Nebraska Stories Episode 708

Today’s episode is brought to you by the letter “J.” At least that is how I categorized this one.

Jazz Reunion: As the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra celebrates its 40th anniversary, it has brought back some of its strongest performers for a joint alumni/current member performance. With only one night to prep for a big performance, there is a mix of tension and nostalgia as these jazz talents make music on a deadline. Jazz: I would have enjoyed watching this performance. Seeing musicians continue to be dedicated to practicing and performing is “note”worthy.
Invisible People: In the early 1900’s, when railroad building ended in the Panhandle Region, many young Japanese laborers settled in the Platte River Valley. Today, names like Sakurada, Hara, Sato, Kuroki are still common in communities throughout our state. We asked Sandra Reddish, Executive Director of the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering, to write an essay based on her decade of research on Nebraska’s Japanese settlement history. Japanese Americans: As a granddaughter of an immigrant, I found this story intriguing. Learning how they settled into the Nebraska landscape and wrote their own stories as a part of the community reminds me of the importance of family history.
The Carver: When he cut down the old maple tree in his front yard John Schmidt thought he should do something with it. So, he got his chainsaw and carved the large stump into a gigantic mushroom. Meet a guy who turn a tree stump into anything. We follow his latest project. John/Johnny Although all of his carvings are works of art, I think that his guitars are my favorites. Especially the one made in honor of his favorite musical performer, Johnny Cash.
The Ultimate Husker Fan: Steve Harley of Winnetoon, Nebraska may be the ultimate Husker fan. Since 1969, he’s created a scrapbook for every season of Husker football. That’s 700 pounds of memories. Journaler Large journals filled with Husker history of football takes a large commitment by this man as well as his family. Particularly fascinating is how his scrapbooks are not biased. Watch the episode to find out his commitment to telling the full story of the games.

Watch the preview for Episode 708. Remember this is only four segments: you can check out more about Nebraska Stories online and even watch the shows online anytime.