 6-8 in Crete. Director Robin McKercher and Harris drop by to talk about this labor of love. | The Medici Friends of the UNL Department of Art & Art History ready their annual fundrasing exhibition on March 8th. Ed Ford and Carol Thompson preview the new artwork available. | Opera Omaha's 50th anniversary season is in full swing with an exciting new production of THE TRAGEDY OF CARMEN by director Peter Brook and composer Marius Constant, giving Bizet's brilliant score a modern edge. Performances at the Joslyn Art Museum Witherspoon Concert Hall take place on March 5, 6, 8, and 9. | Finally, a chat with the brother and sister duo, The Hydes, who bring their Folk/Celtic/Roots music to the Midwest Theatre in Scottsbluff next Thursday, March 6. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- February 22, 2008

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Rastrelli Cello Quartet comes to the Lied Center in Lincoln next Tuesday, Feb. 26, and they have a new CD featuring Lincoln pianist Ann Chang Barnes. Ann and Lied Executive Director Charles Bethea offer a preview. | The Hastings Community Theatre readies its production of SHADOWLANDS for Feb. 29. Friday Live previews this story of love and loss, based on the life of C.S. Lewis and his wife, Joy. | The UNL Carson School of Theatre and Film's student led group Theatrix presents Lincoln's most exciting young playwrights, directors, and actors in their very first new Artists Festival, continuing this weekend only. Next week the mainstage series opens the political play, AMERICAN DAUGHTER. | ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY opens Friday, Feb. 22 at the Lincoln Community Playhouse's family series. Director Tom Crew brings along Alexander himself, Ben Bird. | August Wilson's GEM OF THE OCEAN continues at the John Beasley Theatre in Omaha. Robin Wisch has more on the play by one of America's greatest playwrights, and like actor John Beasley, an influential artist in the African-American community. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- February 15, 2008

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra members Douglas Purviance and John Mosca drop by before their gig at the Lied Center in Lincoln. | The Broad Appeal Singing Trio travel to the Red Cloud Opera House this Sat. Feb. 16, but they drop by The Mill this morning first. | Todd Arrington from the Homestead National Monument near Beatrice travels to Lincoln before his program on Abrahm Lincoln, the early Republican Party, the Civil War, and America's westward expansion this Sunday at the Monument. He'll also invite everyone to the Saturday book signing of MARKING TIME: NEBRASKA'S HISTORIC PLACES by Steve and Bobbi Olson of Palmyra. | Jake Heggie's opera, DEAD MAN WALKING, is the Spring production at the UNL School of Music, with a Thursday/Friday/Sunday run next week at Kimball Hall in Lincoln. Director William Shomos and conductor Tyler White preview this probing work based on the writings of Sister Helen Prejean and the Tim Robbins movie adaptation. Heggie's score combines American jazz, rock-and-roll, and spiritual music with a librettro by one of the great playwrights of our time, Terrence McNally. | And, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- February 8, 2008

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the Chiara String Quartet brings along cellist Norman Fischer to the Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music series this Friday for the Schubert STRING QUINTET IN C, as well as the famous DEATH AND THE MAIDEN quartet. | The Wachiska Audubon Society holds its Fourth Annual Wachiska Winterfest this Sunday, Feb. 10. This year's festival hosts writers John Janovy and Jonis Agee, and photographer Chris Helzer. John Janovy, Jonis Agee, and coordinator Tom Lynch drop by for a preview. | Tada Productions opens SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE next week at the Loft at The Mill. Bob Rook and cast members drop by for a chat about it. | Rick Ellliott is organist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but Abendmusik: Lincoln's John Cummins has snagged him for a concert Friday night at First Plymouth Church. | Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- February 1, 2008

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra presents its 2008 Valentines Dinner and Dance on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. We'll have a preview. | Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra will feature STRINGS IN THE SPOTLIGHT for this Friday's concert at Kimball Hall. Ed Polochick leads LSO and concertmaster Anton Miller in Rachmaninov's heart string-tugging VOCALISE, as well as UNL piano professor Mark Clinton in Shostakovish's first piano concerto. | Artist Ashley d'Avignon Goodwin has curated a new show at Omaha's Bemis Underground, the lower level exhibition space of the Bemis Center for Comtemporary Arts. ANOTHER STAB: THE FAMILY OF MAN references the famous 1955 Edward Steichen exhibition THE FAMILY OF MAN, which examined the human figure through photography. The Bemis version has a similar goal in terms of exploring the figure and its relationship to the world and others, but the fifteen contemporary artists on view are not limited by medium. | Brad Dell guest directs Nebraska Wesleyan's next musical, THE JUNGLE BOOK, opening for a one weekend run next Thursday. Feb. 7 at Wesleyan's McDonald Theatre in Lincoln. | Plus, Bill will announce the winners of the 5 Browns CD giveaway. | Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 25, 2008

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, UNL professor Alisa Belflower's annual CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN SONG concert showcases the music of Irving Berlin at Kimball Hall in Lincoln on Monday, Jan. 28. | The annual Nebraska Arts Council Governor's Arts Awards and luncheon is Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. Friday Live celebrates the honorees with the NAC's J.D. Hutton and a few of this year's recipients, including the Lied Center, and more. | The Kearney Concert Association hosts international piano stars The 5 Browns with 5 Steinway pianos, all at the Merryman Center next Friday, Jan. 31. | Also, The Sheldon Art Gallery's Sharon Kennedy and Karen Janovy preview the Sheldon's retrospective of Ralph Albert Blakelock. In THE UNKNOWN BLAKELOCK, some 40-plus works, many on view together for the first time, explore Blakelock's surprising breadth of themes and techniques that make a strong case for the late 19th century artist as a primary influence on 20th-century American painting. Also, the Sheldon's February First Friday opening celebrates its first collaboration with the Art Farm near Marquette. Architect Jeff Day is coordinator of the project. | Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 18, 2008

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Becky Van de Bogart's Third Chair Chamber Players open the second half of their season with a program of rarely-performed wind and harp works, featuring special guest harpist Kathleen Wychulis. The Loft at The Mill hosts the concert next Friday night and Sunday afternoon, Jan. 25 & 27. | The annual winter film series at the Nebraska State Historical Society's Museum of Nebraska History in Lincoln gets underway this Sunday Jan. 20th. Series organizer Andrea "Bunny" Faling chats up up this year's theme, MEMORIES TRANSFORMED: PERSONAL STORIES REFLECTED IN FILM. Running through March 2nd, movies such as HEARTLAND, HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY, I REMEMBER MAMA, A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN, SONGCATCHER, and A MIDWIFE'S TALE explore how people's diaries, reminiscences, and memoirs are a part of these movies. | Also, opera mania has taken over Kearney with a new children's rock opera, put together by composer Ric Averill with the help of Kearney area school kids. They've been busy rehearsing all week for the premiere read-through this Sunday, Jan. 20th at the Merryman Center. Ric and lead singer Bret Howsden talk about the exciting hubub around GROTESQUE ARABESQUE, the rock opera based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. | Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 11, 2008

