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March/April 2014

Omaha’s Roller Derby Revolution Saying Goodbye

to Wanda Ewing

Pope Katherine I

and The Art of Tease

OMAHA MAGAZINE • 5921 S. 118TH CIRCLE • OMAHA, NE 68137

Page 27

Spring’s in the air! Three Old Market

ORIGINALS

Come discover three purveyors of unique and artful goods, found only in Omaha’s historic Old Market.

Holiday Décor & More

Handmade Chocolates & Fudge

Souvenirs & Travel Accessories

10th & Howard Streets

Tannenbaum’s delightful decor is ready to help you celebrate.

contents departments 8 Living

33 Faces

10 Art

35 Faces

Think a Downtown home wouldn’t work for your family? The Tornetens think otherwise! Check out their family nest in the Rows at SoMa.

Last December, Omaha lost a valuable member of its artistic community with the passing of Wanda Ewing. Guest writer Daphne Eck remembers her friendship with this dynamic artist.

features

12 Borgata Brewery

After a few stops and starts, this new brewery is finally open for business at 11th and Jackson.

18 Omaha Rollergirls

Our very own roller derby league is back at Mid-America Center for their ninth season.

14 History

The next time you notice Omaha’s most iconic logo Downtown, you can know it was created by nellie sudavicius macCallum in 1982.

16 Entertainment

The Old Market Tavern is under new management— could The Tavern be your new watering hole?

Ever seen a burlesque show Downtown? You probably caught an act with Katherine Neary, director of The Hot Tail Honeys.

A man of many talents, Joseph DeRozza displays a few of them as concierge of jLofts.

37 Dining

We decided to review M’s Pub to see if they still have what it takes to be a top gathering place for locals in the Old Market.

39 Old Market Map 40 Merchants & Attractions 43 Calendar

22 Fashion

Urban Omaha has a unique style. Clothes from Omaha designer Audio Helkuik and jewelry from Cibola only accent it.

27 Special Advertising Section

Advantage Coupons

Check out the new omahamagazine.com. Find extra web-only content and our Flipbook, which can also be found at readonlinenow.com.

march/april 2014 | the encounter

On our cover: Esther Knopes-Morris, aka Rady Ruck, is a jammer for the Omaha Rollergirls’ All Stars Team. omahamagazine.com

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the encounter | march/april 2014

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

COUNTED TODAY. Eight issues of The Encounter have a little letter like this one written by me, talking about this or that thing that’s going on Downtown or in Midtown. This time, I’m letting you know about something that’s happening right at Omaha Magazine, the big sister of The Encounter. I’m stepping down as an editor at Omaha Magazine, which means this great Downtown publication gets to keep progressing into a very cool urban magazine without me. It’s been pretty inspiring to take a closer look at Downtown businesses, people, and entertainment through the lens of this magazine. Some amazing people live in this city, and I got to meet some of them thanks to this little guy. So this is me wishing The Encounter and Downtown all the best luck as you continue to grow together. I’m going to keep watching what you’ll both do—you’re all amazing. You know that, right?

Chris Wolfgang Editor, The Encounter Magazine

@omahamagazine

omahamagazine

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

March/April 2014 publisher

Todd Lemke omaha magazine editor

Come In - Relax Enjoy the Flavors of Spring

enjoy a pot of tea & our new food items

David Williams the encounter editor

Chris Wolfgang editorial interns

Molly Mahannah • Josie Bungert contributing writers

Daphne Eck • Anna Hensel • Mandy Mowers Rain Sissel • Sarah Wengert creative director

John Gawley director of photography

& interactive media

Bill Sitzmann senior graphic designer

& web content manager

Kristen Hoffman assistant graphic designer

Marti Latka account executives

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Mike Brewer for advertising information:

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Omaha Magazine, LTD All versions of The Encounter are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha, NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted; however, no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

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the encounter | march/april 2014

LIVING

The Tornetens’ Life in the Rows at SoMa A Downtown Fit for a Family

story by Allison Janda | photos by Bill Sitzmann

ERHAPS ONE OF the most surprising things about living Downtown is just how similar it can be to living in the suburbs. “I wanted a garden. I’ve always been a big gardener,” Judi Torneten says when asked why her family chose their Rows at SoMa townhouse. “When Steve showed me this place, it didn’t take a lot of convincing. The garden is right outside our door.” After a moment of thought, she adds, “And we’re a block from the farmers market where we get fresh produce.” The Torneten family consists of Steve, Judi, and their young daughter Jolena. Their three-level home includes a two-car garage connected to the main floor, a fireplace, a patio, and a rooftop deck. “I like that it’s convenient,” Judi shares. “We’re really busy people, and when we were deciding that we should move Downtown, I counted how many times we had been Downtown in a month. It was ridiculous. We do 80 percent of our activities down here.” Steve works Downtown as a realtor and loves the convenience

of being able to walk to both his work and his appointments. “There are days that I don’t even drive my car,” he says. Judi teaches nearby at Omaha Public Schools while Jolena attends school not far from home. Additionally, Judi sings with Opera Omaha. “It’s easy to get to rehearsals. They’re all Downtown,” she says with a laugh. But while moving Downtown was an easy decision for the Torneten family, it wasn’t an easy task. “The biggest thing about moving to a condo or townhome from a house is that you have to get rid of a lot of stuff,” Steve admits. “But it’s incredibly liberating to throw all that stuff away.” An added convenience to living in their unit is the ease of taking care of their property. “I was excited about doing yard work for about the first five years of owning a home,” Judi recalls of their previous residences in Field Club and Bellevue. “After that, we were just paying someone to do our lawn, so it was kind of silly to have one.”

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

Jolena Torneten practices piano with her mom, Judi, in their townhouse just outside the Old Market.

The family doesn’t have to shovel snow, mow grass, or even pick weeds. “Plus, this whole complex is probably the most organic, green-friendly landscape you’ll ever get living Downtown,” Steve says, adding that the company that cares for their grounds, Squeaky Clean Organics, doesn’t even use a motorized lawn mower. While it’s easy to imagine adults finding fulfillment living near such a vibrant part of Omaha, what could there possibly be for an 8-year-old like Jolena to enjoy? “It’s amazing,” Steve responds. “But I think that there’s more for kids to do down here than there is in the suburbs. We walk. We go on family bike rides. She goes to The Rose Theater or takes acting classes. She takes drawing classes with local artists. There’s just so much.” And while the family can’t pinpoint just one favorite restaurant or shop, one thing is certain. “It is great to be able to walk to Ted and Wally’s,” Judi concludes with a grin. Judi and Steve take a break on the balcony of their Rows at SoMa home. omahamagazine.com

the encounter | march/april 2014

ART

I’ll be me and you be you.

a memorial for Wanda Ewing by Daphne Eck | photos by Dana Damewood

HE LAST TIME I saw her, she didn’t look herself. Sure, she’d lost at least 25 pounds, was practically bald, and had taken a beating from radiation, chemo, and surgery. But it really wasn’t that. The fabric and colors were all wrong. Wanda wearing black? A black hoodie and sweatpants. And they did not appear to have come from Anthropologie. I parked my car, and Wanda waved as she huffed her way up the sidewalk to greet me. She’d just finished her two-block walk for the day. Doctors had removed the entire left lobe of her lung a few weeks prior. Now, she was working to regain her strength. She gave me a big hug, as always, and we walked up the steps to her mother’s house. Inside, we sat down, and after five minutes her rapid breathing had slowed down a bit. Ten minutes later, the rattle quieted. Her breath was shallow, but it didn’t take long before the conversation went deep. It was clear that cancer had changed her perspective on life. “I don’t know how, but things are going to be different now,” she told me. She was eager to move back to her own house and get back to making art. She hinted at a few other changes, not knowing exactly what they would be. She wanted to make room in her life for more love—starting with a dog and opening up to wherever else love might show up. She spoke of taking on less responsibility, less struggling against the powers that be. She wanted to travel more—to places where she could breathe easy, places that accepted her and her art. Wanda’s art was an overflow of her own personality: colorful, boldly feminine, vibrant, out there for the world to see. She often teased my husband, Caleb Coppock, and me about our “process art.” If ours was process, 10

then hers was the presence. While our work was quiet and minimal, hers made a splash. Ours was about noticing the smallest details; her brush had the broadest stroke. You had to look twice at our artwork; with hers, you never looked away—it took up space and ended in exclamation points. A generous mentor, she was the favorite professor of many University of Nebraska-Omaha art students. A hardworking achiever, she donated her talent, time, and energy to countless committees, exhibits, and other people’s hair-brained ideas (and many of her own). A childless, unmarried 40-something with a million friends, she always showed up. But there was a loneliness to her that accompanied that joie de vivre. In many ways, Wanda’s very presence was a challenge to our community, and she carried the weight of it. She was brave and buxom, smart and sexy, artist and academic. She was controversial and feminist in a conservative, white, male-dominated region. She was a well-educated, successful black professional living in a racially segregated city known for its “failure to keep and attract educated, upwardly mobile black professionals” (Omaha World-Herald, Jan. 6, 2011). Being Wanda in Omaha took a lot out of her, probably more than any of us knew. She often mentioned the statistic that black, college-educated women over 40 are the people least likely to marry. She’d make a joke about it, but we all knew she wasn’t really laughing. Let’s be honest, Omaha never fully appreciated the treasure we had in her. Wanda knew that, and she carried it with grace. But even the strongest person can only carry that so long. To those of us who loved her, Wanda was impossible to resist. Her charm was magnetic: huge smile, funny as hell, she had a special way of

