On Friday, September 5th, the 7th annual Shadow Ridge Music Festival will bring the biggest alt-rock lineup of the summer to Omaha. This year’s headliner, BUSH, is internationally recognized as one of the biggest rock bands of the past 30 years. With over 24 million albums sold, a procession of #1 hits that serve as alt-rock anthems, and one of alt-rock’s most recognizable lead singers, BUSH will arguably be the Shadow Ridge Music Festival’s biggest headliner to date.
“If you would have told me when we started that BUSH would headline our festival someday, I never would have believed you,” said Festival founder Justin Shanahan. “I have been a huge fan of their music since I was 15 years old. To have them here is a dream come true.”
Joining BUSH is The Fray, who, after nearly a decade-long hiatus, is back on tour in 2025. Known for a multitude of Billboard Top 10 hits, this will be The Fray’s first return to Omaha in more than ten years. “The Fray has an incredible catalog of hits, and they are known for putting on an amazing live show,” Shanahan said. “We wanted a band that would widen our audience by bringing a different style and energy while still playing recognizable hit songs that everyone can sing along to.”
SoCal power punk legends Lit, and alt-rock hit makers Fuel, will open the show. “Lit’s performance of ‘My Own Worst Enemy’ at the 2022 Shadow Ridge Music Festival is easily one of my favorite songs ever performed at our show,” Shanahan shared. “The energy was incredible, and I can’t wait for them to do it again. Fuel will be the biggest opening band we’ve ever had. They have written some of the most recognizable hits in the history of alternative rock.”
In addition to great music and cold beverages, Shanahan said a dozen local restaurants and food trucks will be on hand for festival goers to enjoy. “Great food is important, and we always try and bring in interesting local food trucks that represent the diverse culinary scene Omaha has. We have some great new additions this year that festival goers will love.”
The Shadow Ridge Music Festival has again partnered with the Lane Thomas Foundation, founded locally by Matt and Melissa Graves, and a portion of every ticket sold will go to supporting families of children in need of life-saving transplants. “The Lane Thomas Foundation does a phenomenal job supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants,” Shanahan said. “It is important to me that our Festival has a bigger purpose in our community, and by supporting the Lane Thomas Foundation, we are making a positive impact beyond just entertaining people. I encourage everyone to visit LaneThomas.org and learn about the incredible work Matt and Melissa are doing.”
With over 5,000 in attendance last year, the Shadow Ridge Music Festival was one of the biggest paid outdoor concerts in Omaha in 2024, putting it on the map as a premier concert event.
