Sidetrack Band performances always a hit on game day

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By JEFF KORBELIK / GZO

I’m left to write this column instead of contributing to it whenever my cohort L. Kent Wolgamott goes on vacation.

This is always good news for Joyce Durand, Paul Newton and the rest of the Sidetrack Band that are the draw at the 935 O St. bar.

It gives me a chance to tout their weekend performances, which are always a hit before and after Husker home games.

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Joyce Durand (right) and Paul Newton of the Sidetrack Band perform at the Sidetrack Tavern in downtown Lincoln. (LJS file)

Joyce Durand (right) and Paul Newton of the Sidetrack Band perform at the Sidetrack Tavern in downtown Lincoln. (LJS file)

If you have never seen a show, I suggest plopping down the minimal cover and taking one in.

The Sidetrack Band is known for taking requests (on napkins) and will play anything from the “The Flintstones” theme to Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” to just about anything by Neil Diamond.

The band also performs several parody tunes, with many of those titles unsuitable for print in the newspaper.

On Friday nights, Joyce brings Journal Star sports writer Brian “Sage” Rosenthal on stage to predict the score of the Nebraska game. My guess is he’ll go with the Huskers against San Jose State.

The Sidetrack Band, like beers at Barry’s Bar & Grill and “Rock the Dock” at Embassy Suites, should be a part of everyone’s Husker weekend activities.

On screen

Four movies open this weekend, including two that already have been in theaters elsewhere in the country — the “American Teen” documentary and the U2 concert film.

The biggest Hollywood release is “Bangkok Nights,” which didn’t screen for critics. Never a good sign. But it’s Nicolas Cage in an action-adventure film, so it can’t be all bad.

MoPix movie

The MoPix movie at the Grand Theatre this week is “Babylon A.D.,” the thriller starring Vin Diesel. MoPix is a system that provides access to films to deaf and blind people and is available in one of the Grand’s auditoriums.

On stage

Cameron Carpenter marches to his own drummer, on and off the stage.

The charismatic organist performs his first concert in Lincoln at First-Plymouth Congregational Church as the season-opener for Abendmusik: Lincoln and the Lincoln Organ Showcase. Read more about Carpenter on Page 7.

On the theater front, Flatwater Shakespeare returns to the outdoor Swan Theatre to present “Richard III,” with local actor Brad Boesen portraying the title character. See story on Page 8.

Fearless football forecast

This week Bo Pelini’s Huskers will have a chance to fine-tune the running game, which was missing from last week’s season-opening win over Western Michigan.

Look for running backs Marlon Lucky, Quentin Castille and Roy Helu Jr. to pound it against San Jose State. Bo gets win No. 2. Nebraska 35, San Jose State 17.