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1103 3rd Street Southeast, 2nd Floor, Cedar Rapids(319) 364-15801103 Third St. SE , Cedar Rapids
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POSTPONED: Adam Ezra Group
<p>We regret to announce that this show has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to announce a reschedule date soon. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. <br><br>Hailing from Boston, AEG’s unconventional approach to the music world has allowed them to surge beyond their beloved hometown and emerge as one of the most uniquely powerful, underground live music experiences in the country. While Ezra has played with an array of musicians over the years, his current line-up featuring Corinna Smith on fiddle, Alex Martin on drums, and Poche Ponce on bass has been creating a new buzz around the country in 2019, as evidenced by their mind numbing tour schedule, ballooning tickets sales, and opening features with The Wallflowers, Galactic, John Oates, The Wailers, Southside Johnny, Graham Parker, and America.<br><br>Not believing in set lists, every AEG show provides new and unique concert experiences that the band has been recording in real time and sharing with fans on thumbs drives as part of their "Live Sound Project" every night. Go to any Adam Ezra show, solo or with the group, and you will not only find fans who have traveled vast distances to be there, but also doubtless a fair number of rabid followers accumulating as many AEG shows as possible throughout the year.<br><br>The fall of 2019 has AEG on more headlining tours supporting their 19th album release and the latest in a series of enhanced, remixed, live albums, aptly named "Better Than Bootleg"(Aug 24, 2019). The musicians who make up Adam Ezra Group are all believers in the power of real-time connection with their audience, explaining their non-stop touring schedule throughout the year. The Bootleg Series is Ezra's attempt at delivering recordings that have the energy and spirit of their live show, while also showcasing studio quality sound.</p> 2020-03-14 23:00:00 -0500
4/04/208:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
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The Idea of Dance
<p>This event was made possible in part by Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts and CSPS Hall.<br><br>The Idea of Dance is an hour long program of original work that combines live poetry with dance and musical recordings. Wendy Labinger will read her poetry while Travelers Dance performs movement choreographed by Angela Hayes for each poem. Recorded music by Bo Ramsey and jazz artist Jarrett Purdy accompanies each piece. Audience members are encouraged to stay for a post-performance discussion.<br>The title poem of the performance, “The Idea of Dance” was written by Ms. Labinger in the wake of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shootings in Orlando. Since then, additional mass shootings have occurred at other music-dance venues, including those in Las Vegas and Thousand Oaks, California. This title piece contrasts the joy of dance with the horror of unexpected gun violence. To honor our common humanity, the choreography features Latin, Near/Middle Eastern, Hip Hop/Break, Ballet, and Modern dance.<br>The program seeks to demonstrate how collaborations between art forms can result in a whole that is even greater than the parts. We hope audience members will feel the unique energy created when poetry, dance and music are combined. The comments and perceptions of audience members afterwards will help the performing artists gain additional insight into their own work. </p> 2020-03-14 21:00:00 -0500
5/30/208:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
POSTPONED: Miss Tess
<p>We regret to announce that this show has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to announce a reschedule date soon. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.</p><p><br></p><p>When most people think of defiant music, they think of punk rock or outlaw country. But defying genres while transcending eras and resisting clichés is hard to pin down when it comes to artistry - unless you’re talking about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/misstessmusicpage/" target="_blank">Miss Tess</a>, who does all of that and more on her new release, The Moon Is an Ashtray. Swinging for the fences and from the branches of jazz, country, blues and old school rock and roll, she has employed all of her influences and talents on a tour-de-force, while cleverly taking standard perspectives and ideas - like the definition of a love song - to task.<br><br>Opening for Miss Tess will be <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brianjohannesenmusic/" target="_blank">Brian Johannesen</a>!<br>Brian Johannesen's new album, "Holster Your Silver" inherited a haunting tone, dealing with personal issues like anxiety, loss, and a struggle to come to terms with an increasingly unjust political climate. These themes manifested themselves in an honest, lyric-forward collection of songs that offer a glimpse into the mind of a songwriter coming to grips with the real world.</p> 2020-03-14 22:00:00 -0500
