BluesEd: A Youth Artist Development Program based in Omaha, Nebraska
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BluesEd Wrap-Up for 2018

9/7/2018

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Our 17th year of BluesEd was absolutely one of the busiest and best years yet!  Our student bands entertained and delighted audiences large and small all over Lincoln, Omaha and surrounding areas where we made many new fans.  Our season officially concluded on Aug. 5th with our Season Finale at The Waiting Room before our senior students head out to their respective colleges and technical schools.  Many thanks, as always, to the Blues Society of Omaha for the amazing support and encouragment for our BluesEd bands.   Without a doubt, the best Blues education program in the country (possibly world!) hails from Omaha, Nebraska! 
 
Awards
The Anna Jane Abbott Memorial Scholarship:  Josie Jennum from Us and Them Blues Band.
The Ron Cooley Award for Most Improved Band:  Blue Sunday
The BluesEd Brad Cordle Award:  Hunter Neumayer from The Redwoods
 
Acknowledgements
Not only are the student musicians in BluesEd incredibly talented and hard-working but so are the all the BluesEd volunteers! We could not do it without the many, many parent (and a couple former parent) volunteers. Each band has a Lead Parent (LP) and Performance Coordinator (PC) who does the bulk of the “work” in the bands from communicating to each band to loading/unloading & hauling equipment for each and every gig. The LP’s and PC’s of BluesEd are simply the unsung heroes and are owed a great deal of praise and gratitude:
Blue Sunday:  JD & Carolyn White & Jill & Jeff Nelson
Far & Wide Blues - Drew Johnson & Doug Watkins
Five Minute Drive - Dawn Abboud & Tracey Ryan
MANNIX - Julie Nichols and Chris Steffen
The Redwoods - Laurie Neumayer & Tami Tomsu
Us and Them Blues Band - Ann Giebler & Victoria Hawkins
Vertigo Blues Band - Rainbow & James Dark
 
Additionally, many other parents helped with photography, videos, storing and transporting equipment, social media and promoting & encouraging each of our 7 bands.

The BluesEd Leadership team (Drew Johnson, Laurie Neumayer, Trudy Bredthauer, Sean Gillen, Chris Shouse, Ann Giebler, Susie Hemphill, Tami Tomsu) manages the business end of BluesEd which includes many essential tasks: auditions, accounting, securing venues and performance opportunities, social media, workshop scheduling, fundraising, scholarships, website, marketing and promotion, equipment, organizing events, and many other details large and small that have kept BluesEd strong, growing and thriving for 17 years!

Finally, we are already looking forward to next year and we need your help!  Auditions for BluesEd will be held in February of 2019.  If you know of middle or high school student vocalists and/or instrumentalists that are proficient in their instrument and are ready to perform in a band we would encourage you to send them our way.  We will have more information on our website at www.BluesEd.com.
 
Thanks for helping us “Keep the Blues Alive" for 17 years!
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Senior Spotlight - Hunter Neumayer

8/4/2018

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Senior Spotlight! We hope you have enjoyed learning more about our seniors this season!  Today we are featuring Hunter Neumayer, the guitarist for The Redwoods!

Name: Hunter Neumayer

High School: Millard West High School

BluesEd Band/position: Guitarist in The Redwoods

College & Major: I will be studying Finance at Creighton University

How Long in BluesEd: This summer is my 3rd in BluesEd

How long have you been playing? I’ve been playing guitar for 11 years.

What is your favorite BluesEd workshop song: My favorite workshop song was Gimme All Your Love by The Alabama Shakes

Who is your favorite Blues artist? The Alabama Shakes

Favorite BluesEd moment: My favorite day in BluesEd was a double gig day, Benson Days, then Beer & Bacon Festival. The Beer & Bacon show was my all-time favorite. Then, after the show we had a rehearsal late at night into the early morning when we wrote our original song. It was a phenomenal day.

Hobbies outside of BluesEd: My hobbies all revolve around music, so I like to jam and make music with friends, go to local shows, and listen to all sorts of music.

