First Friday Jazz at First Lutheran Church

04/22/2026

First Friday Jazz is back on May 1, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, and we’re closing out the season with a familiar face.

Trumpeter Darryl White returns with a tribute to trumpet legends like Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard and Harry James.

We dug into the First Friday Jazz archives and found this video of his 2017 performance (https://vimeo.com/333169911). As you can see - Darryl doesn't hold back.

He’ll be joined by Broc Hempel (keyboard), Hans Sturm (bass) and Greg Ahl (drums) for a tight, high-energy set.

It's a free concert at First Lutheran Church (1551 S. 70th, Lincoln) with lunch available for purchase—or bring your own.

This concert will wrap up our 15th anniversary season. We’ll be back for season 16 on October 2!

Come listen for a while. Or stay the whole time. Either way, it’s a good way to spend your Friday. (And, don't forget to bring a friend or two with you!)

04/01/2026

Take a break and enjoy some live music on Friday, April 10 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM at First Lutheran Church (1551 S. 70th Street) in Lincoln! This free concert features the Lightning Bugs playing smooth jazz and classic favorites from the 1930s and 1940s, filled with rich harmonies and timeless sound. Take a listen to their performance last season - https://vimeo.com/900913837!

Lunch will be available for purchase, so come hungry and stay awhile! And, bring a friend or two with you!

First Friday Jazz is part of First Lutheran’s outreach ministry and is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

03/30/2026

02/28/2026

As February—the month of love—comes to a close, we’re still feeling the love that filled the room at our February 6 First Friday Jazz concert. 💛

Camille Metoyer Moten brought down the house with a stunning collection of love songs that had a full crowd completely captivated. From tender ballads to joyful, toe-tapping favorites, she reminded us why audiences return season after season to hear her powerful voice and heartfelt artistry.

If you were there, you know. If you missed it, here’s your chance to experience a little of that magic.

Press play and let the love linger just a little longer. 💕

02/25/2026

Ed Love’s Combo is bringing the fun and energy of the season to First Friday Jazz March 6 with "It Might as Well Be Spring!"—a nod to the 1945 classic by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Get ready for a mix of timeless jazz standards and fresh spring-inspired tunes that’ll make you feel the warmth of the season.

Beloved jazz artist Ed Love, longtime Music Director of the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, will take the stage on saxophone, clarinet and flute. He’ll be backed by an incredible rhythm section featuring Tom Harvill on piano, Hans Sturm on bass and Justin Jones on drums.

The concert runs from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at First Lutheran Church, 1551 S. 70th Street, with lunch available for purchase. This free performance is part of First Friday Jazz’s 15th anniversary celebration.

Stop by for some great music and leave with a spring in your step! (And, don't forget! Invite or bring a friend with you!)

02/02/2026

Start your Valentine’s celebration early with an unforgettable free concert on Friday, February 6, featuring the sensational Camille Metoyer Moten and her talented combo!

Where: First Lutheran Church Activity Center
Address: 1551 South 70th Street, Lincoln
When: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Get ready to be swept away by the rich, soulful sounds of jazz as Camille and her incredible band—Dave Murphy (keyboard), Mark Haar (bass), Ron Cooley (guitar) and Doug Montera (drums)—bring heartfelt melodies to life.

This special Valentine’s-themed performance is part of the 15th anniversary celebration of the First Friday Jazz series, a cherished tradition for music lovers in Lincoln and the surrouding area.

Lunch will be available for purchase, so bring your appetite along with your love for jazz! And, don't forget to bring a friend or two as well!

We can’t wait to see you there! ❤️

01/28/2026

First Friday Jazz returns on Friday, February 6, with a special performance centered on love and Valentine’s Day, featuring Omaha jazz artist Camille Metoyer Moten and her combo. This free concert will take place from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the First Lutheran Church Activity Center (1551 South 70th Street, Lincoln).

Camille will be joined by an outstanding group of musicians: Dave Murphy on keyboard, Mark Haar on bass, Ron Cooley on guitar and Doug Montera on drums. Together, they will bring rich jazz sounds and heartfelt melodies to this beloved midday concert series.

A favorite among jazz enthusiasts throughout eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, Camille and her combo are making their annual appearance at First Friday Jazz as part of the series’ 15th anniversary year celebration.

Still deciding whether to join us? Take a moment to listen to Camille’s incredible performance from last season.We can’t wait to see you there!

March 1, 2024

12/22/2025

Let’s talk about SAX!

First Friday Jazz is serving up Group Sax on January 2 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM at First Lutheran Church (1551 S. 70th Street, Lincoln) — and yes… it’s as good as it sounds.

Four master musicians. One very saxy ensemble. Group Sax is one of the most unique jazz groups in the Midwest, blending soprano, alto, tenor, baritone (and even bass!) saxophones into rich, bold, can’t-look-away sound. With members Paul Harr, Mark Benson, Ed Love and Scott Vicroy, this group brings decades of experience from jazz stages, classrooms and even Broadway pit orchestras. They’re also a fan favorite in the First Friday Jazz series, and for good reason.

What’s in the line-up?
‣Smooth jazz classics
‣Original compositions
‣A few holiday tunes, just because

Why not come?
‣The concert is free
‣Take a long lunch - bring your own or purchase it onsite
‣Bring a friend and make it a date

Come enjoy some seriously good Sax.

12/18/2025

Holiday cheer was swinging at First Friday Jazz on December 5!

Susie Thorne and her incredibly talented band brought the sparkle, the swing and all the festive vibes with a set of holiday tunes that had the room smiling, singing and feeling merry in no time. It was the perfect soundtrack to kick off the season!

We missed Jackie Allen, whose health kept her from performing with Susie this time around. She was certainly in our thoughts and we’re sending her lots of love and good wishes.

Hit play on the video recap below and let the music do the rest—these joyful holiday classics are guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit!

11/24/2025

THE DIVA’S CHRISTMAS!

Kick off the season with a joyful, jazz-filled celebration featuring Susie Thorne and Jackie Allen! Enjoy Songs of the Season and more on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM in the First Lutheran Church Activity Center (1551 S. 70th Street, Lincoln).

They’ll be joined by an incredible lineup: Jeff Jenkins on piano, Hans Strum on bass and Joey Guilizia on drums and percussion—for a festive concert you won’t want to miss!

✨ Free entertainment (freewill donations welcomed)
✨ Lunch available for purchase
✨ Non-perishable food items for the Lincoln Lutheran Food Pantry appreciated
✨ Come for a few minutes or stay the whole time—just don’t forget to bring a friend or two!

Start your December with a whole lot of holiday cheer!

11/11/2025

If you missed First Friday Jazz last week, you missed something special. Hot Club de Prairie made their FFJ debut and nearly 300 people packed the space for an unforgettable performance of gypsy jazz. The crowd was locked in from the first note—and the standing ovation at the end said it all. Enjoy a few sound bites from the concert!

Make plans now for the next First Friday Jazz concert on December 5 with Susie Thorne and Jackie Allen when they perform songs of the season and more! You won't want to miss it!

10/27/2025

Join us for First Friday Jazz on November 7 at First Lutheran Church (1551 South 70th Street, Lincoln) and enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s.

From 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Omaha’s own Hot Club de Prairie will bring their gypsy jazz flair to the stage — a lively blend of Romani rhythms, American jazz and European charm inspired by the legendary Django Reinhardt.

The band features the incredible talents of Vic Drincic (guitar/vocals), Dave Eames (guitar/vocals), Scott Vicroy (clarinet/sax) and Joel Bute (bass).

Admission is free, so come and enjoy the music! Feel free to stay as long as you like, grab some lunch and bring a friend or two along.