Looking for something to do this summer?  Look no further than Lincoln for fun family times and good music over the next three months.

The official summer season kicked off last month as the first week in May is celebrated annually as National Travel and Tourism Week. This tradition began in 1984 to recognize the impact of tourism on the economy of the United States.  According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel is America’s number one services export generating a total of $2.1 trillion for the U.S. economy.

This summer, we ask, why not “Be a Tourist” in your own hometown?

The Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau is partnering with 32 Lincoln area attractions, locally owned restaurants, and events in its eleventh year of the “Be a Tourist” Campaign.  To coincide with National Tourism Week, the “Be a Tourist” program launched May 5 and will continue through August 29.

The “Be A Tourist” program is simple.  Participants can pick up a passport at participating Lincoln passport stops, the Lincoln Visitors Center (7th and P streets), and a passport can also be downloaded at www.lincoln.org. Each location has a designated spot on the passport which will be stamped when a person visits the location.  Participants are asked to visit at least six of the locations and turn in completed passports for a chance of winning one of the many prize packages.

A random drawing from all completed passports turned in will be held at the end of the program.  Winners will be notified by phone and prizes awarded during a celebration held in September.  Visit the CVB’s website for a complete listing of the prize packages.

Also back for the summer is our Hear Lincoln concert series, which started on May 16 and runs through July 25.  The concerts are free and take place on the Northwest corner of 13th and O Street every Friday at noon.

In partnership with presenting sponsors the Cooper Foundation and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Hear Nebraska presents a different local band each week.  A diverse range of original Lincoln music is showcased to a lunchtime audience.   The concerts draw downtown business people, shoppers, and live music fans.

This year’s series has already featured Churls (beach pop) on May 16, Red Cities (garage rock) on May 23 and Sleep Sinatra (hip hop) on May 30.

Upcoming series concerts include:

• June 6: Universe Contest – Hear Lincoln to partner with Celebrate Lincoln (dance rock)

• June 13: Powers (angular rock)

• June 20: Root Marm Chicken Farm Jug Band (creative percussion)

• June 27: Stonebelly (roots rock)

• July 4: No concert. Happy 4th!

• July 11: Mezcal Brothers (rockabilly)

• July 18: Blét (dream pop)

• July 25: Jack Hotel (lyrical folk)

Check out the Chamber’s website at www.lcoc.com for a more detailed description of the bands and to sample their music.

There is no better time to be in Lincoln, Nebraska.  I hope you can join us on Friday for some great music this summer.


by Wendy Birdsall, President

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

402-436-2350

www.lcoc.com


The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together.  Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and creating economic viability are critical to our success.  We encourage you to become a member and help us achieve these goals for Lincoln.  For more information, please contact our Membership Director, Kristin Holmes, kholmes@lcoc.com.