Summer of the Arts

Silt Creek
2025-07-30 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, 579 McCollister Blvd, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Navigate Homes

About: Silt is highly fertile soil formed by the repeated collision of rocks, and sediment found in flowing water or beneath glaciers. It is a great place to grow things. Silt Creek is a trio comprised of three diverse musicians who share a love of song and have been crossing paths for the last 25 years. Ryan Bernemann, Chris Dimond, and Ben Schmidt have been performing in various local and regional bands and join forces to bring a unique and refined sound rich with vocal harmony, playful lead playing, and stunning songcraft. Their sound comes from a broad palette of training and influences from singer/songwriter to Alt-Country to Blues, Jazz and Soul music. Live shows include a mix of original compositions, collaborations, and re-envisioned covers.
Personnel: Ryan Bernemann – Bass / Vocals
Chris Dimond – Guitar
Ben Schmidt – Guitar / Vocals

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

Dandelion Stompers
2025-08-01 18:30 - 21:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

About: For more than a decade, the Dandelion Stompers have brought savory horns, spicy vocals and red hot rhythms to eastern Iowa. With their second album under their belt they are ready for ten more years of singing, dancing, and stomping!
Lineup: Chris Clark-bar sax; Tim Crumley-percussion; Katie Greenstein-tpt; Brandi Janssen-bass; Marc Janssen-gtr; Katie Roche-voc; Suzanne Smith-cl; Devin van Holsteijn-alto sax

Contact Information:
Web: https://dandelionstompers.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/dandelionstompers/
https://www.instagram.com/dandelionstompers

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Natty Nation
2025-08-02 18:30 - 21:00 | Riverfront Crossings Park, 1001 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Urban Acres Real Estate – Natasha Wendt, Realtor and Hawkeye Title and Settlement

About: For three decades, Natty Nation has been a cornerstone of the Midwest reggae music scene, spreading messages of unity, love, and social justice through their powerful sound and unwavering commitment to their roots. Formed in 1995 in Madison, Wisconsin, Natty Nation has become a beloved force in the global reggae community, blending traditional roots reggae with elements of dub, rock, and hip-hop to create a signature style that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Led by the charismatic and visionary frontman JAH Boogie, Natty Nation has consistently used their music as a platform for activism and empowerment. Their lyrics, infused with conscious themes and spiritual depth, reflect their dedication to uplifting humanity and addressing the challenges of our time. Over the years, the band has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including “The Journey Has Just Begun…” (1996) and “Divine Spark” (2016), each showcasing their evolution as artists and their ability to stay true to the heart of reggae while pushing creative boundaries.

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

Steve Grismore Trio
2025-08-06 18:30 - 20:00 | City Park, 200 E. Park Rd, Iowa City, IA, 52246, United States
Sponsored by Stuart Carmen & Associates
Note: this performance will be on the Riverside Festival Stage. If you know where the Shakespeare plays take place, then you know where this performance will take place!

About: This trio has been together for several years now and really focuses on music by my favorite guitarists including John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, John Abercrombie, Pat Martino and more. We also play jazz standards and a few original tunes of mine. We have played clubs all over the state and several special events such as KCCK’s Jazz Under the Stars, the Iowa City Jazz Festival, the Quad Cites Polyrhythms 3rd Sunday Jazz, and many more….
This rendition of the Steve Grismore Trio features Drew Morton on bass and Justin LeDuc on drums and cymbals.

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

Eat for the Arts: Marco’s Grilled Cheese and George’s Best Gyros
2025-08-07 17:00 - 2025-08-08 02:00 | Marco’s Grilled Cheese, 117 N. Linn St., Iowa City, IA, 52245, United States
We’re teaming up with two of downtown Iowa City’s favorite quick-bite spots for a delicious night of giving back! Join us on Thursday, August 7 at Marco’s Grilled Cheese and George’s Best Gyros for Eat for the Arts — where 10% of all sales that night will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.
Whether you’re craving Marco’s famous grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos, and gyros — or George’s classic Greek fare in their cozy downtown brick-and-mortar — every bite helps support the arts in Iowa City.
Dine in or order to go — either way, you’re making a difference!

