Design by Justin Kemerling 

The one-of-a-kind, free, all-ages concert series and storytelling tour across Greater Nebraska – Year 2

Young people think Nebraska is old, flat and boring. Interesting and diverse cultural events happen elsewhere, not here. So they leave. One of the most significant issues facing Nebraska communities — especially outside of Lincoln and Omaha — is a loss of young people. In the last 30 years, Greater Nebraska has seen a 6.8% drop in its 18-34-year-old population.

It doesn’t have to be that way. With The Good Living Tour, Hear Nebraska helps answer the question “What is there to do in Nebraska?”

Project Mission

  • Celebrate the unique livelihood available in Greater Nebraska.
  • Cultivate an increasingly vibrant, original, contemporary music culture and industry in Greater Nebraska — connecting and growing the state’s urban and rural communities.
  • Expose a young audience to new, innovative music and performance through homegrown Nebraska musicians — inspiring them to learn an instrument, host a concert or pursue a career in the arts.
  • Educate Nebraskans — and the world— about Greater Nebraska music venues, music-related small businesses and passionate arts supporters.

The Good Living Tour happens in two parts:

The Concerts

The concert portion of the Good Living Tour sends original Nebraska bands and musicians to Greater Nebraska communities to perform free, all-ages outdoor concerts. Each concert, carefully curated by Hear Nebraska, featured a lineup of original, diverse Nebraska acts, with at least one band native to each town – representing an array of musical genres and styles – from indie rock to country to hip-hop to blues.

In its second year, The Good Living 2016 brought 36 Nebraska bands and 12 DJs to 12 towns across Nebraska over the course of three weekends in July/ August, with more than 2,000 attendees throughout. In addition, we filmed a series of Live Performance Videos with local musicians, capturing intimate, stripped down performances in settings that represent each town’s unique identity and character. See the results from the 2016 Good Living Tour concert series below.

The Stories

Before the concert portion of the tour, Hear Nebraska sends a team of professional journalists and videographers to each of the 12 communities. We hunt for compelling, music-related stories that connect the arts in a community context. Additionally, our team produces a series of Experience Nebraska videos. We sit down with young professionals and artists at each stop to hear from them, in their own words, about what makes that community a distinctly attractive place to live, work and play. We publish these stories on our website and promoted them to our statewide, national and international audience. You can see our 2016 Good Living Tour stories below, and read our stories from the 2015 tour here.

2016 Results:

Ord | July 21 | The Golden Husk


photos by Lindsey Yoneda and Andrew Dickinson

Experience Nebraska Video:

Live Performance Video:

In the center of Ord’s town square, the Sandhill-town native Lost County Road shed their pride for a mournful breakup ballad on the steps of the Valley County courthouse — built one year after settlers laid out the town in 1875.

Feature Stories:

A Well Lived Heritage | story by Jacob Zlomke | photo by Andrew Dickinson

Ord’s Laddie Bruha inherited his love for the button accordion same as he inherited his Czech accent. It runs deep through family lines. Now, even as the prevalence of polka music wanes, that tradition lives on through Bruha and his son.

Phyllis Clement: a staple in Ord’s music community | story by Gabriella Parsons | multimedia by Andrew Dickinson

Phyllis Clement hasn’t gone a day of her 87 years without music. Read this Nebraska music teacher’s story and watch a video of her performance one summer afternoon in downtown Ord, Neb.

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Ord’s Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Nebraska Community Foundation, Matt Woodward – Shelter Insurance, Complete Family Dentistry, Bruce and Marian Lammers, Piskorski Dental, Scratchtown Brewing, Sikyta Law Office, Kokes Repair, Cornerstone Bank, The Golden Husk, Valley County Community Foundation Fund and Ord Area Chamber of Commerce

Kearney | July 22 | MONA Parking Lot

photos by Andrew Dickinson and Lindsey Yoneda 

Experience Nebraska Video:

We were excited to return to Kearney for the second annual Good Living Tour. Watch our 2015 Experience Nebraska: Kearney video here and our Live Performance Video featuring Salt Creek below.

Live Performance Video:

The connection amongst Nebraska’s artists — visual and performing alike — is a tangible one made all the more palpable by this juxtaposition of veteran Kearney musicians Nathan Richardson and Chase Thompson, who perform this reflective, emo-rooted song inside the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA).

Feature Story:

Gillie’s Bar sustains Kearney’s alternative music culture | story by Andrew Stellmon | photo by Lindsey Yoneda

When Gillies Bar owner Matt Epp acquired the Kearney dive-bar from his grandfather-in-law, its reputation was hurting and its future in jeopardy. Under Epp’s easygoing guidance, the music venue has become a charming, unpretentious home for Kearney’s thriving alternative music subculture.