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, UNL piano professor Paul Barnes has a new CD of music from Philip Glass, Joan Tower, and Samuel Barber's monumental piano sonata. He'll celebrate by performing selected works at his CD release party in Kimball Hall in Lincoln next Tuesday, Jan. 15th, before hitting the road with performances at the Bösendorfer New York Showroom, and the Universities of Kansas and Cincinnati, as well as Nyack, Ohio, Baylor, and Southern Methodist Universities. | Martin Jean is professor of organ at Yale University, but he's in Lincoln this Sunday for First Presbyterian's next Arts For The soul concert series, in conjunction with Lincoln Organ Showcase. | The Norfolk Arts Center just opened TRACES, featuring works by Jaime Hackbart, Mary Day, and Natalie Linstrom. Plus NAC director Kara Weander-Gaster previews next Thursday's production of that family classic OLD YELLER, presented by the Omaha Theater Company. | Sir Richard Rodney Bennett has been busy writing a new work for Opera Omaha. Premiering at Omaha's Rose Theatre Jan 24, ALL THE KING'S MEN is a delightful children's opera inspired by the popular "Humpty-Dumpty" rhyme, which was itself inspired by a weapon of mass destruction created in 1643 during the English Civil War. Resident Music Director J. Gawf conducts the premiere, and he brings along stage director Michael Shell to Friday Live. | Also, Barbara Zach with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra is excited to offer another pops concert featuring LSO and that classic '70s band Kansas at Pershing Auditorium next Thursday, Jan. 17th. | Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- January 4, 2008

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Jo Ann Emerson previews the 20th Anniversary of Lincoln's Lux Center for the Arts. | It's all things Elvis starting Friday, as the Lincoln Community Playhouse opens ALL SHOOK UP! Joseph Hall chats up how he invokes the spirit of "The King," along with LCP managing director Laurie Martinez-Lessman. | A collection of works by fashion photographer to the stars of stage and screen and other high society celebrities, Francesco Scavullo, opens tonight at the West Nebraska Arts Center in Scottsbluff. | Also, St. Marks United Methodist in Lincoln continues its First Friday Noon Concert Series. Ann Barnes tries out the newly restored Yamaha piano for them this Friday. | Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- December 21, 2007

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week, Pat Leach and Vicki Wood from Lincoln City Libraries have a whole slew of books that kids can read during the holiday break, thanks to their picks for this year's Good Youth Books For Gifts. | The Tassel Center in Holdredge is a busy place over the holidays, hosting the Nebraska Theatre Caravan's annual A CHRISTMAS CAROL this Sunday, and the Theatre of the American West's production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST next Sunday, Dec. 30th. | The Nebraska Arts Council's Suzanne Wise previews the Madeline Shinn Hawkins exhibit at the Simon Gallery in Omaha. | The String Beans have a new CD. We'll hear some of it. | Also, First Plymouth Church in Lincoln hosts the 20th annual Keelan Family & Friends Christmas Concert, this Sunday, Dec 23 at 4 p.m. It's always a fine time featuring special guests such as harpist Maggie Keelan and NET Radio's own Lora Black, with proceeds benefiting the Autistic Foundation this year. | Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live. | Friday Live will be on break next week, returning Friday, Jan. 4th. See you then!

Friday Live -- December 14, 2007

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week, The Lied Center in Lincoln hosts the Nebraska Repertory Theatre's holiday show, JACOB MARLEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL, next Wednesday, Dec. 19th. This one-man show is a behind-the-scenes look at this Christmas classic. Lied Executive Director Charles Bethea and UNL Theatre Professor Virgina Smith preview the show. Charles also chats up PianoFOURte. This quartet of pianists is the Lied's next "Free at 6" concert on Tuesday, Dec. 18th. Producer Joel Geyer previews his upcoming documentary, FIGHTING FOR THE ARTS, premiering next Thursday, Dec. 20th on NET Television. Also, Linda Hillegass from Lee Booksellers in Lincoln drops by with a few literary stocking stuffer suggestions! Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- December 7, 2007

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week, NOT A DOWN HOME BRANSON CHRISTMAS is a tongue-in-cheek revue destined to become a holiday classic. Courtesy of Tada Productions, it's a perfect mix of entertaining spoofs and skits on legends who are, will, or might be on their last legs and raking it in down in Missouri. Monty Python meets Grand Ol' Opry with appearances from Liza Minelli, Tina Turner, Jeff Foxworthy, Robert Goulet. It opens at Lincoln's Loft at The Mill Dec. 13. Recipients past and present of the UNK Reynolds Chair in Poetry and Creative Writing will read Dec. 12th at UNK's Drake Theatre. Friday Live gets a preview with poems by current chair Allison Hedge Coke as well as from previous chairholders Charles Fort and Don Welch. Brian Mathers returns to Lincoln for a tenth and final CHRISTMAS CABARET this weekend at The Loft at The Mill. UNL's Professor of Orchestra, Tyler White, drops by to preview the UNL Symphony Orchestra concert Dec. 7 at Kimball Hall, featuring Chiara String Quartet cellist Gregory Beaver in the Dvorak cello concerto, and award-winning graduate conductor Leonardo Lebas in Ravel's MOTHER GOOSE SUITE. Also on the program, Beethoven's FIDELIO OVERTURE and Nielsen's evocative and seldom heard SAGA-DREAM. A perfect stocking stuffer for public radio listeners might be NEBRASKA PRESENCE: AN ANTHOLOGY OF POETRY, from Blackwater Press. Editors Greg Kosmicki and Mary Stillwell chat up this collection of eighty-two contemporary Nebraska poets. Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- November 30, 2007

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week the ever-popular BANG ON A CAN series is back at the Lied Center in Lincoln, and they'll be banging on all sorts of stuff says the group's executive director Kenny Savelson. The Lincoln Lutheran Choir hosts its Christmas concert this Sunday, December 2nd. Director Josh Norris offers a preview. There's still time to see the family holiday show MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS at the Lincoln Community Playhouse this weekend. Then, the musical revue G.I. HOLIDAY JUKEBOX opens on Dec 7th. Mike Marek talks with Wisner's Dan Kane, a farmer who hears more than the rustling of corn when musicians play at his Powerbase Studio, a fully equipped, high tech recording facility on the Kane family farm. The Nebraska Brass hits the road in December with its HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS tour, playing Council Bluffs, Albion, Minden, and Lincoln. The program features many holiday favorites and the premiere of a new medley by Gwyneth Walker. Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- November 16, 2007

