Review & Gallery: MAHA 2026 Was No ‘Wet Dream’
GALLERY
GALLERY
☆ PHOTOS BY NINA KULDASZ ☆
OMAHA’S MAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL PUT THE WET IN WET LEG – Hundreds of fans that gathered for MAHA music festival left Heartland of America Park disappointed on August 8, after unexpected storms surprised the festival, causing three lightning delays, shortened sets and ending headliner Wet Leg’s show early.
Omaha native Carver Jones brought the soul to MAHA with his 45-minute set, kicking off the festival at 1 p.m. beneath sunny skies. Though the crowd hadn’t quite filled in, Jones gave an energetic performance, mixing in older songs with ones from his EP that dropped the day before the show, 8. Jones performed an unreleased song for the crowd titled Nebraska, fitting for the festival.
Shortly after Jones left the stage, dark storm clouds rolled through the downtown Omaha skyline. At 2 p.m., festival officials announced a weather delay due to lightning in the area, encouraging fans to leave the park to take shelter and check their social media for updates.
After intense rain, wind and lightning for nearly two hours, MAHA announced at 3:45 p.m. that the show was back on, and shortly after David Nance & Mowed Sound took the stage around 4:05 p.m.
Another artist that calls Omaha home, David Nance lives just 5 minutes from Heartland of America Park. Though their set was only 30 minutes due to the weather delays, David Nance & Mowed Sound still rocked the festival with notable guitar riffs and harmonica solos. The group’s performance reflected what midwest music is all about, blending genres like roots rock, garage rock and country rock.
In between sets, the sounds of Omaha Girls Rock lingered throughout the park, reminding concertgoers where all bands and artists once started. Indie band Whitney was next on the ticket, following seamlessly with their stunning folk-rock performance.
Before they began their set, Omaha mayor John Ewing Jr. took the stage to tell the crowd how incredible it is to have a festival in their city that celebrates music. He told the crowd that, "Omaha is one cool city," before shaking hands with each member of Whitney. Though they call Chicago their home, Whitney certainly put on a good show for Omaha. Their inclusion of horns, though unconventional for indie rock bands, rounded out their sound very well.
Whitney’s set was also only about 30 minutes, and just after they played their last song, MAHA officials announced the second lightning delay that lasted an hour and fifteen minutes. This time, many fans stayed in the park to wait out the weather.
But, singer-songwriter Blondshell didn’t let the second rain delay put her down. The indie rock singer began her set at 6:45 p.m., dancing effortlessly about the stage. Her first time in Omaha, Blondshell brought her relatable music to the midwest in anticipation of her upcoming album that will be released in September.
Keeping the vibes high, Blondshell performed her classics and newer work and strutted her stuff in between singing. Fans in the crowd enjoyed her set, some even sported fans that read “23's A Baby,” a lyric and the title of one of her songs.
With a beautiful sunset over the MAHA festival, Atlanta’s Killer Mike continued the night by taking MAHA to the ‘church of sinners and saints.’ He let fans know his performance is for “all the people who shed tears,” and told the crowd, “Omaha, it’s good to be back.”
A notable part of Killer Mike’s performance was his four sensational backup vocalists, whose heavenly vocals were absolutely brilliant and added so much to the performance.
Between songs, Killer Mike made political commentary and stressed the importance of community. Though his approach to love and connection may have been vulgar, the crowd certainly agreed with it, cheering and chanting back with him.
Just before homegrown rock band Bright Eyes was set to play, MAHA officials announced yet another weather delay at 9:08 p.m. Fans found ways to keep themselves busy, playing games like Heads Up on their phones and chatting with the people beside them. At 9:46 p.m. the band was cleared to begin sound check.
A homecoming show for lead singer Conor Oberst, Bright Eyes was thankful they were able to put on a show for MAHA, despite not being able to perform for the entire time. The band only had time for nine total songs, but those songs spanned six of their albums. Near the end of the set, Oberst dedicated a song to his late uncle, who passed just a couple days prior.
Bright Eyes said they were also grateful for the fans who stuck it out through the storms, and they proved it through their passionate performance despite unfortunate circumstances.
With lightning flashing in the distance, U.K. breakout rock band Wet Leg emerged through intense fog and blinding, flashing lights.
The band finally took the stage after 11 p.m., initially supposed to go on at 9:45 p.m., telling the crowd, “Omaha, I didn't think we'd get to play for you tonight.” They announced they were going to speed through their songs to squeeze in as much as possible since their set was already shortened.
Despite this, their set was electrifying. Lead singer Rhian Teasdale seduced the crowd with her strong and steady vocals and vibrant, dynamic spirit. Wet Leg is redefining modern rock with their technically flawless performance, high energy and provocative music.
At 11:37 p.m. Teasdale announced to the crowd that they would have to stop the show, and fans were quick to express their heartache. Wet Leg also expressed their disappointment, telling the crowd they were sorry.
With a less than 30-minute set, Wet Leg only got to perform eight songs, but were originally set to play for an hour and fifteen minutes.
Despite the disheartening ending to the festival, each artist delivered a phenomenal performance for those who bore through the storms, each bringing their unique talents to the heartland.
