Lincoln Exposed 2010: Reminding You That Lincoln is a Music City

 By Cory Kibler
The Lincoln music scene is a strange animal, often defying the rules of logic.  Despite the modest size of our city, we have more bands than you can shake a stick at.  We boast a few nationally-recognized bands, as well as countless regional heroes.  The scene is definitely diverse. Punk and metal bands thrive, and the same can be said of those that play blues, hip-hop, country, folk and rock.

Currently, Lincoln is in the process of putting itself on the music map and declaring itself a music city.  Lincoln isn’t the same size as some other musically famous cities, but what we lack in population, we more than make up for in quality acts and events.   

The final (and arguably the most arduous) step is that Lincoln needs to start self-identifying as a music city. This doesn’t mean just the bands, the fans, the press or the city government. It includes everyone in the city of Lincoln. If we start defining Lincoln as a strong music city, everyone else may start to pay attention.  

The Lincoln Exposed Festival is just one of the many ways that the Lincoln music scene is celebrating its identity.  Starting February 10th and ending the 13th, a slew of fantastic bands will be playing downtown venues and the message they’re sending is clear: there is a lot happening here musically for Lincolnites to appreciate.   

I recently spoke with Joshua Hoyer, member of the blues band Son of 76 and co-organizer of the Festival, in order to get his take on Lincoln Exposed and its importance for our city.  

For folks who aren't aware, what is Lincoln Exposed?  

Joshua Hoyer: This is the fifth year of Lincoln Exposed (and it) falls on Abe Lincoln's birthday. It is a celebration of local music, aimed at giving exposure to all of the great music Lincoln has to offer through an affordable, time-staggered festival that allows folks to literally see 60 bands in four days for 20 bucks.  

How do you feel about the current state of local music in Lincoln?  What changes would you like to see happen?  

The goal right now is to continue to work with each other. Venues, bands, promoters all have the same goals of getting more people to be a part of this great music scene. It is best done with cooperation and passion, which are two things a lot of people in town are embracing right now. The creation and cultivation of new bands is always important--getting kids interested in expressing themselves through music, etc. Academy of Rock is doing good things on this end--I'd like to see it expanded into the schools more.

I think the biggest goal is getting more of the population out to shows. A number of things factor into that though: making shows a don't-miss event, bands and venues doing proper promotion, making music a visible part of the community, etc. In the end, I think Lincoln's music scene is a selling point in attracting and keeping young professionals in our city. If the powers that be understood that and embraced it, I think a growth of the scene would be inevitable. That's not to say that what we have right now isn't great, because IT IS!  

What part of Lincoln Exposed are you most excited about?  

Checking out bands I have never seen before--there are about 10 or 12 on the list I haven't heard yet. Also, I really love the festival vibe. There will be a lot of joy and I intend to soak up as much of it as I can!  

What's your advice for those who never or almost never make it out to see live original bands in Lincoln?  
BE CURIOUS. It will pay off for you. There are such great songwriters and players in this town. If you hold music dear to you, please pick up that rock and look at all the life teeming beneath it. It will make you even more proud to call Lincoln home.

To get the full schedule for Lincoln Exposed, click here.