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

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Wanda Ewing was known for producing vibrant, sexy, powerful art.

connecting with people and finding common interests whether it be ’80s pop songs, scary movies, wine, shoes, or art. And there were always the inside jokes that she’d effortlessly slip into conversation. Every interaction with Wanda spoke loud and clear: “I’ll be me, and you be you.” Last week, I was shopping the sales at Anthropologie, and a memory surfaced. I had run into Wanda at that same table about a year ago. We’d chatted over the clearanced kitchen items, laughing and pointing out the deals to each other. I bought the mildest set of taupe bowls, and of course, Wanda’s hands were on the brightest in the bunch. I use my bowls every day. I love them, but sometimes I wish I’d chosen something more colorful. Now I hear Wanda saying, “You be you.” Minimal, simple…and taupe. Yep, that’s me! Back at the house, I began to feel I had stayed too long. She was getting tired, but she walked me outside and gave another big hug as I left. “Love you, Wanda.” “Love you, doll.” “Hey, this might be one of our last nice days this year. You should stay out here for bit—soak up some Vitamin D.” “Yeah, I think I’m gonna do that.” And that’s my last picture of her: smiling up at the afternoon, eyes closed, November shining on her face. Omaha artist Wanda Ewing passed away on Dec. 8, 2013. Daphne is a self-employed writer, creative strategist, and communications director (daphneeck.com). She was the writer for Wanda’s website (wandaewing.com) and owns what is possibly the only cream-colored piece of artwork that Wanda ever created. omahamagazine.com

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the encounter | march/april 2014

FEATURE

Borgata Brewery

will give customers a sip of history. story by Anna Hensel | photos by Bill Sitzmann

EFORE BREWERIES BECAME all the rage, there was another craft alcohol manufacturer that was king in Omaha: whiskey distilleries. For example, Willow Springs, the third-largest whiskey distillery in the nation, once stood at 4th and Pierce. But once Prohibition hit, that niche of Omaha’s craft spirit industry took a hit. Last December, former Lucky Bucket Brewery owner Zac Triemert and fiancée Holly Mulkins mixed a little bit of Omaha’s past with the present when they opened Borgata Brewery & Distillery, a new full-production brewery, production distillery, and craft cocktail tasting room at 11th and Jackson. It’s not just another business for Mulkins and Triemert—they want Borgata to become Omaha’s beer and whiskey. To do so, they’ve relied upon a network of people who are just as passionate about craft alcohol as they are. “Borgata is an old Italian word for family,” explains Mulkins. “Anybody that shares in what we make and what we’re doing is also a part of our extended family.” Borgata is the first full-production distillery in Omaha since

Prohibition, and Triemert and Mulkins say they’re excited to add their own page to Omaha’s “incredible distilling history.” In fact, Borgata will be brewing a batch of an old recipe from the family behind the Jetter Brewing Company, the Omaha concern that closed one year after Prohibition ended. “We’re literally going to be tasting history, which is kind of amazing. And doing what we’re doing with the whiskey, it’s history in the making so to speak,” says Mulkins. Triemert and Mulkins have been hard at work perfecting their craft. Triemert, in addition to his two master’s degrees in distilling and brewing, is a diligent student in the field. He has three notebooks at home, containing recipes and revisions dating from the first batch of beer he ever brewed in college more than 15 years ago. “It’s a terribly fun thing to have to study and learn about,” Triemert admits with a grin. The studious crew of Triemert, Mulkins, and bar manager Brian Gummert have spent the past year and a half traveling and tasting in order to perfect their menu. They say Borgata will

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

Zac Triemert and Holly Mulkins finally opened their brewery and distillery Downtown last December.

offer a wide variety of craft beers, whiskeys, and cocktails that will please both alcohol aficionados and customers who are new to the craft world. On the beer side, Borgata’s flagship is their pilsner, which Triemert describes as “easy to drink, flavorful, nice, hot character with a great, thick, lacy, white head on it.” Borgata will also feature a “Bison series” that will contain beers with higher alcohol content, such as a double IPA. Moving on to something on the stronger side, Borgata’s whiskeys will feature an “all-malt whiskey”—made of a group of single all-malt whiskeys, blended with Borgata’s own single-malt whiskey. According to Mulkins and Triemert, it’s a whiskey that’s never been done before in the United States. Finally, Triemert, Mulkins, and Gummert are getting a chance to showcase their in-house spirits with their craft cocktail room. One of their latest concoctions? Beer cocktails. Mulkins’ personal favorite includes champagne mixed with a stout, which she describes as a “kind of celebration drink.” omahamagazine.com

Perhaps fitting with their desire to be different, Borgata has faced some unusual setbacks. Originally scheduled to open at the beginning of November, Borgata’s permit approval was delayed because of the government shutdown. Nonetheless, Mulkins and Triemert made the best out of the situation. They sent letters to President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, promising them their first two cases of beer if they came to an agreement. The effects of the shutdown have been long-lasting. Though Borgata has been able to serve its signature pilsner in its tasting room, its unaged white whiskey wasn’t available until very recently due to the delayed permit. An aged whiskey and a small food menu are still in the plans for the future. Despite the problems they’ve faced, Mulkins and Triemert continue to have fun with what they do. “There is just so much that has happened, that is going to happen, and that is happening right now that we get to be a part of,” says Mulkins. “You could never get bored of this industry.” the encounter | march/april 2014

HISTORY Designer nellie sudavicius macCallum points proudly to her creation, arguably Omaha’s most recognizable logo.

Downtown’s Iconic “Omaha” may not be as old as you think. story by Mandy Mowers | photos by Bill Sitzmann

“That nice beautiful ‘Omaha’ on the west side— that, I literally ripped out of the telephone directory. I just loved the look of it. It really matched the age of the character of the building.” -nellie sudavicius macCullum

ERHAPS THE MOST iconic image of the word “Omaha” is the one with big block letters that look a century old, scrawled across the Riley Building at 1016 Douglas St. In fact, the advertisements were only painted on the east and west walls of the warehouse building in 1982. That’s almost 100 years after the building was built in 1889. “We were all hoping it would last a couple years,” says designer nellie sudavičius macCullum (locals may know her now as the marketing director for Nebraska Shakespeare). Actually, the paint job hasn’t been retouched in over 30 years. Now home to Pinnacle Bank, the Riley Building was then owned by Billie Lee Mommer, an interior designer and historic renovator. Mommer had hired macCullum’s advertising agency, Galen & nellie, Inc., in 1980 to create her own logo. Shortly thereafter, macCallum

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

and business partner Galen Lillethorup moved into the Riley Building as well. It was then that Mommer asked macCallum to design something for the exterior walls. “She said, ‘I want to be true to the building, but, nellie, whatever you want to do on the sides of the building, it’s yours’—ha ha!” macCullum remembers. “I incorporated things that I loved into that wall.” macCullum started researching at what is now the Durham Museum. “I went to the turnof-the-century telephone directory in the library. I pulled out four or five, and I went through every page looking at the advertisers,” she says. She took several photos of the building, trying to get them straight-on. She made big prints, which she could write and draw on by hand— mockups the old-fashioned way. First, she enhanced the few original advertisements that could still be made out on the wall. “For instance,” she says, “on the east side there’s a ‘Burlington’ that we just cleaned up. On the top left near the front of our building was a ‘Regis Hotel.’” Original artwork made its way into the design as well. “Another love, because I was a music and art major, I wanted to put some music up there,” macCallum says. “So on the west, you can see the beginning to Beethoven’s 5th.”

