Hot Shops is hosting a 3-week “Intro To Bronze Casting” course, starting this Saturday, August 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This hands-on course, taught by Jack Gatzemeyer, introduces students to the full bronze casting process using the traditional lost wax method. Whether you’re brand new or looking to refine your artistic skills, this class walks you through each step—from wax modeling to the final patina. Minimum Age is 16. Cost is $319 for the course.
Details: https://hotshopsartcenter.org/event/intro-to-bronze-casting-2/
The Blues Society of Omaha presents their 10th annual “In The Market For Blues,” taking place Saturday, August 9, 2025, with more than 12 hours of music at 10 Downtown Omaha venues featuring more than 30 bands. Headlining the Scott Hall at The Holland Center stage is John Németh, vocalist and harmonica master, who is a multiple Blues Music Award winner. Most recently, for the Soul/Blues Male Artist of the year. Co-headlining is Héctor Anchondo, Omaha’s own Blues Hero, who won the 2020 International Blues Challenge as a solo artist and was a finalist in 2018 in the band category. Other notable acts include Chicago blues legend, Johnny Rawls, and the 2025 International Blues Challenge winner in the band division from Lincoln, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal.
In addition to the ticketed events at the downtown, Old Market and Capitol District venues, the Gene Leahy Mall will feature free, family-friendly bands starting at 3 p.m. The award-winning youth bands from BluesEd will showcase their talents, followed by Big Daddy Caleb and the Chargers.
Full schedule of events, venue map, and tickets: OmahaBlues.com
Collaborative Creative Visions Inc presents “Pull Up and Vibe, an Open Mic Festival and a Tribute to Blues & Soul,” on Sunday, August 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Healing Roots African Diaspora Gardens. The 4th annual Pull Up and Vibe Open Mic Festival is hosting a living tribute to North Omaha’s rich history of blues and soul. Starting at 3 p.m., Pull Up and Vibe will host an open mic section that is open to all performing arts genres. At 6 p.m., the festival will feature Omaha-area performing artists Johnny Lowe, Lyriq Lashay, Weszo, Loh Aliese, Dez, Miss Va, Tre to Trav, DJ Devv, and DJ FOUR3. Big Wade & Black Swan Theory will headline at 8 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will be hosted by Jus.B and Keiria Marsha.
tbd. dance collective is hosting a movement workshop on Saturday, August 2 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Holland Center. This class is specially designed by FLOCK, a German/American touring dance company founded in 2017 by co-choreographers Florian Lochner and Alice Klock. It is built to be accessed and enjoyed by movers of all levels. Explore your own personal artistry and enjoy “centering into the body” through this gentle but invigorating dance experience.
Opera Omaha has announced that its annual kick-off to their Opera Outdoors series will be on September 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Turner Park. Spread your picnic blanket, kick off your shoes, and relax as the songs of birds and opera intertwine. This free, family-friendly concert will be held at Midtown Crossing’s Turner Park and includes some of opera’s greatest hits.
Omaha actor Mekhi Payne has been cast in the First National Tour of the Tony Award-winning musical The Outsiders, which comes to the Orpheum Theater September 28 to October 4. Payne is an Omaha South High School graduate who was an award-winning participant in Omaha Performing Arts’ Nebraska Theater Academy program. The program recognized him as a lead performer in 2023 and named him one of the top students in the state as a National Finalist in 2024. He currently trains at The Norwalk Conservatory. As a Swing in The Outsiders, Payne will understudy multiple roles in the show, including Two-Bit and Steve.
Film Streams has been selected as one of the few theaters in the country that will play Spike Lee’s newest film, Highest 2 Lowest. Tickets go on sale this Friday before the film starts on August 15. Only available at Film Streams, this is your chance to see Spike and Denzel team up for the first time in more than 20 years.