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, Native American Public Telecommunications and the Ross Media Arts Center are collaborating the VisionMaker Film Festival Nov. 16-30. Executive Director Shirley K. Sneve brings along two of the filmmakers in residence at the Ross and area venues and organizations for the next few weeks, documentarians Bennie Klain and Leighton Peterson. Paul Haar's UNL Jazz Ensembles end their semester with a performances of Ellington's FAR EAST SUITE at Kimball Hall in Lincoln on Nov 27. He'll tell us about the show. Tom Towater is the current Nebraska Now artist at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney. He and curator Teliza Rodriguez drop by to chat about Tom's unique ceramic sculptures. Omaha's new independent movie house Film Streams welcomes NPR host and Nebraska native Kurt Anderson as guest curator for the film series, OUT THERE: NEBRASKA & THE GREAT PLAINS IN THE MOVIES. NET Radio's Avishay Artsy talks with Anderson before he inaugurates the series with a special screening of BADLANDS. Brian Pfoltner's new performance series at Lincoln's First Presbyterian Church, Arts For The Soul, continues Sunday, Nov. 18th with Canadian Brass emeritus trumpeter Ronald Romm, who's now touring with his wife, pianist Avis Romm. We'll hear all about it. Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- November 9, 2007

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:00:00 CDT

Native American Public Telecommunications and the Ross Media Arts Center are collaborating the VisionMaker Film Festival Nov. 16-30. Executive Director Shirley K. Sneve brings along two of the filmmakers in residence at the Ross and area venues and organizations for the next few weeks, documentarians Bennie Klain and Leighton Peterson. Paul Haar's UNL Jazz Ensembles end their semester with a performances of Ellington's Far East Suite at Kimball Hall in Lincoln on Nov 27. He'll tell us about the show. Brian Pfoltner's new performance series at Lincoln's First Presbyterian Church, Arts For The Soul, continues Sunday, Nov. 18th with Canadian Brass emeritus trumpeter Ronald Romm, who's now touring with his wife, pianist Avis Romm. We'll hear all about it. Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- November 2, 2007

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, a preview of NET Radio's live broadcast of the Darryl White Group concert at the Loft at The Mill this Friday night. The Lied Center welcomes back the LA Theatreworks for a provocative politcal work, THE PENTAGON PAPERS. We'll chat with actor Gregory Harrison. Sheridan Lutheran in Lincoln continues its annual musical, featuring THE MUSIC MAN this year, opening Nov. 9th with Shawn Traudt as Harold Hill, and director Matt Works. We'll talk to them both. Fortepiano specialist Bart van Oort travels over from Holland for a series of Nebraska concerts, one of which is this Sunday at the Abendmusik-Lincoln series at First Plymouth Church. The UNL School of Music presents its next opera opening next week. Ariel Bybee drops by to preview Mozart's COSI FAN TUTTE. Also, a statewide arts calendar and William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS with John Stevens Barry. That's all on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 26, 2007

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the 2007 NEBRASKA BOOK FESTIVAL gets underway at various places in downtown Lincoln this Friday. One event features keynote speaker Joseph Marshall III, an award-winning author of nine books on Lakota history and culture. We'll get a preview of all the festivities. The NEBRASKA ARTS COUNCIL hosts its annual NEBRASKA ARTIST SHOWCASE at the Lied Center in Lincoln on Saturday, November 3rd. NAC Executive Director Suzanne Wise and master of ceremonies Juli Burney drop by to celebrate the depth and diversity of the state's artistic talent. Anyone curious about the Big Blue Indian Reservation once located in southeast Nebraska has an opportunity to encounter a variety of viewpoints from the historical figures themselves. The first INDIAN MISSION LIVING HISTORY program will be held at the old Mission School building in Barneston on Friday, November 2nd as part of INDIAN HERITAGE WEEKEND. The ART FARM near Marquette is ready to reap what its recent crop of visiting installation artists have sown. Swiss artist SIBYLLE MUFF and CHRISTOPHER ROBBINS from California drop by to tell us all about it. Also, guitarist Peter Fletcher's Midwest tour has him in Beatrice on October 30th and Hastings on November 13th. We'll get a preview of the concerts. And, William Kloefkorn's POETRY OF THE PLAINS returns this week. All that, and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 19, 2007

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:00:00 CDT

Judy Hart has a very special relationship with the play, OVER THE TAVERN, having acted in and directed several productions in the Midwest. She's at it again for the Lincoln Community Playhouse staging. This warmly humorous take on family, gorwing up, and religion opens this weekend. Doane College Music Department Chair Jay Gilbert previews the Modigliani Quartet concert in the Whitcomb-Lee Conservatory next Monday, Oct. 22nd. Internationally renowned conceptual artist Enrique Martinez Celaya is newly named Presidential Professor at the University of Nebraska. He's in Lincoln for his first week of a three-year residency of lectures and workshops on the University of Nebraska campuses and in the communities. Liz Shea-McCoy and Sandra Williams from the Nebraska Art Association preview next week's Day of the Dead Celebration at the Sheldon Art Gallery in Lincoln, featuring Hispanic artists and a special theatre performance by Lincoln High students. Omaha Symphony conductor Thomas Wilkins plays a few familiar tunes from the small screen. AS HEARD ON TV is the title for this weekend's concert at the Holland Center in Omaha. The Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at Chadron State College hosts the new Smithsonian Institution exhibit, BETWEEN FENCES, a visual cultural history of fences and land use that examines how neighbors and nations divide and protect, offend and defend through the boundaries they build. And, while "Poetry of the Plains" takes some time off, the "Great Plains, Great Books" series continues. All that, and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 12, 2007

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:00:00 CDT

Rough Magic Productions opens it next show at The Loft at The Mill Oct 18th. Local playwright Robert Stewart's SPEED & A RED INTERIOR is the tale of a young man who wakes up to find himself on the strangest journey imaginable: his own life. Director Jacob Heger drops by to tell us all about it. The annual Midwest Theater Film Festival in Scottsbluff gets underway this weekend. Film Director Alan Webber with the Rural Route Film Festival previews some the rural-themed SPOTLIGHT ON SHORTS films with us. Pippa White drops by before she travels up to the St. Benedict Center in Schyuler on Sunday, Oct 14th for her theatre piece, VOICES FROM ELLIS ISLAND. Clark Potter previews this season's first Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music concert with the Pacifica String Quartet. And, while "Poetry of the Plains" takes some time off, the "Great Plains, Great Books" series continues. All that, and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- October 5, 2007

