Melissa Etheridge to headline Omaha’s Celebrates America concert Friday

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The lineup has been announced for a free summer concert in Omaha.

Returning this week, the Omaha Celebrates America concert is an annual and free summer event at Memorial Park. The lineup for this year’s concert was announced by organizers back in April.

Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge will headline the concert. Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will also be featured.

Last year’s concert headliner was Sheryl Crow and the opener was Dave Mason.

Local talent is also sought to be featured in videos throughout the day and between sets.

“This event has been a highlight for Omaha for many years now,” said Mayor Jean Stothert in a release. “It’s amazing to watch the entire Omaha community come together to celebrate America, listen to national bands and watch one of the best fireworks shows in the region.”

The concert and accompanying fireworks show will take place Friday, June 30 at Omaha’s Memorial Park. The show kicks off with the National Anthem at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks start at 10 p.m.

The City of Omaha produces the concert and its sponsored by the Omaha Parks Foundation.

This year’s date has changed to Friday, June 30 so the metro can kick off the Fourth of July weekend.

“We are incredibly excited about this date and the return to Friday before the week of the Fourth of July,” said Matt Kalcevich, the Omaha Director of Parks, Recreation and Public Property. “We know in the last few years we’ve had an August date and a July date, and we will remain flexible moving forward to really try to bring the greatest talent we can recruit.”

This year there will be something extra to celebrate during the concert event.

“And that is the 75th anniversary of Memorial Park, we will have several events throughout the year as well as a significant and unique statute,” Kalcevich said. “The embracing peace statute that’s been announced will be a presence in the park, including the time of the concert.”

Copyright 2023 WOWT. All rights reserved.