Playing With Fire

Jeff Davis Receives Prestigious Blues Foundation Award

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:22:07 GMT

Keeping the Blues Alive—Together:

A Heartfelt Thank You

After more than two decades of producing concerts and celebrating live music with an incredible community of volunteers, artists, and fans, I never expected a moment like this. The Blues Foundation recently announced that I will be honored with a 2026 Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Award—a recognition that means far more than I can put into words.

This isn’t just my story, though. It’s a story about community, friendship, and 22 years of bringing FREE, LIVE music to Omaha. Before I share the Blues Society of Omaha’s (BSO) nomination below, I want to take a moment to thank the incredible people who helped make this recognition possible.

There are so many Thank You’s to extend. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to our dear friends Walter and Marie Trout, as well as Fred Robertson and other BSO members, for the countless hours they dedicated to creating the nomination. I also want to thank the Blues Society of Omaha (BSO) for their years of support and for nominating me not once, not twice, but three times.

Although my name appears on the award, it truly belongs to Playing with Fire co-producer Vanessa Marie, to Laura Luger and our entire Playing with Fire team; to the hundreds of BSO volunteers; to the artists; to the fans; and to everyone who has supported our 22-year mission to bring FREE, LIVE music to Omaha. This recognition reflects the passion, love, and commitment of an entire community.

Thank You All!!

Jeff Davis

Founder/Producer

Playing with Fire

Each year, The Blues Foundation presents the Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the Blues world.

Keeping the Blues Alive: 2026 Nomination

Submitted by the Blues Foundation Affiliate Organization, Blues Society of Omaha

Profile

Since 2004, Jeff Davis has produced an annual free Blues summer concert series, Playing with Fire, in Omaha, along with several other music events, such as the PwF Winter Series, Music For The City, and special concerts to raise funds for musicians and non-profits. He also has created The Music House Residency Program to support artists needing a creative space. His work has not only consistently brought great blues artists to Omaha but has also supported non-profit youth artist development programs such as the Keeping the Blues Alive award-winning BluesEd program and School of Rock. One unique aspect of Playing with Fire is its emphasis on bringing young blues artists - especially international acts - to Omaha, often for their first exposure to US audiences.

Career Overview

PRODUCER, PLAYING WITH FIRE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, 2004-PRESENT

Works year-round to curate talent and arrange logistics for hundreds of bands/artists to travel to Omaha, including dozens of international acts.
Recruits, hires, and trains thousands of Omaha Blues fans who volunteer to make Playing with Fire happen.
Promotes PwF, along with co-producer Vanessa Marie, in order to draw fans to Omaha from around the country, as well as around the world, to celebrate the Blues.
Coordinates with city officials and venues as the series has been hosted at the Lewis and Clark Landing, Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, the Gene Leahy Mall, and, most recently, moved indoors to The Slowdown.
Supports and fosters continued appreciation of the Blues, by hosting free musician workshops held by PwF guest artists for students in the Omaha BluesEd youth artist development music program.
Donates funds to non-profits such as BluesEd, Foodbank of the Heartland (over $38,000), and Donate Life, as well as providing education and attaining organ donation registrations from blues fans.

PRODUCER, MUSIC FOR THE CITY, PwF WINTER SERIES, AND SPECIAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Produced six smaller venue shows featuring Blues artists in 2021/2022 at Miller's Landing.
Produced twelve ticketed PwF Winter Series shows in 2008 at the Holland Performing Arts 1200 Club.
Sponsored and produced fundraising events over the years for musicians in need, and Omaha non-profits.
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR, CATALYST FOUNDATION AND MUSIC HOUSE
Started the non-profit Catalyst Foundation to guarantee that his Blues legacy in Omaha will live on past his own life.
Purchased The Music House and provided rent-free living and creative space for five artists since its inception in 2020.
Began a series of Music House Concerts hosted by current artist-in-residence Jeni Grouws.

Jeff Davis- A Blues Biography

Jeff Davis says that the first artist whose music he loved was Roy Orbison. "After Roy Orbison, you can go two ways, country or blues, and I went towards the blues," he told me. Omaha blues fans are very happy he made that choice.

For decades, he was a dedicated live music fan, regularly at Lincoln's Zoo Bar and Omaha's Howard Street Tavern, where he said, "I saw Luther Allison so many times we became friends." At the same time, he was building and managing his successful business, Davis Erection Company, changing Omaha's landscape, as well as, other cities in the region. His achievements as a business manager gave him the ability to retire and sparked an idea to combine his loves. He would bring some of the best blues musicians in the world to Omaha and create and build a free festival in his hometown.

In 2004, Davis's first Playing with Fire Festival featured this lineup-- Bernard Allison, Joe Bonamassa, Savoy Brown, Walter Trout, and Coco Montoya. Since then, he has continued to recruit and hire the finest artists from around the world, such as When Rivers Meet, King King, and Cardinal Black, as well as nationally acclaimed musicians like Sharon Jones and the Dap Tones, Tab Benoit, and Curtis Salgado. He also has given plenty of Omaha talent, including young players in the Omaha BluesEd program, an opportunity to play. Hector Anchondo and Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal are two local bands who played at PwF and went on to success at the International Blues Festival in Memphis.

It is not only Davis's eye for selecting talent, often assisted by his partner and PwF associate producer Vanessa Marie, that makes him an important Blues leader deserving of recognition; but also the compassion, empathy, and straightforward, caring treatment he gives everyone who works with him, from the artists to the managers to the countless volunteers in Omaha needed to run the PwF Festival for over 20 years. So many artists testify to Jeff Davis giving them their first big break, aiding them in getting to the United States, or providing them with vital help when they faced health or financial difficulties. He is a man of integrity who keeps his word, works hard, and gives all of us lucky enough to see the fruits of his labor the gift of live music played for a community's joy.

Recently, Jeff talked about a scare-- he was hospitalized after accidentally walking in front of a car-- and realized "I'm not going to live forever." To make sure his life's cause of bringing music to Omaha would continue, he founded the Catalyst Foundation, which will support The Music House in Omaha and its artist-in-residence program (which Davis began in 2020), providing help to musicians to develop their art in perpetuity. Jeff Davis is a man of great skill, vision, and compassion, and he deserves recognition for Keeping the Blues Alive.

Fred Robertson

Board of Directors - Blues Society of Omaha - 2025 to Present

Editor/Head Writer-Blues Notes (BSO Monthly Newsletter) -2023 to Present

Media Nominations

Rick Galusha, Ph D, Host, Pacific St. Blues & American radio program, since 1991; Keeping the Blues Alive recipient, 2010

"The Omaha, Nebraska area has made significant contributions to American music - including Art Tatum, The Everly Brothers, Glenn Miller, Eugene 'Gene' McDaniel, Anna Mae Winburn, Wynonie Harris, Sparkle Moore, Shaun Murphy, Buddy Miles, Janiva Magness, Lalomie Washburn, Curly Martin, Preston Love Jr., and Paul Williams - along with residencies featuring and nurturing Charlie Christian, Count Basie, and Nat Cole at the original Jewel Night Club. I am joining the chorus of others in nominating Omaha native Jeff Davis for a Keeping the Blues Alive recognition for the two-decade old Playing with Fire concert series. Jeff Davis demonstrates a genuine appreciation for the great American musical art form known as the blues and is well deserving of formal recognition by the Blues Foundation and blues fans everywhere."

Pete Francis, Blues Rock Review

"Jeff Davis is a selfless champion of the blues. Jeff puts together a world-class lineup each year, and what makes Playing with Fire unique is the fact that Jeff brings blues acts from all over the world to the United States that normally wouldn't be able to come, helping them to get work visas, which is financially very difficult for artists to do. Not only does he bring a world-class lineup to Omaha but the festival is also FREE. You can't see a free lineup with the level of talent Jeff brings to Playing with Fire anywhere else. Thousands of people from all over the country and the world come to Omaha to see this festival and that is truly keeping the blues alive."

Omaha Community Organization Nominations

Kevin Burns, Omaha BluesEd Co-Director, Treasurer

"Jeff Davis has been a fantastic supporter of BluesEd for more than 20 years. BluesEd bands have been invited to play in almost every annual Playing with Fire free summer festival since Mr. Davis created that event in 2004. Mr. Davis has arranged workshops during PwF for our young musicians to interact with and learn from blues musicians. In 2024, Chris Buck and Tom Hollister from Cardinal Black, and Aynsley Lister spent a morning with our students. Mr. Davis has also financially supported our program, with 2025 our eighth year as PwF1s charitable partner. Not only do we receive free-will donations given by fans at the shows, but BluesEd has also been presented, two years in a row, with a handmade guitar made by a Seattle luthier who learned about our program while attending the festival. The guitar raffle proceeds we had helped our BluesEd chapter send a youth band to Memphis each year. In our years with BluesEd, we have not met anyone who has done more to Keep the Blues Alive than Jeff Davis."

