By Peighton Yoakam OMAHA, Neb. – Every Wednesday night, the NOMA Café in North Omaha transforms into a midweek escape filled with rhythm, laughter and a sense of belonging. The sweet sounds of the saxophone, piano and smooth R&B fill the air, and at the center of it all is saxophonist Chad Stoner, who performs from 7 to 10 p.m. each week.
“When I was in sixth grade, we started junior high, and I had had some musical aptitude before that. I had piano lessons, and my mom wanted me to continue, but we didn’t have a piano,” Stoner said. “So the really not exciting story of picking the saxophone is, I went into the band room, and all the instruments were there, and I thought the saxophone looked cool and no one was choosing it. So I chose it. And fortunately, it was ultimately a good fit.”
How Jazz Nights began
Stoner said Jazz Nights started after NOMA underwent a major renovation.
“When NOMA did their big renovation, and there are constantly parts of the NOMA vision that are kind of coming to fruition… I had done something here and I thought that would be something that would fit in this smaller space, getting people to come in,” he said.
The first Jazz Night was held on April 9, and it’s been happening every Wednesday since.
“It was Dana Murray, the executive director. It was his vision to begin to bring people in and create a new kind of community, and I just got to be part of that,” Stoner said.
Creating joy through music
For Stoner, the best part of performing each week is the energy and connection that fills the room.
“I feel like there’s just a real uplift. You know, I’m playing hits, I’m playing R&B timeless songs, and one of the central things that makes us unique is that early on every performance, I tell people, and they know, if you know the song, sing the song,” he said. “So once things get rolling past the first 20, 30 minutes, everybody is singing along with the songs. I’m like being kind of the choir leader, without words, and everyone is singing these songs. There’s just such a connection, and there’s joy included in it.”
Building community in North Omaha
Beyond the music, Stoner believes Jazz Nights are part of something larger, revitalizing community spirit in North Omaha.
“There is a desire to kind of spark or re-spark energy and vitality and community resonating from here at NOMA at 24th and Lake and begin to kind of restore and make brand new connection and legacy building,” he said. “And so this is something that contributes to that, bringing people into a new hub for music excellence, but also just community surrounding music and creativity.”
An uplifting experience
Stoner hopes everyone who attends Jazz Night walks away feeling inspired.
“I think, honestly, at the core of it, I hope that they feel belonging,” he said. “Music is the draw, and once people are here, they start to realize everyone starts to find their place in this room that becomes very active, singing and dancing. The phrase I use all the time is to get lifted. This is an uplifting night.”
Jazz Nights at NOMA take place every Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the NOMA Café, located at 24th and Lake Streets in North Omaha.
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