Summer of the Arts

Mike Conrad Trio
2022-07-01 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Mike Conrad is a composer and improviser currently serving as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Iowa. He has been recognized for his arranging and composing with four ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards and seven awards from Downbeat Magazine, as well as many other accolades. Conrad’s music has been performed all over the world, including a 2017 concert by the Metropole Orkest in the Netherlands, a 2014 Carnegie Hall Premiere, and a performance at the US Presidential Inauguration in 2013.
As a pianist and trombonist, he has toured China, played at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy, and appeared at various jazz festivals and venues all over the United States. Aside from his own projects like the All Angles Orchestra, the Mike Conrad Trio, and the co-led big band COLOSSUS, Conrad has enjoyed performing and/or recording with Alexa Tarantino, Dave Chisholm, the Bob Washut Dodectet, Christopher’s Very Happy. Band., the Max Wellman Big Band, and many other groups. Some of his more recent projects include a reimagination of Beethoven’s 3rd symphony in collaboration with the Berlin-based Stegreif Orchester, and a suite of four Iowa-inspired big band pieces for the Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra, which he founded. Conrad’s latest jazz trio project, “Reconnect,” features Katie Ernst on bass and Cassius Goens III on drums.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.mconradmusic.com/
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Corey Kendrick and the Organ-i-zation
2022-07-01 18:30 - 19:30 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: The Organ-i-zation features Corey Kendrick on B3 organ, Edgar Crockett on trumpet and flugelhorn, Steve Grismore on guitar, and Manuel Lopez III on drums. Deeply rooted in the B3 organ trio tradition, this Iowa/Illinois supergroup brings an invigorating energy to organ classics as well as daring new original compositions sure to leave you tapping your foot.
Iowa native Corey Kendrick is an organist, composer, recording artist, and educator currently living in the Quad Cities where he is director of instrumental music at Black Hawk College in Moline, IL. Praised by Downbeat Magazine as a “very accomplished, highly gifted jazz pianist” with “a patient, maturing voice,” Kendrick has a soulful touch that is both immediately recognizable and deeply expressive. Kendrick has toured internationally with Etienne Charles’ Creole Soul, regionally with the Rodney Whitaker Quintet, and throughout the Midwest as a leader.

Contact Information:
Web: http://coreykendrick.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/CoreyKendrickMusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHVIDHt2Zr4vXU-uND2Vaqw

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience
2022-07-01 20:00 - 21:30 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Grammy-winner Terrance Simien takes his audiences on a multicultural tour of the world inspired the many countries he’s visited on tour which have informed his musical language. He creates a hypnotic blend of New Orleans funk-reggae-flavored-world-blues-American zydeco roots music that beckons you to your feet and into the groove. Leading his Zydeco Experience band, Simien has become one of the most respected and accomplished artists in American roots music today. He and his bandmates have performed over 7000 concerts, toured millions of miles to over 45 countries during their eventful career.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.terrancesimien.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/ZydecoRocks/
https://www.instagram.com/terrance_simien/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Afterparty at Graduate Food Hall (Gene's)
2022-07-01 22:00 - 23:55 | Wilder, 210 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
You’re invited to a jam session hosted by Blake Shaw!

United Jazz Ensemble
2022-07-02 11:30 - 12:10 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Every Summer, this collaborative high school jazz combo comes together to prepare for their performance on the main stage at the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Directed by Aaron Ottmar, Ryan Arp, and Brian Zeglis, the band is comprised of students from City, Liberty, and West high schools from the Iowa City Community School District. For 25+ years, this group has served as one of the signature elements of the Jazz Festival’s commitment to jazz education in the public school setting. The opportunity for these students to perform at the Jazz Festival not only deepens their growth as musicians but also fosters wonderful collaboration between all three high school jazz programs.

Contact Information:
Web:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Artist Booths
2022-07-02 11:30 - 20:30, 2022-07-03 12:00 - 16:00 | Clinton St., 10 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
There will be artist booths on Clinton Street.

Culinary Delights and Beverage Garden
2022-07-02 11:30 - 22:30, 2022-07-03 12:00 - 16:00 | IA
As always, there are multiple food vendors to choose from! The Beverage Garden will have a slightly different location this year, with an even better view of the Main Stage!

North Corridor All-Star Combo
2022-07-02 12:15 - 12:55 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: The North Corridor All-Star is made up of musicians from high schools along the north I-380 corridor and is under the direction of Coe College music professor, Steve Shanley. Individuals in this group have been recognized as members or alternates of the prestigious Iowa All-State Jazz Band, and all are pursuing private jazz studies. They are honored to be a part of this year’s festival and look forward to performing a mix of original compositions and standards.

