It’s Opera Week on the Culture Crawl, as we talk to the casts of two different Cedar Rapids Opera productions happening in the coming days. Cedar Rapids elementary students get a rare treat over the next few weeks, as they’ll see the world premiere of a new opera for children, commissioned by Cedar Rapids Opera. … Continue reading

It’s Opera Week on the Culture Crawl, as we talk to the casts of two different Cedar Rapids Opera productions happening in the coming days. First up, the MainStage production of Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte,” a famous comedy of love and mistaken identity, but this show has a twist – it takes place on the … Continue reading

Amy Friedl Stoner is changing things up were final show of 2022. Not only is she bypassing Christmas for a New Year’s Eve show, she’s recruiting a band that dials up the funk and blues. Joining Amy and her music director Luke Viertel are Ian Draves and Hank Welter from Soul Sherpa, plus Natalie Brown, … Continue reading

Tim Hankewich always brings his A game to Orchestra Iowa’s “Holiday Spectacular,” but as a part of the Orchestra’s 100th birthday, this year is extra special, with special guest Ann Hampton Calloway, award winning star of Broadway, cabaret and jazz. Only three shows, Dec. 16-18 at the Paramount. Good seats are going fast. Tickets at … Continue reading

Carol Montag brings “A Carol Christmas” to CSPS Hall, Dec. 15 at 7:00pm. Joining her for an evening of traditional and fresh Christmas arrangements, as well as some new compositions from the award-winning singer-songwriter. Joining Carol are musicians Cameron Sullenberger, Matt Butler, Greg Kanz, plus a surprise guest! Tickets at www.cspshall.org/a-carol-christmas. Subscribe to The Culture … Continue reading

Alisabeth Von Presley brings her annual Christmas show to the Paramount Theatre Dec. 9. “Christmas in the Key of A” is a fun, high energy show of music, comedy, and warmth featuring Alisabeth, her band, dancers, singers, and some surprise guests. More information at www.alisabethvonpresley.com, tickets at www.creventslive.com. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at www.kcck.org/culture … Continue reading

Culture Crawl 777 “I’m Gonna Need to Borrow a Winter Coat” Iowa City West High alum, bassist Emiliano Lasansky returns to his alma mater this weekend, along with his friend, trumpeter Julien Knowles to be the featured clinicians and guest artists for West’s annual Jazz Cafè on Dec. 10. Emiliano and Julien are both current … Continue reading

The Low Brass takes the stage on December 10 with “Tuba Christmas,” at the Cedar Rapids  Public Library, Dec. 10 at 4pm. Admission to the concert is free. Any past or present low brass player (except trombones, a faux pax committed by the host) is welcome to participate. There’s a rehearsal prior to the concert … Continue reading

Artist Mary Zeran’s new exhibit at Gilded Pear Gallery utilizes just about every medium you can think of, including paint, plastic, paper, wood, and metal. Meet Mary and see her exhibit at Gilded Pear Gallery Dec. 2 from 5:00-7:30. Gallery Manager Lauren Tucci also says don’t miss a fine selection of smaller works on the … Continue reading

Culture Crawl 774 “Beer Brought Me” Homebrewed is an Iowa City Blues band organized to give back to the community. Bandleader Pete Damiano says the group has just released its first album, “Devil In My Soul,” and the release party will be a fundraiser for the Holiday Food Drive at Elizabeth Tate High School, the … Continue reading