4/22/207:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
POSTPONED: Harper and Lee
<p>We regret to announce that this show has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to announce a reschedule date soon. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.</p><p>Harper and Lee are a husband and wife alt-Americana, singer/songwriting duo who performs with a kick-drum, foot tambourine, acoustic and electric guitars to reveal their unique style of original music. Although married, Harper and Lee grew up thirteen years apart which allows for the unique collaboration of older style folk with a modern rock twist. This allows the duo’s captivating sound to transport everyone who hears it into nostalgia. You won’t find a perspective on traditional sounds quite like these two. Harper and Lee’s live shows connect the audience in a way that makes you feel right at home no matter the size of the stage.<br><br>Currently living on the road, Harper and Lee go where the music takes them so you’ll want to catch them when you get your chance. They pride themselves on writing original songs and playing them often during their shows. Harper and Lee have just finished recording 4 in-studio singles with “People in the Streets” and “Mama Cried” already released with two more to follow in 2020. You don’t want to miss the deliberate playing styles of Harper’s lead guitar alongside the modern-soul behind Lee’s vocals.</p> 2020-03-14 22:00:00 -0500
4/26/207:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
POSTPONED: The Barefoot Movement
<p>We regret to announce that this show has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to announce a reschedule date soon. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.</p><p>Heartfelt, energetic, and down home. Heralded by CMT Edge as "one of the most promising bands on the bluegrass scene," the music of the Nashville based group The Barefoot Movement is as down to earth as their intention for members of their audience: sit back, relax, take your shoes off, and stay a while. All the worries and frustrations of the world melt away as this charming, acoustic band takes listeners back to a simpler place and time. Whether you're seeking emotional ballads or rip-roaring barn-burners, you can expect a collection of music that offers something for everyone. With two full length albums, an EP of traditional music, several cross-country tours, and appearances at some of the top bluegrass festivals in the United States already under their belt, the possibilities for this act are endless. The group has enjoyed almost non-stop touring including a trip to Burkina Faso, Africa where they were guests of the American Embassy, and in September of 2014, they received a Momentum Award, naming them "Band of the Year" by the International Bluegrass Music Association.<br><br>Their show is as fun to watch as it is to hear. The smiles on the faces of the band are obvious displays of the joy and excitement they feel when performing and the audience shares in the fun. With effortlessly executed transitions, the pacing between the softer and more vigorous numbers constantly has fans on the edge of their seats.<br><br>The "movement" can be traced back to the teen years of singer-songwriter and fiddler Noah Wall, of Oxford, NC. Just as she had begun penning her first compositions, she met mandolinist Tommy Norris their senior year of high school. Convinced of their musical chemistry and driven by mutual ambition, they continued to build the band from the ground up throughout their college careers. While Tommy studied classical music and recording engineering at Western Carolina University, Noah chose East Tennessee State, particularly for their Bluegrass, Old-time and Country Music Program. Here she began to shape her musical identity, under the tutelage of ETSU's renown staff, and found an instrumental home in old time fiddling. With the addition of versatile guitarist and singer Alex Conerly of Hattiesburg, MS in 2013, and most recently, Katie Blomarz of Frankfort, IL on the upright bass, the lineup was complete with all the elements that make up the Barefoot sound: lush harmonies, thoughtful instrumentation, and memorable melodies.<br><br>It has now been seven years since The Barefoot Movement took off their shoes and took to the stage. Hard work and talent have taken them from east coast to west, from north to south, and even across the Atlantic Ocean. They have appeared in Country Weekly Magazine, <a data-lynx-mode="hover" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FRollingStone.