Contact Information:
Web:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Kid Logic
2022-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Oaknoll Side Stage-Iowa City Jazz Festival, 25 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: July 2, 2022 will be the debut performance of Kid Logic. Featuring 5 of Eastern Iowa music veterans who have played in some of the most popular bands over the last 30 yrs including The Fez, Shade of Blue, Mean St & the Hell Horns, Craig Erickson, Soul Sacrifice, The FunkDaddies, Johnny Kilowatt Band, The Allman Brothers, Ashanti, The Dandelion Stompers and more.
John Reasoner – guitar
Saul Lubaroff – saxophones
Denny Redmond – keys
John Hall – bass
Tim Crumley – drums
Kid Logic plays the great jazz fusion bands of the 70’s and 80’s, Weather Report, David Sanborn, The Rippingtons, The Crusaders, Lee Ritenour, and more.

Contact Information:
Web:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Yogev Shetrit Trio
2022-07-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Yogev Shetrit is a professional Israeli drummer, performer and composer. In 2015, he established his band, the Yogev Shetrit Trio, with the goal of playing his own compositions. In 2016, Shetrit recorded his first studio album, “New Path,” as a bandleader and composer. They have performed across Israel and all over the world, including Guatemala, Kazakhstan, India, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Haiti, and the United States.
Members:
Moshe Elmakias – Piano
Noam Tanzer – Bass
Yogev Shetrit – Drums, Compositions & Production
The albums “New Path” and “Serenity” contains instrumental pieces composed, arranged, and produced by Shetrit, who plays drums and percussion. He elegantly fuses traditional North African music, Gnawa, Andalusian music from his Moroccan heritage, along with contemporary jazz, Jewish and Mediterranean music. His funk and Drum & Bass influences are also evident on some of the tracks. Shetrit is also a founding member of Coolooloosh, funk and hip-hop band which received international exposure by extensive tours all over the world. The band has released three albums.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.yogevshetrit.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/yogev.shitrit.3
https://www.instagram.com/yogevshetrit/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLGHP74Xezb0hLwjqqRWc5bdKfpl_ztcp

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Nick Rueckert Quartet
2022-07-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Oaknoll Side Stage-Iowa City Jazz Festival, 25 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, pianist/composer Nick Rueckert has lived in Iowa and performed throughout the Midwest since 2008. Holding degrees from Drake University and Boston University, Nick is a regular member of the Des Moines Big Band and has performed regularly with many ensembles including The Turner Center Jazz Orchestra, Parranderos Latin Combo, The Des Moines Metro Concert Band and Big Band, and alongside a variety of local and visiting artists.
The Nick Rueckert Quartet features compositions and arrangements penned by himself and its members Aaron Ehrlich on saxophone, Chris Walsh on bass, and Ben Poppen on drums.

Contact Information:
Web:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Dan Wilson Quartet
2022-07-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Dan Wilson spent the majority of his youth within the church community, where his musical path began. Traces of his major guitar influences – including Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian, Joe Pass, and George Benson to name a few – can be discerned through his playing, but his musical identity has been shaped by everything from gospel and blues to traditional jazz, hip-hop and horn players like Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
His career took him on an exploratory journey into foundations laid down by the guitar/organ tradition, eventually leading to an invitation to perform with jazz great Joey DeFrancesco’s trio quartet, with which Wilson went on to earn a GRAMMY® Award nomination. Through DeFrancesco he met bassist, composer, and arranger Christian McBride, who produced Wilson’s “Vessels of Wood and Earth” and released the album on his newly formed imprint Brother Mister Productions. The album was released on April 23, 2021 and is available on all platforms.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.danwilsonguitar.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/DanWilsonGuitar/
https://www.instagram.com/danwilsonguitar/
https://www.youtube.com/user/brothaman34/videos

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Crystal Rebone Trio
2022-07-02 17:00 - 18:00 | Oaknoll Side Stage-Iowa City Jazz Festival, 25 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Dr. Crystal Rebone is the Instructor of Bass and Jazz Improvisation at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Originally from Beloit, Wisconsin, Dr. Rebone graduated Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance. During her studies, she submerged herself in the music of baritone saxophonist, Gerry Mulligan, and bassist, Dave Holland. She is happy to be joined by her colleagues for the Iowa City Jazz Festival and bring this music to life.