Carson Parker Trio AND Kiersten Conway Quartet
2025-08-08 18:30 - 21:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by West Music
6:30 PM-7:15 PM: Carson Parker Trio
7:30 PM-9:00 PM: Kiersten Conway Quartet

About: Carson Parker, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, has emerged as one of the Midwest’s most captivating young jazz pianists, blending a mix of jazz, blues, and funk into his distinctive style. Carson’s talent has taken him to some of the region’s greatest venues, including Chicago’s Fulton Street Collective, Clara Chicago, Opus Concert Cafe, Des Moines’ Noce Jazz Club, and the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Carson is grateful to be influenced by many teachers and mentors including Nate Sparks, Nick Rueckert, and Dr. William Menefield. His versatility as both a solo artist and collaborator has allowed him to work with musicians including trumpeter Sean Jones, drummer Isaiah Spencer, trumpeter Benny Bennack III, vocalist Max Wellman, drummer Jerome Gillespie II, and singer-songwriter James Tutson. In 2023, Carson achieved the honor as the sole pianist of the National Jazz Band of America. Now an established professional, he continues to play for audiences across the Midwest, both with his ensemble and as a sought-after sideman.

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

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!

Despicable Me 4
2025-08-09 20:45 - 22:00 | Iowa City Municipal Airport, 1801 Riverside Dr., Iowa City, 52246
Sponsored by Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor
Runtime: 1hr 34 min
Rating: PG
Starring: Sofía Vergara, Joey King, Will Ferrell
Plot: Gru welcomes a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who’s intent on tormenting his dad. However, their peaceful existence soon comes crashing down when criminal mastermind Maxime Le Mal escapes from prison and vows revenge against Gru.
Watch the trailer HERE!
*Start times are an estimation based on sunset and are subject to change

Nicole Dean
2025-08-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Cardigan Park, 500 Huntington Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52245, United States
Sponsored by ImOn Communications

About: Nicole was born and raised in the south where her love for music was cultivated. That love has deepened and widened as she’s made her way through the world to her current home in the Midwest. From nostalgia-fueled 90’s country to Brandi Carlile to writing original songs, music has always been a vivid source of human connection for her.

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

Big Begonias AND The Feralings
2025-08-15 18:30 - 21:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Old Capitol Screen Printers
6:30 PM-7:15 PM: Big Begonias
7:30 PM-9:00 PM: The Feralings

About: Big Begonias took root in 2020 and have been blooming since. Dedicated to creating transcendental folk and honky tonk sounds, the 4-piece band features original music by Gabrielle Kouri and George Spielbauer. Gabrielle, a founding member of Iowa City’s beloved Awful Purdies, plays guitar, banjo, and sings, while George (Cedar County Cobras) plays various guitars. Dave “Chief” Lumberg (Shoe Money, Mayflies) commands the bass, and drummer Dan Miller keeps the beat alive. Big Begonias released their first studio album In Bloom in 2024.

Contact Information:
Web: https://bigbegonias.bandcamp.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/BigBegonias

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

About: Ralph Waldo Emerson. Diesel. Morning glories. AM radio. These all influence Iowa acoustic roots trio The Feralings, as do the gently sloping landscapes of the Iowa countryside and the sound of tornado sirens squealing and the rumble of trucks on I-80. Their songwriting reflects friendship, imperfection, magic, and a big love for storytelling, as well as the folk, bluegrass, jazz, alt-country, Americana, gospel, and roots that form each member’s musical DNA.
Their debut EP, titled simply “The Feralings”, was recorded over the course of several years, as the band navigated parenthood, life changes, and personal struggles, and it showcases the power and intimacy of the band’s enthralling live performances. The band is currently in the process of recording their long-awaited follow-up album.