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, LORNA BRACEWELL is a singer-songwriter and social activist who performs for us today as we broadcast Friday Live from the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln this morning. Bracewell views concerts like her performance tomorrow night at the Lied's CLUB/CARSON series as opportunities to unite people and celebrate diversity. The Lied Center is embracing other opportunities to explore other social issues through artistic expression. Lied Center director Charles Bethea previews the two week residency of social activist and performance artist Tim Miller. Ed Polochick drops by Friday Live to preview the concert of Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra at Kimball Hall tonight. Titled a DANCE OF EMOTIONS, it features choreographer and dancer Ruth Davidson-Hahn who has created a dance for Stravinsky's A SOLDIER'S TALE. We'll ask Ed to tickle the ivories a few times this morning as well, and he's brought along concertmaster and first violinist, Anton Miller to help out. Pam Saalfeld previews the Norfolk Community Theatre's first show in its 43rd season with BELL, BOOK and CANDLE. Dates are Oct. 4 – 7 and 11 – 13. And, while "Poetry of the Plains" takes some time off, the "Great Plains, Great Books" series continues. All that, and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 28, 2007

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week, the 2007-08 "One Book One Lincoln" project has selected Timothy Egan's "The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dustbowl." Scott Clark and Lisa Vaas from Lincoln City Libraries drop by to preview the whole slew of discussions and presentations scheduled for this critically acclaimed account of this iconic chapter of American history. Plus, the Polley Music Library branch of Lincoln City Libraries is hosting a 25th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, with performances throughout the afternoon including Pippa White portraying Lillian Helms Polley as she recalls life experiences and memoirs of her career. Festival director of the 2007 Plainsong Folk Festival, Rose Templeton, drops by to preview this Sunday's event, featuring Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, Denice Franke, and the Chris Talley Trio at Country Pines West of Lincoln. Painters Patricia Coslor & Sandra Meyer and potter Pat Schimmer take a colorful adventure around the world in their "Travel Diary" exhibtion, opening next Friday, Oct. 5th, at Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island. Arts For The Soul is the new performance series at First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln. Artistic & Executive Director Brian Pfoltner drops by to preview the season along with Steve Henderson and Pastor Brent Johnson. And, while "Poetry of the Plains" takes some time off, the "Great Plains, Great Books" series continues. All that, and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 21, 2007

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week, before RENT, Jonathan Larson was passing the time by writing TICK, TICK... BOOM, an autobiographical tale of a young composer on the brink of turning 30 and the courage it takes to follow your dreams. Tada Productions continues to collect feathers in its cap with another local premiere, opening Sept 27th at Lincoln's Loft at The Mill. We'll get a preview with Steve Todd, Alisa Belflower, and Bob Rook. Jamie Uhlmer's Community Players in Beatrice readies the regional premiere of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE (Sep. 28th), but Ulmer offers us a preview this week. Also, Deb Weber previews the annual Lincoln Arts Festival at Southpoint Pavillions this weekend. And, while "Poetry of the Plains" takes some time off, the "Great Plains, Great Books" series continues. All that, and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 14, 2007

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, composer, pianist, and actor Robert Owens is in residence at the UNL School of Music this week and next. Soprano Jamie Reimer brings him along to The Mill this Friday Live to preview her concert of Owens' art songs at Kimball Recital Hall in Lincoln. Jeffrey McCray is the new bassoon professor at the UNL School of Music. He previews his Faculty Recital at Kimball Hall next week. Becky Van de Bogart's Third Chair Chamber Players gears up for its season with two concerts this weekend at Lincoln's Loft at The Mill. Charles Bethea drops by to talk about the first half of the Lied Center season in Lincoln, for which single tickets are now available. Also, singer/songwriter Tom Kimmel performs a couple of songs live to preview his concert at The Listening Room in Hastings on Friday. And, while "Poetry of the Plains" takes some time off, the "Great Plains, Great Books" series continues. All that, and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- September 7, 2007

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week, it's the centenial year of Nebraska author and anthropologist Loren Eiseley's brith. The Friends of Eiseley Society welcomes scholar Scott Slovic to Lincoln as part of this weekend's celebrations. Scott, as well as Eiseley board member Christine Lesiak (who produced an NET Television's documentary on Eiseley), talk about the man and his legacy. Maestro Ed Polochick previews the first Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra concert of the season, featuring Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Jon Nakamatsu. Jon joins Ed on the progam for a pre-concert chat. Our own Annette Murrell, a.k.a. Dr. Diva, celebrates her birthday by singing! She's singing the brithday blues in fine style at the Zoo Bar Friday night, while her new poetry chapbook release party is at Crescent Moon Cafe on September 24th. Bob Hall and the Flatwater Shakespeare Company, open "King Lear" at The Swan in Lincoln. And, while "Poetry of the Plains" takes some time off, the "Great Plains, Great Books" continues. All that, and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 31, 2007

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, The Haydon Art Center hosts its annual Open Studio Tours Sept. 8 & 9. Caitlin Applegate and Julie Diegel drop by to invite you to two days of getting the inside scoop on how your favorite artist or new discovery creates! Joan Johnson from the Lincoln Association for Traditional Arts previews the upcoming LAFTA season of great traditional acoustic and current singer-songwriter music in Lincoln. The Lincoln Community Playhouse opens is 62nd season on Sept. 7th with "My Way: A Musical Tribute To Frank Sinatra." LCP Managing Director Laurie Martinez-Lessman and a cast member or two drop by to talk about it. The Chiara String Quartet are letting their hair down for a no-holds-barred jam session at Lincoln's music club Box Awesome on Saturday. They hit the road in September, playing not only at Nebraska Wesleyan and UNL's Kimball Hall, but also as part of the Lied Center's Arts Across Nebraska series at the Midwest Theatre in Scottsbuff and Beatrice. World renowned vocalist Sarah Arneson, accompanied by her husband George Kern, returns to her hometown of Red Cloud to perform on the Cather Center stage on Sunday. And, while Poetry of the Plains takes some time off, the Great Plains, Great Books continues. All that and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 24, 2007

