2021 Art on the Prairie
Musicians & Schedule
We are so excited to showcase such wonderful Iowa musicians during Art on the Prairie.
All the music is acoustic and unplugged, located in each venue.
All the music is acoustic and unplugged, located in each venue.
About the Musicians:
Bryan Baker
ka-klick
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Werewolves howling for lost love and regret, robots enslaving and destroying humanity, lost love returning in the zombiepocalypse, and more! Bryan has been many kinds of geek in his life, these days he embraces it. He's published seven solo albums and eight singles. The latest album, “Imaginary Thoroughfares” explores well worn paths of whimsy and imagination, released at a time when we couldn’t do much actual travel safely.
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Shannon & Cindi Bryan
Blue Stem
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Shannon Bryan is a guitarist and vocalist from Jamaica, Iowa. His wife Cindi is a vocalist and together they form the duo "Blue Stem." They perform a wide variety of classic rock and country music songs which feature dynamic vocals and acoustic guitar. The duo met through a fellow musician in 2009 and have been making beautiful music together since then. Cindi has been the lead vocalist in several bands in and around Des Moines, and Shannon has played guitar and sung with several bands in and around Perry. They perform regularly in Perry and Des Moines, Iowa.
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John Burns
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In 2019, singer/songwriter John Burns celebrates 43 years as a professional musician. Forty six years ago in 2012, John wrote his first song. Since then, he has written between 3,000 and 5,000 songs, including "The Other Side of Your Heart," released in 1977 by Lisa Gossett on Network Records, "Five Small Towns," from the White Pole Road Self-Guided Tour CD, and "3000 Houses in 300 Days," performed at the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair in San Diego, California. In the mid-1970s, John toured the United States with Baby Lester and the Buggybumpers. Other bands in which he has been a member are Now and Then, Goodnight Dallas, and the Shirts. For the past 12 years, however, John has appeared solo, playing his original songs on piano and guitar in ten states from coast to coast.
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Tim Earp
Facebook: Tim Earps Guitar
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Tim Earp is a guitarist from Des Moines. He plays regularly at Baru 66 and Marlene's, two fine dining establishments in Des Moines. Occasionally, he can also be found at Artisan Gallery 218 in West Des Moines, annually at Art on the Prairie and private events. He performs pre-war blues and acoustic, instrumental versions of the Beatles, Eva Cassidy and other artists. |
Tina & Brandon Findlay
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Passionate partners in love and rhyme, Tina and Brandon have become quite a bluesified force to be reckoned with. Married since January of 2005 and veterans of their popular past bands Lady Blue and Bella Soul, they have enjoyed their numerous appearances on blues stages big and small, and were honored to be the winners of the 2015 Iowa Blues solo/duo Challenge Duo Champions, representing Iowa at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2016. They consider themselves blessed to be able to share such a busy, diverse, challenging, exciting, and fulfilling melodic journey together, The award winning vocals of Tina plus the sought after "guitartistry" of Brandon create a compelling union all their own, in their powerful duo shows or with their blues band, Diva and the Deacons. Celebrating one lovely decade of performing, with more brand new music coming this year, Tina and Brandon continue to be forever grateful for their growing lovable tribe of fans. For them, it is all about inspiration, authenticity, and the thrill of a sweet blues groove. If this is you, then Tina and Brandon are your kindred spirits indeed.
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Joe Gittins
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I live on a wooded acreage north of Perry with my wife and three daughters.
I started playing the guitar when I was thirteen, and started writing songs when I was around 18. Then more seriously began writing songs to my daughters several years later -things I wanted them to know and remember, and have kept writing ever since. Songwriting has become a way for me to process and put my thoughts into words. To ask questions and to sing about some resolutions. I have been inspired by many different genres of music and try to incorporate different sounds but tend to lean on an acoustic folk, pop/rock sound with a little jazz thrown in at times. Just a couple weeks ago I released my first EP “Preface” which was an incredibly fun process to make. I am currently working on a follow up single that I am very excited about. |
Reggie Greenlaw
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I'm a singer/ songwriter/ musician living in Ames, Iowa. Instruments I play include guitar, hammered dulcimer, and mandolin. Performances are at eclectic venues throughout the midwest, including wineries, bars, celebrations, and Renaissance festivals.
