IMSC Ep 55 - Song 7: "Waking Call of the Dead" by Grave Corps

"Grave Corps is a band from Cedar Falls, Iowa. Their unique blend of punk, metal, and rock n' roll with a horror movie twist, creates a band that is unlike any other. With a wide range of influences containing The Misfits, Avenged Sevenfold, Kiss, Samhain, Rob Zombie, AFI, Guns N' Roses, Danzig, and Alice Cooper. They thrill audiences with their huge horror anthems and high-energy stage show. Their vision of a post-apocalyptic, monster filled world comes alive on stage with a plethora of face melting, chant worthy songs that keeps the audience singing along throughout the set.

"Grave Corps originally began in October 2007 and quickly became one of the bigger bands in the state of Iowa. Their diverse influences allowed them to share the stage with national acts such as the L.A. Guns, Britny Fox, Faster Pussycat, Steven Adler of Guns N' Roses, Michale Graves of the Misfits, Wednesday 13, The AKA’s, Saves the Day, Alkaline Trio, Dope, Soil, Powerman 5000, and Creature Feature. After hundreds of shows all over the Midwest, the band was signed to Crypt Of Blood Records out of New Jersey. The band released their debut album, "Blood Soaked Serenade", to a lot of buzz. The physical release of the album sold out quickly, and the online plays topped 40,000. Throughout this era, they went through various line up changes. They finally decided to let the beast rest in November 2009, until the time was right to resurrect the Corps with the right people in place. Well that time is now.

"The band consists of Arly Von, lead vocalist, and the ultimate front man. Arly's voice is melodic, yet gritty. His ability to command a crowd is unlike any other. He is truly the voice of a new generation. The ratty, raw, punk rock bass lines of Kodie Krypt, along with the precise, yet hard hitting, stick trick drumming of JJ Priest make the unique rhythm section that is the pulse of Grave Corps. On guitars are Scott A.D. and Christ LaViene. Scott delivers a rapid-fire, solid punk rhythm that can't be matched while the melodic licks, shredding leads, and memorable solos of Christ add the perfect amount of sleaze to the songs.

"With the fresh blood pumping life back into Grave Corps the band has set out to regain it's throne. They have all new songs (although you might hear a couple classics from time to time) and are working on a bigger then ever stage show to match the music. That's not to say they're not willing to play some down and dirty in your face rock shows as well. The time has come for them to bring their Horror anthems back to the masses. Are you ready?"
- from their Facebook page

"After the clouds have cleared, and the chilling sound of silence and death falls on the city of Cedar Falls, the middle of nowhere, Iowa, six silohettes of soulless creatures of the night assembled. And formed an unstoppable army of the un-dead known simply as GRAVE CORPS. Their mission is to play shows to amass a trail of death to feed there undying blood lust and add to the ever growing army of the damned, known simply as “Grave Slaves", who have no choice, but to follow there masters feeding on the flesh and brains of the living. Together on a never ending quest to take over this world, city by city! Fronted by Corey Corpse, the blood soaked re-animated demon seed. His haunting presence, and raw blood curdling vokillz entice the victims before the slaughter. Scott A.D. provides the deadly, driving rhythm to lead the kill machine to their untimely demise. Kodie Krypt’s low end signals lull the masses into a false sense of security before the slaughter. Arly Von screaming leads offer a foresight to your demise. Erich Allen Poe offers a lovely taste of heaven from the keys right before a signing your ticket to hell. Daniel DeKay pounds the rhythm of the war drums, aiding the band with deadly beats to make you feel your chest cave in right before your heart explodes. They are on a mission to create an army of the un-dead to join us on our blood lust that wont be fulfilled until the world knows the haunting presence that is Grave Corps."
- from their entry on the Vampire Freaks website

Lineup:
Arly Von - Vokillz
Christ LaViene - Lead Guitar
Scott A.D. - Rhythm Guitar
Kodie Krypt - Bass
JJ Wolf - Drums

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

ReberbNation:
https://www.reverbnation.com/gravecorps

To download the whole podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode55/Iowa+Music+Showcase+-+Episode+55_.mp3

IMSC Ep 51 - Song 5: "Shutup" by Gutshot Chayce

"Beat making since 2013"
- from his Facebook page

"Beatmaker from Iowa. Hip Hop. Some video edits. Producer of (gsc) x ozy. Bot hater. Cassette lover. DIY everything."
- from his Twitter page

"Beatmaker from Iowa. HMU if you're a producer tryna collab!

