Lincoln’s newly named music district is home to much more than Zoo Fest

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — There’s a new music district in downtown Lincoln, and the area’s rich music history played a big role in its identity.

The area of the intersection of 14th and O streets in the heart of downtown Lincoln has been newly named Lincoln’s Music District.

Well known for hosting the annual music festival Zoo Fest, the area is also home to many bars, bands and people who have helped the district evolve.

Jacob Champoux has lived in Lincoln nearly his entire life and is the drummer for the band Head Change.

He said Lincoln has helped his love of music grow because instruments were reasonably priced, “but there’s also a lot of opportunities to play music too.”

Champoux may not be performing at Friday’s Zoo fest, but his band has performed at the iconic Bourbon Theater in the past.

The theater is located in the center of a block made up of decades old businesses catering to music lovers, such as The Brass Rail which has been open since 1935.

Other music-oriented businesses on the street are Duffy’s Bar and 1867 Bar, known for playing heavy metal sounds.

Steve Watts of Watts Systems, has been providing the sound for venues in the area for forty years now and said he still remembers when the music district was near the Rail Yard area.

Watts says that ended due to several businesses closing down, but has developed where it is now thanks to it’s ability to evolve.

Watts recalls more music with ethnic influences from Vietnamese, Mexican and Hispanic sounds and also identifies the rise in original music rather than covers.

Champoux agrees, “We actually recorded and wrote an album a few years ago, and that’s when people first started following us and showing up to shows because of that album.”

He also said that many musicians have passed through the area, including guitarist Benjamin Kushner, who past away last year from cancer.

Champoux said most musicians performing at Zoo Fest will be remembering Kushner’s legacy.