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, director Judy Hart brings along actors Leta Powell Drake & Tammy Meneghini to talk about their production of Grace & Glorie at Savannah Pines in Lincoln. Margaret Marsh directs an all-children's cast of Treasure Island for the Hastings' YWCA this weekend, Aug. 25th and 26th. She'll tell us all about it. Director Jack Parkhurst and cast members from Nebraska Wesleyan's season-opening production of Tim Rice's and Elton John's musical Aida drop by after opening night. Jeff Berger, who plays Radames; Jill Jorgenson, who plays Aida; and Faith Fossett, who plays Amineris; explain their roles. Also, First Lady of Nebraska Sally Ganem, who plays hostess to the Governor's Residence 50th anniversary celebration, hosting a series of speakers, historical displays, and events beginning Sunday, Aug. 26th culminating with a Street Dance next Friday, Aug. 31st. And, while Poetry of the Plains takes some time off, the Great Plains Great Books series continues this week on the program. All that and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 17, 2007

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, Ed Dadey's Art Farm near Marquette is going strong and provides much fertile soil for the planting of art and ideas! Two of the current artists-in-residence open their interactive sculptural installation at the Art Farm August 25-26. Tex Jernigan, from Kansas City, works in steel conduit pipe that changes perspective in relation to viewing. And, Ayako Aramaki from Japan, uses locally available natural materials to create temporary installations that prompt questions about our relation to nature. The Sheldon Art Gallery repairs have been completed and the permanent collections have been reinstalled and re-imagined, courtesy of Jan Dreisbach and Sharon Kennedy, who drop by to tell us about it. Also, Suzanne Wise from the Nebraska Arts Council has a few projects and programs to talk about: nominations for the 2008 Governor's Arts Awards, the American Masterpieces project, and next year's residency and performance statewide tour of the Omaha Symphony. And, while Poetry of the Plains takes some time off, the Great Plains Great Books series begins this week on the program. All that and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- August 10, 2007

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, First Plymouth Congregational church in Lincoln, home to the Abendmusik performance series, is branching out into visual art with a public art project called aCROSS LINCOLN. Artist Liz Shea-McCoy is calling other artists to create unqiue crosses in any medium in support of ending world hunger and poverty. David MacNeill has restored downtown Lincoln's STATE THEATRE to its former glory, adding comfy lounge seating, a bar, and food along with first and second run movies. Lincoln theatre company Rough Magic premieres an original work by former member Greg Peters this month. THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH, AS TOLD BY MR. GEORGE SMITH, ASSOCIATE CURATOR OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (DECEASED), runs through August 19th at the Loft at The Mill. Jack Carpenter and Matthew Landis chat up this witty take on the clash of two cultures: Ancient Sumerian and High Victorian! Also, Minnesota guitarist MICHAEL YOUNG is at Lincoln's Crescent Moon Coffee tonight, but we have him this morning, live. Michael's at Omaha's Healing Arts Center on the 18th as well, touring with music from his recent release LIVE FROM FORT COLLINS. And, The annual MIDWEST FILM THEATRE FESTIVAL in Scottsbluff gets underway in October, so there's plenty of time to submit your own! All that and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- July 20, 2007

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, the guest artists from the 2007 MEADOWLARK MUSIC FESTIVAL, the Daedalus String Quartet, the Harvey Pittel Saxophone Quartet, and pianist Joel Fan, drop by before wrapping up their performances this weekend in and around Lincoln. Dean Settle, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Community Mental Health Center, brings along a few artists featured in the 3rd Annual Non-Traditional Artists Festival, opening this weekend at the Loft at The Mill in Lincoln. The Flatwater Folk Festival gets underway at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings tomorrow for a full day of traditional and contemporary folk music. We'll chat with one of the musicians, Bernie Seifert. Also, Cheril talks with Omaha author Timothy Schafert about his new novel. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live. Friday Live will return August 10th.

Friday Live -- July 13, 2007

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, Rachel Jacobson's dream of an art film house in Omaha is finally becoming reality. She drops by to preview FILM STREAMS and its Grand Opening July 27th at the new Ruth Sokolof Theater, featuring a month-long series of films selected by Omaha's most famous contemporary film director, Alexander Payne. We preview the MEADOWLARK MUSIC FESTIVAL, opening next Wednesday at various locations around Southeast Nebraska. Tony Falcone previews the 2007 CORNHUSKER SUMMER MUSIC GAMES, including a performance by Drum Corps International in Memorial Stadium Wednesday, July 25. The Sheldon Art Gallery's Sharon Kennedy brings along artists Susan Knight and Ann Gradwohl to talk about Sheldon's exciting CONNECTIONS summer exhibition, which has invited artists to use the Sheldon's upper level galleries as an experimental laboratory while the Sheldon gets a new roof and the permanent collection is in safe storage. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- July 6, 2007

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:00:00 CDT

The WOODLAND TRAILS ART GALLERY hosts Henry Payer Jr.'s Native American-themed art this month at the Winnebago Village Center. Friday Live talks with Marketing Director Garan Coons about Payer and the Gallery's focus on the arts and crafts of the Winnebago Ho-Chunk and other Woodland Tribes. MUSIC & MOZZARELLA is the Lincoln Children's Museum performance series, continuing every Thursday evening this July, with Mike Mennard on July 5th; the Little Brown Jug Band on the 12th; followed by the Northeast Family Center's Academy of Rock; and Marcelo Arevalo's blend of South America, reggae and American jazz. LA VIE EN ROSE: Danny Lee Ladley has the Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln hopping with great films this summer, including MOVIES ON THE GREEN, and a Movie Talk on the new Edith Piaf bio-pic, featuring Doane College President and Frankophile, Jonathan Brand. OLD, NEW, BORROWED & BLUE is the title of the Omaha Chamber Music Society's final summer concert this weekend, according to Artistic Director and Omaha Symphony violist, Thomas Kluge.

Friday Live -- June 29, 2007

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:00:00 CDT

Sylvia McNair shows her cabaret side at The Holland Center in Omaha June 30. Theatre West Summ Repertory Artistic Director, Jim Kimbrough, chats up DEARLY DEPARTED, which got underway this week in Scottsbluff at Western Nebraska Community College. It's followed by the classic musical, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, opening July 18. Lincoln Municipal Band Music Director, Bob Krueger, and our own Don Gill drop by to chat up the LMB's 100th anniversary season, opening its Sunday evening summer series this weekend, July 1st. Tada Productions' next review, 8 TRACK, welcomes back Steven Rich to Lincoln, after several years of performing in New York and touring with broadway shows. He's "gettin' down" with some of the greatest hits of the 70's, opening July 12th at The Loft at The Mill in Lincoln. Rich, along with Cris Rook and director Bob Rook stop by this Friday Live. The Nebraska Repertory Theatre summer season gets underway July 5th in Lincoln at UNL's Carson School of Theatre and Film, featuring THE LAST FIVE YEARS, MOONLIGHT & MAGNOLIAS, and Mary Zimmerman's stunning adaptation of METAMORPHOSES, complete with pool and all!

