May 20- City High and West High Jazz Bands, sponsored by Oaknoll Retirement Community
Under the direction of Ryan Arp, the City High Little Hawks Jazz program will again be playing at the Friday Night Concert Series. The Little Hawks play at multiple venues each year, and always look forward to the opportunity to play on the Ped Mall. Rich & Rob Medd direct the dynamic West High Trojan Jazz program, presenting their top two jazz ensembles. The Friday Night Concert Series is a great opportunity for the students to get out and share their music with each other and the community.
May 25 - David Zollo & The Body Electric
If you're a follower of the Midwestern indie music world (or of American roots music generally) you might be forgiven for thinking David Zollo has been around forever. The truth is, it just seems that way. Since bursting on the scene as a baby-faced 21-year-old with Iowa City's white-hot, road-chewing pub-rockers in 1992, Zollo has done just about everything you can do in the rock and roll business. Whether as a singer/songwriter/keyboardist with his own bands; as a sideman for an incredible array of roots music talent; as founder/owner/operator of legendary underground label, Trailer Records; or producer to up-and comers - Zollo always maintained a ridiculously frenetic schedule at an incredibly high level.
Of the many things that David Zollo does and does well, it is on stage that he seems most comfortable and happy. Long known as an exuberant, passionate performer, it is clear that at present, Zollo is relishing the opportunity to do what he does best: make music. You'll relish the chance to experience the timeless power of a voice that seems to have been with us forever.
June 8 - Bambu
Bambu is a collective of genuine soul-driven melodies combined with world-class dance rhythms which include Reggae, South American and African styles with a regular dose of psychedelic jam to make this unique band a one-way ticket to nirvana. They were a dominant Iowa City presence in the nineties, reunited for last year's Friday Night Concert Series, and are back again to power you up and make you dance like you are the entire universe at once. The band features New York City native Barbara Morillo, old-time friend of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, on lead vocals, Jason Shoucair from Jamaica on vocals, Steven Benson from Argentina on vocals and Latin percussion, Robert Almaraz from Venezuela on drums and percussion, Jon Estrin on guitar, George Foster on bass and Greg Wadsworth on keyboards.
June 15- Funkdaddies
FunkDaddies is a funk band playing horn-driven soul and R & B, and is based in Iowa City, Iowa. FunkDaddies was formed with the purpose of bringing the best, funky dance music to the Midwest, performed by highly accomplished musicians. Inspired by Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, and all the great Motown artists, FunkDaddies brings its own irresistible, high-energy sound and first-class stage show to audiences everywhere.
June 22 - Orquesta Alto Maiz, sponsored by Hancher
What began as a humble, but extremely fun project for the College Hill Arts Festival at the University of Northern Iowa in 1986 has evolved into a truly unique ensemble in the heartland of America. Over the past twenty five years, Alto Maiz has developed a large and faithful following of dancers and fans whose support has encouraged our efforts in the exploration of this wonderful music known, generically, as "salsa" and Latin jazz. Now, 8 CDs, a trip to Europe, tours through the Northwest and Midwest, performances in Chicago, Kansas City, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, with symphony orchestras and outdoor festivals too numerous to mention, this 12 piece band of musical brothers is enjoying traveling this unique and festive musical road as much as ever. For more information, visit: www.salsaband.com
July 6 – Feralings + Mayflies
The Feralings are from Iowa City, play original music rooted in blues, mountain music, and newer folk traditions. With tight 3 part harmony, outstanding songcraft and hot acoustic picking, The Feralings will put on a show you that will draw you in and keep you there.
The Mayflies have been playing bluegrass inflected Americana music in Eastern Iowa, Colorado, Chicago, Minneapolis, and St Louis since 2001. They have played at SXSW in Austin TX., and opened for dozens of national acts in their time together. Things you will hear at a Mayflies show include great songwriting, hot instrumental improvisations, fun (sometimes wild) grooves, and powerful singing. Their repertoire ranges from haunting ballads, to easy going old school country, to furious and fiery bluegrass jam-rock. A true Iowa City treasure, The Mayflies will make you glad that you came.
July 13- Rod Pierson’s “Not So” Big Band
The "Not So" Big Band plays a variety of music including big band, jump swing, Latin, jazz standards, Dixieland, blues and rock with vocalist Craig Boche. The Rod Pierson Big Band has a history of over 25 years performing for audiences at a variety of public and private events throughout the Midwest. The arrangements are authentic and selected from the libraries of America's most popular artists. This extensive library gives the band the depth and versatility to create the right mood for any event, and to please any audience.