Sp-404sx, sp505, Arturia MicroBrute, Cassette! Vinyl, VHS, Homemade percussion, Micro-cassette, Ableton Live."
- from his SoundCloud page

Lineup:
Gutshot Chayce - instruments, programming, etc
Shut Up - vocals

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

BandCamp:
https://gutshotchayce.bandcamp.com/

SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/gutshotchayce

Shut Up on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/shutupbandia/

To download the podcast, click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode51/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2051_.mp3

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 45 - Song 1: "Arc Welded" by Bob Dorr and The Blue Band

"I’m a little late to the party here, but I’ve just got to say it: Bob Dorr, Iowa Public Radio’s voice of blues and rock for the past 4+ decades — and the leader of Iowa’s beloved The Blue Band — is a state treasure.

"You’d expect someone with a voice that good — whether he’s singing the blues or growling his signature “This is Bob Dorr, driving the blues bus down Blue Avenue” into his studio microphone — to act a bit like the rock star he is.

"You’d be wrong."
- from a Dan Weeks article in The Iowan

"2015 finds Bob Dorr & The Blue Band celebrating their 34th anniversary. Beginning June 10, 1981, the band has averaged playing around 100 dates a year for its 30+ year existence, resulting in a multi generational, dedicated fan base, and making them one of Iowa’s most revered, storied, and requested bands. Kansas City music writer Paul Taylor says "If you wanted to furnish your own nightclub, you would want The Blue Band. They are like one of those gleaming bright white appliances that you oohh and ahh over, and when you open the doors, all the best features you ever wanted come spilling out." Mississippi Valley Blues Society Director Karen McFarland says "...the best damn rockin’ soul dance band in the heartland." Originally called "Bobby’s Blue Band" (an obvious tongue-in-cheek play on blues icon Bobby Blue Bland), The Blue Band is a 5-7 piece group whose sound can only be described as The blues/soul/rockabilly/reggae/creole/rhythm Band! The band can play nearly three hours of original music or another three hours of popular covers, done in Blue Band fashion. A typical night mixes originals and covers plus a few requests.

"These days The Blue Band has evolved into a veritable Iowa All-Star collection of regular and alumni players, spearheaded by founding members Bob Dorr with his unmistakable lead vocals (Dorr can also be credited with a 40+ year career on Iowa Public Radio) and Jeff Petersen on his 1968 Gibson Flying V guitar, lap steel guitar, vocals, and song writing. Two drummers split time on the Blue drum chair. Longtime eastern Iowa drum legend Steve "The Chief" Hayes has been part of the group since 2003, longtime Cedar Falls drummer John Rohlf (Johnny Metro) joined the drum team in December of 2011. "Uncle" Al Naylor brought his renowned trumpet chops to the Blue horn section in 2008. The "new guy" is bass player Doug Norton, who joined the group in 2013. It’s not unusual to catch a number of "Blue Alumni" also playing with the band on any given night including guitarists Ron DeWitte and Bryce Janey and sax men Nathan Peoples, Tom Barry, Bob Thompson, Heath Alan and Jerry Peoples. Iowa Blues and Jazz Hall of Famers Sam Salomone and Tommy "T-Bone" Giblin often lend their talents on keyboards. The band generally travels within a 300-mile area of their home base in Eastern Iowa which includes Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, and Chicago, performing at live music venues, summer festivals, and private functions. The band also has had regular appearances in Summit County and Denver, Colorado, and has performed at Bluestock International Convention & Festival in Memphis, Tennessee and Sun Valley ski resort in Idaho. Bob Dorr &The Blue Band-STILL rockin’ your soul after all these years. Be part of the show some night soon!"
- from their home page