Then, of course, the big “Omaha.” “That nice beautiful ‘Omaha’ on the west side—that, I literally ripped out of the telephone directory. I just loved the look of it. It really matched the age of the character of the building,” says macCullum. “I had so much fun doing this. I think it took me at least three months to pull all the visuals together.” . When the time came to actually paint the designs, macCallum contacted Ric Darrell to do the job. “I knew it was something I couldn’t do alone,” Darrell says, “so I contacted Steve Hast.” Hast was on vacation in Big Lake, Mo., so Darrell drove down to talk to him about it. “We both knew we’d have to quit jobs to do this,” Darrell says. They decided to go for it. Darrell and Hast formed Apple Graphics, with the Riley Building as their startup project. Painting began in September of 1982. They took giant rolls of brown Kraft paper and hung them in Darrell’s garage in Millard. A projector set up in the driveway ensured they got the scale of macCullum’s mockups right. They traced the designs with an electric perforating machine, “like a pen that electrically burns a hole through the paper. It makes a little patterned hole every six inches,” Darrell explains. Continued on page 46

Steve Hast (left) and Ric Darrell painted macCallum’s design onto the Riley Building. omahamagazine.com

the encounter | march/april 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

The Tavern The Old Market’s “New” Neighborhood Bar

story by Molly Mahannah | photos by Bill Sitzmann

Stop by The Tavern any day. Owners David Kerr (left) and Dave Haverkamp will probably be there to say hi.

march/april 2014 | the encounter

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EFORE SEPTEMBER, POTENTIAL patrons looking to get a drink might have stopped just short of The Tavern—not realizing that a bar was down the street. However, after a few renovations and a name change, patrons can now clearly see the updated bar. Formerly The Old Market Tavern, the bar has changed more than just its name since David Kerr and Dave Haverkamp purchased it in July. One of the most unique changes is the addition of a 105-year-old Brunswick bar. “It was in the Muehlebach Hotel, and Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and every president from when it was installed until Ronald Reagan stayed at that hotel when they were in Kansas City, so you have to assume that many of them probably sat down at that bar,” Haverkamp says. Still, the addition of the historic bar was only part of the changes the duo made. In a whirlwind six days, Kerr and Haverkamp closed down the bar to begin renovations that included getting rid of a platform that split the bar in half lengthways, creating a congested area for guests trying to get a drink. “We had the floor redone as well,” Kerr says, “and we brought in church pews as a part of the furnishings, and we took a wall down as well in the back. It was like a small dart room, so we knocked that wall down, and we renovated the bathrooms as well. It was a diet of pizza and Red Bull just to get through the six days, but it was good.” Kerr, who has a background in both hospitality and marketing, also decided to light the awning outside and revamp The Tavern’s logo omahamagazine.com

OPEN AT 11AM DAILY to give the bar a more modern feel. Kerr added a colored, flashing LED light above the logo as well so that patrons can see the bar from 10th Street. Both Kerr and Haverkamp took a bartending class in South Beach to revamp their bartending skills. They usually bartend once or twice a week now at The Tavern, but bartending or not, they’re at the bar every day talking to customers. They claim it’s their favorite part of the day. Both owners are proud of their famous Moscow Mule and hope to add more specialty cocktails and perhaps even a food menu. But they’re most excited about the Scottish sodainfused cocktails. “There’s a soda from Scotland which outsells Coca-Cola, and I’ve had that shipped over from Scotland,” Kerr says, “so we can actually start using it in cocktails. You can’t miss it. It’s bright orange.” When Kerr and Haverkamp bought The Tavern last July, they ran the bar the way it was for two months to learn about the customers and to get a feel for what changes needed to be made. One result of this observation period was to change the name only slightly from The Old Market Tavern to simply The Tavern. “The reason why we didn’t completely change the name is because we really want this to be kind of a local place to go. That’s how we envisioned it,” Haverkamp says. “Yeah, it’s a neighborhood bar, but we wanted it to be homey. But the products are good, and the cocktails are good, and you know...we offer something a little bit different,” Kerr says.

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SIP. TASTE. SAVOR. the encounter | march/april 2014

COVER

HISTLES BLOW, AND ten women stop moving on a flat derby track in a basement rink in Omaha. A player grits her teeth and stays seated while everyone else clears away. Someone runs for an ice pack. “She says she heard it crack,” a teammate says. “We need the wheelchair,” another woman says. Injuries are inevitable in roller derby. Health insurance is required if you’re going to play in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. That’s on top of monthly dues, paying for uniforms, and buying gear. Then there are two- to three-hour practices three to four times a week. Plus a workout regimen to follow. It’s definitely a pay-to-play sport. Yet the Omaha Rollergirls’ roster has more than 50 members. Two women’s teams. A junior team. A recreational team. Even a men’s team (they’re called the Big O Roller Bros, by the way). “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done,” says Axl Rogue, aka Katy Flores. She was a gymnast and a cheerleader in a previous life but found ORG two years ago and hasn’t looked back. She’s a blocker now, as well as a team captain for the All Stars team, the highest caliber team in the ORG league. The ORG itself is 8 years old, a product of the roller derby revival that started in the early ’00s. The professional leagues with banked tracks and owners in suits are relics of the ’70s, and today’s grassroots, skater-managed teams wouldn’t have it any other way. “We vote, we decide what we want to do,” says Daisy Mayhem/Jessica Palimenio. She’s an All Stars blocker as well as the team’s event director. “It’s ours.” There are as many reasons why women join roller derby as there are women in the league. “We have doctors, we have waitresses, we have people in their 20s, we have people in their 40s,” says Palimenio. “Yes, there’s a level of toughness and athleticism, but there’s sort of a place for everyone.” For example, Esther Knopes-Morris is Rady Ruck, a jammer on the All Stars team. She moved from San Diego to Omaha a few years ago with her husband and infant son. “It was a big transition,” she says. “Once I started doing this, this was mine.” Though justifying the time 18

march/april 2014 | the encounter

commitment was a challenge at first, KnopesMorris says her family has accepted that roller derby is not going away. In fact, she’s the player on the cover of this issue of The Encounter. “It built my confidence back, my self-esteem,” she says. “My character. You’re a completely different person on the track. Off track, I’m more quiet and shy. Here, I’m hanging out with friends, and it’s just more comfortable.” “You get a sisterhood,” Flores agrees. “If I have a really crappy day, I can come here, knock down my friend, and she’s going to tell me ‘good hit.’” Sisterly bonds aside, roller derby is one of the few physical contact sports available to women in an organized association. The whole point of the game is to push your jammer through the pack so she can rack up points by lapping other skaters. Of course, your team is trying to block the other team’s jammer. And that team is trying to block your jammer. Bruises happen. The physicality of the sport has led to a bit of a reputation for street toughness, but Flores says the ORG decided last year to put aside the ripped fishnets and heavy face paint in favor of a more uniform look. “We’re in black from head to toe, and we just wanted to be more professional.” Gear for a properly suited-up skater includes, at minimum, knee pads, gaskets, elbow pads, wrist guards, a helmet, and a mouth guard. Holmes Sweet Holmes (when she’s in her role as ORG marketing director, you can call her Jacie Daeges) states that getting started with gear cost her about $100 a couple years ago. That’s in addition to a $200 pair of skates for a beginner. “A custom pair of leather skates could cost $500 or more,” says the All Stars blocker. The drive for a more serious level of play stemmed from an organizational change in WFTDA last year. Palimenio explains that, instead of playing regionally, leagues now play in divisions. Division 1 includes the top 40 ranked leagues internationally. The ORG is in Division 2, which is for teams 41-60, ranked at 57. Their chief rival in years past, Lincoln’s No Coast Derby Girls, is in Division 1. Leveling up isn’t impossible, says KnopesMorris, but it’s going to take a lot of work to get there. “Our endurance is better,” omahamagazine.com

The Omaha Rollergirls Meet the new faces of derby. story by Chris Wolfgang | photos by Bill Sitzmann

Esther Knopes-Morris is Rady Ruck, No. 777. omahamagazine.com

the encounter | march/april 2014â€ƒ

cover

Omaha Rollergirls jammer Midlife Crashes (No. 39) breaks through the pack at a 2013 bout.

