Mike Conrad’s “Fertile Soil Suite”

Mike Conrad’s "Fertile Soil Suite" celebrates Iowa with original music inspired by unique aspects of the state, performed by Iowa's top jazz musicians.

I. Battleground - Inspired by Iowa's unique position as the first state to caucus in the U.S. Presidential primary season, and all of the chaos and tension that comes with that

II. Ioway - Created with themes taken from field recordings of Native American Siouan people

III. Hog Heaven - Playing on the fact that nearly one-third of the nation's hogs are raised in Iowa

IV. Flyover - Exploring feelings associated with often being overlooked, ignored, or underestimated as a state in the middle of the country

This project is supported, in part, by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.