Friday Live -- June 22, 2007

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, Director Corkey Ford drops by before opening the Lincoln Community Playhouse's production of THE WIZ, tonight! The brochures for the Lied Center for Performing Arts 2007-08 SEASON hit the streets this week. Charles Bethea previews all the exciting events! Cabaret duo Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch pay tribute to Hoagy Carmichael at the BROWNVILLE CONCERT SERIES this weekend. Klea chats with Bill about this legendary composer. Hall County's 150th birthday is coming up, and the STUHR MUSEUM is an integral part of the celebrations. Stuhr Executive Director Joe Black travels over to Friday Live, along with Mayor Margaret Hornady to preview all the festivities happening the first week in July. All that, some poetry from Pam Barger and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 15, 2007

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:00:00 CDT

This week on Friday Live, the Nebraska Humanities Council is putting on its own Chautauqua this year, featuring historical figures from the state come back to life through dramatic perfromances by scholars and historical re-enactors. NEBRASKA NOTABLES comes to Kearney next week, June 21-24, with evening performances and audience Q & A sessions in addition to workshops and discussions during the day. Donald Fielder who portrays William Jennings Bryan drops by. Judy Hart from the Angel's Theatre Company brings along her actors, Brad Boesen and Becky Key, in FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE opening at the Loft at the Mill June 14th in Lincoln. The Omaha Summer Arts Festival gets underway next weekend. We'll learn more about it. The Lincoln chapter of the American Guild of Organists hosts this year's AGO Regional Convention beginning this Sunday. All next week is your chance to revel in concerts featuring the area's teasure trove of fine organs played by international stars of the organ world... some living right here in Nebraska! All that, some poetry from Pam Barger and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 8, 2007

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, Becky Van de Bogart is getting ready for another summer series of Concerts on the Creek with her Third Chair Chamber Players performing two shows at Becky's and Dick Shoemaker's home in Cambridge. Enjoy two relaxing evenings of food, beverages, and chamber music, June 16th and August 4th, at the junction of Medicine Creek and the Republican River overlooking the valley. Becky also gives us a heads up on Third Chair's PDQ Bach concert in Lincoln June 14th. Brats & Brew & PDQ at Welfare Hall is a very special evening of delectable edibles, palatable potables, and the musical mayhem of PDQ Bach (oh yeah, and an awesome auction!). Also, UNK English Professor Kathryn Benzel brings along poet Chuck Peek and singer-songwriter Mike Adams to talk about their collaboration on an exciting project based on the works of Carl Sandburg. PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE: CARL SANDBURG'S POETRY AND SONGS, begins a series of concerts at the Red Cloud Opera House on Sunday, June 17, the second at Theatre of the American West in Republican City in August, and several other projected dates into Autumn. And, Dave Madden drops by to chat up this year's Nebraska Summer Writers Conference at UNL, featuring workshops conducted by local and international authors, as well as public readings and panels, all beginning June 16th. All that, some poetry from Pam Barger and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- June 1, 2007

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, The Sheldon Art Gallery's annual JAZZ IN JUNE series gets underway during each Tuesday in June. Another reason to get an early seat this year is the opening act; the delightful String Beans Trio! String Bean Curtis Bright drops by, as does Jazz in June chair and NET Television producer, Martha Florence. Joslyn Art Museum curator John Wilson travels over to Friday Live to preview the Jolsyn's upcoming exhibit of works from the New Orleans Musuem of Art. The Joslyn premieres SPARED FROM THE STORM, nearly 90 of NOMA's finest works that survived Hurricane Katrina. Also, LOVE'S LABOURS LOST is the next production of the Flatwater Shakespeare Company, opening at the Swan Theatre in Lincoln next Thursday. Director Bob Hall drops by with a few of the actors this Friday Live. And, a preview of all the cowboy themed exhibits at the Hastings Museum. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 25, 2007

Fri, 25 May 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, The Crooked Codpiece opens "Soda Pop" in Lincoln on Thursday, May 31st. Patrick Lambrecht and gang drop by to preview this play. We'll have previews of the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra concert in Lincoln and the Nebraska Brass concerts around the state. Cheril Lee takes a look at a book about the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Also, Jamie Uhlmer from the Beatrice Community Players travels up to to preview the upcoming "Noises Off!" production, as well as the just-announced 2007-08 season. And, The Post Playhouse Summer Repertory Theatre series near Crawford celebrates its 40th season this year. We'll have all the info. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 18, 2007

Fri, 18 May 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, The Homestead National Mounument is very busy this month, dedicating its new Heritage Center this weekend, and hosting its annual Monumental Fiddling Championship and Acoustic Band Contest the next weekend. Ranger Susan Cook brings along musician and presenter Atz Kilcher, son of one of the last original homesteaders in Alaska, and fiddler judge Nissa Evenson to talk about the dedication programs and the fiddling contest for all ages and skill levels. Also, our favorite Irish musican and actor Mairtin de Cogain from County Cork is back in Nebraska for the Homestead National Monument's Visitor's Center opening and a few other gigs while he's in the area. We'll talk with him again. And, filmmaker Jon Jost has been busy during his artist-in-residency at The Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln, working with teachers and students in the Lincoln Public Schools and the Arts Are Basic program in Valentine in the field of digital film. Ross Director Danny Lee Ladley and Jost drop by to invite you to a series of films by Jost and two regional filmmakers that Jost has discovered. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 11, 2007

Fri, 11 May 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, Tada Productions has a new feather in its cap...the regional premiere of the musical version of that classic TV comedy, "Gilligan's Island." We're happy and honored to have composer Laurence Juber on the program this week. The Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln hosts the season finale for Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra, featuring Mahler's breathtaking "Resurrection Symphony No. 2." To offer a preview, conductor Ed Polochik, soloist Esther Heideman, John Cummins from Abendmusik, and William Wyman from the Lincoln Civic and Nebraska Wesleyan choirs, all drop by. The annual Center for Great Plains Studies symposium is next week. "Homesteading Reconsidered" offers scholars and the public a chance to present and discuss the USA's Homesteading Act of 1862 and the Dominion Lands Act of 1872 in Canada. Collaborating with the center this year is Beatrice's Homestead National Momument. Park Ranger Todd Arrington, along with Susan Wunder and Fran Kaye from the Center for Great Plains Studies drop by The Mill, this Friday, live. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- May 4, 2007

