Monday, June 26, 2017

IOWA MUSIC SHOWCASE PODCAST - Episode 48: Iowa Classical Music

Composer and mezzo-soprano singer Lisa Neher
Photograph by Mike Newman



Classical music has long been a part of our state. It goes beyond Dvorak's summer visit to Spillville!

"Music institutions and venues Iowa is also home to the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, Des Moines Metro Opera, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Cedar Rapids Opera, Orchestra Iowa (Cedar Rapids), Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, and the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra.

"The three major University music institutions in Iowa include the Iowa State University School of Music in Ames, University of Iowa School of Music in Iowa City, and The University of Northern Iowa School of Music in Cedar Falls. Other colleges with music programs include Wartburg, Luther, Cornell, Morningside, and Drake, among others. Also, there is the Celtic Music Association of Des Moines. Major venues include the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.

"The Nordic Choir at Luther College in Decorah has performed around the world, appearing in Norway, England, Germany, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, the Baltic countries, Mexico and the Caribbean. The Nordic Choir has also appeared throughout the United States, performing in well-known concert halls as Lincoln Center in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Luther College has the largest collegiate choral program in the United States with almost 600 student singers."
- from the Wikipedia entry, Music of Iowa

And the Iowa Composers Forum (http://www.iowacomposers.org/), created by 7 Iowa classical composers, features a musical festival and concert event every year celebrating Iowa's own classical works. It evens has a catalog (http://www.iowacomposers.org/?page_id=112) featuring 144 classical pieces written by Iowans, many of which linked to a spot where you can hear the works!

So although I have an a classical tune occasionally on a podcast or playlist (http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/classical), I'm happy to finally present an episode fully dedicated to the classical music scene here!

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Ep 48 - Cover by Mike Newman


Mike Newman is a native Iowan and boyfriend to Washington (the state) transplant - we forgive you, Lisa - and Iowa classical composer/singer Lisa Leher. He doesn't have a website for his photography, but according to Neher, "he's just got a good phone camera and a nice eye!"

Original version of the photograph
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IMSC Ep 48 - Song 1: "Wellington Victory, Symphony" (truncated) written by Ludwig van Beethoven and performed by Jason Weinberger and the wcf (Waterloo-Cedar Falls) symphony




"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 a tireless advocate for music among audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

"Jason is currently Artistic Director of Iowa’s pioneering ensemble wcfsymphony, having recently completed four years in a unique dual role combining his musical work with the responsibilities of CEO. Under his artistic leadership the orchestra has made major strides, performing a wide variety of new and recent American music by up-and-coming composers...
- from the wcf symphony website

IMSC Ep 48 - Song 2: "Weihnachten (Frohlocket, ihr Völker, No. 1 of Sechs Sprüche, Op. 79)" and Song 3: "I Will Not Leave You Comfortless" by The Wartburg Choir




"The Wartburg Choir is a select auditioned a cappella choir from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Founded in 1937, the choir became one of the first American college groups to tour Europe. The Wartburg Choir performs sacred music from all historical periods and styles and often premieres new works by contemporary composers. Called a “mighty fortress of skill” by the Washington Post,[1] the Wartburg Choir is one of Wartburg's three musical ensembles that tour internationally on a triennial basis. Beyond national and international tours tours, the choir has received invitations for special appearances in the United States and abroad."
- from their Wikipedia entry

"The internationally acclaimed Wartburg Choir performs sacred music from all historical periods and styles and often features premiere works of contemporary composers...

"F. Melius Christiansen (1871-1955), founder of the St. Olaf Choir and mentor to Dr. Edwin Liemohn, founder of the Wartburg Choir, was seminal in shaping the aesthetic of the Lutheran choral sound in the early 20th century. By basing the sound of the choir on the sonority of the string quartet, he created a highly unified ensemble known for its tuning, technical abilities, and musical discipline.

"Preferring an unaccompanied performance style, Christiansen ensured that the choir would never be limited by the resources of each performance venue. Thus, he was able to extend the performance outreach of his ensemble to any congregation. The latter defined another key aspect of the Lutheran choir tradition through the emphasis on the touring ensemble. Directors of the choir stress the continuing importance of the tradition, explaining that the Wartburg Choir’s central goal is to sing the music historically and pedagogically as appropriately as possible while still honoring the legacy of the tradition." - from their home page

Ep 48 - Song 4: "Siren (Waterhouse)" written by Randy Wells and performed by Mariya Akhadjanova



"Randy Wells (b. 1992) began composing art music in 2012 after teaching himself keyboard and music theory during a winter of self-imposed exile after leaving a university science program. By 2013, he had finished his first compositions that were worth being cataloged, Coney Island Suite and a few guitar pieces.

