Heads in Motion
2023-06-03 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

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

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Art Fair and Emerging Artist Area Open
2023-06-04 10:00 - 16:00 | IA
Please note that the Emerging Artist Area is in Old Capitol Mall, 201 S. Clinton St.

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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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!

Culinary Delights and Merchandise Booth Open
2023-06-04 11:00 - 16:00 | IA

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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Beverage Garden Open
2023-06-04 12:00 - 16:00 | IA

Cedar County Cobras
2023-06-04 12:30 - 13:30 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: Cedar County Cobras play American Roots & Blues music from the last century. The music takes on an “old time” blues feel that would most likely be found in a juke-joint down a gravel road in rural Iowa. Arriving with an upright bass, foot-drum, mandolin, and a collection of guitars this duo plays music that is best described as “boot-stompin” delta blues and roots blues.

Contact Information:
Web: https://cedarcountycobras.com/
Other links: https://cedarcountycobras.com/press-kit

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Brazilian Nights
2023-06-04 12:30 - 14:00 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Adamantine Spine Moving

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Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico
2023-06-04 13:45 - 14:45 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: The Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico (QCBF) is a non-profit organization that teaches the Mexican culture through the art form of dance. Founded in 1984 by Arnulfo Camarillo with the help of his wife, Beatriz Camarillo it all came together after studying folklore dance at the Universidad de Guadalara in Jalisco, Mexico. There Arnulfo returned to the United States with aspirations to keep this Hispanic culture and its rich traditions alive. He achieved exactly that and accomplished so much more.
Throughout the years, the QCBF has welcomed students from a variety of backgrounds to join in their mission to express the Hispanic culture through dance and music. Soon these young kids were performing traditional dances from the states such as Nayarit, Veracruz, Nuevo Leon, and the popular Jalisco.

Contact Information:
Web: http://www.theqcbf.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/quadcities.balletfolklorico/

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Swampland Jewels
2023-06-04 14:30 - 16:00 | Iowa Healthcare Main Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 16 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Adamantine Spine Moving

About: Ready for a road trip? Let The Swampland Jewels take you on a trip down old Highway 61, and across Route 90, through Southwest Louisiana and into East Texas. Playing a mix of original, Gulf Coast oldies, traditional Cajun/Creole, and TexMex tunes, The Swampland Jewels are sure to get you on your feet. If you aren’t a fan of the accordion, you will be after catching this set!
The Swampland Jewels consist of these veteran Iowa City area musicians: Nate Basinger, Forrest Heusinkveld, Eddie McKinley, Randall Davis, Marty Christensen.

Contact Information:
Web: https://theswamplandjewels.com/
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/theswamplandjewels
https://www.instagram.com/theswamplandjewels
https://www.youtube.com/@theswamplandjewels4394

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Silver Swing Band
2023-06-04 15:00 - 16:00 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
About: The Silver Swing Band is a 16-piece ensemble that enjoys “Big Band” music. With the revival of music from the 1940’s, this group has become popular with the younger set as well as the “silver seniors” from that era. The band has expanded its repertoire to include Big Band jazz music in addition to the above “Swing” category.
Silver Swing Band is a subset of the Iowa City New Horizons group started in 1998 and has played for a multitude of events and celebrations over the years. The band plays regularly at the Iowa Arts Fest and has performed at the Iowa City Jazz Fest, local retired residences, “Generations of Jazz”, Iowa City Senior Center, the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, and the University of Iowa College of Education Homecoming Tailgate party. Recordings can be found on YouTube under the Silver Swing Band listing.
The band is directed by Ryan Carter. Ryan is a graduate of Iowa City High School and currently a student at the University of Iowa School of Music. He is a member of the Johnson County Landmark Band among many other University of Iowa ensembles and also performs with many non-University ensembles.

