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Jeff Around Town

A Message From Jeff Koterba:

I truly love my hometown of Omaha. I grew up in South Omaha, and have lived north and south of Dodge Street, from Benson to Dundee, Downtown to West Omaha.

There are so many incredible things happening in our area these days—arts and cultural events, and new developments on nearly every corner, it seems. That’s why, as much as I enjoy traveling, I find equal enjoyment in exploring our bustling metro on both sides of the river. However, it’s the people here that really make Omaha so special.

Being able to connect with strangers and strike up warm conversations wherever I go are just a couple of the myriad reasons I love Omaha. You just never know where I may pop up. Maybe on the riverfront. Maybe in Council Bluffs. Maybe Papillion. Heck, maybe sitting next to you at your favorite coffee shop (I’m obsessed with coffee).

I’ve been known to carry a sketchbook or notebook with me when I’m out for coffee or a walk. As a cartoonist, you have to always be ready to jot down an idea, or to remember an unexpected but wonderful moment. So, if you see a guy with pen in hand, it might be me, and he just might ask how you are.

After all, that’s why I love hosting on KVNO. Yes, it’s about the beautiful and uplifting music, but it’s also about bringing that music and connection to you, dear listener. And now I’ll be sharing even more of my experiences with you on KVNO, as I’ll be popping by each week to share my stories on Morning Classics with Otis Twelve. And with you.

July 19th

As the host of KVNO’s Nocturnes, Katrina Naraine brings you relaxing and calming classical music in the night. But did you know that you can also hear her performing uplifting classical music in the daytime? Jeff Koterba recently stopped by to catch one of his colleague’s performances at what might be the only spot in Omaha where you can regularly catch live music during the day.

July 12th

You’ve no doubt heard the expression, “It’s like riding a bike,” when describing an activity that should come second nature. But is it true? Especially when getting back on a bike after several years? Jeff Koterba learned the answer recently when he unexpectedly came into possession of a new bike.

July 5th

Everyone has a story to tell and recently, Jeff Koterba met a couple who easily has dozens of incredible stories between them. Katie worked for the Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center, and Craig held a music-related position in the Pentagon.

And even though they moved to Omaha from Washington, D.C., only a few years ago, they’re already touching and impacting lives in their adopted hometown. Hear just a few of their stories and how they’ve fallen in love with Omaha.

June 28th

As a kid growing up in South Omaha, Jeff Koterba loved venturing downtown. Mostly, because he was fascinated with tall buildings. But it was one building, in particular, that has always held a special place in his heart.
Recently, Jeff had a chance not only to chat with an Omahan who has done so much for our community, but to also gaze out across the city.

June 21st

Attention coffee lovers! What could be better than that first sip of delicious coffee? How about a coffee sauna? What’s a coffee sauna, you ask?

June 14th

Decades before the first Super Target in America opened in Omaha in the 1990s, there was a different Omaha store where you could not only buy clothing, appliances, and housewares, but you could also pick up your groceries and have prescriptions filled. Recently, Jeff Koterba took his KVNO colleague, Gabriel Escalera, on a trip down memory lane.

May 31st

The leaning tower of Pisa is world renowned. But how about Omaha’s very own leaning tower of…Peppi? Although it was leaning for only a short while, you’ve most likely seen it standing upright at one time or another. Jeff spoke with those who know Peppi best to give you and Otis Twelve the full story.

May 24th

Would you travel 4000 miles to Omaha to help build your son a piece of furniture? In the rain? That’s what one father did recently. But, as it turns out, the rainy weather made father and son feel right at home.

May 14th

 

What’s the most beautiful thing that could happen when you’re coming in for a landing over Omaha but suddenly your plane is diverted to Des Moines? Listen to this episode of Jeff Around Town to get the full picture.

May 10th

Have you been wanting to learn a new language? Maybe you even donated to the KVNO fund drive and have free access to Babbel, the language learning app—and now you want to practice speaking with others? Where do you start? Jeff Around Town might be your answer.

April 29th

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Instead of just buying flowers, this year Jeff Koterba might also join his mom to wave hands like clouds.

April 23rd

It’s been incredibly windy lately. But if you want to unplug and transport yourself to a distant land, the answer might be closer than you think. All thanks to the wind.

April 19th

There’s no question that Mozart was one of the greatest composers of all time. But it wasn’t until the other day in Omaha, when running into an old friend, that Jeff learned one possible theory on why Mozart might also have sometimes been a prankster and impulsive.

April 1st

For Jeff Koterba, this story launched on Easter Monday, 2010, at the Kennedy Space Center. What Jeff hadn’t expected was for the story to come full circle in Omaha just a few days ago—during a touching tribute for an unsung hero.

March 28th

March 22nd

Jeff Koterba with Dana Murray, accomplished musician and director of North Omaha Music and Arts.

March 11th

Jeff Koterba speaking with Ted Wheeler on behalf of Alliance Française Omaha at Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment.

February 27th

Jeff Koterba with KVNO listeners Stella Sideris and Sue Sideris. Taken at Fig Cafe.