"Randy’s music represents a continuation of the aesthetic philosophy of the Romantic era, and is characterized by emotional sensitivity and intensity, grandiose tendencies, and heavy influence of extra-musical ideas. Among his influences, Randy counts Mahler, Scriabin, Berg, and Shostakovich...

"andy enjoys playing guitar, piano, and organ, and is also an enthusiastic member of the UNI Varsity Men's Glee Club. Randy studies music composition at the University of Northern Iowa under Dr. Jonathan Schwabe. When not in front of a musical instrument, he can generally be found at the library, enjoying classic literature or reading up on the sciences (another source of musical inspiration)." - from Randy Wells' home page

"I believe that music must always invoke strong emotion, and I treat every job with great urgency and craftsmanship..."
- from Randy Wells' Upwork page

"Randy Wells specializes in Ultra-Romantic music of a programmatic or autobiographical nature. The music is characterized by hyper-emotionalism, grandiose tendencies, and heavy influence of extra-musical ideas. He considers himself an heir to the legacies of Scriabin, Borodin, Korngold, Berg, and Mahler, among others. For further listening, Randy invites you to visit www.randywellsmusic.com"
- from an email to Iowa Music Showcase

Lineup:
Mariya Akhadjanova - piano


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

SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/musicofrandys

Mariya Akhadjanova has no website that I could find!

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/Episode48IowaClassicalMusic/Episode%2048_%20Iowa%20Classical%20Music.mp3

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Ep 48 - Song 5: "Snapshots" Song Cycle: "Crocodiles"/"Rain"/"Sneaky Squirrels"/"A Simple Request"/"Turtle Fence"/"Tuesday and Thursday"/"Spoiler Alert!" written by Lisa Neher and performed by Olivia Betzen and Nate Salazar



"Mezzo-soprano and composer Lisa Neher thrives in the crossroads of the concert hall and the theatre stage... Lisa’s compositions are shaped by her keen sense of dramatic timing and feature aching, lyrical phrases, energetic rhythmic motives, and intensely dissonant pitch clusters...

"She is an active advocate for new music, frequently premiering new works as well as established masterworks of the last fifty years. Lisa is the creator of the One Voice Project, a call for scores, poetry, and prose which will be incorporated into a one-woman musical-theatrical performance in the fall of 2016. Through the call for scores, the project promotes the creation and performance of new works for unaccompanied voice...

Her compositions include solo and chamber music for instruments and vocal works in the operatic, song, and choral genres. Lisa is particularly passionate about writing works that set text and story to music, such as her chamber opera White Horizon, about a nineteenth-century Arctic expedition gone wrong, and her song cycle Snapshots...
- from Lisa Neher's home page

"A composer of unabashedly heartfelt, lyrical music, Lisa’s works include solo and chamber music for instrumentalists as well as vocal works in the operatic, song, and choral genres, which represent her deepest passion."
- from her Facebook page

Lineup:
Olivia Betzen - vocals
Nate Salazar - piano

Photograph by Alisabeth Von Presley
http://www.vonpresleystudios.com/alisabeth

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

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

SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/lisa-neher

Olivia Betzen's home page:
http://www.oliviabetzen.com/

Nate Salazar's home page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-salazar-94209718/

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/Episode48IowaClassicalMusic/Episode%2048_%20Iowa%20Classical%20Music.mp3

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Ep 48 - Song 6: "Polymetric Phrygian Plainchant" written and performed by Paul Hertz



Many people, who know of Paul Hertz, usually know him from his horn playing in various Ames bands, best known probably being Mumford's. Or they may know him from hosting the local music program, "Ready, Ames, Fire" and his classical music program, "Morning Masterpieces" on Ames community station, KHOI.

But what some may not know, is that Paul Hertz, is a composer and performer of classical music. He has done some performances in Ames playing his material and having a choir perform it.

