Zoo Bar (Lincoln, Nebraska) facts for kids
The Zoo Bar is a famous place in Lincoln, Nebraska, where people go to listen to live blues music. It's like a nightclub but focused on music. You can find it in downtown Lincoln at 136 North 14th Street. The bar is designed to feel like the cool blues clubs you might find in Chicago. It's a long, narrow building that was built way back in 1921.
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How the Zoo Bar Started
The Zoo Bar began its journey around 1971. Three people named Jim Ludwig, Bill Kennedy, and Don Chamberlin bought the bar. Soon after, a student named Larry Boehmer got involved. He was studying art at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and helped tell other artists about the bar.
Larry Boehmer was the one who started bringing music to the Zoo Bar. He booked the very first band to play there in 1973. By 1977, Larry became the only owner of the bar.
Bringing Chicago Blues to Lincoln
Larry Boehmer made a special connection with a musician and promoter from Chicago named Bob Riedy. This friendship was very important for the Zoo Bar. It helped bring many amazing blues artists from Chicago to play in Lincoln.
Because of this connection, the Zoo Bar became a unique place. For example, it was the first club where the famous blues musician Magic Slim played that wasn't in a Black neighborhood in Chicago. This happened in 1975, showing how special the Zoo Bar was.
First Bands and Big Names
The very first band Larry Boehmer booked was The Cotton Blues Band in the summer of 1973. This was just the beginning! The first really big, national music act to play at the Zoo Bar was Luther Allison. He performed there in September 1974.
Famous Musicians Who Played Here
Over the years, many incredible musicians have played at the Zoo Bar. It became a very important stop for bands traveling around the country. Some of the famous artists include:
- Bernard Allison
- Luther Allison
- Dave Alvin
- Tab Benoit
- Tommy Castro
- Albert Collins
- Robert Cray
- Bo Diddley
- Chris Duarte
- Tinsley Ellis
- Buddy Guy
- Candye Kane
- Jay McShann
- Matt "Guitar" Murphy
- Charlie Musselwhite
- Ana Popovic
- Otis Rush
- Magic Slim
- Koko Taylor
- Junior Wells
- Link Wray
Many live albums, which are recordings of concerts, have also been made right inside the Zoo Bar!
Magic Slim's Special Connection
Magic Slim and his band were some of the most regular performers at the Zoo Bar. They would often play for a whole week at a time! In the 1990s, Magic Slim even moved his family from Chicago to Lincoln because he loved the area so much.
Awards and Recognition
The Zoo Bar has been recognized for its important role in blues music. In 1993, it won a big award from the Blues Foundation. This award was called the "Keeping the Blues Alive Award" for Club of the Year. It showed how much the Zoo Bar helped keep blues music alive and well.
A musician named James Harman even wrote a song about the club! It's called "Everybody's Rockin' (At The Zoo Bar)." You can find it on his 1995 album, Black And White.
A New Chapter for the Bar
In 2000, Larry Boehmer, who had owned the bar for so long, decided to retire. He passed the bar on to his sons, Jeff and Tim Boehmer, and another person named Pete Watters. Today, Jeff Boehmer and Pete Watters are the main partners who run the club.
Larry Boehmer sadly passed away on September 4, 2012, after struggling with lung cancer. Many people remember Larry not just as an artist and blues player, but as someone who helped bring the community together.
In July 2013, the Zoo Bar celebrated a big milestone: its 40th anniversary! It continues to be a beloved spot for blues music fans.
