City of Lincoln, NE

07/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/10/2025 16:50

City Honors Larry Boehmer With Music District Recognition

City Honors Larry Boehmer With Music District Recognition

Published on July 10, 2025

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, with community representatives and music dignitaries, today announced that the Music District, 14th Street between "O" and "P" streets, will be recognized as "Boehmer Street," in honor of longtime Zoo Bar owner Larry Boehmer. City officials also announced the installation of commemorative signs in tribute to Boehmer to be permanently displayed in the district.

"Boehmer Street reflects the lively music scene that has long shaped Lincoln's unique sound and spirit. As we build on that legacy, Boehmer Street will amplify our cultural assets, drive economic growth, and boost tourism - all while staying true to the unique spirit of its namesake," Mayor Gaylor Baird said.

Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at the news conference were:

  • Tom Beckius, City Councilmember

  • Todd Ogden, Downtown Lincoln Association President and CEO

  • Pete Watters, Zoo Bar owner

  • Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik, daughter of Larry Boehmer

  • Jim Ludwig, Zoo Bar Founder and longtime friend

The announcement coincides with ZooFest music festival, July 11 through 12, and is part of the City's strategy to elevate Lincoln's cultural and economic vitality through the cultivation of a music district. The Boehmer Street designation honors the legacy of Larry Boehmer by naming the heart of Lincoln's music scene after him, while celebrating his influence in helping to build it, Mayor Gaylor Baird said.

Boehmer bartended, managed and owned the Zoo Bar, 136 N. 14th St., from 1977 until his retirement in 2000. The small club on 14th Street hosted thousands of bands during those years, including blues legends Magic Slim, Charlie Musselwhite, Robert Cray, KoKo Taylor and Matt Guitar Murphy. In addition to running the club, Boehmer played bass for The Heartmurmurs, The Tablerockers and Not All There. Boehmer died September 4, 2012.

Ortiz-Cidlik recalled her father loving all kinds of music, as well as the blues, which fueled his efforts as a business owner and community member.

"What a gift it has been to have a role model who took his passion for music and created what is now a staple in Lincoln, and something that is known worldwide," Ortiz-Cidlik said. "He understood and recognized the value that a thriving music industry can have on a community."

Beckius said associating the Music District with Boehmer's legacy provides a unique opportunity to both cherish and nurture Lincoln's vibrant local music scene.

"When we invest in our musicians and music venues, we create a welcoming environment for live music. As we do that, we support local businesses, drive economic growth, and encourage new investments in our downtown area," Beckius said.

Ogden thanked area business owners and music fans for their decades of work and support to establish and keep the Lincoln music scene alive. A special place deserves a distinct name, Ogden said, and simply calling 14th Street the "Music District" would be unfitting because "that could be anywhere."

"Boehmer Street can only be here," Ogden said.

City of Lincoln, NE published this content on July 10, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 10, 2025 at 22:51 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io