Top 5 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at Crossroads 2025
Discover the top 5 must-see events at this year’s Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival, from epic outdoor celebrations to immersive soundscapes
Interview with Guest Curator Kinan Azmeh
In this heartfelt conversation, guest curator Kinan Azmeh shares how friendship, cultural connection, and musical curiosity shape the 2025 Crossroads Festival.
Hasan’s Story, Part 1
Hasan Khalil’s journey from an Iraqi refugee camp to beloved Lincoln barber, musician, and community voice takes center stage in the new documentary “Cultures in the Crossfade.” The film—and the post-screening jam with hardcore drummer Tye—shows how two unlikely friends use music to shrink cultural divides and offer Lincoln as a model for the nation.
2025 Official Festival Playlist
Get a sneak peek into the sounds of the 2025 Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival with our official playlist—featuring Dawn of Midi, Layale Chaker, Kinan Azmeh, and more. Available now on Spotify and Apple Music.
The NEA Just Terminated Our Funding: A Personal Reflection on Censorship, Art, and Resilience
When our NEA grant was abruptly terminated, we were stunned—not just by the loss of funding, but by the language used to justify it. In this personal reflection, Executive Director Olga Smola draws on her Soviet upbringing to examine the chilling echoes of censorship, the importance of artistic freedom, and what’s at stake when politics invades the arts. Read how Nebraska Crossroads is responding—with resilience, music, and an unshakable belief in the power of creative expression.
2025 Season Announcement!
The 2025 Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival is here! From Arabic jazz to Nordic-folk, slam poetry to immersive soundscapes, this summer’s free, statewide festival features groundbreaking performances and a brand-new festival orchestra. Curated by Kinan Azmeh and rooted in community, creativity, and cultural exchange—explore what’s in store across Lincoln and Omaha.
Three albums you should listen to this month – March
From Jon Batiste’s playful jazz take on Beethoven to BITOI’s mesmerizing fusion of bass and birdsong, and Matt B.’s orchestral tribute to African heritage, these albums are defy simple classification. We’re sure you’ll relish this multi-course sonic smorgasbord as much as we have.
Dream Warriors Project Part 1
Behind the scenes at the 2024 Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival, Indigenous hip-hop collective Dream Warriors and Swedish producers Fredrik Serholt and Paulina Délin came together for the first time to create new music. Joined by visual artist Sarah Rowe, the group crafted five original tracks and artwork in just a few days — a powerful testament to creativity, trust, and collaboration.
Hal France Joins Festival Team as Production Director
Acclaimed conductor and arts administrator Hal France joins the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival as Production Director. Known for his leadership with the Orlando Philharmonic and Omaha Opera, Hal brings a wealth of experience to shape the festival’s future and strengthen community partnerships across Nebraska.
Backstage Stories – Part 1: Humberto Gonzales and a Taste of Buena Vista Social Club in the Midwest
From the global stages of Buena Vista Social Club to the quiet streets of Marshalltown, Iowa, Humberto Garcia Raul Gonzales’ journey is a story of resilience, passion, and rediscovery. This is a story about the hidden talent in our communities—and how a little support can help extraordinary artists find their way back to the spotlight.
Trump’s Federal Grant Freeze: Why This Arts Organization Cultivated Diversity Before DEI, and Why It Will Continue To Do So in the Future
This year started on a high note for Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival—we were awarded our first-ever NEA Project Grant to support our 2025 festival. But with the Trump Administration’s new Executive Order freezing federal grants, the future of this funding is uncertain.
2025 New Year’s Playlist: Tracks To Love and the Stories Behind the Music
Kick off the new year with a handpicked playlist featuring some of our favorite recent musical discoveries—ranging from ethereal world music to experimental indie gems. Whether you’re looking to explore new sounds or revisit timeless classics, this collection offers something special for every listener.
Celebrating Omaha and Lincoln: Top 20 Most Livable Cities in the U.S.
Lincoln and Omaha were recently ranked among the top 20 most livable cities in the U.S., and it’s no surprise to those of us who’ve experienced their vibrant culture, welcoming communities, and rich diversity. Learn how the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival celebrates these cities’ unique spirit through world-class performances and unforgettable experiences.
Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival Awarded NEA Grant for 2025 Season with Guest Curator Kinan Azmeh.
From a bold idea to a nationally recognized festival: Nebraska Crossroads just earned a $40,000 NEA grant and is curating a world-class 2025 season with Kinan Azmeh. Discover what’s next.
Another Crossroads Project goes Global – Performance in Finland Highlights Festival’s Growing International Presence
Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival project has European Debut at the 54th Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival in Finland.
