Otis Twelve’s Story Returns to the Spotlight in New Documentary

September 15th, 2025

He’s been a constant presence on Omaha’s airwaves for nearly 50 years — a radio personality, storyteller, and cultural icon. For the past 18 of those years, Otis Twelve was the familiar voice behind Morning Classics on KVNO, greeting early risers with classical music and his unmistakable charm.

Last October, he signed off from that role for the final time. But Otis isn’t exactly fading from view.

Before becoming a beloved classical DJ, Otis Twelve — born Doug Wesselmann — was part of one of Omaha’s most eccentric musical acts: the Ogden Edsel Wahalia Blues Ensemble, Mondo Bizzario Band.

What began as a college radio experiment at Creighton University soon turned into a cult sensation, blending sketch comedy, satire, and rock ’n’ roll into something entirely its own. Their most infamous hit, Dead Puppies, remains the most requested track in the history of the Dr. Demento Show.

Ogden Edsel toured nationally, opened for legends like Leo Kottke and Earl Scruggs, and even recorded at the legendary Record Plant in Los Angeles. The story of that wild ride, and the band’s 2001 reunion at Omaha’s Ranch Bowl, is now the subject of a new documentary by Emmy-winning filmmaker Michael Myrendorf.

The film premieres Sept. 19 and 20 at the Blackstone Theater in Omaha, a newly opened venue with an old-school feel. With the first screening already sold out, an additional show has been added to meet demand.

Otis may have left his radio post, but he hasn’t stopped telling stories. These days, there’s more bread baking mixed in with the storytelling — but the voice and the legacy remain.

More information is available at blackstonetheater.org