Conor Oberst to headline Holland Stages Festival, 10/17

Omaha Performing Arts announced today that Conor Oberst will headline the first-ever Holland Stages Festival on Saturday, October 17, 2015. The free all-day performing arts event is a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Holland Performing Arts Center. The festival will be held on five stages inside and outside the building at 1200 Douglas St., with family-friendly performances, followed by a variety of jazz, roots, world and blues artists until 5 p.m., and ending with the Holland Stages "After Dark", which will include Oberst's performance at 8 p.m. and a House of Loom dance party afterward.

Omaha native Oberst is credited for playing an instrumental role in shaping indie rock with his confessional approach to songwriting. He has released four albums under his name, and many more as Bright Eyes, and with other bands including Commander Venus and Desaparecidos. He co-founded Saddle Creek Records and runs his own label, Team Love. Oberst's concert is free, but a ticket will be required for entrance. Details on ticket distribution will be announced at a later date.

Festival highlights include performances by BANDALOOP, an aerial dance company who will perform three shows throughout the day on the east exterior wall of the Holland Center; and nationally renowned jazz musician Delfeayo Marsalis with special guests University of Nebraska at Omaha Jazz Band and Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra. Acclaimed composer and musician Daniel Bernard Roumain will perform with the University of Nebraska at Omaha marching band and Omaha Area Youth Orchestra, as well as lead a spontaneous community ensemble that will be open to any community member - any age, instrument and level of experience will be welcome. More details to come at a later date. Artists and performance times are subject to change.

Omaha Performing Arts invited influential members of the Nebraska performing arts scene to curate a variety of stages, including:

- Maha Music Festival: featuring See Through Dresses and hip-hop group BOTH

- Hear Nebraska: featuring performances by James Maakestad and Simon Joyner

- Omaha Under the Radar: featuring HASCO Duo and The New Philharmonic

- House of Loom: featuring Loom resident DJs on several stages

- The Rose Theater: featuring a performance of The Super Adventures of Nutrition Woman and Dr. Exercise

- African Cultural Connection

- Omaha Blues Society featuring Brad Cordle Band and special guests BluesEd

There will also be activities for children from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., including face painting, instrument making, crafts and games.

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