Playing With Fire Concert - Omaha

06/16/2026

There’s a certain kind of confidence that comes from knowing you can answer the traditional obligatory concert yelp of, “Free Bird!” by performing the entire solo … on harmonica.

Will Wilde - Harmonica is that guy. Brighton, England’s Duke of Harmonica has already traded licks with Walter Trout (they’ve played guest roles on each other’s albums) – Trout’s “Broken” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Blues Albums chart.

And Wilde’s own “Blues Is Still Alive” hit No. 1 on the UK blues charts in March 2025 as “Most Played Album” that month.

Oh, and that “Free Bird!” video? Here's your warm-up to Will Wilde, King and The Pocket Architects Thursday, August 13 at the Slowdown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtXP2-5IC2E

Get the full PwF schedule here: https://www.playingwithfireomaha.net/schedule

Lynyrd Skynyrd's epic Freebird solo played on harmonica by Will Wil...

06/15/2026

Hey PwF Fans,

We just became aware of The Living Blues Awards Readers Ballot 2026 voting is available - ends June 15.
Amazing to see a host of artists up for nomination that have performed over the years at PwF - Altered Five Blues Band, Kenny Blues Boss Wayne, Kim Wilson, Sugaray Rayford, Dawn Tyler Watson, Ruthie Foster, Anne Harris, Tommy Castro, Ronnie Baker Brooks.
Maybe you first saw them at PwF, maybe you’ve followed them for years. Either way,
It’s a ‘reader’s choice’ vote so, your voice can be heard. If you love the artist, show your support.

Turn on some music and enjoy❣️

All the best,
V&J

Called the “Max Roach of the Washboard,” Washboard Chaz Leary does things with an antiquated laundry tool that shock and amaze listeners. A member of several of New Orleans’ most important roots music bands, Washboard Chaz is one of a kind.

06/14/2026

Playing with Fire has never just been about the stage – it’s about the people around it.
The volunteers who show up early and stay late.
The fans who travel miles to be here.
The music lovers who discover a new favorite band.
The donors, partners and friends who quietly help keep the music free.

Over the years, Playing with Fire has become something bigger than a concert series. It’s a gathering place. A place where strangers become friends. Where fans reunite every summer. Where the music creates moments people carry with them long after the last note fades.

Since 2004, more than 750,000 fans have joined the PwF experience. So whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, welcome to the PwF family!

06/12/2026

If you want to know what “King King live” actually means, don’t take our word for it – check out the video link below.

It’s King King at Playing with Fire 2024, and you can feel the moment the song stops being a song and turns into a shared experience: heads nod in unison, shoulders loosen, somebody near the front does that involuntary “this groove hits just right” face.

Also, a not-so-small Omaha flex: PwF hosted King King’s first show on American soil in 2024, then brought them back again in 2025. Now they’re lining up a well-earned “3-peat” return on Thursday, August 13, at with and .

Live at PwF (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukZ_8sCgJEk
PwF schedule: https://www.playingwithfireomaha.net/schedule

06/10/2026

Our three-band bill on Saturday, August 15, features bands from three distinct postcards: Rozedale modern blues rockers from France; Chicago fire-fiddle-fueled blues with Halo Rider and Cornwall-grown wanderlust from Wille and the Bandits.

Postcard quiz: which one of these postcards shows a view from Cornwall?

06/08/2026

Wille and the Bandits have a salty edge that dusted them growing up near the coastal shores of Cornwall, England. Their songs often feel like they’re taking you for a joyride down Blues Hwy with the windows down and all the musically confining rules and consequences behind in the dust.

Plus, the band’s latest album – “Salt Roots” – is making noise in rock-blues circles. Put it this way: If you like bands that can shift gears from road-worn tenderness to pedal-to-the-floor dragster with turbo-charged, controlled chaos in 12 seconds, well … then put a star next to Saturday, August 15, to see Willie & the Bandits at the .

Need video evidence substantiating our superlative-riddled post? Click on the link below and hold onto your hat!

Willie & the Bandits first electrified the PwF stage in August 2019 – and we’ve been looking forward to their return ever since. Catch the encore Saturday, August 15 at Slowdown.

Video (live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foZyYmRGyG0

Wille and the Bandits perform thier epic instrumental "Angel" live at thier SOLD OUT headline show at Carnglaze Caverns in March 2024.Official website: https...

06/02/2026

Halo Rider is a mesmerizing, genre-bending trio that moves effortlessly between deep groove, trance-like blues, and cinematic Americana – creating a kaleidoscope of sound that is both rooted in tradition and fearless in spirit.

