KCCK Culture Crawl with Dennis Green

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

Red Cedar Chamber Orchestra returns to the Culture Crawl ahead of “Reunion Redux,” a program for violin, viola, and cello. In the studio is the trio playing the program (and family members!) Miera Kim, Carey Bostian, and Oliver Bostian. The formal concerts will be Wednesday, April 15, 7:30pm at Opus Concert Café in Cedar Rapids … Continue reading

Tim Hankewich is back on the podium as Orchestra Iowa presents Masterworks IV featuring a collection of unfinished compositions. It's Saturday, Mar 21, 7:30 at Paramount Theatre & Sunday, Mar 22, 2pm at IMU Main Lounge, University of Iowa.  Insights will be held at 6:45pm Saturday evening and a pre-concert at 1pm on Sunday. For … Continue reading

Jennifer Beall, Events & Communication Coordinator at Brucemore historic mansion in Cedar Rapids, chats with Dennis about some upcoming events and programing at Brucemore. From $5 spring break tours to a special mansion mixer featuring talks of poltergeists.  More information can be found at brucemore.org and on the Brucemore FaceBook page. Subscribe to The Culture … Continue reading

Joy Lapp from the Mount Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission & Jerry Tolson, musician and retired educator, are in the studio ahead of a fundraising event to restore Mount Pleasant's Historic Second Baptist Church. It's the Jerry Tolson Quartet ft. Delfeayo Marsalis Mar 20, 7:30pm at The University Chapel, Mt. Pleasant. Tickets and more info at … Continue reading

Linn County's History Center is abuzz with programing and special events including Skywalk Tours, Meet the Author, Chew on This, History Happy Hour, and the popular special event, “History Headline Hijinks” (March 27). Program manager, Jenny Thielman, is in the studio with the details and an overview.   For more information visit historycenter.org. Subscribe to The … Continue reading

Orchestra Iowa CEO, Eric Marshall, and Magician Jackson Green are in the studio ahead of Jackson's upcoming “Magic Show,” at Opus Concert Cafe on Saturday, March 14. Tickets are $15, doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 7:30pm.  Tickets and more info at artsiowa.com & orchestraiowa.org. Keep up with Jackson at jacksongreen.net & … Continue reading

Orchestra Iowa presents Pops III, “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony.” Guest conductor George Daughtery joins Dennis over zoom with all the details. It's Saturday, March 7, 7:30pm at Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids. Tickets and more info at artsiowa.com. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture Crawl” in your favorite podcast player. … Continue reading

Kennedy Choral League presents “Iowa's Got Talent: Live and Local” coming up Friday, April 3, 7pm at CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids. KCL member, Anne Ohrt, & Kennedy HS Choral Director, Storm Ziegler, are in the studio with all the details.  Audition video submissions are due March 8 by midnight. Tickets and additional audition info … Continue reading

The Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale completes its performance of Handel's “Messiah” with Parts II & III, on March 8, 2:30pm at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Director Gerry Kreitzer says that while not performed as often as Messiah Part I at Christmastime, both of these sections are filled with even more of Handel's rousing … Continue reading

Summer of the Arts is back with a fundraiser featuring The Beaker Brothers Band coming up March 6 at First Avenue Club in Iowa City. Doors open 6:30pm with the show going 7:30-10:30pm. SOTA Development Director, Eric Johnson, and Beaker Brothers band member, Ed English, are in the studio with the details (and some big … Continue reading

Riverside Theatre presents “Primary Trust” by Eboni Booth coming up Feb 27-Mar 15. In the studio with the details are cast member Randy Jackson-Alvarenga (Kenneth) and director Saffron Henke.  For tickets and more info visit riversidetheatre.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture Crawl” in your favorite podcast player. Listen Live at … Continue reading

Dreamer and The Hoping Machine is a new group formed from the rhythm section that accompanies the Family Folk Machine choir. The members also direct and contribute to much of the group's original music. In fact, part of the reason for the group's formation was that they wanted some of the original Family Folk Machine … Continue reading

Miera Kim and Carey Bostian celebrate a decade at the helm of Red Cedar Chamber Music with “Return to Roots,” a concert that takes Red Cedar back to the days when it was a duo. Miera and Carey will be traveling all around the area for a variety of rural outreach shows, culminating in the … Continue reading

Culture Crawl 1169 “Write Down Those Gems” The Kirkwood Vocal Jazz Festival not only welcomes more than a dozen groups to campus Feb. 19 & 20, but also will feature the farewell tour of the legendary New York Voices, who will also hold a clinic with each group. Daytime shows are free, and the New … Continue reading

UNI celebrates 75 years of jazz at the university with an exciting lineup for the annual Tallcorn Jazz Festival. Festival committee member Eric Torneten has the details.  It's Thursday 2/19 & Friday 2/20 at the University of Northern Iowa. The Thursday night concert features UNI Jazz Bands One & Two with drummer Matt Wilson at … Continue reading

Musician, author, and vocal empowerment guide, Mary Jane Knight, is in the studio ahead of the release of her new book of poetry, “The Light Between the Lines.”  A book presentation and mini concert will be held at Prairie Lights Books in Iowa City on Sun, Feb 15 at 3pm and a longer, intimate concert … Continue reading

