2026 Market Music Performers
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday, May through October
Thank you to Summer of the Arts for their role in organizing the Market Music Schedule!
Market Music Performer Applications
If you would like to be considered for the Iowa City Farmers Market's Market Music series, please click the following link, scroll down to "Iowa City Parks & Recreation Performers", click the application button, and complete the application.
Performer Applications - Summer of the Arts - Deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.
Market Music performers are selected and scheduled by Iowa City Summer of the Arts.
Interested in becoming a sponsor for the Market Music program at the Iowa City Farmers Market?
Please reach out to Bill Lane - Recreation Supervisor at 319-356-5213, or blane@iowa-city.org.
2026 Market Music Lineup
May 2: Alone Tonight Quartet
After some time playing under the name Seul Ce Soir Quartet, this group of Django Reinhardt fans has settled on the much easier to spell "Alone Tonight Quartet." Piano, drums, and bass make up the steady back line, while a cast of guest soloists sit in to fill out the fourth (or fifth) in this combo. Expect to hear songs from old films, cabarets, and Looney-Tunes as heard through the floorboards of your cheap apartment upstairs from the theater.
May 9: Streamline Deluxe
Streamline Deluxe is a group of longtime veterans of the Iowa City music scene. Members have played with familiar bands like Big Wooden Radio, Too Much Yang, Wheel Hoss, Harvest Home, Dave Moore Band, Greg Brown Band, and the Burlington St. Bluegrass Band. We came together to play some of the music we enjoy most: Hillbilly Jazz—a mix of swing era songs and classic country, with a few of our favorite bluegrass songs.
Coleen Peterson: Guitar & Vocals
Joe Peterson: Mandolin & Vocals
Marc Janssen: Steel Guitar, Fiddle, & Vocals
Warren Hanlin: Guitar & Vocals
Dave Hanson: Bass
May 16: Cedar County Cobras
Cedar County Cobras arrive with an upright bass, foot drum, and several guitars to play American Roots & Blues music from the last century. The music takes on an “old time” blues feel that would most likely be found in a juke-joint down a gravel road in rural Iowa. They have played over 800 shows at venues from the small-town dive bar to the festival stage. In 2023, the duo released their debut album "Homesick Blues" which has been charting worldwide and placed in the top acoustic blues records of 2024. They are the winners of the solo/duo category for the Iowa Blues Challenge and recently placed as semi-finalists at the 2025 International Blues Festival in Memphis. Additional Cedar County Cobras information.
May 23: Marc Janssen
Marc Janssen – Original Music from the Great Midwest
Marc Janssen is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist living in rural Johnson County, IA. Growing up in a Midwestern small town, Janssen observed firsthand the balancing act of hard work and hard luck. He writes songs about everyday life. Janssen has been active in the Midwest traditional music scene since arriving in Iowa City in 2007. Performing on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, steel guitar, and banjo, he regularly plays with multiple groups across multiple genres, including old-time, bluegrass, country, jazz, folk, and rock. He has taught traditional music on multiple instruments locally, regionally, and nationally since 2010. Janssen released Midwest Hideaway, his first album of original material, in December 2023.
May 30: Sweet Cacophony
Sweet Cacophony is an acoustic quartet that plays a variety of music–from folk and country to popular tunes of the 30's to Greek dances, plus some original songs. Members are: Dave Parsons (vocal, bass), Dennis Roseman (harmonica, banjo and accordions), Fox (vocal, harp, uke, bodrhan) and Peter Rolnick (vocal, guitar, mandolin, clarinet, banjo).
June 6: Golden Alexander
Golden Alexander is a dynamic Iowa City band rooted in vintage rock and roll, with vibrant influences of Americana and power pop. They have been seen locally at venues like Wilson's Orchard, Lion Bridge Brewing, IC Party in the Park, Farm Cycle, The Old Neighborhood Pub, and Jubeck Brewing, and were chosen as a "favorite act" of Film Scene's Refocus Film Festival by RogerEbert.com. The Alexander brothers - Marc (vocals, guitar) and Seth (bass, vocals), along with their Cousin Ned (drums) - are united by more than their genetic bonds. They share a passion for tight, tuneful rock and roll, drawing inspiration from legends like Elvis Costello and the Byrds to contemporaries Wilco, Spoon, and more. From their catalog of diverse, inventive original material to their deep well of carefully curated covers, Golden Alexander is down-home rock and roll, times three.
