This originally started out as a blog to provide more details about the music on Iowa Music Showcase.. But now it also features tags that have to do more with the individual artists and bands.
"Singing 1st tenor and playing bass, Tommy grew up in Aurora, Colorado. His musical journey began in the 3rd grade, singing in a children’s chorus, and studying piano and drums. Tommy’s love for music lead him to Phil Mattson’s prestigious School for Music Vocations in Creston, Iowa. He then graduated from the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts in 2012, where he studied with Dominique Eade and Ran Blake. Boynton continued to share his love and passion for music by returning to SMV where he taught for the three years until he joined the Freshmen. Tommy has shared the stage with several Grammy nominated musicians, including jazz pianist Fred Hersch, and critically acclaimed jazz vocalist Kate McGarry. He is an avid soccer player and cyclist and has toured across the midwest and around the Pacific Northwest on his bicycle, and believes there is no better way to explore an area or the world than on a bicycle. He currently resides in Des Moines, IA. While on the road, he misses his kitties, Alice and Little Brother, more than anything."
- from the Four Freshman website
"Robert Espe currently plays violin full-time with Des Moines Symphony as well as the wcfsymphony. He is a member of the Metro Chamber Ensemble and a regular sub with Quartet 515. He plays with several area ensembles ranging from folk and rock to klezmer and tango and is an experienced pit orchestra musician.
Robert grew up in Independence, IA and began his violin studies at the age of three with the UNI Suzuki School in Cedar Falls, IA. He was briefly concertmaster of the UNI Symphony Orchestra during his undergraduate studies, before earning a B.S. in Bioinformatics, Minor in Music in 2011.
In addition to his work as a violinist, he is also a professional freelance saxophonist, regularly appearing with Turner Center Jazz Ensemble and the Des Moines Big Band, and is an on-call sideman for local and visiting artists at Des Moines’ jazz cabaret, Noce. He is also a semi-regular horn section member of the Colorado-based, modern funk, roots, and vintage soul band Euforquestra. He has also performed with numerous musical icons including pop superstar Katy Perry and Motown legends The Temptations. As a mandolinist, he is a founding member of Choro Moingona, Des Moines’ premier choro ensemble."
- from his entry on the Des Moines Symphony website
Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube page: "NOCE JAZZ CABARET PRESENTED A JAZZ ON THE HOUSE EVENT FEATURING TOMMY BOYNTON, PIANO AND VOCALS (MEMBER OF FOUR FRESHMAN GROUP), AND ROBERT ESPE ON TENOR SAXOPHONE IN A VARIED CONCERT OF BALLADS."
This is just another in our long series of playlists. And like the name says, this one features the latest music by Iowa artists that I could find on Bandcamp. It features a blend of experimental, metal, instrumental, and electronic music, with a punk tune as well!
"Since 1994 Paul Bridson has played lead and solo jazz trombone with The Des Moines Big Band, and since 2011 he has been the business manager and lead trombonist of the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra. He is a teaching artist with Drake University, and is available for clinics, casuals, commercial and pit orchestra work anywhere within driving distance. He is also the co-founder of Synergy Jazz Foundation, which brings Aebersold clinicians to central Iowa students and provides assistance to students wishing to attend summer jazz camps.
"Paul studied trombone at Truman State University under Dr. Roger Cody and at the University of Iowa under the incredible George Krem. While attending the U of I, he performed at the Montreaux Jazz Festival with the Johnson County Landmark band under direction of Dan Yoder. He spent four years in Austin, TX playing the Jazz chair in the Non-Ego Big Band and playing bass for numerous Texas Swing bands on famous Sixth Street. His credits include Jimmy Dorsey, Sarah Vaughn, Red Skelton, The Lawrence Welk Orchestra, Wayne Newton, The Temptations, Frankie Valli, 10,000 Maniacs and numerous touring productions."
