2019 Art on the Prairie Music
We are so excited to showcase such wonderful Iowa musicians
at Art on the Prairie.
All the music is acoustic and unplugged, located in a number of Venues.
at Art on the Prairie.
All the music is acoustic and unplugged, located in a number of Venues.
Musician Bios:
Bryan Baker
ka-klick
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 six solo albums and five singles. The latest album, "Hero" explores several angles beyond the surface of the subject of "the Hero".
John Burns
B John Burns
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.
Tim Earp
Facebook: Tim Earps Guitar
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 and Brandon Findlay
Facebook: Bella Soul Music
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.
Andy Fleming
Facebook: brotrucker.com
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.
Reggie Greenlaw
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. |
Curry Chris Harter
BLUESfromtheHEARTLAND
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Curry’s been playing blues and gospel across the continent for over 40 years.
Harmonica, guitar, and vocals. Simple songs of love, loss, life, and freedom. Original songs. Songs that tell a story. Songs that inspire. Songs that might make you want to dance and love your neighbor. |
Steffen Heins
Iowa Records.com
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.
Marilyn Jerome
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.
Brian Joens
Brian Joens was born and raised in small town Manning, Iowa, travelling the state playing
his music, tending his garden and living in Des Moines.
Over the last 18 years he's toured the Midwest and released 8 cds. His latest, "The Black and White Years," is a short collection of happy little songs. No life changing revelations or soul-baring confessions, Joens is simply having fun with words and songwriting. From his ode to an
octogenarian friend ("Tell The Wife Hi") to his bipartisan, low/middle/upper class lambasting of social norms ("Hillbillies"), to his own version of a love song ("Angeline"), the tunes on "The Black and White Years" are sweet but quirky tales of the people and places of Iowa.
Joens also hosts Dirt Road Radio every Monday from 6pm to 8pm on KFMG 99.1 FM in Des Moines.
his music, tending his garden and living in Des Moines.
Over the last 18 years he's toured the Midwest and released 8 cds. His latest, "The Black and White Years," is a short collection of happy little songs. No life changing revelations or soul-baring confessions, Joens is simply having fun with words and songwriting. From his ode to an
octogenarian friend ("Tell The Wife Hi") to his bipartisan, low/middle/upper class lambasting of social norms ("Hillbillies"), to his own version of a love song ("Angeline"), the tunes on "The Black and White Years" are sweet but quirky tales of the people and places of Iowa.
Joens also hosts Dirt Road Radio every Monday from 6pm to 8pm on KFMG 99.1 FM in Des Moines.
Just Cause
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.
Jake Kemble
Jake Kemble.com
Jake Kemble is an American Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist /Multi-instrumentalist who began his journey as a songwriter fronting the rock group Kick, which has has produced two studio ep’s and played hundreds of shows in the US.
This dynamic songwriter, from Lake Panorama, Iowa is out continuously performing both acoustically and with his rock band. Up on the horizon is a new ep and video scheduled for release fall 2019 titled “Take This Hurt”.
A national tour for 2020 is in the works and tour dates will be announced soon.
Rob Lumbard
http://roblumbard.com
I got my early musical education sitting in with musicians in the bars up on Forest Avenue and Harding Road here in Des Moines. Rose Marie Webster, Luther Allison, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee were some of the people I bugged till they let me play harp or a little guitar with them. I gigged around as a solo act until I joined The Wapsie River Band in 1980. I barn stormed the Midwest with them for ten years. Quite a few of the songs I’ve written were inspired by those times of playing biker bars and dives. In 1990 I went back to playing solo, opening up for Lyle Lovett, The Band, The Austin Lounge Lizards, Dan Hicks, Jerry Jeff Walker, Norman Blake, Steve Forbert, Leon Redbone, and countless Blues acts that came through Iowa. This coupled with a weekly gig at Flanagan’s, enabled me to record a couple of cds on the Hot Fudge label. I was also a part of the trio Two Bobs and a Babe which included Hot Fudge label-mates Bob Dorr and Molly Nova. My music is Blues/Folk based but depending where I’m playing, you might find me covering a Jazz standard, Robert Johnson, Lyle Lovett or doing a set of my own tunes. My finger-picking guitar style can be traced back to my high school years of listening to Hot Tuna, Doc Watson and all the Blues, and Bluegrass albums I could get my hands on. Myslide playing was influenced by Johnny Winter, Lowell George and Ry Cooder. For slide I use a ’29 National and for most of my regular guitar work I use a ’35 Epiphone archtop. Mysongwriting has been heavily influenced by the Texas songwriters and tends towards self-deprecating humor. This year I’ll be playing festivals, bar rooms, restaurants, churches, private parties from here to Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. Mostly I’m still a solo act but I also play guitar for The CJC Big Band, and The Party Gras Classic Jazz Band. My songs can be heard on KUNI and KFMG radio. My music has appeared in several Public Television projects, which have received EMMY, and other awards. I’ve been a member of the Central Iowa Blues Society and have participated in their Blues in the Schools program. I also take on a limited number of guitar students.
Nichols & Kiefer
Chris Nichols, Doug Nichols and Brad Kiefer- 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.
Randy McCaulley
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
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.
Steve Parnell
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
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.
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
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.
CW Smith
CW_Smith / Home
CW SMITH is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Des Moines. His original songs focus on such universal themes as love, work, family, faith and doubt, coffee. and road construction. His latest CD "Blonde and Sweet" was released in 2016. CW takes stylistic cues from his musical heroes .. The Beatles, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Buddy Holly, Neil Young, Elvis Presley .. but also folds into his set some of the crucial rock, blues, popular, folk, country and jazz of the 20th century. His tastes are diverse, and inform his story and his sound. CW primarily plays solo acoustic sets around central Iowa and the upper Midwest, and also performs occasionally with his bands The Grape Ape Trust and Sound System, and with his duets Smith & Straughn and The Word Green.