Lavender Couch-Omaha's All-Queer, All Women Local Band

Creator

Marcus Pennell

Preview

Creation Date

Spring 2025

Description

Pennel utilizes a collection of photos from the (Lavender Couch) band's career to share its history, and its impact on the Omaha Queer community. This includes posters, venues, photoshoots, performances, and candids.

***Note: There are additional images that correspond to this presentation. They can be found under additional files below***

Image Descriptions:

Image 01: The image shows a display in an exhibition space. On the left, a large yellow poster board stands on an easel with the words "Lavender Couch" prominently displayed in purple block letters adorned with star-shaped decorations. Several black-and-white and color photos are attached to the poster, showcasing various group images and artistic designs. Below this setup, on a white table, there are several items including a tablet with headphones, a stack of zines, and a pink note that reads "Please take a zine :)". Behind the table is a stack of books against a light blue wall. A large, painted portrait of a person with dreadlocks adorns the wall in muted tones of pink and brown, partially visible on the right. Additional materials like flyers and framed documents are also on display, adding to the archival theme.

Image 02: The image shows a tabletop with various items displayed. On the left, a tablet with headphones is placed on the table. Next to it, there is a sign with handwritten text saying, "Please take a zine" accompanied by a smiley face. Several stacks of small zines are arranged below the sign. On the right side, there is a purple informational poster with QR codes. In the foreground, a large open binder with photographs is spread across the table. Behind it, a display board on an easel features images and text related to a local band. Various piles of books are stacked on a table in the background against a light blue wall. Image 03: The image shows two pages from an open binder lying on a table. The pages form a promotional display for a band called "lavender couch." The left page is designed as a concert announcement with bold text stating the performance in 2001 at Lincoln, Nebraska. Below this, a black-and-white image of several people posing together is included. The right page contains cut-out images of band members with their names listed alongside. Additional text provides information about the band's history, including performances and recordings. Various papers and a pair of black headphones are partially visible around the binder. Image 04: The image shows a page from a binder containing a newspaper article from October 29, 1993, titled "lavender couch." The article is from the Omaha World-Herald and written by Tony Moton. The page is in a plastic sleeve within a binder, visible from its left side, indicating it is part of a larger collection. The article features text about the band "Lavender Couch," an all-woman, all-queer local band. To the right of the article is a black-and-white image of five people sitting and leaning against a brick wall. Above the binder is a stack of flyers with an image of a couch and handwritten text that reads, "Omaha's first all-woman all-queer local band." Image 05: The image displays a printed page in a clear binder sleeve positioned on a table. Surrounding the binder are stacks of small flyers with the header "Lavender Couch!!!" and feature an image of a couch with handwritten text underneath. The main page inside the binder promotes an event titled "the girls night out..." in large, playful black font at the top. Below it, the names "lavender couch" and "jumpin kate" are listed prominently, with "from omaha" written in smaller text beside "lavender couch." Various feminine symbols decorate the page. Details about the event include the date "wed march 16," a location marked as "DUFFY'S," and a note about the timing: "around 9:00 ... see ya there..." Image 06: The image shows an open binder on a table, displaying two photographs in plastic sleeves. Above the binder are several folded paper flyers, with a graphic of a couch and hand-drawn text. The top photograph in the binder depicts a performer holding a microphone on a stage, with a guitarist to the right. The bottom photograph shows a group of five people posing together, two of whom are crouching in front, while the other three stand behind them. The table is white, and you can see part of a person's legs and feet in the frame. Image 07: The image shows an open binder with plastic sleeves containing three photographs. The binder is on a white table, with a person's leg visible to the left. There are stacks of small, rectangular index cards with handwritten notes on the right side of the image. The top-left photograph shows several people standing under an awning outside a building labeled "Arena Entrance." The middle-left photograph is a closer view of the same entrance without people. The right photograph shows a door labeled "Creighton Visitors," with a smaller sign on it. Image 08: The image shows a set of photographs placed in a clear plastic sleeve within a binder. The left side of the image reveals a stack of note cards, with visible handwritten text reading, "Omaha's first all-woman, all-queer local band." The visible area of the binder contains three photographs. The top photo depicts a person in profile wearing a cap inside a warmly lit room. Below that on the left, another photo shows a person sitting near sound equipment, including speakers and a microphone, with patterned wallpaper in the background. The photo on the bottom right features a group of four people close together, smiling and posing enthusiastically. Image 09: The image shows a binder page displaying four photographs inside plastic sleeves. The top left image features a chalkboard sign with doodles and the words "lavender couch" prominently written. Below it, several smaller phrases and names are visible. The bottom left photograph shows a building entrance with a marquee that reads "ARENA ENTRANCE CFEP PRESENTS NATL COMING OUT DAY '94 AND LAVENDER COUCH LIVE." Three individuals are posed in front of the entrance. On the right side, two larger photographs show a music performance. In the top image, a person is singing into a microphone on stage. The bottom image, partially visible, displays a banner with the same "lavender couch" wording, suggesting it is a concert or event associated with that name. The binder is open on a white table, with part of a person's leg visible to the side. Image 10: The image displays an open photo album resting on a table, with partially visible stacks of papers at the top left corner. The album contains three photographs in transparent sleeves. The top photograph depicts a person indoors, smiling and touching their head, with another person in the background. The setting appears to be a kitchen. The middle left photograph shows two people standing in front of a car, with a house in the background. The bottom right photograph features a group of four people standing together inside a building, with various bags around them. The pages of the album are held together by a metal ring binder. Image 11: The image shows a page from a photo album. The album page has three photographs inside clear plastic pockets. The top photograph depicts a musical performance on a stage, with multiple people visible. The lighting suggests an indoor venue, with spotlights illuminating the performers. The two bottom photographs capture similar scenes, with performers and musical instruments on stage, likely from different angles or moments. In the top left corner, there are small printed program leaflets, with handwritten notes visible on some of them. The background hints at a wooden table, and the bottom part of the image shows a portion of a person’s denim-clad legs and a cylindrical green object, possibly a cup or container. Image 12: The image shows an open photo album on a flat, white surface. Within the album, three photographs are visible, each displayed in clear plastic sleeves. The top photo depicts a band performing on stage, featuring two musicians: one playing a guitar in white pants and top, and another singing into a microphone. Percussion instruments, including congas, are visible behind them. The lower two photos capture different angles of a drummer and another performer with a guitar on stage, highlighted by stage lighting. Surrounding the album on the table are several paper stacks, each featuring a text description hand-written in black ink. Image 13: The image shows a binder with clear plastic sleeves filled with photographs. In the top left corner, a stack of small papers is visible. Each paper has text reading "Omaha's first all-woman all-queer local band." The binder displays three main photographs. The top photo shows a live band performance with musicians on stage, featuring a prominent figure at the center with a microphone. The stage is dimly lit with a green backdrop. In the lower left, a photograph shows a band at a different angle, emphasizing the drummer and a guitarist. On the right, a photo captures an individual at a microphone, smiling and wearing a white and black outfit adorned with red hair accessories. Collaged text around the image reads "feel" and "Let's Hang Out." Image 14: The image shows an open photo album on a table with two black and white photographs visible inside. Above the album, there are stacks of papers with handwritten notes. The top photograph depicts a group of five people standing in an alleyway with brick walls and train tracks. They appear to be engaged in conversation, with one individual in a patterned shirt smiling and two others looking down. The lower photograph shows another group of five people standing or sitting against a tiled corner of a building. One person is seated with legs crossed, while others stand casually against the wall, most of them looking at the camera. Image 15: The image displays two photographs inside a clear sheet protector within a binder, placed on a white surface. In the upper photograph, five people pose in front of a textured brick wall. They are casually dressed in a mix of overalls, trousers, jackets, and shirts. Below this is another photograph depicting a close-up of a brick wall partially covered by climbing leaves. An arm extends into the frame from the right, holding a piece of paper. On the table beside the binder, several stacks of printed flyers or cards are visible. Each displays an image of a couch and handwritten text. Image 16: The image shows two black-and-white photographs inside a clear photo album sleeve. The top photo features a group of people walking towards the camera on a street lined with industrial buildings. The individuals are dressed in casual attire, and the setting has a warehouse-like ambiance. The bottom photo depicts a group of people gathered outside a brick building with arched windows. Some are sitting on a concrete ledge while others stand, all appearing relaxed and friendly. Above the album, there are several stacks of paper with an image of a sofa and handwritten text on each. Image 17: The image shows an open binder on a table, containing two black-and-white photographs of a group of six people sitting and standing against a brick wall. The top photo features the group posing casually, with some members sitting and others squatting, all with relaxed postures. The lower photo is similar, with the same group arranged in a slightly different formation, showing the individuals sitting closer together. In the background of the binder, there are stacks of flyers with handwritten text and a small graphic at the top. The table surface is light-colored, and a person's legs are partially visible below the table.

