Executive Director Dana Murray stands proudly in front of NOMA, the North Omaha Music and Arts venue, where his vision brings world-class jazz to the community.
By Gabriel Escalera
NOMA: Dana Murray Brings World-Class Jazz to Omaha
October 22nd, 2025
At 24th and Lake, in the heart of North Omaha’s historic jazz corridor, the hum of music spills from a building that’s quickly becoming a cornerstone for music education and performance. It’s called North Omaha Music and Arts, or NOMA, and behind it stands a man whose story began far from the spotlight.
Dana Murray, executive director of NOMA, grew up in the South Omaha projects, an experience that continues to shape his mission. “I was one of those kids we’re trying to reach now,” Murray said. “I know firsthand what it’s like to be underserved, not to have the resources for private lessons. Passion, desire, motivation, those are the things that are hard to come by.”
After graduating from Omaha South High School in 1989, Murray chased his dream of becoming a professional drummer. He studied at Berklee College of Music and later moved to New York City, where he performed with jazz greats including Jimmy Witherspoon, Donald Byrd, and Wynton Marsalis. He toured internationally with Wax Poetic, which featured a then-unknown Norah Jones.
But in 2004, Murray’s path shifted when he became a single father. “People say that was such a sacrifice,” he said. “But it was my son. Music shaped me, but it was never more important than family.”
Back in Omaha, Murray poured his energy into teaching and building music programs. His philosophy, rooted in access and excellence, eventually led him to found NOMA, where no student is turned away for lack of funds. “It would be counterproductive to have any fiscal barrier in what we do,” Murray said. “Everything’s attainable.”
NOMA now offers electronic drum, bass, and keyboard labs, as well as dance instruction and live jazz sessions. National artists regularly perform and lead free master classes. Murray says the center’s success came at a cost: “I didn’t pay myself for almost three years. I knew where we set the bar, and we had to match that level of sacrifice.”
This month, that dedication will be on full display when saxophonist Camille Thurman and The Darrell Green Quartet perform at NOMA on October 25. For Murray, it’s more than a concert, it’s about inspiring the next generation.
“In general, we wait too long to motivate kids to find their passion,” Murray said. “NOMA is the antithesis of that. We motivate kids to find a passion now.”
For more information on NOMA’s programs and events, visit nomaomaha.org.