"Kansas City music writer Paul Taylor says, 'If you wanted to furnish your own nightclub, you would want The Blue Band. They are like one of those gleaming bright white appliances that you oohh and ahh over, and when you open the doors, all the best features you ever wanted come spilling out.' Mississippi Valley Blues Society Director Karen McFarland says '...the best damn rockin' soul dance band in the heartland.' Originally called 'Bobby's Blue Band' (an obvious tongue-in-cheek play on blues icon Bobby "Blue" Bland), The Blue Band is a 5-7 piece group whose sound can only be described as 'The blues/soul/rockabilly/reggae/creole/rhythm Band!' The band can play nearly three hours of original music or another three hours of popular covers, done in Blue Band fashion. A typical night mixes originals and covers plus a few requests."
- from an article in The Chronicle Times

"It’s the band that’s been his baby, however, and it’s hard to let go.

“'I don’t have children, and essentially, The Blue Band has been my only child since I was 29 years old,' he said. 'This has been kind of an emotional roller coaster already, and I’ll bet it will just magnify itself as it goes along.

“'The Blue Band literally has given me a sense of purpose, and I think all humans need a sense of purpose in order to maintain some kind of sanity and reason to get up in the morning. So from that standpoint, I’m a little anxious as to what’s next,' he said.

"The last State Fair gig, the last Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival gig — the last this and the last that — were too hard to contemplate last year. But he’s steeling himself for these moments as the band goes on its last tour this spring and summer.

“'This gives me an opportunity to actually live in the moment for all of these ongoing Blue Band gigs,' he said."
- from the Diana Nollen article, "Blue Band sings its last goodbye", on the Gazette website

“"It’s fantastic to be recognized by people that do the same thing that you do,' Dorr says. 'To persevere through all the BS to where people recognize and honor your perseverance — that was really, really special.'

"Since 1981 Jeff Petersen has been The Blue Band’s guitarist (Dorr is the lead singer and harmonica player). Peterson first knew Dorr as 'that mysterious voice coming through the radio.' Since then he has come to know Dorr as a complex personality, a fair businessman, and a loyal friend. Petersen says Dorr’s relationship with music is a sacred union.

“'Anything to keep the blues alive, he’d be up for it,' Petersen says. 'He loves music. It’s the paramount thing in his life.'"
- from an article on the Intertnational Regional Magazines Association website

Lineup:
Bob Dorr - vocals, zydeco tie, harp
Jeff Petersen - guitar, vocals
Doug Norton - bass, vocals
John Rohlf - drums
Nolan Schroeder - tenor saxophone
Brian Crew - trombone
Cathy Henry - vocals

Home page:
https://theblueband.com/

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/bobdorrandtheblueband/

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode45/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2045_.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2016, Arc Welded (song), blues, Blues and Blues Rock, Bob Dorr, Bob Dorr and The Blue Band,Brian Crew, Cedar Falls, Cedar Falls area, Doug Norton, Ep 045, Jeff Petersen, John Rohlf, Nolan Schroeder

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 21 - Song 6: "Here on Christmas" by The Dennis Wayne Gang

The Dennis Wayne Gang not only brings the great cover music you want in a premium live band but also brings the balance of talent and a social media awareness. The energetic Southern Rock Country band that keeps you actively moving and celebrating while creating the atmosphere for good times. Find the latest in modern and classical country rock, plus rock & roll performances that keep the temp going, slow song ballads for dancing and overall music and fun.
- from their Facebook page

The Dennis Wayne Gang is unique mix of musicians that play both cover and original music that spans from the most recent popular rock to some high paced country. Adding in 15 yr old Savannah Jane DeGroote creates yet another dimension to the groups broad flavor for the fans of DWG.
- from their ReverbNation page

Lineup:
Dennis Halverson - lead vocals, guitar
Elvin Johnson - lead guitar, vocals
Brandon Mills - bass, vocals
Mike Linsey - drums
Savannah Jane DeGroote - guest vocals

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Dennis-Wayne-Gang-401925457817/

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

IMSC Ep 9 - Song 2: "Alternate Title" by The University of Northern Iowa Jazz Band One (dir. Chris Merz)

"Chris Merz, Associate Professor of Music, has served as Director of Jazz Studies and Director of the award-winning UNI Jazz Band One at the University of Northern Iowa since 2002. Under his direction, the band has recorded eight CDs featuring many original compositions and arrangements by student and faculty writers.

