About Shakedown Street Tavern
Shakedown Street Tavern continues the proud musical legacy of its location in downtown Benson carrying forward traditions established when the building housed the beloved Barley Street Tavern. The venue stands as a testament to Benson's evolution into a creative district while maintaining the authentic dive bar character that made the original space so special.
Grateful Dead Heritage
As the name suggests Shakedown Street Tavern draws inspiration from the Grateful Dead creating a space where Deadheads and music lovers gather to celebrate live music and community. The venue's identity is deeply rooted in the improvisational collaborative spirit of the jam band tradition making it a natural home for open-ended musical exploration and diverse performances.
The OG Open Mic
Shakedown Street's Monday night open mic has earned legendary status as the OG (original) open mic in Omaha. While not continuous throughout the venue's history the tradition has been passed down through generations of hosts predating even the regular live music programming at the location. Current host Brixz Gonzaba who began leading the night in May 2022 maintains an informal walk-up format where performers simply show up - no advance sign-ups required.
The open mic typically draws between 5-15 performers per night creating an intimate unpredictable experience. The event takes place in the venue's familiar side room a space that has witnessed countless performances over the years. Musicians performing original Americana material mix with comedians testing new jokes and covers artists tackling songs by Tyler Childers and similar artists. This eclectic mix creates the anything-can-happen atmosphere that makes open mics so compelling.
Live Music Programming
Beyond the Monday open mic Shakedown Street Tavern hosts live music performances nightly featuring local and regional artists working in folk jazz blues pop and jam band genres. The venue has become an essential stop for touring acts passing through the Omaha area while also providing a platform for established local favorites to connect with dedicated audiences.
The tavern's programming reflects the Benson Creative District's commitment to fostering artistic expression and cultural vitality. Shows typically range from intimate solo performances to full band productions with the venue's sound system and intimate layout ensuring quality experiences regardless of the night's lineup.
Benson Creative District
Shakedown Street Tavern's location at 2735 N 62nd Street places it in the heart of downtown Benson a neighborhood that has transformed into one of Omaha's premier arts and entertainment destinations. The Benson Creative District designation recognizes the area's concentration of galleries performance spaces restaurants and bars that collectively create a vibrant cultural ecosystem.
The tavern participates in district-wide events like Benson First Friday contributing to the neighborhood's reputation as a must-visit destination for arts and culture. The venue's proximity to other Benson establishments makes it easy to experience multiple facets of the district's offerings in a single evening.
Atmosphere and Vibe
Shakedown Street maintains the authentic dive bar atmosphere that defines Benson's music venues - unpretentious welcoming and focused on the music rather than flashy production. The intimate side room creates natural connections between performers and audiences while the main bar area provides space for socializing and enjoying drinks between sets.
Regular patrons and performers appreciate the venue's commitment to keeping music accessible and authentic. There's no pretense here just good music good people and the kind of communal experience that makes live music special. The space welcomes artists of all experience levels creating opportunities for first-time performers to take the stage alongside seasoned veterans.
Community Role
As one of the few venues maintaining a regular open mic tradition Shakedown Street Tavern plays a crucial role in Omaha's music ecosystem. Open mics serve as the backbone of any thriving music community providing testing grounds for new material opportunities for artistic growth and entry points for emerging talent. The tavern's commitment to this programming helps ensure that Omaha's music scene continues to develop and flourish.
The venue's connection to Barley Street Tavern's legacy also provides continuity for longtime music fans who remember the original venue's importance to the community. By honoring that history while creating new memories Shakedown Street Tavern bridges generations of Omaha music lovers.