Ellie Archer, Director of Omaha Tourism Bureau 1978 - 1983; Executive Director of the Omaha Women's Fund 2000 - 2012

"As the founding Director of the Omaha Tourism Bureau, I can attest to the fact that few, if any, volunteer-led events have had the enduring impact on the local entertainment and tourism industry that PwF has had. The contribution that Jeff has made in bringing world-class blues talent to the city for the enjoyment of people in the region - all free of charge - is simply unmatched. And in turn, the number of people who have been exposed to extraordinary talent in the blues genre is likewise unparalleled. I also served as the Executive Director of the Omaha Women's Fund for 12 years. In that role, I had the privilege of working firsthand with our community's leading philanthropists. Jeff is a standout among them in his unflagging passion for the mission of his organization. It would be hard to imagine anyone more deserving of this honor."

Artist/Artist Management Nominations

Paul Deslauriers & Annika Chambers, Artists

"Over the last two decades, we've had the privilege of working closely with Jeff, performing at several Playing with Fire and Music for the City events, and every experience with him has been remarkable. His professionalism, dedication, and unwavering passion for the blues set him apart as a true leader in the industry. However, Jeff's contributions extend far beyond organizing shows. He has been a friend and generous benefactor to blues musicians in need. During the pandemic, as we faced severe personal challenges related to the closure of the Canada-USA border and Paul's subsequent emergency, Jeff stepped in with compassion and generosity that we will never forget. He ensured that we had a place to stay and the support we needed during an incredibly difficult time. His selflessness during this period, when so many were struggling, speaks volumes about his character and commitment to those around him."

Dawn Tyler Watson, Artist

"Jeff and his organization do a number of events for the city. I've played at the homeless shelter and a Women's Crisis Center. I've done school events for the BluesEd program he helps support. I toured the rape crisis center at a local hospital when I was down for a fundraiser he had arranged for them. In 2020, after the George Floyd murder, Jeff called me and wanted my input on programming more people of color; he was acutely aware of his role to help raise awareness and one of the first to be proactive in reaching out to me with deep understanding. I am lucky enough to have been invited down to Omaha several times. The last time we played, a young lady was on stage before us one of the kids I had coached in 2007 at one of Jeff's school events. She was all grown up, with her own Blues career, doing original music. She said she had never forgotten that experience and that it changed her life. I got all misty, gave her big hug, and told her to shine on and to keep making music. Thank God for people like Jeff and his efforts in the schools and in the community so that the future of the Blues is little bit brighter."

Cedric Perrier LLB (HONS) , Artist Manager/Producer, Impressarius Limited

"Jeff Davis brings a selfless determination to seeing that artists he likes - who may be overlooked by mainstream promoters - get a fair crack at playing in his beloved Omaha. It's equally important to him that these artists - like Cardinal Black, Bywater Call and so many others - enjoy playing in Omaha as much as the local community enjoys their performances. Most notably, he doesn't wait for these artists to find them; instead, he personally pitches them to join him in Omaha, then follows up with a formal offer that often includes contributions to assist them with crippling visa and travel costs. This is how we keep the blues alive. He's one of the best friends music can have."

Jeni Grouws, The Music House Artist-in-Residence

"My residency at The Music House has helped me make incredible connections with other Omaha musicians at open mics, concerts, and songwriting sessions. I was honored to have a handful of those musicians on stage with me in May at The Jewell on Capitol for my show Songs from The Music House, my love letter to Omaha. In the coming months, I will be going to Nashville to record my debut solo album, made up entirely of songs I've written during my residency. Jeff Davis and the Catalyst Foundation provided me with this opportunity and have now extended my residency through May 2026. My next project is sharing a series of five intimate house concerts, already off to a successful start with the Reyes Brothers from Kansas City, with Hadden Sayers up next. In addition, I will be creating a website for The Music House so that other musicians will be able to learn more about the magic this place holds. At a time when it feels harder than ever to be a musician and a songwriter, The Music House and Jeff Davis have gifted me time and space to create, and for those gifts I will be forever grateful."

Curtis Salgado, Artist

'As the founder and producer of the Playing with Fire Festival, Jeff has been instrumental in providing an opportunity to share blues music with and for the community of Omaha. I've experienced this outstanding experience twice at my own performances over the years. In addition, Jeff and the PwF Festival provide important financial support for future generations of blues music via the BluesEd non-profit youth talent development program sponsored by the Blues Society of Omaha. There is no better way to help keep the blues alive than by producing events like Jeff Davis1s Playing with Fire Festival, where blues musicians are employed and new fans are born."

Walter Trout, Artist

"Jeff Davis is a man on a mission. He is a true, deeply committed blues music lover, and he does his utmost to share the music he loves with the city he loves. For over 20 years now, he has put on one of the finest blues festivals in the United States in Omaha, Nebraska. He funds it himself and it is always free to the people of the city. He travels the world and finds up-and-coming artists. It doesn't matter if they are world-famous or just beginning their careers, Jeff always treats them with utmost respect and exemplary hospitality. This is his mission, and he pursues it with passion and resolve. He does all this with an incredibly deep humility, which is very rare in this business. He doesn't seek the spotlight, and he doesn't seek publicity for himself- he does this strictly for the joy he feels by sharing the music, creating community, and doing some good in this world. This award is called Keeping the Blues Alive. In my 55 years as a blues musician, I have never known anyone more deserving of that title and that award!"

Marie Trout PhD, Artist Manager – Author – Speaker

‘Come to Omaha. You can stay at my condo as long as you want. I have a car for you to drive, I have friends at the hospital, and we've already talked about how we can support Walter's situation.' Such were the words from Jeff to me on the phone, when Walter, deathly ill from liver failure, was unable to be helped in Los Angeles due to a regional shortage of organ donation. We flew to Omaha, and the ready-made community and housing afforded to us by Jeff in a very real way saved Walter's life and my sanity. I stayed in Jeff's condo for four months, and for the six months we remained in Omaha, Jeff let me use his car to get around. For our family, our gratitude runs deep-and it's personal. Without Jeff, my husband might not have survived. Walter has since been nominated and won several blues awards, so, in a literal sense, for us and for Walter's fans, Jeff has kept the music alive. We are not alone. Jeff's insightful and compassionate work for the blues and for blues people reaches far and wide."

***

The Blues Foundation will present the 2026 Keeping The Blues Alive Awards at a recognition brunch on Friday, January 16, during the International Blues Challenge (IBC), held January 13–17.

Learn more about each organization and consider becoming a member:

The Blues Foundation

The Blues Foundation Mission: To preserve blues heritage, celebrate blues recording and performance, expand worldwide awareness of the blues, and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form

What is the Keeping the Blues Alive Award

Meet all the 2026 Keeping the Blues Alive Award Recipients

Blues Society of Omaha

The Blues Society of Omaha (BSO) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed in 1998. We are an all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting Blues music in the greater Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska metropolitan areas.

***

The Spirit of Playing with Fire

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:06:20 GMT

Burning bright since 2004, Playing with Fire presents an August ‘Encore Weekend’ that captures the essence of Jeff and Vanessa’s vision for the Omaha music community

If you’ve ever seen Playing with Fire founder Jeff Davis in full groove mode – joyous arms waving, those happy feet stomping, a grin so wide you could project a movie on it – then you know all about the “PwF Spirit.” That blissful “spirit” is equal parts passion, playfulness, and a deep belief that music this good should be free, frequent, and as accessible as sunshine.

“Every time we bring a band to Omaha, we want people to feel what we feel when we hear that first note,” says PwF founder Jeff Davis. “The spirit of Playing with Fire is all about building a community through the power of music, and we’ve been doing that for the past 21 years – one free concert at a time.”

Two more of those concerts are coming this weekend on Friday and Saturday, August 15 and 16, at The Slowdown. And PwF is bringing back a stacked lineup of fan-favorites and international stars. Friday night kicks off with opener Hector Anchondo, then turns the heat up with UK guitar wizard Ben Poole in the support slot, before Scottish blues-rock juggernauts King King close the night as headliner.

Saturday serves up Navajo-rooted blues from Levi Platero as the opener, the horn-fueled soulful-southern rockin’ blues of Bywater Call in the support spot, and Welsh powerhouse Cardinal Black topping the night. It’s the Playing with Fire Encore Weekend, and every one of these artists has earned their place on the PwF stage by leaving Omaha crowds buzzing in years past.

Put it all together, and it’s another highly anticipated chapter in the Playing with Fire journey, one that has seen tireless work from Jeff and Vanessa Marie, co-producer, energetic organizer, and PwF’s unofficial cheer captain. These two music-lovers have been globe-trotting musical matchmakers for more than two decades – chasing riffs at pubs in Glasgow and London, ducking into late-night jam sessions in Toronto, or discovering gold in the blues guitar dens of Wales. They don’t just find talented blues musicians – they find the kind of artists who are rooted in traditional and modern blues, but who also weave in elements of soul, funk – or even a dash of jazz. They can turn a casual toe-tap tune into an all-out, eyes-closed, lose-your-voice-by-the-last-song kind of night.

