The University of Iowa

Music

A Conversation with Taylor Mac

Presented by the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies and Hancher

Jennifer Buckley will facilitate a conversation with Taylor Mac about Taylor's work as a playwright, director, actor, drag performer, and activist. It will focus on Taylor's newest piece, A 24-Decade History of Popular Music and the decade 1846-1856, titled Walt Whitman vs. Stephen Foster: Songs Popular Near Breaking Point.

Corridos: Mexican Tragic Ballad Songwriting Workshop

Learn to write an authentic Mexican "corrido" in this free, two-hour workshop with Juan Dies, co-founder of the GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Nominated Sones de Mexico Ensemble. By the end of this workshop the class will have written an original song in corrido form. The corrido is a 150-year-old Mexican ballad tradition that narrates tragic tales based on true events and honors folk heroes. Learn about the history of this tradition and the rules for writing the poetic lyrics of these captivating songs.

The Claudettes

Blues Music Magazine says The Claudettes are “like Keith Moon chasing a crazed, punked up Little Richard,” while Caught in the Carousel believes the duo is “like a ragtime White Stripes.” But in the end, you’ve never seen or heard a duo like this.

Bobby McFerrin

“Bobby McFerrin’s greatest gift to his audience,” says the Los Angeles Times, “may be changing them from spectators into celebrants.” Join us for the special concert marking the end of Hancher’s post-flood journey.

Vocalosity

Deke Sharon—called the “father of contemporary a cappella”—brings together a cast of vocal powerhouses for a musical adventure spanning the ages. The singers of Vocalosity won’t need a single instrument to delight your entire family.

Taylor Mac

For nearly two decades, Taylor Mac has created internationally award-winning performance events. A 24-Decade History of Popular Music is his most ambitious project to date. His look at 1846-1856 is a showdown between Walt Whitman and Stephen Foster.

Chris Thile

Chris Thile has been charting new territory for the mandolin since he was eight years old. The Grammy Award-winner and MacArthur Fellow will perform solo violin works by J.S. Bach on the mandolin, as well as his own compositions.

Brentano String Quartet

Critic Alex Ross calls the Brentano String Quartet “one of America’s finest, brainiest young quartets.” The program will include fugues by J.S. Bach, Benjamin Britten’s Quartet No. 3, and Johannes Brahms's Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 67.