Music, Food and Art, Oh My!
The Unionaires embrace Lincoln's music culture. PC: Kayla Potts
It’s that time of the year for the 14th annual Lincoln Calling Music Festival. The festival is presented by internet, TV and phone service provider Allo and produced by coffee and skateboard shop, The Bay as well as the nonprofit creative industry, Hear Nebraska. They’re returning again this year with a mission to create Lincoln’s most diverse, inclusive, sustainable cultural event that brings art, music and innovation together.
On Sept. 28-30, visitors can experience artist workshops, food vendors, skateboarding contests and, of course, music. The concerts aren’t free, but they are affordable, with tickets starting at $15 for day passes.
“There is a fusion of artists who are just starting out, performing in the same festival with popular and more well-known artists,” explains junior communication major Yanni Outerbridge. “It’s like a smaller version of South by Southwest or even Coachella. The art and music is always expanding every year, introducing new types of bands and artists to Lincoln.”
Since its start in 2003, the nonprofit organization Hear Nebraska has been bringing together more than 100 national and local artists. On the music side of things, Charli XCX is headlining the festival and many other up-and-coming groups from Omaha, New York, Chicago and other cities will be present. Each night of Lincoln Calling will include artist performances, exhibitions and displays.
“Hear Nebraska started working with and producing Lincoln Calling last year,” explains managing editor Andrew Stellman. “The main thing that we do is showcase different artists, venues or art related organizations in Nebraska through multimedia journalism.” Hear Nebraska is dedicated to supporting and promoting the Nebraskan artists and have produced more than 50 concerts with more than 140 different artists across the state.
When the concerts are done, stop by the Railyard for a skateboarding contest held by The Bay, or the Night Market, located between 14th and O St., Lincoln’s biggest bazaar which is completely free and open to the public. Of course art and food are present as well. This weekend will be a great time to spend hanging out with friends while exploring the art and music scene in the heart of Lincoln.
Caroline Guchu is a junior studying communications.