Playing With Fire announces powerhouse 2025 lineup

OMAHA, NE – Nothing drenches a blazing guitar solo like a rogue thunderstorm, so after 21 years of unforgettable (and unpredictable) outdoor shows, Omaha’s beloved Playing with Fire (PwF) free concert series is moving indoors. This year’s event – with a return to the popular two-weekend format – will be staged inside the Slowdown, a live music venue that consistently draws nationally touring bands who praise the downtown Omaha venue’s crisp acoustics and vibe-heavy atmosphere.

The 2025 lineup, announced today, features 10 bands that have honed their chops from the blues clubs of Glasgow and London to the soul scenes of Toronto and Kansas City. This year, PwF is weatherproof and humidity-resistant, ready to deliver an unforgettable summer soundtrack – rain or shine.

“This is going to be a game-changer for PwF – for the fans and the bands,” said Jeff Davis, founder and co-producer of Playing with Fire. “We’ve had incredible outdoor shows over the past two decades; I mean, we’re talking bucket-list performances.”

“But bringing Playing with Fire indoors to the Slowdown gives our longtime fans an experience where every blistering guitar lick and fiery note is crisp and clear, with a full-bodied sound – and they won’t have to get wet with rain or sweat to enjoy it.”

The 2025 season also marks the return of the popular two-weekend format, giving fans double the opportunities to experience the magic of Playing with Fire. The concerts will be held on:

• Weekend 1: Friday & Saturday, July 25–26, featuring first-time PwF performers.
• Weekend 2: Friday & Saturday, August 15–16, “Encore Weekend” with returning favorites, back by popular demand.

Global Lineup

This year’s artist lineup is packed with top-shelf and seasoned talent that offers a blend of international blues and rock, featuring both PwF veterans and exciting first-time performers.

Weekend 1 (July 25–26) will feature a mix of fresh faces and rising stars, including:

• The Cinelli Brothers (from London, England, United Kingdom) – Award-winning blues band with deep American roots influence.
• Harry Manx (from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada) with Kevin Breit (former guitarist for Norah Jones, Celine Dion, others) – Manx, the “Mysticssippi Blues Man,” and Breit blend blues, folk and Indian classical music.
• Danielle Nicole (Kansas City, Mo., USA) – Grammy-nominated contemporary blues powerhouse known for her soulful vocals and masterful bass lines.
• Alice Armstrong (Guildford, Surrey, England, United Kingdom) – A sultry soulful sensation known for her emotional and humorous stage presence.
• Marcus Trummer (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) – Emerging blues and rock artist with heartfelt lyrics and smooth guitar work.

Weekend 2: Encore Weekend (August 15–16) will bring back fan favorites and proven crowd-pleasers, including:

• King King (Glasgow, Scotland) – Blues-rock veterans known for electrifying live shows and anthemic melodies.
• Bywater Call (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) – High-energy seven-piece band blending blues, soul, and Southern rock.
• Cardinal Black (Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom) – Soulful rock trio whose meteoric rise has captivated audiences worldwide.
• Ben Poole (Brighton, England, United Kingdom) – Passionate blues-rock guitarist known for emotional solos and smooth vocals.
• Levi Platero (To’Hajiilee, New Mexico, USA) – Native American blues guitarist whose fluid guitar work evokes classic blues tones.

“The Encore Weekend is all about bringing back the bands that our audiences – as well as Jeff and I – have fallen in love with over the years,” said Vanessa Marie, PwF co-producer and lifelong blues music fan. 

“These are the blues acts that left people picking their jaws up off the floor after hearing blazing guitar riff after blazing guitar riff. And we can’t wait to have them back on the PwF stage,” added Davis.

New Venue –Renowned for Live Music, Exceptional Sound

This year’s move to Slowdown introduces a new experience for Playing with Fire in a venue well-regarded for its premium sound quality and live music energy. While the space offers a mix of standing room and limited seating, the ambiance and atmosphere are up-close and electric.

“We’d love to offer a seat to everyone, and we’re working with the venue to explore additional seating options,” said Marie. “For now, arriving early is the best option to ensure a seat. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.” 

“The Slowdown venue will allow fans an experience to truly connect with the music and the artists,” Davis said. “It’s going to be a completely different vibe – intense, emotional, powerful. There’s nothing like staring face-to-face with a Stratocaster when a skilled blues guitarist is pushing it to its’ limits.”

Global Reach – Bringing the World to Omaha

Playing with Fire has long been known for attracting top-tier artists from around the world. This year’s lineup includes performers from Canada, the UK, Wales, Scotland, and the USA, reinforcing PwF’s reputation as a global blues concert host. Davis and Marie personally travel the world to discover emerging talent while attending blues festivals in Canada, Europe, Japan, and beyond. 

“Jeff and I have seen these artists play to sold-out crowds overseas,” Marie said. “Bringing them to Omaha – for everyone to see for free – is an incredible opportunity for our community and local music fans.”

“Our artist lineups continue to grow in impact, drawing an ever-increasing number of out-of-town attendees,” said Davis. “We are seeing loyal fans who travel to support these artists around the world, as well as stateside fans who are finally getting the chance to see them live for the very first time in Omaha at Playing with Fire.”

Supporting Local Non-Profits and Community Causes

Playing with Fire is more than just a concert – it’s a community event with a mission. Since its inception in 2004, PwF has raised more than $100,000 for local non-profits, including:

• BluesEd – A youth artist development program that provides performance and educational opportunities for young musicians in the Omaha area.
• Food Bank for the Heartland – Supported through on-site donations and awareness campaigns.
• Live On Nebraska – Formerly Donate Life Nebraska, raising awareness about organ donation.

“Playing with Fire is about building community through music,” said Davis. “By supporting these organizations, we’re helping to make a real difference in people’s lives, and music fans get to see amazing blues and blues-rock artists perform that they may never have had the opportunity to experience for free.”

Added Marie: “As we’ve always said, “We’re building community through the power of music, one free concert at a time.”

Playing with Fire 2025 at a Glance

When: July & August 2025

Weekend 1: July 25-26

Weekend 2: August 15-16

Where: Slowdown (729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE)

Admission: FREE-will Donations Accepted at the Door and during evening performances.

Sponsorships Available