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR07g8NaWTuJtO8qvxXH3BhR_gEvfo54jOxPHh83QfkNZjrGNd-sSKVpA-E&h=AT1xDIAfe6n4mW6wA1a4BNsRZJKmmNi1jQgBFPgtN4Pv3XixSj75jhRuxWX36mbYW5EDCfXyMAMjUq0I6PyWiPHR0yjO7oGLJ8PFIus79woxJtwzLCIQX-rvzAYwUOIQUGPo" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">RollingStone.com</a>, CMT Edge, Music City Roots, and Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. Their original music was featured on the Outdoor Channel's program "Huntin' the World: Southern Style" and their music video for their popular song "Second Time Around" has been seen nationally on the Zuus Country Network. They have been selected as showcase artists at both the International Bluegrass Music Association and the Americana Festival conferences and were first runners up at the 2013 Telluride Bluegrass Festival's New Band Competition.<br><br>With crowds teeming with enthusiasm at every performance, and new fans joining the fold across the nation, word is surely spreading and the message is clear: barefoot is better. Won't you join the movement?</p> 2020-03-14 23:00:00 -0500
5/02/208:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
POSTPONED: OSHUN
<p><strong>We regret to announce that this show has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to announce a reschedule date soon. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OSHUNIVERSE/" target="_blank">OSHUN</a> is an independent Hip-Hop / Soul duo and the sonic manifestation of Afrofuturism. Using digital and acoustic sounds, heavy drums and bass, and ambient harmonic textures, OSHUN connects with the spirit of their ancestors to manifest a sweeter tomorrow for us all. Since the release of their debut mixtape ASASE YAA in 2015, OSHUN has amassed a diverse world-wide fan base better known as the Sunflower Squad. They’ve been recognized by media heavy hitters such as Paper Magazine, Rolling Stone, The FADER, Viceland, Huffington Post, NPR, Essence, and Vogue (just to name a few). They've also performed throughout the U.S. and Latin America all while remaining full-time college students at NYU. It’s been a wonderful journey and now that these young goddesses have graduated college and live on their own, they are transitioning into the next phase of manifesting their purpose. In 2020, OSHUN is preparing for additional releases of their album series “bittersweet”, complete with captivating visuals, tour of the US, Canada, Africa, and a deeper look into their ever-evolving selves.</p> 2020-03-14 23:30:00 -0500
5/03/207:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
POSTPONED: Jason Anick Acoustic Trio Sponsored by KCCK 88.3 FM
<p><strong>We regret to announce that this show has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to announce a reschedule date soon. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.</strong></p><p>Fiddle, guitar, and bass—it’s a combination as old as the hills. But follow Jason Anick, Max O’Rourke and Greg Loughman into those hills, and you’ll find yourself taking unexpected turns and discovering vistas you never knew were out there. It’s a new brand of acoustic music they make—traditional instrumentation spinning ear-catching melodies, channeling the wit and spontaneity of three irrepressible musical storytellers.<br><br>Virtuoso fiddler, Jason Anick, grew up listening-in on his Dad’s bluegrass rehearsals and competing in fiddle contests around his native New England. Jason went on to study jazz at the Hartt School of Music, where he was recruited by Grammy winning guitarist, John Jorgenson, to join his renowned, world-touring quintet. Through the John Jorgenson Quintet, as well as his own subsequent projects, Jason rose to the top ranks of jazz violinists, earning himself a position at Boston’s prestigious Berklee School of Music. But all along, he kept an ear out for the right opportunity to apply his formidable improvisational and compositional chops to the roots music of his youth. His long time musical collaborator, Greg Loughman, a top-call Boston bassist with an affection for both jazz and international folk music, was an obvious choice. Berklee student at the time, Max O’Rourke—a guitarist and composer with an insatiable harmonic curiosity—made an impression on Jason and Greg while playing together in the Rhythm Future Quartet. They recognized they had a chemistry well-suited to the artistic freedom afforded by the trio format, allowing them to explore and pull from multiple genres to create an exciting and sophisticated musical conversation that has been wowing audiences since 2017.</p> 2020-03-14 22:00:00 -0500
5/07/207:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
Sam Lewis
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/samlewistunes/" target="_blank">Sam Lewis</a> has collaborated with everyone from Leon Russell to The Wood Brothers. Chris Stapleton dubbed him “a modern Townes Van Zandt”. He’s often labeled with some form of the word ‘soulful’ (some have even compared his voice to molasses), Lewis’ style meets at a juncture of many different genres however he’s discovered what most musicians spend lifetimes working for; the place where feel-good music meets vital social commentary. </p> 2020-03-14 23:00:00 -0500
5/23/208:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
Humbird