"He has also taught at the University of Wyoming, the University of Massachusetts, and the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa. Chris has toured four continents with Dave Brubeck and other members of the Brubeck family and played lead alto saxophone with several East Coast groups, including the Cecil Bridgewater Big Band, the New England Jazz Ensemble, and the Jeff Holmes Big Band. His own projects include Equilateral and the X-tet, a 12-piece big band. "Chris has several compact disc recordings to his credit, including a collaboration with Bob Washut (Gemini), two discs with Equilateral (...And Another Thing and Also Not Pictured...) and one with the X-tet (Mystery is My Story). About that disc, Dave Brubeck wrote,

"I am very pleased with this wonderful band. Naturally, I would admire a group like yours that, to me, is a grand extension of what we were doing...when we were the "new thing"." He has received commissions from university and high school jazz ensembles throughout the country and has several compositions and arrangements published by Walrus Music Publishing (Pismo Beach, CA) and the UNC Jazz Press (Greeley,CO). He is a highly sought-after clinician and guest conductor."
- from Chris Merz's University of Northern Iowa page

Lineup:
Chris Merz - director
Cory Schmitt - trumpet, flugelhorn
Antonio Garza - trumpet, flugelhorn
Faith Hall - trumpet, flugelhorn
Toni Hoffman - trumpet, flugelhorn
Leah Schmidt - trumpet, flugelhorn
Gabe Scheid - saxophones, woodwinds
Marian Marturello - saxophones, woodwinds
Nolan Schroeder - saxophones, woodwinds
Nathan Temeyer - saxophones, woodwinds
Madeline Young - saxophones, woodwinds
Brian Crew - trombone
Jake Humburg - trombone
Brian Martin - trombone
Zach Gignac - bass trombone
Aaron Ottmar - vibraphone
Patrick Daugherty - guitar
Jon Snell - piano, electronic keyboard
Joel Conrad - acoustic, electric bass
Nic Addella - drums

Christopher Merz's Univeristy of Northern Iowa page:
http://www.uni.edu/music/christopher-merz

University of Northern Iowa Jazz Band One Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/UNIJBO

Ep 9 - Song 4: "Mrs B" by Bob Washut Trio

"Dr. Robert Washut is Professor of Music at the University of Northern Iowa, where he served as Director of Jazz Studies from 1980 - 2002. An accomplished jazz composer and arranger, Washut has received numerous commissions from collegiate jazz ensembles, professional jazz artists, and symphony orchestras. Many of his works are published by the UNC Jazz Press (Greeley, CO), Walrus Music Publishing (Pismo Beach, CA), C.L. Barnhouse (Oskaloosa, IA), and Heritage JazzWorks (Lorenz Corp - Dayton, OH).

"During his 22 years as director of the award-winning UNI Jazz Band One, Washut recorded 11 CDs (two of which earned 5-star ratings from DownBeat magazine), toured Europe three times, consistently received "Outstanding Band" recognition at collegiate jazz festivals throughout the Midwest, and was awarded three "Outstanding Performance" citations in DownBeat's Annual Student Music Awards.

"He is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the country and is an active jazz pianist, who founded the Latin jazz band, Orquesta Alto Maiz. He recorded and released a jazz trio CD entitled Songbook (Sea Breeze Jaz: SB-3036) in 1999. Washut was inducted into the Iowa IAJE Hall of Fame in 2003 and was selected as Outstanding Teacher at UNI in 1996."
- from The University of Northern Iowa page

Lineup:
Piano - Bob Washut
Bass - Mark Urness
Drums - Kevin Hart

University of Northern Iowa page: http://www.uni.edu/music/robert-washut