2023 Art on the Prairie
Music 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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n 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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Emery Case
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Emery Case discovered his love of music at a young age, and has spent the resulting years expanding his passion at the piano. He enjoys playing modern classical songs, and has released several covers of songs by Ludovico Einaudi on his YouTube channel, Ridgeline Rambles.
When he’s not glued to the piano working on new pieces and practicing old ones, he can be found crafting Lo-Fi compilations, needle felting, and scouring creeks for agates and artifacts. He lives along the Raccoon River Valley with his family and an usually large collection of succulents. |
Day
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Day is an up-and-coming artist who enjoys featuring her Tennessee roots and storytelling through rich and expressive vocals. Day's previous season included performances at The World Food and Music Festival, Iowa State Fair, Des Moines Lantern Festival, LunaFest, American Gothic Festival, and the DSM Festival of Trees and Lights! |
Joel DuVall
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Joel DuVall may be new to the area but he’s not new to music. At age 3 he began playing drums and performed live for the first time at age 10. He was very active in school bands. As an adult he learned to play acoustic rhythm guitar and immediately began writing his own music. Joel has been a member of numerous bands throughout the years playing both drums and rhythm guitar along with lead and backup vocals. Now after 47 years of playing and 40 years of performing, he’s taking a break from his current band Out of Options and performing some solo shows. He’s a rocker at heart but he describes his own music style as classic americana folk rock with hints of blues and funk. It’s always been his passion to perform music.
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Tim Earp
Facebook: Tim Earps Guitar
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Tim is a guitarist from Des Moines. He has been playing his guitar in restaurants, art galleries, private events and Art on the Prairie for years. He performs pre-war blues and acoustic, instrumental versions of the Beatles, Clapton, Eva Cassidy and other artists. It’s relaxing and comfortable. Need to wind down? Stop by for a few minutes. |
Andy Fleming
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For over 20 years now Andy Fleming has fronted one of the longest running Roots-Rock Americana bands in Iowa, Brother Trucker. In 2016, Fleming started his first ever side project with Matt Cullen (The Sighs/Ware River Club/Stutter Jimmy & The Goosebumps) and journeyman Dave Dewey Ford on vocals and mandolin billed as Andy Fleming & The Sweet Nothings. AF and The Sweet Nothings are currently working on their debut album. 2018 saw Brother Trucker release their 5th album entitled “5”. Between the two different ensembles the focus remains on Fleming’s gritty stories and character’s brought to life in 3 chord cinematic miniatures. This will be Andy’s 5th appearance at Art On The Prairie.
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Jennifer Garman
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. |
Steffen Heins
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Steffen Heins plays and creates down home music from a country boy still longing for those carefree, easy days of living in great outdoor spaces. But don't expect the music to be all 'twang. Be ready for some popular folk, acoustic blues, hints of bluegrass, and an occasional gospel. This is American roots music.. Americana... and truly, acoustic music from the heartland. Steffen has been performing live since 1992 in coffeehouses, festivals, fairs and other public appearances throughout the state of Iowa; including a 6 month music adventure to Portland, Oregon in 1995. In 1994, Steffen released his first album, On & On, featuring the songs "Little Love of Mine", "Spiders Web", and "Lady November". In 1997, the Jenni Rain album was released featuring the hit title track "Jenni Rain", "Too Poor To Be Famous", and "Who was the King". Currently, Steffen continues to perform both solo and with an Iowa local-favorite band, the Home Grown Tomatoes.
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Marilyn Jerome & Hannah JonesShe can be reached at [email protected] for booking.
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Marilyn Jerome was the lead vocalist in a Top-40 band in Kansas City for eight years before moving to the great state of Iowa. She currently fronts a local band, “Saints and Sinners” with vocals and guitar; she plays solo for house-parties, weddings, outdoor concerts, wineries, farmer’s markets, country clubs, and several local charities in the Des Moines metro area. Since 2012, she has had the privilege to perform at the annual Corndog Kick-off (the primary fund-raiser for the Iowa State Fair), RAGRAI stops, the Science Center’s Holiday Tree Lighting event, and Art on the Prairie, and other venues. Her band will be playing at Revelton (Osceola) a few times a year in 2023-24.
She holds a master’s degree in counseling and currently teaches college courses in psychology. Marilyn lives in Urbandale with her husband. If you enjoy folk music, old country, and a twist on an old favorite rock tune, you’ll enjoy listening to the music Marilyn creates. |
Hannah Jerome Jones is a wife, an army veteran, and an avid lover of music. She’s been singing since she’s had a voice and been playing the drums ever since her parents made the
mistake of buying her a drum set at a young age. By day, she is a Producer for a Catholic film company in Chicago, and by night she jams with the Des Moines band, Saints and Sinners. This is her first year playing at Art on the Prairie. She’s brought her electric ukulele for the special
occasion.
mistake of buying her a drum set at a young age. By day, she is a Producer for a Catholic film company in Chicago, and by night she jams with the Des Moines band, Saints and Sinners. This is her first year playing at Art on the Prairie. She’s brought her electric ukulele for the special
occasion.
Dan Jones
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.
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. |
Willie 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, 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 Nichols used to join Brad for Renfrow's Friday night picking and his 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 which evolved over the years with different band members and names. |
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.
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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CW Smith
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). |