Indoors for the First Time in 21 Years

This year, for the first time in Playing with Fire’s history, the concerts are moving indoors – straight into the beating heart of Omaha’s NoDo entertainment district at The Slowdown. No relentless mosquitoes, no nose and shoulders burn to a crisp, and no rain delays or wondering if your blanket will be soaked before the first set. Instead, you’ll get every goosebump-raising guitar lick in pristine detail, with only the storm fronts coming from the stage.

“It’s a game-changer,” Davis says. “You still get the high energy and big sound, but now every note lands crisp, every solo gets all the attention they deserve – and the crowd feels like one big, happy, music-loving PwF family.”

Of course, with the air-conditioning and improved sound quality comes a limited capacity. Since The Slowdown reaches capacity at 600 people for Playing with Fire, seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open at 5 p.m. each night, and music begins at 6:30 p.m.

They’re Baaaack!

And how about that Bywater Call horn section? The band is making a return to the Playing with Fire stage after playing the free event in 2023 and 2024. They’re back, along with King King, Cardinal Black, and several other fan favorites. We couldn’t decide! Who are you most excited to see this weekend at the Slowdown?

Encore Weekend Lineup – Friday, August 15

Hector Anchondo (Class of 2017) – Omaha’s own blues guitar sage returns with a sound that’s part Mississippi mud, part Nebraska grit. His solos don’t just tell stories, they invite you onto the porch, hand you a beer, and make you a character in the tale. Watch Hector Anchondo – “Let Loose Those Chains.”
Ben Poole (Classes of 2013 & 2017) – The UK’s answer to, “How much emotion can you wring out of six strings?” Poole’s guitar runs and soulful vocals feel like they’ve been aging in oak barrels for the past 50 years. His 2013 debut at PwF still lingers in local lore like a favorite campfire story. Watch Ben Poole – “Time Might Never Come”
King King (Class of 2024) – If a Scottish pub brawl made peace with a gospel choir, it might sound something like King King. Led by Alan Nimmo, these blues-rock crusaders bring anthems so big they could raise Loch Ness from her nap. Watch King King – “Rush Hour” performed at Playing with Fire 2024.

Saturday, August 16

Levi Platero (Class of 2022) – From To’Hajiilee, New Mexico, Levi’s Navajo-rooted blues ripple with history, heart, and the kind of tone you can feel in your bones. He’s equal parts river and thunderstorm, smooth and free flowing one minute, powerful and loud the next. Watch Levi Platero – “Red House” Live
Bywater Call (Classes of 2023 & 2024) – Imagine a freight train powered by soul, fueled with Southern blues-rock attitude and driven by a vocalist who can break – and then mend – hearts in the same breath. Add horns hot enough to set off sprinklers, and you’ve got Toronto’s Bywater Call. Watch Bywater Call – “Talking Backwards”
Cardinal Black (Class of 2024) – Wales sends us Cardinal Black, a band that can make you close your eyes and swear you’re hearing something you’ve loved your whole life… even if it’s the first time. Chris Buck’s guitar work glides like silk, while Tom Hollister’s vocals are pure velvet thunder. Watch Cardinal Black – “Tell Me How It Feels”

Unsung Heroes – from a Legal Pad to a Load ’Em Up and Break ’Em Down

While you’re swaying, singing, and sipping your drink, some quiet heroes are hard at work behind the curtain – long before it ever opens.

The patron saint of legal documents, Omaha attorney Maggie Ebert, the legal counsel for Playing with Fire, spends months making sure every artist’s visa is approved, every fee is paid, and every obscure government form is filled out correctly (and yes, new ones are being added as we speak!). Without Maggie, Ben Poole’s guitar might still be somewhere over the Atlantic, and Bywater Call’s horn section could be charming customs agents instead of Omaha music fans.

The web wizard and branding magician of PwF is longtime professional graphic designer and PwF associate, Irene Ippersiel. She’s the creative force behind our sharp, buzz-worthy videos and the visual branding that makes PwF instantly recognizable. Without her work, PwF would be like a house of bad blues without a good coat of paint to bring its story to life.

Our rock-solid p roduction t eam volunteers are the extra pair of hands supporting Jeff and Vanessa every step of the way. We’ve got to give a high-five and a big shout-out to Don Keller, Andrew Ebert, Catie Geier, and Kellie Schoon. Without them, we’d still be stuck on the loading docks, riding the midnight train.

And finally, our Day-of-Show Volunteers – the ones who make the final push to bring PwF to life. From set-up to breakdown, supporting artist merch sales, keeping things running smoothly both in front of and behind the stage, and working until the last box is loaded and the final brow is wiped, PwF volunteers keep the show’s heartbeat thumping along.

Jeff and Vanessa are forever grateful to the many PwF volunteers, and they’re hoping you can share some kindness and pass along a smile and a thank you to everyone who helps keep the PwF vision alive.

A Spirit You Can Feel

Ask Jeff and Vanessa why they log tens of thousands of travel miles each year to scout bands, and why Jeff has funded this wonderful musical endeavor since 2004 – and they won’t hesitate:

“There’s nothing like watching someone discover their new favorite band for the first time. It’s magic – and we get to make that magic happen and we share it with everyone, for free, right here in Omaha.”

That’s the spirit of Playing with Fire, and that’s why it’s more than just a catchphrase.

It’s that shared grin when a stranger catches you belting out the same lyric.

It’s the knowing nod when a solo bends just enough to make your jaw drop.

It’s Jeff breaking into a spontaneous dance mid-show (yes, we’ll get more video!).

And it’s Vanessa, reminding us between sets that “the music at Playing with Fire is not just heard, it’s felt. The music is what brings us together. But the feeling of community is why we stay.”

Are you ready? It's almost here!

pwfomaha.vanessa@gmail.com (vanessa marie - bauer) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:11:36 GMT

Playing with Fire Weekend No. 1 is Just Around the Corner!

Feel that buzz in the air? That low hum of anticipation? That’s not your imagination – it’s the sound of Playing with Fire 2025 waking up from its winter nap. You can practically hear it if you lean in close enough: fresh strings being stretched, foot pedals getting test-driven, sharpies scratching out new setlists.

And all roads – musical and otherwise – are leading to one place: Omaha, Nebraska. Why?

Because Playing with Fire is about to ignite the summer soundtrack you didn’t know you were waiting for.

Weekend No. 1 hits Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, and for the first time ever, we’re moving the party indoors (yes, Jeff got the Fire Marshal’s blessing) to one of Omaha’s most iconic listening rooms: The Slowdown. New digs, same electricity. Still free. Still fierce. And if you’re the planning type, we’ve got an option to guarantee your spot admission – more on that in a minute.

Friday, July 25

Jared William Gottberg – This Omaha native opens the night with a stripped-down, soul-baring set of songs that sound like midnight confessions and Sunday morning recoveries. Imagine a campfire jam with singer-songwriters swapping stories — raw, real, and reverent.
Harry Manx, the “Mysticssippi Blues Man” – a seven-time Maple Blues Awards winner with six Juno nominations and a Canadian Folk Music Award. Harry returns to Omaha for the first time in 25 years. If Ry Cooder and Ravi Shankar had a musical baby, it’d sound something like this. Manx plays the mohan veena – a 20-string instrument that looks like a sitar fell in love with a dobro. With guest guitarist Kevin Breit (yes, that Kevin Breit, a collaborator on Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me”), expect a genre-bending set full of spiritual slide guitar, swampy grooves, and blues that levitates.
The Cinelli Brothers – HEADLINING the night are 2024’s UK Blues Band of the Year, and they’re not here to sip tea. They’re bringing their soul-soaked, harmony-heavy, London-by-way-of-Memphis blues revival to Omaha’s doorstep. Think early Rolling Stones – those tight grooves and sizzling guitar work. This is blues with a British twist, an Italian flair, and a vintage heart.

Saturday, July 26

Marcus Trummer – This is what happens when Gen Z discovers vinyl. Marcus Trummer’s music, which will open the night, is all velvet guitar tones, introspective lyrics, and grooves you swear you heard in your older cousin’s muscle car in 1977 (you know the one – that gas-guzzling animal that looked like it just ate a can of spinach). Trummer is the winner of the Telluride Blues Challenge and a Maple Blues Award nominee, one of Canada’s brightest young artists; he’s got fire in his frets.
Alice Armstrong – 2025’s European Blues Challenge Winner and a two-time UK Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year (2024 and 2025). Let that sink in … Yep, Alice Armstrong is a one-woman hurricane of heartbreak, hilarity, and jaw-dropping vocal power, she’s equal parts torch singer and stand-up comic – belting ballads one minute and roasting herself the next. Her set is a rollercoaster of feelings you didn’t know you needed. And her band? A funk-blues freight train with no brakes.
Danielle Nicole – HEADLINING the night is this Grammy-nominated, bass-wielding siren of Kansas City. Nicole has won multiple Blues Music Awards, including Instrumentalist/Bass and Contemporary Blues Female Artist. With a voice that can stop traffic, her basslines groove like they’ve got unfinished business – gotta get out of the way! And her band – including guitar master Brandon Miller — will take you to church and back again. If you like your blues served with smoke, sweat, and maybe a dash of redemption, this one’s for you.

