IMSC Ep 39 - Song 1: "Sugar Rum Cherry (Nutcracker Suite)" by Jason Weinberger and The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony

"wcfsymphony is a professional orchestra based in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Iowa. Our mission is redefining the symphonic experience through live performances and community engagement. To this end we pursue inventive, contemporary approaches to ensemble performance as a means of engaging audiences more meaningfully in live music.

"The Courier hails our ‘innovative programming, inventive collaborations and interesting, sometimes surprising twists [which] make each concert a musical adventure.’ Our Artistic Director Jason Weinberger is known nationally for his work across genres and for his approachable, exciting style of presentation and interpretation, all typical of our work under his leadership. We are also unique among our peer ensembles for our singular dedication to American music, particularly new work from around the country and from within our state. As a fine arts and entertainment mainstay in northeast Iowa for the past 87 years we are deeply connected to the life of our community, particularly through our long-standing efforts to share music with young people and to advocate for education and the arts in our region. We apply the highest artistic and programmatic standards to our educational work in the belief that great art offered with passion, insight and joy can change lives at any age."
- from their Facebook page

"Music Director Jason Weinberger has built a reputation over the last 10 years for raising the excitement level with live performances that are a bit outside the box for typical classical concerts. Innovative programming, inventive collaborations and interesting, sometimes surprising twists make each concert a musical adventure.

"People have more things to do with their entertainment dollar these days, and we want to bring them here to the symphony. Live performances are exciting, and it's our mission to set ourself apart and give audiences an experience of a different order," Weinberger said.
- from a Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier article

"wcfsymphony was founded in the fall of 1929 by G.T. Bennett, Director of the East Waterloo High School Orchestra; Ralph Pronk, director of the West Waterloo High School Orchestra; Cressy Whalen, then president of the Waterloo Musicians Union; and the late Myron Russell, emeritus head of the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa. Our first name was ‘Waterloo Symphony Orchestra’...

"Our players include professional musicians from the Cedar Valley and across Eastern and Central Iowa and Southern Minnesota. Our many soloists in the twentieth century included Janos Starker, Gyorgy Sandor, Rafael Druian, Josef Gingold, Victor Borge, Peter Nero and Robert Merrill. In more recent years The King’s Singers, Isaac Stern, Doc Severinsen, Sharon Isbin, Simon Estes, Yo-Yo Ma, Peter Schickele, Chris Thile and Nadja Salerno-Sonenberg have joined us onstage for unforgettable live performances. We are also uniquely devoted to living American music – nearly a third of our repertoire over the past 10 years has consisted of new or recent music from Iowa and across the country."
- from their home page

"Conductor Jason Weinberger stands out among musicians of his generation for his passionate commitment to the entire life of his art form. Known for a wholly contemporary approach to programming, presentation, and performance, Jason is both a tireless advocate for music among audiences of all backgrounds and an emerging orchestra executive and entrepreneur.

"Jason currently leads wcfsymphony in a unique dual role as Pauline Barrett Artistic Director & Conductor and CEO. Under Jason’s 15 years of artistic leadership the orchestra has made major strides, performing a wide variety of new and recent American music by up-and-coming composers including Chris Thile, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Timo Andres, Daniel Roumain, and Gabriel Kahane and hosting some of today’s most important musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, David Shifrin, David Krakauer, Peter Schickele, Brandi Carlile, Matt Haimovitz, and Edgar Meyer. More recently, as CEO of wcfsymphony Jason has refocused its agenda as both a community asset and an industry leader. He is a dynamic proponent of the arts throughout the Cedar Valley and spearheads wcfsymphony’s wide-ranging community engagement initiatives. As likely to be found in an elementary school classroom as onstage or in a boardroom, Jason brings his natural ease with young people to wcfsymphony’s captivating concerts for kids."
- also from their home page

Lineup:
Jason Weinberger - conductor

Home page:
http://wcfsymphony.org/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/wcfsymphony/

Jason Weinberger's SoundCloud page:
https://soundcloud.com/jasonweinberger

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode39_201612/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20Episode%2039.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2016, Cedar Falls, Christmas, Christmas 2016, Christmas music, classical, Ep 039, Holidays,Holidays 2016, Jason Weinberger, jazz, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, Waterloo/Cedar Falls area,WCFSymphony