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August 01st, 2018

8/1/2018

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Stay in touch!  If you are a BluesEd Alum or a parent of a BluesEd alum, please join our private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/122607735128878/requests/. 

​We continue the bonds of friendship and love of Blues music over in our group.  Wonderful networking opportunity too for students who are pursuing music as their career.

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2018 BluesEd Season Finale

7/24/2018

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We are really looking forward to playing at The Waiting Room Lounge on Sunday, Aug. 5th for the 2018 Season Finale of BluesEd!
  • Free show!
  • All Ages!
  • 7 bands!
  • Music starts at 1:00.
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Senior Spotlight - Bryn Groenjes

7/24/2018

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Senior Spotlight! Throughout the BluesEd season, we will be introducing our students that are seniors! Today we are featuring Bryn Groenjes, the keyboardist for Far&Wide Blues!

Name  :Bryn Groenjes

High School: Elkhorn High School

BluesEd Band/Position: Far and Wide Keyboardist

College/Major: Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance at UNO

How long in BluesEd: 6 Years in Blues Ed

How long have you been playing: playing for 13 years

Favorite Blues Ed workshop song: Stormy Monday

Favorite Blues Artist: Bruce Katz

Favorite Blues Ed Moment: Playing at RAGBRAI in Iowa, because the crowd was really energetic, we played really well, and overall had a fantastic time.
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Hobbies outside of Blues Ed: Artist, reading, biking

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What's so cool about BluesEd?

7/12/2018

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Shout out to Montez of 961 Kiss Online at iHeartRadio for the wonderful podcast with several members of the BluesEd Leadership Team. We had a great day discussing what makes BluesEd so unique and how talented students can get involved in BluesEd. We would encourage any student who wants to expand their talents to check out the BluesEd program at our BluesEd Benefit Concert on Sunday at The Slowdown. 

In this first segment, Trudy discusses the beginnings of BluesEd and how it has evolved.
  • BluesEd was started by the Blues Society of Omaha in 2001 
  • Currently, BluesEd includes 50 students within 7 bands
  • BluesEd is not school specific and students come from all over the region, including Lincoln and surrounding Iowa communities
  • Performances occur multiple times a week during the BluesEd season - April to August
Listen to "bluesED seg 01 - trudy discusses beginnings" on Spreaker.


In this segment, Susie and Chris discuss Blues music and the accolades the BluesEd program has received.
  • Blues genre is the foundation of all modern rock.
  • Modern Blues artists many students may know:  Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, etc
  • BluesEd was the winner of the "Keeping the Blues Alive" award from the International Blues Foundation
  • BluesEd is unique within the country and other Blues Societies contact us to model their own youth education program after our successful program
  • BluesEd bands have a chance to perform at the International Youth Showcase in Memphis, Tennessee 
Listen to "bluesED seg 02 - susie and chris discuss genres and accolades" on Spreaker.

Want to be in a BluesEd band?  In this segment we discuss the audition process and the professional musician mentors for BluesEd.
  • Middle and high school students must be proficient in their instrument before they audition.
  • Auditions held in January/February.  Performances start in April and continue through August.
  • BluesEd Clinicians who mentor our bands are all well-known, working musicians in the Omaha/Lincoln area.
  • Special clinics, included in the tuition fee, are held with many national touring artists during the BluesEd season.  
Listen to "bluesED seg 03 - audition process and mentors" on Spreaker.

The following segment BluesEd Leaders discuss:
  • song selections by bands
  • how the bands take on their own personality with the type of music they choose to perform
  • how BluesEd students learn how to write original music and perform at the end of the season
Listen to "bluesED seg 04 - song catalog process" on Spreaker.

In this segment, we discuss the impact being in a BluesEd band has on the students lives:
  • how BluesEd promotes leadership, confidence and teamwork
  • how BluesEd teaches students how to be professionals 
  • how being around other passionate student musicians fosters growth as a person
Listen to "bluesED seg 05 - being in a bluesED band" on Spreaker.