"Among Hertz’s many projects are playing bass trombone for the Ames folk rock dance band Mumford’s, playing keyboards for Jordan Mayland and the Thermal Detonators, and being involved in the Ames Choral Society. (He will be singing in an upcoming cabaret show called 'Down the Hobbit Hole'). He is also a composer and serves as the organist at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Ames."
- from an article on the Snap Twig website

"Paul Hertz is a composer, improviser, organist, trombonist, and pianist who lives in Ames, Iowa."
- from an email Paul Hertz sent to Iowa Music Showcase

Lineup:
Paul Hertz - all instruments and programming

Painting by Kara Hedge
https://www.flickr.com/people/poseidonsimage/

MySpace page;

IMSC Ep 48 - Song 7: "Entreat Me Not to Leave You" (truncated) written by Dan Forest and performed by Luther College Nordic Choir



"Nordic Choir, founded in 1946, enjoys national and international acclaim as a premier collegiate choral ensemble in the United States. The choir beings its tenure under the direction of Dr. Andrew Last this year. Last arrived at Luther in the fall of 2012 and begins his role as Director of Choral Activities in 2017. Previous conductors include Sigvart Steen (1946-48), Weston Noble '43 (1948-2005), Craig Arnold (2005-10), and Allen Hightower (2010-16).

"Nordic Choir is Luther’s flagship choir in a choral program that comprises three upper-class mixed touring choirs, two first-year choirs, and a women’s choir. More than 500 singers from these ensembles combine with Symphony Orchestra, Luther Ringers, and pipe organ for five Christmas at Luther performances each year...

'Traditions within the Nordic Choir include holding hands during all performances, the sapphire blue velvet robes, and singing Pavel Chesnokov's O Lord God as the signature benedictory since 1948."
- from their home page

"The Nordic Choir is a 62-voice a cappella choir of select mixed voices from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

"In 1948, just two years after its founding by Sigvart Steen, a Luther College alumnus, a young Weston Noble began a 57-year tenure as music director and conductor.[1] Together, Noble and The Nordic Choir cultivated the Lutheran collegiate choral traditions in the United States.

"Eventually five more choirs were added to the music program to accommodate the growing interest in choral music and voice at Luther. In 2005, Luther College named Craig Arnold to the position of Director of Choral Activities and conductor of the Nordic Choir following Noble’s retirement. Arnold held the position from 2005-2010. Allen Hightower was appointed conductor effective Fall 2010 and left for University of North Texas in 2016. The current conductor is Andrew Last."
- from their Wikipedia entry

"For those of you who don't know the Luther College choral program, this is a small school (about 2,500 students) of ambitious undergrads. Often when we hear great choirs from big schools we are hearing some much older, more mature voices (grad voice majors, grad teaching assistants, etc) in the top choir. The Lutheran singing tradition in Iowa, Minnesota, to some extent the Dakotas is remarkable. In addition to Luther, almost every college or university in the area fields outstanding choirs...

"This was something that I loved about this choir and Hightower- I felt that the choir under Arnold had one mode of bold, yet still warm singing and that it often sounded like a really great y'all come choir, in the sense that there was usually very little subtlety, nuance, phrasing, etc. Under Hightower every text and musical phrase is understood, and I also felt that the singers (holding hands in the Luther tradition) really heard all the other voice parts fitting into their own throughout every measure of every piece. There was an organic, communal process happening- seventy voices as one, if you will." - from a review on composer Paul Carey's website

Lineup:
Vocals - 2013-2014 Nordic Choir
Conductor - Allan Hightower


The song had to be cut down on the podcast for time reasons, but you can hear the complete version on this video:


Home page:
http://www.luther.edu/music/nordic-choir/

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

Composer Dan Forest's home page:
http://danforrest.com/

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/Episode48IowaClassicalMusic/Episode%2048_%20Iowa%20Classical%20Music.mp3

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Saturday, June 24, 2017

Eps 48 and 60 - Iowa Music Showcase theme (classical version) by Jessica Villegas



"Founder and songwriter/singer/guitarist Trevor Holt said via e-mail that neither he nor bassist Jessica Villegas had played in bands before Foxholes formed. 'Jessica didn’t even play bass prior to joining the band, so it took some time to figure out how to put on a good show, how to network, etc.,' Holt wrote. 'Over the course of that time, we figured out what worked and what didn’t in terms of the set list and even the structure of the songs themselves. That was the biggest thing to come out of that first year – the development of the songs. Had we recorded this album a year ago, I can honestly say that it would not have been good. The sound would have been there, but it would have been an unfinished product. We really took the time to continually develop the songs ... .'"
- from a River Cities Reader article on The Foxholes

"You might know Jessica Villegas as the lone girl in Foxholes, slappin da bass. She also rocks a badass half-shaved hairstyle. Villegas was always destined to go down a creative path. Her father, Johnnie, DJs around Des Moines, that is when he’s not playing percussion for Canby; and her mother Susan was constantly working on different projects, like painting, when she was growing up. It was only right that she take up both mediums. While music is one of her passions, she’s also a visual artist who makes incredible paintings. In fact, the entire living room of her apartment is a studio, with one half devoted to music and the other to painting.