Contact Information:
Web:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Molly Miller Trio
2022-07-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Since Dr. Molly Miller picked up a guitar at age seven, she’s been captivating audiences with her sophisticated and raw style. She’s one of Los Angeles’s most sought-after musicians, recording and touring with artists such as Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, Donna Missal, and Jaimo, at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, and Coachella.
Miller is featured on Jason Mraz’s latest albums Know and Look For the Good. She is in the house-band on The Bachelor’s newest ABC primetime show, Listen To Your Heart. Soon after earning her Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Southern California in 2016, she became the chair of the Guitar Department at Los Angeles College of Music, a position she still holds. When Miller’s not on tour, running a guitar department, or in the studio, she heads her own trio, Molly Miller Trio, showcased on NPR’s Fresh Air, Guitar Player, & Fretboard Journal.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.mollymillermusic.com/
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Goliath
2022-07-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Oaknoll Side Stage-Iowa City Jazz Festival, 25 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: The hard hitting contemporary quartet “Goliath” is a project led by Dave Thaker, local jazz guitarist. The group features Jerome Gillespie Jr. on drums, Blake Shaw on bass, and Jarrett Purdy on keyboards. All members are graduate students from the University of Iowa, and their combined inspirations from their time at the university and beyond are on full display in this group.

Each of Goliath’s individual members have an overall breadth of work that includes touring across the U.S., guest artist work, and a multitude of recording projects. In addition to original music, the group is excited to bring fresh, new arrangements of all kinds of jazz virtuosos, from Herbie Hancock to Ben Wendel to Braxton Cook.

Contact Information:
Web:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

SuperBlue: Kurt Elling featuring Charlie Hunter
2022-07-02 20:00 - 21:30 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Renowned for his singular combination of robust swing and poetic insight, two-time GRAMMY winner Kurt Elling has secured his place among the world’s foremost jazz vocalists. His voice is instantly recognizable, embracing listeners with his warm, rich baritone and navigating the full span of his four-octave range as a virtuoso improvisor and a compelling storyteller. Over a twenty-five-year career of touring and recording, Elling has won three Prix du Jazz Vocal (France), two German Echo Awards, two Dutch Edison Awards, and has been nominated for a GRAMMY award fifteen times. He has had a 14-year run atop the DownBeat Critics and Readers polls and has won twelve Jazz Journalists Awards for “Male Vocalist of the Year”.
Elling’s dynamism is enhanced exponentially by the fact that he consistently generates new vocal material by writing and recording signature and definitive lyrics to the compositions of foundational jazz composers like of John Coltrane, Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter, and Joe Zawinul. Additionally, Kurt Elling has co-created multi-disciplinary performances for Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater and The City of Chicago. Jazz At Lincoln Center saw the world premier of The Big Blind, an entirely new jazz musical-in-progress Elling is co-writing with collaborator Phil Galdston (“Save The Best For Last”).
Elling has toured the world in a variety of contexts, including UNESCO-sponsored “International Jazz Day” performances in Havana, Cuba, in St. Petersburg, Russia, in Melbourne, Australia and in Washington DC. He has twice performed at the White House, including a performance in collaboration with the late Marvin Hamlisch and the National Symphony Orchestra for President Obama’s first State Dinner. He has served as Artist-In-Residence at the Monterey and Singapore Jazz Festivals. As a music industry leader, Elling spent six years serving as a Trustee and two years as Vice Chairman of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Contact Information:
Web: https://kurtelling.com/music/superblue/
Other links: https://charliehunter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kurtelling
https://www.instagram.com/kurtelling/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyHG1rnMaO8gXBF_wfhmPjg

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

City of Iowa City Fireworks
2022-07-02 21:30 - 22:00 | Old Capitol Museum, 21 N. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52242, United States
Join us the intersection of Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue, as well as on the University of Iowa Pentacrest for the City of Iowa City’s signature fireworks display. Big, beautiful and the best way to end Saturday night of the Jazz Fest!

Afterparty at Elray's
2022-07-02 22:15 - 2022-07-03 02:00 | Elray’s, 211 Iowa Ave., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States

Mina Jazz Quartet
2022-07-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Oaknoll Side Stage-Iowa City Jazz Festival, 25 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: The Mina Jazz Quartet was founded on one main idea: Brazil is more than just the land of the bossa! MJQ is proud to represent the rich culture of Brazil and its music through exciting performances of popular Brazilian sambas, choros, frevos, Cuban cha-cha-cha, and more.
Gabriel Sánchez, saxophone
Robert Espe, violin, flute, mandolin, saxophone
Rayne Dias, piano and accordion
Askar Khaetov, bass
Ryan Smith, drums and percussion