BluesEd has "graduated" over 200 students in the past 17 years.  Many students have gone on to major in music in college and perform with their own bands now. 
  • ​BluesEd alum & current Iheartradio employee, Connor, to discuss how BluesEd impacted her life and continues to do so years after she graduated.​​
  • BluesEd alum's performing nationally and locally 
  • Even those BluesEd alums who are not currently performing music still take many great memories and experiences away that help them as adults
Listen to "bluesED seg 06 - after bluesED-alum" on Spreaker.

In this final segment,
  • BluesEd discusses all the performance opportunities afforded to our bands
  • Describes Playing with Fire & our 15 year partnership
  • BluesEd Alum. Connor, shares her insights of performing at Playing with Fire as a BluesEd student
  • All continue to "Keep the Blues Alive"
Listen to "bluesED seg 07 - pwf_LAST SEGMENT" on Spreaker.
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Senior Spotlight - Erik Strickland

7/12/2018

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Senior Spotlight! Throughout the BluesEd season, we will be introducing our students that are seniors! Today we are featuring Erik Strickland, the keyboardist for Mannix! 

Name: Erik Strickland

High School: Lincoln East High School

BluesEd Band/position: Keyboard Player-mannix

College/Major: University of Nebraska- Lincoln: Fisheries and Wildlife Science

How long in BluesEd: 1st year

How long have you been playing: 14 Years

Favorite BluesEd workshop song: Mojo

Favorite Blues Artist: I would say I really enjoy the Doobie Brothers!

Favorite BluesEd moment: I just love being able to be with my band and do gigs with them!

Hobbies outside of BluesEd: I am a classical musician, mainly piano but also string bass. I compose and also study fish and ocean life. I have at times participated in bowling leagues and hope to join the UNL bowling team. In the end I just love seeing my friends as well.

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Senior Spotlight - Jacob Clarys

7/6/2018

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​Name: Jacob Clarys 

High School: Elkhorn High School

BluesEd Band/position: Trumpet Player for Far and Wide

College & Major: Double majoring in Jazz Performance and Business Administration at UNO

How Long in BluesEd: This is my second year 

How long have you been playing? A little over 8 years 

What is your favorite BluesEd workshop song: The Thrill is Gone

Favorite BluesEd moment: my first gig with the band 

Hobbies outside of BluesEd: running, lifting, going to movies and finding new restaurants.

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July Events for BluesEd

6/29/2018

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Things are heating up in July for BluesEd!!  Our bands having been performing for several  months now gearing up for some really big, high-profile events this month.  If you are into live music and live in Omaha or Lincoln, there is surely at least 1 or 2 opportunities for you to witness a BluesEd band in action this month.  The entire list of BluesEd events can be found here:  Events
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July 6 and July 13:  Bridge Beats


Bridge Beats is a FREE Omaha Parks and Recreation production nestled in the foothills of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.  BluesEd bands, The Redwoods, opens the show on July 6th and Blue Sunday opens the show on July 13th.  

This venue is a true gem and one of the coolest spots in Omaha.  Check out parking and more info here:  www.BridgeBeats.com.


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July 7th: ZOOFEST

BluesEd bands MANNIX & Far & Wide will be kicking off the festivities at ZOOfest's 45th Anniversary celebration in Lincoln, NE.

Far & Wide Blues Band takes the stage at 1:00 p.m and will be followed by MANNIX at 1:50.

Ticket info available at: The Zoo Bar or on Etix.
Friday $30 advance/$35 day of festival
Saturday $25 advance/$30 day of festival
Buy a 2-day ticket combo in advance for only $50.


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July 14th and Aug. 25th: Playing with Fire

Since the inception of Playing with Fire 15 years ago, BluesEd bands have always opened the free Playing with Fire festivals. This year, our partnership with PwF goes one step further in that a share of all free-will donations accepted at the PwF concerts will go towards BluesEd!

July 14th, The Redwoods will open the show and will be followed by our very own BluesEd alum, Heather Newman as she makes her debut on the PwF stage with her own band.

On Aug. 25th, Us and Them will open the Playing with Fire free concert.

Look for BluesEd students and families at the gates and bucket brigades collecting your donations.

