Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands
Laurie Lewis embodies music. Sing Out! puts it this way: “It’s not too much of a stretch to suggest that if the ‘Americana’ format wasn’t invented for her, it should have been.”
Maya Beiser
Cellist Maya Beiser’s art has always been about breaking and blurring boundaries, from her years with Bang on a Can All-Stars to her commissioned solo work. Beiser will perform music by Pulitzer Prize winner and UI alumnus David Lang.
Renée Fleming
Known as “the people’s diva,” Renée Fleming possesses one of the most beautiful and beloved voices in the world. As one of the first performers on the new Hancher stage, she will enchant you with her peerless soprano voice in this recital performance.
David Sanborn Electric Band
Saxophonist David Sanborn studied jazz at the University of Iowa in the early days of the program before going on to fame. In this special concert, Sanborn returns to play not only with his own band, but with fellow alumni of the UI jazz program.
Steve Martin and Martin Short
Two comedy legends will keep you laughing all night in a performance that—despite its title—we suspect you’ll always remember. Joined by Steve Martin’s bluegrass band, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Martin and Martin Short will blend banter and banjos on an historic night for Hancher.
A Conversation with Taylor Mac
Presented by the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies and Hancher
Jennifer Buckley will facilitate a conversation with Taylor Mac about Taylor's work as a playwright, director, actor, drag performer, and activist. It will focus on Taylor's newest piece, A 24-Decade History of Popular Music and the decade 1846-1856, titled Walt Whitman vs. Stephen Foster: Songs Popular Near Breaking Point.
Corridos: Mexican Tragic Ballad Songwriting Workshop
Learn to write an authentic Mexican "corrido" in this free, two-hour workshop with Juan Dies, co-founder of the GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Nominated Sones de Mexico Ensemble. By the end of this workshop the class will have written an original song in corrido form. The corrido is a 150-year-old Mexican ballad tradition that narrates tragic tales based on true events and honors folk heroes. Learn about the history of this tradition and the rules for writing the poetic lyrics of these captivating songs.
The Claudettes
Blues Music Magazine says The Claudettes are “like Keith Moon chasing a crazed, punked up Little Richard,” while Caught in the Carousel believes the duo is “like a ragtime White Stripes.” But in the end, you’ve never seen or heard a duo like this.
Bobby McFerrin
“Bobby McFerrin’s greatest gift to his audience,” says the Los Angeles Times, “may be changing them from spectators into celebrants.” Join us for the special concert marking the end of Hancher’s post-flood journey.
Vocalosity
Deke Sharon—called the “father of contemporary a cappella”—brings together a cast of vocal powerhouses for a musical adventure spanning the ages. The singers of Vocalosity won’t need a single instrument to delight your entire family.