Unless otherwise noted, all shows start at 7:30 pm and take place at The 7th Street Loft
Buy tickets online!
You can purchase tickets for main stage concerts on-line with your credit card via PayPal. Tickets will be available at the door the night of the show, but get your tickets early because we sometimes sell out and have to turn people away.
Standard* Ticket Prices
LAFTA Member – $16
Non-member – $20
Student with ID – $10
Children under 12 – $1
* unless otherwise stated
LAFTA 2024-2025 Main Stage Concert Season
LAFTA’s Main Stage Concerts are made possible in part by a generous grant from the Nebraska Arts Council and by the financial support of LAFTA members.
There are currently no upcoming events scheduled, check back at the beginning of next season.
Previous Shows This Season
The Wildwoods
Friday, September 27th, 2024 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft
In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods, a folk/Americana trio led by Noah and Chloe Gose, accompanied by the bassist Andrew Vaggalis, deliver a musical journey through the soul of American roots. With international songwriting acclaim and festival triumphs, their latest release, “Foxfield Saint John” (2023), solidifies them as a captivating force in the folk scene. They have been semifinalists in the International Songwriting competition and finalists in the FreshGrass Music Festival Band Competition. Their music, though comfortably under the folk/Americana umbrella, weaves intricate chord structures and emotional textures that defy genre boundaries. Together, their harmonies resonate with artful sincerity, drawing inspiration from nature, their shared experiences of growing up in Nebraska, and life on the road.
Bettman & Halpin
Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Bettman & Halpin ─ Stephanie and Luke, respectively ─ have a well-earned reputation for hypnotizing performances filled with irresistible lyrics, transcendent harmonies, and roof-raising instrumentals. They have created their own blend of bluegrass, Americana, pop, ballads and jazz which they intersperse with storytelling and playful banter. During their 15 years of touring they have twice been a featured act at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, and they have garnered credentials including first prize in the folk category of the 2021 USA Songwriting Competition. Their catchy melodies and lyrics will stick with you long after the concert is over.
Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore
Friday, November 8th, 2024 at 7:30 PM
For nearly 30 years Mollie O’Brien and her husband, guitarist Rich Moore, have found, mined and reinvented other artists’ songs, showing their genius at interpreting the songs of their era as their own. As songwriters, they have added many of their own tunes to the American roots music canon. Mollie is a singer at the very top of her game, unafraid to take risks both vocally and in the material she chooses. She won a Grammy in 1997 for her part in Sugar Hill Records True Life Blues and is a member of the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Rich, while producing some of the funniest onstage running commentary, is also a powerhouse guitarist. Between them they have released fifteen CDs including a CD with their daughters, Brigid and Lucy Moore, and Rich’s solo Voiceless, recorded in 2020.
Moors & McCumber
Friday, January 31st, 2025 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft
Moors & McCumber, on the LAFTA stage only once before, were overdue for a return engagement. A vocal harmony duo 15 years in the making, Moors & McCumber have done more than just endear themselves to fans ─ they’ve built a genuine community. Bridging the gap between classic folk rock and present-day Americana, they write heartfelt songs inspired by life’s experiences. With their latest record, released in 2023, Wired to the Moon, they have created some of their most compelling work to date. James is a gifted singer and songwriter, while Kort specializes in creating vocal harmonies and captivating arrangements through inventive instrumentation. With their voices combined, they create a truly special sound.
Jack Hotel
Friday, February 21st, 2025 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft
Jack Hotel is not some guy named Jack, but a group of talented Lincoln musicians. The band consists of Gunter Volker on guitar and vocals, Josh Rector on fiddle, Joe Salvati on resophonic and lap steel guitars and Kim Taruc on bass. They have put out three fine albums and have been a mainstay of the local music scene since 2012. The group showcases the songwriting of Volker and carefully picks covers from more obscure corners of the Americana repertoire. Add to this the fact that everyone in the band is fully in control of ─ and is expressive on ─ their instruments, and you have a recipe for an outstanding performance presented outstandingly.
Spencer & Rains
Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft
Tricia Spencer and Howard Rains are folk artists ─and fiddlers, singers, guitar players and visual artists as well. Tricia grew up in Kansas, learning old-time music from her grandparents. She has studied with some of the great masters in old-time music and is highly sought after as a performer, dance fiddler and instructor. Howard is an artist and fiddler from Texas, coming from a family rich in both traditions. They have performed around the world, singing traditional American folk songs and playing old-time fiddle tunes. Both are steeped in traditional music, yet at the same time, often take traditions in very personal directions with their tight vocal harmony and distinct twin fiddling.
