    
Upcoming featured performers:
Wednesday October 15th,
7:30pm-9:00pm, free
CHAMPION'S CLUB SLAM POETS — Mick's has been the famous home for some of Omaha's most cutting-edge poetry, including nationally-ranked award winners. We're back with the real, raw deal, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Our authentic slam features two teams milking your winning vote! Hosted by the incredibly talented Katie F-S.
Contact: Katie
Wednesday October 15th,
9pm, free
KOREY ANDERSON — Anderson's silky, Smokey Robinson voice and true Americana songcraft never cease to surprise audiences. Everyone leaves asking, "Why isn't he famous?" We don't know.
Contact: Korey 402.216.7819
Thursday October 16th,
9pm, free
FREE MUSIC THURSDAYS — We want to get you out to hear and support the best new local and touring artists. How does a free performance sound to you? Same great place, same great original music, but tonight it's free.
Contact: Brian
ANDREW NORSWORTHY & JARED WOODS — "The passion with which they play their acoustic guitars thrusts you into a fury of emotional motivation, only to bring you back to an instant calm where the lyrics leave you in a haze of personal memories, easy to relate to and all too familiar. Everything about this duo is fine tuned to perfection —their vocal harmonies, the key changes, the tempo, the dynamics. These two are true musicians, living it, breathing it and on a seemingly never-ending tour to share it." —NowOnTour.com
Contact: Andrew 206.909.2421
SARAH BENCK — For those who love her solo acoustic performances, tonight's your rare night. When she steps away from her powerful band The Robbers, Sarah's songs rise to an exquisite intimacy. With the unabashed rock soul of Bonnie Raitt and a magical gift for making blues fun and uplifting, Benck wows audiences with great music and top-notch songwriting.
Contact: Sarah 402.290.1716
Friday October 17th,
9pm, $5
THOUSAND HOUSES — A collaboration of veterans Matt Banta and Mitch Towne. Banta was the driving force behind one of the Midwest’s most popular groups in the late 90’s, Blue Moon Ghetto. Propelled by the Banta’s song “Shine All The Time”, Blue Moon Ghetto sold 15,000 records and Banta has played countless shows and at festivals with the likes of Ben Folds 5, Semisonic and 311. Towne was a member of soul-funk group The 9’s. Their album, All Night Music hit number one on the Coalition of Independent Music Stores album chart in 2000. They played shows with the Average White Band, Maceo Parker, and Ziggy Marley.
Contact: Matt
Saturday October 18th,
9pm, $10
EASTERN BLOK — “This extraordinary pan-cultural ensemble effortlessly blends classical and jazz music with the rich folkloric traditions of Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Serbia. As alluring as it is complex. Exotic Middle Eastern motifs merge gracefully with the evocative sounds of Eastern European Klezmer music. Beautifully conceived folk passages are followed by perfectly executed Mahavishnu-inspired pyrotechnics. The passion and urgency at which this group plays is heard in every note." —Minor 7th Magazine
From appearing on NPR to headlining the World Music Festival to being featured in the upcoming major motion picture, Wanted, starring Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie, Eastern Blok works without borders.
Contact: Michael Jay Caskey 773.615.7406
Sunday October 19th,
8pm, $5
SHANNON COREY — Pulling influences from the likes of Ben Folds, Fiona Apple and Tori Amos, piano player/singer-songwriter and Yamaha Artist Shannon Corey reflects a beautiful vibe of sensuous class. This classically-trained pianist was named Keyboard Magazine's Unsigned Artist of the Month.
Contact: Shannon 917.412.4474
Press link
CHRIS SAUB — A meticulously clean guitarist with a haunting voice, Chris Saub is respected by musicians and fans alike, and fronts the popular band bearing his name. But when he plays solo, his solid songwriting really shines. After a huge break becoming a regional finalist for the reality TV series Rockstar INXS, Saub has won an Omaha Entertainment Award Nomination as Best Singer Songwriter and MTV2 voted Chris Saub Band number one in Omaha.
Contact: Chris 402.212.2617
Tuesday October 21st,
9pm, free
OMAHA'S BEST OPEN MIC — Our open mic is a hoot, featuring some of Omaha's finest alongside nationally touring artists. You never know who will turn up! It's where they meet, it's where you'll hear the latest.  Just show up and reserve a spot. If you are touring and need to reserve a slot in advance, e-mail Brian@micksomaha.com. Preference is given to those who reserve in person.