Free Music, Guaranteed Vibes (And Optional Guaranteed Admission)

As always, admission to Playing with Fire is free. Doors open at 5 p.m.; music begins at 6:30 p.m. This year, with the move indoors and a limited capacity, concertgoers have the option to purchase guaranteed admission, with a limited number of tickets available for $25 – inclusive of sales tax and processing fees. Once indoors, seating is first-come, first-served. Proceeds help support part of PwF’s nonprofit mission: bringing world-class blues to Omaha, free for ALL.

Slowdown offers a $25 admission option per show, inclusive of sales tax and processing fees. Proceeds help support

Playing with Fire’s mission and your sanity.

· Doors open at 5 p.m. Music starts at 6:30 p.m.

· Click here: Slowdown’s guaranteed admission tickets

· Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis for all attendees.

Stay Loud, Sleep Local – Special Hotel Rates at Moxy Omaha

Coming from out of town (or want to turn this hot July weekend into a staycation)? Our partner hotel, Moxy Omaha Downtown, is offering rooms for just $139/night (plus taxes). Boutique charm. Beds are like backstage lounges. Record players in the lobby. Plus, a late-night lounge to groove, chill and reminisce on the concerts with fellow fans and artists. And it’s just blocks from The Slowdown.

· Fan rate: $139/night

· Availability to Book Your Moxy Stay

· July 23–28

· August 13–18

See you at The Slowdown!

– Jeff and Vanessa

ABOUT PLAYING WITH FIRE – Since 2004, Playing with Fire has been Omaha’s free summer concert lifeline, spotlighting global blues, soul, funk and roots music while fueling local nonprofits. Guided by Jeff Davis and his co-producer Vanessa Marie, two nomads in pursuit of musical brilliance – and supported by the Douglas County Visitors Improvement Fund, in-kind support and public donations. PwF has hosted 1,000-plus musicians and welcomed 750,000 fans, all with an impeccable safety record, deep respect for the music, and boundless community goodwill.

PwF Announces 2025 Artists Lineup for 21st Year of FREE Summer Concerts

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 01:17:08 GMT

Jeff Davis, PwF Founder/Producer Unveils 2025 Artist Lineup & Venue Change

One of the reasons for my personal success has been tenacity. I play the long game and just never give up. That is—until August of 2024.

Ok Nebraska weather, I give! You win!

The 100-degree plus temperatures and the perpetual chance of rain just took the fun out of producing PwF shows outdoors. Too much heat stress on the PwF Team, volunteers, and fans. Too much financial risk. We can no longer deal with bringing a band 5000 miles, paying for visas and airfare, and not be able to play the show. So, the hard decision is—whether to call it a day or move the event indoors?

So indoors we go in 2025. PwF will present two weekends at Slowdown Music Venue.

Yes, it's not the capacity we want, nor will there be seating for everyone. If you want a seat, get there early is the best I can offer. But it will continue to be FREE , have a good sound system, and AC.

The bands are going to be absolutely killer, too.

The 2025 Lineup – Get Ready!

Ten bands. Two weekends. Four epic nights of music. July 25-26 & August 15-16 mark 21 years of bringing FREE summer concerts to Omaha.

Weekend One

Friday / July 25

Harry Manx —who hasn't been to Omaha in 25 years, will bring his Mohan Veena and open July 25. Guitarist Kevin Breit will fly in from Pluto (okay, Canada) to join Harry as a special guest. I can't wait for Harry's rendition of Tijuana, Coat of Mail, and Death Have Mercy.

Headlining July 25 will be the Cinelli Brothers performing their first show in Omaha. Vanessa and I have caught them three times in England and love their infectious energy. I think you will too.

Saturday / July 26

One of my favorite young singer-songwriters is Marcus Trummer from Calgary, Alberta. How does someone so young compose a tune like "Ready to Go"? Marcus and his band will open on July 26.

Following Marcus is another British act. Get ready for the sultry power of Alice Armstrong . I think she is going to thrill you. Bang Bang!

Headliner on July 26 will be KC's Danielle Nicole . My music pals in Canada and Europe consider Danielle as good as it gets in the blues rock genre. I'm sure she will bring it.

Weekend Two – The Encore

Friday / August 15

Kicking off our encore weekend is UK blues-rocker Ben Poole— dynamic, expressive, and beyond excited to return to Omaha — his favorite U.S. city.

Vanessa and I were on a 'chase the bands tour' in the UK last October. We caught King King in Leeds. They performed for PwF last August. After their Leeds show, band leader Alan Nimmo came off stage to greet us with hugs, saying how much fun he had in Omaha and 'would you please book King King again'? How do you say no to someone who is 6'4", weighs 300 lbs (21.4 stone), and is wearing a kilt!!

Saturday / August 16

Another young gun is Levi Platero . Levi was a member of one of my favorite bands, Mato Nanji's Indigenous, for several tours. Expect plenty of Hendrix flavored guitar from this New Mexican artist and his band. Levi opens the August 16 show.

Then one of our all-time favorite Canadian bands, Bywater Call , returns for a ‘three-peat’! I have said that I will book them until I run out of money — so here they are!

One of the best received bands we played in 2024 was the Cardinal Black from Wales. We had their first USA show, and yep, they are back to close out 2025. Want to know why PwF loves them? Check out "Your Spark" !

What’s Next?

So that's the deal for PwF 2025. Maybe some additions later and hopefully no subtractions.

Those damn visas!

Mark your calendars. Watch for all the updates. Check out our website —my team has done some cool stuff! Hope to see you at the shows.

Jeff Davis

Finding Bywater Call

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:13:15 GMT

Waiting for Jeff to complete

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Walter Trout's Roots Run Deep with Playing with Fire

Wed, 15 May 2024 21:50:25 GMT

Welcome Back Walter Trout

Walter Trout and his band (they were the Radicals then) performed at the first Playing with Fire in 2004. We were at Lewis and Clark Landing. I’m a Walter fan and have seen him play multiple times. Four times at Playing with Fire, one of which was performed in the lobby of the Hilton hotel because of a massive PwF rainout! I saw him at the ZOO Bar in Lincoln. Mont Tremblant, Quebec, twice in London, England, again in Birmingham, England, then Glasgow. Scotland, plus once in Toronto and Hamburg, Germany. I also saw Walter in the Netherlands…but I don’t remember where —- Maybe Tilburg. I really want to see him at The Paradiso in Amsterdam.

I saw Walter at the ZOO Bar in Lincoln. Mont Tremblant, Quebec, twice in London, England, again in Birmingham, England, then Glasgow. Scotland, plus once in Toronto and Hamburg, Germany. I also saw Walter in the Netherlands…but I don’t remember where — Maybe Tilburg. I really want to see him at The Paradiso in Amsterdam.

Walter has played numerous return shows since 2004. He, along with his amazing wife and manager, Marie, and bandmates, most likely enjoy returning to Omaha because of its magnetic pull, fueled by the enthusiastic support and special treatment they get from PwF fans and dear friends. The cheers for encores and great merch sales certainly add to keep Walter and his crew returning for more.

Walter and his most recent band configuration will return to Omaha on July 11th for Playing with Fire's 20th anniversary. It's only appropriate that he plays this show. It wasn't a hard decision for the selection team to make. He is wedged into the sweet spot between opener Aussie keyboardist Lachy Doley and Scottish Blues Rockers the amazing King King. It should be a blast — Literally!

Walter's new CD, Broken, recently debuted at #1 on the US Billboard Blues Charts. It's a different sound for Walter, and it's really good. I'm sure he will perform it and, hopefully, some of his earlier releases. Maybe "Omaha" and "Take Me Home" from the CD Battle Scars, songs inspired by his experiences at the Nebraska Medical Center during a pivotal moment in his life."Take Me Home" is perhaps the best song Walter has ever written. It’s real. It happened. The song is full of pain and fear. And if "Take Me Home" isn’t ‘the blues,’ then I’m totally confused about the genre.

Walter completely rearranged his July performance schedule to play our 20th celebration. I love that we managed to get him one more time.

Jeff

PwF Wants to Know...What's on Your Listening List?

Thu, 09 May 2024 15:26:58 GMT

Jeff Davis Shares His Current Listening List...

