KCCK Culture Crawl with Dennis Green

Singer-songwriter Carol Montag brings “A Carol Christmas” to CSPS Hall Saturday, Nov. 29. Joined by longtime friends Bruce Millard, Gerard Estella, and Jim White, Carol promises an evening of fun, fresh arrangements of holiday favorites, and even treats! Tickets at cspshall.org.

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center presents its annual Holiday Bazaar Nov. 22 from 8-noon. Browse and buy from a variety of local crafters and artists. And while you're there, unplug for a little while and enjoy their trails and natural attractions. More info at prairiewoods.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture Crawl” … Continue reading

Iowa City Community Theatre presents “Inspecting Carol” Nov. 14-23. It's the hilarious story of a broke theatre company attempting to stage their holiday production of “A Christmas Carol” while also waiting for an inspector to evaluate their organization for a federal grant that could save the theatre. When they identify the wrong person as the … Continue reading

Linn-Mar junior Everett Sams, looking for opportunities for his combo to play out in the community, struck on the idea of hosting a combo festival for student-led groups. He reached out to friends at other schools, including Griffin Shroyer at CR Washington, and Ben Hollinger at Prairie, and has organized the first Corridor Combo Festival, … Continue reading

In the late 60s and early 70s, what we now call progressive rock or album rock got its first exposure to much of the country, not on FM radio, but on an AM station out of Little Rock, Arkansas. DJ Clyde Clifford played underground rock & roll on a late-night show that could be heard … Continue reading

Kirkwood's director of instrumental music, Chris Navarette, is back with a line up of upcoming concerts for Kirkwood band ensembles. First up is a combined concert with the Kirkwood Big Band and Jazz Fusion ensembles on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7:30pm. Then, on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2pm, a combined concert with the Kirkwood Groove … Continue reading

Upon hearing about the loss of KCCK's federal funding, American Federation of Musicians Local 450 in Iowa City offered to host a fundraiser for KCCK's music education programs, so that students wouldn't lose out from the loss. “Union Blues” will feature performances from Dave Zollo and The Body Electric and Homebrewed at Wildwood BBQ and … Continue reading

At first glance, “Eureka Day,” a comedy about parents at a day school faced with a mumps epidemic, appears to be a tale of political correctness taken to the extreme, with cliché characters. But after a few minutes, you realize it's a show full of. heart that takes you in unexpected directions that is funny … Continue reading

River Glen is an Iowa native who has been a professional musician for nearly his entire life, having grown up in a family band. Today, he lives full-time on the road, performing solo shows all over the country. When he comes home to Iowa, he plays with a group of friends and collaborators. This will … Continue reading

Leroy Troy is an old-time banjo specialist whose first music experience came from watching country legends like Roy Acuff and Bill Monroe at jam sessions in his home town in Tennessee. He's gone on to perform on Her Haw, at the Grand Ole Opry, and tour all over the country. He was named National Old-Time … Continue reading

Scot Hughes and Tom Milligan play Felix and Oscar in TKM Productions' “The Odd Couple” Sept. 26-28 at the Amana Performing Arts Center. Scot and Tom have 8 Odd Couple productions between them! Even though it's been decades since the play debuted, they say the script and characters make it a fresh watch each time. … Continue reading

Maestro Tim Hankewich returns to the studio as Orchestra Iowa kicks off their 2025-26 season with Masterworks I on Sept. 13, 7:30pm at Paramount Theatre & Sept 14, 2:00pm at Voxman Concert Hall. The program includes works by Korngold, Rachmaninov, and Barber's Piano Concerto featuring Corey Hamm on Piano. Insights will be held at 6:45pm … Continue reading

It's blues week at KCCK's third Jazz Under the Stars concert of the season and joining Dennis in the studio are musicians Dan Johnson, Kevin Burt, and Griffin Shroyer. Griffin's young artists group, 10th Street Rapids, kicks things off and a massive Kings of ‘da Blues jam session will follow. It's also the annual KCCK … Continue reading