June 13: Kalimbaman and The Fabulous Yahoo Drummers
The Fabulous Yahoo Drummers have performed and lead drum circles for over 40 years. Kalimbaman has been building and playing African Kalimbas for over 50 years, performing at festivals and art shows. Kalimbaman and The Fabulous Yahoo Drummers have been together for 11 years.
June 20: Nikki Lunden Trotter
Nikki Lunden Trotter is an Iowa-based vocalist and performer known for her soulful delivery, magnetic stage presence, and deep connection with her audience. With a background as a seasoned musician and bandleader, Nikki brings both power and vulnerability to every performance. Whether fronting a full band or performing solo, she creates an intimate, high-energy experience that blends musical craftsmanship with authentic storytelling. Nikki’s performances are rooted in connection — turning every show into a shared moment between artist and community.
June 27: Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra Sextet
The IWJO Sextet is a 6-piece jazz combo from the larger Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra. It features Jennifer Tiede (alto sax), Lynne Hart (tenor sax), Toni LeFebvre (trumpet), Julia Andrews (piano), Jeanette Welch (bass), and Farren Johnson (drums).
The full Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra (IWJO) is a professional big band made up of women musicians from across the state of Iowa, dedicated to showcasing excellence in jazz while encouraging the participation of women and girls in the art form. Founded in 2017 by trumpet player Toni LeFebvre while pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Iowa, IWJO grew out of research focused on women in jazz and the need for greater representation and visibility.
The IWJO Sextet has been spotlighted at numerous events across the state including performances at Orchestra Iowa and KCCK’s First Friday Jazz, the Iowa Fine Arts Education Summit, the Cedar Basin Music Festival, RAGBRAI, and the Iowa City Jazz Festival.
Many IWJO members are music educators spanning elementary through collegiate levels. Both the IWJO Sextet and big band regularly and enthusiastically collaborate with middle school, high school, and collegiate jazz students to inspire continued engagement with jazz throughout Iowa and beyond and to ensure all musicians—especially girls—feel forever empowered to share their voices through this music.
Learn more about the Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra Sextet and follow the Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra on Facebook and Instagram.
July 4: Betsy Hickok and Ron Roberts
Vocalist Betsy Hickok performs sensitive and swinging interpretations of jazz standards. She has appeared in the Des Moines Metro Arts Jazz in July series, the Iowa City Jazz Festival, Noce Jazz Cabaret, and other regional venues with some of Iowa’s top musicians. Guitarist Ron Roberts is a Chicago area native who has played regularly with artists throughout central Iowa. Ron and Betsy have performed together since 2010 and received a Special Recognition Award in 2019 from the Des Moines Community Jazz Center Hall of Fame.
July 11: The Regular Joes
The Regular Joes is a group whose repertoire and musical experience challenge time. Its songs come from the 1920s through the 2020s. Its members have played professionally together many years, and for only a short time. Joe Peterson (mandolin), Coleen Peterson (guitar/vocals) and Dan Brown (bass) are seasoned musicians, having played with Big Wooden Radio, Too Much Yang, Wheel Hoss, and other area favorites. Bridget Brown (guitar/vocals) and Muriel Brown (guitar/vocal) are new to the music scene, but grew up surrounded by music, honing their vocal skills in choral groups and harmonizing in the car. The result is big vocal harmonies, polished instrumentations, and a really good time.
July 18: Larry Mossman, Kathy Maxey and Karen Charney
Karen Charney, Kathy Maxey and Larry Mossman are friends who enjoy making music together. You're likely to hear folk songs, jazz standards, a taste of bossa nova - or who knows. Offered in the joy of sharing music.
July 25: Mullins Brothers
Mullins Brothers. Eclectic set covering four decades of the best of pop-rock: everything from classic songs by The Beatles, Carole King and Steely Dan to modern masterpieces by Wilco, Ben Folds and Fiona Apple along with original music. Or a shorter version- Eclectic songs of the best of pop-rock.
