The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current, October 01, 1993, Page 9, Image 9
Music from the masses Festival brings a variety of new acts to Omaha’s Old Market ■■ his is a good weekend for I people who love the Nebraska I music scene. In Lincoln, fans can enjoy Slamfest. In Omaha, listeners have today through Sunday to catch about 50 different local bands during the “In the Heart*’ new music festival. The festival, which features bands from Omaha, Lincoln and iwnar. “Between 30 and 40 bands will perform at Howard Street alone,” Nolan said. The bands will start at 7 p.m. and play until close, at 1 p.m. In addition, he said, several other downtown establishments will host related shows. Downtown Grounds, an Old Market coffee shop at 11th and Jackson streets, will feature acoustic bands, Nolan said. At the Capital Bar, 15th and Capital streets, fans will have the opportunity to listen as local bands record a live CD that will com memorate this year’s festival. The CD will be produced and sold by the folks at Electric Gypsy Productions, Nolan said. The bands that will play dining the festival represent most of the musical spectrum, he said. There are no big-name bands, just locals looking fin a break. The major emphasis is on groups that play their own stuff. “This isn’t a bunch of cover bands,” Nolan said. Cover charge at Howard Street is $5 on Friday and Saturday, $4 on Sunday. Also in Omaha this weekend, singer and guitarist Bob Mould. Mould, on break from his band Sugar, will perform a solo set Sunday at the Ranch Bowl. A native of Minneapolis, Mould began his career in the late 1970s with the band Husker Du. The band became a cult favorite, and Mould gained international notoriety as a hard edged underground rocker. After the band dissolved, Mould went solo until forming Sugar, which recently released its second album, “Beaster.” Omaha band Glad Hands will open the show. Tickets are avail able through Ticketmaster, $12 in advance, $13 day of show. Doors open at 8 p.m. Maiaelll Is a sealor news-editorial major and the Dally Nebraskaa Arts aad Eater talaaMat editor. Reno s message inspires series of concerts for young audiences l/ t I By Dionne Searcey Senior Reporter t may sound a little odd at first, but U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno inspired tonight’s Slamfest ’93. - Grant Kauffman and Carmen Littlejohn were touched by Reno’s speech about society’s youth when she visited Nebraska in August “We were sitting there watching ^ the news and just got really caught up in it” Littlejohn said. Reno encouraged crowd members to provide more positive leisure outlets for youth. “We never had any positive ... . • outlets when we were young,” said : Littlejohn, a senior broadcasting *$$$£■; major. Reno I into trouble. And started the I when minorities get wheels ® into trouble, tnrnin£) #1 Kauffman said, Littlejohn J negative stereotypes said, and jig «nH Kauffman said he Kauffman brainstormed ideas of how they could help local youth. “We were just sitting there talking and ideas just started rolling,** she said. They first thought of having an after-hours party but decided instead to create Slamfest *93. Slamfest ’93 is a three-part series that will cater to an audience of ages 14 to 24, she said. Those ages, Kauffman said, are when youth are in danger of becoming directionless. Lincoln’s night life doesn’t offer them much positive guidance, he said. As a result, he said, many get wanted to help prevent that from m happening. c. * ** . “It’s something that has been in my mind and in my heart for a long time,” he said. Kauffman is an old hand at volunteering for youth. He said that for years he had enjoyed counsel ing local youth and volunteering at local youth organizations. Slamfest fit nicely into his plan of helping youngsters, he said. Kauffman, also known as Klass K, is a rap musician. “My motivation was to bring two things I love doing most together,” he said. Kauffman’s production group, Muvement Enterprises, will sponsor Slamfest. See SLAMFEST on 11 Brian SMRto/DN