GLOSSARY Blockers:

Skaters who must play offense

When a referee checks

Pack:

The group on the track that includes

that the players’ equipment is in good

the most of each team’s five players.

defense (keep the other team’s jammer from

condition and properly fastened.

breaking through the pack). Each team has

Initial pass:

Panty:

four, one of whom is a pivot.

Bout:

A match or game, which includes

two 30-minute sets. Each set can include between 15-20 jams.

A jammer’s first successful

break through the pack.

Jam:

A cloth helmet cover.

Penalty:

An individual timeout incurred

due to a foul; for example, a back block.

The main point of action in which a

jammer attempts to break through the pack in order to lap as many opposing players

Pivot: Essentially another blocker. A tired jammer can remove her starred helmet cover and pass it to the pivot during a jam.

Bridging:Extending the engagement

as possible. She receives one point for

zone, which is 20 feet before and behind the

every player passed per lap, a max of

identified pack. If a team wants to hold off

five points per lap.

Referees: A sanctioned match will have

Jammer:

seven: Three outside the track, four inside

a jammer, bridging affords more space to hold her back.

Calling it off:

When a lead jammer taps

other team’s jammer from scoring.

Cuts:

Moving from one side of the track to

the other.

Derby direction: Derby skins:

every opposing player lapped. Indicated by a

Counter-clockwise

The pivot becomes the jammer.

the track. The four inside include two jam refs and two pack refs.

helmet panty with a large star.

Star pass:

Jammer up: A jammer out on a penalty

starred helmet panty to the pivot, who

is getting ready to re-enter the track.

Lead jammer:

around the track.

at the side.

The player whose purpose is to

break through the pack and get points for

her hips to end a jam. This prevents the

Gear check:

(push their jammer through the pack) and

The first jammer to break

A jammer passes her

then becomes the jammer.

Wall:

Four blockers across in a pack.

through the pack with no penalties. Has the ability to call off a jam.

Shorts that are tied

Nonderby direction:

Clockwise

around the track.

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

Downtown story

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she says. “Our actual drills have gotten more intense. It used to be really basic, and then last year we had a big meeting. What could we do to move our league forward? What were our strengths, what’s our endurance level? Like, we would play a really strong first half and then fall apart.” She’s noticing with pride that a lot of ORG’s players are doing extra workouts outside of training. It also helps that, so far, the 2014 season hints at improved skater retention. “We have to keep people in order to keep building,” Knopes-Morris says. “Otherwise we’re just trading in new people and not accelerating.” Flores commends Palimenio for her care in lining up this season with matches against teams that will challenge the ORG but still move them forward. Including tournaments, the All Stars team could play between 11 and 14 games. The ORG’s home season, played at Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, will run through June and tournaments through August. For those who’ve never been to a derby match, never fear. Connecting to the community is pretty important for the ORG, as Palimenio points out, so the league makes an effort to produce events that are unintimidating and family friendly. “Of our audience,” she says, “we usually have 50 percent who are coming for the first time.” Volunteer announcers keep match analysis clear and fun, and inactive players walk through the stands with Talk Derby to Me signs to help any guest who’s a little unsure about what’s going on down on the track. The ORG season began Feb. 1. For a complete schedule, check out omaharollergirls.org. omahamagazine.com

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march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

FACES

Pope Katherine I explains the art of tease.

story by Chris Wolfgang | photo by Bill Sitzmann

“

omahamagazine.com

“I

T’S SO MUCH about this part,” Katherine Neary says, tweaking her cardigan to the side. “It’s being cute about it, but it’s actually stripping. We start out with loads of costumes and try to make it more exciting as you’re going down.” Neary leads local neo-burlesque troupe The Hot Tail Honeys under the stage name Pope Katherine I. For the past five years of its existence, she’s choreographed the moves, booked the shows, performed, recruited singers, dancers, jugglers, and made the costumes. “Of course in a burlesque show,” Neary explains, “it’s not just one costume. You have to have about three layers for every show that you do. And you have to rig all the costumes to be removed easily and beautifully. You can’t have any ‘why isn’t this snap working?!’” Thanks to a background in costume design—Lawrence University, The Rose Theater, Ralston Costumes—she’s able to indulge her love of complex, sequined costumes in her basement/ costume shop. “I’ve always been the ‘clothes or no clothes’ type of person,” she says, displaying an enviable confidence. “And I’ve always liked getting on stage.” She did try stripping but knew after only a couple nights that it wasn’t for her. “I can’t give a lap dance, and I can’t spend eight hours a day in those heels. But dancing around on a stage wearing almost nothing, that still sounds like fun,” she says, flashing a redlipsticked grin. “For a short amount of time, with lots of costumes and jewelry.” Burlesque, Neary explains, is the art of the tease. A typical Hot Tail Honeys show involves four to five cast members and a pretty classic look. “We’ll have Carmen Sutra singing,” Neary says, describing an upcoming show at The Wilson & Washburn. “She’s a great singer, used to do some burlesque in Las Vegas. She’ll do some classics, like “Nasty, Naughty Boy” and “A Guy What Takes His Time.” And then I’ll be coming out in a full Victorian costume to Frank Sinatra and slowly taking it off piece by piece.” How far does the lady go? “We go down to pasties.” Taking it all off isn’t as easy as people think, Neary warns. Aside from committing to 10-13 rehearsals per show, the encounter | march/april 2014

faces

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a burlesque performer also has to have a few key strengths. “You have to be an actress,” Neary says. “You have to be able to give off a lot of personality. You should promise change throughout the act. Then you’ve got to be fairly athletic. You’ve got have a certain aesthetic sense. Being able to put one foot in front of the other in a pair of heels is helpful. And then just the drive to do it.” “I feel like Katherine does a great job bringing burlesque to Omaha,” says Nikki Cobrin, aka Lady May. Neary recruited Cobrin for The Hot Tail Honeys about two years ago. “I think we really give Omaha a slice of entertainment that other cities get to have. Omaha is finally ready for burlesque.” For Neary, this year is about getting ready for burlesque again. She’s committing to four-hour-a-day workouts to get back up to performance speed after giving birth a year and a half ago. Portioning out meat, veggies, and a few eggs, as well as keeping very hydrated, are all part of the plan. Yes, she and partner Shane Staiger have a young daughter, Vivian, and Neary couldn’t be more in love. “She looks like him. She’s beautiful,” Neary coos. “She is the prettiest, sweetest little girl in the world.” Being a mom hasn’t changed her opinion of burlesque at all. “I’m really proud of doing it,” she says. “It’s so much fun. I imagine she’s going to be the happiest little girl in piles of boas and sequins and fringe and jewelry. She found a jewelry box this morning, actually.” Of course, she probably won’t be a burlesque performer forever. “There are women out there in their 80s still doing it, and I don’t think I’ll be one of those types.” But, she adds, “As long as I still like looking at myself naked in the mirror, we’ll go for it.”

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

FACES

Joseph DeRozza and His Art of Every Day

story by Sarah Wengert | photo by Bill Sitzmann

F YOU’VE VISITED jLofts, it’s likely you’ve received a warm welcome from concierge Joseph DeRozza. Tall with clear eyes that sparkle when he smiles, he is as dapper as he is genuine. So what does DeRozza do? “I do a little bit of everything,” he says—which is a pretty big understatement. DeRozza is a man of many talents, including concierge, music, and art. Originally from San Francisco, he came to Omaha in 1964 to serve in the Air Force. At the end of his three-year stint, he stuck around to play with his band, The Rogues. During this time, DeRozza fell for Omaha’s “easygoing” appeal, developing a particular fondness for the Old Market, where has done concierge work for 21 years. Having previously worked and lived at the Brandeis Building and Farnam 1600, he now owns a home in Midtown with Aggie, his wife of 19 years, but loves working Downtown. DeRozza says he prizes the unique flavor of Downtown Omaha. “It’s far more interesting, Bohemian, and cosmopolitan than any other area of Omaha,” he says. “You’ve got this little village—it’s like The Village in New York.” omahamagazine.com