"She’s constantly at work on something and is now venturing out on her own with her debut solo performance tonight at the Des Moines Social Club’s Basement Bar. She joins Eden Stokka and Jennifer Hall on an all lady bill cuz girls rule and boys drool. The show will be a different vibe from Foxholes in that Villegas is taking a self-described more experimental route with her solo work."
- from Band Bombshell's 8 Tracks column

"Music. Art. Bicycles. Rabble rabble rabble. Foxholes, Honeycreeper, Treebranchtwig"
- from her Twitter page

Lineup:
Jessica Villegas - cello

Photo by Katie Hayward

Foxholes home page:
http://foxholesmusic.com/

Foxholes Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/FoxholesMusic/

Foxholes BandCamp page:
https://foxholesdsm.bandcamp.com/

Honeycreeper Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/honeycreeperband/

Honeycreeper BandCamp page:
https://honeycreeperdm.bandcamp.com

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/Episode48IowaClassicalMusic/Episode%2048_%20Iowa%20Classical%20Music.mp3

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Sunday, June 18, 2017

PLAYLISTS: A Father's Day Playlist

Sorry, I try not to put up two playlists in a row. And I try to put out a podcast every four weeks. But family going-ons got in the way.

I have it recorded, but I'm not going to write the accompanying web posts.

So in honor of the day today, I haphazardly slapped this playlist together so I'd have something up this week.

Happy Father's Day to all my fellow dads out there!

IMSC posts and podcasts featuring playlists:
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/playlists

IMSC posts and podcasts featuring Spotify:
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/Spotify

IMSC posts and podcasts featuring fathers:
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/fathers




One year ago...
Playlists: Iowa Pride Hip Hop -
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2016/06/playlists-iowa-pride-hip-hop.html

Two years ago...
Episode 11: Guest Producer Bryon Dudley -
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2015/06/episode-11-guest-producer-bryon-dudley.html

Other IMSC websites and links:
Feed:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/IowaMusicShowcase
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Music-Showcase/364796883703114
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/iamusicshowcase
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/iowamusicshowcase

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Saturday, June 3, 2017

OTHER SOURCES: Lock N Load show and YouTube channel

Damn, I am started to feel like the kiss of death. By the time I get to a number of websites and such, it seems they have already died! Or maybe it's because I'm an old man and can't keep up with the cool happenings and going-ons of the youths!

I don't know, but here is a recently died website and show that featured a lot of bands from the Sioux City area as well as other parts of western Iowa and from Nebraska and South Dakota too!



"Before the Lock N’ Load Show aired live musical performances by local musicians on its Internet radio program, it was a sports talk show...

"It was a disaster, according to Foster. The interview didn’t go well and there were unwanted moments of silence – a rough start but the show must go on...

"The show has since found its niche with mixing comedic banter with fun segments like “Craigslist Missed Connections” and “Love and Lust Advice” while also including special guest appearances from local bands looking to promote their music. Episode 39 featured Johnny V and Big Earl from the blues rock band Premium Draft, who also performed live on air. The show brought in more than 1,200 viewers/listeners.

"MUTUAL PARTNERSHIP

"But 'back in the day,' the show was struggling to find background music to fill intermissions. Mainstream music was out of the question for obvious copyright reasons, so Foster and Lock N' Load producer Brandon Sorgdrager reached out to local artists to fill that empty portion of the online broadcast.

“'In return, we would do interviews with them,' said Sorgdrager. 'We were looking for a couple guests to come on and join us and it kind of went into the music and that went really well for us.'

"After a while, more musicians showed up on the Lock N’ Load Show, which is now becoming a promotional stop for local bands. The interviews are fairly relaxed and time is not a big factor.

“'It’s a half hour to an hour of them getting to talk about their stuff,' said Sordrager. 'It gives the audience a chance to get to know the artists.'

'Guests talk about their bands while their music gets played on the show during breaks. Foster said the show strives for an “equal opportunity” perspective when it comes to music genres featured on Lock N’ Load.

“'With the different artists, we like bringing in different genres,' he said. 'We have something for everyone. We’re not just hip hop or rock or country.'

