KCCK Culture Crawl with Dennis Green

Iowa City Community Theatre presents “Judgement at Nuremburg” written by David Auburn. Josh Sazon (director) and Uri Lessing (playing Judge Haywood) are in the studio with details and insights into this thought provoking play. It's October 2-11 at The James Theatre.  Tickets and more information at iowacitycommunitytheatre.org and thejamesic.com.  Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at … Continue reading

Growfest at Kazimour Farm & Orchard is here! It's September 26 10am-2pm, free to the public with donates welcome. Board of Directors members Kory Kazimour & Maureen Rompot are in the studio with the details. For more info visit growwithkazimour.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture Crawl” in your favorite podcast … Continue reading

Tom Milligan (Willie Clark) and Scot Hughs (Al Lewis) are in the studio ahead of TKM Theatrical Productions' “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon, directed by Deb Kennedy. It's September 25-27 at The Amana Performing Arts Center, Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm.  For more information visit tkmtheatricalproductions.com. Subscribe to The … Continue reading

Starlighters II Theatre presents “Songs for a New World” by Jason Robert Brown coming up September 25-27 & October 2-4. Jennifer Bealle (Artistic Producer) and Leslie Hyland (Musical Director) are in the studio with insights into this unique show. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30pm and Sunday shows are at 2pm.  For tickets and … Continue reading

The Cedar Rapids Storytelling Festival is Sept. 21-26. There are events every day, many are free and great for all ages. Local broadcasters, including Dennis Green and Ed English participate in “The Way We Were,” Tuesday at 7pm at Parlor City Pub. You'll hear a variety of stories, including an unforgettable KCRG trip to Washington … Continue reading

oday's guests are Tom Milligan from TKM Theatrical Productions and Toni LeFebvre from the Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra ahead of a performance from the IWJO Sextet coming up September 12, 7:30pm at the Amana Performing Arts Center.  For tickets and more info visit tkmtheatricalproductions.com or call 319-899-3799. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or … Continue reading

Bluesman Kevin Burt and wife/manager Nicole Burt are in the studio ahead of the release party for the freshly released album, “This Trip.” Tune in to hear about Kevin's career and to share in the “big love.” The release party is Saturday, September 5, 8pm at CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids. Tickets are available for … Continue reading

Damani Phillips, saxophonist and director of jazz studies at the University of Iowa, joins Dennis in the studio ahead of the roll out of an upcoming show series called “Jazz, Candlelight and You: Damani Phillips w/ Strings By Candlelight.” Tickets for these three shows go on sale Labor Day weekend and can be found at … Continue reading

UNI student, Brody Schoon, is in the studio ahead of the release of his first album, “Mr. Mostly Alright.” The album releases on August 28 and an album release party will be held at Octopus in Cedar Falls on September 4. Doors open at 8pm with High Def Duo opening at 8:30pm.  For more information … Continue reading

Patrick DuLaney is in the studio as Crooked Path Classics and University of Northern Iowa Presents William Shakespeare's “As You Like It.” DuLaney, Co-Artistic Director of Crooked Path Theatre and director of this production, says this show will make you slow down in fast-paced world. It's “As You Like It,” August 28 through September 6 … Continue reading

It's week three of KCCK's Jazz Under The Stars and Vivian Shanley is in the studio ahead of her headlining show with the Vivan Shanley Quartet. Tune in to hear Vivian's full circle KCCK story, from attending Jazz Band Camp in middle school, to graduating college and returning to Cedar Rapids to play bass in … Continue reading

TKM Productions presents “Always… Patsy Cline” by Ted Swindley, directed by Tom Milligan. In the studio is Tom Milligan and Deb Kennedy (Patsy Cline) with insights into the show.  It's August 14-16 & 21-23, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3pm at The Amana Performing Arts Center. Tickets and more information at tkmtheatricalproductions.com.  Subscribe … Continue reading

Week two of KCCK's Jazz Under the Stars concerts features the Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra with young artist opener group, Jazz on 76th, from Prairie High School. Director and composer, Paul Lichty, is in the studio with insights into the inner workings of this non-traditional big band. It's JUTS week two, Thursday 8/13, music starting … Continue reading

