Playing With Fire Concert - Omaha

Halo Rider is a mesmerizing, genre-bending trio that moves effortlessly between deep groove, trance-like blues, and cinematic Americana – creating a kaleidoscope of sound that is both rooted in tradition and fearless in spirit.

At the center is Markus James, guitarist and lead vocalist whose musical journey spans continents and cultures. Whether on slide guitar, diddley bow, harmonica, or electric guitar, James plays with depth, authenticity, and a global perspective that has defined decades of acclaimed work.

Alongside James is electric fiddle virtuoso Anne Harris, a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and powerhouse performer whose collaborations include Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Otis Taylor, and many, many others. Harris blends blues, Celtic, Americana, and rock into a sound that can be haunting one moment and explosive the next.

Joining the duo is master drummer Larry Thompson, the trio creates an immersive soundscape — atmospheric instrumental passages, tight harmonies, and electrified trance blues-rock.

Get ready to experience a spellbinding musical ride rooted in authenticity, artistry, and soul.

A quick heads-up for the planners and the “let’s make a weekend of it” crowd for PwF’s August 13, 14, 15 ‘3-peat’ concert series
Whether you're traveling in or turning the shows into a staycation, here’s everything you need to plan your Playing with Fire August weekend.
PwF Host Hotel:Moxy Omaha Downtown 409 S 12th Street, Omaha
• PwF fans can book special August group rates at our host hotel.
• Stay Dates: Tuesday, Aug 11 – Monday, Aug 17, 2026
• PwF Fan Rate: $129–$159 per night
• Last Day to Book: Saturday, Aug 1, 2026
• Reservation link in comments
Located in the heart of Omaha’s historic Old Market, the Moxy sits among cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, restaurants, art galleries, and unique shops — a perfect place to gather before and after the shows.
It’s also just a short ride from Eppley Airfield and the Slowdown Music Venue.

PwF Pre-Party at The Moxy: Wednesday, August 12, 7 p.m.
• Consider this your official warm-up lap for the PwF weekend.
• Cocktails in the lobby
• Meet up with music pals and make new friends
• Live music by local musicians (details coming soon)
Go ahead and pencil it in now!

PwF Concert Venue: Live Music Venue, 729 N 14th Street, Omaha
• The Slowdown is one of Omaha’s premier live music venues, hosting national and international touring artists. Located just north of the Old Market, it’s an easy walk from the Moxy or a short ride, with plenty of parking and restaurants nearby.

• Need-To-Know-Before-You-Go
• Doors Open: 5 PM
• Music Starts: 6 PM
• All-ages show (following venue protocol)
• Photo ID required for all — venue policy
• Travel light: bag policy 5″ × 6″ or smaller
• Free entry with optional guaranteed admission (details in comments)
• Seating limited and first-come (details in comments)
• Plenty of parking nearby
• Food welcomed
Bonus: it’s indoors — which means Omaha weather can go argue with itself outside.
Your PwF Game Plan: Pre-party first. Slowdown next. Sleep later. Repeat.
Make it a PwF August “3-peat” weekend — with returning favorites, encore appearances, and two highly anticipated first-ever U.S. performances at Playing with Fire.
Three nights.
Great music from around the world.
And after 22 years… the fire is still burning and the music is still free.

Playing with Fire shifts into the next gear on Friday, August 14 when a three-lane highway of blues and roots music converges at . Rolling in from afar are:

• Meena Cryle & Chris Fillmore Meena Cryle & Chris Fillmore (from Austria, pictured): European blues power returning for a much-anticipated PwF “3-peat” – velvet-to-volcanic vocals and fiery guitar leading the charge.
• Colin Linden (from the USA): slide-guitar authority and master storyteller whose playing has shaped hundreds of albums and soundtracks.
• (from Canada): multi-instrumental spark plug – hot harp, gritty vocals, and rock-solid grooves from one of blues’ hardest-working musicians.

If you like your concerts polished but alive, this is Reason No. 5,813,992 why you should be at PwF 2026. If Thursday lights the fuse and Saturday brings the finale…Friday (August 14) is where the groove settles in and the night takes hold.