Aug 1: The Fritters
The Fritters are longtime Iowa City musicians Nic Arp, Jennifer Horn-Frasier, and Dave Rosazza. They play originals and eclectic covers in a soulful roots-rock style.
Aug 8: Fork in the Road
FORK IN THE ROAD is a Classic Rock and Blues band covering artists such as Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Eagles, and more, as well as jazz standards from various artists. Our music is immersive, powerful, and just plain fun.
Aug 15: The Recliners
Don’t be fooled by the name – The Recliners is one of the hardest working and longest standing bands in the Iowa City area. No lazy boys or gals on this crew! With eight talented members and an incredibly broad and ever-evolving catalog, The Recliners offer something for almost every music lover, with an eclectic range of covers and original songs, dipping into modern hits by artists like Billy Strings, Sierra Ferrell, and Big Thief, to classics from across the decades, including tunes by Queen, Jason Isbell, Tom Petty, Patsy Cline, Richard Thompson, and many more.
The soaring vocal harmonies and the masterful musicianship of each member really sets The Recliners apart in the local music scene, from sultry torch songs and electrifying dance numbers to old school honky-tonk tunes and the down-and-dirty blues…the variety and performance quality is truly something special and worth making the time to see. For a band that’s been around for 30+ years, The Recliners know a thing or two about how to put on a good show – check them out-you won’t regret it!
Aug 22: Morningside Jazz: Something for Everyone
Combining jazz standards and other musical offerings, Morningside Jazz promises something for everyone. A sextet of experienced and versatile musicians, Morningside Jazz shares specially tailored arrangements that showcase a unique sound and feel, featuring Steve Norris (percussion), Dave Parsons (trombone, bass, and vocals), Jon Ranard (piano and vocals), Peter Rolnick (clarinet), Tim Schulte (bass and electric guitar), and Scott Vogelgesang (trumpet).
Aug 29: Kris Karr
Kris Karr is a singer songwriter from small town Iowa known for his vocal range and ability to change his voice. Sing along songs from the 1970’s, originals, and light humor. Instruments include Guitar, Steel Body Resonator, & Harmonica. Kris is a 2022 inductee of the Iowa Rock n Roll Music Associtation Hall of Fame. He currently tours throughout Iowa into Minnesota, Wisconsin, & Nebraska.
Learn more about Kris Karr.
Sept 5: Brick Street Ramblers
The Brick Street Ramblers are an eight-piece, Iowa City-based traditional jazz band, often playing original charts from recordings that have passed the century mark. They’ve played the Iowa City Jazz Festival, the Friday Night Concert Series, the Farmers' Market, the Le Claire Park Jazz Concert for the Bix Fest, and many other events throughout the area. Various incarnations of the band have been rambling down Iowa City's brick streets for more than two decades.
Sept 12: Heartfelt Trucking
Heartfelt Trucking is an acoustic music duo formed in 2004 featuring Tom Nugent and Nick Stika. Both of these musicians are veterans of the Iowa live music scene, and both are inductees into the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association Hall of Fame, located in Arnolds Park, Iowa. Tom was inducted in 2018 with The Trippers, an Iowa City rock and roll band throughout the 60s. Tom’s career spans over 6 decades, most recently performing solo and with the bands Rock Lobster and Olds and the Mobiles. Nick was inducted in 2011 with the Buzzards, an Iowa City Oldies/New Wave/Punk band and again in 2013 with Dogs On Skis from Iowa City, who he still performs with today. Nick’s career spans over 5 decades and has played with numerous bands and solo performances.
Nick and Tom had been friends for a long time. Tom was a customer of Nick’s when he sold guitars for West Music Company in Coralville, Ia. The two had discovered they had similar tastes in music and guitars and became fast friends. They had always wanted to perform as an acoustic duo at some point and decided to start performing together under the working title of Heartfelt Trucking, though they had billed themselves as either Nick and Tom or Tom and Nick, depending on who booked the gig, or the connection one or the other had to the venue. It was finally decided to adopt the working title name as the official duo name in 2023 when there was enough inquiries and pressure from fans about choosing an official name.
Heartfelt Trucking performs many styles of music, from acoustic rock, folk and classic country. Artists as varied as Beatles and Stones to John Prine and Dire Straits to Pink Floyd and Willie Nelson. You never really know what will come out of these two, they are always performing songs to the tastes of the crowd. You could say they are good at “Reading a Room”.
