9 pm, $5, 21+

Bonehart Flannigan

“The speakers in Bonehart Flannigan songs are always in doorways. They’re either about to be clobbered by the slamming door on their way out, or begging a good woman to be let back in.

The characters are often drunk, often foolish and often have smart mouths. Jon Dell himself (aka Bonehart Flannigan) said of his shows, “My shows are a lot like Christmas. I show up drunk and when I’m done, everyone is mad at me.”

On this night, however, Dell was admittedly cold sober, matching the sharpness of his band, which included his Universe Contest bandmate Brenton Neville on drums, Mark Wolberg on upright bass, Brian Vana on harmonica and Thad Miller on fiddle. Flannigan doesn’t so often play with a full band live, and it made for sneak peek of his upcoming debut album Backpacks and Mason Jars. The two-fifths of Universe Contest beamed when Dell closed the show with “Get in the Van, Let’s Go,” a highway-burning song that chronicles their drunken, knee-slapping touring escapades.

To say that Dell’s endless beard and shoulder-length mane make him look messianic is to parrot YouTube comments about many folk musicians. To say he looks like a cult leader ignores his gregarious stage manner. No, Bonehart Flannigan is the truck driver who saves you from the cult, sings you his sad stories and sends you on your way.

Nobody really “leaves it all on the stage” as the expression goes, but certain artists leave pieces. When Dell sang “Sweet Release” — a song of lost people finding their singular relief in life — the singer raised his voice to levels both thrilling and dangerous. He stretched the larynx to a place that it will literally go a finite number of times. For the Zoo Bar crowd, then, it was a gift and Dell’s own sweet release. We ought to be thankful for it.” – Chance Solem Pfeiffer, Hear Nebraska

Brad Hoshaw & the Seven Deadlies

Recently, Brad Hoshaw finished recording his new full length studio album. The new album will feature his band The Seven Deadlies and showcase all new songs including “New Tattoo” and “Delta King” which have already become fan favorites at his live shows. This past October, Brad Hoshaw successfully ran a Kickstarter campaign to raise over $7,500 to help with mixing, mastering and manufacturing costs. The album is scheduled for release on February 21, 2014.

The Seven Deadlies were formed in 2008 with the purpose of playing one show only. The audience response was so strong that they were compelled to keep performing. Their self-titled 2009 album won “Album of the Year” at the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards. The current Seven Deadlies’ lineup includes Brad Hoshaw on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Matt Whipkey on lead guitar, Vern Fergesen on bass and J. Scott Gaeta on drums.

Frank Black (The Pixies) describes their music as “Seductive” and David Dondero claims Hoshaw is “the only songwriter that can make me cry.” With a new album in the works The Seven Deadlies are poised for another big year.

Orion Walsh & the Rambling Hearts

After a decade of putting out albums and touring, Nebraskan singer-songwriter Orion Walsh has released his fifth solo album “The Tale of a Broken Compass” with indie label the Hunter Records. Consisting of ten new songs full of highly personal storytelling, the album is truly a mature step forward for this well traveled troubadour. Walsh has previously released two full length albums, “The Hitchhiker’s Son” produced by AJ Mogis (Bright Eyes, The Faint, Cursive) and “Tornado Lullabies” produced by Aaron Edwards as well as two EPs, “Freedom Lost Freedom Found” and “First By Water Then By Fire” with indie label The Hunter Records and Morning Radar Sounds. He has also released a full length album with his previous band Slow Coming Day (Tooth and Nail Records) which had major label distribution back in 2003. His accomplishments include releasing several songs for multiple compilations as well. Walsh has been touring for over a decade and has performed shows all over the United States and in Europe. Several of his songs have been used on television and independent films in the past, the most noteworthy being on “Americas Next Top Model” of international fame. Expect to see more from this free spirited traveler and songwriter in the years to come.