University of Northern Iowa Professor and award-winning jazz composer Mike Conrad brings Iowa’s premiere large jazz ensemble back to his hometown for a special performance at Common Chord, home of the Redstone Room. This 17-piece all-star band has performed in Des Moines (Hoyt Sherman Place, Noce), Cedar Rapids (CSPS Hall, Jazz Under the Stars), Iowa City (James Theater, Coralville Center for the Performing Arts), Cedar Falls (Oster Regent Theatre, River Place Plaza), and multiple venues in Davenport. Their "Fertile Soil Suite" (2021) earned Mike Conrad a SONIC Award from the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers. The band plays music by Bob Washut, Chris Merz, Gates Thomas, Gabriel Espinosa, and other Iowa writers, showcasing the best jazz musicians that the state has to offer.

With an upcoming summer recording session and some exciting commissions on the horizon, the Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra continues to show people in Iowa and beyond that they don’t always need to look to New York City or Chicago for beautiful, high-quality, creative music -- there are amazing artists and musicians doing incredible things right here.

THE BAND

Saxophones: Robert Espe, Jen Tiede, Chris Merz, Nolan Schroeder, Simon Harding

Trumpets: Cory Schmitt, Dave Rezek, Jon Ailabouni, Steve Wheeler

Trombones: Anthony Williams, Rich Medd, Joel Nagel, Zack Morton

Rhythm Section: Dan Padley, Michael Conrad, Drew Morton, Dave Tiede