Blog Layout

Omaha's Best Free Summer Concert Series Announces Incredible 2023 Artists Line Up

PwFOmaha • March 21, 2023

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2023

 

 

Record Attendance Anticipated


European, Canadian, U.S. bands to perform at free summer concert series Playing with Fire in July and August at Midtown Crossing

 

OMAHA, Neb. – Organizers for the 19th edition of the popular Playing with Fire free summer concert series say they are expecting a big turnout for this year’s shows, which will take place over two weekends in July and August on Turner Park’s Pavilion stage at Midtown Crossing.

 

“With the caliber of talent that we are bringing in from Europe and Canada, we are hoping to set a new record of attendance for Turner Park,” said Jeff Davis, who has sponsored the free, non-profit event since its inception in 2004.

 

With primary support from the Nebraska Arts Council and funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Douglas Co. Visitors Improvement Fund, Davis invests personal funding to bring to Omaha the hottest blues bands currently on tour.

 

“If you love rock n’ roll, blues, soul, funk, guitars, horns, and powerful vocals – old hands and rising stars – Playing with Fire 2023 has it all in one place, four times this summer,” says Davis. “Best of all, it’s free!”

 

2023 Playing with Fire Schedule

 

July 14 – Gates open at 4 p.m., music begins at 6:45 p.m.

  • Sugaray Rayford – GRAMMY® Award-nominated Texas-rooted blues singer with impassioned southern soul. 
  • Eddie 9V – Atlanta-based blues singer-guitarist who specializes in gut-bucket soul.

 

July 15 – Gates open at 4 p.m., music begins at 4:30 p.m.

  • Twelve Bar Blues Band – All the way from Amsterdam comes this award-winning band that mixes elements of Chicago, Delta and Texas blues.
  • Dom Martin Band – Northern Ireland-rooted bluesman, was a multiple UK Blues award-winner and inductee into the UK Blues Hall of Fame by age 31.
  • Justin Saladino – Montreal-based blues, rock, and funk artist is a favorite at Canadian blues festivals.
  • BluesEd – Omaha youth music program supported by PwF will feature an all-teens band called The Redwoods.

 

August 11 – Gates open at 4 p.m., music starts at 6:45 p.m.

  • Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado – This award-winning Danish blues-rock band from Copenhagen has a fierce horn section.
  • Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar – Seven-piece Toronto blues band renowned for their mix of blues, gospel, and rock.

 

August 12 – Gates open at 4 p.m., music starts at 4:30 p.m.

  • Bywater Call – Fueled by a smokin’ seven-piece and a powerful vocalist, this Toronto-based southern soul band blends blues and roots-rock and is a must-see.
  • Joanne Shaw Taylor – This critically acclaimed, sultry British singer-guitarist was discovered at age 13 and, while in her 30’s, breaking into the UK Top 20 Album Charts.
  • Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal – An Omaha favorite, this Lincoln band has earned multiple OEA Awards.
  • BluesEd – Omaha youth group Us and Them will open the show.

 

Blankets, chairs, and picnics are welcome at the all-ages event, free of charge for the 19th consecutive year.


Learn all about artists, venue, hotel accommodations, event details visit PwF website: https://www.playingwithfireomaha.net

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Interviews with Jeff Davis and co-producer Vanessa Marie available upon request at info@playingwithfireomaha.net


ABOUT PLAYING WITH FIRE: PwF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local, non-profit organizations and building bonds between people – locally, nationally, and internationally – with free, live music concerts presented by brilliant, award-winning, and worldwide musicians. We bring the world to Omaha and take Omaha to the world -- one free concert at a time. 

image with text playing with fire presents free soncert series with laurels of awards
By pwfomaha March 27, 2025
PwF Founder/Producer Jeff Davis Announces Artist Lineup and Changes for 2025
By Jeff Davis March 18, 2025
Waiting for Jeff to complete
Walter-Trout-and-Jeff-Davis
By Jeff Davis May 15, 2024
Welcome Back Walter Trout
By Jeff Davis May 9, 2024
Jeff Davis Shares His Current Listening List...
King King
By PwFOmaha April 20, 2024
King King's First (and Only) Us Show Lands at Playing with Fire's 20th Annivesary FREE Summer Concert Series
A large grassy field with a building in the background
By PwFOmaha March 21, 2024
PwFireOmaha 2024 Venue: Performance Pavilion at Gene Leahy Mall
A woman wearing sunglasses is pointing at the camera.
By pwfomaha March 7, 2024
The Aeolian Chick with a special bond...
An empty stage in a park with a building in the background
By pwfomaha February 25, 2024
PwF Founder, Jeff Davis, Reflects on Celebrating 20 Years of Music in the City He Loves
A stage with a red background and a dj on it
By pwfomaha August 1, 2023
A captivating evening of grooving funk, modern blues and southern soul delivered with a powerhouse of vocals awaits to electrify your soul and take you on a magical journey at the Playing with Fire FREE Summer Concert Series on August 12. We've lined up a spectacular roster of artists who bring their commanding performances to the stage and your body and souls to front stage to dance the night away. Let's dive into what this unforgettable night has in store. PwF has created a 2023 PwF All Artist Spotify playlist for just for you. Take a spin and enjoy the tunes!
A stage with a red background with playing with fire logo
By pwfomaha August 1, 2023
As we prepare for another unforgettable night at the Playing with Fire FREE Summer Concert Series, the excitement builds. On August 11, we have an incredible lineup of internationally acclaimed, awarding-winning artists who will grace the stage with their mix of soul-searing vocals, hot rhythms and blues, and dynamic stage performances. Listen to all the artists in order of appearance on PwF's Spotify playlist!
More Posts
Share by: