September 8, 2023 – Shadow Ridge Country Club – Omaha, NE
On Friday evening September 8, 2023, the 5th annual Shadow Ridge Music Festival took place in west Omaha at the Shadow Ridge Country Club, and it was an amazing night!
Held against the backdrop of the picturesque Shadow Ridge Golf Course, this year’s festival included performances from The Samples, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Collective Soul, and Barenaked Ladies. The hosts for the evening were Jake and Eliss from 89.7 The River’s “The Morning Fiasco,” and the duo did a great job of pumping up the crowd before and after the sets, giving away prizes, and playing trivia with the crowd.
Shadow Ridge Golf Course provided a beautiful, sprawling landscape with lush greenery and a serene lake that served as a captivating environment adjacent to the festival stage. The organizers ensured ample space for festival-goers to move around comfortably, with strategically placed drink and food options and VIP areas. The overall atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal setting for music lovers to come together, and the weather was perfect for an outdoor concert!
In addition to the great entertainment, the festival also offered an array of different food options. Dante, Streetside Foods, Kouzina Food Truck, High Voltage BBQ, Javi’s Tacos, Chick-fil-A, Greek To Me Food Truck, Carousel’s and Wicked Eats Food Truck were all on hand to provide festival-goers with delicious eats throughout the night.
First to the stage was The Samples, featuring lead singer, Sean Kelly. Originally formed in 1987 in Boulder, Colorado, the group has been entertaining fans for over three and a half decades! Their music can best be described as reggae-influenced rock/pop, and the group has been compared to The Police and the Grateful Dead. Kelly sounded great on vocals, and the rest of the band’s musicianship was on full display. They currently have over 83 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, and their most recent album, Seventeen is definitely worth a listen! What a great way to kick off the evening!
Next to the stage was a band that I’ve been wanting to see live for years – Toad the Wet Sprocket! Seeing them live took me right back to the ‘90s with their chart-topping singles, “All I Want,” “Something’s Always Wrong,”, and “Walk on the Ocean.”
The band’s enduring appeal was evident from the crowd reaction ranging from loyal fans who had followed them since the ’90s singing along to every song, to newer listeners just discovering their music. Lead singer, Glen Phillips, proved that time has only enhanced his vocal prowess. His voice remains as rich and evocative as ever, effortlessly capturing the complex emotions embedded in the band’s songs.
The setlist was meticulously crafted, offering something for both die-hard fans and those unfamiliar with their music.
The band’s musicianship was top-notch, with guitarist Todd Nichols, bassist Dean Dinning, and a new drummer replacing regular Josh Daubin, displaying formidable skills.
Toad the Wet Sprocket has been producing music and entertaining fans for over three decades. They have over 686 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, and their latest single, “Best of Me” is definitely worth checking out! I’m so glad I finally got to see them live!
After a brief intermission, the legendary Alternative rock band Collective Soul hit the stage, and the crowd went wild!
Formed in 1992 in Stockbridge, Georgia, the band consists of Ed Roland on vocals, Dean Roland on guitars, Will Turpin on guitars, Johnny Rabb on drums, and Jesse Triplett on lead guitars. This was my second time seeing them live, and they didn’t disappoint!
Their set was a vivid reminder of why Collective Soul remains a cherished presence in the world of rock music and left the audience buzzing with energy and excitement.
From the moment the band stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Fans in attendance, ranging from those who grew up with their ’90s hits to newer generations of rock enthusiasts, came together to celebrate the enduring sound of Collective Soul.
Ed Roland, the band’s charismatic frontman, was in fine form, his voice as powerful and soulful as ever. His stage presence exuded confidence, drawing the audience in with every note. This guy has so much stage presence it’s unbelievable!
Their setlist was a carefully curated journey through their extensive discography. Classics like “Shine,” “The World I Know,” and “December” had the crowd singing along, their voices blending with the band’s harmonious melodies. The musicianship on display was outstanding, with lead guitarist Jesse Triplett and bassist Will Turpin delivering electrifying solos that had the audience on their feet.