Today on the Culture Crawl two longtime friends of the station are in the studio ahead of the upcoming album release of Carol Montag's “Strange Ballet.” Carol and Dan Towey, the studio engineer for the album, share insights into this multi-year project inspired by the events of the devastating Derecho that struck the Cedar Rapids … Continue reading

Josh Sazon returns to the station as the Iowa City Community Theatre gets ready for opening night of Neil Simon's “Barefoot in the Park.” The play's two leads, Melissa Kaska (Corie) and Ethan Rogers (Paul) join Josh to talk about this classic, witty production.  Performances at The James Theater, August 22-23 and 29-30 at 7:30pm, … Continue reading

The next installment of Natural Talent Music's “One World Fest” concert series featuring Paa Kow (Afro-Fusion) and Parranderos Latin Combo is coming up Sat, Aug 9, 7:30pm at The James Theater. Calling in over zoom is Natural Talent Music's Creighton Gaynor and Parranderos percussionist, Ryan Mullin.  For tickets visit thejamesic.com. For more info visit naturaltalentmusic.com … Continue reading

The second week of KCCK's 50th Anniversary Jazz Under the Stars concerts is upon us with “Funk Legends,” a double header concert featuring Funk Daddies and Funk Stop. Musicians Ken Duncan (Funk Daddies), John Reasoner (Funk Daddies/Funk Stop), and Bob Manson (Funk Stop) are in the studio to talk everything Funk before taking the stage.  … Continue reading

Deb Kennedy, Layton White, and Jeff Roush are in the studio ahead of TKM Productions upcoming show, “Pump Boys & Dinettes” Aug 22-24, Fri & Sat at 7:30pm and Sun at 3pm at The Amana Performing Arts Center. This country-western musical heavily features the musicians and is an all-around crowd-pleasing show.  For tickets and more … Continue reading

Tim Daugherty is in the studio ahead of week one of KCCK's Jazz Under the Stars outdoor concert series. Tim is reuniting with band Daugherty, Davis, & McPartland and the young artists opener will be the Griffin Bieber Quartet. It's Thurs, Aug 7, 6:30pm at Noelridge Park. For more info visit kcck.org/juts. Subscribe to The … Continue reading

Steve Shanley returns for the ninth and final week of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band season with concerts on Wed, Jul 30 at Hughes Park & Sun, Aug 3 at Bever Park. Both concerts are 7:30-8:30pm. Bring a lawn chair and a blanket and settle in for an exciting conclusion to this year's CR Muni … Continue reading

Artist and author Tara Moorman returns to the KCCK studio after nearly eight years as her exhibition collection, “Letters to my Ancestors,” has become available for viewers to see in a new light. Manager of the newly renovated Mercy Gift Shop, Sarah Wick, joins in on the fun too in this collaborative effort to bring … Continue reading

Musicians Paul Lichty from the Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra & Chris Jensen from Wave Cage are in the studio ahead of a one of a kind big band experience featuring live visual art from Vintage Liquid Projections. The show is Sun, Aug 3, 7:30pm at The James Theater.  Tickets at thejamesic.com. More info at www.paullichtymusic.com. … Continue reading

Crooked Path Theatre's Patrick DuLaney returns to the studio ahead of the theatre's highly anticipated involvement in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The cast of Rob Bell's play, “We'll Get Back to You,” directed by Kirstin Hanggi, will perform twice at the festival on Aug 2 – 9am & 11:40am at The Sanctuary, Paradise in Augustines. … Continue reading

Steve Shanley is in the studio as the CR Muni Band enters their penultimate 8th week. Wed, Jul 23 at Noelridge Park & Sun, Jul 27 at Ellis Park. Music begins at 7:30pm and on Sunday, Moo Moo's Ice Cream truck will be providing free ice cream for the kids. For more info visit crmuniband.org. … Continue reading

Ghanian drummer and composer Paa Kow chats with Dennis over the phone ahead of another “One World” music series concerts put on by Natural Talent Music.  It's 7:30pm Sat, Aug 9 at The James Theater. Paa Kow will have an 8 piece band performing a fusion of jazz and afro-pop. Parranderos Latin Combo will also … Continue reading