Rights

The author holds the copyright to these images and the creation of the presentation. The author may not hold the copyright to materials portrayed in the images or other work used within the presentation which was used under the educational and fair use exceptions. The photographs, flyers, and news clippings were loaned for this display are from the Lavender Couch Records, which is part of Archives and Special Collections in the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The finding aid, including a link to previously digitized records of Lavender Couch, is available at https://archives.nebraska.edu/repositories/4/resources/637. Alt Text for images: Image 01: Display with a "Lavender Couch" poster, mural, books, tablet, headphones, zines, and photos on a table. Image 02:A table with zines, a binder with photos, headphones, a tablet, and posters arranged as a display. Image 03: An open binder showing a flyer and band member images for "lavender couch." Image 04: Page with newspaper article titled "Lavender Couch" featuring an image of five people sitting against a wall. Image 05:Flyer for a music event featuring bands "lavender couch" and "jumpin kate" on March 16 at Duffy's. Image 06: A binder with photographs and paper inserts and flyers with a couch sketch and handwritten text scattered above it. Image 07: Photo album page with images of an arena entrance and a door labeled "Creighton Visitors." Image 08: A binder open on a table with three photographs in clear plastic sleeves and stacks of papers with handwritten text nearby. Image 09:A photo album page with pictures of a chalkboard, a group posing by a theater entrance, and a band performing on stage. Image 10: An open photo album with three photographs and handwritten cards nearby. Image 11: A binder with photos of a band performing on stage, next to sheets of paper with handwritten notes. Image 12:Open photo album on a table with pictures of a band performing. Image 13: Binder with photos of a band performing and a collage with text; papers labeled with "Omaha's first all-woman all-queer local band" beside it. Image 14: A binder displaying two vintage group photos in plastic sleeves, with small stacks of printed notes nearby. Image 15: An open binder with two black and white photos and pamphlets on a table. Image 16: A photo album open on a table displays two black-and-white photos of a group of people, along with flyers featuring a couch illustration. Image 17: An open binder with two black-and-white photos of six people against a brick wall, and stacks of flyers on a table.