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July 14th: AfterBurn Jam

Another great partnership with Playing with Fire (PwF) is the AfterBurn Jam. The Jam will start immediately following the headliner on the main stage at 5168 Brewing Taproom located directly across Farnam street from Turner Park. Join the PwF artists in this intimate setting hosted by the BluesEd student musicians of The Redwoods. This is where the real learning starts for BluesEd students as they play side-by-side with Internationally famous Blues Musicians. This event is free to attend, however, seating is very limited. Beverages and snacks available for purchase from 5168 Taproom.

You never know what will happen at the AfterBurn Jam, but you do know you don’t want to miss it!


July 15 - BluesEd Benefit Concert at The Slowdown

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This is YOUR chance to see all SEVEN BluesEd bands in action on the best stage and sound in Omaha!!​​
  • ​​ Raffle prizes valued up to $2,000!
  •  Silent Auction items with values up to $700. Fabulous items for every budget and taste. ​
  • Free pizza, salad and breadsticks for the first 300 attendees
  • And, of course, the most talented student musicians in Omaha/Lincoln will be performing!

  • ​Suggested donation is $5 at door or $20 for immediate family members.
The Slowdown is located on 729 N 14th Street. Parking is free behind the building. 


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July 12 & Aug 2: Jazz on the Green

BluesEd is thrilled to back at the venerable Jazz on the Green by Omaha Performing Arts at Midtown Crossing for the 4th straight year!!!!
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Arrive early to stake your spot on the lawn at Turner Park as the faithful Jazz on the Green fans arrive as soon as the gates open (5:00 p.m) Bring your blankets, chairs and sunscreen. Beverages and food welcome too or you can choose from one of the many food vendors available on-site.

July 12: five minute drive opens for The Big Takeover at 6:30.

Aug 2: Blue Sunday opens for Nebraska native Shaun Murphy at 6:30. This night is co-hosted by our very own Blues Society of Omaha.


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BluesEd bands will be joining the Pork Belly Ventures Group for 3 stops at the World famous RAGBRAI.

Mannix ● Saturday, July 21, T ● Onawa, IA

Far & Wide  ● Tuesday, July 24,  ● Ames , IA

Us & Them ● Wednesday, July 25 ● Newton, IA 


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​July 27: Friday Night Market at Turner Park

​BluesEd bands have been performing at the trendy, unique and oh-sooooo-fun Omaha Farmer's Market Friday Night Markets at Midtown Crossing on the last Friday of every month in the summer. July's live music will be supplied by vertigo blues band!

Bring your dancing shoes for a great night of free entertainment!


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July 28:  Music for the City

MANNIX opens for Canadian power trio, Paul DeLauriers Band at the Bluebarn Theatre for the Music for the City production on July 28th.

This brand-new venue for the producer of Playing with Fire, Jeff Davis, is sure to be a hit. Very limited seating on a gorgeous outdoor setting backed by a fabulous stage and sound system.
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Ticket info here: Eventbrite


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Senior Spotlight - Jeana Abboud

6/29/2018

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Name: Jeana Abboud

High School: Mercy High School

BluesEd Band/position: five minute drive Vocals/Keys

College & Major: Nebraska Wesleyan double majoring vocal music and biology

How Long in BluesEd: This is my fifth year

How long have you been playing? About nine odd years on piano and singing way before that.

What is your favorite BluesEd workshop song: It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World by James Brown

Who is your favorite Blues artist? I'm a big fan of Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and also Samantha Fish.

Favorite BluesEd moment: Playing with Fire and of course going to IBC this year

Hobbies outside of BluesEd: researching anything, arranging music, and going on long walks.

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BluesEd Benefit Concert - July 15

6/26/2018

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If you enjoyed our BluesEd Showcase, just you wait! It only gets better!

