We have alt-folk royalty here in Iowa

[Bluzmann57]

Not sure how to classify the music but right here in Iowa resides Greg Brown as well as his wife, Iris DeMent. Now Brown has written many many songs which have been covered by artists such as John Prine, JJ Cale, Lucinda Williams and others. He also has a daughter named Pieta Brown who will be famous very soon. In fact, she is getting a larger following every day. She is currently touring with Bo Ramsey, who is also well known in alt-country folk circles.
Bo Ramsey has appeared on and/or produced recordings by Lucinda Williams, Greg Brown, Brother Trucker, as well as his somewhat legendary performances with the late great Mother Blues Band.He has even appeared on the Tonight Show, as well as garnering a Grammy nomination. I imagine most of you realize all of this, but it bears repeating. We are not a bunch of musical clones here, we have a vibrant music scene, especially in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. I saw Pieta Brown and Bo Ramsey last night and it was very good show. This young lady is destined for fame, I believe. She is a poet who plays guitar and rivals Ani DeFranco and Emmy Lou Harris.
edited for babbling and spelling

[Jon8503]

1. Iowa has a lot of good stuff, always thought of it as a progressive

state. Just south of you a ways in MO.

Like Iowa City the couple of times have been there.

With the university, can imagine you have a lot of good music around there.

[madrchsod]

2. is there anywhere in the

quad cities that they play i really miss this kind of music

[Bluzmann57]

3. I saw 'em last night in Davenport

But alas, my city isn't really a music city. Oh there are some very talented musicians around here, but for whatever reason, they don't draw a real big crowd so the clubs don't have these types of artists often. If you are truly interested in "Roots" Music, you might try the monthly Blues shows at the Mound Street Landing the first Saturday of each month. Or just keep an eye on the River Music Experience. They really are trying. That's where Pieta and Bo were at last night. I think the web address is www.rivermusicexperience.com. Or just look it up on your search engine if thats not it. Incidentally, if you are in the QC's, we should attempt to meet for a beer or something and make fun of neocons. It's easy to do and oh so much fun.

[argyl]

4. You do indeed. Just finished listening to Iris's "Wasteland of the Free"

"Living in the wasteland of the free
Where the poor have now become the enemy
Let's blame our troubles on the weak
That sounds like some kind of Hitler remedy
Living in the wasteland of the free"

In light of what happened in New Orleans and the callous and cruel attitude so many Americans have taken towards the victims these lyrics are more relevant now than when they were written,about ten years ago.

[HuskerDU]

5. I agree with you Bluzmann. I think Iris Dement is the best current

folk/country act there is. Also, don't forget about the incredible Mike and Amy Finders Band. Plus there are quite a few other quality 'roots' acts out of IC.

You can make a case for Iowa as the epicenter of the Roots-Americana music scene in this country. We are quite lucky!

[Rambis]

6. Bluzman check out this artist

Kate Rusby
http://www.katerusby.com/
If you like folk music you will love this lass from Barnsley South Yorkshire.
FYI I heard her music and loved it before I had any idea of what she looked like so they can't say I was there for the looks before the music. Unfortunately,she won't fly which is a shame so we won't see her in the US anytime soon. She does a version of "Our Town"(Irish Dement) that is stellar on her album Sleepless. I am on a mission to get this lady to the US for a tour.
Bob Black who played with Bill Monroe plays at the Mill every other Wednesday with the Burlington street blue grass band. Mike and Amy our regulars as well along with Al and Aleta Murphy. Great stuff no one knows about.

[Bluzmann57]

7. Certainly have heard of Mike and Amy Finders

and am sort of aware of the Bluegrass jams on Wednesdays, but alas, I can't make it up there on Wednesday nights, as I have this little thing called a job and my employer expects me to be there, and on time. Thank you for the link. I am going there now.

[Blue Gardener]

8. Love Greg Brown!

The "Canned Goods" song reminds me of my late Mom, and her spending so much time in the kitchen canning food for winter. It actually brings tears to my eyes.