Sept 19: Tom Nothnagle
Tom Nothnagle, aka Guitar Tom, is accomplished in a broad range of genres and a number of instruments including classical, 10-string, 12-string, bass guitar, banjo, and mandolin. Known locally in the Iowa City area as host of a long-running public access television show, Tom promotes music literacy for all ages and abilities. He's a guitarist's guitarist with a sense of humor, virtuosity, genre-bending facility based in solid classical technique, and has performed in a wide variety of settings and venues from festival stages to classical guitar concerts, preschool story circles to formal business conventions, fine dining restaurants to rowdy bars, and hundreds of parties and weddings large and small.
Sept 26: David G. Smith
Internationally acclaimed Songwriter-Artist David G Smith is an acoustic roots solo performer with a lyric intensive style featuring guitars, resonators, music and a voice that range from dirt-funk to intimate. His music is a blend of Folk, Americana, Country & Blues. His most recent album Witness Trees finished in the #1 position of the Roots Music Report Chart (RMR) Top 200 For 2025 in both Folk and Alt-Folk. David is set to release his 12th album, HERO STREET. This title track is part of a 9-part film series of the same name created by Emmy Award winner filmmakers, 4th Wall Films as seen on PBS. David was recently accepted as a Juried Artist with Noel Paul Stookey’s (Peter, Paul & Mary) Music to Life Org. He is a 2008 International Song Competition 1st Place Winner, a Robert Oermann DISCovery Award recipient, and two-time ISC semifinalist. He performs at the prestigious Bluebird Cafe/Nashville where his shows are regularly sold out. Mary Gauthier and Keb Mo make appearances on 4 of his albums to include a duet with Mary called “Shine”. David has shared the stage with Justin Townes Earle, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Kelly Willis + Bruce Robison, 5-time WC Handy Award winner, Rory Block, Rissi Palmer, Buddy Mondlock, Jelly Roll Johnson, Chuck Pyle, Dave Moore, Catfish Keith, Kevin Gordon and others. He has five nationwide #1 singles and four nationwide #1 albums via the RMR Chart. His single “River Gonna Talk” was a 2023 #1 add on the NACC chart and reached #1 in the nation on Radio Guitar One’s Top 30 Americana Chart. David has been featured in American Songwriter, and his songs have appeared on TNT, Lifetime Network, Travel Channel, and PBS. He has a string of indie & major-indie song-cuts to include with Rissi Palmer, only the 3rd black female country artist to chart on Billboard, in 2007. His last 4 albums have been accepted for Grammy consideration. His Give-Back Series donates time and raises money and awareness for a variety of charitable causes. “David, his voice and his songs are authentic. “Like Mary Gauthier and Sam Baker, Smith cuts through...to find essential phrases and words to represent the ache of living”. (Fervor Coulee)
Oct 3: Pete Balestrieri
Pete Balestrieri is an Iowa City saxophonist. He toured and recorded with Violent Femmes for twenty years and has a Gold Record for their first album. Most recently, he’s been with Old Scratch Revival Singers, Brooks Strause and The Gory Details, and the Cirque Stupendo Circus Band. He also frequently performs solo.
Oct 10: Johnson County Ukulele Club
The Johnson County Ukulele Social Club meets once a month to play songs from all eras. They encourage all ages and abilities and encourage other instruments to join the mix. Periodically, they play performances as the Uke-a-maniacs. They currently meet on the third Sunday of the month at Legacy Retirement Community, 1020 S Scott Blvd in Iowa City from 3:30-5 PM.
Oct 17: The Misgivings
The Misgivings are an Iowa City-based Americana trio composed of Billy Ford, Amy Ford and Scott Reynen. Their music features soulful vocals, captivating harmonies, and a unique blend of folk and blues elements. You’ll hear mostly original compositions with some folk and indie rock covers sprinkled throughout.
Oct 24: The DZ Combo
The DZ Combo is an award-winning jazz quartet based out of Dubuque, Iowa, playing original jazz music written by pianist and composer, Danny Zanger.
Oct 31: Electric Ear DJ
The Electric Ear Sound Machine – playing all of your favorites!
