I road-tripped a couple weeks ago. I hadn’t in ages. It was a gas.

Our destination, a casino and hotel in Kansas City, would also provide crash central post show. Five of us were representing for Omaha to see Todd Rundgren perform material from a scheduled fall release, “Arena.”

Rundgren’s show was part of the area casino’s ongoing concert series and the room was a small well-designed music hall/saloon hybrid with a modest upper balcony. Nice sight lines, but it smelled like an old worn out casino – cigarettes and stale beer.

Todd and band pounded out the new album in entirety sandwiched in between brief sets (four to five songs) of familiar favorites. Casual fans would not have recognized any of the music. For hard-core fans, it was almost too much to digest at once. I enjoyed it. The band rocked and Todd wailed on guitar.

Just 10 years ago gigging at the casino meant you were either washed-up or a cover band. Today the casinos deliver choices that are probably financially too challenging for many other area promoters. These name acts can command high fees for small rooms driving up ticket prices so it’s easy to see how a casino could manage the substantial economic risk to produce these shows.

That doesn’t preclude the shows from being successful because audience turnout reflects most accurately the success of the booked schedule.

Rundgren was one of four live music events I’ve attended in less than a month. A low number compared to friends who see a couple shows a week.

This summer has been amazing for live music. Free outdoor concerts where anything might get said, courtyard-in-the-vineyards wine and song, arena superstar shows, shopping center parking lot band-shell golf tent beer blasts; music boats about-to-be-enhanced by a lit bridge – all those choices and more.

Not to mention the amazing onslaught of touring acts on stage at Mick’s, the Slowdown, the Waiting Room, Bar Fly, Murphy’s and a dozen other venues every night.

Have you attended any of these summer events? Hit the clubs for a touring act? Gone dancing to a hear a new DJ? Have you gotten out to hear a new or unfamiliar local band this summer?

Even though Omaha closes all the pools the first week of August doesn’t mean the summer is over. I mean, why don’t they at least keep them open on the weekends ‘til mid-September? It’s hot enough.

Change?

Anyway, there is still plenty on the line up at Playing With Fire, Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove, the Slowdown and even the State Fair (Miranda Lambert!) to tempt you.

The OEA Summer Jam was a big hit July 18 in downtown Benson and the most noted comment was, “Why don’t they do this every weekend?”

Your next shot is the Mid-American Music Festival September 3-7. One admission provides access to hundreds of bands spread over 11 downtown Benson venues. Festival passes or Single day admission will be available.

Get out and support our venues – they deserve our support and you’ll have a good time.

Gaar-aen-teed. Grab the lawn chairs and head to the parks for music. Or get a street weekly, look it over and go hear a local show to sample two to four acts.

And then go and vote for your favorites for the 2008 Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards at OEA-Awards.com. Public Nominations are being accepted through late September.