Orchestra Iowa kicks off its 100th season a little late, after the cancellation of Brucemorchestra, with “Cultural Crosroads.” One of the world’s leading violinists, Cho-Liang (Jimmy) Lin, joins the Orchestra for a towering Tchaikovsky concerto. Also, a world premiere from Cedar Rapids composer Jerry Owen! 7:30pm Oct. 8 at the Paramount, 2pm Oct. 9 at … Continue reading

Iowa Brass is a brass band in the British style, i.e., with some British-style horns and performances in a concert band format, but the members tend to have jazz experience. The band will show off its “Jazz Roots” in concert Oct. 15 at the Solon Community Center, where they’ll perform arrangements of jazz tunes made … Continue reading

David Payne auditioned for a Nashville production of the play “Shadowlands” on a lark, because as a Britisher, he had the right accent. He was cast as the lead, C.S. Lewis, which has led him to write and perform several shows as the author, whose work includes The Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis and Lord of … Continue reading

The Metro Marching Band Classic is your only chance to see all seven of the Cedar Rapids-area high school marching bands in one sitting. This year, the Classic will be held at Kingston Stadium, Oct. 10. Gates open at 5:30pm, show at 6pm. Special guests will be the UI Hawkey Marching Band. Advance tickets at … Continue reading

Creighton Gaynor’s Natural Talent Music is a relatively new organization designed to promote and raise visibility to local and national Worldbeat, jazz and hip-hop bands. Natural Talent’s “One World” series continues with Jonathan Scale’s Fourchestra Sept. 30 at the Englert. Scales is a next-level steep an artist, taking that instrument well beyond its cruise ship … Continue reading

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, … Continue reading

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,” … Continue reading

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 … Continue reading

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 … Continue reading

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 … Continue reading