2024 Market Music Performers
Thank you to Summer of the Arts for their role in organizing the 2024 Market Music Schedule!
May 4 - Jarrett Purdy and Dan Padley
Jarrett Purdy and Dan Padley play jazz standards and original compositions arranged for piano and guitar. Their latest project Ecotones is an exploration of texture and space, largely inspired by the nature of Iowa.
May 11 - David G. Smith: Serving the Song & a Life Sentence
Song-Catcher Troubadour -- Internationally acclaimed Artist-Songwriter David G Smith is an acoustic roots solo performer with a lyric intensive style featuring guitars, resonator, music and a voice that range from dirt-funk to intimate. His music is a blend of Folk, Americana, Country & Blues. David was recently accepted as a Juried Artist with Noel Paul Stookey’s (Peter, Paul & Mary) Music To Life Org. He is a 2008 International Song Competition 1st Place Winner, a Robert Oermann DISCovery Award recipient, and two-time ISC semifinalist. He performs at the prestigious Bluebird Cafe/Nashville where his shows are regularly sold out. David has released 11 albums and Mary Gauthier and Keb Mo make appearances on 4 of them to include a duet with Mary called “Shine”. He has three nationwide #1 singles and four nationwide #1 albums to include his latest release, Witness Trees on the Roots Music Report (RMR) Folk & Alt-Folk charts. His single “River Gonna Talk” was a nationwide 2023 #1 add on the NACC chart and reached #1 in the nation on Radio Guitar One’s Top 30 Americana Chart. David has been featured in American Songwriter and his songs have appeared on TNT, Lifetime Network, Travel Channel, several PBS affiliate shows and he has a string of indie & major-indie song-cuts. His last 4 albums have been accepted for Grammy consideration. His Give-Back Series donates time and raises money and awareness for a variety of charitable causes.
David, his voice and his songs are authentic. “Like Mary Gauthier and Sam Baker, Smith cuts through...to find essential phrases and words to represent the ache of living”. (Fervor Coulee)
May 18 - Iris Mae and Annie
Iris Mae and Annie Savage are a dynamic daughter/mother team who play music straight from the rugged terrain of the heart. From their start in Iowa City to a decade in Colorado's Front Range, the two have performed countless festivals, clinics, and listening rooms and aim to continue. Expect a wide variety of instrumentation and roots music from this inimitable duo.
May 25 - Ryne Doughty
Music from the Heartland. Songs from the heart. Ryne Doughty is a Folk/Americana singer-songwriter out of Des Moines, IA, whose music is deeply rooted in real life stories of love, loss, work, and play. His stripped down, earthy sound is directly influenced by the small, rural town where he was born and raised. The hard-working, simple living, and friendly way of life of the Midwest shines through his music that is understated yet complex and rich with beauty and realness.
June 1 - The Eastenders
Guy and Sue Drollinger, Larry Mossman and Kathy Maxey. We play from a wide collection of traditional and original tunes and songs.
June 8 - Kalimbaman and the Fabulous Yahoo Drummers
Kalimbaman and the Fabulous Yahoo Drummers--Take a break from veggie shopping and come drum and sing with us! Kalimbaman and the Fabulous Yahoo Drummers is an audience participation song and drumming group. We'll have many types of percussion instruments (including veggie-shaped shakers) for you to play along with us.
June 15 - The Soft and Low: original folk-rock duo
Neither all that soft nor low, The Soft and Low plays music from the heart. Having spent much of their musical lives playing in rock and traditional Irish bands, respectively, Jeffrey C. Capps (guitar, vocals, harmonica) and Tara
McGovern (fiddle, vocals) formed their partnership in 2013 with a desire to focus their full energy on original songs — ones that change the world, or at least make you feel a bit better about living in it.
Both artists are active in a range of vocational and avocational interests in the Iowa City area that focus on making the community a better place for all. Their acoustic performances, consisting primarily of tunes written by Capps, capture that spirit of fostering connection through music and reinforcing the belief that everyone has a song to sing.