Fri, 04 May 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, The Lincoln Contemporary Dance Project has hit the big "05!" LCDP's fifth anniversary concert at the Haymarket Theatre will celebrate with a mix of old and new pieces of, by, and for area dancers and choreographers, such as Maribel Cruz and Elizabeth Govaerts who drop by to invite everyone to the party! Tada Productions has a new feather in its cap...the regional premiere of the musical version of that classic TV comedy, "Gilligan's Island," opening May 10th. UNK's Senior Musical Theatre Showcase starts with a performance in Kearney, then travels to Omaha and Grand Island. We'll have a preview. And, Lincoln's Bright Lights summer activities program for kids is busy taking registrations for all kinds of arts, humanities, and science workshops and classes. Barb Hoppe brings along a few of the teachers who keep the learning fun! All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Apr. 27, 2007

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, a preview of the Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music's final concert of the season with Trio Con Brio Copenhagen. The Lincoln Continentals celebrates sixty years of close harmony at Kimball Hall on April 28th featuring the massed choir as well as the ensemble, 3 Men & a Melody, and the public debut of new group Rocktavo. Its leader, Michael Tully, and a few of the boys drop by to talk about this award-winning, up-and-coming contemporary a capella group (this ain't your grand dad's barbershop anymore!). The Alash Ensemble, a group of Tuvan Throat Singers come to Nebraska on Friday, April 27. We'll take a closer look. And, The Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island hosts the Dynamic Trio for its May exhibit. Jan Wiemers, painter; Donna Ryan, furniture/painter; and Peg Watkins, glass...have all collaborated for the show, which opens with a reception on Friday. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Apr. 20, 2007

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, Union College in Lincoln invites the community to six music performances during the Division of Fine Arts Spring Music Festival Weekend, April 20th-24th. We'll have a preview. Also, Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate than going to the Fifth Annual Wine, Writers, and Song Festival of the Book in Brownville, April 27th-29th. We'll have the details. Opera Omaha's production of "The Barber of Seville" opens next Wednesday. We'll get a heads up from Figaro himself, Troy Cook. And, KVNO's Cheril Lee tells us about the Omaha Theater Ballet's annual Confetti production. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Apr. 13, 2007

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, Union College in Lincoln invites the community to six music performances during the Division of Fine Arts Spring Music Festival Weekend, April 20th-24th. We'll have a preview. Also, Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate than going to the Fifth Annual Wine, Writers, and Song Festival of the Book in Brownville, April 27th-29th. We'll have the details. And, KVNO's Cheril Lee tells us about the Omaha Theater Ballet's annual Confetti production. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Apr. 06, 2007

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, The Angels Theatre Company and Third Chair Chamber Players preview their Nebraska tour sponsored by the Lied Center that features a profund story of the Holocaust. Judy Hart, Becky Van de Bogart, and Holocaust survivor Louis Leviticus offer their thoughts on this special project. The Lincoln Association for Traditional Arts offers a free 25th Anniversary Concert on April 14 that features John McCutcheon and Dr. John Walker at Kimball Recital Hall in Lincoln. LAFTA's Joan Johnson drops by this Friday. Will Cover directs a very witty comedy, which explores the "what if" scenario of President Waren Harding roughing it with Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. "Camping With Henry & Tom" opens at the new Lofte Theatre in Manley next Friday the 13th! Will, Dave Shamblin, and Bob Pinkerton give us a heads up. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Mar. 30, 2007

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, "Suburbia" by Eric Bogosian is the kind of cutting edge theatre that's perfect for young theatre students in Lincoln to sink their teeth into, so says guest director Jennifer Hubbard, who'll give us a preview. The Chiara String Quaret wraps up its Brahms series at the Brahms Symposium. Also, the Axtell Area Oratorio Society Messiah 50th anniversary concert is in Kearney, featuring: Nebraska Wesleyan's Jana Holzmeier-soprano; UNK's Paul Smith-tenor; and bass-baritone Charles Smith from Hastings College; all led by long-time conductor Rod Wendell. And, the Lincoln Community Playhouse opens the charming "Enchanted April." All that, and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Mar. 23, 2007

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, a preview of the Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music concert with the Vilnius String Quartet. The group will feature a program of Schubert, Ravel, and works by Lithuanian composers. The Grand Island Concert Assocaition kicks of its 75th Anniversary Season subscription drive. We'll get a peek at the schedule. And, Nebraska Wesleyan opens Andre Previn's operatic treatment of A Streetcar Named Desire. Director Dawn Pawlewski Krogh and music director Bill Wyman tell us all about it. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Mar. 16, 2007

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, the One Book One Nebraska project has announced the next book in its year-long celebration and it's Crazy Horseby Mari Sandoz. Ron Hull and Phyllis Stone from the Sandoz Society Board drop by to talk about this important work and the important woman and man behind the book before they head to the Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at Chadron State College for the annual Sandoz conference. Tada Productions serves up more of Dan Goggin's Nunsense franchise with Meshuggah-Nuns! The sisters step into a production of Fiddler on the Roof during their cruise to the Holy Land. NET Television producer Joel Geyer and musician Tom Larson preview a new NET performance documentary premiering this weekend. Hard Times Swing explores the many regional big bands that toured Nebraska during the Depression, bringing welcome respite to Depression and World War II era communities. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Mar. 09, 2007

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, from the CRANE MEADOWS NATURE CENTER (just off I-80 exit 305 between Grand Island and Kearney), Mike Melnick and Ted Schroder chat about the recently re-opened center, which has just begun its seasonal observation tours of the migrating cranes on the Platte River. It's also a perfect time for the new NET Television cranes documentary, CRANE SONG, with two public premieres in Grand Island and Kearney this weekend before its statewide broadcast. We'll chat with producer Perry Stoner and cinematographer Ralph Hammack, as well as nature photgrapher and documentary contributor Michael Forseberg, who's photo book, ON ANCIENT WINGS, captures the essence of this noble bird. Also, Martha Paulsen from the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island invites everyone to the Stuhr's annual crane art show, WINGS OVER THE PLATTE. And, enjoy live music from Kearney's Celtic group THE WILD CLOVER BAND and singer-songwriter TODD BROWN from Robin Harrell's THE LISTENING ROOM in Hastings. We'll also check in with conductor Ed Polochik and flute soloist John Bailey for the next Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra concert. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Mar. 02, 2007