There seems to be a plethora of BEST OF lists out there. Best 100 guitarists these days. Best female vocalists. Best of! Best of! I have my own lists, too, but since I don't know a soprano from a tenor (work-related hearing loss) and have no understanding of the skills to play an instrument, I can only present artists that I am CURRENTLY spending a lot of my time listening to—those who play with the passion I love.

So here are a few of my lists. Check them out. You can catch a few at Playing with Fire 2024.

Living Female Vocalists
Dawn Tyler Watson
Meghan Parnell - Bywater Call
Lady Blackbird
Kaz Hawkins
Noa Eguiguren - Noa and the Hell Drinkers

Living Male Vocalists
Raul Malo - Mavericks
Aynsley Lister - Aynsley Lister Band
Thorbjorn Risager - Thorbjorn Risager and the Black Tornado
Ben L'Oncle - Ben L'Oncle Soul
Tom Hollister - Cardinal Black

Living Blues/Rock Guitarists
Dom Martin - Dom Martin Band
Aynsley Lister - Aynsley Lister Band
Chris Buck - Cardinal Black
Gaetano Pellino - Gaetano Pellino and Soul Sarah
Paul Deslauriers - Chambers Deslauriers Band

Living Brass
Pat Carey- sax - Downchild Blues Band
Richard Thornton - sax- Jack DeKyzer Band
Julian Nalli - sax- Bywater Call
Steve Dyte - trumpet- Bywater Call
Neil Brathwaite - sax- Blackburn Brothers Band

Living Keyboardists
Jesse O'Brien - Steve Marriner Band
Jonny Dyke - King King
Matt Weidinger - The Tonewheels
Moritz " Mo" Fuhrhop - Henrik Freischlader Band
Mitch Towne

Living Drummers

Gary Graig - Blackie and The Rodeo Kings

Michael Leasure - Walter Trout

Senri Kawaguchi - Jazz Advengers

Adam Roberts - Cardinal Black

Tom Gilkes - Willie and The Bandits

Let me know who you are listening to.

Jeff

King King's First (and Only) USA Show Lands at Playing with Fire's FREE Summer Concert Series

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 23:18:16 GMT

King King and Blues Rock Headlines

July 11th Playing with Fire FREE Concert

If you are like me and love Blues Rock, you are going to be blown away by the Playing with Fire July 11 concert. It's big, brash and powerful. The lineup is crazy good. Aussie Lachy (Lokey) Doley opens with his B3 and Whammy Clavinet, followed by Walter Trout, who I'm sure will showcase his terrific new CD release, Broken. More on them later.

Top of the bill is King King, the Glasgow Scotland rocker led by Alan Nimmo, who, properly kilted and booted, will perform their very first USA concert.

I first caught Alan Nimmo live when he and his brother Stevie, a guitar hand in his own right, sat in for a couple of songs with Walter Trout at one of Walter's pre-pandemic Glasgow shows. Triple WOW! King King immediately became a must-play for PwF.

Vanessa and I finally caught up with the full King King band on the foredeck of Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive cruise last August. What a great show. Alan and Stevie's synchronized guitars playing off one another's lead on the classic "Old Love" and Alan's voice on "Rush Hour," "Long History of Love," and "Stranger to Love" sealed the deal — time to call the booking agent.

Then there is the band! Stevie Nimmo on guitar 2! Zander Greenshields on the bass! Andrew Scott is on the drum kit! Adding to this rock-solid core of King King is the amazing keyboardist Johnny Dyke-he is terrific! Standing Ovation here.

I think you will love King King. It's their first and only show in the USA, and believe me, they will be coming to play.

Our stage at Gene Leahy is 82 feet wide. There is plenty of room in the Front Row!

Jeff

Movin' On to Performance Pavilion at Gene Leahy Mall

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:07:07 GMT

Movin' On - 10 Reasons Why

Playing with Fire recently announced our move from Turner Park in Midtown Crossing to the Performance Pavilion at the Gene Leahy Mall. Numerous fans have asked, "Why the move?"

So here's my top 10 reasons:

1. I'm a Downtown guy. I love the Gene Leahy Mall redo and the new energy it has brought to Omaha. I want to share in the vibe.

2. Given my past criticism of Omaha's performance venues, it feels only fitting to acknowledge the significant contributions made by many to ensure a quality space for events. Therefore, it would be hypocritical of me not to host an event at the new Performance Pavilion at Gene Leahy Mall.

3. The move will enhance our fans' overall experience. Finally, a beer garden. Finally, easy access to a variety of different food options. Still have the grass! Parking is an issue everywhere.

4. A later curfew. Our sound curfew will now be 10:30, not the 10:00 hard stop at Turner Park. This is a big deal when fans want that one last song, and the band wants to give it to them.

5. A much larger stage. As much as I loved the stage at Turner Park, it was just too small to produce an event with three to four 6–7-piece bands per night. Our stage and sound crews did a fantastic job at Turner Park, but set changes became more complex and hectic with bigger bands, especially in July's heat.

6. A larger backstage hospitality area for our bands. The Performance Pavilion backstage has plenty of space for our bands to eat, relax, and mingle. Plus, there are no stairs.

7. Easier access to electricity. The performance facility was designed with events in mind. We will no longer have to run 200 feet of power cords to our merch tents.

8. Access to public toilets.

9. Access to public drinking fountains.

10. It's not free for PwF to produce our shows at Gene Leahy Mall, but overall, it's less expensive than Turner Park. Every dollar saved is a big deal with our 2024 costs exceeding $250K

No venue is perfect (well, the Harbourfront Amphitheater in Toronto is close, and I would love to produce a show there just to see it!) Thankfully, PwF has a dedicated team working hard to ensure an incredible music experience for our fans and artists in Omaha.

Playing with Fire has moved, but it's still FREE!

We hope to see you all three nights, July 11, 12, and 13.

- Jeff

Remembering Laura Luger

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 23:12:54 GMT

The Aeolian Chick with a special bond...

I met Laura Luger in the early summer of 2004. She was on an assignment for Omaha Magazine to write a feature article about the newly created Playing with Fire series. At the end of the interview, she asked, ‘How Can I Help?’ And that’s where my 20-year friendship with this extraordinary woman was born!

Laura Luger passed on March 1, 2024, at her home in Hawaii.

Nooooooooooooooo!

Where do I start? What do I say?

I called Laura, The Glue. She wore the referee's shirt during the early years of Playing with Fire disagreements and was unafraid to blow the whistle long and hard. She cemented the team together.

Laura was adept at writing PwF grant proposals and garnering annual dollars from our supporters—the Glue in the other sense.

She loved to windsurf. She hated sweet potatoes. She loved Kris Lager, Aynsley Lister, Big Head Todd, and Robert Randolph. She always did her part and never said no to doing more. She never wanted credit and always seemed to be a step away. But that was the Glue.

RIP? I'm not sure that Heaven knows who's coming! Laura is a spitfire and an occasional hellion. But she is always laughing, smiling, joking, instigating. She had that impish grin I loved.

She called me Davis Dude. She was my right hand.

I miss her, and I'm crying! We all are. Vanessa Marie, the Playing with Fire team. Our fans. Musicians she chauffeured around town when they performed at PwF. We are all so saddened by Laura's passing.

We know life is ephemeral but that doesn't make her loss any less painful.

Jeff

PwF Summer Concerts Celebrating 20th Anniversary

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 15:00:01 GMT

PwF Founder, Jeff Davis, Reflects on Celebrating 20 Years of Music in the City He Loves

Well, that went fast!

It seemed only yesterday when the PwF team debated which bands to book for our 2004 inaugural season at Lewis and Clark Landing. Wow, we achieved a great lineup - Bernard Allison, Joe Bonamassa, Savoy Brown, Walter Trout, and Coco Montoya!

What started as a one-season effort to bring free music to Omaha (my favorite city) has morphed into an epic endeavor that has produced over 100 free events featuring 300 plus bands, enlisting over 1000 musicians. I'm seriously proud of that. It's been almost unreal to have met many of my musical heroes. I have had dinner with the Yardbirds and hung out with Johnny and Edgar Winter.

The PwF team has taken great pride in bringing our fans new and unknown artists, many of whom were performing at their first USA or Omaha show. A few are Dawn Tyler Watson, Monkey Junk, and Jerome Godboo from Canada; Ben Poole, When Rivers Meet; Catfish from England; and AWEK and Gunwood from France. Do you remember the Aussie band Freeway? They rained out at The Landing but finished their set, as did PwF headliner Walter Trout in the Hilton Hotel Lobby; what a memorable night for us.

