Summer of the Arts

Savage Hearts with Liberty High MC’s and Free Strings
2023-05-26 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by The Children’s Dental Center

About: Annie Savage and The Savage Hearts featuring Liberty High School’s Hear My Voice will prove to be a genre defying night of first ever in the history of the stage-type performances. You can expect genre defying moves from MC’s to bluegrass and everything in between. Music speaks where words fail and this is going to be one of those kinds of performance events.
The Savage Hearts are a fiery roots group that features the talents of Alex Flesher, Max Lipnick, and TCR fave Tim Arnold with bass player TBA. Their drill it to the wall harmonies and virtuoso instrumentals under promise and over deliver.
Hear My Voice is a pop ensemble founded by Savage at Liberty High School and many of the students you will see are OG members of the group. It is through THEIR trust and leadership that this group has become the exciting group you will see on the stage. From a foundation in hip hop to forays into rock and roots…this is a special group of humans who bring the heat when they grace the stage.

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Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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Uniphonics
2023-05-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Northside Market Place, Market Street, Linn Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Tru Art Color Graphics

About: Since forming in Iowa City in 2007, The Uniphonics performed in 15 states, played at notable festivals, and opened for platinum selling artists. They’ve released 3 albums: Truth Be Told (2009), Crawl (2010), and The Uniphonics (2020). “Crawl” and “The Uniphonics” featured collaborations with internationally known artists, including Grammy Award winning jazz legend Robin Eubanks, Twin Cities vocal phenom Heatbox, and Iowa guitar legend Dennis “Daddy-O” McMurrin.
Their sound combines hip hop, funk, soul, jazz, reggae, and latin. They’ve been described as “taking the jam-band approach to hip hop,” with virtuosic live band instrumentation and improvisation.
The Uniphonics are a who’s who of the Eastern Iowa music scene. The band shares members with other regional and national acts, including Diplomats of Solid Sound, The Channel Cats, Plastic Relations, The Swampland Jewels, Jumbies, and dozens more.
The Uniphonics are: Forrest Heusinkveld: Drums, Vocals, Bethann Heidgerken: Vocals, Craig Heidgerken: Guitar, Derek Thorn (aka MC Animosity): Vocals, Nassor Cooper: Vocals, Eddie McKinley: Saxophone, Ryan Casteel: Bass

Contact Information:
Web: http://www.theuniphonics.com/
Other links: www.facebook.com/theuniphonics
www.instagram.com/theuniphonics

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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Art Fair Open
2023-06-02 17:00 - 20:00

Culinary Delights and Beverage Garden Open
2023-06-02 17:00 - 22:00

Funktastic Five
2023-06-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by McFadden, Rocklin, and Associates

About: William “Whistle” Jones has been lead singer of Funktastic 5 since its inception. His smooth vocals and velvety tone add spark to the Funktastic 5 sound! Craig Bentley started playing guitar at the age of 12 and has never stopped. Kindred Priest has been playing bass for close to 30 years. Tony Carton has been playing drums most of his life and spent his early years working with many local and regional acts as well as national touring groups and recording artists. This group is sure to get the crowd on their feet and dancing the night away.

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Diplomats of Solid Sound
2023-06-02 20:00 - 21:30 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Diplomats of Solid Sound is an American band and song writing powerhouse. Their mixture of old school funk, soul, and Americana has appeared in dozens of hit TV shows and movies throughout their 25 year career. With more than 50 million streams, the Diplomats have a dedicated following in Europe and North America.
The Ladies:
Sarah Cram – vocals
Katharine Ruestow – vocals
Abbie Sawyer – vocals
The Gents:
Nate “Count” Basinger – organ, piano
Forrest Heusinkveld – drums, percussion
Eddie McKinley – tenor saxophone
Douglas Roberson – guitar
Nolan Schroeder – baritone saxophone
Marty Christensen – bass

Contact Information:
Web: http://www.diplomatsofsolidsound.com/
Other links: www.facebook.com/diplomatsofsolidsound
www.instagram.com/diplomatsofsolidsound
www.twitter.com/diplosolidsound

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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Art Fair and Emerging Artist Area Open
2023-06-03 10:00 - 19:00, 2023-06-04 10:00 - 16:00
Please note that the Emerging Artist Area is in Old Capitol Mall, 201 S. Clinton St.

Pint Size Polkas
2023-06-03 11:00 - 11:40 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Mike Schneider started playing the accordion at the age of six after hearing America’s Polka King Frankie Yankovic perform live for the first time at a parish festival in Milwaukee, WI. Mike’s father, Paul, planted the seeds of polka early, pulling his accordion out of the closet from time to time to entertain his only son. So if you were wondering how a six-year-old boy can go from accordion player to an acclaimed Wisconsin polka band leader, now you know!