July 20- Tallgrass + Tasty Trigger
Iowa City’s Tallgrass is made from years of practice for hours of pleasure. Fingers fly, sound falls, vocals dig, and songs grow... sometimes we cut 'em down for food. We play all 12 notes, but not all at once (try it sometime- doesn't sound too good). Gravel road vocals, quick-picked guitar, and a rhythm section with stomping ground sound.
Tasty Trigger is a band that demonstrates a variety of influences and combines them to make a unique sound. With a rare blend of cover songs ranging from rock to rap, country to soul and everything in between, seamlessly mixed with their original tunes, Tasty Trigger is certain to play something pleasing to even the most discerning musical palate.
July 27- The Fez, sponsored by Herteen and Stocker Jewelers
A 15-piece "all-star" tribute to the music of Steely Dan. Recreating the Aja and Gaucho albums in their entirety. If you are a Steely Dan fan, The Fez is going to knock your socks off! The Fez is a 15-piece band composed of some of the finest musicians in Eastern Iowa dedicated to faithfully reproducing the jazz/rock fusion masterpieces of Steely Dan. Featuring a 4-piece horn section, 3 backup singers, 2 keyboardists (including a genuine Rhodes 88), 2 guitarists, and one of the best rhythm sections around, The Fez captures the magic of Steely Dan's glory days. The band is comprised of veteran players from notable Iowa bands, such as Public Property, OSG, Dr. Z's Experiment, Jumbies, Insectoid, We Funk, and Big Funk Guarantee.
August 3- Slewgrass + Flannel
Slewgrass was formed in during late summer of 2009 when the Ryan and Scott (aka the "Stable Hands") asked Jon to put some banjoistic awesomeness on some songs they had recorded. Jon liked the songs, and kinda liked Ryan and Scott, so they decided to form a band. They realized softness was needed, so Ryan's wife Laura joined on viola and Slewgrass was born.
August 17- OSG + Big Funk Guarantee, sponsored by Iowa Book
OSG - From smooth soul and R&B grooves to booty-shaking funk and hip-hop, OSG is a fusion of old and new school. With a combination of some of Iowa City's most experienced heavy hitters and brightest new talent, this group is on the rise. Since premiering at the Friday Night Concert Series in 2010, OSG has already shared the stage with some of the region's best acts, such as Lubriphonic, The Diplomats of Solid Sound, Big Funk Guarantee and Public Property. A debut CD and many performances at local venues and regional festivals are on the horizon for this band. With a unique blend of originals and songs you know and love, OSG puts on a show you won't want to miss!
Big Funk Guarantee is a collection of Iowa musicians brought together by Ben Soltau with the purpose of keeping the funk alive. Now on its third year of performing, the band is currently cutting all original Iowa City funk into its first studio album. Their shows embrace the classic funk experience of throwing a party both on stage and off, setting an inviting kind of vibe for all that want to dance. Talented and versatile musicians, no song is played the same way twice. Instead, it changes with the band’s day to day personality. So don’t expect your top 40 funk band, instead let Big Funk’s raw soul flow through your body and your mind. Get up, get into it, and get involved!
August 24 – Organic Underground + Uniphonics
Organic Underground is a group of widely versed and passionate musicians that combines the grooves of neo-soul with the musicality of jazz to ensure a good time for all who listen.
The Uniphonics have created waves of excitement across the United States since forming out of the Iowa City music scene in 2007. Their jam band approach to hip hop has led them to performances at countless major festivals and venues across the country.
August 31- Ernie Peniston
Born in Muscatine, Iowa, Ernie Peniston first began to develop his singing voice in state contests through the school system. Ernie has opened for such huge names as Prince, The Temptations, Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, James Brown, and Albert Collins. He spent four years as the frontman with Blind Pig recording artists, Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings. Ernie then moved back home to Iowa to lead the Ernie Peniston Band.
Ernie's current lineup includes Manuel Lopez III on keys and vocals; guitarist BJ Jaggers; Jamie Hopkins on drums; and Barry Vestel on bass. This line up brings back the funk of Earth Wind and Fire, Frankie Beverly and Maze, and The Commodores, while laying down some seriously electric blues from Elmore James and B.B. King, to Clapton and Buddy Guy. Though Ernie has retired from the year-round gigging circuit, his band continues to play select shows offering an addictive blend of funk, blues, and soul that makes dancing irresistible.