A variety of concerts are coming to Iowa City this fall, from indie rock to modern bluegrass
Iowa City's fall concert lineup is a smorgasbord of musical variety, from reimagined classic rock to rising indie artists.
If you're looking for jazz to smooth the soul or an outlet to relive the years of teenage angst, here are the 10 most exciting concerts happening in Johnson County this fall.
Shamarr Allen
When: 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18
Where: Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon, 4919 Walleye Drive S.E., Iowa City
Price: $15-23.58
Known for blending genres like jazz, funk, and the blues, Shamarr Allen has built a reputation for his unique style, dubbed "hip-rock," with his band Shmarr Allen and The Underdawgs. The New Orleans-based musician, trumpeter, and vocalist will be rolling solo at the Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon, bringing the rhythmic sensations of New Orleans to Iowa City.
Paul Thorn
When: 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25
Where: Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon, 4919 Walleye Drive S.E., Iowa City
Price: $22-34.50
Before Paul Thorn was a musician, he was a professional boxer. His raw and gritty style in the ring manifests on stage, but instead of punches and swings, he dishes out heartfelt and down-to-earth lyrics. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and raised in a Pentecostal church, his music reflects the Southern storytelling traditions through tracks like "Pimps & Preachers" and "Mission Temple Fireworks Stand."
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Madison Cunningham & Andrew Bird
When: 8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $10.30-40.25
As a part of the Infinite Dream Festival, top-flight artists Madison Cunningham and Andrew Bird will perform a reimagination of Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham's 1973 debut album, "Buckingham Nicks." In July, the longtime indie rockers debuted the experimental project at the Newport Folk Festival. The 1973 cult classic introduced the world to Buckingham's intricate guitar work and Nicks' distinctive vocals. Bird and Cunningham bring a contemporary twist to the album in a can't-miss event.
Mike Viola
When: 8 p.m., Oct. 9
Where: Gabe's, 330 E Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $15-28.25
If you are a fan of Panic! At The Disco or Fall Out Boy, you might also enjoy Mike Viola. Viola is a producer, musician, songwriter, and singer who has made significant contributions to rock and pop music. As a solo artist and the frontman for the Candy Butchers, Viola has released several albums with acclaimed songs that blend catchy hooks with sophisticated songwriting.
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MJ Lenderman & The Wind
When: 9 p.m. Oct. 11
Where: Gabe's, 330 E Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $22-23.58
MJ Lenderman will take the stage at Gabe's as part of Track Zero, The Englert Theatre's new concert series that brings diverse and boundary-pushing artists to Iowa. Lenderman initially gained recognition as a member of the band Wednesday, and while still a part of the indie-rock shoegaze band, Lenderman has been making waves with his solo projects. With a DIY grit, Lenderman blends elements of indie-rock and alt-country to give him an emotionally resonant edge that connects with audiences.
American Authors
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 18
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $31.25-56.25
With pop-radio hits like "Best Day Of My Life" and "Hit It," the American Authors have an uplifting sound that integrates pop and folk influences for catchy tunes. The band was formed out of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, and has released several albums.
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Andy Grammer
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 23
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $37.50-320.00
The "Andy Grammer Greater Than: A One-Man Show" features the Emmy award-winning and multi-platinum artist in a new light. Grammer, best known for his catchy hits like "Fine By Me" and "Honey, I'm Good," will perform songs and poetry and tell stories in an intimate setting.
Deer Tick
When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 1
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $25.00-43.75
The indie rock band Deer Tick, hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, is coming to Iowa City as part of The Englert Theatre's Songwriter Series. Formed in 2004, Deer Tick has 20 years of experience in the rock scene, best known for their melancholic tunes, which use an eclectic sound that fuses elements of folk, country, and the blues.
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Sierra Hull
When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 17
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $31.25-61.88
Sierra Hull is a two-time nominated Grammy artist for her work on her 2020 album "25 Trips" and her 2016 album "Weighted Mind." Hull might be best known for her soulful mandolin performances, but she has gained recognition for her distinctive voice.
Los Lobos
When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 20
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $31.25-73.13
Los Lobos captured the hearts of audiences in the 1980s with their cover of the traditional Mexican song "La Bamba," popularized by Ritchie Valens and featured in the biographical film of the same name. Hailing from East Los Angeles, California, the low-rider rock band has maintained a reputation for its high-energy shows thanks to its blend of genre and culture.
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: Here are 10 must-see concerts in Iowa City this fall