We plan to create more memorable nights as we celebrate PwF's 20th Anniversary year with several first-American performances and fan-favorite repeaters. Commanding the PwF stage on July 11 will be the first USA show for the Scottish Blues Rockers, King King. Toronto's fabulous Bywater Call will return for another headliner appearance on July 11. July 13 headliner will feature the fantastic Welsh band Cardinal Black for their first USA appearance, which we are sure won't be their last. Don't miss Australia's Lachy Doley on the " Whammy" clavinet and Omaha favorite Walter Trout on July 11. Little Joe McCarthey & Big Trouble and award-winning Toronto-based Blackburn Brothers both make return PwF appearances on July 12. On the final night, July 13, the return of English guitarist Aynsley Lister and Omaha's Kris Lager and BluesEd will support the Cardinal Black. Can you say….Guitar show??

So please join us for three FREE nights of fabulous, Yes, FREE Live music at the Performance Pavilion at Gene Leahy Mall. Bring your family. Tell your friends. Our 20th Anniversary will be the "music party of the year"!

We look forward to seeing you at Gene Leahy.

Dancin’ shoes "de rigeuer"!

Jeff Davis

PwF Founder/Producer

Playing with Fire Presents: An Extraordinary Night of Modern Blues, Funk, and Southern Soul on Saturday, August 12

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:50:38 GMT

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!

BlueEd: Us & Them

Playing with Fire Saturday night tradition with BluesEd opener continues with an infectious show of blues and blues-inspired rock, funk, and soul by Us & Them.

Band members ranging in age from 14 to 18 are a shining example of this unique youth artists development program second to none amongst student music programs across the US.

These young musicians dese rve your early attendance to experience their inspiring performance!

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal: From Local Favorite to Soul Sensation

Hailing from our own backyard, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal are no strangers to the Omaha music scene. PwF producer, Jeff Davis recollects, "Josh Hoyer last performed at Playing with Fire in 2009 with his band Son of 76 & The Watchmen. Since then, he has been at the top of the Soul charts, runner up on The Voice , and their album, Green Light , won best self-produced CD at the 2023 International Blues Challenge."

This talented group of musicians fills the air with their authentic energy and killer horns igniting the stage with their passion and groove. With Josh's soulful vocals leading the way, they will take you on a musical journey that you won't soon forget.

As Jeff Davis says, "They have souls and killer horns. I dig 'em both." Brace yourself for a night of soulful energy and infectious rhythms that will have you dancing under the stars."

Check out Josh and his band here:

Joanne Shaw Taylor: A British Blues Rock Guitarist Steeped in Modern Blues

Prepare to be blown away by the electrifying guitar skills and soulful voice of Joanne Shaw Taylor. As a longtime favorite of PwF volunteer, JB Duncan, her appearance on our stage is a dream come true.

With seven acclaimed albums under her belt, Joanne's music has earned her praise and recognition from legends like Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, and Stevie Wonder. Her 2019 album, "Reckless Heart," even broke into the UK Top 20 Album Chart. But it's not just her guitar prowess that captivates audiences; it's the raw emotion and passion she pours into every note.

As Jeff Davis recalls, "JB Duncan asked me a couple of years back to book Joanne Shaw Taylor, the British blues rock guitarist. She is his favorite artist. Well, JB, here you go. Enjoy the show. You certainly earned it."

Joanne's soulful ballads and smoky blues numbers allure guitar lovers and memorize the listeners as she takes us on a musical journey of a lifetime.

Rick Galusha, host of Pacific Street Blues, recently noted, 'A Must See artist for any Modern Blues fan.'

Let this listen take you to the Blues :

Bywater Call: From Toronto to Omaha, A Powerhouse Band

The night wouldn't be complete without the powerful presence of Bywater Call. As Jeff Davis explains, "There are only a few bands that I would travel to see night after night after night, and for Bywater Call, yes, yes I would."

This Toronto-based 7-piece band delivers a passionate and commanding performance that mesmerizes audiences across the generations. Their stellar musicianship and killer horns are matched only by the captivating vocals of Meghan Parnell, whose voice puts an arrow through Jeff Davis's heart.

With passion and talent that knows no bounds, Bywater Call revitalizes the southern soul, blues, and roots music with innovative material and a coherent production that finds the perfect balance between spark and musical excellence. Get ready to be moved, grooved, and spellbound by the magic that is Bywater Call.

A must hear of one of the producers favorite s:

Join us on August 12 for an extraordinary night of performances that will leave you inspired, uplifted, and renewed....all under the stars and all completely FREE.

Bring your friends...bring your family... bring your picnics...

Immerse yourself in an evening of the best of the best that Playing with Fire has in store for you.

St ay tuned. Tell your family and friends. Watch for more updates and get ready for your best summertime fun with Omaha's Best FREE Summer Concert Series brought to you by Playing with Fire.

A Weekend of Sensational Music - You. Won't. Want.To.Miss. ��

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

Playing with Fire Presents: A Night of Soulful Modern Blues and Powerful Performances on August 11

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:49:37 GMT

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!

The Return of Thorbjørn Risager and The Black Tornado:

Conquering Omaha with Their Roots-Rock Soul

Headlining the Friday, August 11 PwF show is the ever-so-talented TR&TBT, a seven-piece powerhouse band that has conquered hearts all over the world. As PwF Producer Jeff Davis states, "Vanessa and I can't wait for Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado's return to Omaha for their August 11 show. The bands electrifying performance at Playing with Fire in 2019 is deserving of this encore performance! They will be touring with their new CD, Navigation Blues . Looking forward to hearing many of the new songs with different sounds and some of our all-time favorites!"

Since their formation in 2014, Thorbjørn Risager and his exceptional band of musicians have become Denmark's premier roots-rockers, winning numerous nominations, two Danish Music Awards, and "Best Band' at the European Blues Awards. They have performed in 21 countries and released twelve albums. With their latest album, "Navigation Blues," they take us on a journey from rolling rhythm blues romps to southern rocker songs.

The soulful voice of Thorbjørn Risager has been praised by none other than Dan Aykroyd, who hailed their "hot rhythm and blues." The band's love for music and its continuous development always results in electrifying performances that leave audiences in awe.

It is an honor to bring Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado back to Omaha! Get ready to be swept away by the captivating sounds that fuse soul, and Chicago blues boogie, with soulful melodies and groovy beats.

Take a peek at TR&TBT here.... you're going to love this:

Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar: A Gospel-Glazed, Funky, and Soulful Experience

Fronted by lead vocalist Samantha Martin, this Canadian band is a force to be reckoned with. As Jeff Davis puts it, "Toronto-based Samantha and Delta Sugar are one of my Canadian favs. Samantha has plenty of soul but can also light it up, too! She has promised to perform 'So I'll Always Know' for me!!"

With 13 Maple Blues Awards under her belt, Martin's stunning and torrid force of a voice takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster. The band's 2018 album "Run to Me" and their latest release, "The Reckless One," have earned them Juno Award Blues Album of the Year nominations (American's Grammy).

But the magic of Delta Sugar lies not only in Martin's powerhouse vocals but also in the pure and unadulterated gospel-tinged vocal blend that the band creates. The result is sheer neuron-tingling magic where the sum is even richer than the already soul-melting parts.

As Jeff recalls, "Ms. Martin’s raw juke joint voice is the charm – the arrangements & band sparkle."

Americana Highway praises the band for this very charm and sparkling arrangements making them a perfect addition to a powerful night of music at Turner Park.

Here are the sweet sounds of music awaiting PwF fans:

Join us on August 11 for an energetic evening of electrifying sounds, soulful vocals, and powerful performances that will touch your heart, elevate your soul....leave you wanting more.

Don't miss out on this incredible musical experience brought to you by Playing with Fire. We can't wait to see you there! A weekend of sensational music you won't want to miss!��

Coming Soon!

Part 2: Another Night of Blues and Soul Under the Stars

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

Playing with Fire: Soulful Journeys and Supporting Young Talent for FREE on Saturday, July 15

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:31:52 GMT

On Saturday, July 15, Playing with Fire's best FREE summer music concert series returns, with flames of passion for music burning bright. Playing with Fire has become a beacon for music lovers across Omaha. Join us as we explore the upcoming electrifying performances and the commitment to keeping the fire of music alive in this extraordinary nonprofit event. Get ready to be transported into the soulful realm of Playing with Fire, where the magic of music comes alive in the hearts of all who experience it.

Listen to all the artists in order of appearance on PwF's Spotify playlist!

Twelve Bar Blues Band members Peter Langerak, Kees Dusink, and Jan Scherpenzeel

with PwF Co-Producers Jeff and Vanessa

The Dutch Blues Connection:

Twelve Bar Blues Band

Persistence and unwavering passion brought the Saturday, July 15 headliner Twelve Bar Blues Band from Amsterdam to Playing with Fire. Jeff Davis shared the journey of getting 12BBB to Omaha, from stumbling upon the band on a late-night YouTube rabbit hole to personal pleas that eventually secured the band's first and only USA show...right here in Omaha.