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

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Kevin Burt
2023-06-06 18:30 - 20:00 | James Alan McPherson Park, 1858 7th Ave Ct, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Axiom Consultants

About: For nearly 3 decades, Kevin Burt, Iowa Blues Hall of Fame member (class of 2019), has been mesmerizing audiences with his powerfully smooth and soulful vocal. Paired with his unique harmonica and guitar presentation along with his quick wit, Burt engages with his audience touching their souls while tickling their funny bones.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.kevinburtmusic.com/
Other links: www.facebook.com/KevinBurtMusic
https://www.instagram.com/kevinburtsblues/
www.twitter.com/KevinBurtMusic

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Eat for the Arts at Players Sports Bar & Grill
2023-06-08 15:00 - 2023-06-09 02:00 | Players Sports Bar & Grill, 219 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Eat for the Arts on Thursday June 8 at Players Sports Bar & Grill! 15% of your purchase will support free arts programming. Eat in, take out, or order online!
Fun fact: if you’re at Studio 13, you can order food from Players, so eat between dancing!

BYOBrass
2023-06-09 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 The Graduate Hotel

About: Established in 2017, BYOBrass is a high-energy brass band consisting of 9 musicians from the University of Northern Iowa and Des Moines area. Playing music in styles ranging from funk, pop, R&B, Americana, jazz, and techno, the guys bring sassy and brassy fun to the stage. Our own members compose and arrange much of the music we perform, meaning we’ve always got something new and groovy to play!

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Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
2023-06-10 21:00 - 22:27 | S.T. Morrison Park, 1513 7th St, Coralville, IA, 52241, United States
Sponsored by the City of Coralville
Run time: 1hr 27min
Rating: PG
Starring: Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Alan Arkin
Plot: 1976 sees rookie child-villain Gru trying to make a name for himself by joining a notorious supervillain group known as the Vicious Six. However, he soon finds himself in need of rescue, with his only hope being his Minions Kevin, Stuart, and Bob.
Watch the trailer HERE
*Start times are an estimation based on sunset and are subject to change.

Blake Shaw
2023-06-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Lower City Park, 200 Park Rd., Iowa City, 52246
In partnership with City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department’s Fishing Derby, with remote control boats!
Sponsored by KCCK Jazz Radio

About: Blake Shaw is a composer/arranger, bandleader, double/electric bassist, vocalist, private lessons teacher, and jazz professor at Cornell College and Mt Mercy College. Originally from Lisbon, Iowa, Blake has earned an Associate of Arts degree from Kirkwood Community College as well as a Bachelor of Music (‘13) and Master of Arts (‘17) degree both from the University of Iowa. He has called Iowa City, IA home for the past 14yrs where he has provided insight on festival boards for around half that time for the Iowa City Jazz Festival as well as the Iowa City Pride Fest where he serves as Entertainment Director. Shaw is a frequent performer and band leader in many different groups across Iowa and the US. He can also be found teaching private lessons to young dedicated classical and jazz double bass players. Shaw has had the pleasure of playing with jazz greats like Carmen Bradford, Wycliffe Gordon, Rachel Eckroth, Dave Pietro, O’had Talmor, and Dick Oatts. He’s also been in groups opening for bands like Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, Lake Street Dive, Donny McCaslin, Margaret Glaspy, John Raymond and the Real Feels, Bridget Kearney, Caroline Smith, The Marcus King Band, and Euforquestra. You may go “like” all of his cute pics on instagram @theeblakebass.

Contact Information:
Web: https://blakeshawbass.bandcamp.com/music
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/blakeshawbass

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Juneteenth Celebration
2023-06-16 18:30 - 21:30 | Dr. Suzanne Stock Ped Mall Stage – Iowa Arts Festival, 210 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Tonight’s concert is offered in partnership with Johnson County Juneteenth Commemoration.
Sponsored by Think Iowa City and Johnson County
5:30 PM: Fashion Show
6:30 PM: Isaac Jordan
8:00 PM: Aniba & The Sol Starz