  • Bigger stage, larger venue & longer sets from all 7 of our BluesEd bands at The Slowdown on July 15th
  • Free food for the first 300 guests from Hy-Vee!
  • Amazing Silent Auctions!​​
  • Tasty Raffle prizes including a private chef & band for your event, free Hy-Chi & Starbucks for a year!!
    • See your friendly BluesEd student to purchase your raffle tickets. You don’t need to be present to win, but we know you’ll want to be there!
  • Admission is $5 or $20 for immediate family members
  • Music starts at 1:00
1:00 - 1:40 - Far&Wide Blues
1:50 - 2:30 - Blue Sunday
2:40 - 3:20 -  MANNIX 
3:30 - 4:10 -  five minute drive
4:20 - 5:00 -  The Redwoods
5:10 - 5:50 - Us and Them Blues Band
6:00 - 6:40 - Vertigo Blues Band


Please Note: The Slowdown strictly enforces the City of Omaha ordinance on minors in places of establishments that serve alcohol. Please visit www.theslowdown.com to view the policy and download the form. Or view here: http://theslowdown.ticketfly.com/files/2016/10/parentconsentform.pdf​

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Senior Spotlight - Maia Ramsey

6/22/2018

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Name: Maia Ramsey 

High School: Lincoln High School

BluesEd Band/Position: Vocalist in MANNIX

College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Biochemistry

How long in BluesEd: This is my first year

How long singing: As long as I can remember

Favorite Workshop Song: Thrill is Gone

Favorite Blues Artist: Billie Holiday

Favorite BluesEd moment: Performing with MANNIX at Hector Anchondo's benefit show at the Chrome Lounge

Hobbies outside of BluesEd: NAACP Youth Chapter, Theatre, Art

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Senior Spotlight - Griffin Gillen

6/14/2018

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Name: Griffin Gillen 

High School: Plattsmouth High School

BluesEd Band/Position: Far and Wide on bass

College: University of Nebraska at Omaha, majoring in music performance on bass

How long in BluesEd: This is currently my 5th year anchoring the low end with Far and Wide.

How long playing: I’ve played bass for 5 years. 

Favorite Workshop Song: Stormy Monday

Favorite Blues Artist: As blues artists go, I like B.B. King, always go with the classics. My favorite singular artist that we play in Far and Wide is Stevie Wonder.

Favorite BluesEd moment: Going to Memphis with The 402 to play at the Youth Showcase at the International Blues Challenge 

Hobbies outside of BluesEd: I play piano, and have been for 13 years now. I’m also a big songwriter/composer and music theory nerd.

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Senior Spotlight - Sydney Jukes

6/13/2018

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Name: Sydney Jukes

BluesEd Band/ Position: Vocals for Blue Sunday

College and Major: Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics to study cosmetology

How long in BluesEd: 2 years

How long have you been singing: I've been singing since I could talk 

Favorite BluesEd Workshop Song: Stormy Monday

Favorite Blues Artist: Amy Winehouse

Favorite BluesEd Moment: Playing at the Suicide Awareness Prevention Walk
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Hobbies Outside of BluesEd: I write a little poetry, but don't share it with anybody, haha. I enjoy art, and I also enjoy doing makeup

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BluesEd Showcase

6/2/2018

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The first all BluesEd band’s event of the 2018 Season! 

Join us on Sunday, June 24th at Forte Music Hall on 96th & L in Omaha, Nebraska.

Doors open at 12:30. All ages welcome. Pizza and beverages available for purchase. Free admission.
Seven Bands!
Vertigo - 1:00-1:30
five minute drive - 1:45-2:15
The Redwoods - 2:30 - 3:00
Far&Wide Blues - 3:15 - 3:45
Us & Them - 4:00 - 4:30
MANNIX - 4:45 - 5:15
​Blue Sunday - 5:30 - 6:00
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Senior Spotlight - Grace Calderon

6/1/2018

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Name: Grace Calderon

High School: Westside High School

BluesEd Band/position: The Redwoods, saxophone

College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in jazz performance

How Long in BluesEd: This is my first year

How long have you been playing? 9 years

What is your favorite BluesEd workshop song: Thrill is Gone

Who is your favorite Blues artist? I'm pretty new to the Blues scene but I think Etta James is one of my favorites so far

Favorite BluesEd moment: After-practice bonding in Henry's basement

Hobbies outside of BluesEd: Cooking, working out, and practicing

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Senior Spotlight -Allison Young

5/29/2018

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PictureAllison Young
Name: Allison Young

High School: Millard North

BluesEd Band/position: Five Minute Drive, saxophone

College: University of Northern Colorado, Saxophone Performance

How Long in BluesEd: 3 years

How long have you been playing? Almost 8 years

What is your favorite BluesEd workshop song: Stray Cat Strut

Who is your favorite Blues artist? My favorite local Blues artist is the Kris Lager Band, but I also really enjoy Ben Poole!