Contact Information:
Web:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Camille Thurman with the Darrell Green Quartet
2022-07-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Iowa House Hotel

About: As an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, vocalist, and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, Camille Thurman is quickly becoming one of the leading standard bearers of the art form. Camille is known for her distinct musical approach to classic and original repertoire that highlights her chops as both a powerhouse singer and instrumentalist and has amassed numerous distinctive honors for her musicianship. Thurman also has four full-length recordings as a leader to her credit.
She was the first woman in 30 years to tour and perform full time internationally with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as a saxophonist/woodwindist (2018-2020 season). Her most recent project “Fortitude” (to be released in 2022) is a collaboration with master drummer Darrell Green and his quartet. Thurman was recently selected by American Music Abroad and the U.S. State Department to tour and perform Africa as U.S. Cultural Ambassadors: Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, and Mauritania. In May of 2020, Camille created and founded “The Haven Hang: Young Lioness Musician Q&A/ Virtual Mentorship Series,” a virtual mentorship series for young women musicians.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.camillethurmanmusic.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/camille.thurman

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Dan Padley Quartet
2022-07-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Oaknoll Side Stage-Iowa City Jazz Festival, 25 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Dan Padley is a guitarist/composer based out of Iowa City, IA. Since studying music at the University of Iowa, He has performed with many artists including Wayne Newton, Deb Talan, Elizabeth Moen, River Glen, Dana T, Blake Shaw, comedian Jimmy Pardo, and many more. Dan has released numerous albums and EPs, including his most recent full length ‘Bloom’. His music combines sounds of jazz, ambience, americana, and film music.

Contact Information:
Web:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

John Daversa Small Band
2022-07-03 15:00 - 16:00 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: John Daversa is a distinguished trumpet-player, composer, arranger, producer, bandleader and educator. He is a multiple Grammy Award winner and nominee and the recipient of many other awards and honors. In addition to his active career as a performer and recording artist he is currently Professor and Chair of Studio Music and Jazz at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music.
Born in Los Angeles, Daversa returned in 2004 to pursue graduate-level education, and in 2011 he accepted a full-time position at California State University, Northridge. During this time, Daversa formed the John Daversa Small Band and re-established the John Daversa Progressive Big Band. Compositions created for these performances generated the material for Daversa’s next few albums, including Junk Wagon: The Big Band Album (2011), which received several Global Music Awards, including Best in Show, Creativity/Originality and Album Production.
Since 2013, Daversa has produced several noteworthy albums for both himself and other artists. In 2017 the John Daversa Big Band’s album, Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of the Beatles garnered three Grammy nominations for Best Large Jazz Ensemble, Best Arrangement Instrumental, and Best Arrangement Vocals or A Cappella. In 2019, American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom, a big band album featuring young DACA artists, won three Grammy awards for Best Large Jazz Ensemble, Best Arrangement Instrumental, and Best Improvised Solo.
In 2019 and 2020 Daversa was musical director and producer for two important projects spearheaded by women: Shoulder to Shoulder: Centennial Tribute to Women’s Suffrage, by the Karrin Allyson Sextet (2019) and Swing States: Harmony in the Battleground by Regina Carter Freedom Band (2020). The John Daversa Quintet released Cuarentena: With Family at Home, an album of original and traditional Cuban boleros that paid homage to familial love and the healing power of music during the time of COVID, featuring musicians Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Carlo De Rosa, Dafnis Prieto, and Sammy Figueroa.
His most recent project, All Without Words: Variations Inspired By Loren (release April 30, 2021) is a lush orchestral trumpet concerto played by the John Daversa Jazz Orchestra, composed by Justin Morell and dedicated to Morell’s autistic son Loren. Celebrating the bond between a parent and child, the album is a paean to the trials, tribulations, successes, and heart-warming moments of raising a non-verbal son.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.johndaversa.com/
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Kiersten Conway
2023-06-30 17:00 - 18:00 | Oaknoll Side Stage-Iowa City Jazz Festival, 25 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Kiersten Conway is a dynamic songwriter, contemporary jazz vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist known for her inventive interpretations of jazz standards and compelling original compositions. A native of Iowa City, she has performed at top venues including Noce Jazz Club and Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines, and has been featured at the Iowa City Jazz Festival.
In 2024, Kiersten brought her artistry to the Rochester International Jazz Festival, sharing the stage with Laila Biali, and also performed at the prestigious Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans. A three-time recipient of the DownBeat Student Music Awards (2023–2025), she was recognized as a Vocal Jazz Soloist, for her original composition “Black-Eyed Susan,” and as an Outstanding Soloist in a Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.kierstenconway.com/
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Artist Booths and Fun Stops Open
2023-06-30 17:00 - 20:30 | Clinton St., 10 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
In addition to the music, artist booths and Fun Stops round out the music festival atmosphere!
Artists
Let Us Color for Peace
Alegria Handmade
Glen Arthur Lowry
Josina Supplies
Vintage Jewelry & Treasures
Glassando
Willustrations
Fun Stops
Faceworks
FTC Robotics/Trobotix
Englert Theatre
Iowa City Hospice/VNA of Johnson County (Friday)
Willowwind School (Saturday)
Johnson County Ambulance Service
Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center
KCCK Jazz Radio

