Five years ago Kim Gagne transitioned her business, Vanitii Productions, into the music industry, and has enjoyed every minute of it. Gagne used to be an event planner for weddings and other occasions. Now she focuses more on producing shows with her husband who works with sound production. These shows are mainly based in Omaha, Nebraska but she has traveled as far as Nashville to the middle of the ocean for her business.
Vanitii Productions is named after Prince’s prodigy, Vanity. Gagne is a huge fan of Prince and helps put on a show in his honor. She travels to Kansas City to help with the back end of Tyson Leslie’s Purple Jam, a tribute to Prince. “It sells out every time.” Gagne is proud to be a part of this show.
Vanitii Productions’ Shows
Photo by Kim Gagne
Women of Rock: Flashback Edition is a show that celebrates the women in rock music. Additionally, Gagne has a cast of 12, with 9 female vocalists and the band. “My youngest is 19 and my oldest vocalist is in her 50s.” Moreover, Gagne loves having a wide variety of women in the show. Notably, this is the third year for Women of Rock. This event will take place on March 23 at Bogie’s West Sports Bar & Grill. School of Rock‘s student band will be opening this event.
I think having young people invested in the future of live music is so important which is why I chose School of Rock to be our opener.
Kim Gagne
Photo from Grease is the Word: Tribute to Olivia Newton John event by DP Images
The proceeds from this show will go to Project Wee Care, a charity event for families around the holidays. From gifts to groceries like food and cleaning products, this charity helped 345 families and 921 children in 2023. “The first year we only had 11 families.” Gagne loves supporting this event, and continues to do so.
I try to do what I can to help and keep supporting it.
Kim Gagne
Moreover, more shows Gagne loves putting on are the Rock Gods and Grease is the Word: Tribute to Olivia Newton John. Rock Gods pays tribute to rock music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Additionally, the Olivia Newton Tribute was set up in a venue where they had a skating rink, carnival, and cotton candy. Gagne wants to make sure every Vanitii Productions event is well put together.
I try to create an experience with great music.
Kim Gagne
Shows That Aren’t Local to Omaha
Photo by Tyson Leslie
Vanitii Productions assists with advertising and back end of The Rare Hare 19 show, a variety show in Nashville, with the backing bands of rock stars. Gagne helps coordinate the artists and manage all aspects behind the scenes. Tyson Leslie is the mastermind behind this show and The Purple Jam. “We are honored he chooses us to help with them.” This year The Rare Hare 19 will be held on April 16 and feature the history of heavy metal music.
The Monsters of Rock Cruise is a floating 80s hairband music festival. According to Gagne, this cruise is an absolute blast. “There’s concerts all day and all night.” A music festival on the water is such a great way to spend a vacation.
The Omaha Music Scene
Photo from Vanitii Productions Facebook page
Another aspect of Vanitii Productions is booking shows for venues. Gagne is currently busy working with a new venue, Krush Ultra Lounge, set to open this spring. This is a huge deal because Omaha has already lost 5 venues between December and January. “We are excited to be a part of this new venture!”
Gagne tells me that the musicians in Omaha are a ‘tight knit community.’ Even though we have been out of the pandemic for a while now, the music scene is still trying to heal from it.
“Even after the mask came off, people aren’t going out anymore.” Gagne is referring to how people have found ways to entertain themselves at home.
We have quite a bit of incredible talent.
Kim Gagne
Gagne is constantly studying social media to see who and what is trending. By using this method she is able to market Vanitii Productions’ events, venues, and musicians in her area. “Fans follow the trends set by musicians.” Gagne claims the musicians in Omaha set the trends, with their fanbase following diligently.
Vanitii Productions is a driving force of creativity and community spirit. With a passion for honoring musical legends, Gagne’s dedication shines through in every show. Gagne’s business is not only about entertainment, but making a difference in people’s lives. I applaud Kim Gagne and her Vanitii Productions for her remarkable contributions to the melody of our lives.
Keep in touch with the midwest music scene, via Respect My Region.