- from Paul Bridson's profile on the Des Moines Musicians Association website
Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube page: "TROMBONIST PAUL BRIDSON AND PIANIST JASON DANIELSON COMBINED TO PRESENT A PROGRAM OF BALLADS AND JAZZ STANDARDS TO THE THURSDAY NIGHT JAZZ ON THE HOUSE SERIES AT NOCE JAZZ CABARET 1/3/19. THE VIDEO HERE IS OF THE FIRST SET OF THE EVENING."
"Molly Brandt Band is eponymously named for its leader, Molly Brandt. You knew that though... Playing a classic mix of R&B, soul, blues, and jazz. Sources of Inspiration include the likes of Lake Street Dive, Etta James, Nancy Wilson, and Nina Simone...
"Molly Brandt lives and works in Des Moines as a jazz and R&B musician, piano educator, and arts advocate. A recent graduate of Drake University's Music Business program, Molly has found passion and fulfillment through community engagement with the arts and a deep love for the city of Des Moines.
"Since graduating, Molly has primarily worked with the Des Moines Music Coalition as the Advocacy Coordinator, with a goal of changing city ordinances to better serve music venues, musicians, and the overall city. Additionally, she has engaged in research with Drake University to help implement goals of Bravo's Regional Cultural Assessment and gauge challenges and needs for a robust creative economy in Des Moines. She currently teaches piano for all ages and levels. Molly serves on the Board of Directors for Civic Music Association and volunteers time with the 80/35 music festival. Then she sees as much live music as possible and explores the city she loves."
- from their Facebook page
Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "THE MOLLY BRANDT BAND PERFORMED AT NOCE JAZZ CABARET ON 5/24/18 BEFORE A CAPACITY AUDIENCE "ON THE HOUSE NIGHT". THE VERY TALENTED MOLLY ON VOCALS, KEYS & PIANO. SHE WAS SUPPORTED BY CHRIS WALSH ON BASS, JOSH GORMAN ON GUITAR, ANDREW GRJERSVIK ON DRUMS, TIM ZUO ON ALTO SAX, AND ERIC BROWN ON TRUMPET."
"The Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center (CJC) was founded in the 1980's with the help of many people, including Scott Davis, Dave Koberdahl, Larry Green, Cecil Stanley, and Phillis Leaverton. As a part of the CJC's outreach efforts, the CJC Big Band was formed in order to travel and perform at the IAJE festival in New Orleans in the late 1980's.
"The CJC Big Band lost a consistent presence until 1993, when Mr. Doug Bown, at the suggestion of Larry Green, worked to start the CJC Big Band up again. Doug Bown was the part time assistant band director at Hoover High School and arranged for the band to rehearse at the school and make use of Hoover High School's music library to get started. Performing a variety of music, notably arrangements of Woody Herman and Count Basie music, the CJC Big Band began rehearsing and performed for a few high school events. Notable pianist Jason Danielson was a Hoover student and with the CJC Big Band during that year or two that Doug Bown led the band.
"Phillis Leaverton, who at the time oversaw the student jam sessions at Java Joes, arranged to have the CJC Big Band play on the third Sundays at the downtown location of Java Joe's. At the time, there was no Fourth Street Theater so the band had to squeeze onto the little stage in the coffee shop. Doug Bown assembled and directed the band for a year or two and then handed it over to Chris Paulson who played drums and directed band at East High School at the time.
"Since the mid 90's the group has been led by a number of musicians, including: Doug Bown, John Kendeigh, Frank IacovazziI, Bob Start, etc."
- from the CJC Big Band home page
Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "THE CJC BIG BAND, WITH VOCALISTS AMBER DUIMSTRA, CRAIG IRVIN, AND BOB SIMMONS, PRESENTED THEIR SPRING FINALE PERFORMANCE TILL NEXT FALL BEFORE AN ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE OF FANS....NINETEEN SONGS WERE ON THE PLAYLIST."
