DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine
The parking lot of the Shadow Ridge Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska was transformed into an outdoor concert venue as the Shadow Ridge Music Festival, on Friday, September 5, 2025, once again delivered an unforgettable night of music and community. The audience was eager to soak up every note the festival’s 2025 lineup would offer. It would be a blend of nostalgia, and pure rock.
The night kicked off with Fuel, whose unmistakable brand of post-grunge lit up the crowd from the first chord. Aaron Scott‘s vocals carried the familiar grit and fire. He had fans singing word-for-word, reminding everyone why the band’s late-90s hits remain memorable. Fuel set the tone with energy and precision, loosening up the crowd with their version of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”. At one point, Scott apologized for his voice not being in top form. He told us that a few days earlier he had hugged his wife and kids and thinks he may have caught a bug. He went on to talk about how we all have bad days and that we should focus on the good ones. With that the band gave us an emotional version of their song aptly titled; “Bad Day”. Fuel closed with “Hemorrhage (In My Hand), making sure the fans were properly tuned up and ready for more.
Next up was Lit. This was Lits 2nd visit to the Festival, as they were part of the bill back in 2022 for the 4th version of the event. Their set leaned heavily on their high-energy songs and their playful banter and punchy riffs. This gave the festival an added jolt, keeping spirits high as the night progressed. There was a moment when lead singer A. Jay Popoff noticed a certain aroma in the air and exclaimed, “Something smells good over here”. Their cover of the Cars song, “Let’s Go” was a crowd pleaser, but it was their closing song, “My Own Worst Enemy” that brought the house down.
The Fray’s set provided a dynamic shift, weaving emotion into the festival’s rock-heavy lineup, including a heartfelt performance of “Over My Head (Cable Car). The audience swayed and lit phone screens dotted the night. The song of the night was a cover of Simple Minds, “Don’t You Forget About Me”. The sound of everyone singing it is still echoing throughout the golf club. The Fray closed with “How to Save a Life” and the crowd responded with a feeling of nostalgia and emotion. The Fray added depth to a show that was primarily fast-paced. They allowed us all to catch our breath and really take in the amazing musicianship and overall quality of an incredible band.
Bush took the stage as the night’s headliner, and Gavin Rossdale wasted no time commanding the crowd by kicking things off with “Scars” which is off their newest and 10th studio album, “I Beat Lonliness”. Mixing cuts from their more recent catalog and their classic songs, the band reminded Omaha why they remain one of alternative rock’s most enduring acts. The entire band came out ready to perform. Their unmistakable guitar sound grabbed everyone’s attention and did not let go for the entire set. They closed with “Glycerine” and “Comedown”. It was a fitting conclusion to an evening filled with superb talent and sound. As the festival goers made their way toward the exits, they knew that Bush’s legacy is far from over.
Beyond the stellar performances, the Shadow Ridge Music Festival stood out for its commitment to giving back. By supporting the Lane Thomas Foundation, festivalgoers were reminded that music’s impact extends far beyond the stage. It can help heal, uplift, and change lives. The people at Shadow Ridge know how to throw a party. Big shout out to 89.7 The River, specifically the Morning Fiasco co-hosts, Eliss Hall and Jake Ryan for their super job as MC’s. Next year cannot come fast enough. You can count on Go Venue Magazine to be there again to cover this wonderful festival.
BUSH
The Fray
Lit
Fuel
7th Shadow Ridge Atmosphere
All images © Dean Birkheimer
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