It's fun to play in different configurations! Over the years I have performed solo or with several bands including The Blue Moon Players (lots of great friends and musicians including my wife Barbi), Stranger Than Fiction, Green Oaks (with Curt Snook and Steve Huest), and performances with John Richardson. Folk, Americana, Alt-Country, Trad, Bluegrass, Original - performances don't need to be confined to one genre. They should be as original as the audiences for whom I've performed. |
Lincoln Grimes
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I'm Lincoln Grimes and I'm a native Iowan, musician, and songwriter. From my early roots in rock, I discovered sustainable passion and comfort in the dynamics of musical expression. As an acoustic artist, I aim to apply texture to the melody and create balance with the vocal message. My sets are a mix of original pieces and unique versions of other songs. |
Charlie Jacobsen
William Jacobsen
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William has found music to be a universal language. You never know what you are going to hear when he comes to play music. From covers to organic jam sessions... nothing is off limits.
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Marilyn Jerome
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Marilyn enjoys singing an eclectic mix of tunes and gets a kick out of “flipping” an old tune into a more contemporary version. Her style is a fusion of blues, folk, country, and old rock and roll. She covers Tom Petty, Nora Jones, The Who, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, the Marshall Tucker Band, and many others. She enjoys playing at Farmer’s Markets around the Des Moines metro area, coffee houses, small house parties, wineries, and a few larger venues, as well. She has been in a trio that performed for the Christmas Tree Lighting at the DM Science Center, the Corn Dog Kick-off at the Fairgrounds, and this year had the privilege of entertaining thousand of bikers as they passed through Minburn, IA for RAGBRAI. She solos at Palmer's Deli and played for the Tallgrass Theatre this year in her first-ever play. Her favorite “gig” is a weekly show at area nursing homes. She lives in Urbandale with her husband, four children, and several pets.
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Just Cause
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JUST CAUSE is the casual collaboration of Mia Hegarty-Roach (vocals), Scott Buchanan,(guitar, harmonica, vocals), and Todd Herbst-Ulmer (vocals, guitar, mandolin and penny whistle) who perform a wide variety of traditional to contemporary roots and Americana song styles that feature acoustic guitar and vocal harmony, including songs by John Prine, Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson, Doc Watson, The Band, Gregg Brown, Civil Wars, Eva Cassidy, Allison Krauss and many many others.
JUST CAUSE plays just cause we enjoy it. We especially enjoy playing for any worthy just cause as well. So if anyone’s up for some fun or needs to raise some consciousness, just give us a shout. |
Dennis Kain
Dennis Kain, singer/songwriter based in central Iowa, a 2012 Mountain stage new song contestant with 40 years professional music experience.
Release of CD professionally produced by Jerry Yester (Lovin' Spoonful) who has produced Tom Waits, Tim Buckley, Association etc. coming out this fall. Recently finished Rocky Mountain Song school in Lyons Colorado. All original material is very diverse and covers a wide spectrum and very provocative.
Randy McCaulley
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Doc’s background in professional music dates him, having performed keyboards, back-up vocals, and some lead vocals for several week-end rock bands in the 1970’s. While pursuing a 33 year career in education, he did perform as a solo musician for community events, church services, weddings, and funerals. He also performed in a praise band for three years in the early 2000’s.
Now retired, God has led him to pursue a Christian Music Ministry. Since April of 2017, Doc has taken his Christian Music Ministry to more than 30 churches and other venues. Doc also continues to perform popular music from the 1960’s and 1970’s at many community events, such as “Art on the Prairie”. |
Laura McCord
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Playing my hammered dulcimer for others is a source of tremendous joy for me. I first heard the dulcimer at Silver Dollar City when my children were young, and I was determined to figure out how to play that instrument. There were excellent instructors at Augusta in Elkins, West Virginia. During several summer sessions at Augusta, I learned Irish, Appalachian, and worship music. I've enjoyed playing at festivals, in churches, and with groups of friends. Most recently I became a master gardener. The garden has become a great place to play music for backyard weddings. |
Will McKnight
Willie Mac
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Will McKnight is a harmonica player and guitarist living in Madison County, Iowa. His credits include competing in the International Blues Festival on Beale Street in Memphis to performing at local wineries, festivals, and other special events.
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Chris Nichols, Doug Nichols, Brad Kiefer & John Tesdell
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Brad's musical journey began as a child, listening to Wilbur and Nancy Renfrow's bluegrass band play at the Fall Festival in Dallas Center. Too young to stay up late and listen to them jam in the park across the street, he listened through his bedroom window, falling asleep before they were done. Later in life when Brad ran into Wilbur at a bluegrass festival in Newton, Wilbur invited him over for their long-standing tradition of Friday night picking.
