About Us

Welcome to the third season of the Salt Creek Song Festival! It's remarkable how far we've come in just three years – from an aspirational vision shared by two singers to securing 501(c)(3) status and finding a home at the historic St. Stephen’s. This year, our theme, It’s about time, resonates deeply as we reflect on our journey. Time, in its various forms – from the passage of hours to the seasons of life – is indeed precious, and we’re truly honored that you've chosen to share some of yours with us.

As we celebrate this milestone, we're thrilled to present an incredible lineup for this year’s festival. Get ready for a week filled with both familiar faces, exciting newcomers, a powerful Midwest premiere, and the world premiere of two Salt Creek Song Festival commissions. Each event promises meaningful connections to the music, the artists, and the vibrant art scene here in Ashland. We’re glad you’re here.

  • Mission

    The Salt Creek Song Festival is dedicated to being a cultural resource in Saunders County and the surrounding Great Plains region. The first song festival of its kind in Nebraska, SCSF finds its inspiration in world class performances and gatherings featuring Midwest oriented artists, composers, and performers of song. SCSF seeks to be in community and to build relationships with those of all walks of life in Nebraska and beyond and to enrich the region by presenting a diverse program of the full range of art song. SCFS looks to foster an environment that amplifies the voices of artists of a broad range of disciplines who find meaning and connection in the Midwest.

Founders

  • Jared Hiscock

    Since moving to Nebraska in 2011 Jared has been in demand as a performer and educator throughout the region. Currently, he serves as the Director of Performance - Music at Hastings College, where he teaches in the music department and works in tandem with the Office of Admissions to support student growth and success. As a 2019-2022 Holland Community Opera Fellow, he worked to co-create programming to support Opera Omaha’s community partners and to fulfill unmet needs for arts experiences and education. Before working at Opera Omaha, Jared spent two seasons doing educational outreach in the upper Midwest with the professional opera touring company, Opera for the Young. Jared holds an M.M. and D.M.A. in vocal performance from the Glenn Korff School of Music at the University of Nebraska. He lives in Ashland with his wife, Damie, their three boys, Clifton, Walden, and Desmond and doggo Charlie.

  • Gretchen Crane

    Gretchen first fell in love with Ashland when her parents moved to the area in 2019. A lifelong Nebraskan, Gretchen has always been dedicated to amplifying and showcasing the amazing talent of the Midwest. In her time with Des Moines Metro Opera, she toured the region introducing opera and classical music to students of all ages. Always a collaborator, Gretchen has produced Liederabands (salon-style evenings of song) and has commissioned and premiered new classical works across the country, including at The Kennedy Center, Chautauqua Institution, and the Spencer Museum of Art. Gretchen holds an M.M. from the University of Kansas and a B.A. from the University of Nebraska.

Sponsorship

Thank you for your support!

Grant Awards

Concert Partners

Premier Lodging Partner

  • The Roost Bed and Breakfast

    The Roost Bed & Breakfast - Enjoy 10% off your stay of 3 nights or longer and give 5% back to support Salt Creek Song Festival artists while enjoying a charcuterie board for 2 on your choice of night and a bonus Glacial Till growler to bring to a pop-up concert with the Song Festival Package!