The tragedy that happened this past week in Dundee involving the deaths of Karla and Robert Anderson is being felt by many in the local music community. The Anderson’s daughter, Ariann, is a well-known singer here in Omaha who fronted many popular bands in town. Her many musician friends are coming together for a show to honor the family on Wednesday, April 29, at the Waiting Room Lounge. The show will feature four bands including Song Remains the Same, Goodbye Sunday, Grand Theft Girlfriend and Awake & Dreaming. These bands all include musicians that have performed in bands with Ariann in the past. The proceeds from the event will go to Ariann and her sister Erin. In a press release announcing the event Ariann was quoted as saying, “It’s true. Human kindness is INDEED overwhelming. Our family is so grateful for and amazed by the profound support of our community. Music does in fact make people come together. It’s in this togetherness that love and peace are found. Thank you for honoring and celebrating our family with love and music.”

Another happening coming up this month is the proper debut of longtime Omaha musician Ben Sieff’s new project Raven Carousel at the Barley Street Tavern. The band will be performing on Saturday, April 18. Sieff is known for his work in legendary Omaha metal band Nightmare and also in bands such as Silicon Bomb and the Brainfathers. Raven Carousel is a glammed-up pop-rock project that also features former 5150’s singer Cass Brostad. Filling out the trio on drums will be Sieff’s Silicon Bomb collaborator Jerry Kuhn. The band has stacked the bill of their debut show with Underwater Dream Machine, Jake Bellows, and In the Spring. Expect guest musicians to make appearances on stage on this night as well.

During the weekend of April 24 and 25 local musician Big Al will be holding his second Big Al’s Free Music Festival at the Saddle Creek Bar. The concept is to have a free show with bands and artists giving away free CDs, posters, buttons and other schwag to local industry types and local music fans. The giveaway portion of the event is not limited to the bands playing on this weekend, but all local musicians are invited to come down and give away demos, albums or other merchandise. It’s kind of like a local music swap meet. All local bands are also invited to sell merchandise at the event if they choose to do so as well. The bands performing on Friday are Jessica Errett, One Block North, Secret Kitten & the Holy Steamroller, Richard Schultz and Bullets For Baby. On Saturday, the Jes Winter Band, Welcome to Florence, Sarah Benck, No Blood Orphan and the Filter Kings will perform. The Big Al Band will of course perform at both shows as well and will be debuting their new bass player Ashley Dawn, who will be stepping into the spot vacated by Big Al’s former bass player Metal Barbie.

This weekend will see even more tribute bands make their way to Omaha’s stages with a show at the Hideout Lounge on Friday, April 10. The show will feature performances by Metallica tribute band Disposable Heroes and Alice In Chains tribute band Black On High. The Barley Street Tavern is where to go to get a local original music fix this week with Jessica Erret, Orion Walsh, Roundin’ the Posse, and Finding Roanoke starting the weekend off early on Thursday. Friday will find Goodbye Sunday and Once A Pawn performing at the venue. Finishing things off at the Barley Street Tavern on Saturday is the Get Rites and Matt Cox.