McGovern is a member of the eclectic string ensemble Freegrass Trio and Capps spent the better part of a decade performing with the Memphis-based band, The Central Standards, before moving to Iowa City in 2009. His solo debut is entitled The Muddy and the Blue.
June 22 - River Glen and Band
River Glen and his band are a powerhouse of talent, and their love of performance is palpable. Their original music playfully blends elements of folk, pop, rock, jazz, and more…always with clever rhymes and tasty grooves. River’s songwriting is steeped in the socially conscious tradition of songwriters like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, and his work strikes a delicate balance of pop-appeal and lyrical substance. In 2017, River was named an Iowa Arts Council Fellow for his music. While serving in this honorary position he began work on “As Above, So Below”, an album of original music featuring more than 150 singers/musicians, almost entirely from his home state of Iowa. In October of 2023, River and his bandmates were named Artist of the Month by Iowa Public Radio. Find the album “As Above, So Below” as well as additional information about River’s music, videos, and Car Concerts at www.RiverGlenMusic.com.
June 29 - Charlotte Blu
Charlotte Blu is a talented singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Born and raised in a small town in the Midwest, Charlotte’s love for music began at a young age when she started playing guitar and singing in church. After her 2019 appearance on NBC’s “The Voice”, Charlotte continues to make a name for herself with her unique blend of blues, soul, and pop influences which is earning her a devoted fan base.
In 2022, Charlotte released her debut EP, “The Colors of You” which showcased her songwriting skills and powerful vocals. Charlotte is currently working on new material and working with other talented artists. In addition to her music career, Charlotte is also an advocate for mental health awareness in women and young people.
July 6 - Saul Lubaroff and Andy Parrott Duo
Saul Lubaroff (sax) and Andy Parrott (guitar), friends since high school, are two of finest jazz cats in the area. Expect a wonderful musical stew of pop standards, Bossa Nova grooves and timeless standards.
July 13 - The Drollingers
Sharing original and folk songs.
July 20 - Crystal City Trio
Crystal City is fronted by Dave Helmer and Sam Drella. Helmer is a Midwestern singer/songwriter from central Iowa with blue-collar roots. Heavily influenced by Paul Westerberg, Tom Petty, John Prine, and Townes Van Zandt, Helmer’s songs are approachable and relatable, touching on themes of love and loss, being good to each other, and celebrating life.
July 27 - Larry Mossman and Kathy Maxey
Larry Mossman, Kathy Maxey w/ Karen Charney and friends. Enjoy an eclectic mix of songs from near and far.
Aug 3 - Cedar County Cobras
Cedar County Cobras play American Roots & Blues music from the last century. The music takes on an "old time" blues feel that would most likely be found in a juke-joint down a gravel road in rural Iowa. Arriving with an upright bass, foot-drum, a mandolin, and a collection of guitars this duo plays music that is best described as contagious, acoustic rockabilly swamp blues, or old-time country with the gritty sound of soulful blues. The Cobras have played hundreds of shows across Iowa from the local brewery to large festival stages. For more information on the Cobras visit: https://cedarcountycobras.com/
Aug 10 - Birds and Trains
Birds & Trains is an acoustic band featuring original songs, old time tunes and unique covers.
Aug 17 - Freegrass
Freegrass is a trio of musicians (Dan Padley on guitar, Tara McGovern on fiddle, and Blake Shaw on cello and vocals) who have been called a collaborator’s dream team that just so happen to write and perform their own music as well. The group strives to stretch the limits and wander the lines of genre all while creating the most beautiful music possible.
The name “Freegrass” is inspired both by the group’s goal of being FREE of genre labels and constraints and also by blueGRASS traits such as staying true to your best self and pushing forward.
From Felix Mendelssohn to Mel Tormé, Wheatus to Thelonious Monk, along with Dan Padley’s originals, Freegrass has a bit of everything. Prepare to be wide eyed one moment and the next close your eyes and reap the hypnotizing sounds that emanate from the souls of Freegrass.
Aug 24 - Mullins Brothers
When Stu and Sam Mullins formed The Mullins Brothers duo in 2012, it was guided by one principle: play songs they love and that enthusiasm will be contagious. The results are an eclectic set covering four decades of the best of pop-rock: everything from classic songs by The Beatles, Carole King and Steely Dan to modern masterpieces by Wilco, Ben Folds and Fiona Apple.
