The COVID-19 pandemic will shrink but not cancel Jazz Under the Stars.
Instead of four concerts, there will be a single, physically-distanced show August 27 at McGrath Amphitheatre, featuring two bands. But get there early! Admission is free, but in-person attendance will be limited. The msic starts at 6pm rather than our traditional 7pm start. Masks and physical distancing will be required, and there will be a video livestream if you prefer to watch from home.
Two bands will headline the concert, The Blake Shaw Quintet and the Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra Sextet. The event is still FREE! You are welcome to pack a picnic.
In-person attendance will be limited to 900. Attendees will be required to keep a minimum of six feet between non-household groups. Adults will be required to wear face coverings unless seated. An announcement on food vendors will be made in the next few weeks.
“Holding big public events in Noelridge Park is a non-starter this year,” says KCCK general manager Dennis Green. “There simply is no way we can guarantee a way to keep our patrons, staff, and performers safe. However, Venuworks anticipates that they will receive permission to open McGrath Amphitheatre in August. We’re working with Venuworks, Wired Productions, and our other vendors to put on a concert that will incorporate physical distancing and also provide the community with the opportunity to get out and enjoy live music, which we have all missed so much.”
Gates open at 5:30pm.
About The Bands
The Blake Shaw Quintet
Blake Shaw is one of Iowa’s busiest musicians, leading his own quintet and Big(ish) Band, as well as performing in groups including Thrio, Goose Town, and many others. He began his music career at Kirkwood Community College, and moved on to get his Bachelors and Masters degrees at the University of Iowa. He teaches music at the Cedar Rapids Day School, and is a member of the talent committee for the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Blake has performed with a cruise line in Australia, as well as alongside jazz stars such as Wycliffe Gordon, Carmen Bradford, Terrell Stafford, and Dick Oatts. . Joining Blake will be Nolan Schroeder and Ryan Smith, reeds; Dan Padley, guitar; and Chris Jensen, drums
The Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra
The Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra was founded by trumpeter Toni LeFebvre when she was a grad student at the University of Iowa. The band’s purpose is to showcase the artistry of women jazz performers, and to provide role models for girls in Iowa Jazz programs, to let them know their voices are valid and meaningful. The sextet version of the band is comprised of some of Iowa’s leading musicians and educators of any gender: Toni LeFebvre, trumpet; Lynne Hart and Jen Tiede, saxophone; Gail Williams, piano; Vivian Shanley, bass; and Farron Johnson, drums.