Summer of the Arts

Eat for the Arts at The Wedge Pizzeria
2024-04-18 11:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | The Wedge Pizzeria, 521 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City, 52246, United States
Save the date to grab a slice. April 18th is Eat for the Arts at The Wedge Pizzeria. 20% of all sales that day goes to support Summer of the Arts and our programming.

Eat for the Arts at Hudson's
2024-04-25 11:00 - 21:00 | Hudson’s Tap, 482 Highway 1 W, Iowa City, IA, 52246, United States
Join us April 25 for a wonderful meal at Hudson’s in Iowa City. 15% of all sales that day goes to support Summer of the Arts an our programming.
It’s all happening in Iowa City. Save the date to savor the flavor!

Iowa Steel Band
2024-05-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Arts Share
Note: This concert will end at 8:00 PM.

About: The Iowa Steel Band, under the direction of Dr. Dan Moore, is among the most active touring ensembles from The UI School of Music. The band was formed in 1996 as an ensemble within the percussion studio at Iowa and typically features 15-20 performing members including undergraduate and graduate students.
For nearly 30 years, when most college students are packing their bags and heading home for summer vacation, members of the Iowa Steel Band load up into three university vans and a large equipment truck for a ten-day performance tour. Each Spring, the week after finals, the band travels throughout Iowa and the Midwest performing in schools, concert halls, community centers, shopping malls, train depots, churches, hospitals, treatment facilities, retirement homes, libraries, museums, parks, parking lots, and band shells—lots of band shells. Under the auspices of The Iowa Arts Share program Dr. Moore and the band have now performed in 47 of Iowa’s 99 counties and are still counting.

Contact Information:
Web: https://music.uiowa.edu/performing-opportunities/percussion-ensembles
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Clear Creek Amana High AND Liberty High Jazz Ensembles
2024-05-17 18:30 - 21:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Shive-Hattery
Schedule:
6:30 PM: Clear Creek Amana High School
7:55 PM: Liberty High School

About: The Clear Creek Amana Jazz Ensemble is the premiere jazz band at Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin, Iowa. The band, made up of 16 students, performs at numerous concerts and festivals around Eastern Iowa, including the Liberty Jazz Festival and Coe Jazz Summit, and participates in the annual Corridor Jazz Project. Students in the jazz ensemble are involved in many other activities, including speech, drama, choir, and multiple different athletics. The students in the jazz ensemble are excited to perform again as part of the Friday Night Concert Series!

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.ccaschools.org/domain/3492
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

About: Liberty High School is in its 7th year of existence and already achieving great success as a music department. This year, Liberty hosted 28 Jazz Bands from around the state at the 6th Annual Liberty Jazz Festival, while the Liberty Jazz Band has had performances at the Iowa City Jazz Festival, Simpson Jazz Festival, Coe College Jazz Summit, and the SEIBA Jazz Festival. Additionally, the Jazz Ensemble has performed 4 concerts in the community with many Liberty alumni performing in and around the Corridor in groups of their own.

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

West High AND City High Jazz Ensembles
2024-05-24 19:00 - 21:30 | Chauncey Swan Ramp, 415 E Washington St,, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
NOTE: due to today’s weather: 1) the location of this concert is the ground level of the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp (415 E. Washington St.) AND 2) tonight’s time is delayed, running 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Sponsored by Shive-Hattery
Schedule:
7:00 PM-8:05 PM: West High School
8:25 PM-9:30 PM: City High School

About: Iowa City West High School has three jazz bands with over 70 students involved. The Jazz Ensemble is a consistent participant in the Iowa Jazz Championships and regularly places in the top 8 4A bands in the state of Iowa. The jazz bands prepare four concerts throughout the year performing a wide variety of styles and genres of music. Recently, the jazz bands have performed at the Southeast Polk Jazz Invitational, LIberty Jazz Festival, Coe College Jazz Summit, Jazz in the Meadows, SEIBA Jazz Festival, and the Iowa Jazz Championships.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.iowacityschools.org/Page/16912
Other links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwRtssvIlkU

