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Stroll down to the Taste of Omaha, and you’re sure to hear a familiar tune, whether it’s from the current country charts or the great songs of the ’50s and ’60s — or even those from a favorite movie. Local musical groups will take the stage between major acts, providing almost continuous entertainment for the three-day festival. Here’s a little background on the festival’s touring acts:
BOMSHEL
Country music duo Kristy Osmunson and Kelley Shepard have been kicking up a lot of dust with their hit tunes “Fight Like a Girl” and “19 and Crazy.”
The women met in Nashville, Tenn., where both have worked as songwriters. Now roommates, they share a house where they have a recording studio. They have said that living together helps them come up with lyrics that are honest, authentic and pulsing with energy.
The song “Love Me for Me,” for example, is one of their most personal tunes, with lyrics on self-acceptance: “I lose my keys and I’m constantly late. I’m comfortable if I’m a few pounds overweight. I’m going to eat while I’m out on a date.”
“Every song you hear, it’s going to be us,” Shepard said. “You’ll hear our fun side and our sad side. We have some really traditional country and some really poppy stuff.”
THE BLUZMEN
Eric Martin and Carmen Romano pay tribute to the iconic twosome that shares a name with the 1980 movie “The Blues Brothers.”
A scene from the film where the Blues brothers stage a big gig with their old blues band is the inspiration for the Bluzmen.
The Bluzmen have been performing together for 18 years, in more than 9,000 shows worldwide. For 10 years the duo performed at Legends in Concert in Las Vegas.
BUCK RAM PLATTERS
The Platters’ songs have resonated with audiences for generations: “Only You,” “The Great Pretender,” “Twilight Time” and “Smoke Gets in My Eyes.”
Buck Ram discovered the Platters in 1954, before they had a professional career. He worked with them as composer, arranger and producer.
He wrote more than 500 songs, including the tune “Only You.” As a composer, Buck earned 16 gold and two platinum records.
The touring group Buck Ram Platters honors the legacy of Buck Ram and the Platters by singing Ram’s classic hits.
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