Maha in pre-pandemic fashion with 2 days of music, activities in Omaha | Local news

For the first time since 2019, Maha is back this year as a two-day festival packed with musicians, both local and foreign, representing a variety of genres.

More music, food, drinks and activities have been welcomed back to Stinson Park on Fridays and Saturdays, after Covid-19 pandemic protocols kept crowds to a minimum last year.

Maha executive director Rachel Grace said organizers were expecting about 11,000 to attend the event this year.

The epidemic 2020 canceled the festival and shortened last year’s event to one day due to reduced capacity. Grace said it was exciting to bring back elements that were cut last year, such as Community Village, an area where non-profit organizations can host information and offer activities.

“Sharing the stage in that way is central to our mission because last year was not a good feeling,” she says. “We’re also able to have a few more food vendors and a few more activities than last year, so it’s a real full experience.”

Friday’s headliner was indie-rock group Car Seat Head. Baltimore dream pop duo Beach House was set to headline Saturday night, following a performance by rap and hip-hop artist Princess Nokia.

The event lineup also featured several local music artists including Marcy Yates, The Real Zebos, Dominic Morgan, Las Cruces, Bad Selfies and DJ Shore-T.

In addition to the music, the event included several food and beverage vendors, a community village, and activities such as a corn pit and photo booth. This year’s Maham has expanded its selection of local beers.

“Nebraska has such an amazing brewery scene, so we want to make sure we’re highlighting that,” Grace said.

Many attendees described Saturday’s weather as “perfect,” as the temperature reached 84 degrees in the afternoon and dropped into the 70s by evening.

Daniela Padilla, 35, of Omaha, said this was her second time at Maha. She brought her son and said she appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere.

“It was so much fun watching the bands and all the moves they were making,” she says. “It’s amazing that there are so many things kids can do.”

Heriberto Salinas Rivera, 28, of Omaha said he is a Beach House fan and was excited to see PUP on Saturday.

Maha said it’s much smaller than Midwestern festivals like Chicago’s Lollapalooza and Milwaukee’s Summerfest, but Salinas Rivera is happy to have a local festival that offers a diverse musical lineup.

“It’s still growing and hopefully will continue to grow,” he said.

23-year-old Omaha girl Mia LaHood last saw Maha when Lizzo headlined in 2019, and I’m excited to see Beach House and Princess Nokia this year.

“I think they do a great job with up and coming artists,” she said.