The Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra presents its fall concert Dec. 8 at Kirkwood. Director Josh Reznicow says the orchestra will give a reprise of some of the songs performed at their Salute to Veterans show with the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale, as well some holiday favorites. The Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra is open to musicians of …
Orchestra Iowa and Ballet Quad Cities present their annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 7 at the Paramount Theatre. Tim is extra grateful for the community support of the Orchestra’s recent purchase of a new celesta, because the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fair just wouldn’t be the same without it! And in fact, that …
Something on the order of 100 low brass players will descend on the Cedar Rapids Public Library Dec. 14 for “Tuba Christmas,” which is exactly what the title says: many, many tubas playing Christmas music. This year’s guest director is Toni Lefebvre, who teaches at College Community and directs the Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra. Organizers …
Riverside Theatre takes the familiar story of “It’s A Wonderful Life” and presents it in a whole new way, as a radio play! Journey to 1946 Iowa City and the studios of KNIC (Kinnick, get it?) and watch as five actors portray 40 characters, provide sound effects, and even perform the music! Nov. 29-Dec. 15. …
Two chances to celebrate Christmas with Chorale Midwest. Director Bradly Barrett admits programming a holiday concert is a challenge, but says the show will satisfy listeners who want familiar traditions as well as bringing in some arrangements and songs that will keep things fresh. December 8 at 2:30, and the 10th at 7:30, at Christ …
TKM Productions brings not one, but two holiday shows to the Amana Performing Arts Center. The Rod Pierson Big Band featuring Craig Boche performs a rare holiday show that will feature some brand-new charts, and TKM’s Deb Kennedy will be a guest vocalist. As usual, the RPBB consists of a Murderer’s Row of Iowa’s top …
In the second of our two-part conversation with legendary studio drummer John “JR” Robinson, John talks about how recording has changed from the days when musicians all gathered together in the studio, his current film scoring projects, and SRT, his organ trio, that also includes keyboardist and UI grad Mitch Towne, who recently performed in …
Creston, Iowa native John “JR” Robinson is the most recorded drummer in modern history. As a member of Quincy Jones’ “posse” in the Eighties and Nineties, it’s his signature sound you hear on classics like “Rock With You,” “Ain’t Nobody,” “Higher Love,” and hundreds more. Recent projects include “SRT,” an organ trio that also includes …
