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New Artists on IAC’s 'Performing Artist Roster'
The Iowa Arts Council has added 11 new individual or groups to its Performing
Artists Roster. To be on the roster, artists must first apply and undergo
a rigorous review process that evaluates the artistic quality of their presentation,
their experience in touring and demonstrated ability to develop marketing and
promotional materials for sponsors and market and promote performances. These
artists must appear before a panel of fellow arts professionals to be interviewed
and auditioned before receiving approval to be on the roster.
The following artists have been accepted on the IAC’s Performing Artist Roster:
Hurley & Dancers, West Des Moines
Kathleen Hurley graduated from the University of Iowa, danced in Hong Kong with
Dancers to Go of Iowa City, toured the east coast and Europe with Pennsylvania
Dance Theatre, and performed in New York City with Yancey Dance Theatre. She returned
to Iowa and started Hurley & Dancers in 2001 and now has a company of eight
dancers (2 men, 6 women), all of whom are professional dancers and instructors.
Mary McAdams, Ankeny
Mary's music is an electrified acoustic mix of traditional Americana and contemporary
folk music styles. Writing about the joy, the truth and the humor without shying
away from the pain, Mary sings about the human experience and the pursuit of everyday
wisdom. In addition to original compositions, performances include traditional
folk and bluegrass tunes and covers by her contemporary folk songwriting heroes.
Olenka, Davenport
Olenka performs original songs with a global flavor, world rhythms and ethnic
vocal styles. She also performs in variously sized ensembles up to the full band
Otro Mundo, as well as live collaboration with instrumentalists local to the concert
venue.
The Mike and Amy Finders Band, Iowa City
The Mike and Amy Finders Band plays acoustic folk, bluegrass, blues and country
music from America's history, as well as original music in these same genres.
Amy's voice has been called "the prettiest voice in Iowa," by Bob Dorr
of KUNI and the Blue Band, amongst other regional and national accolades. Mike's
songs have twice won the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest in Wilkesboro,
North Carolina. Their sound has been shaped by the folk and bluegrass traditions
of Iowa's best musicians including Greg Brown, Bob Black, Al Murphy and Dave Moore.
Their band includes fellow Iowans Charlie Formaro on banjo and dobro, and Liz
Kennedy on stand-up bass and harmony vocals.
Homegrown Tomatoes, Ankeny
Mixing humor and energy in every performance, a Homegrown Tomatoes show is an
acoustic band performing an organic mix of life in Iowa inspired songs. The songs
are presented in a fun, family friendly program.
The Mad River Duo and The Mad River Band,
Coralville
Irene Schroeder and Joe Rebik make up the Mad River Duo. They play original jazz
influenced folk/blues with clarinet, acoustic guitar, electric Gibson guitar,
and their voices. The Mad River Band also includes Chris Wood on drums and Laurie
Haag on bass, with a more expanded repertoire including country and rock-n-roll.
Robezz the Piano Man, Des Moines
Specializing in piano and keyboards, Robezz’s work has lead to numerous
recordings and touring projects with world renowned artists like Manu Dibango,
Kasav and Hugh Masekela. Robezz performs every Saturday evening at the Savery
Renaissance Hotel in Des Moines. He is also music director for the Maple Street
Baptists Church Choir.
Doliho, Des Moines
Doliho blends the African rhythms of Agbadja with reggae, rock, jazz, funk and
classical music to bring a unique sound to the American musical palette, with
lyrical themes reflecting salvation, unity, love and peace. The name Doliho, meaning
"work hard and you will be rewarded," comes from the Ewe language spoken
in Togo, West Africa, from where members Robezz and Sarah hail.
Michael Kimber, Iowa City
Michael Kimber has performed throughout the U.S. and in Canada, Mexico, Australia,
Germany, Switzerland, Austria, England, Spain, and Italy. He has been featured
as a viola soloist on Australian Broadcasting Commission radio and on National
Public Radio’s Performance Today. His experience includes concert
tours as violist of the Kronos Quartet, fifteen years as violist of the Atlanta
Virtuosi, 12 seasons as principal violist of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra,
ten seasons with Kansas City's Summerfest chamber series, over thirty solo appearances
with orchestras, scores of solo recitals, and hundreds of chamber music performances.
City Opera Company of the Quad Cities, Bettendorf
The City Opera Company of the Quad Cities presents a regular season that supports
and promotes live, professional opera performance for Eastern Iowa and is dedicated
to making opera accessible to all and to support the efforts of young singing
artists on their journey to success in this art form.
Priscilla Hallberg, Sully
Priscilla Hallberg is a concert violinist who has appeared professionally throughout
the U.S. and Canada, as well as in Europe. She provides informal presentations
on selected music topics, with musical performance and informative lecture, and
visuals for adults or children.
Visit the roster to learn more about these and other artists »