Contact: Brian 402.202.2176
SHANNON CURTIS — When she was 7, her piano teacher told her she played like a boy. Today, Shannon Curtis still kills her piano and delivers a vocal performance that is, in her signature style, breathtakingly intimate yet powerful.
The Los Angeles Times describes Shannon as "... a beautiful piano player who sounds like the love child of Fiona Apple and Norah Jones." As a performer she endears her audiences with her living-room demeanor and sparkling humor. As a songwriter, she is unflinching.
Her second EP, Paris Can't Have You, was released in March 2008.
Contact: Jamie 415.412.9029
Press link
Wednesday October 22nd,
9pm, free
KOREY ANDERSON — Anderson's silky, Smokey Robinson voice and true Americana songcraft never cease to surprise audiences. Everyone leaves asking, "Why isn't he famous?" We don't know.
Contact: Korey 402.216.7819
Thursday October 23rd,
9pm, free
FREE MUSIC THURSDAYS — We want to get you out to hear and support the best new local and touring artists. How does a free performance sound to you? Same great place, same great original music, but tonight it's free.
Contact: Brian
JORDAN ANDERSON — A true songwriter at heart, his music is the stuff of philosophy and intelligence intertwined, all while encouraging listeners to not take life too seriously. Attacking issues pertinent to his generation, his love and fascination with the jazz culture is evident in his writing.
JESSA ANDERSON — When there is something to be said, Jessa Anderson does not mince words. Rather, she crafts them into a form both poetic and raw, pouring out her very soul to the listener. While several of her songs are very obviously directed toward a Christian audience, Jessa has ignored clichés and categories to create a record that is intelligent and entertaining to any listener.
CHELSEA ROSE — A year ago Sea Rose quietly walked into one of our songwriting competitions at Mick's, won first place, then quietly walked out and was never seen again. Until tonight.
Friday October 24th,
9pm, $5
VAGO: Danny's Birthday Bash! — Forming in Omaha shortly after the turn of the century by brothers Tom and Daniel Burns, VAGO hit the stage with a mix of alt-rock traditions of Bob Mould, The Replacements, and Elvis Costello with a splash of Spanish, post-punk, and surf flavors into their own brand of rock and roll. Their first studio record, The Mariachi EP, received nationwide college radio airplay in over 40 states, leading them to share the stage with artists such as Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Tommy Stinson, and Yellowcard.
Contact: Tom Burns 402.598.0753
Press link
Opening tonight's show: LARRY DUNN — Former lead singer of legendary punkabilly bands such as The Mercurys, Larry Dunn defines the Omaha sound with his yearning, plaintive guitar and a voice that smokes in gravelly, burning passion. He embodies and communicates everything great about the blues.
Contact: Larry 402.714.3847
Saturday October 25th,
9pm, $5
PRAIRIE CATS: 10th ANNIVERSARY PARTY — Help us celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Omaha's most talented and innovative swing band! The Prairie Cats have toured the United States making stops at the famed Derby Lounge in Hollywood and the South by Southwest music festival in Austin. In June of 2001 Prairie Cats performed in New York City at Windows on the World atop the World Trade Center, and at the National Cartoonists Society's annual awards weekend in Chicago. In past years, many nationally-recognized cartoonists have joined the band on stage, including the tuba-playing David Silverman from TV's The Simpsons.
Locally, the band has twice broken the attendance record at Omaha's Jazz on the Green festival.
Contact: Jeff 402.556.2027
Press link
Tuesday October 28th,
9pm, free
OMAHA'S BEST OPEN MIC — Our open mic is a hoot, featuring some of Omaha's finest alongside nationally touring artists. You never know who will turn up! It's where they meet, it's where you'll hear the latest. Just show up and reserve a spot. If you are touring and need to reserve a slot in advance, e-mail Brian@micksomaha.com. Preference is given to those who reserve in person.
Contact: Brian 402.202.2176
Wednesday October 29th,
9pm, free
KOREY ANDERSON — Anderson's silky, Smokey Robinson voice and true Americana songcraft never cease to surprise audiences. Everyone leaves asking, "Why isn't he famous?" We don't know.
