Kent Williams

2 weeks ago | littlevillagemag.com | Kent Williams

Orchestra Iowa (previously the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra) presented their next-to-last concert of the season on Sunday, May 18 at the Coralville Center For the Performing Arts. I don’t think it was designed as a symphonic venue; the stage looks a little snug for a full orchestra. But as a venue, it has a lot going for it. It seats 472 — intimate compared to the 1,700-capacity Paramount Theatre, where Orchestra Iowa performed Masterworks VI: A Booming Finale the previous night.

3 weeks ago | littlevillagemag.com | Kent Williams

This is the first in hopefully many reviews I write this year, describing local musical performances as I endeavor to capture I am a lifelong musician in addition to being a lifelong music lover. To me it will always be the language I understand best. When people play music while people listen to that music, when the audience and performers share their breath, something deeply human and crucial happens.

1 month ago | littlevillagemag.com | Kent Williams

Saturday, April 5 was a packed final day of Mission Creek. As the dust settles on the 2025 fest, let’s take a look back at some of the local music acts who made Day 3 memorable. Early afternoon isn’t the usual time for watching Sam Locke Ward. I’ve seen him in the Mill, Java House, Gabe’s, the IMU, various basements and, of course, the Trumpet Blossom Cafe, but always at night.

2 months ago | littlevillagemag.com | Kent Williams

Night two of Mission Creek, in contrast with the first night’s containment at Hancher, encompassed many venues around the downtown area, a return to previous years’ mad dash of “Creekers” around Iowa City looking for the show that will change their lives, whether that be a new-to-you music act or a local literary hero at the fest’s Lit Walk. I kept seeing people I hadn’t met in real life since pre-pandemic events.

2 months ago | littlevillagemag.com | Kent Williams

Opening night of Mission Creek! At Hancher! My last Mission Creek was 2019, officially the Before Times of Iowa City public culture. Venues have closed, or been torn down. Hancher was buzzing with people with their lanyards and wristbands, anticipating a deep dive into live music and culture. There is a Mission Creek feeling, shared in knowing glances between festival veterans.