There’s something about a Friday morning that invites a little grace — and on this week’s Love Supreme Friday edition of 1st Sky Omaha in the Morning, hosts Paul B. and Buddy the God leaned into that spirit with both arms wide open. From reflecting on Nebraska’s recent primary results to celebrating the people quietly building something remarkable in North Omaha, it was the kind of show that reminds you why community conversation matters.
Paul B. set the tone early, acknowledging that the world gives us plenty of reasons to feel heavy, but making a deliberate choice to rise above it. “We have to make a decision,” he said. “It’s going to be Love Supreme Friday today. And we’re going to change our mindsets over to something else — because it’s real easy to let your emotions take over when there’s so much to be emotional about.” It was a gentle but grounding invitation, and the audience felt it. Viewer Pops echoed the warmth from the chat: “Thanks for another great week of shows. You and the Chat Chimers have made First Sky a true pillar in the community.”
The hosts touched briefly on civic engagement in the wake of the primaries, with Buddy the God making a point that was equal parts practical and pointed: “We got to do both — we have to build our own ecosystems and continue to do the things that we’re about to talk about, but in the long run, we do got to figure this out as far as this political structure that we, whether you want to be engaged in it or not, you’re a part of it. Don’t pay taxes and see what happens.” Paul B. added that the energy people pour into frustration could be redirected into real, tangible change — a message that landed especially well given the post-primary moment.
But the heart of the show belonged to the morning’s guest: Dana Murray, executive director and founder of the North Omaha Music Academy (NMA). A South Omaha native who spent eleven years in New York City before returning home, Murray has become one of the most compelling voices in the conversation about arts-driven economic development in North Omaha. The interview ranged widely — and beautifully.
Murray was direct about what the North 24th Street corridor, affectionately known as “the Deuce,” could and should be. “The area that has the most history and the one that can claim ‘we are a cultural and arts district’ for real is the North 24th Street corridor,” he said. But he was equally candid about the work still ahead, describing a vision that goes far beyond music venues — one that includes housing, eateries, services, parking, and yes, even a hotel. “With a hotel, you can throw larger attractions like music festivals and conferences right in the community.”
Paul B., who has long held the corridor in reverent regard, agreed wholeheartedly. “I’ve always called it the most important black corner in Nebraska,” he said. “We have some history there and some legacy there, and that’s what it’s about. We got to serve it. We have to be of service to it.” Viewer Pops reinforced that history from the chat, sharing: “Artists like Fats Domino used to stay at your grandfather’s home when he came to town to perform. So yes, more infrastructure for the artist around the Deuce corridor would be a godsend.”
Murray spoke passionately about the NMA’s mission — which stretches well beyond teaching kids to play instruments. The academy offers hands-on training in live sound production, broadcasting, podcasting, and media — what Murray calls “electives.” “It’s not just telling them ‘you can be this,'” he said. “You can be this right now.” The academy is already putting that philosophy into practice, with students conducting live interviews with touring artists and managing broadcasts of live events. Viewer Senator KML put it simply from the chat: “Thank you, Uncle Dana. You’re changing lives in big ways. We are the students.”
Looking ahead, Murray described a $20 million first phase of a capital campaign aimed at building a full NMA campus — one he envisions as North Omaha’s answer to what Omaha Performing Arts is for downtown. “If you think of Omaha Performing Arts and what it means to downtown — not only as a cultural and music entertainment entity, but as an economic vehicle that brings in $40 to $50 million in revenue every year — that’s what we’re trying to build for North Omaha.” His vision is rooted in something deeper than real estate, though. “Money is not our issue in North Omaha,” he said. “It’s transformative ideas that are going to allow us to be not only sustainable but gainfully active.”
Perhaps the most stirring moment of the interview came when Murray spoke about Black culture as economic equity. “The sooner we understand that our culture is equity, that our brilliance and our artistic genius is equity, the better off we’re going to be,” he said. “Every music in America has been built off of our experience — from the hardest rock music to the jazziest jazz to the poppiest pop — trace it all the way back to the music that was brought over from Africa. And that’s equity.”
The show closed on a high note, with the chat buzzing warmly. Viewer Aeros 402 (Mary Sanchez) shared a personal joy that felt perfectly in keeping with the morning’s spirit: “On a love note, my only daughter gave birth to my second granddaughter. They are both new and good. I feel blessed.” Congratulations, indeed — and what better note to end a Love Supreme Friday on.
Those interested in connecting with Dana Murray and the North Omaha Music Academy can reach him at dmurray@northomahamusic.org or his assistant Andrew Bailey at abailey@northomahamusic.org. And keep an eye out for the upcoming NMA Fest — it sounds like one you won’t want to miss.
If this episode is any indication, Monday morning can’t come soon enough. Tune in to 1st Sky Omaha in the Morning and pull up a chair — your community is waiting.
