THE DATE HAS CHANGED to Saturday, June 23rd from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, come and enjoy the outdoors with some live music from local favorites James Kennedy and Friends!
This is an instrumental group based in the Midwest. Fronted by versatile guitarist James Kennedy, they play a mix of classic hits, jazz/blues, Latin and original songs – using their instruments and years of training to bring the music to life.
The eclectic sounds of James on guitars, Catherine Lawson on the 5 string electric/acoustic violin, Matt Alles on electric bass and Eric Madison on percussion/drums creates an uncommon blend of tunes both familiar and unique at the same time.
Bring a lawn chair, a cool drink and some snacks, kick back and sit for a spell with us.
This event is sponsored in partnership by the MVAAC and Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.
We are thrilled to have a live performance by award winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Phil Heywood on Saturday, June 9, 2018. The show starts at 7:30 pm with doors opening at 7:15 pm.
Phil Heywood plays fingerstyle guitar with a bluesy swing and a bucketful of whatever it takes to turn an instrumental piece into an arresting lyrical narrative. His lucid playing encompasses the down-home rhythmic groove of a Mississippi John Hurt or Leadbelly, and the sheer fluidity and melodic flair of such contemporaries as Leo Kottke.
The internationally renowned Kottke handpicked Mr. Heywood to tour and perform duets with him. A soul-satisfying instrumentalist, Phil Heywood draws listeners in with his voice as well, singing in a warm, plainspoken baritone that blends smoothly with his rock-solid guitar work.
Recently Dave Moore and Phil Heywood have been sharing stages, trading songs and embroidering rich instrumental accompaniment on each other’s songs and melodies.
While born and bred in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Mr. Heywood has been based in Minneapolis-St. Paul since the mid-eighties, performing locally and regionally while also establishing himself in the greater guitar and acoustic music world.
In 1986 he won the National Fingerpicking Championship, and followed up a year later by winning the American Fingerstyle Guitar Festival Competition.
Phil has played on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion with guitar legend Chet Atkins, performed with fellow acoustic guitar luminaries Peter Lang, Pat Donohue, Tim Sparks, and Dakota Dave Hull, and opened shows for such artists as Norman Blake, Greg Brown, John Renbourn, Chris Smither, and John Hammond.
Phil Heywood has recorded six CDs: Some Summer Day (1990), Local Joe (1996), Circle Tour (2000), Banks of the River (2003), You Got To Move (2008), and Rollin’ On (2014). What one inspired critic wrote of Local Joe applies equally to each of Phil’s CDs: “Acoustic guitar fans should consider this recording a must have… Heywood gives us all something to enjoy for a long time.” (Music Reviews Quarterly)
Mr. Heywood will be available for phone interviews and other press inquiries in advance of the show by calling or texting Nancy Emrich Freeman at 847-256-0000.
Tickets
Advance tickets can be purchased locally at Bauman’s and Helios, or online via Brown Paper Tickets.
Bauman’s of Mount Vernon is located at 124 1st Street SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314. You can call them for info and to reserve tickets at (319) 895-8692.
Helios Stitches ‘n Stuff is located at 221 1st Street NE, Mount Vernon, IA 52314. You can call them for info and to reserve tickets at (319) 512-3323.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
COST: $5 Students / $20 General Admission / $50 VIP Seating
This will be an intimate concert in a relaxed setting. Bring your own beverages into the theatre with the purchase of a reusable Uptown Theatre Sippy Cup ($5).
You can also reserve an early dinner before the concert at the Palisades Café, mention LilFest, and receive the evening’s LilFest special.
The first 30 minutes of class are Cardio Kick – a full body workout with Karate-type kicks for the lower body coupled with Boxing punches for the upper body. No boxing/kicking bags are used.
The second 30 minutes are Circuit Training – timed stations for strength and endurance.
We will incorporate equipment which promotes total body resistance exercise including TRX bands, trampoline, hula hoop, boxing bag and jump rope.
Where:
Inside the First Street building in Studio C, which is downstairs on our lowest level (under the gymnasium). It is easy to get there via the North parking lot, which is next to the football field and press box. The Northwest entrance door at that level will be unlocked.
When: This six week session starts June 4th, classes are on Mondays from 8:30 – 9:30 am, Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 pm, and Fridays from 8:30 – 9:30 am.
Cost: Classes are held over the course of a six week session. Attending classes once a week is $60.00; twice a week is just $80.00; and three times a week is only $90.00. You can also can use a punch card at $100.00 for 10 sessions and come at times that are convenient for you.
NOTES:
You can drop in, get a punch card or sign up for a 6 week session.
Inquire about possible child care options for Monday and Friday classes
What do voodooism, prohibition, boxing, and plenty of blues music have in common? Come on down to Mount Vernon and find out with this summer’s production of Julius Caesar. Set in the Mississippi Delta in the summer of 1931, this new take on an old classic blends Marie Laveau’s Voodoo Queen’s spiritualism with the Chicago Mob’s mentality to create a production unlike any you’ve seen before.
William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar tells the tale of power and corruption at the hands of supposed leaders. As Julius Caesar prepares to take the throne, a group of conspirators plot to overthrow this potential dictator in order to preserve the Republic. As the show progresses the limits of power, the strength of brotherhood, and the quest for vengeance are all tested.
Show dates will (tentatively) be July 19-22 and July 26 – 29
Character Breakdown
Marcus Brutus – A soldier and statesman of Rome. Brutus is widely regarded as a man of honesty and virtue. He is the smartest man in the room and chooses what he feels is best for the citizens of Rome over his own love of Caesar.
Age: 17 – 30
Gender: Male
Cassius – A passionate learned leader. She is the leader of the rebellion against Caesar. She works to convince Brutus to act against Caesar and for Rome. She has a deep love and affection of Brutus
Age: 17 – 30
Gender: Female
Mark Antony – A politician and playboy, Antony understands the power of words and wields them with the same accuracy as a sword. Antony is acts as the right hand of Caesar with fast sweeping vengeance.
Age: 20s – Early 30s
Gender: All
Julius Caesar – An ambition driven leader who seeks death over cowardice. He is driven by ego, grandeur, and arrogance.
Age: 30 – 60
Gender: Male
Casca – A member of the inner circle of Conspirators. An outspoken and sometimes sour man.
Age: All
Gender: All
Cinna – A member of the inner circle of Conspirators. Doubles as the Military leader Titinius. Smart and devilish.
Age: All
Gender: All
Calpurnia – Wife of Caesar; a woman consumed by amulets and potions. Extremely superstitious.
Age: Same age as Caesar
Gender: Female
Portia – The honorable wife of Brutus. She capable of toughness and courage. Movement and vocal Experience Needed.
Age: 17 – 30
Gender: Female
Soothsayer – A voodoo witch in the style of Marie Laveau or Papa Midnight. Movement experience and vocal experience needed. Dance experience welcomed.
Age: All
Gender: All
Lucius – Brutus’ loyal servant. Must be able to sing and possibly play a stringed instrument
Age: High School
Gender: All
Ensemble – Conspirators, Tribunes, Citizens, Senators, Singers, Dancers
Age: All
Gender: All
NOTE:
All actors other than Brutus, Cassius, Mark Antony, and Julius Caesar will play multiple roles.