"I immediately tried to book the band but discovered they had recently gone on hiatus," Davis said. "The band’s website indicated no contact information, so I contacted my friend Rob van Elst, the originator of the Netherlands Blues Moose Radio. Rob gave me some 12BBB contact info and wished me luck. I contacted Kees Dusink, 12BBB lead guitarist, and made a pitch for a PwF show. The answer was no since all the band members were doing new projects."

It pays to be persistent. Davis contacted Kees every few months for two years with a PwF proposal for an Omaha show. Finally, in 2021, the band said yes to a 2022 show!

Get ready to be transported back to the old-school Chicago Blues era on Saturday, July 15.

Music For The City 2022 , Vanessa (PwF), David Thompson (Bass), Jeff Davis (PwF), Maggie Ebert (PwF Immigration Attorney), Dom Martin, Fenton and Audrey (Dom’s Mgmt Team)

An Electrifying Irish Presence:

Dom Martin Band

Hailing from Northern Ireland, Dom Martin's guitar skills and electrifying performances have earned him a place in the prestigious British Blues Hall of Fame.

Dom Martin played his first USA show last May in Omaha at Music for the City, PwF sister’s concert series, making many new fans stateside. Since Dom’s Music for the City show, he won an additional two UK Blues Music Awards this year, one of which is for best guitarist in the UK. Dom returns to perform on PwF’s big stage at Turner Park on Saturday, July 15.

"True to his Irish roots, Dom always includes a few tunes from one of my favorite artists, Rory Gallagher," Davis revealed. "Expect to be wowed for 70 minutes!"

Brace yourself for 70 minutes of awe-inspiring talent and undeniable stage presence. Dom Martin and his band will deliver a performance that will leave you longing for more. Get a feel for his vibe here:

The Return of a Rising Star:

Justin Saladino Band

In the early days of Playing with Fire, cultural exchanges with Quebec's Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival brought young talents to the forefront. Among them was Justin Saladino, who has since exploded into a remarkable band leader, guitarist, and songwriter.

He recently competed at the IBCs and performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival and on a Joe Bonamassa KTBA blues cruise.

"As part of the mission of PwF to support young talent, we are excited to welcome Justin Saladino back to Omaha," Davis said.

Brace yourself for an evening of original tracks infused with Justin's soulful, bluesy spirit--all on Saturday, July 15!

Justin Saladino performed with Runaway Slide August 2008 at PwF

PwF and BluesEd comes ’Full Circle’ with BluesEd alum, Heather Newman return to PwF with her own band

Supporting Young Talent: BluesEd

"I always knew that when starting PwF, our events would support another non-profit partnership – it’s just the right thing to do."

Vanessa and Jeff made BluesEd Playing with Fire's continuous partner in 2018 when they brought BluesEd Alum Heather Newman and her band to play PwF. PwF shares 50% of all free-will donations at their Saturday shows with BluesEd.

PwF is one of the few events providing BluesEd with the opportunity to raise funds for their organization.

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

The Stories Behind Playing with Fire 's July 14 Show: A Journey through Music and Persistence

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:31:30 GMT

In the world of live music, passion and dedication often form the foundation of extraordinary events. Playing with Fire, Omaha's non-profit organization committed to keeping the fire of music alive, is no exception. Let's dig deep into a few captivating stories shared by PwF Producer Jeff Davis, as he takes us on a journey behind the scenes of this year's Playing with Fire July concert series.

Listen to all the artists in order of appearance on PwF's Spotify playlist!

2016 PwF - Sugaray Rayford and Jeff Davis

A Soulful Return: Sugaray Rayford

"I don’t just listen to music, I feel it in my soul, and that’s how I book the bands for Playing with Fire," says Jeff Davis, the catalyst behind the magic of Playing with Fire.

Davis fondly remembers Sugaray Rayford's extraordinary performance at the 21st Saloon and the resilience he and his band displayed when rain forced the 2016 PwF show indoors.

"Sugaray didn't disappoint, still giving it his all," Davis said. "Vanessa and I caught Sugaray two years ago at the Trois-Rivières en Blues festival in Quebec, Canada. We were amazed as he charismatically walked through the crowd singing. His booming voice doesn't require a microphone to blast out his message loud and clear with his full-on boogieing. Don't miss this show on July 14 - Big Suga is super sweet!"

Check this out:

High Energy and Hooks: Eddie 9V

When it comes to high-energy performances and infectious hooks, Atlanta-based blues rocker Eddie 9V knows how to set the stage ablaze...and they'll be doing just that on Friday, July 14. Jeff Davis recalls seeing Eddie and his band, where they left an indelible mark.

"Vanessa and I caught Eddie and his band in Omaha at the B Bar last summer after hearing raves reviews about his powerful shows filled with songs with great hooks. I'm still singing "3 AM in Chicago" in my sleep!" Davis said. Check out the song here:

Prepare to be mesmerized as Eddie 9V takes you on a sonic journey that will have you moving and grooving to the rhythm of the blues.

Coming Soon!

Part 2: The Stories Behind Playing with Fire's 2023 Concerts

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

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

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:30:00 GMT

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 19 ^th 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.

Celebrate Playing with Fire’s Return by Reveling in the World Class Music Featured This Summer!

pwfomaha.vanessa@gmail.com (vanessa marie - bauer) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:45:03 GMT

For Immediate Release:

Omaha, Neb. – April 12, 2022

After a two-year hiatus, the Playing with Fire concert series (like everyone else) is ready to cut loose and celebrate summer with live music! Whether your reaction is to sway, tap your toes, or dance it out like no one’s watching, we’ve got the bands for you!

Organizers Jeff Davis and Vanessa Marie of Omaha’s longtime Playing with Fire summer concert series announce the return of FREE live outdoor performances. All family-friendly shows are open to the public and scheduled for the weekends of July 15–16 and Aug. 12–13 at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing.

Davis and Marie also announce the re-launch of Music for the City , free concerts that take place at Omaha’s Miller Landing on May 21, June 11, July 23, and Aug. 20.

Blues and its incendiary offspring, rock, funk, R&B, soul, jazz, and roots will all be showcased at the free shows that highlight renowned national and international acts, as well as local and regional acts.

Acclaimed bands featured in this summer’s free shows range from multiple nominees and award winners of Blues Music Awards, Maple Blues Awards, and Juno Awards (Canada’s equivalent of a Grammy.) Also featured are Dutch sensations Twelve Bar Blues Band, winner of the Dutch Blues Foundation Award for Best Blues band, and Ireland’s Dom Martin, whom Davis describes as “the number one acoustic guitar player from Europe.” These renowned acts from around the world will converge on Omaha, some appearing for the first time in the U.S.

“It’s a comeback year,” Marie said. “The excitement of being able to get out, listen to the incredible music from around the world, bring people together. It’s what we do — we build community through the power of music.”

Playing with Fire schedule

Fri., July 15

Ghost Town Blues Band – Tennessee: “Not your grandpa’s blues band,” GTBB, just won the 2021 Maple Blues Award’s B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. The band’s latest release Shine debuted at #1 on the 2019 Billboard Blues Chart. Too many recent awards to list here!
Twelve Bar Blues Band – Amsterdam: “The Blues, the whole Blues and nothing but the Blues!” Playing mostly originals in traditional Chicago and New Orleans styles, Twelve Bar Blues Band has garnered fans from all over the world.
The Rex Granite Band featuring Sarah Benck – Omaha: A 2020 finalist in the International Blues Challenge, the band was nominated for the third time in the 2020 OEA award for Best Blues, after being nominated in 2018 and winning that award in 2017.

Sat., July 16*

Mike Zito & the Big Band – Missouri: With 18 albums to his name, as a former member of the US supergroup Royal Southern Brotherhood and multiple Blues Music Award nominations and wins, for 2022, his is nominated for a BMA Blues Rock Album for his 2021 release, Resurrection.
Twelve Bar Blues Band – (See Friday, July 15th bio.)
Levi Platero Band - Navajo nation: Take Me Back , won the 2016 New Mexico Music Awards for Best Blues, and he was also nominated for an Indigenous Music Award for Best Rock album, with Perspective . Levi mixes a spectrum of Texas Blues, vintage rock, to modern guitar heroes.

Fri., Aug. 12

Markus James and the Wassonrai – California: Psychedelic blues-infused by West African traditional sounds performed by playing traditional African instruments – need we say more?
JP Soars Gypsy Blues Revue with special guest, Anne Harris – Florida: Nominated in 2021 in the Contemporary Blues Male Artist category for a Blues Music Award (BMA), and now in 2022 as B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, and J.P. Soars and the Red Hots for Band of the Year, Soars is truly soaring.
Anne Harris – Chicago: “She inhabits the music, or maybe the music inhabits her, but it is impossible not to be drawn under her spell.” Anne Harris not only presents a superb musical experience; her performances are also visually mesmerizing.
Altered Five – Milwaukee: Their sixth studio album, Holler If You Hear Me, debuted at #3 on the Billboard Blues Chart and received three 2022 Blues Music Award nominations, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year, among previous chart placing achievements and accolades.