Contact Information:
Web: http://www.theferalings.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/TheFeralings

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

James Tutson & the Rollback
2025-08-16 18:30 - 21:00 | Riverfront Crossings Park, 1001 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Urban Acres Realtor Shaner Magalhães and State Farm Agent Nanci Kohl

About: Iowa City’s James Tutson and his 5 siblings were the entirety of the church choir growing up. He was raised singing southern gospel every Sunday in a tiny chapel in front of a 10 person congregation. This heritage of soul music permeates his vocal styles and anchors his songwriting even as he crafts his current work telling stories of the modern world and his life journey. He is known for emotive/”raw” vocal performances, tight musical arrangements, and resonant songwriting, which has been described as a “gift for exploring the intersection between joy and sorrow”. James’ career has taken him to local backyards, dive bars, theater stages, music festivals, and NBC’s The Voice. James was named one of the 2023 National Endowment for the Arts, Iowa Fellows and has had the privilege of performing with great artists like Lake Street Dive, The Dip, The War and Treaty, Marc Broussard, Joanna Connor, Five for Fighting and more. He has recorded seven studio albums including his most recent “Fool For You”

Contact Information:
Web: http://www.jamestutson.com/
Other links: https://www.instagram.com/jtutson/
https://www.instagram.com/jamestutsonandtherollback/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Eat for the Arts at Iowa Athletic Club
2025-08-20 11:00 - 21:00 | Iowa Athletic Club, 200 E 9th St Suite 205, Coralville, Coralville, 52241, United States
Join us for Eat for the Arts at Iowa Athletic Club and support local arts while enjoying scratch-made tavern pizzas, pub favorites, and craft cocktails at the longest bar in Iowa!
Whether you’re craving their neighborhood pub favorites, signature pizzas, or ice cold beers, 10% of total sales on August 20, will be donated to the Summer of the Arts, helping us provide free, family-friendly arts programming all summer long.
Great food, nostalgic cocktails, and a chance to give back to your community. The Game is Meant to be Fun – and so is supporting local arts!

The Feralings
2025-08-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Emma J. Harvat Square, 904 Walker Cir, Iowa City, IA, 52245, United States
Sponsored by the Peninsula Neighborhood

About: Ralph Waldo Emerson. Diesel. Morning glories. AM radio. These all influence Iowa acoustic roots trio The Feralings, as do the gently sloping landscapes of the Iowa countryside and the sound of tornado sirens squealing and the rumble of trucks on I-80. Their songwriting reflects friendship, imperfection, magic, and a big love for storytelling, as well as the folk, bluegrass, jazz, alt-country, Americana, gospel, and roots that form each member’s musical DNA.
Their debut EP, titled simply “The Feralings”, was recorded over the course of several years, as the band navigated parenthood, life changes, and personal struggles, and it showcases the power and intimacy of the band’s enthralling live performances. The band is currently in the process of recording their long-awaited follow-up album.

Contact Information:
Web: http://www.theferalings.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/TheFeralings

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Dodge Street Duo AND Hard Luck & the Troubles
2025-08-22 18:30 - 21:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by KCJJ
6:30 PM-7:15 PM: Dodge Street Duo
7:30 PM-9:00 PM: Hard Luck & the Troubles

About: Dodge St. Duo plays a mixture of bluegrass, country, old-time, and original material. Max Lipnick and Alex Flesher showcase 2-part vocal harmonies and fresh takes on new and original instrumental tunes on mandolin, banjo, and guitar.

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

About: Hailing from Iowa City, Hard Luck & the Troubles delivers a potent blend of Americana, rooted in blues, gospel, and classic country, with a healthy dose of Grateful Dead spirit. Fronted by Roland Racevskis on piano and vocals, anchored by Billy Valencia on bass, Brian Cooper on drums, and Ryan Phalen on guitar.
Influenced by whiskey-soaked nights and the realities of life, Hard Luck in the Troubles bring a raw, authentic energy to their music and is known for their passionate live performances. They are poised to release their self-titled debut album, Hard Luck & the Troubles.

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

Ioannis Alexakis and friends
2025-08-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Chauncey Swan Park, 405 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA, 52240
Sponsored by Martin Construction

About: Ion’s music is an inward reflection focusing in on resilience of the worker. Enduring the working class hardships through the Guthrie lens over a sonic guttural rawness that hones in on the prospect of our power as the people to maintain vigilance and hope. As a solo artist he has shared the stage with the artists such as GZA, Blackalicious, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Makaya McCraven, Dessa, Wyclef Jean & Black Milk.

