By ADRIANNA TARIN
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – A new music series at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is showcasing the talents of students, faculty and community bands.
Loper Live Music Nights started in September and have been hosted regularly on Friday nights over the past five months. The performances, presented by UNK Dining Services and funded by the LoperNites Fund, are free and open to the public. The shows are from 8 to 10:30 p.m. in the Nebraskan Student Union Food Court.
The Living Room – Starbucks Cyber Café is open for each event.
“It seemed like music was in high demand, and we wanted to showcase the talents of students while giving them some exposure to performing their own music,” said Mardi Engels, director of marketing for UNK Dining Services. “We also wanted to offer students options – something to do on a weekend night – free of charge.”
Loper Live Music Nights began in September 2013. Last semester the OK Sisters, Lanny Fuller, A Life Led Lucid, Ben Younger Band and Crystal Campbell performed.
UNK Dining Services partners with Kearney Live Music, which is run by Dennis Miller of Kearney, to bring in local
and regional bands. Miller serves as a liaison between UNK Dining Services and bands such as the Kearney Jazz Society, Formerly Three and A Life Led Lucid.
“I want to promote live music in Kearney, and the partnership with UNK has been another wonderful way to do that,” Miller said. “Whether it is booking people, encouraging musicians or finding new venues in Kearney for artists to perform, I want to help people thrive and get their songs out.”
Miller said Loper Live Music Nights are growing in popularity.
“Like anything new, it started slowly,” he said. “But the response from students has been good, and we hope to continue to grow the event and give UNK a nice entertainment option on Friday nights.”
Loper Live Music Nights upcoming events:
Feb. 15 – Student Talent Night*
March 7 – Lance Kush and Lanny Fuller*
April 4 – Formerly Three
April 18 – A Life Led Lucid
*student performances
Source: Mardi Engels, 308.627.4204, director of marketing UNK Dining Services
Writer: Adrianna Tarin, 308.865.8454, tarinay@lopers.unk.edu
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We are looking for a live performance either individual or group for our 125th birthday for the village of Sumner Nebraska for July 4, 2015. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Please email with possible leads. The annual celebration is sponsored by local businesses under the group, Sumner Commercial Club. Thank you.
contact phone numbers: Peggy or Dennis at 308 752-4245
Doug or Carol Hoos (Tub’s Pub) 308 752-9925