Beverage Garden and Culinary Delights Open
2023-06-30 17:00 - 22:00 | Iowa Avenue, 105 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Enjoy cold beverages and delicious food from a variety of local and regional food vendors!

Jon Ailabouni
2023-06-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Marva Abel and Richard Knoedel

About: Trumpeter, composer, and educator, Jon Ailabouni is a sought-after freelance artist based in La Crosse, WI. Steeped in Western European classical and Black American jazz traditions, Jon’s creative work focuses on instrumental composition and improvisation that uses deeply felt stories as a focal point for expression. Ailabouni’s 2023 album You Are Not Alone features his original compositions and is available for purchase via Bandcamp and SkyDesk Music. Ailabouni’s improvisation as a soloist has been described as “sharp and resourceful” (AllAboutJazz.com). An emerging national leader at the intersection of jazz and liturgical traditions, Jon regularly serves as a guest worship director, bringing the sophistication and soulfulness of the jazz tradition into familiar hymns and liturgy in churches across the Midwest, Colorado, and Texas. He has self-published over 50 arrangements of hymns available on his website JonAilabouniMusic.com. Ailabouni taught on the music faculty of Luther College in Decorah, IA for eight years and currently serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse where he teaches the trumpet studio, Music Appreciation class, and directs the Jazz Ensemble and Hoefer Brass Quintet.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.jonailabounimusic.com/
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Goliath
2023-06-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Oaknoll Side Stage-Iowa City Jazz Festival, 25 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Hire A Helper

About: The hard hitting contemporary quartet “Goliath” is a project led by Dave Thaker, local jazz guitarist. The group features Jerome Gillespie Jr. on drums, Blake Shaw on bass, and Jarrett Purdy on keyboards. All members are graduate students from the University of Iowa, and their combined inspirations from their time at the university and beyond are on full display in this group.

Each of Goliath’s individual members have an overall breadth of work that includes touring across the U.S., guest artist work, and a multitude of recording projects. In addition to original music, the group is excited to bring fresh, new arrangements of all kinds of jazz virtuosos, from Herbie Hancock to Ben Wendel to Braxton Cook.

Contact Information:
Web:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Benny Benack III Quartet
2023-06-30 20:00 - 21:30 | Strauss Community Stage – Iowa City Jazz Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: By age 32, Emmy-nominated trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III has proven to be that rarest of talents: not only a fiery trumpet player with a stirring command of the post bop trumpet vernacular in the vein of Kenny Dorham and Freddie Hubbard, but also a singer with a sly, mature, naturally expressive delivery in the post-Sinatra mold, performing standards and his own astute songs with a thrilling sense of showmanship. This duel-threat ability was recognized by the 2022 Downbeat Critics Poll where he appeared as not only the #2 Rising Star Male Vocalist, but a top Rising Star Trumpeter as well. His superb intonation and bracing virtuosity enable him to handle astounding feats of originally composed vocalese (complex solos with written lyrics). On top of it all, he’s a highly capable pianist as well.

Third in a generational line of Pittsburgh jazz notables, Benny follows in the footsteps of his trumpeter/bandleader grandfather, Benny Benack, Sr. (1921-86), and his father Benny Benack, Jr., a saxophonist/clarinetist who gave the young Benny his first professional experience. Benny, Sr. hailed from a Pittsburgh lineage that also produced Roy Eldridge, Earl Hines, Art Blakey, Billy Strayhorn and so many more. He recorded the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1960 theme song “Beat ’Em Bucs” and toured with Tommy Dorsey and Raymond Scott, among others. Benny III returns to Pittsburgh often to perform, saluting his family forebears and the jazz heritage as a whole, nonetheless staking his bold and highly individual artistic claim. He is an endorsing artist with Torpedo Bags cases, CarolBrass flugelhorns, as well as various menswear fashion lines including X-Suit, Alain Dupetit, Proper Cloth & Vittone.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.bennybenackjazz.com/
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!
