Omaha has a vibrant singer-songwriter scene and offers several intimate venues well suited for acoustic and lyric-based music. I've put together a list of my favorite local venues for catching a singer-songwriter show. Answer this poll to let me know which venue is your favorite.
The Slowdown (Front Room)729 N. 14th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
402.345.7569
www.theslowdown.com
Age: All Ages*
Booking Contact: Jason Kulbel - info@theslowdown.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theslowdown
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theslowdown
Located in North Downtown Omaha, in the Saddle Creek Records complex, Slowdown is consistently included on lists of the nation's best live music venues. They employ the city's most respected sound engineer, Dan Brennan. Live music can be held any night of the week.
*Omaha requires patrons that are 17 and under to have a notarized parental permission form on file at the club in order to attend shows.
Reverb Lounge
6121 Military Avenue
Omaha, NE 68104
402.884.5707
http://reverblounge.com
Genres: All Genres
Capacity: 100
Age: All Ages*
Booking Contact: Marc Liebowitz - marc@onepercentproductions.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReverbLoungeOmaha
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reverb_lounge
Owned and operated by 1% Productions who also own The Waiting Room Lounge. This venue is located in the Benson neighborhood, which has become a popular entertainment district in Omaha. The stage and bar are in separate rooms, which helps discourage audience chatter. The bar is decorated with vintage guitars and amplifiers. They offer a top-notch sound system and large beer selection. Live music can be held any night of the week.
*Omaha requires patrons that are 17 and under to have a notarized parental permission form on file at the club in order to attend shows.
The Down Under Lounge
3530 Leavenworth Street
Omaha, NE 68105
402.933.3927
www.thedownunderomaha.com
Capacity: 100
Age: 21+
Booking Contact: Ben Baldwin - downunderstage@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedownunder3530/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DownUnder3806
Arguably the hub of the singer-songwriter scene due to it's wildly successful Wednesday open mic. The Down Under rarely charges a cover and the staff is always positive and supportive.
Genres: All Genres
Capacity: 65
Age: 21+
Booking Contact: Kait Berreckman - bookings@barleystreet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBarleyStreetTavern/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barleystreet
This dive bar is located in the Benson neighborhood and was my favorite for many years. The stage is separated from the bar by a partial wall. Drink prices are low, the cover charge is usually minimal and when all its strengths align, this venue can feel magical. You might even catch an occasional visit from the bar cat. They host shows Thurs-Sat and a Songwriter Open-Mic on Monday nights.
O'Leaver's Pub
1322 S. Saddle Creek Road
Omaha, NE 68106
402.556.1238
www.oleavers.com
Genres: Acoustic, Alternative, Indie, Pop, Rock
Capacity: 80 - 171 depending on the season.
Age: 21+
Booking Contact: Craig Dee - booking@oleavers.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oleavers
Twitter: http://twitter.com/oleavers
Owned and operated by members of Cursive, O'Leaver's is mostly known as an Indie-rock music club, though I've found this dive bar to be respectful to singer-songwriters as well. Featuring a recently upgraded sound system, back patio and basement karaoke lounge, the atmosphere is enhanced by hundreds of old record sleeves adorning the walls. The drinks are cheap and the staff friendly and sarcastic. Beware of binge drinking at this venue. Live music is typically held Thursday-Saturday nights, but they are flexible for other nights of the week as well.
Harney Street Tavern
1215 Harney Street
Omaha, NE 68102
402.933.5657
www.harneystreettavern.com
Genres: Acoustic, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Roots Music, Singer-Songwriter, Soul, World
Capacity: 107
Age: 21+
Booking Contact: Brady Bock - brady.bock@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harneystreettavern
Twitter: https://twitter.com/harneysttavern
Located downtown in the Old Market, Harney Street Tavern occupies the former basement space of the legendary Antiquarium Record Store. They rarely charge a cover and pay the performers fairly. The staff and owners are supportive of original music. Live music is typically held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Pageturner's Lounge
5004 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68132
402.933.3973
www.facebook.com/pageturnerslounge
Genres: All Genres
Capacity: 100
Age: 21+
Booking Contact: Philip Schaffart - pageturnerslounge@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pageturnerslounge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pageturnersbar
Owned and operated by Philip Schaffart and Conor Oberst, this Dundee neighborhood lounge is fancy yet comfortable. The atmosphere is unique and the staff includes some of the best bartenders in town. This venue features a house piano. Live music can be held any night of the week.