Sat., Aug. 13*

Catfish - U.K.: Nominated in five categories for the 2021 UK Blues Awards and winning the Best Instrumentalist for guitarist Matt Long, the same event in 2020 chose them as Band of the Year and again crowned Long Blues Instrumentalist adding to those previously earned in 2016 & 2018.
When Rivers Meet - U.K. (See Aug. 20th bio)
Harris/James - California; Chicago: Harris James' sound is a kaleidoscope of deep grooves, atmospheric instrumental passages, harmonies, and poetic flashes in a musical terrain that ranges from acoustic old-time to amped-up Hill Country to electrified trance blues-rock.

Music for the City schedule

Sat., May 21*

Dom Martin Band – Ireland: Blues in Britain calls Dom Martin, "A rare talent of SUCH sheer genius" and Cerys Matthews of BBC Radio 2 boasts of his music, “Absolutely wonderful stuff"
Terry Quiett Band – Kansas: Midwest Records says of TQB, "Kicking things off with the kind of choogling boogie blues that electrifies your hair endings and fries your synapses, Quiett is now leading the blues power trio to beat.”
Opener for this show announced at later date.

Sat., June 11*

JW Jones – Canada: This blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter is a 2015 Juno Award nominee, a Billboard magazine Top 10 Selling artist, a winner of the International Blues Challenge for Best Guitarist in 2020, and IBC winner of Best Self-Produced CD Award in 2017.
Lucas Haneman Express – Canada: Best New Act at the 2018 Maple Blues Awards, the Lucas Haneman Express is a soulful, fun-filled, and electrifying musical ride!
Jeremy Mercy Band – Omaha: Mercy’s raw and honest songwriting are often elevated to cinematic and transcendent levels.

Sat., July 23*

MonkeyJunk – Canada: 23 Maple Blues Awards, 2 Indy Awards, 1 USA Blues Music Award, and 2 Juno Awards, the band is also a 2022 Maple Blues Awards nominee in the Electric Act of the Year category.
Paul Reddick – Canada: His latest album, Alive in Italia serves as a reflective retrospective of his long, storied, boundary-breaking songwriting career, which spans 10 previous albums — including the 2016 Juno Award-winning Best Blues Album Ride The One .
David Gogo – Canada: The “King of Boogie” has six JUNO Award nominations, has been named Guitarist of The Year three times at the Maple Blues Awards, and is currently nominated for two Maple Blues awards in 2022.

Sat., Aug. 11*

Nikki Hill Band - N.C.: PopMatters explains, “When you have a powerful Southern soul singer with a penchant for AC/DC…you’re going to get something badass--talent not to be ignored.”
When Rivers Meet - U.K. The first band to win 4 UK Blues Awards in the same year in 2021 and were Voted Best New Band 2021 by Planet Rock listeners. WRM’s unique harmonic vocal-led approach to songwriting, dirty electric guitar, slide resonator mandolin, and fiddle create a uniquely distinctive, and contemporary blues-rock sound that echoes 1970s classic rock with hints of the 1930s blues that inspire them.:
Vander - Wells (Duo)– Omaha: Genre-bending brothers Brady Wells and Andre Vander Velde seamlessly weaves in and out of various styles from soul and rock to pop and folk, while keeping you entertained every step of the way.

* Six of eight shows will feature performances by Playing with Fire’s charitable partner, BluesEd Youth Program , an Omaha-based, non-profit youth talent development program sponsored by Blues Society of Omaha with a mission of “keeping the blues alive.”

Turner Park, home to Playing with Fire, is located at 3110 Farnam St. in Omaha’s Midtown Crossing development. Music for the City will take place on the Dam Stage at Miller’s Landing, 151 Freedom Park Rd., along the Missouri River.

Partners, sponsors, and donors of Playing with Fire and Music for the City include Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Douglas County, United for Business, Kutak Rock, Boone Jaguar Companies Accountants & Consultants, The Dispatch, Element by Westin, BluesEd, Midtown Crossing, KIOS 91.5 Omaha Public Radio, a cup of content and Blues Society of Omaha.

For more information about Playing with Fire and Music for the City , visit www.playingwithfireomaha.net .

###

About Playing with Fire

Playing with Fire (PwF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a vision to support Omaha’s national reputation as a ‘music city,’ build community through the power of music, and support other local non-profit organizations, particularly the youth artist development program, BluesEd, which promotes music awareness and education for the children of our musical community. Started in 2004, Playing with Fire has held more than 100 free summer concerts that have helped introduce Omaha’s metro residents to the highest quality of local, national, and international musical talent. Playing with Fire is sustained by grants from the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund, sponsorships, in-kind donations, and volunteers. To learn more about Playing with Fire, visit http://playingwithfireomaha.net .

Jeff Davis Travels United

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 01:48:09 GMT

United We Fly

I made my inaugural flight on United Airlines in 1960. I was 14. That flight from Omaha to Los Angeles was the beginning of my love adventure with airline travel and my remarkable relationship with United Airlines.

Since joining United’s Frequent Flyer Program, I have logged 1,083,377 miles – the equivalent of 43.5 trips around the world. I always arrived safely, with my luggage, and as close to on time as the weather would allow. Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris, Honolulu, Buenos Aires, and Munich were some highlights of my adventures. You see I have the “traveling jones”. When I’m here I want to be there, and when I’m there I want to be somewhere else. Since United flies nearly everywhere, the airline has managed to get me wherever I wanted to go!

United was also the preferred carrier of each of my businesses, safely delivering our team to far-flung meetings on short notice, trade shows, and bonus trips. Playing with Fire has been booking our international musicians exclusively on United since we started in 2004.

So, I am excited to announce that United Airlines has joined with Playing with Fire and Music for the City to provide airfare support for our artists and fans traveling to Omaha. This valuable partnership allows us to book artists who are not on tour (and therefore not likely near Omaha) for a “one-off” fly-in from wherever they may be located.

Also, if YOU are flying to Omaha for one of our shows, check out our websites (PwF) / (MFTC) for a Promo Code to book a discounted flight. I hope to see you at one of our concerts.

The ticket agent has just called my flight, so I gotta go.

Excuse me while I fly the Friendly Skies!

Jeff Davis

2021 – PwF…IS BACK!!!

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 20:21:00 GMT

The Final Coun tdown

Playing with Fire.... IS BACK!

Nothing quite says summertime in Omaha like live music and fresh air. While we have all have been emerging from our covid slumbers and putting on our first pair of pants in months, Playing with Fire IS BACK and has been hard at work to bring you the Free Summer Concert Series that you know and love. This year is shaping up to be one of the best series to date because when the world shuts down, what do musicians do? They become even better than ever before.

After a whole year to plot and plan, Jeff Davis managed to bring the best of the best to the Omaha stage once again. Ranging from the down and dirty Ghost Town Blues Band to the poetic, powerful and sultry country artist Crystal Shawanda. It wouldn’t be the Playing with Fire way to not bring you a little something for everyone and you best believe there’s more than enough to go around.

If this past year has taught us anything is the importance of supporting local and this is nothing new for Playing with Fire. We’re excited to announce our very own The Rex Granite Band ft. Sarah Benck will be welcoming our 2 national touring artists on July 17th at the Capitol District in Downtown Omaha. This will be the FIRST of THREE Playing with Fire Concerts this summer and we’re just getting started

So dust off those dancing shoes, block off your calendars, and tell your frie nds. Because Playing with Fire… IS BACK!

The PwF team is super excited about this line-up! We will tell you more about each artist in the coming months.

Until then, Stay Safe.

The Playing with Fire Team

A LETTER FROM JEFF DAVIS Founder and Producer

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 03:29:00 GMT

As some of you may know and most of you suspect Playing with Fire won’t happen in 2020. PwF has fallen victim to COVID-19’s canceled tours, closed borders, social distancing, and the inability of our international artists to meet their visa requirements. And that’s the BAD news.

Here is the good news: Although we have postponed until 2021 ALL of our artists have rebooked with us for 2021. We have, however, changed our dates and performance line-ups to accommodate artists with previous 2021 commitments.

And the really good news: To play “Catch-Up” we have added a 4th show to 2021. And, if things work out we would like to add two more concerts!

Dates and Artists confirmed for 2021 are:

FRIDAY/ JULY 16

Mike Zito Band

MonkeyJunk

SATURDAY / JULY 17

Ghost Town Blues Band

Delgres

Rex Granite Bank featuring Sarah Benck

FRIDAY / AUGUST 13

My Baby

Lachy Doley

SATURDAY / AUGUST 14

Catfish

Nikki Hill

Freeway

The PwF team is super excited about this line-up! We will tell you more about each artist in the coming months. PwF is planning a great 2021 season at the Capitol District in Omaha, Nebraska.

Until then, Stay Safe,

Jeff Davis

Founder/Producer

Playing with Fire