the encounter | march/april 2014

faces

DeRozza says he enjoys the Old Market because of the atmosphere that’s similar to but on a smaller scale than his home back in Frisco. He calls it a delightful level of strangeness. “It’s not your average place,” he says. “And you’re actually living in the concept. It’s not like you’re just thinking about it; you’re actually living in it, working down here.” DeRozza loves what he calls the “boutique” feel of the Old Market. Many of the shop and restaurant owners are familiar with DeRozza, he says. He mentions some of his favorites: Nicola’s, 13th Street Coffee, Havana Garage, and, of course, the dearly departed French Café. He’s eager to try Le Boullion, which has sprouted in the latter’s place. “It’s already a vibrant scene, but we can always use more new places,” he says. DeRozza is also a member of Downtown Omaha Inc., a group of Downtown residents, business owners, and managers. The jLofts lobby where he works is surrounded by DeRozza’s art, including his favorite piece. He prizes the vivid giraffe painting because of its “reality and difficulty.” He does mostly oil paintings and pencil; science fiction, wildlife, and fantasy. He’s also begun exploring contemporary art—that’s why he’s named a newer, non-canvas-based piece The Future. “At this point in my life, I’m pretty low-key,” DeRozza says. “I just want to do a good job, do the job I like the best, and keep doing good artwork.” DeRozza’s sharp, realistic work belies the fact that he’s entirely selftaught. Perhaps it’s the length of his tenure as an artist: He began at age 11. He shares some small prints of his typically life-size pieces. From Eve in The Garden, to an ornate parrot, to a rendering of C-3PO, the colors are lush and the representations accurate. Even his fantasy pieces have a sharpness to them that suggests simultaneous reality and surreality. Some subjects are imagined, others are realistic, including a portrait of his grandson. Although he’s friendly with many jLofts residents, most may not even know their entryway is adorned with art by their concierge. “It’s a combination of odd jobs,” he says of concierge work. “Anything you can imagine.” Dog-walking, plant-watering, rides to the airport, accompanying service workers, errands, and lots of coordination, is just a shortlist. “You’ve got to be able to do it all. A hotel concierge, they just pick up the phone and call to have it done. I am Have It Done,” he says. And he truly loves being that go-to guy. “I love helping people. It makes you feel good,” says DeRozza. “At the end of the day you think, ‘I’ve really done something that mattered.’” 36

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march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

DINING

M’s Pub

tries new dishes while keeping great service. story by Rain Sissel | photos by Bill Sitzmann

OASTING SOME OF Omaha’s oldest and most popular restaurants, the Old Market has been a popular dining destination for decades. With 40 years under its belt, M’s Pub is definitely on the list for casual diners seeking a night out on the town. Co-owner Ron Samuelson has operated M’s Pub with business partner Ann Mellen for 27 years. After so much time, it could be easy to take success for granted, but Samuelson continues to try to appeal to his customers by offering quality food at an affordable price. “The main thing that I hope anybody gets out of a visit here is that they’ve been served something that has been prepared lovingly,” Samuelson says. “We take a lot of care in making sure every dish that goes out of the kitchen has been prepared properly and is a good value.” On a recent visit, M’s was in full swing serving casual families, couples on anniversary dinners, and business associates. I ended up sitting at the bar with my dining partner and having a pleasant conversation with a few businessmen about the specials menu. I love sitting at the bar at M’s—it’s usually a more inclusive dining experience. I started off my meal with the charcuterie special: hand-cured duck and soppressata with warm, fresh bread, red onions, caper berries, and a spicy mustard that really pulled the ingredients together. Samuelson says that M’s is working toward offering hand-cured charcuterie specials on a more regular basis. This special definitely indicates a positive future for the new menu item.

omahamagazine.com

the encounter | march/april 2014

dining

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We ordered the fresh whole artichoke appetizer to share. For entrees, my dining partner ordered the gluten-free chicken pesto pasta, and I ordered the lamb burger from the mainstay menu. Although the artichoke was a bit challenging to eat at first, it turned out to be an interesting addition to the evening’s meal—the accompanying lemon aioli and curried mayonnaise were exceptional. The chicken pesto pasta received a thumbs-up from my dining partner, and the lamb burger was delicious, topped with fresh tomato and lettuce that seemed too good to be true for the winter months. For dessert, I ordered one of the brand new mini-dessert specials: a salted caramel pudding minus the accompanying toffee bits due to my tree-nut allergy. Although I felt like I was cheating on my favorite sour cream pound cake, this

mini dessert was a flawless execution of sweet and salty flavors. Throughout our meal, the waitress was incredibly accommodating to my dining partner’s gluten intolerance and my allergy. She went the extra mile to help guide us through the extensive menu to create a cohesive dining experience. Consistency with service is something that has been integral to M’s success in the Old Market and has ensured a full house, even on a cold weeknight. At M’s, no one is shoving you out the door if you just want to stop in for a glass of wine and dessert. When you ask for a suggestion or an honest opinion, you’ll get one without an uncomfortable up-sale. As a long-time fan of M’s, I was pleased to experience the same sense of consistency and familiarity I was used to, along with a few nice surprises.

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

N. 16th St

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S. 12th St

S. 13th St

N. 12th St S. 12th St S. 12th St

N. 11th St S. 11th St 9

S. 11th St 11

S. 11th St S. 11th St

Harney St

Howard St

Building, 1914-1915

Leavenworth St

H13

H12

H11

H10

1892-1893 Omaha Fire House, 1903-1904 Windsor Hotel, 1885-1887 Omaha Bemis Bag Company, 1887-1902 Anheuser-Busch Beer Depot, 1887 Union Pacific Passenger Terminal, 1931

H8 Morse Coe Building,

H7 Hotel Howard, 1909

1886-1887

H6 Eisenberg Building,

1879

H5 Burlington Building,

1880-1881

H4 Millard Block,

Building, 1880

H3 Baum Iron Company

1885-1889

H2 J.P. Cooke Buildings,

13, Durham Heritage Museum

Jones St

Historical Tour

H1 Skinner Macaroni

Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau

Farnam St

Capitol Ave

10 Jackson St

Dodge St

G N. 10th St N. 10th St S. 10th St S. 10th St S. 10th St

N. 10th St S. 10th St

N. 9th St S. 9th St

S. 7th St

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the encounter | march/april 2014â€ƒ

Health Services M

Pubs, Taverns & Lounges

Restaurants

Historical Tour

Art Gallery Walk

Parking

Park

The Capitol District

The Old Market District

Roads Interstate On-Ramp/Off-Ramp Railroad Walking Path/Trail

Downtown Omaha Map

NORTH/SOUTH NUMBERS 10-19 (NUMBERS 1-9 ON PAGE 41)

Merchants Attractions OLD MARKET / DOWNTOWN / RIVERFRONT

ANTIQUES

Antique Annex...F16............................ 402.932.3229 Ashley’s Collectibles...E15....................402.934.3100 Ashley Jr. Collection...D16...................402-934-3100 Fairmont Antique Mall...E17.................402.346.9746 Flying Worm Vintage...E16.................. 402.932.3229 The Imaginarium...D16.........................402.594.7061 Joe’s Collectibles...F16......................... 402.612.1543 Second Chance Antiques...D14.......... 402.346.4930

ART

EXCEPTIONAL

TABACCOS

Anderson O’Brien Fine Art...F16...........402.884.0911 Artists’ Cooperative Gallery...G15..........402.342.9617 Bemis Ctr. for Contemporary Arts...E18.402.341.7130 FAME....................................................402.341-3930 Farrah Grant Photography...G16...........402.312.8262 Gallery 616...F17...................................402.214.3061 Garden Of The Zodiac...G15.................. 402.341.1877 Hot Shops Art Center...D2....................402.342.6452 MANGELSEN Images of Nature Gallery...F15............... 402.341.8460 KANEKO...F17...................................... 402.341.3800 Old Market Artists Gallery...G15...........402.346.6569 Omaha ClayWorks...F17......................402.346.0560 Passageway Gallery...G15..................... 402.341.1910 Sirens at the Loft...F16.........................402.933.9333 White Crane Gallery...G15.....................402.345.1066

ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT 503 S. 11th Street / Old Market / Omaha SGRoiTobacconist.com

Blue Barn Theatre...F17.......................402.345.1576 CenturyLink Center Omaha...H7.......... 402.341.1500 The Durham Museum...H19.................402.444.5071 Film Streams...D4................................ 402.933.0259 Henry Doorly Zoo...(3701 S. 10th St.).402.733.8401 Holland Performing Arts Center...E12.402.345.0606 Joslyn Art Museum...(2200 Dodge St.).......................... 402.342.3300 KANEKO...F17......................................402.341.3800 Lauritzen Gardens...(100 Bancroft St.).402.346.4002 MJ Carriage Service...(11th & Howard).402.453.6745 Ollie the Trolley......................................402.597.3596 Omaha Children’s Museum...(500 S. 20th St.).............. 402.342.6164 Omaha Symphony...A16...................... 402.342.3560 Opera Omaha...(1850 Farnam St.)......402.346.7372 Orpheum Theater...B15....................... 402.345.0606 The Rose Theater...(2001 Farnam St.).402.345.4849 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha...E3..........402.546.1800 Ticket Omaha...(www.ticketomaha.org)......................... 402.345.0606

BARS, LOUNGES & PUBS

The Orig inal Old Market Irish Bar Nightly Specials Live Irish Music Weekends Open 12 p.m.

