Top 10 concerts heating up Iowa City this summer
There is a concert for everyone in Iowa City this summer, from bluegrass and the blues to indie pop and punk.
Here are the top 10 concerts not to miss:
Packs
When: 7 p.m. June 25
Where: Gabe's, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $15
Inspired by the unpretentious nature of the grunge movement, PACKS makes music that is best enjoyed in concert venues with people. "Melt the Honey," the fifth studio release from PACKS, blends hazy rock sounds with catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. The album is approachable and highlights the group's ability to experiment with their sound and artistry while remaining true to their roots.
Sam Bush
When: 7:30 p.m. June 28
Where: Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Price:$25 to $67.50
Sam Bush has been a pioneering force in the bluegrass scene since the mid-1960s and is still going strong. In 2010, Bush's hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky, was named the "Birthplace of Newgrass," and Bush himself as "Father of Newgrass." Over the years, Bush has been a progressive figure in the genre's evolution and keeping it alive as the decades go on.
Sawyer Brown
When: 7:30 p.m. June 27
Where: Xtream Arena, 200 E. 9th St., Suite 100, Coralville
Price: $35 to $55
Longtime-running country band Sawyer Brown is coming to Coralville. Named after frontman and founding member Mark Miller's neighbor, Sawyer Brown has been touring the world since the 1980s. Throughout the band's career, Sawyer Brown has released numerous albums and singles that have achieved chart success on the Billboard Country charts. The band has become known for their dynamic live performances that match their mix of up-tempo hits and heartfelt ballads.
Jeff Rosenstock
When: 8 p.m. July 20
Where: Gabe's, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $25
Jeff Rosenstock knows no bounds, with his observational writing style and lyrics exploring themes of political disillusionment and the mundane of everyday life delivered with humor and earnestness over fast-paced guitars. Since his first album release in 2012, Rosenstock has been committed to the DIY punk scene and keeping the ethos alive with his summer U.S. tour.
Walter Trout
When: 7:30 p.m. July 10
Where: Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Price:$25 to $60
Walter Trout is one of the great guitar heroes of the last century, known for his mastery of the American blues genre with fiery guitar techniques and soulful vocals. Throughout his 50 years in the music industry, Trout has been a powerful force, with his live performances showcasing his genre prowess and improvisational skills.
Keb' Mo'
When: 7:30 p.m. July 20
Where: Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Price:$43.75 to $106.25
Keb' Mo' is a four-time Grammy Award-winning artist. Rising to fame in the 1990s, Keb' Mo' is an American blues musician and singer-songwriter known for his distinctive style that blends traditional blues with folk, soul, and jazz elements. Throughout his long career, Keb' Mo' has become one of the most respected figures in contemporary blues music.
Hot Freaks
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 12
Where: Gabe's, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $18
With over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Hot Freaks hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The indie pop group released their second studio album in 2023, shortly after their 2013 single "Puppy Princess" went viral on TikTok in 2020, leading to a reunion and renewed interest in their music. The group draws influences from 1960s jangle-pop and early 2000s pop hits to create dreamy and danceable hits.
Ana Tijoux
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24
Where: Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Price:$15 to $43
Ana Tijoux is a Chilean-French musician and singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of hip-hop and Latin American folk. Tijoux rose to fame as a solo artist in the mid-2000s; Tijoux's style is characterized by socially conscious lyrics that address issues such as identity, politics, and social justice. Her sharp lyricism and distinctive vocal delivery is an act that can't be missed.
Tommy Prine
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 24
Where: Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, 4919 Walleye Drive S.E., Iowa City
Price:$10 to $20
As a part of the Englert Theatre's singer-songwriter series, Tommy Prine will perform at Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon on Aug. 24. Prine is the son of legendary country musician John Prine. Prine is touring the U.S. following the deluxe edition of his debut album, "This Far South," an album filled with classic nostalgic folk storytelling and upbeat and cathartic jams.
Robert Cray Band
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27
Where: Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Price: $25 to $68.50
The Robert Cray Band rose to mainstream fame in the 1980s with hits like "Smoking Gun" and "Right Next Door (Because of Me)." In the years following, Cray and his band have continued to tour the world, bringing smooth vocals and poignant songwriting to venues while being one of the most celebrated modern blues musicians.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: From bluegrass to punk rock: Iowa City's 10 must-see summer concerts
