Flyover Country No More
Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival awarded NEA Grant for 2025 season with guest curator Kinan Azmeh.
This is a message for everyone who’s been with us from the start—the fans who’ve attended every concert, collected every festival keychain (ask about the 2025 special edition!), and helped us build something truly remarkable. Nebraska has something special to offer, and today, we have big news that proves it.
The Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support our 2025 season. This grant—the most competitive of its kind in the country—is a rare achievement, especially for a first-time applicant like us. In the words of the NEA grant program manager Court Burns: “I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but it’s rare for a first-time applicant to score so highly.”
So now, it’s official: Nebraska Crossroads is on the map.
Thank You for Building This Together
This achievement belongs to all of you. Your curiosity, generosity, and openness to new experiences have made this festival what it is today—a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community.
To our fans, thank you for bringing your families, dancing on the lawn, and cheering on our musicians from around the globe and from next door. To our volunteers, board members, and supporters: your dedication and countless hours of work have made the impossible look easy. And to the incredible musicians who’ve graced our stages over the years—you are the heart and soul of this festival.
What This Means for Nebraska
This grant is a stamp of approval from the nation’s top arts leaders, and it means we’re ready to reach even greater heights. It’s a testament to Nebraska’s thriving cultural scene—a place where music connects us all, and where we can proudly showcase the talent and stories that make our state so unique.
Save the Date: July 26–August 2, 2025
We’re excited to announce that the 2025 Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival will run from July 26–August 2, with events in both Lincoln and Omaha. This year’s festival will be guest-curated by the internationally renowned clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh, who is crafting a lineup that will bring fresh energy and unforgettable moments to the stage.
Stay tuned for the full program announcement—we promise it will be worth the wait.
New for 2025: Curated Playlists, Stories, and More
As we look ahead, we’re also launching a new blog series to deepen your connection to the music, the artists, and the stories behind the festival. Look forward to:
- Curated playlists to get you in the festival spirit.
- An Album of the Week spotlight to expand your horizons.
- Behind-the-scenes stories about the people, places, and communities that make this festival so special.
Find the blog at www.NebraskaMusicFest.org/blog or sign up to receive blog posts by email.
Your Festival, Your Experience
Whether you’re a long-time fan, a first-time attendee, or just curious about what makes Nebraska Crossroads so special, there’s a place for you here. This summer, let’s celebrate together—through music, connection, and the vibrant community we’ve built. See you at the festival!