Mission Creek Festival spotlights local Iowa artists
Iowa City's Mission Creek Festival draws a variety of musicians and literary arts to town.
This year, the festival features cultural critic and author Hanif Abdurraqib and the legendary San Francisco psych-rock band Osees. It also highlights a bevy of Iowa acts, from Des Moines to the Quad Cities and, of course, Iowa City.
Here is a round-up of all the Iowa acts performing at the 2024 Mission Creek Festival.
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Anthony Worden
Anthony Worden is an Iowa City-based singer-songwriter who has crafted four full-length albums since 2017. With a unique music style, Worden blends his distinctive voice and sound, drawing inspiration from an eclectic array of influences, from Steely Dan to Lou Reed. Worden's music transcends boundaries, captivating audiences with emotion and lyrical depth.
Worden will play at Gabe's at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 5. Entry is included with a single-day ticket to Mission Creek or a three-day festival pass.
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YXNG RASKAL
YXNG RASKAL is the brainchild of Iowa City resident Harry Manaligod. It's a musical endeavor that defies convention. YXNG RASKAL's music creates a world where the boundaries between chaos and artistry blur. YXNG RASKAL's first EP was released in October. It explores lyrical themes of trauma, grief, and the experience of being a transgender woman of color in the Midwest.
YXNG RASKAL will perform at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 6 at Trumpet Blossom Café. This performance is free and open to the public and available for Mission Creek ticketholders.
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The Blake Shaw Big(ISH) Band
The Blake Shaw Big(ISH) Band is a mainstay in the Iowa City music scene. Shaw writes and arranges all the music and embraces the Duke Ellington model of improvisation, which features one-of-a-kind solos from Shaw and fellow band members, creating a unique set.
The Blake Shaw Big(ish) Band will perform at ReUnion Brewery's Iowa City location in conjunction with the Mission Creek Festival Vinyl Fair. The band will take the stage at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. This performance is free and open to the public and Mission Creek ticketholders.
Subatlantic
Subatlantic, an indie-rock band from the Quad Cities is a standout act for its catchy melodies. Since its inception in 2008, Subatlantic has forged a distinctive identity, seamlessly blending elements of experimental rock with pop techniques. The band's latest album, "Say It Again," is a testament to their artistic evolution.
Subatlantic will be playing at ReUnion Brewery's Iowa City location during the Vinyl Fair. The band will take the stage at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. This performance is free and open to the public and Mission Creek ticketholders.
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Bootcamp
Bootcamp is a rising star in Iowa City's vibrant punk scene. The band boasts decades of collective experience and has swiftly garnered attention since its formation in August 2023. Bootcamp channels the spirit of pop music with its dynamic stage presence while remaining true to hardcore punk.
Bootcamp will be playing at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, April 6 at Trumpet Blossom Café. This performance is free and open to the public and Mission Creek ticketholders.
Dave Helmer Band
Dave Helmer is a songwriter and guitarist from eastern Iowa. His latest release, "Such a Clown," takes him back to his roots with virtuous-like skill on the guitar. His guitar work is the backbone of the music, reaffirming his commitment to authentic musical expression.
The Dave Helmer Band will perform at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at ReUnion Brewery's Iowa City location. This performance is free and open to the public and Mission Creek ticketholders.
24thankyou
24thankyou are indie provocateurs from Iowa City. They will be opening for Nadah El Shazly at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Riverside Theatre. The band converges elements of intimacy and dissonance to create a dreamy sonic landscape. With over 30,000 listeners on Spotify, 24thankyou is an up-and-coming force in the Iowa City music scene and a can't-miss-see at Mission Creek Music Festival.
Single-day ticket holders and those with three-day passes will gain entry to 24thankyou's performance.
M Denny
M Denney is a sound artist and writer from Iowa City. Denney's ongoing project, "The Water Will Come," uses poetry and performance texts to examine the path of queer identity and self-discovery.
Denny will perform at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Gabe's. Entry to this show requires a single-day ticket for Saturday or a three-day pass.
SQVCE
Shawn Jarrett, better known by his stage name Sqvce (pronounced "Space"), is a rising hip-hop artist from Des Moines. His latest EP, "Rock*(star) Lifestyle," plays with experimentation and blends genres.
SQVCE is one of the opening acts ahead of Pelada's performance Saturday, April 6, at Gabe's. SQVCE will take the stage at 9 p.m.
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: The 9 Iowa acts that are playing at the 2024 Mission Creek Festival