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Iowa City Community Band
2023-06-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by fix! and B&M Construction

About: The Iowa City Community Band is a volunteer organization, approved and sanctioned by the city of Iowa City. Our concerts in Iowa City and Coralville parks during June and July include a mixture of marches, music from Broadway musicals, and old favorites and sometimes feature a guest soloist. Concerts are either in the afternoon on Sunday or early evening during the week – select the “Concerts” tab above for current dates, times, and locations. The band also plays concerts at various venues in the Iowa City area, including Arts Fest in downtown Iowa City, Ice Cream Social in Upper City Park in Iowa City, Coralville Thursday Night Concert Series, and Coralville’s Fourth of July Celebration. We have also performed at events in area towns such as North Liberty Fun Days and West Branch Friday Night Concert Series. The ICCB also presents a winter holiday concert in the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City .Members of the ICCB come from all walks of life in the Iowa City area, ranging from high school students through retirees. Our conductor is Rob Medd, Director of Music, Iowa City West High. The ICCB has performed continuously since 1982. Our concerts are free to the public.

Contact Information:
Web: http://www.iccband.org/iccbConcerts.html
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/ICCBand/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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ABC's: Arts, Books, & Children, produced by the Iowa City Public Library
2023-06-03 11:00 - 15:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Produced by the Iowa City Public Library, the Ped Mall will be full of activities fun for the entire family!

Culinary Delights and Merchandise Booth Open
2023-06-03 11:00 - 22:00, 2023-06-04 11:00 - 16:00

The 781s: ICPL House Band
2023-06-03 11:55 - 12:25 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: MEANING OF THE BAND’S NAME: 781 is the Dewey Decimal number for music.
WHY IT MATTERS: The 781s are drawn from staff who work at the Library, representing every part of ICPL, and together, cover a lot of musical ground.
THE DEEPER LOOK: Still very much in its early stages, The 781s began as casual conversations and short chats made in passing that soon lead to a general call out to all staff to gauge interest in meeting outside of work to play music. Seven answered (one has since pursued their dreams by moving out of state). After six months of navigating varied schedules and pressing duties they had their first practice. A little less than 4 months later they played their first gig as one of the early acts at the Longfellow Neighborhood Front Porch Fest.
MEET THE 781s:
Hanna Busse: Library Aide, Adult Services. Has been making music her whole life and has been playing the violin since age 4, and fiddle since age 8 (these are the same instrument, but with very different techniques and cultural histories.), Hanna was involved with “America’s favorite show choir” as per Parade Magazine while in high school and has studied classical voice and music theory. As part of 781s: Vocals and Violin.
Alyssa Hanson: Web Specialist, builds and maintains ICPL’s website, assists with catalog development, helps people on the Info Desk, and much more. She has many years of vocal practice and experience. As part of 781s: Vocals, of course.
Amanda Ray: Supervising Librarian. Played school orchestra all through grade school, Founding member of wizard rock band The Cheering Charms, Former regular at Metal Mondays (hair metal karaoke) at Cumberland’s bar (R.I.P.) in Charleston, SC. As part of 781s: Electric Guitar, Accordion, Kazoo, and some Vocals.
Brent Palmer: IT Coordinator. As part of 781s: Acoustic Guitar. He’s the quiet one.
Peter Fegley: Senior Development Assistant. 25 years of music experience playing drums/percussion, piano, bass, guitar. As part of 781s: Drums (his other musical talents tapped into as needed)
Paul Bethke: Cataloger, Children’s librarian, Bookmobile driver. Has been involved with a number of local bands over the last 25 years, most currently with: Arthur Itis and the Decrepitones, Wandering Pint, and SloMoBop, doing rock, blues, pop, alt, and jazz covers. As part of 781s: Bass, general enabler and keeper of forward motion.

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Beverage Garden Open
2023-06-03 12:00 - 22:00

Bernemann Brothers
2023-06-03 12:30 - 13:30 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Since the mid-2010s, The Bernemann Brothers Band has been providing entertainment to music lovers all over Eastern Iowa. Whether they are performing their own original music that is deeply rooted in rock and roll, classic country, blues etc., or playing renditions of their favorite tunes by other talented musicians and artists that make up those aforementioned musical genres… The Bernemann Brothers Band is a must see musical act that pleases all listeners. The BBB released their debut album “Gone West” in November of 2020, and is currently writing/recording the second full release which is slated to be out in late 2022/early 2023. The band is a local “super-group” of sorts that is made up of musicians that you have no-doubt seen playing in other bands/projects up and down The Corridor. Rounded out by musicians Matt Bernemann, Ryan Bernemann, Ben Schmidt, Randall Davis, Rich Wagor, Sean Seaton, and Sam Drella – The Bernemann Brothers Band will entertain you with their eclectic mix of old and new arrangements, guitar driven sound, tight harmonies, and overall good times!