At the center is Markus James, guitarist and lead vocalist whose musical journey spans continents and cultures. Whether on slide guitar, diddley bow, harmonica, or electric guitar, James plays with depth, authenticity, and a global perspective that has defined decades of acclaimed work.

Alongside James is electric fiddle virtuoso Anne Harris, a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and powerhouse performer whose collaborations include Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Otis Taylor, and many, many others. Harris blends blues, Celtic, Americana, and rock into a sound that can be haunting one moment and explosive the next.

Joining the duo is master drummer Larry Thompson, the trio creates an immersive soundscape — atmospheric instrumental passages, tight harmonies, and electrified trance blues-rock.

Get ready to experience a spellbinding musical ride rooted in authenticity, artistry, and soul.

05/29/2026

A quick heads-up for the planners and the “let’s make a weekend of it” crowd for PwF’s August 13, 14, 15 ‘3-peat’ concert series
Whether you're traveling in or turning the shows into a staycation, here’s everything you need to plan your Playing with Fire August weekend.
PwF Host Hotel:Moxy Omaha Downtown 409 S 12th Street, Omaha
• PwF fans can book special August group rates at our host hotel.
• Stay Dates: Tuesday, Aug 11 – Monday, Aug 17, 2026
• PwF Fan Rate: $129–$159 per night
• Last Day to Book: Saturday, Aug 1, 2026
• Reservation link in comments
Located in the heart of Omaha’s historic Old Market, the Moxy sits among cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, restaurants, art galleries, and unique shops — a perfect place to gather before and after the shows.
It’s also just a short ride from Eppley Airfield and the Slowdown Music Venue.

PwF Pre-Party at The Moxy: Wednesday, August 12, 7 p.m.
• Consider this your official warm-up lap for the PwF weekend.
• Cocktails in the lobby
• Meet up with music pals and make new friends
• Live music by local musicians (details coming soon)
Go ahead and pencil it in now!

PwF Concert Venue: Live Music Venue, 729 N 14th Street, Omaha
• The Slowdown is one of Omaha’s premier live music venues, hosting national and international touring artists. Located just north of the Old Market, it’s an easy walk from the Moxy or a short ride, with plenty of parking and restaurants nearby.

• Need-To-Know-Before-You-Go
• Doors Open: 5 PM
• Music Starts: 6 PM
• All-ages show (following venue protocol)
• Photo ID required for all — venue policy
• Travel light: bag policy 5″ × 6″ or smaller
• Free entry with optional guaranteed admission (details in comments)
• Seating limited and first-come (details in comments)
• Plenty of parking nearby
• Food welcomed
Bonus: it’s indoors — which means Omaha weather can go argue with itself outside.
Your PwF Game Plan: Pre-party first. Slowdown next. Sleep later. Repeat.
Make it a PwF August “3-peat” weekend — with returning favorites, encore appearances, and two highly anticipated first-ever U.S. performances at Playing with Fire.
Three nights.
Great music from around the world.
And after 22 years… the fire is still burning and the music is still free.

05/27/2026

This French quartet doesn’t treat blues-rock like a novelty – they play it like it’s in their bloodstream, delivering a sound that blends gritty rock drive with soulful melody and undeniable stage energy.

Set to make their U.S. debut on Saturday, August 15, has been carving its name across Europe’s blues and rock circuit, earning a reputation for electrifying performances and strong critical acclaim. With soaring vocals, blazing guitar work, and a dynamic rhythm section, the band brings a modern edge to classic rock territory.

Don't miss Rozedale perform in Omaha for their first-ever U.S. appearance – at Playing with Fire – live at and free for all on Saturday, August 15.ents).





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05/26/2026

Playing with Fire shifts into the next gear on Friday, August 14 when a three-lane highway of blues and roots music converges at . Rolling in from afar are:

• Meena Cryle & Chris Fillmore Meena Cryle & Chris Fillmore (from Austria, pictured): European blues power returning for a much-anticipated PwF “3-peat” – velvet-to-volcanic vocals and fiery guitar leading the charge.
• Colin Linden (from the USA): slide-guitar authority and master storyteller whose playing has shaped hundreds of albums and soundtracks.
• (from Canada): multi-instrumental spark plug – hot harp, gritty vocals, and rock-solid grooves from one of blues’ hardest-working musicians.

If you like your concerts polished but alive, this is Reason No. 5,813,992 why you should be at PwF 2026. If Thursday lights the fuse and Saturday brings the finale…Friday (August 14) is where the groove settles in and the night takes hold.