Fall Welcome Concert
Cory Wong, Dawes, and Reyna Tropical
Presented in collaboration with the City of Iowa City, The Chuck Swanson Executive Directorship of Hancher Auditorium Fund, Peter & Anne Matthes, and Think Iowa City
Part of Engaged Hawkeyes Week
Hancher welcomes everyone back with a free music festival-style event on our front lawn!
Students, locals, and visitors from far and wide can enjoy music, fellowship, food trucks, and plenty of opportunities to dance. Bring your friends and family—and your own chairs or blankets for a wonderful kickoff to the fall semester.
At the end of a fiery, funky set at the 2021 Iowa City Jazz Festival, guitarist Cory Wong promised the ecstatic crowd, “We’ll see you next time!” Well, next time is now as Wong and his blisteringly hot band return to Iowa City to headline the University of Iowa’s Fall Welcome Concert. Wong’s career includes wild jams sessions with Prince’s rhythm section, membership in the vitally volatile band Vulfpeck, a headlining set at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the ongoing creation of groove after groove.
“Cory has revealed himself as not only a new breed of guitar hero, but a true entertainer.” – Premier Guitar
Having arrived on the scene steeped in the Laurel Canyon sound, Dawes topped the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart with 2015’s All Your Favorite Bands and 2016’s We’re All Gonna Die. The band opened up its vintage aesthetic to make space for experimentation on more recent releases, whether the band is settling into a 1980s adult contemporary vibe, leaning into a jazzy sound reminiscent of Steely Dan, or mixing it up with bands and musicians like Lucius or Bahamas.
“A Dawes concert always has the vibe of a large college reunion with friends getting back together at a great house party.” – San Francisco Bay Area Concerts
Renya Tropical is led by guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, and She Shreds editor Fabi Reyna. Congolese, Peruvian, and Colombian rhythms are mixed and remixed with themes and narratives that shine a spotlight on the often marginalized and give them a sonic home—a home that includes the new album Malegria on Svlan Esso’s Psychic Hotline label.
“Reyna Tropical crafts the kind of spacious, tropical soundscapes that one would come to expect from their moniker. But that doesn’t make their songs any less exciting—with an improvisational approach…Reyna Tropical aims for a candid authenticity that is hard to resist.” – Grimy Goods
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES
Reyna Tropical: 6:00 p.m.
Dawes: 7:15 p.m.
Cory Wong: 9:00 p.m.
Gathering begins at 5:00 p.m. with music starting at 6:00 p.m.
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 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. from the Hancher Box Office on Thursday, August 29. The sale continues online until Tuesday, September 3, at 11:59 p.m. You can also call or stop into the box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, August 30 or Tuesday, September 3. The box office will be closed over the weekend and on Labor Day.
HANCHER EVENT PARTNERS
City of Iowa City
The Chuck Swanson Executive Directorship of Hancher Auditorium
Peter & Anne Matthes
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):
Reyna Tropical: 6:00 p.m.
Dawes: 7:15 p.m.
Cory Wong: 9:00 p.m.
Is there a cost to attend?
The concert is free an 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.
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.
What food vendors will be there?
Caribbean Kitchen
George's Gyros
Keeping Up with the Jones's
La Reyna
Moo Moos Ice Cream Truck
Maggies Farm Wood-Fired Pizza
Poimen Bosko Foods
Smiley's Soup and Sandwiches
Sno Biz of Iowa City
TC Bonez BBQ
That's so Cheesy
Is there an age limit?
All are welcome!
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.
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. 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 will monitor weather closely. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be hosted inside Hancher Auditorium. If dangerous weather conditions emerge, we will either postpone or cancel, 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 required a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, pleas contact Paris Young 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 University of Iowa grounds.
What items are prohibited?
Weapons of any kind are not permitted.
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.