University of Northern Iowa Professor and award-winning jazz composer Mike Conrad brings Iowa’s premiere large jazz ensemble to Cedar Falls for a special performance at River Place Plaza downtown. 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), and Davenport (Redstone Room, LeClaire Park). 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, Paul McKee, and other Iowa writers, showcasing the best jazz musicians that the state has to offer.

With some more exciting projects on the horizon, including a full-length album release scheduled for the fall of 2026, 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, Gabe Scheid, Simon Harding

Trumpets: Antonio Garza, Dave Rezek, Jon Ailabouni, Steve Wheeler

Trombones: Anthony Williams, Rich Medd, Jack Dunning, Michael Stow

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