Summer of the Arts

July 2, 2024

Hello Lisa,

It's almost time to celebrate the 34th year of the Iowa City Jazz Festival! One of my favorite things about this festival is not just the music, but also the fact that I love seeing people wearing their old Jazz Fest t-shirts including this vintage shirt pictured here.

I always tell people that even if you don't consider yourself a jazz fan, you should come to the festival because there's such a wide variety of styles within jazz that you're sure to find something you love!

Of course, there will also be artists booths, fun stops, great food and beverages and more! We hope you'll join us. Don't forget that the Iowa City fireworks will be Friday night, July 5th starting around 9:30 pm.

Be sure to check out our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all of our FREE programming!

Thank you for being a part of Summer of the Arts! Remember you can make a tax deductible donation any time to support our community-wide programming. Click HERE to make a donation today. You can also give through Venmo: @SOTAIC.

Tag us in your posts so we can see the fun you're having at our events! #SOTAIC

Lisa J. Barnes, Executive Director

No Music on the Move This Week

Rescheduled to September 3 due to weather!

Sponsored by Hills Bank

Blake Shaw

Blake Shaw is a composer/arranger, bandleader, double/electric bassist, vocalist, private lessons teacher, and jazz professor at Cornell College and Mt Mercy College. Originally from Lisbon, Iowa, Blake has earned an Associate of Arts degree from Kirkwood Community College as well as a Bachelor of Music (‘13) and Master of Arts (‘17) degree both from the University of Iowa. He provides insight on festival boards for the Iowa City Jazz Festival as well as the Iowa City Pride Fest where he serves as Entertainment Director. Shaw is a frequent performer and band leader in many different groups across Iowa and the US. He can also be found teaching private lessons to young dedicated classical and jazz double bass players. Shaw has had the pleasure of playing with jazz greats like Carmen Bradford, Wycliffe Gordon, Rachel Eckroth, Dave Pietro, O’had Talmor, and Dick Oatts.

Time: 6:30 PM - 8 PM

Location: Northside Market Place, 200 block of N. Linn St.

Volunteer at Jazz Fest!

We're a few days away from the Iowa City Jazz Festival, and we could use your help in the Beverage Garden and Bike Parking!

Reminder: We are using the VolunteerLocal platform, so the form and registration process is a little different.

NOTE: If you already filled out a volunteer application, go directly to Step 2!

To register for volunteer shifts, you MUST:

1) Fill out the Volunteer Application.

2) Sign up for volunteer shifts.

Step 1: Volunteer Application

Step 2: Sign up for Jazz Fest shifts!

Get Ready for the Iowa City Jazz Festival!