"LOCAL MUSIC, WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE

"Clemons does not consider himself a rapper, per se. He condemns lyrics with violence and drug use, so instead he writes about his experiences. Clemons makes semi-regular appearances on the Internet radio show either as a guest promoting his new songs or just another guy to talk. He said he’s grateful for Lock N’ Load.

“'It means a lot knowing that we have someone that’s here in town able to push the music as well as they have,' said Clemons. ''They get it mainstream and give it to other listeners and viewers. This is the best way for everybody to share what they love doing.'

"Thanks to Lock N’ Load, Clemons was able to share his music video for the song 'Iowa Anthem,' a shout out to Sioux City. The video has received more than 3,500 views on YouTube and has maintained more than 80 likes.

"Dusty Ferris, bassist for local pop metal band Left Astray, said the Lock N' Load show is a 'blessing' for Sioux City musicians.

"'Local artists really don't have a voice anymore,' said Ferris. 'These guys are working with local artists so they can become regional, too.'

'Foster said he sets up a page for artists that appear on the show. He includes the links to bands’ and musicians’ social media and music (ReverbNation, Bandcamp) sites.

“'People worldwide can find them, read all about them, listen to their music and know how to get their music,' said Foster. 'It’s bringing the local music that we have here in Siouxland and making it worldwide.'

'The relationships the creators of the Lock N’ Load show made while supporting the Sioux City music scene have grown over time, according to Sorgdrager.

“'The artists have a need for us and we have a need for them,' he said.

'Foster describes it as a “mutual partnership” and never expected the success the show has gotten.

“'We help them by getting their stuff out there and they help us when we need them,' said Foster. 'The promoting of these artists or bands is our way of giving back to Siouxland. We all have our ways to give back -- well this is ours and we want the world to know Siouxland music rocks.'
- from the article, "Lock N' Load radio show forms mutual partnership with local bands", by Christopher Braunschweig in The Sioux City Journal's Weekender


For the purpose of this website, to expose you to music from Iowa, we will be dealing mostly with their YouTube channel and playlists.

But you can check out their interviews here - http://locknloadshow.com/category/episodes/

And you can check out their articles on music artists here - http://locknloadshow.com/category/music/


But if you want to HEAR some local music, mixed with some regional and national acts, then their YouTube channel is the place to go - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp-IspJHXZTnkfVhIHR8pow

Below I have featured only 5 of their many playlists that you can check out on their YouTube channel!


Lock N Load's home page:
http://locknloadshow.com/

Lock N Load's YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp-IspJHXZTnkfVhIHR8pow

Lock N Load's YouTube playlists:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp-IspJHXZTnkfVhIHR8pow/playlists

Lock N Load's episodes:
http://locknloadshow.com/category/episodes/

Lock N Load's articles on music:
http://locknloadshow.com/category/music/

More IMSC posts featuring OTHER SOURCES:
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/Other%20Sources

More IMSC posts featuring other podcasts:
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/other%20podcasts

More IMSC posts featuring YouTube:
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/YouTube

More IMSC posts and podcasts featuring playlists:
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/search/label/playlists


Live In Studio Performances


Some of the Talented Musician's We have Featured


Battle of the Bands 2016


2016 SITP live stream of The Abe Stage


Rock The Halls 2015


Other Lock N Load YouTube playlists:

Summer SolFest 2015 -
https://youtu.be/-R_Vwbgdweg?list=PLDUZXkrKTHk-eZHh0Co0vWJlug3AEpala

Saturday in the Park 2015 -
https://youtu.be/uIE_2DV6bGg?list=PLDUZXkrKTHk8vViS11NfQRhAS5L31wrcF

2015 Cans for the Bands -
https://youtu.be/tRvWYUzKs0E?list=PLDUZXkrKTHk8cVnlJl-riExQleG2ZxUxo

2015 Battle of the Bands -
https://youtu.be/EZ2cSGqS38Y?list=PLDUZXkrKTHk-I-0XRxm4BIwPJQpeXfWlY

6 Rounds of Rock -
https://youtu.be/ezApfOXD6Go?list=PLDUZXkrKTHk-Afkp3EMesrHCz2NJzsUr9


One year ago...
Playlists: "Fake" Iowa Bands!! -
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2016/06/playlists-fake-iowa-bands.html

Two years ago...
Episode 10: Iowa Country Music -
http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/2015/06/episode-10-iowa-country-music.html

Other IMSC websites and links:
Feed:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/IowaMusicShowcase
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Music-Showcase/364796883703114
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/iamusicshowcase
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/iowamusicshowcase

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