It's week 7 of the Cedar Rapids Muni Band season and Steve Shanley is here with the details. The band will be in Ellis Park on Wed, Jul 16, and in Bever Park on Sun, Jul 20. Music begins at 7:30pm.  Shanley is also at KCCK's Jazz Band Camp this week with performances on Fri, … Continue reading

Rick Treiber, founder and board member at Green Castle Aero Club, is in the studio ahead of a series of outdoor concerts being held at the airport.  Kevin B. F. Burt on Sat Jul 12, Tanya English Band on Sat Aug 9 & Vandello on Sat Sep 13. Concerts are 6:30-9:30pm, bring a blanket/picnic/lawn chair, … Continue reading

It's indoor week for the CR Muni Band and Steve Shanley is back with the rundown. A double header on Wednesday, Jul 9 with the New Horizons Band at the newly renovated Marion High School Auditorium starts at 6:30 PM and the Sunday, Jul 13 concert will be held at Kirkwood's Ballantyne Auditorium at 7:30 … Continue reading

Jazz musicians Matt Landon and Emma Reynolds have been busy at work organizing the return of the Burlington Jazz Festival. It's July 25 & 26 nestled across a handful of downtown venues (within walking distance). A Trivia Night Fundraiser will be hosted Monday, July 19, 7-9pm at the Art Center of Burlington.  All festival performances … Continue reading

Steve Shanley, director of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, is back with the patriotic lineup for week five of the band's season. Pieces being performed include the world premiere of a long lost Cedar Rapids march, a sweet Neil Diamond tune, and a new military services medley including the Space Force Theme.  Join the Muni … Continue reading

Summer is a great time to visit Prairiewoods Retreat Center in Hiawatha. The Center offers a variety of programs that range from yoga to cooking to a Day of Self-Renewal. Or leave your phone in the car and just explore their trails. Find out more at www.prairiewoods.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or … Continue reading

Week 4 of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Season features guest vocalist Kelsey Madsen, a tribute to past director Morgan Jones, and a John Phillips Sousa march that is rarely played for a unique reason. 7:30pm June 25 at Johnson School and June 29 at Ellis Park. If you can't attend in person, watch the livestream … Continue reading

Robin Crow from Playtime Poppy Children's Theatre is in the studio ahead of this year's Summer Theatre Adventure, “Rascals Under The Big Top.” Kids aged 9-14 spend the week learning their roles at the new Eastern Iowa Arts Academy and put on a performance at the end of the week. It's Jun 23-27 with the … Continue reading

Creighton Gaynor is in the studio ahead of the first concert in the One World Music Series put on by his organization, Natural Talent Music. Playing this show is Irish band Blame Not the Bard and Mediterranean fusion band KERAK. The show is Fri Jun 27, 7:30 PM at The James Theater in Iowa City.  … Continue reading

Guitarist Molly Miller joins us today ahead of upcoming gig at The Ideal Theater & Bar in Cedar Rapids with her trio (Andre de Santanna on bass and Tamir Barzilay on drums).  It's June 19 (Juneteenth!) starting at 7:30 PM with local musician Nassor Cooper opening. To purchase tickets visit idealtheaterandbar.com.  For more info about … Continue reading

Riverside Theatre presents “Free Shakespeare in the Park: Romeo & Juliet” June 13-29 at The Festival Stage in Lower City Park (City Park Road). Adam Knight (Director), Mark Worth (Romeo) and Dale Leonheart(Juliet) are in the studio with the details.  For more info and the full performance schedule visit riversidetheatre.org.  Subscribe to The Culture Crawl … Continue reading

Steve Shanley is back for week two of the CR Municipal Band's 75th season. The band plays at Noelridge Park, Wednesday 6/11 and at Bever Park, Sunday 6/15 at 7:30 PM. The Cedar Rapids Youth Flute Ensemble will perform at 6:30 PM before the Sunday night show at Bever.  Performances will be live-streamed on the … Continue reading

Founded in 1956 and still touring today, the Glenn Miller Orchestra sets off on their June 2025 tour with one of the first stops being in Iowa! Music director Erik Stabnau videos in with tidbits about the band and insights into the tour.  It's the Glenn Miller Orchestra at Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, … Continue reading

