SophiaReinhardt

The Maha Music Festival, which was held on July 28-29, in Aksarben Village is a yearly music festival that showcases smaller artists and gives people the opportunity to come enjoy live music. 

This year’s lineup highlighted 15 different artists including Big Thief, Peach Pit, The Beths, Hakim, Ebba Rose, and even featured the Girls Rock group. The genres of music ranged from alternative/indie, to hip-hop, to folk. For many of these artists, this was their first time playing a bigger show. 

This year, Maha brought back a fan favorite: silent disco. Silent disco consists of music played through Bluetooth headphones instead of having it played aloud. Throughout the day different DJs would take turns controlling the different stations. Many like that even if there is a big group performing, there are still other music options. Silent disco is becoming increasingly popular and is a favorite activity at Maha. 

Maha’s creative and diverse environment has become one of the main reasons so many people enjoy attending, aside from the great music. Maha shows off many different representations of art besides only music.

Attendees at Maha do not only get to hear great music, but they also get to show off their style, jewelry, art and feel free to truly be themselves. The different booths inside the event include jewelry stands, henna tattoo stands, chances to win prizes, and fun accessories for people to wthroughout the festival. 

Many teenagers and young adults attend Maha and feel as if the festival is their chance to truly represent who they are and what they like. For many, this event is the highlight of their summer and their opportunity for personal expression. 

Junior Layla Wilke-Conant said, “It’s a very nonjudgmental place, so people can fully express themselves.” She added that her “favorite thing is seeing everyone in their element with their outfits.”

Wilke-Conant also said she really enjoys that “it gets less well known bands up on stage for people to enjoy.” The music industry can be very competitive, so getting a good start at a smaller venue can be key to a successful career.

Maha holds a special place in many people’s hearts and is a must do summer activity in Omaha.