Finalist 1
Music brings Lincolnites of all ages together, uplifts local voices
by Alex Gryczanowski
Lincoln, Nebraska, is an unlikely hotspot for live, local music. Whether supporting a friend’s band at Duffy’s Tavern or watching history be made at the Zoo Bar, the music scene inspires and touches the hearts of Lincoln. However, the scene is about more than the music itself, and people’s connections over a similar interest create lasting friendships that make the most impact, former Bodega’s Alley owner Ryan Detlefsen said on Downtown Lincoln’s website. No matter the genre, many Lincolnites bond over their love for music and its positive impact on their lives.
Sailing in Soup at the Zoo Bar
Craig Balderston, 65, of Omaha, plays bass and sings with Sailing in Soup at the Zoo Bar on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Zoo Bar is a historic live music venue in Lincoln that many famous blues musicians have performed at since its opening in 1973.
Couple enjoys Sailing in Soup’s performance at the Zoo Bar
Karstin Gottula (left), 47, of Lincoln, and Shawn Fishman Voss (right), 61, of Lincoln, dance to Sailing in Soup’s music at the Zoo Bar on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sailing in Soup is a veteran jam band that delivers a global tour of all soul-enriched music styles, according to their Facebook.
Bartender enjoys Sailing in Soup’s performance at the Zoo Bar
David Rabe, 57, of Lincoln, holds up a lighter during Sailing in Soup’s performance at the Zoo Bar on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Rabe is a bartender at the Zoo Bar and hosts The Slacker Morning Show at 89.3 KZUM Community Radio.
Fan plays bass with Phuzz
Benjamin Shellhaas, of Lincoln, plays bass on stage with Phuzz while a fan tries to play with him at the Music Box on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Phuzz is a stoner metal band that has been active in the music scene since 2024.
Fans mosh to Phuzz’s music
The crowd moshes during Phuzz’s performance at the Music Box on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Music Box is a multipurpose recording studio and concert venue that opened last spring and is designed to uplift local musicians with its resources.
Fans praise Phuzz’s guitarist for riffs
Giovanni Nahorny, of Lincoln, plays guitar on stage with Phuzz at the Music Box on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. When Nahorny plays a riff on stage, the crowd waves in his direction to praise his performance.
Fan crowd surfs during Phuzz’s performance
A member of the audience crowd surfs during Phuzz’s performance at the Music Box on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Phuzz performed songs like “Groovemaster” during their set that got the audience banging their heads and moshing to the heavy, original guitar riffs.
DJ husband and wife perform at Duffy’s Tavern
Allie Weidel (left) and her husband Caleb Weidel (right), of Lincoln, make beats during their set at Duffy’s Tavern on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Allie and Caleb Weidel are both DJs under the aliases of Callisto and Darkwood.
Audience member dances to Callisto and Darkwood’s performance
Madelyn Lund, 25, of Omaha, dances in the crowd during Callisto and Darkwood’s DJ set at Duffy’s Tavern on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Lund traded and gave away Kandi bracelets that she made with others at the set that evening.