<p>“Everyone knows the character of Eve from the bible, and everyone has their own ideas about her. But if she was wandering around America in 2019, what the hell would she say?” wonders Siri Undlin of indie-folk band Humbird. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and inspired by the crystalline chill of the state’s Northern winters, Undlin creates experimental folk and environmental Americana tinged with the sophistication of classic orchestral compositions. Her upcoming album Pharmakon, out August 30, focuses on women and the female body in folklore as a poetic way to explore the human experience. Working with engineer Brian Joseph (Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens) and producer Shane Leonard (Field Report), Undlin’s newest release joins the leagues of masterful indie storytellers. </p> 2020-03-14 23:00:00 -0500
6/06/208:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
Dwayne Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellrasiers
<p>Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin hails from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world. Although inspired by tradition, Dwayne has developed his own high energy style that defies existing stereotypes and blazes a refreshingly distinct path for 21st century Zydeco music. This singer/songwriter and accordionist has performed all over the world since debuting his band, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, at age 19.<br><br>As a tribute to his late father, Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., Dwayne will record an album of his Dad’s greatest zydeco hits. Dwayne and the Hellraisers are currently in the studio wrapping up their 6th studio album, a follow up to Up In Flames, their second album to be prenominated for a Grammy Award. The Louisiana native writes both the lyrics and music for his songs and describes the upcoming album as soulful with a touch of blues and old time zydeco feel. The new album will receive additional air time on Sirius XM satellite radio. The band plans to promote their album by touring both nationally and abroad and appearing on late night talk shows. 2015 will mark their 7th summer promotional tour in Europe, adding to the 70+ international festivals they have performed in the last 2 years.<br><br>Dwayne Dopsie, grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, as well as four of the Hellraisers. Dwayne has created the perfect band of hand picked musicians. The washboard player, Paul Lafleur, possesses skill and timing that are unmatched, making him a true musician, not just a marvel holding a washboard. Combined, the band has over 100 years of experience playing Zydeco music and it shows in every performance. The energy, true talent, and exuberance that Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers emit from stage makes it obvious that there is no competition for this band.<br><br>Not only has Dwayne’s band mastered zydeco music, they also add a bit of rhythm and blues, funk, rock and roll, reggae and pop to their performances, making them a very versatile choice for any audience. This Indie artist was named “The Hottest Accordionist” in America for his ability to both work the crowd and pump out musical harmony in grandiose fashion. Dwayne doesn’t confine himself to the stage; he interacts with the crowd, blurring the barrier between performer and audience. Audiences jump to their feet energized by Dwayne’s musical innovation, charismatic performance and sheer, raw talent. His ability to capture the imagination, heart and soul of his audience makes Dwayne one of today’s most dynamic performers.<br><br>Adding this band to a festival or event line-up is a must and you, too, will be just as excited as your audience as Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers take you into the realm of their on-stage fury aka Dopsie Mania. </p> 2020-03-14 22:00:00 -0500
6/11/207:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
Fred Eaglesmith
<p>Fred Eaglesmith is a veteran of the music industry and at the same time is about as far away from actually participating in today’s music industry as one could be. Never operating within anyone’s boundaries, he continues to set the standard for independent artists everywhere.<br><br>Eaglesmith can talk to you about almost anything. Chances are, he’s had that car, tractor, job, relationship, idea, and hat. But throughout his life and experiences there is always one thing that has remained the same: his undeniable gift for writing a song. Aspiring songwriters and performers of all ages call and write Fred with questions on how to have a career like his. And what can he say? Start writing songs when you’re 10 years old. Grow up with poverty, agriculture, religion, and eight siblings. Run away from home. Hop freight trains. Start a business. Loose a business. Struggle to get any gig. Drive to Nashville with no money and pockets full of songs. Get a record deal. Lose a record deal. Win a Juno Award. Break down on the side of the road everyday for days on end. Become a cult hero and amass a following of self-proclaimed “Fred Heads.” Tour relentlessly. Become everyone’s favorite. Becomes nobody’s favorite. Follow your gut. Smarten up. Don’t care what anybody thinks. Be fair. Be loyal no matter what. Keep going. Soften up. Give people a break. Expect nothing. Give everything. Keep going. Allow yourself to be happy. Find out who you are and deal with that. Don’t stay in fancy hotels. Write good songs. </p> 2020-03-14 23:00:00 -0500
