2025 Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame inductees, (Courtesy)
KEARNEY — On Saturday evening in Kearney, Nebraska, Tim Zach, Dylan Bloom, DJ Bridwell, Dan Dobson and Deb Shaw were honored at the annual banquet of the Nebraska Country Music Foundation.
The air buzzed with anticipation, country-music fans and honorees coming together in celebration of that most honored of recognitions: induction into the Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame.
The theme this year was “The Good Life Good Country.”
When the time came, the stage lights rose and the newest inductees were called forward: names and faces from across Nebraska’s country-music landscape who had poured their hearts into songwriting, performing and keeping the tradition alive.
As each inductee accepted their honors and thanked those who have helped them throughout their careers. One recounted long nights on the road, the worn guitar case, the small towns and the big dreams.
Another spoke of roots in Nebraska soil, of local fairs and honky-tonk bars, of the support of neighbors and the pull of the hometown crowd. And one thanked mentors, bandmates, his wife and children, —those steadying hands behind the spotlight.
