Fall Welcome Concert
Brittany Howard, Dawn Richard, and Elizabeth Moen
Presented in collaboration with the City of Iowa City, Think Iowa City, and SCOPE Productions at the University of Iowa
Part of Engaged Hawkeyes Week
Hancher welcomes back our entire community for a music festival-style event on our front lawn. Students, locals, and visitors can sit, dance, and enjoy the music, fellowship, and late-summer rays as a stellar line up of artists grace our outdoor stage. The event opens with a return play from Iowa native turned big city rocker Elizabeth Moen and closes with the electronic/R&B dance party of Dawn Richard. Superstar songwriter and vocalist Brittany Howard will headline this show (playing in the middle) and carry us all the way home as we celebrate the end of summer and embrace a new school year.
Bring your friends—and your own chairs or blankets—and grab something to eat from the food trucks on site.
Schedule of performances:
Gathering begins: 5:00 p.m.
Elizabeth Moen: 6:00 p.m.
Brittany Howard: 7:30 p.m.
Dawn Richard: 9:15 p.m.
The Hawkeye Drumline and Pep Band will be on hand and performing between sets.
Gathering begins at 5:00 p.m. with music starting at 6:00 p.m.
Please note: Some performances may include explicit lyrics.
Brittany Howard first came to notice as the frontwoman and guitarist for Alabama Shakes. In 2019, she released her first solo album, Jamie, to wide acclaim. As The New Yorker put it, "Howard is a transfixing vocalist; she knows how to compress and extend a note in a way that feels as if she's squeezing all the juice from a piece of very ripe fruit."
Dawn Richard simply can't be classified—a fact summed up by her declaration, "I am the genre." Her personal brand of electronic music is grounded in Louisiana Creole culture, New Orleans bounce, and Southern Swag and makes room for house, footwork, R&B, and more.
Elizabeth Moen is a proud graduate of the University of Iowa in addition to being a sharp songwriter with a magical voice—boasting a rising national presence.
University of Iowa Students:
Our annual Hancher is for Hawkeyes sale offers UI students deep discounts on many upcoming Hancher performances! Discounted tickets will be available from 5:00–10:00 p.m. The sale continues online through Monday, August 28, at 12:00 p.m. You can also call or stop into the box office between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
HANCHER EVENT PARTNERS
Dale & Linda (1946–2023) Baker
Albert B. & Jean M. (1931–2022) Hood
Peter & Anne Matthes
The Chuck Swanson Executive Directorship of Hancher Auditorium Fund
Think Iowa City
Frequently Asked Questions:
When should I show up for the concert?
Gathering begins at 5:00 p.m. Music starts at 6:00 p.m. and continues until roughly 10:30 p.m.
Is there a schedule of performances?
The schedule of performances is as follows (subject to change):
Elizabeth Moen: 6:00 p.m.
Brittany Howard: 7:30 p.m.
Dawn Richard: 9:15 p.m.
Is there a cost to attend?
The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets required.
Where is the Hancher Green?
Hancher Green is the large lawn located along the Iowa River between Hancher Auditorium and the Theatre Building.
Is there an age limit?
All are welcome! Please note: Some performances may include explicit lyrics.
Do I have to be a University of Iowa Student to attend?
All are welcome! The concert is intended for both UI students and the broader Iowa City community.
Will Hancher be open?
Hancher's Box Office, lobby, bathrooms, terrace, Showcase gift shop, and the Stanley Café will be open throughout the concert, closing roughly 30 minutes before the end of the show. Please note: Alcoholic beverages purchased from the Stanley Café cannot be taken outside other than to the terrace on the second floor.
Will there be food vendors onsite?
We are working with local food vendors to have a robust and diverse set of food truck options available onsite. See below for a complete list of vendors.
Can I bring a blanket or chair?
You're welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Please be mindful of your fellow concert attendees by making best efforts to keep your blanket area compact and your chairs from obstructing the view of other patrons.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, please leave your canines at home. Service animals assisting guests are allowed.
Can I bring a bag?
Bags are allowed. Please note: All bags are subject to search.
Where should I park?
Parking will be available free of charge in the Hancher lot. Overflow parking will be available in City Park.
What if it rains?
We are monitoring the weather closely. If dangerous weather conditions emerge, we will either postpone or cancel the concert, depending on severity. Any changes to the current concert schedule will be posted to the Hancher website, as well as our social media channels.
Will you have A.D.A accommodations available?
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Paris Sissel in advance at (319) 467-4849 or via email at paris-sissel@uiowa.edu. Accessible parking will be located in the lot closest to the performance space. Hancher staff will be on hand to assist with accessibility needs on the night of the performance.
Am I allowed to smoke?
Smoking and tobacco use are not allowed on grounds of the University of Iowa.
What items are prohibited?
Weapons of any kind are prohibited.
What food vendors will be there?
Maggies Farm Wood-Fired Pizza
Moo Moos Ice Cream Truck
That's so Cheesy
JT's Sips LLC
El Gringo Loco
South Side Street Foods
Keeping Up with the Jones's
Rodneys' Jamaican Jerk & BBQ LLC
Poimen Bosko Foods
Smiley's Soup and Sandwiches
Moy's Food from the Streets
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Paris Young in advance at (319) 467-4849 or at paris-sissel@uiowa.edu.