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

About: The City High Jazz Collective is the upper-level big band in the City High Jazz program. The band maintains a busy performance calendar as they perform for concerts at City High, other performances in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids corridor area, and jazz festivals in Iowa and Illinois. The City High Jazz Collective performs for the following home events: the City High 4th Ave. Show Choir Winter Show and the City High Jazz Showcase (this year’s guest artist was trombonist/bari saxophonist Michael Dease from Michigan). In addition, the band performs at the Liberty Jazz Festival, the Coe College Jazz Summit, the Jazz In The Meadows Festival (in Rolling Meadows, Illinois) and the SEIBA District Jazz Festival.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.cityhighband.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/CityHighBands
https://www.instagram.com/cityhighbands
https://twitter.com/CityHighBands

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

About: The City High Jazz Ensemble is the premier big band in the City High Jazz program. The band maintains an extensive performance calendar as they perform for concerts at City High, other performances in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids corridor area, and jazz festivals in Iowa and Illinois. The City High Jazz Ensemble performs for the following events: the City High 4th Ave. Show Choir Winter Show, the City High Jazz Showcase (this year’s guest artist was trombonist/bari saxophonist Michael Dease) and the KCCK Corridor Jazz Project (this year’s guest artist was Kolbe Schnoebelen from the University of Northern Iowa). In addition, the band performs at the Liberty Jazz Festival, the Coe College Jazz Summit, the Jazz In The Meadows Festival (in Rolling Meadows, Illinois), the SEIBA District Jazz Festival and the Iowa Jazz Championships.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.cityhighband.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/CityHighBands
https://www.instagram.com/cityhighbands/
https://twitter.com/CityHighBands

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Diplomats of Solid Sound
2024-05-25 18:30 - 21:00 | Riverfront Crossings Park, 1001 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Old Capitol Screen Printers

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:
None yet!

Summer of Soul
2024-05-25 21:00 - 23:00 | Riverfront Crossings Park, 1001 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Faithful Companions and The Kirkwood Room
Runtime: 1hr 52min
Rating: PG-13
Plot: 1969- thousands of people attend the Harlem Cultural Festival to celebrate Black history, culture, music, and fashion. This documentary looks into the 6-week event in the context of the civil right movement and what the concerts meant in a time a social change.
Watch the trailer HERE!
This showing is in conjunctions with the first Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings performance, featuring the Diplomats of Solid Sound. Info on that can be found HERE!
*Start times are an estimation based on sunset and are subject to change.

Murphy Fisher Quartet AND Beauty & the Beats
2024-05-31 18:30 - 21:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by On With Life
Schedule:
6:30 PM: Murphy Fisher Quartet
7:30 PM: Beauty & the Beats

About: The Murphy Fisher Quartet is a jazz quartet, made up of Murphy Fisher (piano), James Kardos (drums), Leo Burchett (bass), and Edward Kenyon (Saxophone). They perform a variety of original songs and covers, with a heavy emphasis on improvisation and collectively building spontaneous melody. They have played at Hancher Auditorium, FilmScene’s Refocus Festival, and more. Their original music is out on every platform under “Murphy Fisher.”

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

About: Beauty and the Beats: At the heart of the band’s soulful resonance is the exceptional talent of LaLa DeLo, a Soul and R&B songstress known for her soul-stirring vocals and dynamic versatility. Drawing from her rich foundation in gospel music, DeLo’s artistry has been profoundly shaped by a wide spectrum of musical influences, ranging from legends such as Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, and B.B. King to contemporary luminaries like Whitney Houston, Brandy, Jazmine Sullivan, and Ari Lennox.
LaLa DeLo is not only a powerhouse vocalist but also a gifted songwriter, infusing her compositions with profound emotion and authenticity. Her deep appreciation for harmonies and background vocals adds layers of depth to the band’s music, earning her recognition for the “mellow, cello tones of her alto voice.”
In collaboration with the exceptionally talented musicians of Beauty and The Beats, LaLa DeLo’s visionary leadership has propelled the band to create an eclectic repertoire where soul music intertwines seamlessly with every genre they explore, whether through original compositions or creatively reimagined cover songs.