Contact: Korey 402.216.7819
Thursday October 30th,
9pm, free
FREE MUSIC THURSDAYS — We want to get you out to hear and support the best new local and touring artists. How does a free performance sound to you? Same great place, same great original music, but tonight it's free.
Contact: Brian
WHISKEY PISTOLS — Playful progressive rock with punky edge—kind of like trying to walk a straight line when the floor is moving.
Contact: Gino 402.214.3810
Friday October 31st,
9pm, $5
HAPPY HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY — Finally—Halloween falls on a weekend! Yay! The Josh Davis band will be dressing up, so to speak, for the occasion, as will the Mick's staff. So should you. Mick will buy drinks for great costumes, like he always does. If you can recognize him, that is. The photo is Mick from last year.
JOSH DAVIS — Roots-rock with no unnecessary frills. The music falls just on the country side of rock n’ roll. Tonight, catch a unique solo performance from Josh. “I’m from a small town. I write about stuff that happens to me and to people I’ve known. You are all my muse...” says front man and songwriter Josh Davis. Thanks to his parents, Josh grew up with Willie Nelson pickin’ in one ear and Frank Sinatra crooning in the other. He has had the opportunity to share the stage with the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Dexter Freebish, The Great Divide, Joe Nichols, and his idol Charlie Robison.
Saturday November 1st,
8:30pm, $5
TERESA STORCH — Teresa returns to Mick's to celebrate the release of her new CD, Stream of Concrete. Teresa was selected among "Boston's Best" Showcase last year. Most recently she was chosen amongst the top 25 in the 2003 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Competition.
Contact: Teresa 617.549.7684
Opening tonight's show: MATT COX — Foot-stomping blues & old-time country, inherently raw and real, Cox performs with a rarely found authenticity, and his shows are among the most talked about evenings of the year. His latest CD Folker’s Travels hints at everything great about the likes of Neil Young, John Prine, and fellow Iowa native Greg Brown.
Contact: Matt 402-290-8548
Friday November 7th,
9pm, $5
CHAD ELLIOTT — After winning FolkAlley.com’s Open Mic Finals with his song “Bluebird Creek,” Chad Elliott earned a spot on stage with Odetta. Add that to Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, Eric Taylor, Buddy Mondlock, Dan Zanes, R.L. Burnside and Storyhill. Elliott’s song “How’s the Weather?” was chosen out of 300,000 folk songs as an award nominee for the Top 20 New Folk Songs on Just Plain Folks. Above all the Iowa songwriter carries a feeling of finding place without placement, home where no house stands “Not all who wander are lost.”
Contact: Alyssa Jackson 515.460.5634
Saturday November 8th,
9pm, $5
DAMON DOTSON — At an early age Okoboji-based Damon played drums in many different jazz and rock groups, which helped him develop the rhythmic feel that defines his unique style of songwriting. Hugely popular at Mick's!
Contact: Damon
Thursday November 13th,
9pm, free
FREE MUSIC THURSDAYS — We want to get you out to hear and support the best new local and touring artists. How does a free performance sound to you? Same great place, same great original music, but tonight it's free.
Contact: Brian
GEOFF KOCH — Geoff's latest CD, If It Feels Good, Don't Do It, was co-produced by Ken Coomer (Wilco/Uncle Tupelo drummer), engineered by Charlie Brocco (Fleetwood Mac, George Harrison), and recorded mostly at Sixteen Ton Studios on Music Row. Geoff's performances are gaining as much attention as the strength of the songs—his ability to capture and command attention from any crowd is a rare find, and he doesn't need to do much prying.
Contact: Geoff Koch ("Coke") 636-399-5399
Press link
Friday November 14th,
9pm, $5
SOUTHPAW BLUEGRASS BAND — Because of his extensive collection of Soviet and Chinese iconography, identification with class struggle, and belief in promoting bluegrass music equality amongst all social classes, banjoist Steve suggested that they call themselves the Bluegrass Communists. David, not really knowing Steve all that well while at the same time recognizing he could pick a little banjo agreed on the name in theory, but admitted to wondering how it might go over when announced before festival crowds. As such, David politely requested one evening before one of the 3 or so shows that the duo played together that if Steve was resolute in his decision, he'd have to start introducing the group himself. As luck would have it, a revolt amongst audience members never ensued. This is perhaps the most educated backwoods band ever.
