Neva Dinova with Brett Newski and The Pretty Graves

Neva Dinova

Formed in Omaha, Nebraska in 1993 by guitarist‑vocalist Jake Bellows and bassist Heath Koontz, Neva Dinova became a key name within the vibrant Saddle Creek indie scene. Their self‑titled debut arrived in 2002 on Crank! A Record Company and was praised as a top release of that year, gaining early critical acclaim. Over the next few years, the band evolved into a five‑piece lineup including Tim Haes, Mike Kratky, and drummer Bo Anderson, later joined by longtime member Roger Lewis (also of The Good Life).

A defining moment in their career came with the 2004 split EP One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels, a collaboration with Bright Eyes in which both groups wrote and performed across six songs. That project cemented their connection with Conor Oberst and fellow Omaha acts such as Cursive, with contributions from Bright Eyes members like Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott, alongside Neva’s own Roger Lewis on drums.

After releasing You May Already Be Dreaming in 2008 and a hiatus that ended with a 2022 rarities collection (Demos and C‑Sides), Neva Dinova returned in full in 2024 with their album Canary, their first LP in 16 years. The current lineup features Bellows, Roger Lewis, and Megan Siebe (of Cursive and Simon Joyner & the Ghosts), and their return included touring with Cursive and joint appearances connected to Bright Eyes and the wider Saddle Creek community. Canary features singles like “Edge of Something”, “Lonely Heart” (with Siebe on lead vocals), and “Something’s Out There”, capturing the band’s signature blend of indie-rock, folk, psychedelia, and country-tinged moody textures.

Brett Newski

Brett Newski is a Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter, guitarist, illustrator, podcaster, and author, known for his energetic blend of 90s‑inspired alternative rock, alt‑country, and folk‑punk. His music has drawn praise from outlets including Rolling Stone, NPR, American Songwriter, SiriusXM, Boston Globe, Billboard, SPIN and Paste.

Over his career, Newski has toured as a supporting act or performed alongside major names such as the Violent Femmes, Pixies, Nada Surf, Guster, Gin Blossoms, Better Than Ezra, Barenaked Ladies, Manchester Orchestra, New Pornographers, Courtney Barnett, Japanese Breakfast, and Built to Spill.

The Pretty Graves

The Pretty Graves are an underground art‑rock quartet based in Connecticut, drawing creative fuel from seminal acts such as The Velvet Underground, Pavement, Elliott Smith, and Jonathan Fire Eater. Their music blends raw emotional intensity, enigmatic lyricism, and kinetic energy - creating a distinct presence in the Connecticut music scene that has garnered attention for its authenticity and depth.

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