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

The Marvels
2024-06-01 20:30 - 22:30 | Brown Deer Golf Course, 1900 Country Club Dr., Coralville, 52241
Sponsored by the City of Coralville
Pre-show activities with Z102.9 and ImOn
Runtime: 1hr 45min
Rating: PG-13
Starring: Brie Larson, Teyonah, Iman Vellani
Captain Marvel teams up with her old friend, the recently empowered Monica Rambeau, and the still-rookie superheroine and super-fan Ms. Marvel,when a mysterious cosmic event entangles the three. Together, the three embark on a space-faring adventure to find out what caused their entanglement and restore their abilities to “normal”.
Watch the trailer HERE!
*Start times are an estimation based on sunset and are subject to change.

Iowa Arts Festival Art Fair
2024-06-07 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-08 10:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Iowa City, Linn St., Dubuque St., Clinton St., Iowa Ave., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Visit more than 100 fine artists working in ceramics/clay, mixed media, painting, photography, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, printmaking, sculpture, and wood!

Iowa Arts Festival Culinary Delights and Beverage Sales
2024-06-07 17:00 - 22:00 | Iowa Avenue, 105 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Grab food from one (or more) of many vendors, then stop by the Beverage Garden!
Parents/Guardians: please note that you can bring minors into the Beverage Garden.
Last call in the Beverage Garden: 30 minutes before closing
Sales stop in the Beverage Garden: 15 minutes before closing

Weary Ramblers
2024-06-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Newly formed Iowa folk duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with award-winning songwriting and chemistry. Chad Elliott and Kathryn Fox showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and great storytelling.
Chad Elliott blends folk roots and soulful writing to deliver an original sound with over two decades of being on the road.. Elliott is lauded as “Iowa’s Renaissance man” by Culture Buzz Magazine. He has penned more than 1,500 songs in his career while also cultivating his skills as a painter, sculptor, illustrator and author.
Deemed “fiddler extraordinaire” in Cityview Magazine, Kathryn Fox is a DownBeat award winning artist. She played on the Grammy-nominated track “All My Tomorrows” with Kate McGarry. Kathryn toured internationally with fiddle troupe, Barrage 8, with shows in Europe, the U.S. and Canada. She has performed, recorded PBS specials and recorded with George Benson, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Pharrell Williams, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan, Osmond Brothers, Gloria Gaynor, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Kenny Loggins, Mark O’Connor, Ryan Montbleau, Seth Walker, Edgar Meyer and Joshua Bell.

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

Pert Near Sandstone
2024-06-07 20:00 - 21:30 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Crossing Old-time instrumentation with contemporary sensibilities, Pert Near Sandstone emerged nearly twenty years ago from the Minnesota acoustic music scene. With infectious energy and collaborative spirit, they have established themselves as standard-bearers for the vitality of the Midwestern roots music scene and alongside Minnesota brethren Trampled By Turtles and Charlie Parr. They have toured extensively and performed onstage with the likes of Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas, earning dates along the way with everyone from Yonder Mountain String Band to Steve Martin. NPR’s Mountain Stage praised the band for putting a “Midwestern stamp on Appalachian [sounds],” while A Prairie Home Companion described Pert Near Sandstone as “a force on the Minnesota roots music scene and beyond,” and The Current praised their live performances as “a frenzied string shredding spree that takes audiences under its spell.” As festival favorites in both the US and Europe, the band helped to launch the Blue Ox Music Festival in 2015, which they continue to host and curate each June in Eau Claire, WI. For the past decade, the now prestigious music festival has helped bring into the local community a great many nationally treasured artists such as Bela Fleck, Billy Strings, Tyler Childers, Jerry Douglas, Margo Price, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Charlie Crockett, The Infamous Stringdusters, Jason Isbell, Greensky Bluegrass, The Drive By Truckers, and so many more.

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

Iowa Arts Festival Emerging Artist Area
2024-06-08 10:00 - 19:00 | Old Capitol Mall, 201 S Clinton St., Iowa City, 52240
Sponsored by River Products and US Bank
Featuring artwork by high school and college students, and young artists 16-25 years old, the Emerging Artist Area is not to be missed!

Street Entertainment: Milo, Iris, and Annie Savage
2024-06-08 10:30 - 11:30 | IA
Location: the intersection of Washington Street and Clinton Street

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

Ambition Baton Twirling & Dance
2024-06-08 11:00 - 11:30 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Ambition Baton Twirling and Dance is located in Iowa City, Iowa and has recreational and competitive Baton Twirling and Dance Classes. Ambition begins classes at three years of age and has classes for all levels. Ambition has had many twirlers twirl at the collegiate level and is home of the West High, City High and Liberty Feature Twirlers! Ambition is owned and coached by Jessica Maxwell who grew up in the Iowa City area. If you are interested in joining our family, please visit www.ambitionbatontwirling.com for more information and registration.

