Tune in this week as we celebrate the birthdays of and trumpeter/singer Louis Armstrong, pianist/bandleader/composer Count Basie, saxophonist Charlie Parker, singers Tony Bennett and Eddie Jefferson, guitarists Herb Ellis and Pat Metheny, drummers Jeff Hamilton and Terri Lyne Carrington and more. We’ll also mark the recording anniversaries of Johnny Hodges’ “Used to Be Duke” (1954), …
Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler Mondays from 6:00pm to 10:00pm Wes Mongomery’s Riverside Years Host Craig Kessler takes a look at some of the great recordings that guitarist Wes Montgomery made for Riverside Records during the years 1959 thru 1966. The Wednesday Night Special Wednesdays at …
Mike Conrad was first inspired to become a jazz composer during his undergrad years at UNI, working under well-known composers (and performers) Bob Washut and Chris Merz. Today, as a UNI jazz faculty member himself, he continues that tradition, working with a third “generation” of jazz composing students at the University, as well as winning …
For hundreds of Eastern Iowans, Drum Corps was a foundational teenage experience. Cedar Rapids fielded a top-notch ensemble called the Emerald Knights for decades. Emerald Knights alums and other drum corps supporters team up each year to bring some of the world’s top drum corps to Cedar Rapids for the Tournament of Drums. This year, …
C.R. Library offers relief from the heat. With the hottest days of the year expected this week, people looking for a way to get out of the heat in Cedar Rapids can head to the library. More from KCCK’s Liz Schultz.
Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler Mondays from 6:00pm to 10:00pm Kenny Dorham on Blue Note Host Craig Kessler continues his 85th anniversary celebration of Blue Note Records with samplings of trumpeter Kenny Dorham’s contributions during his ten years (1955 to 1965) with the label. The Wednesday Night …
Riverside Theatre presents “Everybody,” a play where the actors don’t know who is playing which part until after they cast lots right before the show begins! This is a new work by acclaimed playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, which riffs off a 15th Century work. In addition to the conceit of assigning roles literally at the last …
Steve Shanley has stuffed just about as many soloists into this week’s Cedar Rapids Municipal Band concert as he can, including Chris Haas on trumpet, Young Artist finalist Christian Maakestad on guitar, and even Steve’s sister Sara on piccolo. Selections include music from the musical “Wicked” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” July 19 at …
