Acerca de
Meet our WAKEFEST Headliner!

Tara Vaughan's She Rocks is a celebration of women artists and songwriters of the 1960s, 70s and 80's, woven together through songs and stories delivered by Tara Vaughan-a bona fide superstar whose soulful vocals and piano techniques are reminiscent of a bygone era. Her vocals echo legends like Patsy Cline and Sam Cooke, while her piano skills are seeped in influences like Carole King and Elton John. Backed by an all-star band, Tara's set list includes hits from artists like Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Blondie, Heart, and more.
Tara Vaughan is a two time Omaha and Entertainment Awards Songwriter of the Year nominee. The Nebraska native released her debut full length album Dandelion Wine on May 17, 2016. Vaughan wrote the album’s ten songs about mistakes and self-discovery over a period of two years in the probably-haunted attic bedroom of a bungalow on Poppleton Avenue, and recorded in Nashville with producer Joe Pisapia (k.d. lang, Ben Folds Five, Guster). The album stays true to her trademark honey-thick vocals and bouncy piano pop style, and shines with complex arrangements and the addition of atmospheric guitars. Vaughan released the follow-up to 2011’s Better Versions EP following her appearance at SXSW, and will follow with a national tour in summer 2016.
Her backing band, featuring local favorites Jessica Errett, Matt McGuigan, Rich Miller and Adam Stoltenberg, regularly plays Omaha mainstays like the Waiting Room and Slowdown, and Vaughan has played stages as far flung as London and Barcelona, as well as one tipsy karaoke bar performance of Blondie’s ‘Call Me’ in Tokyo which she’s pretty sure counts.
MORE FEATURED PERFORMERS AT WAKEFEST . . .
In addition to our headliner Tara Vaughan, WAKEFEST will feature the sounds of the following incredible musicians that will keep the rock going all night long!
The CHAD and AMY Duo
A a fun husband & wife duo that enjoy playing songs you love to sing along to! Straight from Norfolk this talented couple will charm and delight you!
The Prodigal Sons
Enjoy the fantastic music of this local favorite out of Ponca!