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Kearney’s Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Viaero Wireless, Younes Hospitality, Gitzy Loder, Josh Jelden, Bryce Jensen and Museum of Nebraska Art

Grand Island | July 23 | E Pine St. & N South Front St.

photos by Lindsey Yoneda

Experience Nebraska Video:

We were excited to return to Grand Island for the second annual Good Living Tour. Watch our 2015 Experience Nebraska: Grand Island video here and our Live Performance Video featuring Tyler Smith below.

Live Performance Video:

As we age, our childhood memories seem to remain simple, providing a mental retreat from the present and a longing for those dearest. A veteran of Central Nebraska’s edgier folk community, Tyler Smith reminisces inside a beloved, hometown dive The Glass Bar.

Feature Story:

Missing Piece: Grand Island’s musical future depends on all ages | story by Jacob Zlomke | photo by Andrew Dickinson

As more all-ages venues open around Nebraska, community members in the state’s fourth largest city begin to wonder about the viability and potential benefits for that kind of space in Grand Island’s fledgling music and arts scene.

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Grand Island’s Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Grand Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Grand Island, Nebraska State Fair, The Grand Theater, Brad Mellema, Sharena and Amos Anson, Brent Lindner and Tonya Huisman

Red Cloud | July 24 | Starkey Round Barn

photos by Lindsey Yoneda

Experience Nebraska Video:

Live Performance Video:

Though its historic opera house and devotion to Willa Cather form the center of Red Cloud’s cultural community, the boys of Lester Junction and its feel-good rock are undoubtedly a locally beloved part of it. Surrounded by the markings of performers’ past, the band set up shop backstage for this ballad of love and self-worth.

Feature Stories:

The Opera House, Red Cloud’s ‘Window To The World’ | story by Andrew Stellmon | photo by Lindsey Yoneda

The Red Cloud Opera House once gave the small Southern Nebraska town — and its famous author Willa Cather — a glimpse into the wider world of the arts. Historically refurbished in 2003 after laying dormant for nearly a century, it is once again a community center, living museum and the promise of a Greater Nebraska arts capital.

Lester Junction sows rock ‘n’ roll in ag country | story by Gabriella Parsons | photo by Lindsey Yoneda

In a south-central Nebraska farm town best known its famed novelist, Lester Junction represents a different facet of Red Cloud’s identity — one separate from its rich farmland, but still rooted in it.

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Red Cloud’s Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Red Cloud Community Foundation Fund, Willa Cather Foundation, Gary Thompson Agency, South Central State Bank, Red Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Red Cloud, Cooperative Producers Inc., Casey’s General Stores, Fat Foxes, The Red Cloud B&B at the Kaley House, Republican Valley Arts Council, Red Cloud Heritage Tourism and Economic Development and Jarred McCartney

Hastings | July 28 | W 1st & N St. Joseph / The Lark (Rain Location)

photos by Andrew Dickinson and Lindsey Yoneda 

Experience Nebraska Video:

Live Performance Video:

Hastings native Jesse Dassinger and For The Birds played their hometown for the first time in five years this past summer, having spent much of their recent time touring around the states. Prior to that concert, Dassinger plays a stripped-down confessional inside Hastings’ downtown concert venue The Lark.

Feature Stories:

The Listening Room’s permanent home a downtown Hastings boom | story by Andrew Stellmon | photo by Andrew Dickinson

The Listening Room, Hastings’ longest running concert series, found a permanent downtown home at recently renovated venue The Lark – Home of the Listening Room. Now secure, it looks to expand on its 25-year tradition of bringing quality artists and musicians to Central Nebraska.

Hastings Symphony Orchestra: a traditional anchor for city’s growing arts culture | story by Jacob Zlomke | photo by Andrew Dickinson

As Hastings’ cultural identity changes, it grows on the century-old roots of institutions like Hastings Symphony Orchestra, which just concluded its 90th season. Conductor Byron Jensen discusses the importance of live music and why the arts can thrive in Hastings.

* * *

Hastings’ Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Adams County CVB, Hastings Community Foundation, Hastings BID/CRA, Robin Harrell and Art Bar

Norfolk | July 29 | Johnny Carson Mural

photos by Andrew Dickinson, Lindsey Yoneda and Lauren Farris 

Experience Nebraska Video:

Live Performance Video:


Jason and Benjamin Baker take an optimistic, uplifting approach to songwriting, using their multi-instrumentalist talents to serve a potpourri of pop, soul, reggae and rock. Whether joined onstage by a full band or simply as a fraternal duo, as in this video, Baker Explosion never falters in its positivity.

Feature Stories:

Hot Ice in June: Norfolk’s aspiring musicians go to camp | story by Jacob Zlomke | photo by Andrew Dickinson

For a week each summer, around 25 teens crowd the studio rooms at Norfolk’s Midwest Music Center for the store’s annual rock band camp. Store owner Chad Barnhill and campers explain what makes the camp so important.

