Dennis McPartland has played at Jazz Under the Stars more than just about any musician, in addition to his education work as a part of KCCK’s Schoolhouse Jazz. He reminisces about some of his favorite Noelridge Park memories and also gives a preview of what his latest band, Soul Sacrifice, inspired by Carlos Santana, will … Continue reading

Ernie Schiller’s Rebuild Nepal Education Foundation raises money for schools in that mountainous country, which has never fully recovered from devastating 2017 earthquake. One of his Nepalese friends is art teacher and watercolor artist Sujan Tamang, who has sent dozens of new works to Ernie for a new exhibit at The Artisan Way, also known … Continue reading

Steve Shanley says you don’t have to think about school starting until after the Muni Band season is over, so we’re taking his advice! The final Muni Band concerts will feature band members Greg Morton, Andy Harris, and Lisa Wissenberg in solo spotlights, and music from the movies “The Terminal,” “Frozen,” and the recent Star … Continue reading

We begin our special series of shows featuring the artists performing at KCCK’s Jazz Under The Stars with the versatile performer and teacher Eric Thompson. Whether it’s teaching high school drumlins, working with students in the Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success, or performing on jazz drums, Eric brings his musical and activist heart to … Continue reading

The Linn County Blues Society presents Czech Village Blues, Aug. 14. Gates open at 4pm for an electric show featuring award-winning bluesmen Rick Estrin and The Nightcats, and Iowa’s own Kevin “BF” Burt and Big Medicine. Plus, “Ship of Fools,” a student band mentored by some of the area’s top musicians. $20 in advance. But … Continue reading

It’s a busy week for the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, with 3 events. Special guest violinist and Coe College faculty member Madeline Capistran performs at the regular concerts, Wednesday at McGrath Amphitheater and Sunday at Bever Park. Glenn Miller is on the program as well as music from Aladdin. A Prelude concert on Wednesday will … Continue reading

Free summer admission at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art continues through Labor Day. Museum director Sean Ulmer says that makes this the perfect time to bring family and friends to check out the exhibits.  “Americans in Paris,” “Grant Wood Revealed,” and “Seriously Funny-American Gothic Parodies” have all been held over. Permanent exhibits such as … Continue reading

Shakespeare’s most unusual line appears in “The Winter’s Tale,” and director Adam Knight promises a real bear onstage! Riverside Theatre’s Free Summer Shakespeare Series returns to the Festival Stage in City Park, with “The Winter’s Tale” the first of two plays to be presented. Adam, who is directing the play, says it’s unusual in how … Continue reading

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band heads to McGrath Amphitheatre for the first time this season, to spread out on its large stage and feature special guest Saxophonist Rod Pierson, playing a selection written by Sammy Nestico. A long-time member and composer for the Count Basie Band, Nestico also wrote music for concert band, which you’ll … Continue reading

Gilded Pear Gallery celebrates its 10th anniversary with a staff exhibition featuring the artwork of Suzy McGrane-Hopp, Lauren Tucci, and Linda Ge. Suzy will exhibit large, abstract paintings, Linda charcoal drawings and abstract sculptures, and Lauren household decor and functional objects. All of the work will be on display beginning July 2, but mark your … Continue reading