Favorite BluesEd moment: Definitely performing at Playing With Fire Concert - Omaha & the Afterburn last year with Five Minute Drive! It was such a cool experience to play with professional artists on that stage.
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Hobbies outside of BluesEd: I also enjoy playing piano and clarinet.

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Testimonials from BluesEd Student Musicians

5/16/2018

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We thought you would want to hear from several of our student musicians themselves on how being involved in the BluesEd program has impacted their lives.  When you give to BluesEd during Omaha Gives on May 23, you will continue to impact young people's lives AND support the arts. Keep the Blues Alive!
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PictureHunter Neumayer of The Redwoods
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BluesEd has been the best experience in my lifetime in terms of performance opportunities, growth of musical abilities, participation in the Memphis Youth Showcase last January and the development of phenomenal friendships."
- Hunter Neumayer - Guitar & Saxophone for The Redwoods

PictureJeana Abboud of five minute drive
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​"Through BluesEd, I learn from professional musicians, perform around Omaha all summer and get opportunities, like this past January at
 B.B. King's Blues Club Memphis for the International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase with the “select” BluesEd “402” band."
- Jeana Abboud - Vocals for five minute drive

PictureGrace Giebler of Us and Them
“BluesEd has helped mold me into the person I am today; singer, songwriter, performer. It made me fall in love with music and performing in front of audiences. I also get to play with amazing musicians in my band, who have become my lifelong best friends. BluesEd has opened so many windows for me, like going to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis with my band in 2017, was honored by helping the Blues Society of Omaha accept the "Keeping the Blues Alive" Award for the BluesEd program in Memphis this past 2018 where I got to speak in front of the International Blues Community, opening for the Playing With Fire concert series, and meeting and learning from some pretty outstanding artists from all over the world. Thanks for donating to our program, as BluesEd helps shape young musicians to have an appreciation for the blues and inspires the next generation of blues musicians. Let's keep the Blues ALIVE!”
- Grace Giebler - Vocals for Us and Them Blues Band

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Support BluesEd through Omaha Gives!

4/30/2018

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​Omaha Gives is May 23rd.  Can you give too?!! 
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 Help us "Keep the Blues Alive" by supporting BluesEd during our Omaha Gives fundraising campaign on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018.  We will be joining more than 1,000 local nonprofits to raise money together and compete for prize money—the more donors we get to give to us, the more likely we are to win prizes

We know you have many choices of worthy charities for ‪‎Omaha Gives‬!, but we would be so grateful for your donation of $10 or more to BluesEd. Our program works with young musicians and teaches them the art of Blues music while performing within an exceptional band. Bands are provided with multiple performance opportunities requiring students to learn the necessary skills needed to be a professional musician. Currently our program boasts 49 students in 7 performance bands. To keep our tuition low we rely on fundraisers such as #OmahaGives. You can even schedule your donation early and will not be charged until May 23rd. BluesEd has the chance to win some big money prizes for donations received. So, remember to save the date and get ready to give! Thank you for your continued support! Donations accepted online: https://www.omahagives.org/index.phpsection=organizations&action=newDonation&fwID=1177
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Enjoy the wonderful talents of our BluesEd bands by attending any of these events in May to hear exactly how your dollars are supporting our BluesEd youth talent development program.
* May 12 at Elkhorn South Suicide Prevention Walk - Time: 9 pm, Band - Us and Them Blues Band 
*May 17 at Chrome Lounge - Time: 5 p.m., Band - Blue Sunday opens the BSO weekly matinee show
*May 19 at Chrome Lounge - Time: TBA, Band - Far&Wide Blues opens for Hector Anchondo Band

For more information: www.BluesEd.com or www.OmahaGives.org

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Guest Clinics in 2016

10/13/2016

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BluesEd students had an amazing summer of special Guest Clinicians lined up for them in 2016. Thanks to our generous donors we are able to have several touring professional musicians work with our students.  We were delighted to welcome Bruce Katz, Brad Cordle, Heather Newman, Nick Schnebelen and  Justin Shelton as guest clinicians.  