Doug's love of music carried over to his sons, Chris and Ben. With a trap set in their kitchen, and guitars and banjos at the ready, the three jammed together throughout the years and eventually formed the band, Pocketful of Nickels. Now they get together with friends to play music. Doug joins Brad for Renfrow's Friday night picking. |
Steve & Sean Parnell
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Steve began playing guitar in 1968, and started writing music the following year.
He has been in many performance groups over the years, most recently performing with Nate Nelson. Steve is one of the founding members of the State Street Band. Steve has also been a worship leader for more than 20 years, and sang barbershop style music for nearly 30 years. He owns BRG Music of Perry with his wife, Liz. They have fostered around 50 children and are in the process of adopting Brailyn, their 7th adoption. We hope you enjoy Steve's unique blend of gospel, contemporary and original music. Contact: [email protected] Phone: 515.210.8880 |
Mary Richards
Mary Richards has been an Iowan since 1969. She has always been active in various aspects of the music community in and around Ames and Story County both as an enthusiastic participant and an avid listener. She says that if she had to give up every activity but one, the “keeper” would be music. She plays her lever harp with the Blue Moon Players of Ames, and has appeared at Art on the Prairie twice previously.
Sara Routh
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Sara is an energetic, Iowa born musician who traveled the world playing in and out of incredible traditional and non-traditional venues.
In 2005, Routh’s song, “Sitting On My Window” had its T.V. debut on WB’s hit show, Everwood. The same song also earned her a win for Best Folk Artist for the Southern California Music Awards in 2006. In 2006 her song “You’re Never Gone” was placed on the compilation album, Sounds of Superman which was released internationally. Sara called Shanghai, China her home in 2008 where she regularly performed at some of the top venues in the city. While in Shanghai, she wrote/composed & directed the children’s musical, “The Circus McGurkus,” which was based off the Dr. Seuss book, “If I Ran The Circus.” After four years in China, Sara returned to Los Angeles to continue her professional music career. June of 2013, Sara’s debut album “Road(s)” was proudly released internationally. She was nominated for Best Pop Album and Best Female Artist for the Los Angeles Music Critic Awards in November 2014. September 2015, Sara released her sophomore record, the E.P. “Black Sheep,” earning her the Los Angeles Music Critic Award for Best Female EP. Routh returned to her home state of Iowa in the spring of 2015, where she took a job as a teaching artist with the Des Moines-based non-profit, City Voices. Sara is also the Director of Programming for the non-profit organization Girls Rock Des Moines. Sara continues to jump into new educational musical adventures whenever they come her way. All while maintaining a positive gigging life and taking time to write new material. |
Rural Accoustic Cooperative
Facebook: Rural Acoustic Coop
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Formed in 2013, the Rural Acoustic Cooperative or R.A.C., features the vocal prowess and inimitable presence of Dave Miller and guitar acrobatics of Pat1ent Zero guitarist Ben Christopher. Their unique approach draws from a vast American musical heritage ranging from blues, country, rock, jazz, and anything else the dynamic duo chooses to play.
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The High Crest
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The High Crest’s style comes from an organic hybrid of multiple genres: folk, rock, roots, blues, bluegrass, country.
Their music is a blend of dueling guitars and powerful harmonies infused with soulful harmonica, resonator guitar and the groove of djembe hand drum. The High Crest pumps out a groovy blend that is distinct and authentic. The roots Americana sound is in essence of Johnny Cash & June Carter, Shovels & Rope, Jason Isabell & Amanda Shires and Brandi Carlile. The songs lead into shared storytelling and invite humor, reflection and camaraderie. Lively performances and impressive musicianship spanning more than a decade are backed by a solid reputation for masterful honest songwriting and professionalism. Always treated to an intimate, one-of-a-kind show, audiences become loyal followers. The High Crest has released their debut self-titled album (2013) and double disc sophomore album, Gone (2014). They have also been featured on the Des Moines Embassy South by Southwest Music Conference (SXSW) CD Sampler and Pedaler’s Jamboree Festival CD Sampler (2014). Kat and Aaron are both regular rotating hosts on the Des Moines radio station KFMG 99.1 and have performed on Iowa Public Radio’s Live from Studio One. The High Crest has also made TV appearances on Des Moines’ morning show, KCWI Great Day. They have performed regionally at 80/35 Music Festival, The Des Moines Arts Festival, Rocket Suzie Music Festival and nationally at Sunfest (OR). They have performed at Folk Alliance International Music Conference (MO). |
