Let me preface this article by saying that I know very little about jazz.

I’m not a music major, musician or classical music guru of any kind, I just like the idea of seeking out music that is unfamiliar, sporadic and unpredictable. I also have a deep respect for anyone who can pull off

a fedora.

From what I can tell, Omaha has a reputable jazz scene. From coffee shop gigs to bars and cigar lounges, rhythm and blues is ever-present. Given the revival of Jazz on the Green this summer, Omaha home-grown musicians like drummer-vocalist Ron E. Beck and his urban soul group have found their way back

to Nebraska.

Beck and his crew put on quite the show in August. I’d like to think the concerts in Turner Park re-introduced jazz to a lot of newcomers and enthusiasts alike. Massive picnic, prime people watching, summer weather and fun-loving music; Jazz on the Green fostered a new appreciation for this genre of music.

I looked into local jazz venues. There’s España in the Benson area if you’re in the mood for tapas and sangria. There’s Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen in the Old Market if you’re craving cajun gumbo. Finally, there’s Jackson Street Tavern downtown for ultra-classy piano covers and high quality dining. However, realistically living up to the broke college student stereotype, I’ve resorted to cheaper jazz hot spots.

While the schedule is somewhat inconsistent, cafés like Caffeine Dreams and 13th Street Coffee Co have some great weekend jazz nights that will cost you a small coffee, tea or gelato if anything. Personally, my venue of choice is Mr. Toad’s on 10th and Howard. For those of you under 21, go ahead and write this place off for now, but when you can visit this classy pub on jazz nights Sunday at

9 p.m.

Since the ‘70s, Mr. Toad’s has hosted some of the greats. Beck had his stints there as an aspiring teenager before heading out to the West Coast, to tour nationally and the legendary Luigi Waites performed there for nearly 35 years before his passing in 2010. However, Luigi’s crew, Luigi Inc., continues to live out his legacy with their cool, contemporary musical style.

No booming baritones, but these instrumental sets of original works and classic covers have a way of livening the atmosphere whether you’re nestled in a corner booth inside or listening from afar on the cobblestone patio.

For most people, it is far too easy to limit one’s music to what is familiar. Radio Top 40 is “been there, heard that.” You have your own bands that you follow and in turn influence your own musical taste. Therefore, I encourage you to listen to something completely new.

It may not turn out to be the kind of genre you would continue to listen to, but the atmosphere and culture of these Omaha venues prove to be worth the listen and  experience.

Plus, you’ll feel classy as hell telling your friends about your jazz night plans. Cigars and fedoras encouraged.