1205 Harney St. 342-5887

dublinerpubomaha.com 40

Bar 415...E15.......................................402.346.7455 Barry O’s...G15.....................................402.341.8032 Berry & Rye...F16................................. 402.631.1331 Billy Frogg’s Grill & Bar...F15................402.341.4427 Blue Sushi Sake Grill...E15.................. 402.408.5566 Capitol Lounge & Supper Club...G11... 402.934.5999 DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar/Blazin’ Pianos...G11................. 402.763.9974 The Dubliner Pub...E15........................ 402.342.5887 Eat the Worm...E16..............................402.614.4240 Embassy Suites Old Market...H16....... 402.346.9000 Havana Garage Cigar Bar...G15............402.614.3800 House of Loom...(1012 S. 10th St.).... 402.505.5494 J’s on Jackson...H6...............................402.991.1188 J.D.Tucker’s...G15................................402.934.5190 Jackson St.Tavern...F14.......................402.991.5637 Julio’s Old Market...D16...................... 402.345.6921 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...G16........ 402.344.8627 M’s Pub...F15...................................... 402.342.2550 Mr. Toad’s...G15.................................. 402.345.4488 Maria Sangria...F14..............................402.504.4901 Nosh Wine Lounge...G11...................... 402.614.2121 O Dining & Lounge...G14......................402.502.7888 O’Connor’s Irish Pub...E16...................402.934.9790 Old Chicago...F15..................................402.341.1616 The Tavern...G16.................................. 402.341.0191

Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill...E6....402.346.9116 Parliament Pub...C5............................ 402.934.3301 Rock Bottom Brewery...F15.................402.614.9333 Roja Old Market...E14...........................402.346.9190 Sake Bombers @ Blue...E15............... 402.408.5566 The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill...G15...................... 402.359.1290 The Slowdown...D4..............................402.345.7569 Stiles Pub...E15....................................402.991.9911 Stokes Bar & Grill...F15....................... 402.408.9000 T Henery’s Pub...F14........................... 402.345.3651 Trap Room, The...C4........................... 402.505.9368 Twisted Fork Grill & Bar...G15.............. 402.932.9600 Union Pizzeria & Sports Bar...C2........ 402.932.2929 Upstream Brewing Company...F16..... 402.344.0200 Urban Wine Company...G18................ 402.934.0005 Waters Edge Lounge @ Embassy Suites...H16.............. 402.346.9000 The Zin Room...B14..............................402.991.0660

BOOKSTORES

Spaghetti Works...F16.......................... 402.422.0770 Spencer’s @ Hilton Garden Inn...G12...402.280.8888 Table Grace Café...B14..........................402.965.1276 The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill...G15.................... 402.359.1290 Stokes Bar & Grill…F15.......................402.408.9000 Subway...E15.. 402.341.8814 Sullivan’s Steakhouse...B13................. 402.342.0077 Trini’s Mexican Restaurant...G15..........402.346.8400 Twisted Fork Grill & Bar...G15...............402.932.9600 Union Pizzeria & Sports Bar...C2......... 402.932.2929 Upstream Brewing Company...F16......402.344.0200 V.Mertz...G15.......................................402.345.8980 Vincenzo’s Ristorante...E15...................402.342.4010 Vivace...F15..........................................402.342.2050 Wheatfields Express...F15.....................402.991.0917 The Zin Room...B14.............................. 402.991.0660 Zio’s Pizzeria...F16................................402.344.2222

FLOWERS

Jackson St. Booksellers...F17..............402.341.2664 Soul Desires/Urban Abbey...G16 ........402.898.7600

Garden Flowers...G16...........................402.614.5661 Old Market Habitat...G15..................... 402.342.0044 The Paisley Poppy...B14.......................402.991.6970

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

HEALTH & FITNESS

All About Me Boutique...G15................402.505.6000 Curbside Clothing...G16 Drastic Plastic...E16.............................402.346.8843 Flying Worm Vintage...E16................... 402.932.3229 The Lotus...E16....................................402.346.8080 McLovin’...H15...................................... 402.915.4002 Nouvelle Eve...F15.................................402.345.4811 Old Market Sundries...G16................... 402.345.8198 Overland Outfitters...G16.....................402.345.2900 Reserve Goodwill in the Market...E16...402.342.4102 Second Chance Antiques...D14...........402.346.4930 Souq, Ltd...G15.................................... 402.342.2972 Urban Outfitters...D4.............................402.280.1936

DINING

801 Chophouse at the Paxton...C14.... 402.341.1222 9th Street Grill...H11.............................402.315.4301 Ahmad’s Persian Cuisine...G15............402.341.9616 Billy Frogg’s Grill & Bar...F15................402.341.4427 Blue Sushi Sake Grill...E15.................. 402.408.5566 The Boiler Room...F17..........................402.916.9274 Capitol Lounge & Supper Club...G11... 402.934.5999 The Diner...F15.....................................402.341.9870 DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar/Blazin’ Pianos...G11................. 402.763.9974 Eat the Worm...E16..............................402.614.4240 Falling Water Grille @ Embassy Suites...H16.................. 402.346.9000 The Flatiron Café...(17th & Howard).... 402.344.3040 Hiro 88...D16....................................... 402.933-5168 Indian Oven...G15................................ 402.342.4856 J’s on Jackson...H6...............................402.991.1188 Jackson St. Tavern...F17......................402.991.5637 Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen...C14.......... 402.342.3662 Joe Banana’s (1022 S.10th St.)...........402.346.7227 Julio’s Old Market...D16.........................402.345.692 Kitchen Table, The...D13......................402.933.2810 Liberty Tavern...G7.............................. 402.998.4321 Little King...F4..................................... 402.344.2264 M’s Pub...F15...................................... 402.342.2550 Maria Sangria...F14..............................402.504.4901 Matsu Sushi...G14............................... 402.346.3988 Michael’s at the Market...F14...............402.346.1205 Nicola’s Italian Wine & Faire...E16....... 402.345.8466 O Dining & Lounge...G14......................402.502.7888 O’Connors Irish Pub...E16....................402.934.9790 Old Chicago...F15 .................................402.341.1616 Omaha Prime...G15..............................402.341.7040 PepperJax Grill...D16.............................402.315.1196 Pickleman’s...B14.................................402.505.9775 Rock Bottom Brewery...F15..................402.614.9333 Roja Old Market...E14........................... 402.346.9190 Shuck’s Fish House...(19th & Leavenworth)................. 402.614.5544

Acupuncture Omaha Healing Arts Center...E15............................ 402.345.5078 David Bole L.Ac............................. 402.345.5078 Ellen Zinn L.Ac.............................. 402.345.5078 Elizabeth Harmon - Acupuncture...402.991.5753 Ayurvedic Healing (both at Omaha Healing Arts Center) Dr.Rajesh Kotecha...E15............... 402.345.5078 Joyce Librunner, LMT...E15...........402.740.0366 Dental Derek Fender, DDS...E15.............. 402.342.3901 James Polerecky, DDS...C15.........402.341.7576 Omaha Dental Spa (at the Loft)...F16....................... 402.505.4424 Fitness Anytime Fitness...F18....................402.991.2333 Kempo Karate...(19th & Farnam).. 402.905.6865 Omaha Yoga School...G15.............402.346.7813 Massage Therapy Old Market Massage...E15............402.850.6651 Omaha Healing Arts Center...E15...... 402.345.5078 Rachel Andress, LMT................... 402.345.5078 Sandy Aquila, LMT........................ 402.345.5078 Julia Beutler, LMT......................... 402.345.5078 Lisa Christensen, LMT...................402.850.6651 Kirstin Kluver, LMT........................ 402.345.5078 Joyce Linbrunner, LMT..................402.740.0366 Tara Thompson, LMT....................402.706.7398 Medical Commercial Optical Co...E16.........402.344.0219 Creighton Family Healthcare...D19.402.280.5500 Downtown Chiropractic...(21st & Douglas).............. 402.345.7500 Ritch Miller, DC............................. 402.345.7500 Heartland Pathology...A14.............402.346.0195 Physical Therapy Bobby Escolas, CMHT (Hypnotherapist)................... 402.990.2979 Jannette J. Davis, MS, CST...G13.402.341.2230 Cynthia Duggin, MSW, LCSW...E15......................... 402.345.5078 East & West Physical Therapy...E15......................... 402.345.5078 Chanell Jaramillo, MTP, CMH, HHP...E15.............. ... 402.689.0905 Jeff Stormberg, PhD...C14........... 402.393.0642 Tim Swisher, MHR, LMHP, LADC...G13................... 402.341.2230 Pharmacy Depot Drug...C11.........402.544.DRUG