Contact Information:
Web: https://linktr.ee/signalflowproducts
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/SignalFlowProducts/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Jumbies
2025-08-29 18:30 - 21:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by New Pioneer Food Co-op

About: Jumbies deliver a fusion of Caribbean, funk, and Afro-Cuban rhythms in a high-energy, spirit-raising, dance-oriented performance. Established in 2001 and based in Iowa City with roots in the Ames/Des Moines area, this quintet blends danceable and breezy tropical sounds, perfect for sunny days and hot nights. While we do covers by artists such as Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet, and Harry Belafonte as well, we play mostly original music from our full-length releases and are always creating something new. Most of our elements are similar to other bands, but we uniquely feature steel pan as the lead instrument and love percussion! It’s a unique sound for Iowa, and a really good time!

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

Fundraiser: Roots & Rhythms: 20 Trees for 20 Years with Summer of the Arts
2025-08-30 - 2026-08-31 | IA
As we celebrate our 20th year as a nonprofit, we’re reflecting on the success of our newest program, Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings. Over the past two seasons, we’ve heard from many of you that more shade would make this beautiful park even better. Now, you have an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Riverfront Crossings Park, and help ensure this event continues for years to come.
Summer of the Arts is partnering with the City of Iowa City, Iowa City Parks & Recreation, and Sustainable Landscape Solutions to plant 20 new trees at Riverfront Crossings Park in the spring of 2026. These trees will provide natural beauty and much-needed shade for the Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings concert season and beyond.
Click/tap HERE to view the informational brochure and pledge form.
Click/tap HERE to make your online donation.

The Beaker Brothers
2025-08-30 18:30 - 21:00 | Riverfront Crossings Park, 1001 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by On With Life

About: For over 15 years the Beaker Brothers Band has been paying homage to the original Jam Bands of the late 60’s and early 70’s – the Allman Brothers, Clapton, Santana, Little Feat, Rolling Stones, James Gang, the Doors, Steely Dan, Neil Young, CCR, and many more. The Beaker Brothers Band isn’t a nostalgia act or a tribute show. We’re playing music that has been in our heads and our hearts since we first heard it. This is the music we played in our youth. And we’re as awed by it today as then. We’re thrilled that we’re not alone.

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

Eat for the Arts at 30 HOP in Coralville
2025-09-03 11:00 - 23:00 | 30 HOP, 900 E 2nd Ave, Coralville, IA, 52241, United States
Join us at 30 Hop on September 3 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.
Enjoy American bites with an Asian fusion twist, craft beers, and the unique industrial atmosphere with rooftop patio at this Coralville favorite. Every bite and sip helps support the arts in Iowa City!

Zebra Maneuver
2025-09-03 18:30 - 20:00 | James Alan McPherson Park, 1858 7th Ave Ct, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Martin Construction

About: Zebra Maneuver is an Iowa City-based trio that defies musical boundaries with their innovative covers of tunes from many genres—jazz, country, rock, and more. Drawing inspiration from the natural phenomenon of a “dazzle,” in which a group of zebras confounds predators with mesmerizing patterns, the band’s name reflects their penchant for transforming familiar songs into unexpected experiences. Members are Chris Dimond on guitars, Oriana Ross on violin and vocals, and Jennifer Horn-Frasier on bass guitar, flute, and vocals.

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

Lou Sherry AND Shining Realm
2025-09-05 18:30 - 21:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Luna’s Tacos
6:30 PM-7:35 PM: Lou Sherry
7:55 PM-9:00 PM: Shining Realm

About: Lou Sherry: Iowa City Doom Lounge.

Contact Information:
Web: https://dentalrecordsic.bandcamp.com/album/lou-sherry-more-now-than-then
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

About: Shining Realm is a psychedelic rock/folk collective based in Iowa City. Formed in 2019, the current lineup features members of Maul of America, Daisyglue, Commanders and the Boo-Hoos. Their music is a blend of 70’s era psych and Kraut rock with Eastern and Afro Beat influences. Their second album, Talismandala, will be released on May 12th, 2025.

