By Gabriella Parsons | Seeds Entertainment
When I got asked what I was doing for spring break six months ago, I laughed. It wasn’t even winter break. There was no way I was even going to start thinking about spring break, let alone make plans for it. I hear it’s good to plan these things out. But, why? So people can book their shitty motels on south Padre Island as some sort of commitment to finally hit the rec?
I’ve lived in Lincoln, Nebraska my whole life and have never gone anywhere for spring break, so I figure why start now? I’d much rather save my bucks, sit back and have the same amount of fun. If I wanted to join my friends in their predestined spring break endeavor, I would have. However, personally, I find the most fun in genuine, cheap spontaneity.
We’ve all heard that phrase, “It’s not about what you’re doing; it’s about who you’re with.” I think this is very applicable to the week of spring break. If you’re still around for spring break and have at least one decent person you can ask to hang out, you’re set. Lincoln, Nebraska is the diamond in America’s rough. Smack dab in the middle, we can be overlooked. Even I didn’t see true bliss until a few years ago, when I moved to the heart of Lincoln—downtown. But the fact of this town is that its richness comes from its people, people who love what they do and do what they love. This is why we are ranked #1 Happiest City in America by the 2012 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.
While Lincoln is undoubtedly a great city, it’s no question how badly I want to get out of it sometimes. And I suppose that’s what spring break is all about—getting away for a while. But surely, you can escape life’s monotonies without spending so much money on going to the cliché vay-cay spots. Get your co-workers to cover you and head to Colorado for the weekend with your friends. Camping will save you money on lodging and you can get just about anywhere worth going on a couple tanks of gas. Omaha and Kansas City are also exciting destinations not too far away. If you’re feeling adventurous and have a hundred bucks to spare, you don’t have much to lose.
While this might be ideal for me, I know it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Even if you want to keep close to Lincoln, there will be plenty to do over spring break, but you also need to know how to make fun for yourself. Here are some ideas for the week ahead:
An evening with Josh Hoyer and the Shadowboxers |Vega
Friday, Mar. 21 | Doors open 8 p.m.
$10: 21 and up | $12: 18-20
Don’t miss this soulful band take Vega’s stage. They’re made up of experienced jazz artists who have played with groups such as the Mannheim Steamroller and the Quincy Jones Orchestra.
Common Root Benefit |The Bourbon
Saturday, Mar. 22 | 3-9 p.m.
$6: 21 and up | $8 under 21
Common Root Mutual Aid Center (http://www.commonroot.net) is broadening social consciousness by providing a welcoming, supporting space with resources for the purpose of mutual inspiration, education and connection. Unfortunately, they recently lost their facility, so they are putting on a benefit show to raise funds for a new place. Come support this cause and enjoy some rad local music.
Performances by: The Dancing Dead, This Machine Kills Vibes, Better Friend, Bluesky Angel Paradise, Domestic and the Gems.
Sober-or-not Laser Quest
You’re never too old to go to Laser Quest. If you’re unfamiliar with the psychedelic wonderland, it’s only where the coolest third graders had their birthday parties. If you can round up eight people, you can call it a birthday party and pay $15 for three rounds of laser sensation. Sober or not, you need to check this place out.
Underwear Comedy Party |Zoo Bar
Sunday, Mar. 23 | 9 p.m.
18+ | $5
Hosted by a “level 14 comedian wizard,” a.k.a. Joe Pettis from Atlanta, Georgia. He will be traveling to over 20 cities in the winter and spring and inviting local comics to perform in their undies.
Comedians featured: Grant Parsons, Jack Comstock, Abby Rosenquist, Georgia Rae, Joey Zimmerman, Drew Bohlke and Will Dougherty
Joke Dome | Waiting Room, Omaha
Wednesday, Mar. 26 | 9 p.m.
18+ | NO COVER
“A comedy show featuring nationally touring comedians and other cryptic anomalies.”
Mother of All Garage Sales | Lancaster Event Center
Friday, Mar. 28 5-8 p.m. | Saturday, Mar. 29 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
All I will say is this: Be prepared for the biggest thrifting frenzy of your life and never, ever take no for an answer!
1% Productions presents: Wakey!Wakey!
Sunday, Mar. 30 | 9 p.m.
Slowdown | Omaha, NE
18+ | $10 advance |$12 door
• See our event calendar for more suggestions. •
We tend to look at what everyone else is doing with their time and money and go along with the crowd just ‘cause. However, there is plenty of fun to be had over spring break without unnecessary amounts of money being spent and the list above is an example of that. If you’re open to doing things you normally wouldn’t, I promise you will discover the most authentic form of fun—that which is both unimaginable as well as practical.
