Nebraska Bluegrass Concert Series Returns to Innovation Campus for Fourth Year

LINCOLN, NE — The sounds of banjos, fiddles, and harmonies will once again fill the air as the Nebraska Bluegrass Concert Series returns to the Nebraska Innovation Campus plaza for its fourth year. Running September 3, 10, and 17, the free series will feature both local favorites and nationally acclaimed bluegrass bands.

A Community Tradition

The series is presented by Nebraska Innovation Campus in partnership with sponsors including The Mill Coffee & Bistro, ALLO Fiber, Union Bank and Trust, the Scarlet Hotel, and Nebraska Nova. Food and drinks will be available on-site starting at 5 p.m., with live music beginning at 6 p.m. each evening.

“This series is a wonderful way to welcome people to Innovation Campus,” said Kate Engel, NIC executive director. “We are excited to activate our outdoor space with six fantastic bluegrass bands.”

2025 Lineup

The three-week series will showcase both legendary and up-and-coming acts:

• Sept. 3 — Jason Carter Band headlines. A three-time Grammy winner and five-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, Carter has spent decades with the Del McCoury Band and collaborated with artists ranging from Ricky Skaggs to Sarah Jarosz. Opening set: The Shucks Brothers, a Lincoln-based group blending classic bluegrass with humor and improvisation.
• Sept. 10 — Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Grammy-winning fiddle virtuoso and former member of Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, makes her solo debut in Lincoln. Her acclaimed album I Built a World showcased her mix of fiery fiddle playing and heartfelt vocals. Opening set: The Midnight Wanderers, a local Americana duo turned band with over a decade of storytelling-driven performances.
• Sept. 17 — Henhouse Prowlers, celebrating 20 years of performing worldwide, headline the finale. Known for their storytelling and global collaborations, they’ve toured across 30 countries and launched their nonprofit Bluegrass Ambassadors to promote cultural exchange through music. Opening set: The Bottle Tops, a husband-and-wife duo from Lincoln bringing rockabilly flair to the stage.

Bluegrass on the Prairie

Organizers describe the setting as “bluegrass on the prairie, but still in the city.” The Nebraska Innovation Campus amphitheater has quickly become a cultural gathering place, with limited seating available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, and transportation options include bike access via the Billy Wolff Trail, campus bus services, and on-site parking.

Dave Miller, ALLO Fiber regional general manager and a member of The Shucks Brothers, said demand from national acts continues to grow: “We continue to receive inquiries from bands who want to come to Lincoln and perform. We’re grateful for the sponsors who make this happen.”

Why It Matters

For Nebraska audiences, the Bluegrass Concert Series offers a rare chance to hear nationally renowned acts alongside homegrown talent, all in a free, family-friendly setting. It has quickly become a signature September tradition — a way to close out summer evenings with the warmth of strings, harmonies, and community connection.

As the Nebraska Bluegrass Concert Series returns this September, Lincoln once again becomes a hub for some of the finest bluegrass in the country. For more festival and live music updates across the Midwest and beyond, stay tuned to ChicagoMusicGuide.com.