New Year, Same Old Omaha?
Omaha’s performing arts scene never sleeps—at least that’s the way it seems. As usual, local artists kicked off the New Year with a bang.
Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards
On Sunday, January 24, local artists flocked to the fourth annual Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards (OEA), where local musicians, actors, artists, dancers, and directors vied for the semi-stardom that OEA provides. Fifty-two out of over 4,000 individual nominees received awards.
If you missed out on this sensational event, don’t fret. You can watch the entire show in High Definition on Saturday, January 30, at 6 p.m. on WOWT, Channel 6 (Cox Channel 8). If you hurry, you may also get a glimpse of some work by this year’s visual arts nominees. The art is on display at Hot Shops Art Center through this Saturday only. For a complete list of this year’s award winners, visit the OEA website.
Local Theatre
Throughout January, Omahans also attended numerous theatre openings, including “Cheaper by the Dozen” at the Omaha Community Playhouse and “From the Shelterbelt with Love 9,” at the Shelterbelt Theatre. Both shows are “must-sees” and run through February 14.
Fashion in Salvation Fashion Show
But wait, January is not over! The second annual Fashion in Salvation (FIS) fashion show, on Saturday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Scoular Ballroom, will display new and old clothing and accessory designs by many talented local designers. The event in free to the public, with VIP seating available for a fee.
The featured designers include FIS founder Angela Poor, as well as Sabrina Jones, Jennie Mason, Ellene McClay, Shamina Wiek, Dan Richters, Jane Round, Shawntelle Kuhlmann, Juantisha Christiansen, Rasheena Nichols, Dede Williams, and Roots & Wings boutique. Chris Massara will DJ the event, and musician Eric Von Theumer will also perform.
The mission of FIS is to help Omaha’s homeless population and impoverished youth. All proceeds raised will go to MOHM’s Place and the North Omaha Good News Bears Club. Photos complements of FIS and JD Gerber Photography.
Omaha Film Festival Open House
The fifth annual Omaha Film Festival (OFF) is quickly approaching. While the festival does not begin until March, festivities begin on February 6th at their new offices, located at 2626 Harney Street. This free event, lasting from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., is a great chance to meet local screenwriters, actors, and filmmakers and to discuss their upcoming projects. It is also rumored that OFF will unveil their film list for this year’s upcoming festival.
Omaha is so rich in culture that I had a lot of trouble choosing which events not to feature this month. So, if you think I’ve missed something important, let me know! Maybe I’ll write about it in the future.