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August IAS Features Bix Jazz Fest, Wizard of Oz and More

As summer continues to heat up, tune in for more arts events from around the state on Iowa Public Radio’s Iowa Arts Showcase. The August showcase features:

·         Music Director & Conductor of the Des Moines Symphony Joseph Giunta diving into the orchestra’s 2016-2017 Season

·         President and Music Director of the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society, Josh Duffee, outlining details on the 2016 Bix Jazz Festival

·         Charles Swanson, Executive Director of Hancher, revealing plans for the auditorium’s grand re-opening

·         John Fricke, Wizard of Oz expert and historian, delving into the significance of the Figge’s current Oz exhibit

The Des Moines Symphony has announced its concert season for 2016-17. Music Director and Conductor Joseph Giunta dives into the orchestra’s repertoire and presents details about the guest artists joining the orchestra, including violinist Vadim Gluzman, pianist Lise de la Salle, cellist Matt Haimovitz, and JoAnn Falletta guest conducting.

The 2016 Bix Jazz Festival is taking place August 4-6 in Bettendorf and Le Claire Park in honor of Davenport’s legendary jazz trumpeter Bix Beiderbecke. Josh Duffee, jazz percussionist and President & Music Director of the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society, reveals the rundown on the festival’s musicians and performances.

The University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium is celebrating its grand re-opening with an official ribbon cutting and two open houses with tours of the spectacular new facility. Charles Swanson, Hancher’s executive director, presents exciting details about the events which are free and open to the public, including an outdoor concert by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

John Fricke, preeminent Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland historian, outlines the special Oz happenings at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport. The “The Wonderful World of Oz” exhibit, running now through September 25, features selections from the Willard Carroll/Tom Wilhite collection. The Figge will be hosting a behind-the-scenes talk with John Fricke on August 11 and a rare 35mm film presentation of the classic film on August 13.  

Jacqueline Halbloom is a Sr. Music Producer and Classical Music Host