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

Alicia Monee and Family
2025-09-12 18:30 - 21:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Iowa City Area Association of Realtors

About: Alicia Monēē is a powerhouse vocalist from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, known for her soulful sound and dynamic stage presence. Inspired by legends like Erykah Badu and Jennifer Hudson, she has captivated audiences nationwide, including as a finalist on HBO Max’s *Second Chance Stage*.
A versatile performer, Alicia has earned acclaim in theater for roles like Effie in *Dreamgirls* and Shug Avery in *The Color Purple*. She’s also graced prestigious stages, including the Danny Awards in NYC and Filoli Mansion in California.
Currently working on her debut album, set for release in mid-2025, Alicia Monēē continues to shine as a rising star in R&B and soul.

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

Second Half AND Anthony Worden & the Illiterati
2025-09-19 18:30 - 21:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by RDG Planning & Design
6:30 PM-7:15 PM: Second Half
7:30 PM-9:00 PM: Anthony Worden & the Illiterati

About: Second Half is an Iowa City alternative-rock band playing everything from Midwest emo to power pop to punk rock. Drawing inspiration from bands such as Modest Mouse, Pavement, Joyce Manor, and the Beths, we’ve been playing together since 2024. At the end of the day, we’re just four friends that love making music!
Sometimes to go forward, you first have to go back—and the only way to pass through the present undaunted is to unencumber oneself of the past.

Contact Information:
Web: https://linktr.ee/thesecondhalfband Instagram
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

About: For Anthony Worden, the process of moving past an onslaught of sudden grief crystalized in an Iowa City basement, and—over the course of half a year of writing and rehearsing with his band, the Illiterati—took on the form of his fifth studio album, Plain Angels. Sourced from a period that Worden describes as something of a “social reset,” characterized by the end of a long-term relationship (a development that upended his recent move to Kansas and spurred him to re-relocate to his native city), paired with a series of health scares in his immediate family and the death of an extended family member, the songwriter found himself contending with “big feelings” like “the realization that your loved ones aren’t going to be around forever.” Amidst a blisteringly cold Iowa winter—during which Worden’s day job as an electrician apprentice had him “thrown into installing solar panels in subzero weather on the farms, hog barns, and small towns of the middle part of the state”—he also found himself asking even bigger questions: “With everything that happened, I found myself almost resetting my worth, asking myself—what am I doing here?”
With emotional baggage in toe, Worden holed up in the unfinished cellar studio of band bassist Lucas Adolphson, spending “a lot of time with a glass of whisky” to divine art from feeling. The end result is a collection of ten tracks that’s as meditative as it is triumphant, presented as a loose narrative of personal resilience. Whether it’s charting the hope that comes with starting over somewhere new (“On My Way 2U”), becoming more aware of your fading youth in a college town (“Down But Not Yet Out”), the myriad feelings you feel on a funeral day (“Death of the Wife”) or encountering an ex after some-but-not-all wounds have healed (“Strangers”), the anecdotes that form Angels together create a picture of bittersweet acceptance, uplifted by Worden’s candid lyricism, the Illiterati’s refreshing approach to contemporary rock—which feels as indebted to 70s new wave as it does in early 2000s power pop thanks to the performances by Adolphson, keyboardist/producer Avery Moss, and drummer Aaron Knight—as well as mastering by Huntley Miller, who previously collaborated with indie heavyweights Bon Iver, Low, and Wednesday.

Contact Information:
Web: https://anthonyworden.bandcamp.com/releases
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/anthonywordenmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPe5xuRWbRg

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Eat for the Arts at Oasis Falafel
2025-09-23 11:00 - 20:00 | Oasis Falafel, 206 N. Linn St., Iowa City, IA, 52245, United States
Join us at Oasis Falafel on September 23 for Eat for the Arts and help support the Summer of the Arts!
10% of all sales on the day of the event will be donated to the Summer of the Arts, helping us provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the Iowa City community.
Come enjoy delicious Middle Eastern street food, including mouthwatering kebabs, gyros, and more. Whether you’re a regular or first-timer, it’s the perfect place to satisfy your cravings for authentic and flavorful bites.

Ion AND Alyx Rush AND Jack Lion
2025-09-26 18:30 - 21:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Ion – 6:30-6:55 PM
Alyx Rush – 7:05-7:50 PM
Jack Lion – 8:05-9 PM

About: Ion’s music is an inward reflection focusing in on resilience of the worker. Enduring the working class hardships through the Guthrie lens over a sonic guttural rawness that hones in on the prospect of our power as the people to maintain vigilance and hope. As a solo artist he has shared the stage with the artists such as GZA, Blackalicious, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Makaya McCraven, Dessa, Wyclef Jean & Black Milk.

