MTV recently declared Omaha one of the top 9 best up-and-coming cities in the world for music.

The cities named are considered to be more off the beaten path, located in countries ranging from Malaysia to Chile.  Omaha, as the only city named in the United States, might come as a shock to some, but the history of Omaha’s music scene tells a different story.

According to the MTV report, the music scene in Omaha has not slowed down since it’s jazz clubs in the 1920s.   During this time, the city quickly became a center for the music of jazz and blues.  According to Livability’s list of the top 10 best cities for music, Omaha’s Dreamland Ballroom, built in 1923, was at the heart of the scene for around 40 years. Performances from artist such as Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong were al showcased there.

A lot of exciting new material pours out of Saddle Creek Records, an independent label that started in 1993 by Justin Oberst and Robb Nansel.  The record label has worked with Bright Eyes and Tokyo Police Club. Nansel also helped in opening the performance venue Slowdown, which is a place for both locals and those touring nationally.  Other noted venues include The Waiting Room, The Orpheum Theatre, Omaha Civic Auditorium, Sokol Auditorium, and Sokol Underground. S

“Omaha is an underrated city for the quality and array of music we get” said junior Robert Wollschlager, “People can find a different concert every week, ranging from some of the smaller groups at the slowdown or Sokol to some big names that play at century link. We’ve had several bands such as FUN and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis who have played multiple shows here before they hit it big”

Many names can be connected with the city as well. Terry Lewis was an Omaha native that reached stardom and is now assisting with producing for artists such as Rod Steward and Gwen Stefani.

In the summer, several festivals take place the city, which include the Red Sky Festival, and the Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival.

The article mentions the Omaha sound today is a mixture of alternative rock with some country twang thrown in.

“I think its neat that a smaller city like Omaha is recognized for something like the music scene.  I’ve been to a couple of concerts in Omaha and definitely think the music scene is growing,” said junior Anne Schwieterman.

Be sure to check out the music scene in Omaha and look up festival and tour dates at all the local venues to see what the buzz is about!