6/12/208:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
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The Iguanas
<p>What if Americana actually encompassed ALL of North America? You'd have the Franco-Acadian inflections of Canada, as best exemplified by le accordion, blues and jazz, the only truly indigenous musics the US has ever produced, and the lilting grace and fiery passion of the music of Mexico. You'd also have New Orleans' premiere distillers of this continental musical melange, The Iguanas, and their new album Juarez. Taking their cues from all of the above influences and then some, Juarez, the band's first studio album since 2012's Sin to Sin, redefines the notion of Americana, crossing cultures, styles, eras… and even languages. It's as if Rue Bourbon, Muscle Shoals and Plaza México were all within earshot of each other and The Iguanas were the musical conduit between them. Based out of New Orleans for the past couple of decades -- save for a short, Katrina-imposed exile in Austin — the members of the Iguanas have (collectively or individually) played or recorded with everyone from Charlie Rich, Alex Chilton, and Willie DeVille to Emmylou Harris, Allen Toussaint, and Pretty Lights. Their two-decade ride has taken them all over the map musically and geographically, yet the inescapable patina of their hometown infuses every note they play. Through eight studio albums, countless tours and Jazz Fest appearances, and a flood that did its best to take their adopted city with it, it's a testament to the band's endurance that the same four guys that started playing in the early 1990s are still together. Joe Cabral is philosophical about the bandʼs persistence in the face of challenges that would have felled — indeed have felled — lesser bands. “First of all, this is all we know how to do; weʼre musicians. But more than that,” he continues, “we respect the power of the band as an entity, and each individual in the band steps up to play his part. When itʼs good, thatʼs really what itʼs all about.” Rod Hodges agrees. “I donʼt want to get all heady and mystical about this, but itʼs not really an outward reward weʼre looking for. We all enjoy playing music, we all get along, and finding a group of people who can say that after all this time is a rare thing.” With their most diverse collection of songs just released, the band recently embarked on their most extensive tour in four years, a 32-day journey that saw them play 22 shows across the US and Canada. </p> 2020-03-14 23:00:00 -0500
7/17/208:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids -
POSTPONED: Mississippi Heat
<p><strong>We regret to announce that this show has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to announce a reschedule date soon. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mississippiheat/" target="_blank">Mississippi Heat</a> is a world-class Chicago Blues Band. Their motto is “Traditional Blues With A Unique Sound” as they present fresh yet vintage-based musical ideas.<br><br>MISSISSIPPI HEAT’s name is a reflection of Pierre’s reverence for Mississippi’s blues culture and music. The band’s conviction is that there is no deeper music than Delta-inspired blues to express what lies in everyone’s soul. They have received world-wide critical acclaim, including from Living Blues Magazine: “MISSISSIPPI HEAT delivers its traditional urban blues with a freshness, energy and competence that makes them a treasure on today’s Chicago scene.”<br><br>Mississippi Heat is known internationally for their passionate blues delivery. Overseas and national touring have been an integral part of their work for decades. The band has appeared at many world-famous festivals including many in the US (like the Pocono’s and the Chicago Blues Festivals), Scandinavia, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Canada, Tunisia, Finland, Venezuela and in Mexico, among many others. Besides a scheduled European tour for 2018, they will also soon perform in Dubai.<br><br>Buddy Guy has gone on record saying that it’s “been a long time since I heard a good blues band like this.” And recently the band received this critical acclaim from Bonnie Tallman at the Billtown Blues Festival (Hughesville, PA): “Can’t find enough words to express how blown away everyone was with the Mississippi Heat performance! It was spectacular in every way.”<br><br>The band has made waves on the blues charts by regularly reaching the #1 spot on Living Blues Magazine’s radio charts.</p> 2020-03-14 23:00:00 -0500
5/16/208:00 p.m.CSPS HallCedar Rapids