HOME FURNISHINGS

Habitat Restore...(24th & Leavenworth).......................... 402.342.0044

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

N. 16 St

Davenport St

Chicago St

Cass St

California St

Mike Fahey St

Burt St

Cuming St

Izard St

N. 15 St

Izard St

N. 1

t 0S

N. 11 St F

Mike Fahey St

TD Ameritrade Park Omaha

Cass St

Lodging

Pubs, Taverns & Lounges

Restaurants

Parking

Roads Interstate On-Ramp/Off-Ramp Railroad Walking Path/Trail

Dodge St

Harney St

Farnam St

y we De

e Av

vd Bl er rn u T V

Midtown Crossing Map

Dr Riverfront

N. 12 St N. 12 St N. 12 St

N. 14 St

N. 10 St N. 10 St

N. 13 St N. 13 St N. 13 St N. 13 St

N. 34 St S. 34 St

N. 33 St

S. 33 St

N. 32 Ave

Nicholas St

N. 31 Ave

S. 31 Ave

24 T

Farnam St

Douglas St

Dodge St

Turner Bl vd

ron

erf Riv

S. 31 St

omahamagazine.com N. 12 St

NORTH/SOUTH NUMBERS 1-9 (NUMBERS 10-19 ON PAGE 39) Turner Blvd

Downtown Omaha Map

tD r

the encounter | march/april 2014â€ƒ

CenturyLink Center Omaha

The Old Market’s favorite spot for lunch & dinner.

Merchants Attractions OLD MARKET / DOWNTOWN / RIVERFRONT

Iron Decor & More...F16......................................402.346.6123 Julia Russell...F12................................................402.891.0691 Niche...G15..........................................................402.344.4399 Room...G15.........................................................402.342.7666 Simply Fabulous...G4........................................... 402.812.2193 Urban by Design...E16..........................................970.214.7608 Zongkers Custom Woods...(S. 3rd St.)...............402.344.7784

Award-winning food & wine list – open late 7 nights a week. Call for reservations.

M’s Pub

422 S. 11th Street

•

342-2550

www.MsPubOmaha.com

Guest Caterers

(lunch served on a rotating schedule)

Chick-fil-A La Mesa Mexican Restaurant Sgt. Peffer’s Café Italian The Greek Islands Petrow’s Restaurant Mangia Italiano Schlotzsky’s Paradise Bakery. •

Full service convenience center

•

Unique, hard to find specialty gift items for all seasons

•

Official NCAA sanctioned University of Nebraska Husker memorabilia, clothing, etc.

•

Fashion Cleaners next day service

•

Fresh flowers, specialty floral arrangements, specialty balloons and balloon arrangements for all occasions.

1601 Dodge St., Suite 100

(South lobby of the First National Tower)

402.341.5555 Hours: 6:30a-5p Monday-Friday

La Buvette Wine & Grocery...G16.......................402.344.8627 Nosh Wine Lounge...G11.....................................402.614.2121 Old Market Candy Shop...G16............................402.344.8846 Patrick’s Market...C15.........................................402.884.1600 Red Mango...D4................................................. 402.933.8815 Scooter’s Coffeehouse...F16.............................. 402.991.9868 Soul Desires...G16 ............................................. 402.898.7600 The Tea Smith...F15...........................................402.932.3933 HOTELS Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream...F16.............................402.341.5827 Courtyard by Marriott...H12 ...............................402.346.2200 Urban Wine Company...G18...............................402.934.0005 DoubleTree Hotel...B/C10....................................402.346.7600 Wheatfields Express...F15...................................402.991.0917 Embassy Suites Old Market...H16.......................402.346.9000 Fairfield Inn and Suites...C2.................................402.280.1516 SPECIALTY SHOPS Hampton Inn...E2.................................................402.345.5500 Cibola of Omaha...G16.......................................402.342.1200 Hilton Garden Inn...C2 ........................................402.341.4400 City Limits...F16................................................. 402.345.3570 Hilton Omaha...G7 ..............................................402.998.3400 Cornerstone Gem & Bead Co...E16................... 402.346.4367 Holiday Inn...E2.....................................................402.341.0124 DSR Power Sports...E15..................................... 402.991.1383 Homewood Suites...D2 .......................................402.345.5100 Goldsmith/Silversmith...G16..............................402.342.1737 Hotel DECO XV...B14........................................... 402.991.4981 Green St. Cycles...D4........................................ 402.505.8002 Magnolia Hotel Omaha...A16 .............................402.342.2222 Havana Garage Cigar Bar...G15..........................402.614.3800 Hookah Ran’s...D15...........................................402-934-3100 MIDTOWN CROSSING Iron Decor & More...F16.....................................402.346.6123 The Afternoon...W23...........................................402.933.3809 J.P. Cooke Rubber Stamp Co...D16...................402.342.7175 Arlan’s Barber Shop...W23..................................402.505.8767 Jay Welter Cigars...(18th & Jackson).................402.345.1965 Brix...W21............................................................402.991.8466 Kessler’s...F17....................................................402.715.5888 Callahan Financial Planning...V23.......................402.341.2000 The Lotus...D16..................................................402.347.8080 Cantina Laredo...W21.........................................402.345.6000 Italian & Mediterranean specialties servedMachu Picchu Imports...D16..............................402.706.7818 Chef2...W22.........................................................402.991.5656 Nebraska at the Market...E19............................ 402.346.3975 Old Market’s most beautiful in“the Coldstone Creamery/Rocky Mountain Chocolate...X22.............. dining room,” complemented with the Old Market Sundries...G16.................................402.345.8198 402.359.1719 Overland Outfitters...G16..................................402.345.2900 Corkyarea’s Canvas...W22........................................... 402.637.4066 largest selection of Italian wines. Perspective Jewelry...E15..................................402.934.4416 CRAVE...W22......................................................402.345.9999 Red Square...G15.............................................. 402.342.8878 Definitive Vision...W23.........................................402.502.7323 1108 Howard StreetReserve • 342-2050 Goodwill in the Market...E16................402.342.4102 Delice European Bakery...W23............................402.505.9500 www.VivaceOmaha.com SG Roi Tobacconist...G16...................................402.341.9264 Element by Westin...X21.....................................402.614.8080 Simply Fabulous...E17........................................402.812.2193 Fashion Cleaners...X22........................................402.916.1987 Studio 13...(1736 S. 13th St.).............................402.934.1111 Garbo’s Salon & Spa...X22..................................402.933.8988 The Summit...(1601 Dodge St.).........................402.341.5555 Glo Lounge...X23................................................402.342.4505 Susie’s Baskets...E13.........................................402.341.4650 The Grey Plume...W22........................................402.763.4447 Takechi’s Jewelry...(17th & Harney)...................402.341.3044 Hutch...W22........................................................402.955.9842 Tannenbaum Christmas Shop...G16................. 402.934.8389 Ingredient...X23...................................................402.715.4444 Visions Custom Framing Studio...E17............... 402.342.0020 Lenny’s Sub Shop...X23.......................................402.218.1745 Marcus Midtown Cinema...X23..........................402.345.0102 SERVICES NT Nails............................................................... 402.991.7676 Banking & Finance Pana 88...............................................................402.934.7262 American National Bank...C14......................402.457.1070 Prairie Life Fitness...W22....................................402.916.5000 First National Bank...F16.............................402.885.2574 Saints Pub & Patio...W21.....................................402.932.1911 Pinnacle Bank...G12....................................402.346.9180 Three Dog Bakery...X23...................................... 402.715.4500 Security National Bank...G16...................... 402.344.7300 Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery and Deli...X21.402.551.6875 Commercial Verizon Wireless by Z Wireless...X23...................402.991.1180 Alliance Group...G18................................... 402.344.7700 Clark Creative Advertising...D16.................402.345.5800 MUSIC SHOPS J.P. Cooke Rubber Stamp Co...D16.............402.342.7175 Antiquarium Records...D15................................402.345.0294 Market Media.............................................. 402.346.4000 Homer’s Records...E15.......................................402.346.0264 Vic Gutman & Associates............................ 402.345.5401 Drastic Plastic...E16...........................................402.346.8843 Information DOWNTOWN PROPERTIES Downtown Omaha, Inc.................................402.341.3700 902 Dodge Condos...G11................................... 402.215.7118 Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce...D15..................... Ashley Park...(204 S. 25th)............................... 402-934-3100 402.346.5000 Brandeis Building...A13......................................402.345.6564 Old Market Business Association...(www.oldmarket.com) Farnam 1600 Building...(1905 Harney St.).........402.342.1616 Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau...G14.402.444.4660 Grubb/Ellis Pacific Realty...F15..........................402.345.5866 Omaha Downtown Improvement District......402.916.1796 Harney Street Apartments...G18.........................402.934.7510 Omaha Public Library...C13.........................402.444.4800 Legend Building...(1429 S. 13th)...................... 402-934-3100 Legal Old Market Lofts...K3......................................... 402.346.1000 Boyle & Associates, PC...F16....................... 402.706.7810 Overland Building...D16..................................... 402-934-3100 Cullan & Cullan...F15.................................... 402.397.7600 Pullman Building...(1017 S. 10th St.)................ 402-934-3100 Klein Law Offices...H16.................................402.391.1871 Riverfront Place...C14..........................................402.397.4837 Stinson, Morrison, Hecker LLP...E14.............402.342.1700 Shamrock Development/Paxton Building...C14..402.934.7711 Sutera & Sutera Law Office...F15.................402.342.3100 Skinner Macaroni Apartments...D17..................402.346.2346 Other The Cornerstone Apartments...F15.................... 402.346.0510 Big Brain Productions...F17..........................402.342.2885 The Greenhouse Apts...H13............................... 402.341.3200 Movers Not Shakers...H13............................ 402.614.9770 TipTop Building...C2............................................402.345.8000 Old Market Mini Storage...(501 Pacific St.)..402.342.0022 Salon & Spa SPECIALTY FOODS & COFFEE 13th Street Coffee Co...E16.............................. 402.345.2883 Curb Appeal Salon...G16..............................402.345.0404 Aromas Coffeehouse...G18................................402.614.7009 The Hair Market Salon...G14.........................402.345.3692 Bliss Bakery...G18...............................................402.934.7450 The Nail Shop...(9th & Douglas)...................402.595.8805 Blue Line Coffee...D3.........................................402.932.0294 Rain Salon...(1006 S. 10th St.)......................402.991.9974 Cubby’s Old Markey Grocery...E17..................... 402.341.2900 Sirens Salon & Day Spa...F16.......................402.933.9333 Hollywood Candy...H4........................................ 402.346.9746 Urbane Salon & Day Spa...D15.....................402.934.2909