"The NOLA Jazz Band began playing together for an initial gig at The Basement of The Des Moines Social Club March, 2015. It became so popular it is now an ongoing event. Since then band has taken the midwest by storm in a little over a years time.
"The bands monthly 'New Orleans Jazz Party' occurs every First Friday of the month at 'The Basement' playing to packed and many times sold out shows. Starting in 2017 the band will also be playing regularly at "NOCE" Des Moines new jazz and blues club. All band members have a common love for the sound and 'feel' of both traditional and current New Orleans based music – real, gutsy, raw, heartfelt, and entertaining.
"The NOLA Jazz Band has played alongside a number of well-known traditional jazz and music groups including Davina & The Vagabonds from Minneapolis, Sony recording artist Bria Skonberg from New York City, and Dom Flemons of The Carolina Chocolate Drops.
"Individual band members have shared the stage with Vincent Gardner, Maynard Ferguson, Benny Goodman, Kurt Elling, and many other well know jazz artists. NOLA Jazz Band members have also been inducted into the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."
- from their home page
Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "THE NOLA JAZZ BAND PERFORMED AT NOCE JAZZ CABARET THIS EVENING ON 4/27/18 BEFORE AN ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE. ABBIE SAWYER DELIVERED HER SMOOTH VOCALS TO THE DELIGHT OF EVERYONE IN ATTENDENCE."
"More than thirty local and reigonal musicians have joined Tina and Brandon (Findlay) on their musical journey over the last four-plus years, including international award-winning bassist Scot Sutherland, renowed artist-educator Dr. Damani Phillips, percussionist/clinician Paul Thompson, and many more close friends.
"Blues, rock and soul meets jazz, jam and gospel- with theatre, jingles, ragtime and whatever the heck we feel like throwing in!"
- from the Diva and the Deacons Facebook page
Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "TINA HAASE FINDLAY PERFORMED HER TRIBUTE TO ELLA FITZGERALD COMEMORATING ELLA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY AT NOCE JAZZ CABARET BEFORE A NEAR CAPACITY AUDIENCE.SUPPORTED BY HER BAND WHICH INCLUDED HUSBAND BRANDON FINDLAY ON GUITAR."
"The Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble keeps audiences entertained with a variety of swingin' tunes! The ensemble consists of 16 amazing musicians that perform at several venues throughout the year in Central Iowa including coffee shops, farmer's markets, retirement communities, corporate events, fundraisers and more."
- from an old event listed on Tockify.com
Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: BEAVER CREEK JAZZ ENSEMBLE PRESENTED THEIR SPRING CONCERT AT UNION PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON 4/12/18. DENI BASH HOFFMAN WAS THE FEATURED VOCALIST. JAZZ STANDARDS FROM GOODMAN, ELLINGTON, & SHAW WERE HIGHLIGHTED."
"Founded in 2005, the BALLYHOO FOXTROT ORCHESTRA is a vintage ensemble dedicated to recreating the jazz and popular music of the 1910s and 1920s. The eight-piece ensemble employs an instrumentation that enables the group to perform a wide variety of musical genres from the period, including foxtrots, Dixieland jazz, blues, novelty songs, waltzes, tangos, cabaret, patriotic songs, and light classical music. So whether the occasion calls for the Art Deco elegance of the Great Gatsby or the zany exuberance of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, the BALLYHOO FOXTROT ORCHESTRA can supply just the right music."
- from their home page
Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "THE FOXTROT HOT SHOTS qt NOCE JAZZ CABARET on 3/30/18. THIS PREMIER NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS THE FINEST MUSICIANS IN AN INTIMATE SETTING WITH ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCES. Musicians include John Benoit, leader on piano; Scott Davis on cornet; Seth Hedquist on banjo: Mike Short on tuba, and Drew Selim on drums. Gina Gedler handled vocals. SWING DANCERS from WWW.STEPINTOSWING.COM."
