Kasher-directed film to premiere at Omaha Film Festival

One of Omaha’s most well-known songwriting names is getting his film debut.

Cursive/The Good Life frontman Tim Kasher will unveil his feature-length directorial debut No Resolution at the 11th annual Omaha Film Festival in March. Kasher both wrote and directed the film, which was produced by Chevy Kozisek and stars Maura Kidwell, Layne Manzer and Erin O’Shea. The film is one of six featured in this year’s Nebraska Spotlight.

No Resolution explores the relationship of never-was musician Cary and his newly pregnant fiancé Jean as they grapple with settling down. Their disagreements come to a head on New Year’s Eve, when their upstairs neighbors throw a raging party.

Omaha Film Festival runs March 8-13 in cinema’s across Omaha. No Resolution screens at 6 p.m. Friday, March 11 at Village Point Theatre. Buy tickets and find more information here.

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KZUM extends pledge drive through tonight; Hottman Sisters on HN FM

Lincoln community radio station KZUM has extended its Spring Pledge Drive an additional day, through tonight, in order to meet its fundraising goal of more than $30,000. Last week, our program, Hear Nebraska FM, topped its mark from last year by roughly $50. As a station, there is work left to be done. If you have yet to donate but are still interested, visit kzum.org for more details.

Tonight, The Hottman Sisters join us live in-studio on Hear Nebraska FM. The sisterly songwriting duo recently revamped itself, adding Jon Evans and fleshing out its pop-influenced sound. Present still are their entrancing harmonies, which shine brightly at the forefront of each tune. Tune in from 8-10 p.m. tonight via 89.3 FM or stream live here.

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Roadside assistance company sponsors bands touring to SXSW

Touring life can be difficult for an indie band, especially when vehicle troubles derail an out-of-town run. One roadside assistance company wants to help bands avoid those hang-ups.

Los Angeles-based Honk is looking to sponsor local bands heading to SXSW this spring. The on-demand roadside assistance company would cover the cost of a flat tire, jump start or tow for selected bands. Each will be shouted out on social media and included in the official Honk SXSW playlist.

Honk’s Head of PR Kt McBratney says that the idea to work with indie bands came up during a brainstorming session on how to gear services toward non-traditional drivers. Touring acts came up routinely as one of the most neglected group.

“Especially when they’re … using their personal vehicles and funds to get from show to show,” McBratney says. “It was a bit of a no-brainer to find a way to support them while spreading the word about what we do.”

Honk is an app-based company that provides services on an as-needed basis. It offers 24-7 nationwide services with a partner network of more than 35,000 trucks, and no added membership fees.

Musicians interested in applying for Honk’s SXSW sponsorship can submit their entry here.

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Timecat, The Ridgways, Uh Oh at Milk Run

HN multimedia intern Adam LaRose went to Milk Run Friday night to catch an all-Omaha billing of Timecat, The Ridgways and Uh Oh. View his photos below:

Timecat

Ridgways

Uh Oh

photos by Adam LaRose

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Concert Round-Up

Tonight, Reel Big Fish plays The Bourbon. Long has it been since the days in which the Huntington Beach, Calif., band was in its third-wave-ska heyday, though it has enjoyed some late career cult status. It is perhaps best known for its 1996 gold certified album Turn The Radio Off, which featured hit single “Sell Out.” Lead singer Aaron Barrett is the only remaining original member of the band. Suburban Legends and The Maxies open the show. Tickets are $20. RSVP here.

 

In Omaha, The Way Down Wanderers play Slowdown. The five-piece Chicago alt-folk band has gained notoriety during the past few years for “reststomps,” which are offstage performances at places like truck stops and gas stations. The Way Down Wanderers was last through for Nebraska Folk & Roots festival, and recorded this Sonata Session live video with former HN visuals editor Nickolai Hammar before its set. Opening tonight’s show are Burkum Boys and Ragged Company. RSVP here.

As always, head to our statewide calendar at hearnebraska.org/events for a fuller look at this week’s events. If you do not see your show or one you plan to attend, email us at news@hearnebraska.org, or add it yourself here. And keep those story ideas, song submissions and news tips coming.