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, Opera Omaha's world premiere of Anthony Davis's new opera inspired by the story of Standing Bear, Wakonda's Dream, debuts next week, but we'll get the inside scoop on this exciting new work. This month the Nebraska State Historical Society's Museum of Nebraska History in Lincoln opens an exhibit of work by Nebraska women artists, 1880-1950. Deb Arenz and curator Sharon Kennedy preview the exhibit. Also, we check in with Kara Weander-Gaster about the Norfolk Arts Center's busy schedule with exhibitions by Inna Novikova, Liz Shea-McCoy, and others; and performances in March featuring the Offut Clarinet Quartet and poets Desmond Eagan and Ted Kooser. And, Lincoln's Star City Slam project is a great chance for area slam poetry practitioners to strut their stuff, as well as learn from the masters such as World Poetry Slam champion Buddy Wakefield, who'll be on the UNL campus. Local poet Johnmark Huscher waxes poetic on this rare opportunity for Lincoln to hear one of the best spoken word artist/slam poets in the world. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Feb. 23, 2007

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, Jan Wright and Luther McNaughton preview the 17th season of the Brownville Concert Series, which opens March 11th. This year it features a wide range of classical and cabaret-style talent from across the country and right here in Nebraska. We get the skinny on the Lincoln Community Playhouse production of The Full Monty, with director Bob Hall and cast member Matt Landis. Melissa Lewis and Matt Lukasiewicz have taken over Lincoln's Haymarket Theatre with the musical New York Rock by Yoko Ono. It's a thinly veiled account of her life with John Lennon. Omaha's Tuesday Musical Concert Series hosts rising young tenor Lawrence Brownlee at the Joslyn Art Museum. And, the Lied Center's cabaret series Club/Carson features the soulful voice of Jeni Fleming and her trio. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Feb. 16, 2007

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, UNL's opera program is branching out into musical territory with its production of 'Most Happy Fella.' We'll have a preview. A look at a new collaborative installation by Sheldon Art Gallery curator Daniel Siedell and comic artist Chris Ware at the gallery. Also, we'll chat with members of Tempesta di Mare, a baroque music ensemble playing for the Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music series. And, 'On Golden Pond' opens at the Norfolk Community Theatre next week. It's a reunion of sorts for the director and one of the actors who were involved in their first production 25 years ago! All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Feb. 09, 2007

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, The Imani Winds have made quite a splash in the chamber music arena. John Cummins previews their concert for the Abendmusik: Lincoln series. Jamie Uhlmer has put the finishing touches on the Beatrice Community Players' production of 'Seussical The Musical!,' which opens this weekend. The Wachiska Audubon Society presents its third annual literary event, Wachiska Winterfest, which features National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, and poets and naturalists Twyla Hansen and Paul Johnsgard. The event is Saturday Feb. 17 at Lincoln's Trinity United Methodist Church. Twyla and Wachiska coordinator Thomas Lynch drop by to preview the festivities. The Lied Center in Lincoln plays host to the touring production of THE PRODUCERS opening the 9th; next week the Lied features Chick Corea, Gary Burton, and Roald Dahl's WILLY WONKA. Omaha Theatre Ballet's performance of COPPELIA opens at the Rose Theatre this weekend. Cheril Lee talks with OTB director Robin Welch. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Feb. 02, 2007

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, the Medici Friends of the UNL Art Deptartment hosts its annual art auction and exhibition Februrary 17th...Ed Ford, Joe Ruffo and Pam Thompson drop by to chat about this year's art and theme. David Knabb and Ron Crocker are excited to have percussionist Evelyn Glennie come to the University of Nebraska at Kearney this weekend for a series of masterclasses. And, Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra conductor Ed Polochick and concertmaster Anton Miller will be Friday Live to chat up this week's concert at Kimball Hall. Russian Heartstrings features Glinka, Tchaikovsky, and showcases Anton in Prokofiev's 2nd violin concerto. All that, some poetry from Jim Brummels and William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Jan. 26, 2007

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, Bob Rook, Paul Durban, and Buddy Miller offer a unique take on the U.S. in Tada Productions' The Complete History of America (Abridged), opening next week at The Loft at The Mill. Doane College's resident piano quartet, PianoFOURte, travels to Lincoln's Abendmusik series this Sunday at First Plymouth Church. John Cummins and a few members of the group preview music from this area favorite. UNL's Arts Entreprenuership Day is next weekend...John Richmond drops by to preview this how-to-make-a-living-in-the-arts series of workshops and discussions. Alisa Belflower and her students survey Richard Rogers in the UNL School of Music's Celebration of American Song series at Kimball Hall on Monday. Also, Sarah Lake from the Strategic Air & Space Museum talks about the new Eyes on Earth exhibit. And, Dan Glomski from the planetarium at the Hastings Musuem tells us what's up (in the sky). All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Jan. 19, 2007

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, filmmaker Doug Boyd has put together an 80-minute film that documents the Lincoln Arts Council's Stories of Home public art project that matched professional artists with 12 Lincoln families, each with a unique story to tell. Doug and LAC Executive Director Deb Weber drop by before the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center rolls out the red carpet for the film's premiere in Lincoln. Loree MacNeill talks about the cowboy poetry that will be read at Chadron State College. And, the Lincoln Community Playhouse brings the musical Frog and Toad and the jazz of Herbie Hancock to Lincoln. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Jan. 12, 2007

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, Opera Omaha's world premiere of Anthony Davis' new opera, Wakonda's Dream,is two months away, but there are a host of special events and discussions throughout Omaha and elsewhere to help you learn about this new work inspired by Standing Bear's court victory that recognized American Indians as human beings. The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions are an annual tradition, and the Nebraska district auditions are Saturday at Kimball Hall in Lincoln. We'll get a preview. Robin Harrell talks about the locals that are performing at The Listening Room in Hastings this weekend. Plus, Danny Lee Ladely from the Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln talks about the Metropolitan Opera's Saturday matinee broadcasts beginning there Saturday, this week featuring Julie Taymoor's production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. Ladely also talks about filmmaker Ali Selim's new film, Sweet Land. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.

Friday Live -- Jan. 05, 2007

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:00:00 PDT

This week on Friday Live, artist Stephen Dinsmore opens his new show at Modern Arts Midwest in Lincoln, he and proprieter (and fellow artist) Larry Roots talk about the exhibit. Celtic music and stories abound in the annual 12th Night celebration this Sunday afternoon at Christ Church Episcopal in Beatrice. Lori McAlister previews the event that features piper Jimmy Shelbourn and a host of community musicians and storytellers. Also, Dean Haist and Mac McCune preview the next Nebraska Jazz Orchestra concert in Lincoln. And, a preview of this weekend's Omaha Symphony concert. All that, some poetry from William Kloefkorn and a statewide arts calendar on this week's Friday Live.