“Shout Sisters: a Boswell Sisters Project” featuring Betsy Hickok, Lynne Rothrock, and Evelyn Rush comes to the Opus Concert Cafe August 14 & 15. Lynne Rothrock and Betsy Hickok join Dennis over zoom to chat about this roaring twenties, New Orleans jazz inspired performance.  Tickets and more information at orchestraiowa.org & artsiowa.com.  Subscribe to The … Continue reading

Country blues musician, Catfish Keith, is in the studio ahead of his upcoming show at The James Theater on August 8, 7:30pm. Tune in to hear Catfish talk about his Iowa City roots, steel guitars, and his new album, “Sugar for Sugar.” Tickets at thejamesic.com or englert.org.  More information at catfishkeith.com.  Subscribe to The Culture … Continue reading

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre presents “Defying Gravity,” a play by Jane Anderson. Director, Kami Zbanek Hill and cast member, Jennifer Smith (Claude Monet) are in the studio to talk about this unique play that pays an uplifting tribute to the 1986 Challenger disaster.  Shows are August 7, 8, 14, 15 at 7:30pm & August 9 … Continue reading

It's week one of KCCK's Jazz Under the Stars and headliner Joey Schnoebelen from the Joey Schnoebelen Quintet is in the studio to chat about jazz and accounting. It's JUTS 1 coming up Thursday, Aug 6 at Noelridge Park. Young artist group, Night School, from North Scott High School takes the stage at 6:30pm with … Continue reading

After another great summer season, the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band reaches its ultimate, final week. From concert band improv sections to rubber chicken battles, Steve Shanley says this week will be a fun one. It's week nine of the CR Muni Band with concerts on Wednesday (7/29) & Sunday (8/2), music starting at 7:30pm.  Weather … Continue reading

Bluesmore returns to the Brucemore Mansion's First Avenue Lawn after last year's successful return of the hit event. Linn County Blues Society board members Greg West and Mark Rowell are in the studio to talk logistics and provide an overview on the lineup.  It's Saturday, August 1 with gates opening at 3pm.  Tickets can be … Continue reading

Starlighters II Theatre Presents “Tuck Everlasting” directed by Lindy Rublaitus at the Starlighters II Theatre in Anamosa. Cast members Sidney Dunlap (Winnie Foster), Griffin Embree (Jesse Tuck), and assistant director/choreographer Holden McGraw are in the studio with insights into this adventurous musical adaptation of Natalie Babbitt's classic novel.  The show runs July 24-26, 31 & … Continue reading

Steve Shanley leads the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band heads into week seven with music from The Little Mermaid, some big band swing, and more. The Wednesday concert (7/15) will begin at 7:30pm at Kingston Yard and the Sunday concert (7/19) will begin at 7:30pm at Bever Park.  Weather updates and more information at crmuniband.org & … Continue reading

Mike Conrad chats with Dennis Green right off the Iowa City Jazz Fest main stage ahead of an upcoming Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra event at River Place Plaza in Cedar Falls. It's Saturday, July 18, 7pm-8:30pm, free to the public with a bring-your-own-lawnchair set up. Stick around for an after party at the Black Hawk … Continue reading

TKM Productions Presents “Jazz in July with Confluence” July 17, 7pm at Amana Performing Arts Center. Three of the four band members are in the studio – Denny Redmond (Keys), Pat Smith (Guitar) & John Hall (Bass) and from TKM productions is Deb Kennedy. This jazzy concert is free to the public with donations encouraged … Continue reading

Patriotic week continues on this year for a second round as the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Steve Shanley says that concert goers can expect to hear patriotic pieces outside of the standards including an accompanied reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Wednesday (7/8) concert will … Continue reading

Big news… KCCK has a new host for the Friday Night Blues! Ed English, blues bassist and Beaker Brothers band member, will be joining the team and airing his first live show, “Big Shoes Friday Blues,” on July 10. Ed is thrilled to start this new venture as he continues the tradition of Big Mo … Continue reading

