Chad Stoner Band set for Music at Miller Park finale in Omaha

The Chad Stoner Band will make its Music at Miller Park debut on Aug. 8 at Miller Park Pavilion in Omaha, closing out the free summer concert series. The performance highlights Stoner’s deep ties to North Omaha and his belief that music can offer personal connection and lift.

Why it matters: - The final Music at Miller Park concert brings a local artist with deep North Omaha roots to a free, community-sponsored event. - The performance underscores how public arts programming can connect neighborhood institutions, schools and residents in one outdoor setting. - Chad Stoner’s story adds a personal dimension to the concert, showing how music can support recovery, connection and community leadership.

What happened: - The Chad Stoner Band will make its Music at Miller Park debut on Saturday, Aug. 8, as the final concert in the series. - Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) presents Music at Miller Park in partnership with Nelson Mandela Elementary School and the Minne Lusa and Miller Park Neighborhood Associations. - The free summer concert series is held annually at Miller Park Pavilion, 2707 Redick Ave., in Omaha. - Stoner said the return to North Omaha feels like a homecoming and a chance to play for a community that shaped his music.

The details: - Stoner’s musical influences include Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Anita Baker and D’Angelo. - The band’s sound has been described as “elegant with an edge,” “stirringly soulful” and “sophisticated swagger.” - Stoner first picked up the saxophone in sixth grade. - After high school, Stoner played football for the Huskers. - He stepped away from music in college during a period marked by substance use and mental health challenges. - After a suicide attempt, Stoner left college, moved back home with his parents and recovered while playing bass in the basement. - Stoner bought the bass from a pawn shop and played along to U2 songs for hours at a time. - Friends later invited him to join a garage band, which brought him back to the saxophone. - Stoner spent 20 years as a pastor. - He now works in the in-school suspension program at Papillion La Vista South High School. - Stoner also performs saxophone professionally at venues across the area. - He said North Omaha has been the greatest source of support for him relationally, musically and through opportunities. - The concert is free and open to the public. - More information is available at the event page.

Between the lines: - Stoner’s comments frame the concert as more than entertainment; he sees live music as a way to meet people where they are emotionally. - His background in ministry and school support work helps explain why his performances center on personal connection and steadiness. - The North Omaha setting matters to Stoner because the neighborhood has helped sustain both his career and his sense of identity.

What's next: - The Chad Stoner Band will perform at Miller Park Pavilion on Aug. 8. - Attendees can expect a set designed to create a soulful, intimate experience rather than a standard concert run-through. - Stoner said he wants people to leave feeling lifted and like life is good.