IMSC Ep 39 - Song 2: "Hark! The Herald Angels" by Ryan Sheeler

"He calls his sound "small-town soul" because he blends numerous influences--everything from Rock and Blues to Gospel and Country. I'd still classify Ryan as Americana, myself; even when he's rockin' out, I can still hear Iowa in the mix. Like other people I've known from the Mid-West, Ryan comes off as completely genuine--and that's a definite plus in his column."
- from Stubby's House of Christmas

"guitarist, pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer from Iowa. Trying my best to be real about life, love, and the Gospel."
- from his ReverbNation page

Lineup:
Ryan Sheeler - vocals and guitars

Home page:
http://www.ryansheeler.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ryansheeler/

BandCamp:
https://ryansheeler.bandcamp.com/

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode39_201612/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20Episode%2039.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2015, Ames, Ames area, Christmas, Christmas 2016, Christmas music, Ep 039, folk (genre), folk music, Hark! The Herald Angels (song), Holiday music, Holidays, Holidays 2016, Ryan Sheeler,singer/songwriter

IMSC Ep 39 - Song 3: "All About Xmas" by Maids

"MAIDS’ original style of Midwest Disco is all about bringing people together in one place to have a good time and get immersed in waves of electronic dance pop. Whether the music is experienced through headphones or dancing at a live show, Danny Heggen and Mickey Davis have developed a homegrown, Midwestern concoction that reminds all of us that life, simply put, is awesome.

"Des Moines-based MAIDS’ enthusiasm to create has resulted in a new assortment of material, which will premiere on their new EP “These Days” set for worldwide release on May 6, 2016. Co-produced by St. Lucia’s Ross Clark, the duo are finding new inspirations to stretch their voice and dial-in on their Midwest Disco sound. As with their previous material, it’ll make give you all the feels and all the moves."
- from their home page

"Conceptually, MAIDS is one of those projects that sounds like it may be so off-kilter that there’s no way it could work. You take Danny Heggen from Seedlings, a gentle, folkish act, and throw him in a blender with Mickey Davis (aka Is Home Is), an electronic producer and composer of mostly instrumental works. Both artists have put out great releases in their regular acts, but together? Fortunately enough, like chocolate and peanut butter, it ends up being a case of two great tastes going together.

"It’s not too big of a surprise that Davis has created strong backing tracks – his downtempo beats and synth flourishes are reliably magnificent. Hearing Heggen take more of an isolated vocal role, however, is a rewarding revelation – his voice is warm and welcoming at times (the track “June” is a good example), and heartbreaking at other times (the closer “Playing Along”). And somehow, the melodies and arrangements all seem to complement each other in the best possible ways, shining together and never getting in each others’ ways."
- from a review on The DMMC (Des Moines Music Coalition) website

"MAIDS refers to their style of music as “Midwest Disco,” which is a cute, if unhelpful, name for their particular take on electronic pop. While they may be regionally land-locked, their songs stand up against many recent Top 40 bands in the Electronic Pop genre — think: Capital Cities, Daft Punk, MGMT, The Weeknd, Calvin Harris, Empire of the Sun.

"But, beyond that, MAIDS brings something to the electropop table largely missing from those bands: a sense of humanity and vulnerability that recalls the first great wave of synthpop in the ’80s. Heggen’s vocals convey that reaching desire that bands like Pet Shop Boys and Spandau Ballet had, and which ultimately is what makes songs universal and timeless."
- from a review on the Little Village website

"The two musicians come from different musical backgrounds and influences, think Whitney Houston and Sam Beam, or Blood Orange and Paul Simon. Talking about a blank sheet of paper, Mickey says, “nothing would terrify me more”, while for Danny there’s nothing more exciting. Although, the two friends that make up MAIDS aren’t necessarily a contrast of personalities...

"'If MAIDS were making a painting, Danny would draw the outline and I would carefully color it in,' says Mickey...