Cindy Kallet & Grey Larsen
Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft
Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen, each well-known for decades of music-making, come together to present contemporary and traditional songs and tunes. Cindy is a superb singer, guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Grey is one of America’s finest players of the Irish flute and tin whistle, as well as an accomplished singer and concertina, fiddle, piano and harmonium player. As composers each contributes to the unique tapestry of contemporary folk and world music in America today. Together they weave their music with vibrant colors and subtle textures. Their repertoire includes Cindy’s sparkling originals, traditional Irish music, Scandinavian-style fiddle duets, old-time fiddle and guitar tunes from southern Indiana, and new music that Cindy and Grey are inventing together.
Jacob Johnson
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft
Jacob Johnson has graced the LAFTA main stage twice now, bringing fresh material, positive energy and virtuosity each time. Presenting both cover songs and original material, he stretches the boundaries of what the guitar can do, whatever the song: percussion, two-handed fretting and fingerboard tapping, as well as intricate fingerpicking. No Depression Magazine states, “The guitar is not just an instrument in the hands of Jacob Johnson ─ it’s his soul-mate.” We couldn’t agree more. If you like your singer/songwriters to come with a generous side of instrumental innovation, you’ll want to come see Jacob close out the LAFTA season with this show.
LAFTA Backyard Concert & Annual Meeting – Wooly’s Big Back Yard
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Please join LAFTA for a free concert and potluck in Wooly’s Big Backyard (6115 Huntington Ave.) Saturday May 24th, featuring Lincoln musicians Keith Grotrian and Brian Barnicle. Potluck supper starts at 5:00 pm, with music starting at 6:30 pm. In between sets LAFTA will hold a brief business meeting.
Past Seasons
2023 - 2024
- Hugh Prestwood and Chris Sayre | September 2023
- Leslie Mendelson | October 2023
- The Sandy Creek Pickers | November 2023
- April Verch and Cody Walters | January 2024
- Joe Crookston | February 2024
- Kittel & Co. | March 2024
- The Weary Ramblers | March 2024
- The Honey Dewdrops | April 2024
- Daniel Boling | May 2024
- LAFTA Annual Meeting and Potluck with High Lonesome Bluegrass Band | June 2024
2022 - 2023
- Brad Colerick | September 2022
- FY5 | October 2022
- Moors & McCumber | November 2022
- The Barefoot Movement | January 2023
- Ann Zimmerman | February 2023
- The Vogts Sisters | March 2023
- Jack Williams | April 2023
2021 - 2022
- Matt Cox | September 2021
- Eli West | October 2021
- The Honey Dew Drops | November 2021
- April Verch with Cody Walters (Remote online concert) | January 2022
- Kyshona | February 2022
- Diana Jones | March 2022
- The McGovern String Band | April 2022
2020 - 2021
- The Honey Dew Drops | October 2020
- Moors & McCumber | November 2020
- Kyshona | November 2020
- Jack Williams | January 2021
- Daniel Boling | February 2021
- Jeff Black | March 2021
- Greg Blake | May 2021
2019 - 2020
- Victor and Penny and the Loose Change Orchestra | September 2019
- The Vogts Sisters | October 2019
- The Mark Lavengood Band | November 2019
- Andrea von Kampen | January 2020
- FY5 (formerly Finnders & Youngberg) | February 2020
- Moors & McCumber | March 2020
- Matt & Shannon Heaton | April 2020
- Joe Crookston | May 2020
2018 - 2019
- Brad Colerick | September 2018
- The Blue Canyon Boys | October 2018
- John Gorka | November 2018
- The Barefoot Movement | January 2019
- Bettman and Halpin | February 2019
- Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas (Collaboration with Arts for the Soul) | March 2019
- Diana Jones | April 2019
- Jacob Johnson | May 2019
2017 - 2018
- Jalan Crossland | September 2017
- Dave Nachmanoff | October 2017
- The Honey Dewdrops | December 2017
- Greg Blake and Friends | January 2018
- Paddywhack with Dan Newton | March 2018
- Sam Packard and Steve Hanson | March 2018
- The Chapin Sisters | April 2018
- Michael Reno Harrell | May 2018
2016 - 2017
- Victor and Penny and the Loose Change Orchestra | September 2016
- Garnet Rogers | October 2016
- Joe Crookston | November 2016
- Harpeth Rising | December 2016
- Jeff Black | January 2017
- Mollie O’Brien and Rich Moore | February 2017
- Bill Staines | March 2017
