KCCK Culture Crawl with Dennis Green

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

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