"'I want our music to bring friends and friends of friends together to have a good time. I want our music to feel real – the listener to know there is a person behind the process, creating something that feels good and like they’re a part of something.' – Danny Heggen"
- from an article on Gestalt Creatives website

"MAIDS make pretty music you can dance to. It’s happy pop. It’s music that makes you feel good whether in a dark venue under the flashing lights or in the middle of downtown Des Moines on a warm summer evening. MAIDS mix of stunning vocals and electronic handiwork just brings out smiles."
- from Dave Murphy for The DMMC (Des Moines Music Coalition)

Lineup:
Danny Heggen - vocals
Mickey Davis - instruments, programming

Home page:
http://thisismaids.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thisismaids/

SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/thisismaids

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode39_201612/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20Episode%2039.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2015, All about Xmas (song), Christmas, Christmas 2016, Danny Heggen, Des Moines, Des Moines area, electronic music, electropop, Ep 039, Holidays, Holidays 2016, Maids (band), Mickey Davis,Midwestern disco

IMSC Ep 39 - Song 4: "Christmas Rock" by Slaughterhouse 6

(If you're reading this less than a week after it was posted, Slaughterhouse 6 is doing a reunion show at The Vaudeville Mews - http://www.vaudevillemews.com/index.php?p=home&sId=4478)
(If it's later than a week, sorry, you're out of luck!)

"Slaughterhouse 6 is a hardworking ska/rock band from Des Moines, IA. We put on high energy shows and may cause serious neck problems or blood vomiting.

"For four years now, we've pleased crowds with catchy melodies and crazy antics, and will continue to do so in the near future. If you want a band that will make you want to dance and sing, I am pretty sure you've found it."
- an outdated description from their Facebook page

"Slaughterhouse6 first formed in the Winter of '03, when a group of 3 kids in a japanese class (myself, Josh Skrdlant, Michael Rogowski), all decided to create a ska band, since we all enjoyed listening to ska. We needed a bass player, so we asked East High schoolmate Dustin Harmsen to join the band, and boy oh boy did he have a lot of talent. He can play basically every instrument. Then we decided to get a trombone in the mix: Ryan Stubbs. My friend Matt Norton took on the vocals, but not for long.

"Now the original 6 was set: Josh Skrdlant on guitar, Matt Norton on vocals, Mike Rogowski on Saxophone, Dustin Harmsen on Bass, Ryan Stubbs with Trombone, and Myself playing drums for the 6.

"Changes came along, like Josh quitting the band on us, for example. We then replaced him with my brother, "Action Dan" Watland, who is still rocking out on guitar with us to this very day. We cycled through at least 3 vocalists as well, until they finally moved me to vocals, and got our good friend Kenny Halstead on drums. Talented players joined into the mix, such as Derek Collins on trombone, Justin Cox on trumpet, and Derek Lambert on second guitar. The rest is just history."
- lead singer, Chris Watland, in an interview for Angelfire's Stars For Iowa

Lineup:
Derek Collins - Trombone
H. Dustin Harmsen - Bass
C.J. Howard - Trumpet
Alex Kelly - Trombone
Derek Lambert - Guitar
Satya Modi - Drums
Mike Rogowski - Saxophone
Chris Watland - Vocals

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SlaughterhouseSix/

BandCamp:
https://slaughterhouse6.bandcamp.com/

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode39_201612/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20Episode%2039.mp3

Labels: 2000s, 2004, Chris Watland, Christmas, Christmas 2016, Christmas Rock (song), Derek Muse Lambert,Des Moines, Des Moines area, Dustin Harmsen, Ep 039, Holidays, Holidays 2016, ska, Slaughterhouse 6 (band)

IMSC Ep 39 - Song 5: "Winter's Night" by Cheshire Moon

"Cheshire Moon is a fanciful melding of trickster bird Lizzie Crowe and mad hatter Eric Coleman.

"These two-time Pegasus Award recipients are part of the growing music genre known as MythPunk, bringing old gods and folk tales into modern day, and bringing faerie tale princesses into the light of dark magic.

"They weave journeys of song and story, bringing their listeners along for the ride. Care to come along?"
- from their Facebook page

"Cheshire Moon is Lizzie Crowe and Eric Coleman (currently, there are others occasionally).

