Here’s a breakdown of concerts coming to Iowa City this winter, from indie pop to hardcore
While it might be hard to find the inspiration to leave the house during the cold Iowa winter, concerts are a great way to take your mind off the shorter days and the dropping temperatures. From performances in the heart of Iowa City to the surrounding Johnson County area, from mainstream artists to indie artists, the winter is jam-packed with music and entertainment.
This winter concert season in Eastern Iowa is the perfect time to reconnect with your old favorite artists or find a new favorite act. Here are a few events to look forward to.
Local Showcase Series at The Englert Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m. on Jan.13, Jan. 27, Feb. 10
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St, Iowa City
Price: Tickets range from $10 to $15
While Iowa City might be best known as a city of literature, the local music scene is equally as robust. The Local Showcase Series at The Englert Theatre returns this winter season to bust the winter blues. Highlighting local voices in the Iowa City Scene from the likes of Kay Killa, a Liberty High student by day and a burgeoning rap artist by night, and hardcore supergroup Bootcamp will take the stage before jetting off on their international tour.
The opening night of performances is set for Jan. 13 headlined by Bootcamp. A group of Iowa City natives, Bovinophobic Bile Puddle also graces the stage in addition to I Will.
Englert will celebrate local wordsmiths during the Jan. 27 event, which features Kay Killa, Deb Talan and Jim Swim.
The Feb. 10 showcase offers a unique night featuring the likes of Halfloves, Early Girl and Spirit Awake.
Other notable winter concerts:
Afroman
When: 6 p.m. on Jan.10
Where: Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, 4919 Walleye Dr. SE, Iowa City
Price: $25
Afroman is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, political candidate, and comedian. He is best known for his 2000 single "Because I Got High." Afroman is coming to Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon in Iowa City to perform some of his best throwbacks from the past two decades and play his recent release, "Famous Player."
Martin Sexton
When: 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 18
Where: The James Theater, 213 N Gilbert St, Iowa City
Price: $35
Martin Sexton hits the road, touring the country with a carry-on of heartfelt songs. Sexton's recent release, "2020 Vision," comes to the James Theater on Jan. 18. Sexton is a masterful singer-songwriter and music producer, and this show is not one to miss.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
When: 7:30 on Jan. 24
Where: Hancher Auditorium,141 East Park Road, Iowa City
Price: $84
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes to Hancher Auditorium when the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) comes to town. Established in 1946, RPO is uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence and inclusive in its appeal to music lovers of all stripes. Embracing a broad repertoire has allowed the orchestra to build a diverse live and online audience of more than 60 million people. The performance features a pair of monumental Russian masterworks. Tickets start at $84, not including ticket fees, and $20 for University of Iowa students.
Jesse McCartney
When: 8 p.m. on Jan. 25
Where: Rhythm City Casino, 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport
Price: $35
Since his debut as a solo artist, Jesse McCartney has built a catalog of instantly recognizable anthems and captivated audiences. He has no plans of stopping. McCartney makes a stop in Davenport touring his fifth studio album, "New Stage," while also performing his nostalgic hits like "Beautiful Soul" and "Leavin'." Ticket prices range from $35 to $65.
Foy Vance
When: 7:30 on Jan. 26
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St, Iowa City
Price: $32.50
Foy Vance is a singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland known for his melodic blues tunes converging with Americana elements. Celebrating the 15th anniversary of his debut album, "Hope," Vance comes to Iowa City to tour his expansive discography, playing songs from one of his most impactful albums, as well as tracks from the rest of his poignant discography for the "Regarding the Joy of Nothing Tour."
John Waite
When: 7:30 on Feb. 9
Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St, Iowa City
Price: $45
As a solo artist and lead singer of "The Baby's" and "Bad English," John Waite was a fixture of album-oriented rock radio stations during the '70s and '80s. Waite is celebrating 40 years in the rock n' roll business and making a touring stop at the Englert. He will perform his catalog of hits from his expansive career on the "40 Years of Missing You Tour."
Nickel Creek
When: 7:30 on Feb. 6
Where: Hancher Auditorium,141 East Park Road, Iowa City
Price: $73
After a nearly decade-long hiatus, Nickel Creek is back and better than before. Nickle Creek is the trio that revolutionized bluegrass and folk in the early 2000s and ushered in a new era of Americana music. The band returns with "Celebrants." The album is 18 tracks of loosely connected songs addressing love, friendship, time, and the trials of touring the country. Nickel Creek takes their story through music to Hancher Auditorium on Feb. 6.
Wade Bowen
When: 7 p.m. on Feb. 17
Where: First Avenue Club, 1550 S 1st Ave, Iowa City
Price: $25
Revered as one of the genre's finest and most authentic modern voices in country music, Wade Bowen's approach is rooted in tradition but also stands on the creative cutting edge. His focus remains on writing unique songs with a literary quality, making Iowa City a perfect stop for his expansive 2023-2024 tour. Bowen takes the stage at First Avenue Club on Feb. 17.
Haley Heynderickx
When: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 7
Where: Hancher Auditorium,141 East Park Road, Iowa City
Price: $10
Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Haley Heynderickx took the indie music scene by storm with her debut album, "I Need to Start a Garden." Heynderickx's music is reminiscent of folk music of the '60s mixed with the easy listening elements of jazz radio with vocals that range from sultry to operatic. Heynderickx comes to Hancher Auditorium with two different showtimes, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 7.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@presscitizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Must-see Iowa City winter concerts include Afroman, Jesse McCartney