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Other links: https://www.facebook.com/bernemannbros/

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Life's Your Stage Dance Co.
2023-06-03 12:40 - 13:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Blick Art Materials

About: Life’s Your Stage Dance Company’s mission is to enrich the lives of its students and their families by providing the highest quality of dance instruction. We strive to demonstrate how lessons learned in dance class at any age can be applied to many life situations both in and out of the studio. At Life’s Your Stage we aim to help our dancers lead fulfilling and inspirational lives by providing them with many of the tools they will need to follow and achieve their dreams; including a healthy self-image, a strong work ethic and a positive attitude.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.lifesyourstage.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/LifesYourStage/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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Sparkles (City High Cheer)
2023-06-03 13:15 - 13:25 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Blick Art Materials

About: City High Sparkles is an inclusive cheer and dance team for students with and without disabilities at City High School. The goal of Sparkles is to foster meaningful participation in extracurricular and athletic activities at the high school level and forge social ties among students of all abilities.

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Pomtastiks
2023-06-03 13:35 - 14:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Carrie Houchins-Witt Tax & Financial Services

About: The Iowa City Senior Center supports wellness, social connections, community engagement, lifelong learning and FUN! And speaking of FUN – The Pomtastiks! Have over 20 choreographed dances in their repertoire and use poms and props to add fun and variety to each performance. Their music covers different eras and genres and the team members span four decades in age. These dancing queens really know how to “cut a rug” and love to entertain and share the gift of music and dance!

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Casual Disasters
2023-06-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Casual Disasters is a rock band from Iowa City playing blend of dream pop, punk, and alternative rock featuring melodic songwriting and vocal harmonies in an effort to delight their friends and confuse their parents.

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Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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Family Folk Machine
2023-06-03 14:15 - 14:45 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Carrie Houchins-Witt Tax & Financial Services

About: The Family Folk Machine is an intergenerational, non-auditioned choir supported by the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center that welcomes kids and adults of all ages and backgrounds to sing together with a folk band. We seek to build community through singing songs with our neighbors, to explore American history and culture through song, to foster individual musical growth, and to pursue excellence as an ensemble.

Contact Information:
Web: http://familyfolkmachine.org/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/familyfolkmachine

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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Youth Performances at UAY
2023-06-03 15:00 - 16:00 | United Action for Youth (UAY), 355 Iowa Ave., Iowa City, 52240
More information comng soon!

Heads in Motion
2023-06-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by KCJJ Radio

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Natty Nation
2023-06-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
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/
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Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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Alejandro Escovedo
2023-06-03 20:00 - 21:30 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Crossing borders, jumping barriers, taking risks, betting it all: that’s the path Alejandro Escovedo has been taking in his lifelong search for the heart of rock and roll.

His latest work “The Crossing” tells the tale of two boys, one from Mexico, one from Italy, who meet in Texas to chase their American rock and roll dreams. They discover a not-so-welcoming, very different place from the Promised Land they imagined, with cameos from the likes of Wayne Kramer of the MC5 and James Williamson of the Stooges to show the boys the way.

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Arts Fest Afterparty with Leradee and the Positives
2023-06-03 21:30 - 23:30 | Elray’s, 211 Iowa Ave., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Still not ready to call it quits for the night? Walk down Iowa Avenue to listen to Leradee and the Positives! They will perform upstairs at Elray’s. $5 cover charge.

About: Leradee & The Positives is Roots Reggae with a taste a dancehall. With members hailing from within the U.S. and internationally, playing soul soothing, conscious and uplifting tunes. Warm, electrifying with dynamism is another way to describe us.

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Web:
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/LeradeeAndThePositives/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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Iowa City Flute Choir
2023-06-04 11:00 - 11:45 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: The Iowa City Flute Choir is a semi-professional group composed of adult-age flutists of all ability levels. The ensemble was formed in 2018 and has now grown to nearly 40 members. There are no auditions required. Please email icflutechoir@gmail.com to learn how to join. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on performances, repertoire, and all things flute.

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Summer of the Arts Festivals:
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Charlotte Blu
2023-06-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Charlotte Blu is a talented singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Born and raised in a small town in the Midwest, Charlotte’s love for music began at a young age when she started playing guitar and singing in church. After her 2019 appearance on NBC’s “The Voice”, Charlotte continues to make a name for herself with her unique blend of blues, soul, and pop influences which is earning her a devoted fan base.
In 2022, Charlotte released her debut EP, “The Colors of You” which showcased her songwriting skills and powerful vocals. Charlotte is currently working on new material and working with other talented artists. In addition to her music career, Charlotte is also an advocate for mental health awareness in women and young people.

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Sunday Funday
2023-06-04 11:00 - 15:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
The Ped Mall will be full of activities fun for the entire family. Some of the booths will be familiar from Saturday’s ABC’s, and some will be new!

Pete Balestrieri
2023-06-04 11:55 - 12:25 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Pete Balestrieri is an Iowa City saxophonist. He toured and recorded with Violent Femmes for twenty years and has a Gold Record for their first album. Most recently, he’s been with Old Scratch Revival Singers, Brooks Strause and The Gory Details, and the Cirque Stupendo Circus Band. He also frequently performs solo.

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