Collective Soul has nearly three million monthly listeners on Spotify, has won three BMI Pop Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, and an ASCAP Pop Music Award. These guys are awesome, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
The band’s timeless hits, coupled with their newer material, showcased their artistic evolution and enduring appeal. Ed Roland and his bandmates proved that they are not just cherished relics of the ’90s but a force to be reckoned with in contemporary rock. This was a night of euphoria, nostalgia, and musical brilliance that left everyone in attendance with a deep appreciation for Collective Soul’s enduring contribution to the world of rock music. Outstanding!
The headliners for the festival were up next, and when Barenaked Ladies took the stage, the energy at Shadow Ridge intensified!
Originally formed in Scarborough, Ontario in 1988, Barenaked Ladies consists of lead singer and guitarist Ed Robertson, bassist Jim Creeggan, drummer Tyler Stewart, and keyboardist and guitarist Kevin Hearn. They have over three million monthly listeners on Spotify and have garnered seven Juno Awards, four MuchMusic Video Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, a World Music Award, and several nominations for MTV Music Awards and Grammy Awards!
Known for their witty lyrics and boundless energy, they treated the audience to a set of musical excellence and sheer entertainment. Barenaked Ladies have an uncanny ability to appeal to a wide audience, and this night was no exception.
The band’s chemistry and stage presence were as infectious as ever. Ed Robertson, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, was a charismatic force, engaging the audience with his trademark humor and rapport.
The musicianship of Barenaked Ladies was on full display. Jim Creeggan’s basslines, Kevin Hearn’s keyboard wizardry, Tyler Stewart’s energetic drumming, and Ed Robertson’s guitar prowess all combined to create a set that was both intricate and powerful. The harmonies were spot-on, showcasing the band’s tight-knit musical synergy.
The setlist was a delightful mix of classic hits and newer material. Songs like “It’s All Been Done,” “The Old Apartment,” and “Pinch Me” brought waves of nostalgia to the crowd, while newer tracks demonstrated the band’s continued creativity and relevance.
Their set was a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic band. Their ability to blend humor, catchy melodies, and musical excellence is unparalleled. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, a Barenaked Ladies concert is an experience that will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. What a perfect way to close out the festival!
The 2023 Shadow Ridge Music Festival was an escape into the world of music, offering a well-rounded lineup, a picturesque venue, and an atmosphere of fun. The overall experience left attendees with memories and a deep appreciation for the power of live music.
A big thanks to the organizers and promoters for letting me cover the 2023 festival!
I can’t wait to see what next year’s Shadow Ridge Music Festival will bring!
Toad the Wet Sprocket Setlist:
- Come Down
- California Wasted
- Crowing
- Hold On
- Whatever I Fear
- All I Want
- The Moment
- Dam Would Break
- Fly From Heaven
- Nightingale Song
- Drum Solo
- Crazy Life
- Something’s Always Wrong
- Walk The Ocean
- Fall Down
Collective Soul Setlist:
- Heavy
- Right as Rain
- Compliment
- Shine
- Mother’s Love
- Not the Same
- Better Now
- The World I Know
- December
- The One I Love (R.E.M. Cover)
- Where the River Flows
Barenaked Ladies Setlist:
- Matter of Time
- It’s All Been Done
- The Old Apartment
- Shake it Off (Taylor Swift Cover)
- Gonna Walk
- Just Wait
- Lookin’ Up
- Big Back Yard
- Pinch Me
- Smile
- Hello City
- Blame It On Me
- The Township of King
- Brian Wilson
- Loving Life
- Odds Are
- Big Bang Theory Theme
- Jim’s Bass Solo
- One Week
- If I Had $1,000,000
- If You Could Read My Mind/As It Was/Flowers/Take On Me/Climb Ev’ry Mountain/So Long, Farewell, Rock of Ages
Encore
- Good Life