Nate Basinger with Swampland Jewels is in the studio ahead of the band's upcoming Carnival 2026 tour. The schedule for this Mardi Gras/Carnival celebratory tour is as follows: 2/13/26: RIBCO, Rock Island IL 2/14/26: Club 76 The Lodge, North Liberty IA 2/17/26: Wildwood Saloon, Iowa City IA 2/22/26: Old Neighborhood Pub, Cedar Rapids IA For … Continue reading

Trent Yoder and Michelle Payne Hinz are in the studio ahead of the IC Community Theatre production of “Ripcord” by David Lindsay-Abaire. It's Feb 13-14 & 20-21 at 7:30pm and Feb 15 & 22 at 2pm at The James Theater in Iowa City. For tickets and more info visit iowacitycommunitytheatre.org & thejamesic.com. Subscribe to The … Continue reading

Harrison March is in the studio today with information on upcoming programs and events at Heritage Agency on Aging as well as an overview of the non-profit's mission and services offered. Mark your calendar for the Corridor Conference on Aging coming up May 20. For more info visit heritageaaa.org.  For more info about the conference … Continue reading

The holiday festivities continue with Crooked Path Theatre's 10th anniversary Holiday Cabaret. Patrick DuLaney and Vicky Shellady are in the studio ahead of this salty-to-your-sweet holiday production. It's “A Chris-mas Carol” Dec. 18-20, 7:30pm & Dec. 21, 2pm at The James Theater in Iowa City.  For tickets visit thejamesic.com. For more Crooked Path info visit … Continue reading

This year's Orchestra Iowa Holiday Spectacular features the Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra with special guest, Lynne Rothrock. In the studio with the details is Tim Hankewich and IWJO's Toni Lefebvre. It's Orchestra Iowa's “Holiday Spectacular,” coming up Sat, Dec. 20, 7:30pm & Sun, Dec. 21, 2pm at Paramount Theatre. Tickets and more info at orchestraiowa.org … Continue reading

Riverside Theatre co-founder, Ron Clark, is in the studio ahead of the third annual “Christmas Express On Air” with Ron Clark & Streamline Deluxe ft. Annie Savage. It's Dec. 20, 7:30pm at Riverside Theatre with a lobby acoustic set at 7pm. Tickets are $25 general admission. For tickets and more info visit riversidetheatre.org/special-events/. Subscribe to … Continue reading

Lyn Curry returns to the studio this Christmas season ahead of the Vocal Artists of Iowa Christmas concert, “Love's Pure Light.” These free to the public concerts will be Dec. 20, 7:30pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City and Dec. 21, 4pm at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.  For more information visit … Continue reading

The Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale keeps busy during the holiday season with a variety of caroling and small-group appearances, and two main events. The choir's holiday concert will feature Saint-Saen's Christmas Oratorio and a contemporary contata by John Leavitt, Dec. 13 at First Lutheran Church. The next day they turn right around and performa with … Continue reading

Bluesman Michael Charles returns to Cedar Rapids December 13 for the latest leg of his “Guitar, Music, and Miles” tour. Born and raised in Australia, Michael first came to the USA at the behest of Buddy Guy, and has since became a fixture on the Chicago Blues scene, been inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall … Continue reading

Heavy Metal! “Tuba Christmas” comes to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Dec. 13. It's an ad hoc ensemble that will feature nearly 100 instruments. Rehearsal takes place immediately prior to the show, and all players are welcome, regardless of age or experience level. Admission and participation are free, but audience members are encouraged to bring … Continue reading

Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra presents, “Literary Inspirations & Holiday Favorites,” with special guests Amy Friedl and Tyros Orchestra & MMU Strings. Director Josh Reznicow and board member/violinist Dean Straub are in the studio with the details. It's Sun Dec. 7, 3pm at Ballantyne Auditorium on the Cedar Rapids Kirkwood campus.  Tickets can be purchased at … Continue reading

Riverside Theatre presents Agatha Christie's “The Mousetrap,” premiering Nov 28 and running through Dec 14. Director Jon Whitmore and cast members Deucalion Martin (Christopher Wren) and Allison Meyer (Mollie Ralstron) are in the studio with sneak peeks into this iconic whodunit play. Tickets and more info on talkbacks can be found at riversidetheatre.org. Subscribe to … Continue reading

Many decades after its release, “Arsenic & Old Lace” remains one of the funniest plays ever written, and the source for every “sweet old lady with a dark secret” story made ever since. Starlighters presents the show Dec. 5-14. Tickets and more info at starlighters.org. Subscribe to The Culture Crawl at kcck.org/culture or search “Culture … Continue reading

TKM Theatrical Production's Tom Milligan and Rod Pierson from The Rod Pierson Big Band are in the studio ahead of “A Swingin' Christmas with The Rod Pierson Big Band and Craig Boche at the Mic!” This Christmas special is one night (afternoon) only coming up on Sun, Nov. 30, 2pm at The Amana Performing Arts … Continue reading

Cedar Rapids Children's Theatre, better known as Playtime Poppy, is at Kennedy High School for their holiday show, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Cast members Izzy Westercamp and Saul Ervin talk about putting this beloved show together, which will contain all the songs and scenes you know, plus a few surprises. Dec. 4-6 at Kennedy … Continue reading

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.