"Lizzie comes from a musical family. Her mother was a concert pianist, and as a small child Lizzie would often sit with her back against the soundboard as her mother played, the music flowing into her, and though she loved the stage, she could never bring herself to be on it. Until being dragged up to sing with Eric in 2010, Lizzie’s stage antics were spent behind the scenes, from stage runner, emergency costume repair, and general keeper of the peace to stage manager for a small Chicago dance company. It was only after being dragged to her first Duckon by SJ Tucker did she discover Filk. And in fact, it was thanks to two of her fellow filkers that she and Eric were introduced. If you happen to ask Lizzie about knitting/crochet, musicals, Doctor Who, Final Fantasy, Bach concertos, or blood-borne pathogens, your afternoon will be filled with answers and squeeing.

"Eric started his life on stage in the theater, being cast by his father in various younger roles before entering the Drake University school of theater in 1977. He has a BA in Fine Arts, specializing in directing and light design. He discovered con-going quite by chance when he was asked to run the computers for the WindyCon game room one year. That evening, at his first room party, he ended up on a couch swapping terrible puns with a strange little man. Eric found out later that strange little man was Bob Aspirin, one of his favorite authors. In the following years Eric ran gaming at Windycon, a one watt radio station at Capricon and the music track at Demicon. He performed solo for many years and became a part of the Dementia music scene. He was also a founding member of Toyboat, hard rock filk band from the Chicago area. His fandoms are many, but if you want to lose an hour or so of your time, bring up punk rock, the Algonquin Round Table, the Marx Brothers, Errol Flynn and Olivia De Havilland, swashbuckler movies, or Planetary Romance novels (especially the Carson of Venus Series).

"As songwriters, they consider themselves to be a part of the growing music genre known as MythPunk, bringing old gods and folk tales into modern day, and bringing faerie tale princesses into the light of dark magic. They play around the Midwest at a combination of conventions, coffee houses, pagan festivals and house concerts. They won two Pegasus Awards in 2014, Best Song for Snow White, Red Road, and Best Performer."
- also from their Facebook page

Home page:
http://www.cheshiremoonband.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cheshiremoonmusic/

BandCamp:
https://cheshiremoon.bandcamp.com/

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode39_201612/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20Episode%2039.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2016, Cheshire Moon (band), Christmas, Christmas 2016, Des Moines, Des Moines area, Ep 039,Eric Coleman, folk (genre), folk music, Holidays, Holidays 2016, Lizzie Crowe, MythPunk, Winter's Night (song)

Ep 39 - Song 6: "One Day after Christmas" by Brian Hutzell

"Freelance musician: piano, trombone, singer/songwriter, bass, guitar"
- from his Facebook page

"Versatile freelance musician will do just about anything with anyone anytime anywhere. (Sorry, did that sound desperate?)"
- from his ReverbNation page

Lineup:
Brian Hutzell - vocals, all instruments

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/brianhutzellmusic

ReverbNation:
https://www.reverbnation.com/brianhutzell

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode39_201612/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20Episode%2039.mp3

Labels: 1980s, 1989, Brian Hutzell, Christmas, Christmas 2016, Christmas music, Des Moines area, Ep 039,Holiday music, Holidays, Holidays 2016, One Day after Christmas (song), pop music, singer/songwriter, West Des Moines

IMSC Ep 39 - Song 7: "Happy New Year" by Austin Taft

"Austin Taft is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist currently residing in Waterloo, IA. His new full-length acoustic album, 'The Human Condition', has been released by the independent label Triple Edge Records and joins his previous full-length electric release, 'War of the Songs of Light Against the Songs of Darkness' and two additional releases to weave a consistent tapestry of eclectic and deeply challenging music. Acclaimed as 'one of the best musicians in the state' by Des Moines Cityview Magazine, all studio recordings are entirely self-composed, self-produced and self-performed, and his music is currently available through Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play and other online retailers."
- from his home page

Lineup:
Austin Taft - vocals, guitars

Home page:

http://www.austintaft.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/theaustintaftsoundtrack/

BandCamp:

https://austintaft.bandcamp.com/

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":

https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode39_201612/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20Episode%2039.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2011, Austin Taft, Christmas, Christmas 2016, Christmas music, Ep 039, Happy New Year (song), Holiday music, Holidays, Holidays 2016, rock music, singer/songwriter, Waterloo, Waterloo/Cedar Falls area