The Englert Theatre's local showcase returns to spotlight Iowa City's diverse music scene

Iowa City's unique local music scene will soon be on full display in downtown Iowa City.

The Englert Theatre's second annual Local Showcase series kicks off Saturday, Jan.13, highlighting three unique genres.

Founded in 2023, the Showcase Series spans three different weekends, giving local bands a chance to perform on the historic Englert stage.

Saturday's show begins at 7:30 while the second show will be on Jan. 27. The final iteration of the Local Showcase is set for Feb.10.

Englert Theatre programming director, Brian Johannesen, a local musician himself, recalls his performances at Enlgert and what it meant to him. The Local Showcase affords other bands and musicians the same opportunities Johannesen once had.

"As a local musician myself, the few times I have been able to play on this stage were not only some of the most fun I've had playing music in town but also taught me a lot about how to play on a stage like that - the size, the lights, the professional crew," Johannesen said. "It's inspiring and exciting."

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Hardcore, poetry and alt-pop

The Local Showcase offers three different musical genres, with the first night highlighting the hardcore scene. Bootcamp headlines Saturday's opening night of performances, fresh off an international tour. High school rockers Bovinophobic Bile Puddle will grace the stage as well along with I Will, a consistent cornerstone within the Iowa City scene.

The event's programming is hand-selected by the Englert staff.

"All of the artists are picked by a panel of Englert employees, one from every department. The programming reflects the local artists our staff cares about, which is really cool," Johannesen said. "There are so many great artists in town, and we're so excited to be able to spotlight them this way."

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Words can paint a vivid picture

Jan. 27's show will highlight musicians known for their poetic and evocative lyrics, featuring the acts of Kay Killa, Deb Talan, and Jim Swim.

Jim Swim has been making music in Iowa City for over a decade and believes that Iowa City musicians "punch above their weight," and Englert's Local Showcase series demonstrates the verve and ambition that each act has.

"The scene is in a really good place, and there's a lot of different genres being represented really well, and there is a collaborative spirit," Swim said. "There is a tradition at the Englert and many people have been on that stage, so I admire the Englert for thinking outside of the box with booking."

The comfort of familiarity, with a twist

The final Local Showcase on Feb. 10 highlights the alternative pop scene featuring the likes of Early Girl, Spirit Awake, and the Halfloves. The show will display an intricate blend of traditional pop music techniques with unconventional or experimental sounds.

The Englert Theatre hopes the musical series highlights Iowa City's musical variety and diversity by featuring high school acts as well as veteran artists who have navigated the local scene for many years.

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"[It is a] broad view of the incredible artists that live in our community, [and] the main goal that we give to the panel is to ensure there is diversity on stage and make sure different generations of performers are put together on the same bill," Johannesen said. "This is to create connections across the scene and hopefully strengthen the music community in every direction."

The first bands of the night will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on all three nights of the series. Tickets cost $15 for general admission and $10 for students.

"Iowa City has an impressive local scene, especially for its size," Johannesen said. "Come see what it's all about and support local art."

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Englert Theatre's 3-day Local Showcase series highlights Iowa City-area artists