The Norfolk’s Art Center’s aim: ground up community enrichment | story by Andrew Stellmon | photo by Andrew Dickinson

Established in 1978 with the purpose of enriching Northeast Nebraskans lives through visual arts, the Norfolk Arts Center reaches its community through expanded seasonal education sessions and balanced, city-wide arts programming.

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Norfolk’s Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Downtown Norfolk Association, Norfolk Arts Center, Norfolk Public Library, Midwest Music, Copycraft Printing, Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Norfolk Economic Development, Denice Hansen and Kara Weander-Gaster

Lyons | July 30 | Storefront Theater

photos by Lindsey Yoneda and Andrew Dickinson 

Experience Nebraska Video:

Live Performance Video:

Ask a Lyons, Neb., resident who one might talk to about music in town, and you’ll likely be given Corbin Wheaton’s name. A former touring metal musician, Wheaton now creates out of his loft apartment and produces a monthly swap meet at his family’s diner Hi-Way Cafe. In this ode to his hometown, Wheaton gives perhaps the most earnest — and on a third take, well-earned — performance of the bunch.

Feature Story:

Reframing arts culture and opportunities in Nebraska’s rural towns | story by Jacob Zlomke | photo by Andrew Dickinson

Lyons is without many of the touchstones associated with a robust creative community — music venues, art galleries, etc. But in this town of 850, residents and activists are discovering their own modes for creative output, which are at once appropriately rural and notably inventive. 

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Lyons’ Good Living Tour Concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Lyons Community Club, First National Bank, Brehmer Manufacturing, Inc., Smith Law Office, The Guest House, Vetick Construction, Olson Plumbing & Heating, Brian Depew, Fallout Bar, Farm & Home Insurance, Inc., Hi-way Cafe, Oakland Mercy Hospital, Save More Market, Stillman Construction, Melissa’s Miracles Daycare, Jensen Plumbing & Heating, CNA Auto Services, Central Valley AG Co-Op, Decatur Riverfront Storage, LLC, Lane’s Tree Service, Lorensen Grain & Redi-Mix, Linda’s Shear Impressions, Petal Pushers, Slaughter Rentals and Dregalla Family Dentistry

O’Neill | July 31 | Ford Park

photos by Lindsey Yoneda and Andrew Dickinson 

Experience Nebraska Video:

Live Performance Video:

While Rachel Price’s star spreads far beyond the Cornhusker State, that doesn’t make her career any less rooted in her origins. A two-year Nashville resident, the O’Neill native’s tuneful pop country often revolves around her hometown, her hit song “Little Nebraska Town” receiving regular airplay. Price raced from her Good Living Tour performance at Ford Park to downtown O’Neill just in time for a twilight rooftop performance atop the historic Golden Hotel.

Feature Stories:

Chad Dean build’s O’Neill’s ‘superior’ band program | story by Andrew Stellmon | photo by Andrew Dickinson

Through a military-like dedication and interest in musical variety, O’Neill High School’s band teacher leaves a mark on students and the community’s cultural heritage. 

Dancing O’Neill: Modern technique born of traditionalism | story by Jacob Zlomke | photo by Andrew Dickinson

These days, contemporary dancing might be the premier artistic pursuit in O’Neill. In the Irish capital of Nebraska, one studio has largely been responsible for its success. Its roots run back decades, to when Irish dancing first came to town.

* * *

O’Neill’s Good Living Tour Concert was made possible thanks to the following community sponsors: Holt County Visitor’s Committee, O’Neill Community Foundation Fund and Nicole Sedlacek 

Grant | August 4 | Grant City Park Band Shelter

photos by Andrew Dickinson and Lindsey Yoneda 

Experience Nebraska Video:

Live Performance Video:

Grant resident Matt Chandler-Smith is known throughout the southwest Nebraska region as a talented musician, his band constantly evolving throughout its 10-year existence. But he’s also noted for getting other community members involved in music. View both qualities in this performance at Grant’s Meadowlark Gallery.

Feature Stories:

Grant-native Nathan Olson on finding inspiration in Greater Nebraska | story by Andrew Stellmon | photo by Lindsey Yoneda

Lincoln musician Nathan Olson has enjoyed a lengthy musical career, forming 12-year pop punk outfit Straight Outta Junior High in 2000 before pursuing his current interests as DJ Pink Bunny. The Grant native talks about finding alternative rock in his youth and piecing together his artistic foundations.

“This is our show”: Meadowlark Art Gallery fosters Grant’s arts culture | story by Gabriella Parsons | photo by Bridget McQuillan

Meadowlark Gallery/Perkins County Area Arts Council opened in downtown Grant in 2003, adding what the city sees as an essential component to its quality of life. Driven by volunteer manager DeeAnn Tatum, it now serves southwestern Nebraska’s arts community.

