Shadow Ridge Music Festival 2022: A Nostalgic Celebration of Music and Community in Omaha
The 2022 music scene in Nebraska has been record-breaking, and the Shadow Ridge Music Festival 2022 in Omaha continues this vibrant trend. Since its inception, the festival has hosted iconic acts like Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Violent Femmes, Soul Asylum, Matthew Sweet, Everclear, Gin Blossoms, and Blue October. This year, the 4th Annual Shadow Ridge Music Festival at Shadow Ridge Country Club elevates the experience with a nostalgic lineup featuring Steve Rannazzisi, Tropidelic, Eve 6, Lit, and Nebraska’s own 311. We sat down with Justin and Elen Shanahan, the driving forces behind the festival, to discuss its origins, planning, and what makes it a standout event for music lovers in Omaha.
Origins of Shadow Ridge Music Festival
Q: Where are you both from, and how did you end up at Shadow Ridge Country Club?
Justin and Elen met in 2001 in Ireland, where Elen was studying at the University of Galway and Justin was working at a loading dock. "My dad started the development and the golf course," Justin explained. "We’ve been managing day-to-day operations at Shadow Ridge since 2011 or 2012."
Inspiration Behind the Festival
Q: Were there other festivals that inspired you, or ones you attended in the past?
Justin reminisced about attending Edge Fest in Omaha during the '90s, where he saw 311 and Violent Femmes on the same bill. "I also went to the Bridge School Benefit with Neil Young while in college in San Francisco," he said. These experiences shaped their vision. "Music festivals aren’t just for people in their 20s. Our audience, now in their 30s and 40s, craves live music and the nostalgia of singing every word to their favorite songs."
Why an Annual Music Festival?
Q: What motivated you to launch an annual music festival at Shadow Ridge?
"Shadow Ridge is a family fun center and a recreational hub for creating memories," Justin said. "With all this space, hosting a concert was a natural fit to expand our entertainment offerings. Our festival feels clean, organized, and controlled, combining the music people love with a safe, enjoyable environment."
Crafting the Perfect Lineup
Q: What makes a great lineup, and how do you build yours? What elements drive the festival’s success?
"Creating a lineup is about balancing acts that excite our crowd," Elen said. "We want people to see the lineup and say, ‘There’s no way!’ Every year, we aim to bring talent that gets fans rushing to buy tickets." The festival’s success lies in its smooth execution and welcoming atmosphere. "It’s like a big high school reunion," Justin added. "People can enjoy six hours of music, comedy, and community in a safe, well-organized setting with great flow."
Overcoming Challenges
Q: What have been the biggest challenges since the festival began?
"One of the toughest parts, especially early on, was anticipating the needs of the bands," Justin said. "We have spreadsheets detailing who’s arriving, where they’re staying, and how to host them properly. It’s a logistical puzzle, but we’ve gotten better with experience."
Planning the Festival
Q: When does planning start, and how do you pull it all together?
"Right after each festival, we evaluate and make changes," Elen said. "We work with trusted partners like our fencing and picnic table companies. Early on, we couldn’t book big acts like 311 because we lacked a track record. Now, with a solid reputation, more bands want to perform here." Justin noted that while year one to year two saw major changes, recent years have been about refining the process.
The Team Behind the Scenes
Q: How big is the team that makes this happen?
"The core planning team is just four of us—Elen, me, Sammi, and Angela," Justin said. "For the event itself, we recruit about 100 people for the two days. During peak season, Shadow Ridge employs around 200, so we can pull from that pool if needed. It’s all compartmentalized, with clear roles for logistics and resources."
Adding Comedy to the Mix
Q: Why include comedians as hosts, and will this continue?
Justin drew inspiration from seeing Adam Carolla host at K-Rock Fest. "Between sets, you have 30 minutes of downtime," he said. "A recognizable comedian keeps the energy high and bridges the gap between bands. Combining music with laughter creates a memorable experience." They plan to make this a staple of the festival.
What to Know for 2022
Q: What should attendees know about this year’s festival?
"Follow our social media, especially Instagram, for updates," Elen advised. "Designated seating is sold out, and general admission tickets are nearly gone, so act fast!"
The Future of Shadow Ridge Music Festival
Q: Where do you see the festival headed, and who are your dream performers?
"We’re exploring different genres to keep things fresh," Justin said. "We want fans to always be guessing who’s next. There are some big names we’re eyeing, but we’ll keep it a surprise."
Event Details
The 4th Annual Shadow Ridge Music Festival takes place on Friday, September 9, 2022, at Shadow Ridge Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska, expecting a record 5,500 attendees. A portion of ticket sales supports The Lane Thomas Foundation. Reserved seating, 311 fan club, and VIP tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets are still available. Visit the Shadow Ridge Music Festival website for tickets and details. Follow the festival on social media for the latest updates, and check out our interview with Max Collins of Eve 6 here.
