This Sunday afternoon, March 8th, at 2PM, is the first of what I hope will become a regular event at the Louisville Art Gallery. I am a huge music lover and am so glad to be able to present some of the areas finest talent in what should be a fantastic afternoon of live music. Tim Koehn, Neil Johnsen, Doug Kouney, Kelsey Harrell, Jimmy Weber, Michael Campbell, Andrew Bailie, April Domet and Nate Bray will take turns performing their original compositions. Music genres from blues, jazz, country and who knows what else will be represented, so there should be something for everyone.

Some of these names may be familiar to you, as most have been around for some time. Jimmy Weber is a Nashville recording artist residing in Bellevue and is an Air Force musician that has performed around the world with many different artists. Nate Bray is a highly acclaimed bass player and songwriter from Omaha who has performed with most every notable blues and jazz musician in the area. Highly acclaimed guitarist of "Jazzwholes" notoriety Andrew Bailie is always involved in many local music projects, and is often seen with Heidi Joy, Kyle Harvey, and others. Kelsey Nord Harrell is the lead singer for "Mason County" and will be joined by local singer/songwriter Jessica Erritt. Local singer/songwriter and leader of "Swampboy Blues Band" from Omaha, Tim Koehn performs regularly in and around Omaha. Tim will be performing with bass player Jerry Steinke. Jerry is one of my favorites from the 'old days' of "Triple Play" and "B and the Hot Notes", and a real nice guy, too! Neil Johnsen, who used to share the stage with Jerry in the aforementioned bands, no fronts the "Johnsen Brothers", a great trio with a focus on the blues. Neil has been a fixture on the local music scene for more than 30 years and is a wonderful talent. Doug Kouney is a long time local musician who will be performing with Neil Johnsen and another musician named Dave Blakesley. April Domet has played a few openings at the Gallery and has been known to jump up on stage with the Johnsen brothers for a song or two now and then. This will be the first time that I will hear her performing original tunes. I have heard her sing everything from disco to Janis Joplin (prefer Janis!) and am anxious to hear her original compositions.

Rounding out the lineup is Michael Campbell, owner of the former Mick's in Benson, who has done great things for live music in Omaha. Michael is often a balladeer, with a love for intricate lyric with a poignant bite, obtuse observations and knife-sharp parodies. Anyone with the remotest interest in live music has heard of Michael and will certainly want to catch this performance.

The seating in the Gallery is limited, so I would strongly encourage you to buy your ticket early to guarantee yourself a space at this great show. A portion of the ticket sales will go to benefit the Cass County Food Bank, a favorite charity of one of the Gallery's many volunteers. There is no way I could do this without them, so be sure to give them a nod when you come down to the show.

The next couple of months are kind of busy around here. March 21st is the opening reception for Paula Wallace, Jean Mason, John Dennison and Dan Newberry. These are all very accomplished artists, and this will be a great exhibition. Their show runs through May 9th.
Saturday night, April 4, East coast based Singer/Songwriter Edie Carey returns to the Gallery w/special guests Brianna Lane and "Harbor". Edie packed the place last year and continues to tour around the country. A true professional and a wonderful person, be sure not to miss this return performance.
On April 11, Coop de Ville will sponsor and Easter Bonnet Parade. I was a judge for this a couple of years ago, and man, it was a riot. If you are interested in creating a bonnet and participating, call Liz at 234-2717. Also in April, on Saturday the 18th, it is the Annual Spring Jewelry Show.

Well, that will get us through the next couple of months. There are other events and dates listed on the website and you can view them at louisvilleartgallery.com/calendar.htm . I hope you will come and check out the show, and please feel free to forward this to all of your art and music loving friends. If you have any questions, you can call me at the Gallery or email me at louisvilleartgallery@gmail.com.

Hope to see you at the show! STEVE