The Ellis Marsalis Quartet
Ellis Marsalis is the patriarch of one of the most famous families in music, and he’s bringing the holiday cheer from New Orleans to Iowa City. This night of holiday music will bring his considerable talents to the fore.
Taylor Mac
For nearly two decades, Taylor Mac has created internationally award-winning performance events. A 24-Decade History of Popular Music is his most ambitious project to date. His look at 1846-1856 is a showdown between Walt Whitman and Stephen Foster.
Lynne Arriale, Carla Cook, and Grace Kelly
Three tremendous musicians pay homage to three legends. Lynne Arriale (piano), Carla Cook (vocals), and Grace Kelly (saxes) bring passion, sensitivity, and soul to their reinterpretations of classic songs by Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln, and Joni Mitchell.
Chris Thile
Chris Thile has been charting new territory for the mandolin since he was eight years old. The Grammy Award-winner and MacArthur Fellow will perform solo violin works by J.S. Bach on the mandolin, as well as his own compositions.
Brentano String Quartet
Critic Alex Ross calls the Brentano String Quartet “one of America’s finest, brainiest young quartets.” The program will include fugues by J.S. Bach, Benjamin Britten’s Quartet No. 3, and Johannes Brahms's Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 67.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings are likely to set the stage on fire with funk, R&B, and soul music. With Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen at 6:45 pm and the Iowa City Carnival Parade and Pandelirium at 5:30 pm.
Las Cafeteras
Las Cafeteras brings together traditional Son Jarocho sounds, Afro-Mexican rhythms, the traditional dance zapateado, and inspiring lyrics—in English, Spanish, and Spanglish—to serve up a music both unique to East LA and universal in its appeal.
Inti-Illimani
Once banned from their homeland of Chile and now beloved at home and around the world, the members of Inti-Illimani write and perform songs that are both of a specific place and universally resonant.
Cantus
One of the world’s finest male vocal ensembles explores anthems—songs that conjure pride, identity, and unity. Anthem will feature songs of work, prayer, protest, ceremony, healing, and more from all around the globe.
Working Group Theatre
A play with music and dance, performed in an historic barn, All Recipes Are Home will incorporate interviews with Iowa farmers and other experts to tell a universal story grounded in Iowa.