march/april 2014 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

Every community has a story.

WHYCOMMUNITYMATTERS.COM

Visit us in the historical RILEY BUILDING at 1016 Douglas on the Mall, 402.346.9180 or online at pinnbank.com.

T HE

downtown and council bluffs

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march/april calendar of events Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank

ART AND MUSEUM EXHIBITS

iROZEALb Through May 11, Joslyn Art Museum–

Christopher O’Riley March 15, Holland Performing Arts

Lady Antebellum with Kip Moore and Kacey Musgraves

Mitchell Squire: We’re gonna have to do more than talk Through March 15, Carver Bank - 724 S. 12th St. Omaha has recently had a great deal of media attention surrounding crime, gun violence, and the legislation that intersects it. Mitchell Squire’s exhibition at the Bemis Center’s Carver Bank venue, We’re gonna have to do more than talk, explores how and if visual art can contribute to a better understanding and redress for the complex issues surrounding gun violence, particularly as it relates to the black community. M-F/11am-2:30pm. Free. 402-341-7130 – bemiscenter.org

2200 Dodge St. Fusing imagery and techniques from widely varied sources—including American hip hop culture, traditional Japanese woodcut prints, comic books, and Byzantine icons—iROZEALb’s paintings, drawings, and mixed media collages examine the ways personal identity is shaped when cultural forces collide. 10:30am. Free. 402-661-3862– joslyn.org

Center–1200 Douglas St. Pianist Christopher O’Riley is revered for bridging the gap between pop and classical music. He will perform selections from Out Of My Hands, which features the music of R.E.M., Portishead, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, The Smiths, and Tears for Fears, as well as songs from Radiohead and Elliott Smith. $30. 8pm. 402-345-0606 – ticketomaha.com

March 27, CenturyLink Center Omaha– 455 N. 10 St. The six-time Grammywinning trio blends contemporary country with soulful ’60s R&B into an infectious modern brew. Hear their hit songs, including “Need You Now” and “Just a Kiss.” $51.95$108.85 plus fees. 7pm. 402-341-1500 – centurylinkcenteromaha.com

Sum of Us Through June 28, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts–724 S. 12th St. The 1968 Exhibit is an ambitious, state-of-theart, multimedia exhibit that looks at how the experiences of the year fueled a persistent, if often contradictory, sense of identity for the people who were there. It is the unsettled nature of the debate about damage done or victories won that makes an exhibit on this subject so compelling and urgent. $9 adults, $7 seniors, $6 ages 3-12, members and children 2 and under free. Sun/1-5pm; Tu/10am8pm; W-Sat/10am-5pm. 402-444-5071 – durhammuseum.org

Demi Lovato: Neon Lights Tour March 16, CenturyLink Center Omaha– 455 N. 10 St. Demi Lovato is bringing her Neon Lights Tour to Omaha along with Little Mix, Fifth Harmony, and Cher Lloyd. Lovato, former Disney star and current judge of The X Factor, has albums debuting at No. 1 on the iTunes Chart in over 25 countries, including the U.S. 8pm. $27.50-$63 plus fees. 402341-1500 – centurylinkcenteromaha.com

No Strangers: Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World Through April 19, KANEKO - 1111 Jones St. This exhibition is the first offering in an ongoing partnership with the Annenberg Space for Photography, based in Los Angeles, that will bring a sampling of the best work in photography to KANEKO in the years to come. No Strangers consists of over 100 images from 24 photographers and an original documentary. M-W/9am-5pm; Sat/1-5pm. Free. 402-341-3800 – thekaneko.org Photographers and the Plains Indians Through April 19, KANEKO - 1111 Jones St. This exhibition is drawn from an archive of historical photographs. It looks at the dynamic relationship between photographer, subject, and consumer, while raising issues about what it means to “capture” a people through a visual medium such as photography. M-W/9am5pm; Sat/1-5pm. Free. 402-341-3800 – thekaneko.org omahamagazine.com

CONCERTS All Tchaikovsky–Omaha Symphony March 7-8, Holland Performing Arts Center–1200 Douglas St. Marcelo Lehninger (conductor) and Vadym Kholodenko (2013 Van Cliburn Competition Medalist and pianist) perform Tchaikovsky’s impassioned piano concerto and lush portraits of two timeless love stories ignite the senses. $27-$80. F-Sat/8pm. 402-345-0606 – omahasymphony.org

Jim Gaffigan March 18, Holland Performing Arts Center–1200 Douglas St. Jim Gaffigan has proven himself a major talent beloved to a wide range of audiences, achieving accolades and awards for his stand-up comedy, acting, and writing. His clever, quiet style has made him one of the top five most successful touring comedians in the country today and his CDs and DVDs have reached platinum sales. Gaffigan has had an unprecedented number of late-night appearances with Letterman and Conan. $44.75-$49.75. 7pm. 402-345-0606 – ticketomaha.com

Soweto Gospel Choir March 27, Holland Performing Arts Center–1200 Douglas St. The Grammywinning Soweto Gospel Choir celebrates the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music. The 52 members of the choir come from the churches in and around Soweto, an urban area in Johannesburg, South Africa. Formed in 2002, the choir has shared the stage with Peter Gabriel, Bono, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and others on the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. $20-$50. 7:30pm. 402-345-0606 – ticketomaha.com FAMILY EVENTS Omaha Storm Chasers Through September 1, Werner Park12356 Ballpark Way The Triple-A champion Omaha Storm Chasers begin a defense of their title with an eight-game home stand against the Nashville Sounds (March 3-6) and the Memphis Redbirds (March 7-10). Batter up!

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