Maha returns to pre-pandemic fashion with 2 days of music, activities in Omaha | Local News


For the first time since 2019, Maha returned this year as a two-day festival packed with local and non-local musicians representing a variety of genres.

After the protocols of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a scaled-down event with fewer people last year, its return to Stinson Park on Friday and Saturday with more music, food, drinks and activities was welcomed.

Maha co-director Rachel Grace said organizers were expecting around 11,000 attendees at the event this year.

The pandemic canceled the 2020 festival and shortened last year’s event to one day with reduced capacity. Grace said it was exciting to bring back some components that were cut last year, such as the Community Village, an area where nonprofits set up informational booths and offer activities.

“It’s so central to our mission to share the stage in that way that last year didn’t look very good,” she said. “We’re also able to have a little more food vendors than last year and a few more activities, so it’s kind of a real full experience.”

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Friday’s headliner was indie-rock band Car Seat Headrest. Beach House, a dream pop duo from Baltimore, topped Saturday night after a performance by rap and hip-hop artist Princess Nokia.

The event’s lineup also featured several local music artists, including Marcey Yates, The Real Zebos, Dominique Morgan, Las Cruxes, Bad Self Portraits and DJ Shor-T.

In addition to the music, the event included several food and beverage vendors, the community village, and activities such as corn pits and photo booths. This year’s Maha also boasted an expanded selection of local beer.

“Nebraska has such a great craft brewery scene, so we wanted to make sure we’re highlighting that,” Grace said.

Many attendees described Saturday’s weather as “perfect,” as temperatures reached 84 degrees in the afternoon and will drop into the 70s in the evening.

Daniela Padilla, a 35-year-old from Omaha, said this was her second time attending Maha. She brought her daughter and said she appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere.

“It’s been fun watching the gangs and all the activities they’ve been doing,” she said. “Surprisingly, there are many things that children are capable of doing.”

Heriberto Salinas Rivera, a 28-year-old from Omaha, said he is a Beach House fan and was also excited to see PUP on Saturday.

While Maha is much smaller than other Midwestern festivals like Chicago’s Lollapalooza and Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Salinas Rivera said he’s excited to have a local festival that offers a diverse music lineup.

“It’s still growing and hopefully it will continue to grow,” he said.

Mia LaHood, a 23-year-old from Omaha, said she last attended Maha when Lizzo headlined in 2019 and was excited to see Beach House and Princess Nokia this year.

“I think they do a really good job of promoting young artists,” she said.



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