The first episode of the iHearIC Radio Show. Featuring music by Kent Williams, Vero Rose Smith, JCÏŸjp, Kenken Gorder, Joe Sorensen, and the Marco Cacho Trio.
"The (Community Jazz Center) was formed by Willie Thomas, a nationally known trumpet player, in March of 1988. It's mission was to provide young musicians an opportunity to interact and share their gifted talents with area students. Since the departure of Mr. Thomas, the CJC has thrived under the leadership of Phyllis Leaverton. Long-time volunteer, Abe Goldstien took over the reins of the CJC in August 2017 and has many new and exciting plans for the future of CJC!
"The main objective of the CJC is to provide young musicians an opportunity to develop their talents and enjoy music in a non-competitive environment. The structured monthly jam sessions are beneficial in this way - to both student musicians and professional musicians alike."
- from The Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center website
Jazzman Joe from the video's YouTube page: "JAVA JOE'S COFFEEHOUSE, 214 FOURTH STREET IN DES MOINES, IOWA, WAS THE SITE FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL SINGERS SUMMIT. VARIOUS VOCALIST FROM THE METRO ENTERTAINED, ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMUNITY JAZZ CENTER BIG BAND."
"This newly-formed 10-piece hot dance band plays the great music of the 20's and 30's. Their arrangements allow for the musicians to take their own solos or play the solo like it was played on the original recording.
"The group is available for jazz festivals, tours, or anything else you would think we'd enjoy performing at."
- from their Facebook page
"Hi! I'm Gina Gedler and I am a regular to the Des Moines entertainment scene and have been performing for many years.
"I was born in Newton, Iowa and my family moved to Arizona shortly after I was born. Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved to sing and act up! (My mom and dad always said that I entered this world screaming! Come to think of it, that may have been my first singing debut!) Because I had no opportunity for lessons; I grew up listening to records, watching old movies, teaching myself the different styles of music, and the ins and outs of singing and acting.
"In Arizona I became very involved, during my academic years, in Drama and Music.
"I returned to Des Moines, Iowa during the spring break of my Junior year of High School. That was tough! But I immediately became involved in the music and drama department to meet new people. And that I did! After meeting the love of my life Mike, in my senior year of High School, we married a year after graduating High School and within our first 5 years of marriage we were blessed with our wonderful son, Brandon!
"In Des Moines I have been heavily involved in music and stage. With hard work I have had the privilege and honor of appearing in numerous musicals on stage and many various professional acts throughout the state and outside of the state as well.
"For the past several years, I have been enjoying singing in Des Moines as well as outside of the metro area, with my small combo of musicians, for company parties/celebrations and in various restaurant and lounge venues. I am also the lead vocalist with the Ballyhoo Foxtrot Combo and the Soya Vista Jazz Orchestra as well as a guest lead vocalist for several other local bands.
"I am a singer as well as an entertainer. I pride myself on truly enjoying and delivering what I am singing. I am very versatile with my music styling and offerings. I think a combination of those things is what helps make me unique. One minute I could be singing a standard, or something soft and jazzy, and then break into an upbeat number from the 70's! You just never know what will happen. I love the excitement and emotion that comes from producing all kinds music.
"Helping people smile, laugh, and feel through music is what I LOVE!
"The SOYA VISTA JAZZ ORCHESTRA is an eight-piece ensemble that specializes in the swinging, lounge-inspired jazz of the 1950s and 1960s. The band's repertoire features songs popularized by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday, Henry Mancini, and Antonio Carlos Jobim. The music is smooth, sophisticated, and hip. Just the thing to appeal to the Jet Set."
- from the Soya Vista Jazz Orchestra home page
From Jazzman Joe's YouTube page: THE SOYA VISTA ORCHESTRA WITH GINA GEDLER PERFORMED
@DESMOINES PREMIER NIGHTSPOT ,NOCE JAZZ CABARET THIS EVENING. LED BY JOHN BENOIT, TROMBONE ,THE MUSICIANS INCLUDED,DAVE SHARP, TENOR SX & FLUTE,JIM ROMAINE,BARATONE & ALTO SX;JIM BOVINETTE,TRUMPET & PFLUGEL HORN;JAMIE PAULSEN,PIANO,DAVE ALTMEIER,STICK BASS AND DREW ON DRUMS. GINA EXCELLED ON VOCALS.