Aug 31 - Alone Tonight Quartet
After spending the past year playing under the name Seul Ce Soir Quartet, this group of Django Reinhardt fans recently settled on the much easier to spell Alone Tonight. Piano, drums and bass make up the steady back line, while a cast of guest soloists sit in to fill out the fourth in this combo. Expect to hear songs from old films, cabarets, and Looney-Tunes as heard through the floorboards of your cheap apartment upstairs from the theater.
Sept 7 - Mike Maas and Carlis Faurot
Mike Maas (guitar) and Carlis Faurot (violin) have been at the forefront of Eastern Iowa music for many years. Original cast members of Liar’s Holographic Radio Theatre, and exactly 1/2 of the acclaimed group Black Sheep. They have traveled the world with their music. Together they play a mix of Folk, swing, jazz and blues. Guitar & Violin, at its best. Never predictable… always entertaining.
Sept 14 - Johnson County Ukulele Social Club
The Johnson County Ukulele Social Club has been in operation for nearly 16 years. They meet at Legacy Retirement Home and encourage people of all ages and skill levels to attend. They play music from all eras and are happy to learn a new tune!
Sept 21 - Brick Street Ramblers
The Brick Street Ramblers is an eight-piece, Iowa City-based traditional jazz band, often playing original charts from recordings that have passed the century mark. They’ve played the Iowa City Jazz Festival, the Friday Night Concert Series, the Le Claire Park Jazz Concert for the Bix Fest, and many other events throughout the area.
Sept 28 - The Betsy Hickock and Ron Roberts Quartet
Vocalist Betsy Hickok performs sensitive and swinging interpretations of jazz standards. She has appeared in the Des Moines Metro Arts Jazz in July series, the Iowa City Jazz Festival, Noce Jazz Cabaret, and other regional venues with some of Iowa’s top musicians. Guitarist Ron Roberts is a Chicago area native who has played regularly with artists throughout central Iowa.
Ron and Betsy have performed together since 2010 and received a Special Recognition Award in 2019 from the Des Moines Community Jazz Center Hall of Fame. Ryan Smith is a woodwind specialist living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who has performed throughout the Midwest and in Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, and China. Drew Morton, bassist and multimedia artist, is a regular musician with various groups in the area including Jack Lion, Koplant No, and Christopher's Very Happy Band.
Oct 5 - Pandalirium Steel Drum Band
The Pandelirium Steel Drum Band performs on instruments cut and hammered from 55-gallon oil barrels and their performances include a blend of musical styles ranging from traditional Calypsos and Soccas of Trinidad to Reggae, arrangements of popular songs, and jazz standards. The quartet is based in Iowa City and is made up of current and former members of the PanAmerican Steel Drum Band from the University of Iowa. They have performed at numerous venues in Iowa, including the Iowa City Jazz Festival, Iowa Corn Daze, the Marion Swamp Fox Festival, and RAGBRAI.
Oct 12 - Pete Balestrieri
Pete Balestrieri is an Iowa City saxophonist. He toured and recorded with Violent Femmes for twenty years and has a Gold Record for their first album. Most recently, he’s been with Old Scratch Revival Singers, Brooks Strause and The Gory Details, and the Cirque Stupendo Circus Band. He also frequently performs solo.
Oct 19 - Nikki Lunden Trotter: Midwestern Roots Rock
Singer/Songwriter Nikki Lunden Trotter’s (Natural Habits, The Trollies) self-defined genre "original midwestern roots rock" can be described as not quite country, not quite pop, not quite rock and roll. Nikki returned to Iowa City in 2018 after a 6-year long stint in the LA music scene to be followed by Covid, severely stunting the new growth and momentum of her music. Once dubbed an icon in the Iowa City music scene, Nikki is re-emerging with matured songwriting and a tamed heart on her sleeve.
Oct 26 - Electric Ear DJ
The Electric Ear Sound Machine – playing all of your favorites!
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