Brad Cordle, Omaha's own "Crown Jewel of Blues," offered our students three vocal clinics where he worked with our students on breath control, stage presence, interacting with the band and audience and learning lyrics.  Brad was accompanied by pianist Brian England. ​


Bruce Katz and his bandmates, Chris Vitarello & Ralph Rosen, gave our students an impressive clinic filled with Blues history, Hammond organ tips and tricks, Bruce's experience touring with The Allman Brothers and other musicians, plus his background teaching at Berklee College of Music.  Students were treated to a private concert also.  Later that evening Bruce and his band let a couple of our BluesEd students sit in on a few songs with the band during his show at The 21st Saloon.  
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BluesEd alumni. Heather Newman, and Nick Schnebelen, gave our students a clinic before their performance at Playing with Fire.  Heather, being an alum, understood what the students wanted to hear as she was in their position not that long ago.  Heather & Nick played some then invited students to come up and play with them.  Sprinkled in between all the playing was a great deal of wisdom passed down on songwriting, stage presence, the business side of music and much more.  

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Our final BluesEd guest clinic of 2016 was a harmonica clinic given my Justin Shelton, of Hector Anchondo band.  Justin gave an outstanding "harp" clinic for our students (and some siblings and parents joined in too!) on the basics of harp playing all the way up to advanced skills.  By the end of the clinic our students were playing full Blues tunes on their harps.  It was wonderful to hear!
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All of the guest clinician's experience and advice only enhances our students educational training during their time in BluesEd. We are grateful to the guest clinicians for sharing their time, talent and the stage with our students.  

Thanks also goes out to The 21st Saloon (96th & L) for hosting several of our clinics this season.  There is no better place in Omaha to see live Blues and support live music!
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Playing with Fire - Saturday, Aug. 27th

8/23/2016

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This Saturday night, August 27th, is the second in the Playing with Fire concert series this summer.   For 13 years now, Playing with Fire has given our BluesEd bands the chance to open the concert for well-known, International touring blues artist and this year is no different!

BluesEd band, The Redwoods, open the stage at Midtown Crossing at 4:30.
Local Lincoln favorite, Levi William and his band follows.  
Next up is the one-man band extraordinaire, Steve Hill.   
Finally, the one and only, living legend Walter Trout!  

All Playing with Fire events are free! 

Green space opens at 3:30.  Bring your blankets, chairs, picnic baskets & beverages.  
Parking is free for 3 hours in the Midtown Crossing Garages and then it's only $1/hr thereafter.

​Please see this link for more Midtown Crossing info:  http://www.midtowncrossing.com/media/1580/mtc_faq.pdf  


After the concert on the big stage, join us at Cantina Laredo in Midtown Crossing for the AfterBurn Jam.  Our BluesEd students have the opportunity to play with the headliners from Playing with Fire.  Drink specials and appetizers available.  

We'll Keep the Fire Burning all night long!  ​
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Spotlight on John Staples

8/21/2016

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Name:  John Staples

School:  Burke High School

Band:  Dilemma

Instrument: Guitar, Bass & Vocals

College & Major:  Iowa Western Community College, Music Major

How Long in BluesEd:  First Year

How long have you been playing:  7 years

What is your favorite BluesEd workshop song:  Future People, it really introduced me to the Alabama Shakes.

Who is your favorite Blues artist? Gary Clark Jr.  By far my favorite modern blues artist, he gives me hope for the future of blues rock.

