For Immediate Release
‘Nebraska Stories’ Explores Big Music Dreams Thriving in Small Towns
LINCOLN, Neb. (April 17, 2025) – In the quiet town of Sutherland, a local musician is building something extraordinary. Rascal Martinez bought an empty bank building and transformed it into Stolen Vault Records.
In the May 1 episode of “Nebraska Stories,” the Nebraska Public Media series tours the space which is a recording studio, a hub for independent artistry and a music venue, as well as a home for local and regional talent. In May, “Nebraska Stories” episodes air on television at 8 p.m. CT on Thursdays, May 1, 8 and 15 on Nebraska Public Media. Viewers can also stream the series at PBS.org or the PBS app.
The May 1 episode also visits Omaha to see the work of City Sprouts, a local organization dedicated to providing fresh, healthy food to neighborhoods in need. And it features the 2024 sports story of Husker Jackson Brockett who threw Nebraska Baseball’s first nine-inning no-hitter since 1954.
On May 8, “Nebraska Stories” presents an episode focused on restoration, with stories about the Sutton House in McCook, the only house in Nebraska designed and built by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and work on the nearly one-hundred-year-old carillon bells of First Plymouth Church in Lincoln. In Grand Island, the episode shares the history and future of the Grand Theater.
On May 8, “Nebraska Stories” presents an episode focused on restoration, with stories about the Sutton House in McCook, the only house in Nebraska designed and built by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and work on the nearly one-hundred-year-old carillon bells of First Plymouth Church in Lincoln. In Grand Island, the episode shares the history and future of the Grand Theater.
The May 15 finale episode of the “Nebraska Stories” season follows the grassroots efforts of Nebraskans of Japanese heritage to save the historic Scottsbluff hall, culminating in its relocation to the Legacy of the Plains Museum. “Nebraska Stories: Rescuing Japanese Hall” also explores the enduring influence of Fr. Hiram Kano, a Japanese immigrant whose dedicated service to Nebraska still resonates today.
“Nebraska Stories: Rescuing Japanese Hall” will be featured in a screening and discussion program at 6 p.m. MT, Tuesday, May 6 at the Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff. This preview screening is presented in partnership with the Japanese Hall and History Project, Legacy of the Plains Museum and the Midwest Theater.
Support for the screening is provided by Humanities Nebraska. Funding for the “Nebraska Stories: Rescuing Japanese Hall” episode was provided by Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
The masterful storytellers who work on “Nebraska Stories” travel statewide, serving as the modern archivists of Nebraska’s stories – both present and past. Enjoyed by viewers across the state for its feature-based, character-driven storytelling, “Nebraska Stories” covers art, science, history, sports, performance, nature and more.
New episodes repeat Fridays at 7:30 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media.
“Nebraska Stories” is funded in part by The Margaret and Martha Thomas Foundation and the Bill Harris and MarySue Hormel Harris Fund for the Presentation of Cultural Programming. The series is also funded in part by the Teammates Mentoring Program, Phelps County Memorial Health Center and Discover Northwest Nebraska.
The series is also on Facebook, at NebraskaPublicMedia.org/nebraskastories.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Rogers, 402-470-6512
About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected citizens with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans on television, radio, online, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.
Connecting Nebraska through PBS, NPR and original content since 1954. Engaging Nebraskans through television, radio, online and mobile platforms.
Your support is essential!