Riverside Theatre presents this summer's Free Shakespeare Series: “A Midsummer Night's Dream” running through June 28 in Iowa City's Lower City Park. Director, Adam Knight & Kathleen Johnson, Director of Education and Outreach as well as a cast member playing the role of Snug, are in the studio with details and insights. Shows are Thursdays-Sundays … Continue reading

Steve Shanley returns to the culture crawl ahead of week three of this summer's Cedar Rapids Municipal Band season. The Wednesday, June 17 concert will kick off with the CR Youth Flute Ensemble at 6:30pm at Kingston Yard with the Muni Band taking the stage at 7:30pm. The Sunday, June 21 concert will start at … Continue reading

The newly appointed executive director of the African American Museum of Iowa, Anne Carter, is in the studio ahead of a few upcoming events at the museum. Anne describes the museum as a “museum for everyone” with a specific and unapologetic focus on black history in Iowa.  One of the museum's biggest events of the … Continue reading

The Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra made its Pride Fest debut last year at Des Moines Pride. This year Blake Shaw, Iowa City Pride Fest Entertainment Director, has booked them for the Iowa City Pride main stage. The festival is Saturday, June 20 in downtown Iowa City and features a range of performers during a full … Continue reading

Social psychologist, DEI expert, and author, Dr. Evelyn Carter, is in the studio today ahead of two upcoming events promoting her new book, “Was That Racist?” Dr. Carter will be in Iowa City at Prairie Lights on June 9 and on June 11 she will be in Cedar Rapids at the African American Museum of … Continue reading

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre presents “The Laramie Project,” by Moises Kaufman & The Tectonic Theater Project coming up June 5-7 & 12-13 at First Street Community Center. Director Grant Freeman and cast member Mary Morgan-Blacharski are in the studio with the details. Shows on June 5, 6, 12, and 13 are at 7:30pm with a … Continue reading

Wes Shirley is back in the studio after a successful first year of the CR Songwriter Series. After a series of trial and error over the course of the past four Songwriter Series concerts, Wes and his team are finding a groove with the community at Breathing Room Yoga, an intimate Cedar Rapids space with … Continue reading

Summer of the Arts in Iowa City is well underway into this summer's season of fun and festivities. Today LIsa Barnes and Eric Johnson are in the studio to chat everything Iowa Arts Fest. The festival is June 5-7 in downtown Iowa City with a vast range of art and music to enjoy.  More information … Continue reading

SPT Theatre presents, “Old Enough to Know Better,” coming to CSPS Hall Friday 5/15-Saturday 5/16 at 8pm. Janelle Lauer and Caroline Price are in the studio with insights into the hilarity that is the SPT writer's room. Tickets at cspshall.org. More information at spttheatre.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture Crawl” … Continue reading

With the Czech Village 48th Annual Houby Days festival fast approaching, Czech Village Association members, Adam Sines and Jeff Simoneau, join Dennis in the studio to chat about the lineup. From mushroom contests to all the kolache you can eat, there's something for everyone, not to mention an impressive array of live music to enjoy.  … Continue reading

Orchestra Iowa nears the end of their season with Masterworks VI, and it's a big one. Tim Hankewich describes the opportunity to direct such a masterpiece as “once in a lifetime.” Get your tickets now to see Orchestra Iowa bring Mahler's Symphony no. 6 to life at Paramount Theatre (Sat, May 16, 7:30pm) and Voxman … Continue reading

The Five Seasons Music Festival returns with an exciting lineup of faculty, programing, and performances. Managing director, Rich Wagor, describes the festival as a a blend of traditional and non-traditional chamber platforms with a place for everyone to be met where they're at.  The festival is June 22-26, 9am-4pm, at Kirkwood Community College, with concerts … Continue reading

Iowa City Summer of the Arts kicks off early this year with the Friday Night Concert Series. Executive director, Lisa Barnes, and Development Director, Eric Johnson, talk about the lineup starting with Bear Cat Hot Club at the Ped Mall Stage this Friday, May 8. Stay tuned for more SOTA talk coming soon… More info … Continue reading

The Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale presents their final concert of the season, “Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water,” coming up May 2, 7:30pm at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Director Gerry Kreitzer is in the studio with the details plus a preview of the upcoming season. Tickets are $18 (+fees) online and $23 in-person/day-of.  More … Continue reading

Family Folk Machine's Spring Concert, “Dreaming Iowa,” is coming up Saturday May 2, 3pm at the Englert Theatre. The program is made up of songs that reflect on the past, present, and future of Iowa while exploring themes of belonging. In the studio with the details is director of the group, Jean Littlejohn.  This concert … Continue reading

Orchestra Iowa teams up with Revival Theatre Company for “The Best of Broadway,” a show that will feature both regional and national talent singing songs from Le Miz, Wicked, Light in the Piazza, and many more. Tim Hankewich says combining a symphony orchestra with musical theatre presents more challenges than you might think! One show … Continue reading

Coe professor Dr. Vinh Nguyễn's latest book, “Leading From Your Innermost Center” gives tips on how to vigorously pursue your goals while also managing stress. He'll be on the Kirkwood campus, Tuesday April 21 to sign copies and discuss his work. If you can't be there, look for “Leading From Your Innermost Center” and his … Continue reading

Roller Skates, Elvis, and a reluctant drag performer make for some fun in “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” April 23-26 from Dreamwell Theatre. Tickets and more information at dreamwell.com. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture Crawl” in your favorite podcast player. Listen Live at 10:30am most weekdays on Iowa's Jazz station. … Continue reading

Iowa City Community Theatre presents the Broadway classic “Gypsy” April 17-19 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Set against the backdrop of the heyday of vaudeville, the show has some of music theatre's most memorable songs, like “Everything's Coming Up Roses.” Tickets at coralvillearts.org. Show info at iowacitycommunitytheatre.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl … Continue reading

Riverside Theatre hosts the world premiere of “The Fiancé” April 16-May 3. Riverside Artistic Director Adam Knight directs his predecessors, Riverside founders Ron Clark and Jody Hovland in play that he has watched develop for over a decade. Playwright Emily Bohannan is in Iowa City as well, having a great time seeing her baby brought … Continue reading

Clear Creek Amana High school presents “Guys & Dolls.” In the studio is Hayden Bailey (Miss Adelaide), Carson Brandt (Nathan Detroit), Logan Weber (Arvide Abernathy) behind the scenes is Makayla Ratliff. Its April 16 & 17 at pm and April 18 2pm & 7pm at Clear Creek Amana High School Performing Arts Center. Get your … Continue reading

Orchestra Iowa is getting ready for Masterworks V of their 2026 season featuring pianist Winston Choi. Tim Hankewich is in the studio with the details. Its Saturday, 4/11, 7:30pm at Paramount Theatre & Sunday, 4/12, 2pm at Coralville Center for the Performing Arts Saturday insights at 6:45pm and Sunday insights at 1pm at West Music … Continue reading

Cindy Monroe with The Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library is in the studio ahead of the annual Friends of the Library Big Spring Book Sale. It's Fri, Apr 10 & Sat, Apr 11 from 9am-5pm, and Sun, Apr 12 from 1-5pm. More information at crlibrary.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or … Continue reading

Harrison March from Heritage Agency on Aging is in to remind us of the large menu of services and resources available to seniors and caregivers, many offered free of charge. Now is a good time to sign up for the Corridor Conference on Aging, May 20. It's free, but seats are going fast. Register at … Continue reading

The 2026 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival is almost here. Founder & president, Scott Chrisman, and Festival director, Eric Freese, are in the studio with the details. Its April 9-12 at three Cedar Rapids locations: Collins Road Theatres, Olympic South Side Theater, and Ideal Theater & Bar. For more information and a full schedule visit … Continue reading

Sherrie Maricle with The DIVA Jazz Orchestra is in the studio ahead of a concert at Coe College as apart of the Marquis Series. It's Wednesday, April 8, 7pm at Coe's Sinclair Auditorium. For more info and to keep up with the band visit divajazz.com.  For tickets visit coe.edu.  Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at … Continue reading