Experimental rock to Indie-pop, seven must-see acts at the 2024 Mission Creek Festival
The Bay Area's experimental rock and the South's rhythmic beats are coming to Iowa City. Mission Creek Festival returns on Thursday, April 4, and runs until Saturday, April 6.
The three-day festival promises an immersive experience, boasting more than 30 talented musical and literary minds from across the globe.
Passes and single-day tickets are still available for purchase. Basic three-day passes are available for $120, single-day tickets for Thursday cost $55, and single-day tickets for Friday and Saturday cost $65 each day.
After coming through a diverse array of performers, here are seven can't-miss performances, from old-school favorites to newfound favorites.
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Neko Case
Neko Case is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter and musician known for her distinctive voice and impressive, genre-bending catalog, which includes country and Americana as well as folk and indie rock. Case has been active in the music industry for more than 25 years. Her career continues to evolve and garner acclaim with each new release.
When: 8:45 p.m., Thursday, April 4
Where: Hancher Auditorium, 141 Park Rd., Iowa City
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L'Rain
L'Rain is the musical project of Taja Cheek, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and vocalist based in New York City. L'Rain's music often incorporates intricate arrangements blending elements of experimental pop, R&B, jazz, and electronic music creating a sonic soundscape.
In 2017, L'Rain released her self-titled debut album to critical acclaim. The album showcased her talent for pushing boundaries and generating an emotional response through her unique songwriting.
When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4
Where: Hancher Auditorium, 141 Park Rd., Iowa City
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Indigo De Souza
Indigo De Souza is a singer-songwriter and musician known for her introspective lyrics, passionate vocals, and captivating melodies. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, De Souza gained attention in the indie music scene with her heartfelt and raw songwriting style.
Indigo De Souza's third album, "All of This Will End, "was released last year. It explores themes of self-discovery, mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Written mainly during the Covid-19 pandemic, the album conveys De Souza's straightforward songwriting style.
When: 9:45 p.m., Friday, April 5
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City
Armand Hammer
Armand Hammer is an American New York City hip-hop duo formed around 2013. The pair is made up of Billy Woods and Elucid.
Armand Hammer has released several critically acclaimed albums since 2013. Their music often explores topics such as race, politics, identity, and the human condition, delivered with intricate wordplay and dense imagery.
When: 10:45 p.m., Friday, April 5
Where: Gabe's, 330 E Washington St., Iowa City
S.G. Goodman
S.G. Goodman is an American singer-songwriter known for her captivating blend of indie rock, folk, and Americana music. Hailing from Western Kentucky, her music often explores themes related to her Southern roots, from social issues and politics to personal experiences.
S.G. Goodman captivated the music scene with the release of her debut album, "Old Time Feeling," in 2020. She received critical acclaim for her raw honesty. Goodman's sophomore album, "Teeth Marks," released in 2022, blends decades of Southern music into a comprehensive piece.
When: 8 p.m., Saturday, April 6
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City
Nadah El Shazly
Nadah El Shazly is an Egyptian singer, composer, and experimental musician. Born in Cairo, Egypt, El Shazly grew up around different musical influences that contributed to her sound. Her music is known for its avant-garde and experimental nature, blending traditional Arabic music elements with electronic sounds, free jazz, and contemporary composition techniques. Her debut album, "Ahwar," released in 2017, earned critical acclaim for its innovative approach and unique sound.
When: 8:45 p.m., Saturday, April 6
Where: Riverside Theatre, 119 E College St., Iowa City
Osees
The Osees, originating from San Francisco, California, emerged in the rock music scene around the late 1990s. The band has become synonymous with relentless energy and genre-defying experimentation.
The Osees have churned out several albums and EPs, each contributing to their cult-like following. The band's sound traverses garage rock, psychedelia, punk, and beyond.
When: 9:45 p.m., Saturday, April 6
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Check out seven can't-miss acts at the 2024 Mission Creek Festival
