Blackberry Smoke at Steelhouse Omaha - Thursday, August 6, 2026. [Photo by Dean Birkheimer]

DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine

The sounds of Georgia, (Go Dawgs), found a welcome home in Omaha, Nebraska on August 6, 2026, as Blackberry Smoke brought their signature blend of Southern rock to The Steelhouse. Before the headliners took the stage, guitar virtuoso Trey Hensley warmed up the crowd with a dazzling solo display.

Some guitarists play fast. Others play with feeling. Trey Hensley does both. He delivered a performance that was as technically dazzling as it was deeply soulful. From the moment he stepped on stage with his signature Trey Hensley Gold Label 510e SE acoustic by Taylor Guitars, it was obvious the audience was in the presence of one of the finest acoustic musicians performing today. His set showcased material from his outstanding newest album, Can’t Outrun the Blues. The songs translated beautifully to the live setting, highlighting his exceptional songwriting while giving him plenty of opportunities to demonstrate the remarkable guitar work that has earned him widespread acclaim.

Hensley’s career has been turning heads since he was just 11 years old, when he made his first public appearance on the Grand Ole Opry alongside Marty Stuart and bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs.  Since then, Hensley has built an impressive résumé, earned two International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year awards while also added a GRAMMY® Award to his accomplishments when, as a member of The Taj Mahal Sextet, Swingin’ Live at The Church in Tulsa won Best Traditional Blues Album at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards.  Throughout the performance, Hensley demonstrated why he is considered one of the premier acoustic guitarists of his generation. The crowd may not have been large, but the response they gave was gigantic.

Blackberry Smoke created a loose, good-time atmosphere by providing a gritty Southern rock sound full of blistering guitar work and big harmonies.

From the opening notes, the Atlanta based band had the Steelhouse crowd locked in. Frontman Charlie Starr and company moved effortlessly between hard driving Southern rockers, bluesy grooves and the band’s more reflective moments.

One of the night’s most memorable moments came when the band decided to give the fans something they hadn’t necessarily planned on. “Son of the Bourbon” wasn’t on the original set list, but a group of persistent fans had brought a sign requesting the song. Blackberry Smoke noticed and rather than ignore the plea, they rewarded the dedication by playing it. It was a perfect example of the connection between the band and its audience. “Train Train,” the classic Blackfoot cover was arguably the song of the night, delivering the kind of raw, rowdy energy that makes a live cover memorable.

The evening also featured a special collaboration with opening act Trey Hensley, who returned to the stage to join Blackberry Smoke for “White Freight Liner.” Hensley’s acoustic guitar picking and unmistakable bluegrass influence added another dimension to the performance.

Omaha didn’t just get a Blackberry Smoke concert. It got a party and judging by the smiles leaving the building, nobody was in a hurry for it to end.

Blackberry Smoke Trey Hensley All images © Dean Birkheimer

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