Five Questions with Nicholas Semrad

Watching the growth of young artists, the moves they make, and the success they experience, is gratifying when you’re pulling for them. Someone I’m pulling for is pianist Nicholas Semrad. Check him out on this little gospel tune: Recently married, and a recent maneuver to the NYC area, Semrad is def making moves in his life […]

Five Questions with Kathryn Aagesen

Lorne Michaels, if you’re listening, your new blood is right here. Kathryn Aagesen is an actress, comedian, and producer, known for Midnight Movie (2008), The Custom Mary (2011) and My Brother Called King (2009). Not just your typical manic pixie dream girl, Kathryn is a beautiful, lanky brunette, with good timing, a sweet, deadpan delivery, and […]

Five Questions with Ron E. Beck

Songwriter, singer, world-renowned drummer and former member of Tower of Power, Ron E. Beck has performed and recorded with the likes of Herbie Hancock, The Temptations, Bobby Womack, Bill Withers, Bob Marley, Etta James, Rick James, Sista Monica, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Taj Mahal, John Lee Hooker, Clifford Coulter and Carlos Santana. Beck has been […]

Five Questions with Michael “Gooch” Gurciullo

From Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, to big band performances at Clint Eastwood’s ranch, to the lead/jazz trumpet chair in Wayne Newton’s band, trumpeter /vocalist Michael “Gooch” Gurciullo has been around, and back. Getting his musical education at North Texas State University, working with great jazz educators Rich Matteson, Dan Haerle, and Jack Peterson, […]

Five Questions with Fr. Leo Rigatuso

Rev. Leo A. Rigatuso is pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish, Howells, NE, Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Howells, NE and Holy Trinity Parish, Clarkson, NE. Fr. Leo graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1977, and from University Nebraska Omaha with a Continuing Studies Degree in 1986. Before going to seminary he worked for Biodex […]

Five Questions with Hector Anchondo

Bluesman Hector Anchondo was born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in the hills of the Ozark Mountains near Salem, Missouri. Anchondo has been rapidly emerging as one of the mid-western blues artists to watch for. His influences range from Stevie Ray Vaughn and John Lee Hooker to the stories told by legendary country players like […]

Five Questions with Mark Sullivan

During the late 80’s my husband and I were sitting-in at Kilgore’s most weeks, trying to learn how to play jazz. The legendary Omaha sandwich shop was owned by trumpeter/lawyer Chuck Kilgore. He hosted a jam session on Tuesday nights at the little storefront, located where the Shelterbelt Theater is today at 33rd & California. I met a […]