- FY5 (Finnders & Youngberg) | April 2017
- The Vogts Sisters | May 2017
2015 - 2016
- Diana Jones | September 2015
- Claire Lynch Band | October 2015
- Bettman & Halpin | November 2015
- Ten Strings and a Goatskin | January 2016
- Robin & Linda Williams | February 2016
- Matt & Shannon Heaton | March 2016
- Jacob Johnson | March 2016
- John McCutcheon | April 2016
- Nebraska Roots Music Collectives | May 2016
2014 - 2015
- Winfield Winners | September 2014
- Brad Colerick | October 2014
- Rita Hosking with Sean Feder | November 2014
- The Chapin Sisters | January 2015
- The Haunted Windchimes | February 2015
- Krista Detor | March 2015
- Notorious | April 2015
- Finnders and Youngberg | May 2015
2013 - 2014
- Joe Crookston | September 2013
- The Honey Dewdrops | October 2013
- Nora Jane Struthers and The Party Line | November 2013
- Jalan Crossland | January 2014
- John McCutcheon | February 2014
- Alasdair Fraser & Cali McKasson (Collaboration with Arts for the Soul) | March 2014
- Paddywhack with Dan Newton | April 2014
- Lincoln Women’s Showcase | May 2014
2012 - 2013
- Sandy Creek Bluegrass | September 2012
- The Steel Wheels | October 2012
- Finnders and Youngberg | November 2012
- Diana Jones | January 2013
- Tracy Grammer | March 2013
- Matt & Shannon Heaton | April 2013
- Mountain Smoke | May 2013
- The Rain Dogs | May 2013
2011 - 2012
- Winfield Winners | September 2011
- Eliza Gilkyson | October 2011
- The Greencards | November 2011
- Monroe Crossing | December 2011
- The Toasted Ponies | January 2012
- Neal & Leandra | February 2012
- Joe Crookston | March 2012
- Garnet Rogers | April 2012
- Prairie Dog Social | May 2012
2010 - 2011
- Bluegrass Crusade | September 2010
- Tommy Sands | October 2010
- Marley’s Ghost | November 2010
- Jalan Crossland | January 2011
- New Riverside Ramblers | February 2011
- Jeff Black | March 2011
- Catie Curtis | April 2011
2009 - 2010
- Prairie Dog Social | September 2009
- Matt & Shannon Heaton | October 2009
- The Bobs | December 2009
- Lonesome Traveler | January 2010
- Driftwood Fire | February 2010
- Paddywhack with Dan Newton | March 2010
- Chris Smither | April 2010
2008 - 2009
- Café Accordion Orchestra | September 2008
- Darden Smith | October 2008
- Monroe Crossing Band | November 2008
- Garnet Rogers | January 2009
- Neal and Leandra | February 2009
- Jalan Crossland Band | March 2009
- The Shaw Brothers with Steve Hanson | April 2009
2007 - 2008
- Kusi Taki | September 2007
- Mike & Amy Finders | October 2007
- Laurie McClain | December 2007
- Jeff Black Band | January 2008
- Jackie Tice | February 2008
- Diana Jones | March 2008
- Prairie Dog CD Release Party | March 2008
- Robin & Linda Williams | April 2008
2006 - 2007
- Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart | September 2006
- Tracy Grammer | October 2006
- Bill Staines | November 2006
- Greg Brown | January 2007
- The Stringtown Castenets | February 2007
- Bluegrass Crusade | March 2007
- John McCutcheon | April 2007
2005 - 2006
- Eliza Gilkyson | September 2005
- The Waybacks | November 2005
- Jeff Black | January 2006
- Neal and Leandra | February 2006
- Paddywhack Reunion | March 2006
- Cliff Eberhardt | April 2006
- The Shaw Brothers | May 2006
2004 - 2005
- Vance Gilbert | September 2004
- Richard Thompson | October 2004
- Catie Curtis | November 2004
- Greg Brown | January 2005
- Café Accordion Orchestra | February 2005
- Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum | March 2005
- Tom Russell with Andrew Hardin | April 2005
- Tennessee HeartStrings Band | May 2005
2003 - 2004
- Doc Watson (Collaboration with the Lied Center) | September 2003
- Laura Love Duo | October 2003
- Joel Mabus | November 2003
- Neal and Leandra | January 2004
- GrooveLily | February 2004
- Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group | March 2004
- Cheryl Wheeler | April 2004
- Dave Moore | May 2004
2002 - 2003
- Cosy Sheridan | September 2002
- John Hammond | October 2002
- Laura Love Duo | November 2002
- Ray Bonneville | January 2003
- Cliff Eberhardt | March 2003
- Garnet Rogers | April 2003
- Kate Campbell | May 2003
2001 - 2002
- John Prine and Iris DeMent (Collaboration with the Lied Center) | September 2001
- Colcannon | October 2001
- Dana Robinson | November 2001
- Neal and Leandra | January 2002
- Songwriter’s Sweatshop | February 2002
- Children’s Concert | February 2002
- Daddy Squeeze and the Doctor | March 2002
- Robin and Linda Williams | April 2002
- Buffalo Gals | May 2002