Some random notes…

Tonight at The Waiting Room it's Maria Taylor with Johnathan Rice and Nik Freitas -- one of the best line-ups I've seen in a while. And for just $9. I'm surprised it hasn't sold out (yet). Starts at 9 p.m.

The Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards -- or the OEA's -- have announced the bands for their July 18 showcase. Judging by the list, they've either moved away from indie music or indie bands decided not to register for the showcase. Midwest Dilemma and Sleep Said the Monster are the only two indie acts I recognize on the list. Take a look.

Finally, The Boston Phoenix has published its inaugural 50 bands/50 states list, where they select each state's all-time best band, best solo artist and best new band. For Nebraska, Bright Eyes was named all-time best band, Elliott Smith (yes, he was born in Nebraska) was named best solo artist and Tilly and the Wall took best new band honors. The first question that came to mind upon seeing this: Who cares who The Boston Phoenix thinks is the best band in Nebraska? I guess it's time for The Reader to come out with its list of the best all-time bands in 50 states, too. Anyway, see the entire state-by-state list here.

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