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

Ped Mall Stage
2024-06-08 11:00 - 15:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Dr. Suzanne Stock, Orthodontist
Enjoy extra kid-friendly music and performances on Saturday in conjunction with ABC’s: Arts, Book and Children. On Sunday, enjoy a variety of music, with your favorite swing band and international sounds.
When finalized, look for detailed information in individual calendar events, which are forthcoming.

ABC's: Arts, Books & Children
2024-06-08 11:00 - 15:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Produced by the Iowa City Public Library
Sign up for the Summer Reading Program, visit the Bookmobile, Paint the Town, and make things at booths staffed by local nonprofits!

Absolute Science Bubbles
2024-06-08 11:00 - 15:00 | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Stop by and play with bubbles!

Iowa Arts Festival Culinary Delights and Merchandise Sales
2024-06-08 11:00 - 22:00 | Iowa Avenue, 105 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Stroll along Iowa Avenue, buy a festival t-shirt, and pick up food from your favorite food vendors!

Champagne Academy of Irish Dance
2024-06-08 11:45 - 12:15 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Champagne Academy of Irish Dance: Our Mission is to provide holistic and professional training in the Irish Arts for all ages and stages. The Champagne Academy of Irish Dance students gain experience in dance, singing, music, and teamwork in a strengths-based family environment. Our studio takes pride in using high quality and age-appropriate music, costumes, and choreography. Irish Music and Dance provides a unique opportunity to learn about culture and to appreciate traditional folk art while having fun with friends. Come check out our team at one of our upcoming events!

Contact Information:
Web: https://champagneirishdance.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/ChampagneIrishDance/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKkItzUuUajJJQADUPHhnqA

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Iowa City Community Band
2024-06-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
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:
None yet!

Street Entertainment: Pantaloon Productions
2024-06-08 12:00 - 15:00 | IA
Location: strolling

About: Is coming up with ideas for creative walk around entertainment a stretch for you? Our stilt walkers stand out head and shoulders above the rest as they integrate technology and creative design to bring you truly innovative characters.

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

Beverage Sales
2024-06-08 12:00 - 22:00 | Beverage Garden, 11 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Parents/Guardians: please note that you can bring minors into the Beverage Garden.
Last call in the Beverage Garden: 30 minutes before closing
Sales stop in the Beverage Garden: 15 minutes before closing

Johnson County Ukulele Club
2024-06-08 12:30 - 13:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: The Johnson County Ukulele Social Club has been in operation for nearly 16 years. They meet at Legacy Retirement Home and encourage people of all ages and skill levels to attend. They play music from all eras and are happy to learn a new tune!

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

Street Entertainment: Nicole Dean
2024-06-08 13:00 - 14:30 | IA
Location: the Clinton Street and College Street intersection, near Yotopia

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:
Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

School of Rock
2024-06-08 13:15 - 14:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: The School of Rock House Band music program gives students under 18 the opportunity to join a gigging band composed of fellow musicians from their school. These students perform additional live shows throughout the year. All students in the Performance Program have the opportunity to audition for a spot in their school’s House Band. Once selected, House Band members become leaders in their School of Rock community and perform live shows at local rock venues throughout the year!

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

Subatlantic
2024-06-08 13:30 - 14:30 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Subatlantic, an indie rock band based in the Quad Cities, where Iowa and Illinois meet, features Becca Rice–lead vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Adam Kaul–guitar; Phil Pracht–drums; and Sean Chapman–bass and cello. Subatlantic formed in 2008 and released their first EP in May of 2015 on Bandcamp. Their first album, Villains, came out in spring of 2019.
Using flexibility in arrangements and instrumentation, Subatlantic displays different textures in their songs, creating a unique sound that ranges from dark and sonorous to danceable post-punk. Subatlantic’s new album will be out Spring 2023.

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

Sparkles (City High Cheer)
2024-06-08 14:15 - 14:30 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
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.

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