* * *

Grant’s Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Potts Electric, Reese Mechanical, Zeilinger Law Office, Adams Bank & Trust, In & Out, Perkins County Community Foundation, Hometown Agency, First Insight Eyecare, Adams Lumber and Adair Reese

Sidney | August 5 | Hickory St. Square

photos by Lindsey Yoneda and Andrew Dickinson

Experience Nebraska Video:

Live Performance Video:

Country singer/songwriter Matthew Scott has the twangy voice and acoustic chops to garner local fame throughout western Nebraska, proving it solo for hundreds of fellow Sidney residents during the Good Living Tour. This acoustic performance — filmed earlier in the day — is decidedly different in tone from the rest of the pack as a rallying cry and lyrical highlight reel for Husker Football fans everywhere. From Jonny Rodgers to Tom Osborne to the late Sam Foltz, Go Big Red.

Feature Stories:

In Quiet Harmony: Sidney High School choir achieves annual success | story by Andrew Stellmon | photo by Bridget McQuillan

Through classroom discipline and their distinct, complementary styles, Sidney, Nebraska High School music instructors David and Jennifer Mead have led the small southwestern choir to 17-straight years of district-level success — despite the challenges inherent in building a small-town vocal music program.

“Creating an Oasis”: a Sidney music store aims to build community | story by Gabriella Parsons | photos by Bridget McQuillan and Lindsey Yoneda

Accustomed to walking past multitudes of guitar shops on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard, Chris Dyson decided to do something about the lack of instrument stores in Sidney, Neb.

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Sidney’s Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Cabela’s, Best Western Plus, Katie Haas – State Farm, Viaero Wireless and Western Nebraska Community College

Imperial | August 6 | Imperial High School Gymnasium (Rain Location)

photos by Andrew Dickinson and Lindsey Yoneda 

Experience Nebraska Video:

We were excited to return to Imperial for the second annual Good Living Tour. Watch our 2015 Experience Nebraska: Imperial video here and our Live Performance Video featuring Time Trap below.

Live Performance Video:

Time Trap offers a familiar brand of Americana, its longing harmonies and rollicking rhythms recalling the likes Pure Prairie League. In this performance, the band rides the radio tunes and distant memories from within Imperial’s VFW all the way back home.

Feature Story:

The Kimbles entertain as Imperial’s father-daughter DJ duo | story by Gabriella Parsons | photo by Bridget McQuillan

For the past 20 years, Imperial resident Jason Kimble has grown from teenage hobbyist to professional DJ and regional entertainer. As his business expands, he teaches the trade to his 12-year-old daughter.

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Imperial’s Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: Imperial Community Foundation Fund and Chase County Tourism

McCook | August 7 | Barnett Park

photos by Andrew Dickinson and Lindsey Yoneda 

Experience Nebraska Video:

Live Performance Video:

Homemade Crazy seems to be finding a footing after performing often in communities surrounding its hometown McCook. Frontwoman Breezy Ortega gives a quirky, encouraging performance in this video — which features the lone piano-based tune of the bunch — in the dining room of local eatery/listening room Sehnert’s Bakery Bieroc Cafe.

Feature Stories:

Live at the Bieroc: the formula for a regional music community | story by Gabriella Parsons | photo by Lindsey Yoneda

Sehnert’s Bakery & Bieroc Cafe, located on “the bricks” of McCook, Neb., is famed for its family lineage of bakers, dating back to 1521 in Germany. Today, fourth-generation baker Matthew Sehnert has added live music to the family recipe, creating a southwestern Nebraska music staple.

A Family Legacy Survives at Hershberger Music | story by Andrew Stellmon | photo by Bridget McQuillan

Floyd Hershberger earned the title of “McCook’s Music Man” through his devotion to local entertainment and the music store he and his wife Joyce founded in 1955. Their son Brad dutifully maintains Hershberger Music Co.’s local connections and 60-year legacy.

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McCook’s Good Living Tour concert was made possible by the following community sponsors: McCook Community Foundation Fund, McCook Community Hospital, McCook National Bank, Graff Family Foundation, McCook Chamber of Commerce, Red Willow County Tourism, McCook Arts Council and Community Hospital

Want to recommend a stop or pitch a story for the Good Living Tour 2017? Contact Hear Nebraska’s Managing Editor Andrew Stellmon at andrews@hearnebraska.org.

The Good Living Tour 2016 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor:

Statewide Sponsors

 

 

 

 

 

The Good Living Tour’s carbon footprint is being 100% offset by Nebraska Renewable Energy Credits donated by Sandhills Wind Energy, LLC.