North Omaha Music and Arts (NOMA) (northomahamusic.org), a nonprofit now in its fourth year, is working to make a lasting impact on the North 24th Street corridor. Executive Director Dana Murray is well-acquainted with how powerful the arts can be for today’s youth. He’s eager to restore the rich jazz history of the community with a venue focused on attracting top talent from the jazz industry.
The NOMA initiative is multi-faceted and took a big step forward earlier this year with a ribbon-cutting ceremony debuting new learning labs and a makeover of the popular performance venue.
“The NOMA team has put forth considerable effort and resources to make this next step possible,” said Murray. “Our new learning labs feature specialized learning spaces equipped with instruments to allow for more personalized practice, instruction, collaboration and peer learning. Our upscale performance space offers the look and feel of a true jazz venue. This is yet another step NOMA is taking in revitalizing the North 24th Street corridor.”
Another key component of NOMA is its annual NOMAFEST, which will take place this year at Turner Park on Friday, Aug. 9, and at NOMA on Saturday, Aug. 10. The Friday concert will be free to the public.
The NOMAFEST planning committee is currently seeking donations to help make this free event possible. The larger venue also means more volunteers are required.
Learn more about at northomahamusic.org/nomafest/