Favorite BluesEd moment:  Walking outside the OEAA awards with the homies in Dilemma.  I felt like we got to appreciate music together and become a lot closer as friends.
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Hobbies outside of BluesEd:  Playing music in any of my 5 bands, or playing Pokemon go.  Team mystic, yo.

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Spotlight on Graham Broooks

8/14/2016

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Name:  Graham Brooks

School: Papillion La-Vista South High School

Band: Voodoo Vinyl

Instrument: Alto Saxophone and Electric Guitar

College & Major: Simpson college, BM in Vocal Performance and a BS in Mathematics

How long in BluesEd: 5 years

Favorite BluesEd workshop song: Red House or Soul Man

Favorite Blues artist: Jimi Hendrix

Favorite BluesEd moment: IBC at Memphis, the gigs at Sumter Amphitheater, Playing with Fire, and Jazz on the Green, to name a few. 

Hobbies outside BluesEd: Classical Voice, Ice Skating, Video Games,  Ping Pong, Fantasy Football, Chess

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Senior Spotlight with Erik Shouse

8/6/2016

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​Senior Spotlight 
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Name:  Erik Shouse

School:  Graduate of Skutt High School

Band:  Dilemma

Instrument:  Drums

College & Major:  I will be attending Iowa State to study Computer Science.

How Long in BluesEd:  I have been in the program for 5  years.

How many years have you been playing:  I have been playing drums for 9 years now.

What is your favorite BluesEd workshop song:  
My favorite Dilemma workshop song in the years past is probably "Down in the Swamp." This is mainly because of how well the song fit both Dilemma and the program as a whole. I also think we played it very well so we played it for many years.

What is your favorite Blues artist:  My favorite blues artist has to be Led Zeppelin. While not all of their music is blues, a lot of it is, and I take a lot of inspiration from John Bonham in all aspects of my playing.

What is your favorite BluesEd moment:  My favorite BluesEd moments tend to be the weird ones. For example, in Dilemma's 3rd year, we played a show called BloodStock (picture below) that was simply a blood donation drive that wanted music to be played. So we were sitting there playing for a group of people all sitting there with needles in their arms. It was very "interesting". 

Another favorite part of BluesEd was this year when I had the wonderful opportunity to play in 5 out of 6 bands in the program. It was great for me to get to know the other participants in the program as I wouldn't have been able to get to know them otherwise.  

Hobbies outside of BluesEd:  As far as hobbies go, I like to play video games.

Editor's Note:  We would like to give Erik special recognition as a BluesEd student.  Erik has provided his personal drum set for the majority of BluesEd performances for the past five years which meant he had to arrive early to each show and set up the drums and then stay late to tear them down after each show.  Erik has put in a great deal of extra time as a BluesEd student musician.  Thank you Erik! 

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Bloodstock 2014
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BluesEd 2016 Season Finale

8/4/2016

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Our 15th year Season Finale is upon us! All six of our BluesEd bands will be performing at one of the finest venues in town: The Waiting Room Lounge in Benson on Sunday, August 7th.   This will be a don't miss event as we say goodbye to our students leaving us for college.  Our seniors have provided tremendous leadership on and off the stage for our BluesEd program.  Several of these students have been in the program for 5 years and have grown into excellent musicians and amazing people during their time in BluesEd.  Following all bands will be the traditional Senior Jam with 12 students performing!  
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Order of bands:
2:00 - 2:45 - Front and Center
3:00 - 3:45 - The Redwoods
4:00 - 4:45 - Voodoo Vinyl
5:00 - 5:45 - Far & Wide
6:00 - 6:45 - Us & Them
7:00 - 7:45 - Dilemma
7:55- Senior Jam


This event is FREE, yes...FREE!  However, if you are under 18 and not attending with a parent, you will need to bring a notarized parental consent form found on the Waiting Room's website or click here.

We would highly encourage any young, talented musician from ages 12-17 to attend this event. Our bands play at some of the finest festivals and venues in town.  We are a nationally recognized program for students to hone their skills as musicians and offer many opportunities to perform throughout the summer. Auditions for the 2017 season will be here before you know it!  ​
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