Playing With Fire Concert - Omaha

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.

05/19/2026

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Will Wilde - Harmonica on August 13! Going to be a great kick-off to three days of music from UK, Austria,Canada and USA! And it’s ALL FREE! Keeping the Blues Alive never felt so good 💃🏻🕺🏼🎶❤️‍🔥

13th August - Omaha, Playing With Fire Festival https://www.playingwithfireomaha.net/14th August - New Hampshire, White Mountain Blues 'N' Boogie Festival ht...

05/18/2026

We had the honor of attending the Long Tribute Album Release Event at The Harlington, Fleet last night. The event was beyond amazing. Thank You to Matt’s parents and our friends, Fiona & Paul Long. What a wonderful evening of music and friendship. Matt, the lead man in Catfish created music that will live on healings and inspiring our souls.

05/14/2026

Free concerts don’t run on fairy dust. Lights, sound, crew, gear, talent fees, travel – and yes, those wallet-busting visa costs – all add up behind the scenes.

And while Playing with Fire is proudly a free concert series, producers Jeff Davis and Vanessa Marie will admit something: they’re not very good at asking for financial support. Never have been.

Donations are never required, but it sure is nice when someone drops a few bucks in the bucket – or when a notification pops up that a donation came in online. Those simple acts help keep the music free and accessible to everyone, and they make Jeff and Vanessa smile with gratitude knowing you’re enjoying the music too.

If you joined us for the April 18 Spring Fling, had a great time, and tossed something in the donation bucket – thank you. Every bit helps keep the fire burning.

And if you didn’t get the chance, wished you had donated, donated a little more, or have been thinking about it since … we’ve got you covered. You’ll find a donation link in the comments if the spirit moves you.

Every dollar – a buck, two bucks, or a few more – goes straight to production costs and artist support. There’s no mystery fund here. Just community math – a small move that helps make big nights of music possible.

Either way, we appreciate everyone who shows up, enjoys the talent, and supports the mission in their own way.

Thanks for helping fuel the fire.

– Jeff & Vanessa and The PwF Team

Donate: https://www.playingwithfireomaha.net/donate

05/13/2026

One of Canada's hardest-working musicians takes the PwF stage. Singer, songwriter, producer – and one of today’s most electrifying harmonica players – brings his fierce harp playing, soulful vocals, and sharp songwriting to Playing with Fire on Friday, August 14, at the .

As a driving force behind the Juno-winning band , Marriner has built an international reputation as one of the most dedicated musicians in the industry. Whether on harp, guitar, or keys, he delivers performances full of deep soul, technical skill, and the kind of conviction that carries the spirit of the blues masters who inspired him.

No stranger to PwF fans, Marriner previously energized the stage with MonkeyJunk in 2018 – and now returns with award-winning collaborators, including Canadian keyboardist Jessie O’Brien and acclaimed American guitarist Laura Chavez.

With fiery harp playing, gravelly vocals, and relentless energy, Marriner brings the kind of performance that leaves a mark. Don’t take our word for it – watch him do his thing in this video https://youtu.be/HQBAkOY5t_Q?si=QymgMuN9SAJ5Uheh&t=2867

05/13/2026

You’ve probably heard Colin Linden’s music – on TV, soundtracks, on other artists’ albums – without realizing it was Colin Linden. And why would you? Not many people know the name Colin Linden. But they know a top-shelf musician when they hear one, and no one ever forgets Linden’s name after experiencing one of his live shows in person.

A slide-guitar storyteller who has played on more than 500 albums, his work appears on the soundtrack for "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"; was a principal music contributor to the television series Nashville, producing more than 140 songs and, in 2020, he snagged a Grammy for his producer work on Keb’ Mo’s “Oklahoma.”

So, when Colin Linden hits the Slowdown on Fri Aug 14, go there knowing that you might walk out with his name tattooed on your eardrums.

Have a listen of this marvelous talent: https://youtu.be/RB1ZAjKTV-M?si=nr0y5FoJtyY1fT4M&t=41

44 likes, 5 comments. "Colin Linden wows the crowd at BlueFrog Studios!"