BYO Brass members Dan Benson & Paul Lichty are in the studio ahead of their festival and event filled summer schedule. From Bossa to funk to big band sounds, these guys have something for everyone.  Event calendars and links to more info can be found at byobrass.com and paullichtymusic.com.  Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at … Continue reading

Julia Jessen, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at Cedar Rapids Art Museum, and Dennis Green team up for the museum's upcoming June Art Bites: All that Jazz: Photographs by Carl Van Vechten and George T. Henry.  Julia and Dennis will be talking about the exhibition Wednesday, June 4, 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM at CRMA. … Continue reading

Ed English and the rest of The Beaker Brothers Band will be performing at the Inside Out Reentry Community Spring Concert “Be an Instrument for Change” Annual Fundraiser, June 1, 3pm at Chauncey Swan Park in Iowa City. He and Dai Gwilliam from the Inside Out fundraising committee are in the studio to talk about … Continue reading

Spring has sprung and the grounds at Prairiewoods are bursting with life! Leslie Wright is back in the studio ahead of the Annual Prairiewoods Garden Party: Growing Our Roots. Enjoy a night of music, food and nature while raising funds to support Prairiewood's mission.  It's Saturday, June 7, 5-8pm. Tickets at prairiewoods.org.  Subscribe to The … Continue reading

It's almost summer and you know what that means… Iowa City Summer of the Arts! Executive Director Lisa Barnes is in today with all the details and a stellar line up. It's  The Iowa Arts Festival, June 6-8.  For more information and schedules visit summerofthearts.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture … Continue reading

Local musician Wes Shirley is in the studio ahead of a new concert experience focused on spotlighting songwriters. The first in the series features local artists Sarah Cram Driscoll and Joel Sires. It's “CR Songwriter Series” June 6, 6:30pm at the Cedar Rapids Public Library Whipple Auditorium.  Tickets and more info can be found at … Continue reading

Lyn Curry from Vocal Artists of Iowa is in the studio ahead of upcoming concert series “Elemental Springs” Saturday, 5/17, 3pm at Voxman Concert Hall in Iowa City & Sunday, 5/18, 3pm at First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. For more information visit vocalartistsofiowa.com. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture Crawl” … Continue reading

Orchestra Iowa (almost) closes this season out with “Masterworks VI: A Booming Finale” coming up Saturday, May 17, 7:30 pm at Paramount Theatre & Sunday, May 18, 2pm at Coralville Center for Performing Arts. Insights held in the Encore Lounge at 6:45pm Saturday night and 1:00pm at West Music Sunday afternoon. Tim Hankewich also hints … Continue reading

Adam Springer & Drew Hurn from the Wonderful Smiths along with Nick Dusil from Iowa Giving Crew are in the studio ahead of a benefit concert coming up May 17, 7pm at the Ideal Theater with Wonderful Smiths and The Mamiltons. All proceeds will go towards Iowa Giving Crew.  Tickets at idealtheaterandbar.com. To keep up … Continue reading

Dr. Gerry Kreitzer is back in the studio ahead of the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale's season finale, “Music That Touched Our Souls” coming up Sunday, May 18, 2:30pm at First Lutheran Church.  For tickets and more information visit crchorale.org.  Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture Crawl” in your favorite podcast player. … Continue reading

Joe Lock and Stacie Eastman from the Eastern Iowa Health Center are in the studio today ahead of “Just For the Health of It” coming up Sunday, May 18, 2-5pm at Big Grove Brewery Cedar Rapids. Funds raised during this event will go towards a new pharmacy servicing members of the community and other community … Continue reading

Summer of the Arts Executive Director Lisa Barnes is here ahead of “Forever Young: A Bob Dylan Tribute Fundraiser” May 10, 2pm at the Englert Theatre. Stick around for some great Summer of the Arts programming too! For more information and upcoming events visit summerofthearts.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture … Continue reading

Artist Saw Naing Lin watched first-hand as his home village in Burma (now Myanmar) was destroyed, sending him and his family to a refugee camp, where he taught art to kids and teens. Eventually, he and his family made their way to the U.S. and settled in Cedar Rapids, to be near their friend John … Continue reading