Culture Crawl 758 “Sheila Made It Happen” Michael Conrad brings the Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra to The James Theater in Iowa City on Oct. 2 for their first local appearance. The ensemble specifically performs new jazz compositions for big band by Iowa composers. Besides works from familiar Eastern Iowans John Rapson, Chis Merz, Bob Washut, …
ICON, Iowa’s longest-running sci fi con, returns October 14-16, celebrating its 47th anniversary with a big-time special guest. Writer and director Nicholas Meyer is the Guest of Honor. Meyer, a graduate of the UI Writing program went on to make three of the most-loved Star Trek films, as well as movies including “Time After Time,” …
Tom Milligan and Deborah Kennedy have been performing in and producing shows in Eastern Iowa for many years. They recently began work with the Amana Society to return live theatre to the Amana Performing Arts Company, former home to Old Creamery Theatre, and incorporated as a non-profit theatrical troupe. TKM Theatrical Productions’ first show under …
Orchestra Iowa launches its historic 100th season with “Sincerely, Sondheim,” the 25th edition of the wildly popular season opener on the front lawn of Brucemore mansion. Tim Hankewich says this tribute to the legendary composer is a bit of a beta test for a new show that will eventually be performed at places like the …
Revival Theatre Company presents “Titanic The Musical,” Sept. 23-25 at Theatre Cedar Rapids. The Tony Award-winning show is NOT the same plot as the famous movie, although the boat sinks (spoilers for a 110 year-old event). Directors Brian Glick and Cameron Sullenberger have assembled a huge cast, with 30 named characters, a full chorus, and …
Jay Wentworth, pastor at Hillside Wesleyan Church in Cedar Rapids, combines his passion for music, food, and community service to come up with the idea behind “Sauce & Songs,” a BBQ sauce cook-off and Blues Jam Sept. 17 at the church. All musicians are welcome to participate in the jam, and even if you don’t play, …
Culture Crawl 752 “Abstraction is a Little More… Abstract” “Connections” is one of two exhibits up right now at Gilded Pear Gallery, by Laura Young. Laura’s early work was in landscapes but for this exhibit she is presenting abstract pieces, created using a unique, self-developed technique that incorporates collage. Meet Laura, as well as John …
Culture Crawl 751 “Driving Around ’Til The Light Gets Right” “Rare Earth” is one of two exhibits up right now at Gilded Pear Gallery. Unbeknownst to Gallery Director Lauren Tucci, this is not the first time landscape artists John Preston and Ellen Wagener have been paired up in an exhibition. In fact, Ellen says John …