Contact Information:
Web: https://linktr.ee/signalflowproducts
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/SignalFlowProducts/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

About: Alyx Rush is a sonic sorcerer who has been busy capturing hearts, minds and imaginations across the Midwest with an alluring R&B/pop sound that beautifully smudges the edges of both genres. Adopted as an infant and raised in rural Iowa, he has never been afraid to be his true authentic self. Casting his spell from under the underground, Rush has risen quickly with head-turning independent releases and captivating live performances at festivals and venues across the region. He is both technically gifted and rawly emotive as a vocalist, swooping through irresistible top lines on wavy production that ranges from winter ballads to summer sways. His sound can soar, swagger and swoon, sometimes all at once. Already recognized as one of the top artists in the area, Rush will push his wave even further this summer with a new EP, ‘After the Last Time’ his second collaboration with artist/producer Jim Swim. There’s no ceiling for this one.

Contact Information:
Web: https://linktr.ee/signalflowproducts
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/SignalFlowProducts/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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About: One of Iowa City’s premier bands, Jack Lion’s sound is a one-a-kind gem in the Iowa music landscape. Mixing some traditional jazz sounds with electronic music, Jack Lion’s music would please both Miles Davis and Nine Inch Nails fans.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpetXrgq2Fk&ab_channel=BrianSmith
Other links: https://www.instagram.com/jacklionsound/reels/
Jack Lion – Full Live Set at The James Theatre

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Eat for the Arts at St. Burch Tavern
2025-10-02 11:00 - 21:00 | St. Burch Tavern, 127 Iowa Ave., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Join us at St. Burch Tavern on October 2 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.

Eat for the Arts at Hamburg Inn No. 2
2025-10-16 07:00 - 21:00 | Hamburg Inn, 214 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA, 52245, United States
Join us at Hamburg Inn on October 16 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.

Eat for the Arts at Pullman Bar & Diner
2025-10-30 08:00 - 22:00 | Pullman Diner, 17 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Join us at Pullman Diner on October 30 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.

Summer of the Arts 2nd Annual Disco Ball
2025-11-01 19:00 - 23:00 | First Avenue Club, 1550 S. 1st Ave., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Get your groove on at our 2nd Annual Disco Ball!
Join us on Saturday, November 1st from 7-11 PM at First Avenue Club (1550 S. 1st Avenue, Iowa City) for a night of non-stop dancing with a focus on the legendary sounds of Motown.
Put on your dancing shoes and break out those groovy disco costumes – get ready to boogie down at Iowa City’s most anticipated dance party of the year! Your $25 ticket gets you in the door, includes one free beer/wine/soda, dancing, the best music of the disco era and more! Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the night.
Make someone’s night extra special by dedicating a disco or Motown song to a friend, family member, or fellow dancer! With a $20 donation (or more), choose from classic hits like “Super Freak,” “Let’s Get It On,” “Brick House,” and more. DJ Doctor E will give your dedication a shout-out when your song is played! Submit Your Disco Dedication HERE
Want a sneak peek? Check out the Disco Dedications Playlist on our Spotify channel — curated by Eric Johnson, Development Director at Summer of the Arts! Listen here: Spotify Playlist
Strike a pose at our disco-themed selfie station and share your memories with #SOTAIC. This event is 21+ only and the mirror ball is waiting to shine on you as we celebrate with classic hits, disco lights, and pure dancing joy. Come as you are and leave with memories that’ll last forever – this is THE party you don’t want to miss!
Get your tickets HERE!

Eat for the Arts at Barrett's
2025-11-06 07:00 - 21:00 | Barrett’s, 3242 Crosspark Rd., Coralville, 52241, United States
Join us at Barrett’s on November 6 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.

Eat for the Arts at Get Fresh Café
2025-11-11 09:00 - 18:00 | Get Fresh Café, 109 Iowa Ave., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Join us at Get Fresh Café on November 11 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.