For this installment, we present a holiday show featuring Max Wellman and Tina Findlay Haase.
"Whether it is at Chicago’s stunning Drake Hotel or the historic Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, vocalist Max Wellman is enticing music lovers throughout the region. With a sound evoking the likes of Sinatra & Connick, Wellman’s recordings & performances promise that the Great American Songbook is alive & well for a new generation of listeners.
When Wellman teams up with his jazz trio or his Big Band, it’s an opportunity to witness his talent on a grand scale. Concerts like his annual ‘Home for the Holidays’ have become a cherished treasure throughout the region."
- from Max Wellman's Facebook page
"Tina Haase Findlay and Brandon Findlay are bella soul. As a modular group, the duo expands with members of their diverse musical family, including international award-winning bassist Scot Sutherland and reknowned artist-educator Dr. Damani Phillips, among more than two dozen local and regional artists who regularly join on stage and in studio.
"As a duo, trio, quintet, or sextet, bella soul is built from a loving devotion to the kaleidoscope of sounds and styles that have naturally raised from the American deltas and heartlands they call home. And as they prepare a new collection of original work, Genesis of the Exodus, the Findlay's and their family are enjoying the blessings of lives filled with great friends, great art, and great love."
- from the Diva and the Deacons Facebook page
"Close your eyes and allow the smooth, confident creations of Paige Harpin to transport you to simpler times.
"With a cool and collected, laid-back swagger seldom seen since the days of the most iconic soul and jazz performers of eras past, Harpin delivers a formula inspired by nothing less than the very best of those times—and likewise, their most powerful modern counterparts (e.g., Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and D'angelo). Backed by a foundation of appropriately self-assured instrumentals, Harpin's arresting vocal prowess is front and center, guiding you through her sonic soundscapes with grace and geniality. There's a relatability and a sense of comforting familiarity felt when absorbing the work of Paige Harpin; something akin to catching up with an old friend or reminiscing on lost loves, more so with fondness than any kind of pain in your heart. It's soothing and nostalgic, self-reflective and ofttimes vulnerable—but most importantly, it's real...
"If you're in need of a respite from the woes of love, life, and everything in between, or if you need to connect with something on a deeper level to feel a surge of life once more, submerge yourself in the depths of Paige Harpin's impassioned offerings.. and feel a revitalized sense of self with a newfound musical adoration resonating within you."
- from their Facebook page
"Raised in Independence, Iowa, Robert Espe began his musical career at the age of three, when his parents enrolled him in Suzuki violin training. Eventually, he would go on to learn piano, saxophone, flute and clarinet before graduating high school. In college, he played lead alto and lead tenor in the University of Northern Iowa's legendary Jazz Band One, and was briefly the concertmaster of the UNI Symphony Orchestra. He eventually graduated from UNI in 2011 with a B.S. in Bioinformatics, and a minor in Music.
"During his tenure at UNI and since, Robert has performed professionally in venues from NYC to Portland. His extensive pedigree includes performing with many Iowa-bred bands such as Lick It Ticket, Euforquestra, The Uniphonics, Bob Dorr and the Blue Band, Big Funk Guarantee, and Checker and the Bluetones, and ensembles such as the Des Moines Symphony and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, Orchestra Iowa, Wartburg Symphony, Jim McDonough's Holiday Grande, and Theatre Cedar Rapids. As an educator, he directed the Independence Jazz Band from Independence High School during the '09-'10 jazz season, and has been a counselor for jazz camps at IHS, UNI, and Simpson College He also works with local schools and students as an instructor and advisor."
- from his home page
"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
