Hana Zara releases new video, announces forthcoming album
An earthbound quality permeates Hana Zara’s threadbare folk that feels at once calming and constricting. The delicate waver in the troubadour’s otherwise calming voice reveals the pain behind her characters’ weariness, brought on by both physical and emotional travels.
While these signature characteristics are familiar in Zara’s newly released track, “The Toy,” they are far from formulaic. She spins a vast yarn throughout, the titular childhood object erased of its wonder as it’s used up and wasted away, leaving only lament that the human hands are responsible. Though no specific place is mentioned here (as is often her style), the geography in her lyrics keep us relatively grounded.
With the release comes the announcement of Zara’s yet-untitled new album, due early next year. It will mark the singer/songwriter’s Sower Records debut. Catch her in the meantime this Friday, Sept 9 at Lincoln’s 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St, with Mike Semrad & the Likes and Chick (RSVP here).
Watch the video for “The Toy” below:
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Benefit concert hopes to aid Dixie Quicks co-owner
A handful of Omaha artists have banded together to support a beloved restaurant owner as he faces critical illness.
Simon Joyner, Closeness and High Up will play a concert Sunday, Sept 11 at Slowdown to benefit Dixie Quicks owner René Orduña as he fights cancer. Orduña, who has co-owned the brunch spot with his husband Rob Gilmer for more than 20 years, was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer and is currently seeking treatment.
High Up/Closeness’s Orenda Fink and Omaha artist Kim Darling organized the concert and an online fundraiser to help the restaurateur handle medical expenses, according to an Omaha World Herald story. As of this writing, the GoFundMe campaign (found here) has already raised more than $14,000, upon which the concert looks to build through suggested donation and silent auction. Read Sarah Baker Hansen’s full story here.
The event runs 7-11 p.m., with a $15 suggested donation at the door. Dixie Drag will also perform. The silent auction includes art, prize packages, gift certificates, concert tickets and more. Dixie Quicks chef Jennifer Coco will provide food. RSVP here.
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High Up’s Soto appears on Basement on a Hill
Things got strange this week on Omaha’s horror movie podcast as High Up bassist Josh Soto joined the Basement on a Hill gang for its 28th episode.
Normally centered around movies, this week the crew explores the hit Netflix series Stranger Things and the announcement of its second season. Soto also talks dives into the Omaha soul band of which he is a part, as well as Blackstone’s new Ground Floor Guitar. And of course, he takes a turn at Seven Deadly Questions.
Listen to Episode 28 below, and catch up with the series here.
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Concert Round-Up
If you’re looking for shows tonight, Springfield Mo., country act Cole Porter Band plays Vega, 350 Canopy St, with local singer/songwriter Jake Kloefkorn. Entry is $5, RSVP here.
Or head to Duffy’s Tavern, 1412 O St, where Oakland-based funk/rock sextet Puff Puff Beer stops on its nationwide tour. Local acts Thundersandwich and Producers of the Word fill out the bill. Entry is $5, RSVP here.
Check out our statewide event calendar here to plan the rest of your week. If you don’t see your show or one you plan to attend, email news@hearnebraska.org or add it yourself via the site’s Contribute feature here.