2024 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
|
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.
|
Shannon & Cindi Bryan
Blue Stem
|
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.
|
John Burns
|
B. John Burns is an obscure Johnston, Iowa songwriter who celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a writer in 2022. Since writing “Last Airport Home” in September 1972, John has composed approximately 5,000 songs in nearly every genre of music. He has appeared in 25 states, and continues to perform his tunes for mostly small, intimate audiences on piano, guitar and ukulele.
To put food on the table, John has worked as a busboy, a stereo salesman, a bank messenger, a criminal defense attorney, a grill cook, a Pinkerton guard, a political organizer, a bank bookkeeper, a published author, a paid actor, and a martial arts instructor. Through it all, he has continued to write music on a nearly daily basis. John’s music is available for streaming on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and many others. His music websites are accessible through https://hyperfollow.com/bjohnburns. John currently has seven books on the market, six of which can be obtained through Amazon. They include Baby Pictures: My Year on the Road with Baby Lester and the Buggybumpers, Dessyre (des-i-ray) and One Dollar (American) Tutor. His author website is www.bjohnburnswriter.com. |
Emery Case
|
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. |
Ruby Case
|
Ruby Case is a singer-songwriter residing in central Iowa. When she’s not penning new songs or practicing her piano and ukulele skills, she can be found working on her drawings and watercolor paintings. She finds inspiration in the natural world and everyday life. She aspires to bring joy and reflection to the world with her music.
|
Day
|
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
|
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.
|
Tim Earp
Facebook: Tim Earps Guitar
|
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 12 years!). He performs pre-war blues and acoustic, instrumental versions of the Beatles, Clapton, Eva Cassidy and other artists. It’s relaxing and comforting. Need to wind down? Stop by for a few minutes. |
Andy Fleming
|
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.
|
Friday Night Pickers
|
For many years Wilbur and Nancy Renfrow hosted a bluegrass music jam at their home in Adel. They have passed on but the music continues. Our group right now includes Christy Hall, Jon Tesdell, Jenny Hargrove,and Chris Nichols. Chris plays the same guitar his father Doug Nichols played, and Wilbur before him. We also have a standup bass, mandolin, harmonica, and fiddle. And some singing. We look forward to playing some of these tunes that have stood the test of time.
|
Jennifer Garman
Tyler Gathercoal
Joe Gittins
|
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
|
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
|
My musical journey began very early as my dad was a professional saxaphone player. I grew up with a healthy appreciation for how special music and performance can be for people.
Now in my early fifties, I can look back on many cherished memories writing and performing songs in bands and as a solo artist. Today, as it has been in the past, music is always a new opportunity to connect and unify people. My solo set is pretty mellow and consists of my own songs along with some rare and recognizable covers. I live in Johnston IA. You can catch me with Stark Raving Madge and solo when I’m lucky enough to perform. |
Laura Helm
Steffen Heins
|
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 & Hannah JonesShe can be reached at [email protected] for booking.
|
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
|
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
|
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. |
Will McKnight
Willie Mac
|
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.
|
Kyle Pape
Steve & Sean Parnell
|
While music has been a lifelong pursuit in the Parnell home, Sean joined Steve onstage for the first time in February, 2017 at Jukebox at Perry High School in a memorable performance of Grandma’s Feather Bed. Sean has been unstoppable since!
This year marks the duo’s 7 th appearance together at Art on the Prairie; Steve has performed either alone or as part of a duo all but one year at the annual event. Sean and Steve will be sharing the music they love; old time gospel, Americana, folk, and even a few original tunes. The same music they share at nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the year. Sean is known for engaging the audience by sharing his instruments with audience members and encouraging them to clap and sing along. He may be non-verbal, but he communicates well in other ways! They also are part of the worship team at their local church. |
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 for several years. She says "Music has always been an important part of my life. I began playing piano in first grade, and still use that skill as an accompanist for various groups and to play in retirement communities. Since high school I have always sung in choral groups, and am currently a member of Good Company: A Women’s Choral Ensemble. The Celtic (lever) harp was added to my musical life more recently, and I’ve played it in the Onion Creek Cloggers, pre-pandemic, and more recently with my cello-playing friend, Susan Cramer, as a duo named “Story Strings”. I have been happy to play background music on my harp at Art on the Prairie for (I think) five years."
|
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. |
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 is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter, and a lifelong resident of central Iowa. His earliest compositions date back to the late 1970s, and he’s been releasing original recordings since the late 1980s. CW draws inspiration from the classic rock, blues and country music of the 20th century, with an emphasis on the music of the Beatles, and his original songs reflect the classic music he loves.
CW is the husband of old-time fiddler and banjoist Donna Jo Wallace, who will also be appearing at Art on the Prairie. |
Donna Jo Wallace
|
Donna Jo began learning old-time fiddling as a discipline in 2003, and never looked back. She takes pride in playing instrumental folk tunes in the old way, bringing to life dance tunes that were never meant to get dusty. She plays the fiddle, and clawhammer-style fretless banjo with joyful drive and gleeful aplomb. She has enjoyed participation in local dance bands, jam groups, and solo performance.
|