New Big Harp song on Fat Possum; Whipkey plays in Western Nebraska; Weekend show run-down

Earlier this week, Spin wrote that Los Angeles-via-Nebraska band Big Harp released its latest single with Fat Possum Records. Like “Numbers” before it, “Shame” tells of a new kind of Big Harp, distanced further from the 2011 folk of debut White Hat. In fact, it’s only singer and guitarist Chris Senseney’s catchy melodies that persist.

Andrew Bird, Band of Horses, The Black Keys, Fat White Family, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and many more notable alternative acts are currently on the Fat Possum roster. The Oxford, Mississippi-based label has been in operation since 1992.

Presumably “Shame” will appear on Big Harp’s forthcoming record, the band’s first with drummer Daniel Ocanto. It will also apparently be the band’s first release without Saddle Creek.

We reached out to Big Harp’s Stefanie Drootin-Senseney about the band’s move to Fat Possum. Details are understandably spare right now. Read our quick email exchange below:

Hear Nebraska: Does this mean the forthcoming full-length will get a Fat Possum release?SDS: Can’t answer that at this time.HN: Why and how did you end up with Fat Possum?

SDS: They came to see us play at CMJ and we decided to do a 7″ together!

HN: Any feelings on the departure from Saddle Creek? It seems like you personally have been anchored in some way (Drootin also plays in The Good Life) to that label for a long time. Was it just time for a change with Big Harp?

SDS: One of the best things about Saddle Creek is that our friendship has always come first. We have always had a honest and communicative relationship. We are all cheering each other on. Always.

HN: Are there any further details about the album release, like a date?

SDS: Not yet!

* * *

Sidney Fine Arts Center in Sidney hosts its first concert tomorrow night with Matt Whipkey. RSVP here.

Jess Nelson, director at the center, hopes the concert will be part of a growing trend of live entertainment in Nebraska’s panhandle.

“The concept of not having to travel to the ‘Big City’ for good entertainment is new to the rural crowd,” he says. “But as Sidney grows we hope to be that almost-Big City that people travel to to see nice, new talent and events, like our concerts and ‘Unboxed Theater’ productions.”

Sidney Fine Arts Center is located in an historic, refurbished church building in downtown Sidney. Nelson says that atmosphere of the building and Sidney’s location just north of Interstate 80 make it a sensible stop between larger markets. Read more about touring Greater Nebraska here.

Whipkey, who released double album Penny Park: Omaha: Summer 1989 in 2013, is touring after the release of his follow-up, Underwater. Tickets are $20 before the show and $25 at the door.

Read more about Sidney Fine Arts Center here.

* * *

This weekend gives you plenty of good excuses to get out and enjoy the warmer weather.

This evening, Airbnb in Omaha presents a showcase of Love Drunk music videos at a pop-up shop in Omaha’s Old Market. The mobile, live music video production team has produced more than 100 videos in nearly five years of existence. We’re proud to feature them on our website.

The event features performances by Love Drunk subjects James Maakestad and Patrick Mainelli. Maakestad is known for his work with Gus and Call, Bear Country and Dan McCarthy’s stand-up bassist for McCarthy Trenching.

Brickway Brewery and Distillery will provide drinks. The showcase runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1125 Jackson St. RSVP here.

* * *

In Lincoln, Universe Contest hosts its annual Winter Formal at Duffy’s tonight. It’s the band’s third show since October and a nearly ground-up reformation. Tonight will probably be a chance to hear more new material from the band.

Guests this year include John Klemmensen and the Party, Powerful Science and Sioux Falls’ Talk Rock. Formal wear and costumes are encouraged. Tallboy beer cans are discounted for those in costume. RSVP here.

At the end of the month, Universe Contest visits Sioux Falls to play with Talk Rock again at Total Drag.

* * *

Des Moines’s Annalibera plays twin Nebraska shows this weekend at O’Leaver’s tomorrow night and Duffy’s on Sunday. Tomorrow, the band plays with Sean Pratt and the Sweats, Mike Schlesinger and Manic Pixie Dream Girls (RSVP). On Sunday, Annalibera appears with blét, Within Wilds and AATS (RSVP).

The shows are in support of Annalibera’s debut full-length, Nevermind I Love You, out on March 24. On Wednesday, we published a feature on Anna Gebhardt, voice and keys behind the band. She speaks about growing up in rural Nebraska and articulating an artistic vision when the time is right. RSVP here.

* * *

Lincoln’s Freakabout releases its debut full-length Don’t We All at Duffy’s tomorrow night with American Pinup and Bonne Finken and the Collective. We published a review of the album here. RSVP to the show here.

* * *

Tomorrow, The Hideout in Omaha hosts its first major show since coming under new ownership at the beginning of March. Punk bands The Queers and Masked Intruder will play with Direct Hit and The Ridgways. RSVP here. We spoke with co-owner Kyle Fertwagner and talent-buyer Lucas Wright about their vision for the venue. Read that story here.