About: Isaac Jordan is a Black queer singer from Iowa, now hailing in Minneapolis. Isaac’s dance, pop/funk driven sound is woven in his recent album Lotus, which is sure to relate to the masses and touch the heart with fun, gripping lyrics.
Electrifying performances teeming with energy inspired by the likes of Beyoncé, Janet, and Michael Jackson, are Isaac’s specialty and is sure to provide the look, the vocal, and dances to rock your soul.
This year, as a solo artist and as lead Background vocalist for top Minneapolis band, Nur-D, you can catch him appearing all over the Midwest! You can stream his music everywhere and find out more about Isaac at www.IsaacJordan.org

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Web: http://www.IsaacJordan.org/
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About: Get ready to groove to the electrifying rhythms of Aniba & The Sol Starz, the powerhouse Funk-Rock/Soul band that calls Chicago home. With their irresistible blend of mid to up-tempo covers and soul-stirring originals, this dynamic ensemble knows just how to ignite a crowd’s excitement. But that’s not all—they possess an uncanny ability to captivate audiences with their jazzy singer/songwriter mellow tunes, keeping them locked in and engaged.
These extraordinary musicians can rise to any occasion, leaving no doubt that they are masters of their craft. Just recently, Aniba & The Sol Starz unleashed their soulful single “Call Me,” a masterpiece produced by the renowned Grammy award-winning guitarist, Isaiah Sharkey. It’s a track that will transport you to another dimension.
Their remarkable talents have graced the most legendary stages, from the iconic House of Blues to the prestigious Steppenwolf Theater and beyond. Sharing the spotlight with luminaries like Mint Condition, Kindred The Family Soul, Carl Thomas, Earth, Wind & Fire, Dru Hill, Ginuwine and the incomparable Chaka Khan, Aniba & The Sol Starz consistently deliver unforgettable performances.
Brace yourself, because they are currently gearing up for an epic summer tour that will set the stage ablaze. When you crave an extraordinary fusion of Funk, Rock, Gospel, Soul, and Hip Hop, all crowned with killer vocals, look no further than Aniba & The Sol Starz. They are the embodiment of musical excellence, seamlessly weaving these genres together to create an explosive experience.

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Other links: https://www.facebook.com/AnibaAndTheSolStarz/
https://www.instagram.com/anibaandthesolstarz/

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Strange World (2022)
2023-06-17 21:00 - 22:42 | James Alan McPherson Park, 1858 7th Ave Ct, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor
Run time: 1hr 42min
Rating: PG
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union
Plot: A legendary family of explorers face an uncharted land with strange creatures. Stuck in a bizarre subterranean world full of equally bizarre lifeforms, they must put aside their differences and work together to survive and make their way home.
Watch the trailer HERE
*Start times are an estimation based on sunset and are subject to change.

Eat for the Arts at Oasis Falafel
2023-06-20 11:00 - 20:00 | Oasis Falafel, 206 N. Linn St., Iowa City, IA, 52245, United States
Eat for the Arts at Oasis Falafel on Tuesday June 20. 10% of your purchase will support free arts programming. Eat in, take out, or order online!

Miss Christine
2023-06-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Old Town Park, 320 N Dubuque St, North Liberty, 52317
Sponsored by Martin Construction

About: Christine Moad (they/them) shatters preconceived notions and societal expectations with their music.
Christine Moad has traveled the world from Tennessee to Monaco as a professionally touring bassist. Moad, a bassist and singer-songwriter recording under the moniker Miss Christine, blends indie rock with blues and soul influences delivered with defiant punk attitude to open listeners’ minds to possibilities beyond the gender binary. They graduated from Berklee College of Music before gaining experience as a session musician in Nashville. Christine defied expectations yet again by leaving Nashville behind for a farm near Iowa City where they write and record their original songs. Miss Christine released their debut solo album, Conversion, in 2019. With support provided by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts, the follow up, Bittersweet, was released on Bandcamp in 2023.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.misschristinemusic.com/
Other links: www.facebook.com/misschristinemusic
www.youtube.com/misschristinemusic

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Kid Logic
2023-06-23 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 Keystone IT

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.

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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/
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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/
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