Contact: David Fleming 402.681.4683
Opening tonight's show: BLUE MOON GRASS — Third Place winner at the 2nd annual Nebraska Bluegrass Festival. After careful consideration and planning we collectively decided to change our name from "Whitey On The Moon" to "Blue Moon Grass." At first we didn't want a name that sounded like a typical bluegrass band. Now after a year or so of playing as Whitey, we came to the realization that Blue Moon Grass isn't so bad after all.
Saturday November 15th,
9pm, $5
ACOUSTIC GROOVE — No group is more fun or more talented than this band of veteran performers. Their original music blends seamlessly with satisfying renditions of your favorites.
Contact: JR 402.991.2554
Thursday November 20th,
9pm, $10
PETER MULVEY — Peter Mulvey's new album, The Knuckleball Suite, shows why, over the length of his extensive career (this is his ninth solo release), he has been compared to such heavyweights as Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Randy Newman. He has performed numerous times at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (see the video), and was recently featured on NPR's All Things Considered.
"The subtle power of his voice, a husky, hushed baritone... understated, at once sophisticated and intimate... as cover-worthy as Randy Newman, Elvis Costello and Dar Williams." —The Washington Post
Contact: Contact info
Press link
Saturday November 22nd,
9pm, $5
ADAM WEAVER & THE GHOSTS — Intelligent urban writing style meets murky, pulsing songcraft in his latest, brilliant CD. For fans of Deathcab For Cutie and Ryan Adams.
FLIGHT METAPHOR — There's something about growing up in the Midwest that makes you search for that ever-elusive "something more." When you're stuck on the ground, sometimes all you can see is the horizon. Flight Metaphor blends Midwestern rock grit with soaring melodies and the craftwork of smart, calculated musicianship.
Contact: Bill Harvat 402.210.9974
Opening tonight's show: LESLIE — Formerly of Flyover Country, his lilting, whimsical style well suits his solo show.
Friday November 28th,
9pm, $5
KILL BOSBY — Witness the Brothers Bosby—Damon and Dane-Mychal—pop melodies, harmonies that recall the likes of Simon and Garfunkel, and enough eclecticism to make Ween proud. Their latest CD, On Thursday We Leave for Home, is easily among the best releases of the year.
Contact: Damon
Opening tonight's show: FREDJACK —
Thursday December 4th,
9pm, $8
KRISTA DETOR — A brilliant storyteller, her music is as murky and moody as Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen—company she is more than happy to keep. With her highly acclaimed album Mudshow, Detor reached #1 on the Euro-Americana chart and her music has been fetaured at the Cannes Film Festival, NPR, the BBC, and countless U.S. and European broadcasts. She just released her latest, Cover Their Eyes.
Contact: Willa Schaffer, Tightrope Productions
Press link
Saturday December 6th,
8pm, $10
LASH'S TOY DRIVE BENEFIT — A who's-who list of great musicians all give their talents freely to benefit children in the Porcupine District of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, among the poorest areas of the nation, and right in our own back yard. Money is scarce and small gifts make a big difference. No administrative fees here: 100% of cash donations go to buy more toys. Last year collected over 1500 toys, hand delivered by Lash Hisself. See photos.
Contact: Lash 402.706.0001
Friday December 12th,
9pm, $5
THE GET-RITES — You'll hear shades of The Jayhawks and Tom Petty, but Tom Feldmann was weaned on the dirty, back-woods moans and hollers of blues legends like Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell and John Lee Hooker. Though he made a name for himself as a master of the slide guitar (his nickel-plated Reso-Phonic is named “Sticky Nickel”), Feldmann seems to have come full circle—his most recent album, Driven To My Knees, melds those various influences with his own inimitable flair for lyrical intelligence, musical complexity, and soulful experimentation.
Contact: Tom
Tuesday December 16th,
8pm, $15
An Evening with ADRIAN LEGG — Guitar Player Magazine named internationally known fingerstyle guitarist Adrian Legg Acoustic Guitarist of The Decade. He has more than lived up to the avalanche of critical praise. After touring with Joe Satriani, Joe said, "He's simply the best acoustic guitar player I've ever heard." The Boston Globe: "Technical brilliance paired with a troubadour's tale-weaving skill." And who else would come up with a song title like "Nefertiti—What a Sweetie!" Check out this charming video.
Contact: David Wozniak 510.558.4000
Press link
 |
