The 8th Annual Shadow Ridge Music Festival!
Story and Photos: Spencer Fleming
The 8th Annual Shadow Ridge Festival was a roaring success! On 9.11.26 thousands of fans flocked to the Shadow Ridge Country Club grounds to soak up some of the best music of the 90s! Headlined by Blues Travler and the Gin Blossoms, hit makers Spin Doctors, and an Omaha favorite, The Samples, rounded out the bill.
With the weather in the low 80s the stage was set for a perfect evening with friends, music, and delicious food.
The night started off with a set from The Samples. I remember seeing The Samples on the marquee of the Ranch Bowl many times when I started going to shows in the late 90s, but this was my first time seeing them live. Jake Ryan from 89.7 The River played emcee for the evening and before he brought out the band he said they were on heavy rotation of the Jukebox at The Jay. I'm assuming The Jay is a Creighton-related establishment. Someone in the comments fill me in. Before the band started their set they said "Does anyone remember the Ranch Bowl? RIP". Funny enough I saw several people with Ranch Bowl shirts in the crowd and one guy even had a re-print of a Peony Park "Sprite Night" shirt!
For 30 minutes the Samples had the Shadow Ridge crowd swaying to the sounds of blues and reggae swirled with nostalgia. The early-bird crowd was really digging their sound and I saw several folks wearing Samples shirts and singing along. With some chill vibes the Samples got the party started! If Shadow Ridge ever incorporates a "Ranch Bowl" reunion for the lineup the Samples would definitely be on the list of bands to get.
Next up were the 90s legends The Spin Doctors. I was lucky enough to catch the Spin Doctors with this same lineup of Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler last year and it was an awesome time. I was stoked to see them again and all their classic alternative hits. It's crazy that these bands have known each other for so long and are still touring together. It turns out Spin Doctors Chris Barron and John Popper from Blues Traveler were friends in high school. Wild stuff!
Chris and crew put in a killer eight song set with hits like "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and "Jimmy Olson's Blues", but they also did a wicked cover of "Purple Rain". They saved the best for last though. As soon as the iconic drum beat of "Two Princes" hit the fans were on their feet ready to dance. Such a bop you can't help but get down and boogie.
Between Spin Doctors and my personal favorite Gin Blossoms, founder Justin Shanahan and his wife Elen presented a check for $10,000 to 50 Mile March, an organization that helps veterans with mental health challenges and homelessness. I know it was a bit of a challenge celebrating on such a solemn day for America, but knowing that Shadow Ridge is supporting organizations like 50 Mile March it helped bring the community together in solidarity with our troops. Check out 50 Mile March and all they're doing for the veterans in the Omaha community!
Next up was one of the best bands to come out of the 90s, the Gin Blossoms!!! I've seen the Gin Blossoms close to double digits now and they always bring their best. This time was no different. Before their set I ran into Scotty and new drummer Andy just hanging out in the crowd. I had met lead singer Robin several times before but I had never spoken with Scotty. Such a nice guy. I know he spent some time in Iowa in his youth, so that checks out, Midwest nice. I asked Scotty about any new Gin Blossoms music and he said there were some things in the works. Right before the band went on stage I got to talk to Robin and I mentioned that Scotty said they had some things cooking. Robin said it's a slow process but there are some things happening. With a wink he said "But, it's just the hits tonight".
Robin told no lies as the band tore through their set of classics. Song after song brought the Shadow Ridge crowd massive radio hits like "Follow You Down", "Until I Fall Away", and "Mrs. Rita". During "My Hands Are Tied" Robin brought out Ben Wilson from Blues Travler to play keyboards. They really jammed out on the song and had dueling pianos at one point. After the song Jesse said "The Amazing Wilson Brothers!" Such a cool moment.
Towards the end of the set Robin said "You're now going to hear your four favorite Gin Blossoms songs". The crowd got so pumped as the band broke out "Found Out About You", "Allison Road", "Hey Jealousy", and what may be my all-time favorite song "Til I Hear It From You". All across the crowd fans were swaying and singing along like it was 1997. I'm really hopeful for new Gin Blossoms songs, but they could tour on their classics for many years to come. Their songs are an absolute time machine and I'll never get tired of them.
Last up was Blues Traveler from New Jersey. In a complete plot twist they broke out what I would consider their biggest song "Run Around" first! Instead of playing it straight they really took their time and jammed out going on extensive guitar, bass, and harmonica solos. I had heard that Blues Traveler really embraces the jam-band aspect when on tour but when I saw them last summer they didn't jam out at all. I think because they ended up playing a shortened set they didn't have time for all the noodling. With a full set at Shadow Ridge they really gave the crowd some tasty jams. After "Run Around" they did a 7 or 8 minute rendition of "Devil Went Down To Georgia", but lead singer John Popper changed the lyrics to "Devil went down to Omaha" and the crowd went wild!
The band brought out several guests including Chris Barron from the Spin Doctors and Robin Wilson from Gin Blossoms. It was a massive party and a perfect way to transition from summer to fall. Every year Shadow Ridge puts on such a great show, everything is organized and so well run. I can't wait for Shadow Ridge 2027. Mark your calendars for September 10 and we'll see you there!
A Huuuuuuuge thanks to Shadow Ridge Music Festival for being our 2026 sponsor and partner. Justin and his team are awesome to work with. Check out all the photos and let us know if you spot yourself in the crowd!
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