Traveling Through Nebraska: Omaha Blues Festival
The Omaha Blues Festival, held annually in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and history of blues music in the American Midwest. Organized by the non-profit organization, Mid-American Arts Alliance, in partnership with the City of Omaha and the Iowa Nebraska Foundation for the Arts, the festival aims to promote local and regional blues talent, while also honoring the legacy of legendary blues musicians.
The festival takes place in July every year and spans over three days, featuring an impressive lineup of both established and emerging blues artists. Past performers have included notable musicians such as Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, and Taj Mahal, as well as local and regional acts like Josh Hoyer and the Shadowboxers, and The Bel-Airs. The festival also features blues-themed workshops, interactive exhibits, and educational sessions, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about the history and evolution of blues music.
One of the main attractions of the Omaha Blues Festival is its multiple stages, located in and around the historic Old Market district in downtown Omaha, which provide a unique and intimate setting for performances. The Main Stage, situated at the intersection of 10th and Jackson Streets, features national headlining acts, while the Second Stage, located at the nearby Durham Museum, showcases regional and local talent.
The festival also offers an array of activities and events for attendees to enjoy, including a Blues Guitar Clinic, where participants can learn from experienced musicians, and the Omaha Blues Festival After-Party, which features live music and dancing into the late hours of the night. Additionally, the festival hosts the Blues Walk of Fame, a series of commemorative plaques that honor the contributions of Nebraska blues musicians to the genre.
The economic impact of the Omaha Blues Festival is significant, attracting thousands of visitors to the city each year and generating substantial revenue for local businesses and tourism. The festival also provides a much-needed platform for local and regional blues musicians to gain exposure and achieve recognition on a national level.
In recent years, the festival has expanded to include a new stage and additional programming, including a Showcase for emerging blues artists and a series of educational sessions focused on blues music history and cultural context. These additions have further solidified the Omaha Blues Festival's reputation as one of the premier blues events in the Midwest.
The festival's organizers are committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the blues, while also promoting diversity and inclusion through its programming. This commitment is reflected in the festival's artist selection process, which prioritizes the inclusion of underrepresented groups and emerging artists from diverse backgrounds.
The Omaha Blues Festival has established itself as a beloved and integral part of the city's cultural landscape, one that looks forward to many more years of celebrating the blues and all its artistic expression.
The festival takes place in July every year and spans over three days, featuring an impressive lineup of both established and emerging blues artists. Past performers have included notable musicians such as Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, and Taj Mahal, as well as local and regional acts like Josh Hoyer and the Shadowboxers, and The Bel-Airs. The festival also features blues-themed workshops, interactive exhibits, and educational sessions, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about the history and evolution of blues music.
One of the main attractions of the Omaha Blues Festival is its multiple stages, located in and around the historic Old Market district in downtown Omaha, which provide a unique and intimate setting for performances. The Main Stage, situated at the intersection of 10th and Jackson Streets, features national headlining acts, while the Second Stage, located at the nearby Durham Museum, showcases regional and local talent.
The festival also offers an array of activities and events for attendees to enjoy, including a Blues Guitar Clinic, where participants can learn from experienced musicians, and the Omaha Blues Festival After-Party, which features live music and dancing into the late hours of the night. Additionally, the festival hosts the Blues Walk of Fame, a series of commemorative plaques that honor the contributions of Nebraska blues musicians to the genre.
The economic impact of the Omaha Blues Festival is significant, attracting thousands of visitors to the city each year and generating substantial revenue for local businesses and tourism. The festival also provides a much-needed platform for local and regional blues musicians to gain exposure and achieve recognition on a national level.
In recent years, the festival has expanded to include a new stage and additional programming, including a Showcase for emerging blues artists and a series of educational sessions focused on blues music history and cultural context. These additions have further solidified the Omaha Blues Festival's reputation as one of the premier blues events in the Midwest.
The festival's organizers are committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the blues, while also promoting diversity and inclusion through its programming. This commitment is reflected in the festival's artist selection process, which prioritizes the inclusion of underrepresented groups and emerging artists from diverse backgrounds.
The Omaha Blues Festival has established itself as a beloved and integral part of the city's cultural landscape, one that looks forward to many more years of celebrating the blues and all its artistic expression.
