Main Stage Concerts

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 2023-2024 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.

Daniel Boling

Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft

Winner of the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk songwriter contest, the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, and others, Daniel shares experiences from a life well-lived in three countries and seven States. After a career including a stint as a National Park Ranger, he started touring full time at age 50 as a balladeer/songwriter bringing his well-crafted story songs to happy audiences throughout the U.S. and in Europe in over one hundred shows a year, from House Concerts and listening rooms to major festivals. He plays guitar and banjo with a deft fingerpicking style that always enhances the stories, and a bit of harmonica into the bargain. Daniel is also a current member of the iconic 1960s folk trio The Limeliters, who frequently tour with the Brothers Four and The Kingston Trio. Whether you’ve walked the very same roads, you can’t help but relate to these songs – and no matter what your story is, you’ll love Daniel’s.

Tickets

Previous Shows This Season

Hugh Prestwood and Chris Sayre

Friday, September 1st, 2023 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft

In the spirit of John Walker’s Prairie Dog socials, we’ll be having a chili feed before the show (at 7:00) and will listen to some of John’s music while we eat. Come join us!

Hugh Prestwood, a native of El Paso, Texas, moved to NYC in the mid-1970s to pursue a singer/songwriter career and was discovered by Judy Collins, who gave him his first hit, “Hard Times For Lovers,” and got him his first staff writing job. He has penned No. 1 songs for Randy Travis, Crystal Gayle and others. His awards include BMI Song of the Year and the Nashville Songwriters Association’s Song of the Year, and he is a member of the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. He has taught songwriting at Manhattan’s New School, and for the Nashville Songwriters Association. In 2022 he and his wife, Judy Ahrens, relocated to Lincoln, her native city.

Lincoln native Chris Sayre has entertained audiences for more than 50 years, including fronting The Midwest Ramblers and The Good Time Boys and helping found the Irish group Paddywhack. He also has served 30 years in the Nebraska Arts Council’s Artists in Schools and Communities program and continues to present programs for the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau. His performances include original and contemporary songs performed on button accordion, English concertina, fretted dulcimer, guitar, mandolin and musical saw.

Leslie Mendelson

Saturday, October 14th, 2023 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft

Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson is riding a wave of acclaim for her most recent studio album, If You Can’t Say Anything Nice …, as well as her solo acoustic EP, In The Meantime. She has been described as having “a loyal, cross-generational audience that hugs the hippie, hipster, coffee shop and society crowds,” and All Music says she evokes “1970s songwriter influences in the vein of Carole King and Carly Simon.” Her album Swan Feathers was nominated for a Grammy, and she has collaborated with such artists as Jackson Browne and Bob Weir.

The Sandy Creek Pickers

Friday, November 10th, 2023 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft

In 1975, The Sandy Creek Pickers bluegrass band was formed and became immediately successful. Performing at packed venues, the band was a rock solid five-man ensemble, offering great harmony and solid picking. Fast forward 35 years: The band has evolved into a cohesive, six-man unit for the 21st Century, featuring flawless twin fiddles, contest-winning guitar flatpicking, foot-stomping banjo, Dobro, mandolin, and the same high lonesome harmonies.

April Verch and Cody Walters

Friday, January 26th, 2024 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft

April Verch is an extraordinary fiddler steeped in the traditions of her native Ottawa Valley in Ontario. However, she is equally at home in other genres, including Scandinavian styles and old-time American music. On top of this, she is an award-winning step dancer and incorporates dancing into her shows, often fiddling and dancing simultaneously. She’ll be joined by partner and multi-instrumentalist Cody Walters. It doesn’t get much more traditional-and fun-than this! She is one of the most energetic performers you will see on the LAFTA stage.

Joe Crookston

Saturday, February 17th, 2024 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft

LAFTA favorite Joe Crookston is a songwriter, singer, guitarist, painter, fiddler, banjo player, eco-village member and believer in all things possible. He lives in Ithaca, N.Y., and tours regularly in the U.S., Ireland and Canada. In his songs he plumbs for lyrical gold, like a social archeologist. His story songs are universal, his rhythm infectious, and in concert he is funny one moment and transcendent the next. Whether he’s picking his ’48 Gibson, weaving through lap-steel slide tunes or looping his fiddle, he will draw you in.

Kittel & Co.

Friday, March 8th, 2024 at 7:00 PM | First Presbyterian Church

A collaboration with Arts for the Soul, this show takes place at First Presbyterian Church, 840 S. 17th St., Lincoln, and starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available directly from Arts for the Soul.

The string ensemble Kittel & Co. fuse the esthetic and virtuosity of a classical string quartet with the melodies and rhythms of Celtic and bluegrass music. Led by Turtle Island String Quartet alum Jeremy Kittel on violin, the group includes mandolin phenom Josh Pinkham, genre-bending guitarist Quinn Bachand, bassist Jacob Warren and hammer-dulcimer wizard Simon Chrisman. You will delight in their shifting, interwoven melodies.

The Weary Ramblers

Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft

Recent LAFTA discovery The Weary Ramblers are Iowans Kathryn Severing Fox (violin, viola, mandolin, guitar, vocals) and Chad Elliott (guitar, harmonica, vocals). A traditional (but original!) folk duo that blends ballads with gritty blues and more, their instrumental prowess sits solidly behind impeccable vocal harmonies. They put on a great show at Omaha’s Folk House last year, and we’re excited to bring them to the LAFTA main stage in 2024.

The Honey Dewdrops

Friday, April 12th, 2024 at 7:30 PM | 7th Street Loft

Since winning a Prairie Home Companion talent show for twentysomething troubadours, Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish-the Honey Dewdrops- have established themselves among the top Americana songwriters and musicians. Their music includes hand-crafted folk songs, Appalachian fiddle tunes and acapella spirituals. Though described frequently as “authentic” and “genuine,” their music is also fresh and newly imagined. On stage they blend two voices, guitar and banjo to craft heartfelt harmonies that will leave you asking for more.

Past Seasons

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