Zappa Plays Zappa, and 12 more musical acts to catch in Eastern Iowa this week

JAZZ, JAVA & JIVE

This concert features the Mount Mercy University Chamber/Jazz Singers, Show Choir and Jazz Ensemble.

Jazz, Java & Jive | 7 to 8 p.m. today (5/3) | Mount Mercy University, McAuley Theatre, 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids | Free

 

THE BAMBOOZLERS

Daniel Donato is one of Nashville’s newest and highly acclaimed guitarists. Founded in 2004, The Bamboozlers started off as the Cedar Island Band.

Daniel Donato and The Bamboozlers | 9 p.m. Friday (5/4) | Dick’s Tap and Shake Room, 1602 E Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids | $8 advance, $10 door | Dickstapandshake.com

 

KEVIN MORBY WITH HAND HABITS

Kevin Morby’s new album, “City Music,” is inspired by the metropolitan experience across America and beyond by a songwriter cast from his own mold.

Kevin Morby | 8 p.m. Friday (5/4) | The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City | $15 | Icmill.com

 

DANIEL DONATO AND FROGLEG

Known for songwriting and improvisational live performances, Frogleg from Minneapolis is best described as a soul band, since its influences are not drawn from one specific genre. A typical Frogleg show usually features a blend of funk, reggae, rock and jazz exploration.

Frogleg | 9 p.m. Friday (5/4) | The Famous Mockingbird, 1064 Seventh Ave., Marion | $10 | Thefamousmockingbird.com

 

NELLIE MCKAY

Nellie McKay co-created and starred in the award-winning off-Broadway hit “Old Hats” and also has produced three acclaimed musical biographies. McKay has released six full-length albums. Her latest album, “Sister Orchid,” will be released May 18.

Nellie McKay | 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday (5/5) | CSPS Hall, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids | $22 advance, $27 door | Legionarts.com

 

DWEEZIL ZAPPA

For more than a decade, Dweezil Zappa has been honoring his father, Frank Zappa, by touring the world with his Grammy-winning project, Zappa Plays Zappa. Zappa and his band will whip up doo-wop and dada accented with funk and blues then scramble back and forth through late 1960s, on through mid-70s fan favorites.

Dweezil Zappa | 8 p.m. Saturday (5/5) | Englert Theatre, 2210 E. Washington St., Iowa City | $31.50 to $75 | (319) 688-2653, Englert.org

 

CHORALE MIDWEST: 2018 GALA

Chorale Midwest’s 2018 Broadway & Jazz Gala features show tunes and jazz favorites from “Rent” to “Wicked,” performed by Chorale Midwest, small ensembles and soloists. The event includes table seating, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.

Chorale Midwest | 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday (5/5) | Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite Temple, 616 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids | $25

 

KCCK’s CINCO DA BLUES

More than two dozen of the Corridor’s top Blues and R&B musicians will perform in support of Iowa’s Jazz and Blues Station, 88.3 KCCK.

KCCK’s Cinco Da Blues | 6:30 p.m. Saturday (5/5) | The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City | $20 door

 

FRESH FIGHTERS, ROCKINFREAKAPOTAMUS AND NIRVANA

The Fresh Fighters is a Foo Fighters Tribute. Rockinfreakapotamus is a high energy Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band.

Fresh Fighters, Rockinfreakapotamus, Nivrana | 9 p.m. Saturday (5/5) | Gabes, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa City | $8

 

JUDAH & THE LION

With chart topping hits like “Take It All Back” and “Suit and Jacket,” bluegrass-hip hop-rock band Judah & the Lion will make a stop in Decorah. The band came together while in college in Tennessee. Its music brings together a love of folk, hip-hop, rock ‘n’ roll and pop music. Opening will be singer-songwriter Billy Raffoul.

Judah & The Lion | 7:30 p.m. Saturday (5/5) | Luther College, 700 College Dr., Decorah | $40 | Tickets: (563) 387-1357 or boxoffice@luther.edu

 

J KNIGHT AND LAURA KITTRELL

J Knight and Laura Hudson Kittrell team up for an evening of acoustic music.

J Knight and Laura Kittrell | 7 p.m. Saturday (5/5) | Uptown Bill’s, 730 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City | suggested donation $5

 

SPRING HANDBELL CONCERT

Four handbell choirs from Marion First United Methodist Church will present a concert, “A Final Note Before We Go.” This will be the last concert at the historic church in downtown Marion before moving to a new facility at 5050 REC Dr. in Marion. A reception will follow the concert. Admission is free, but suggested donation is a canned food item for the Marion Food Pantry.

Spring Handbell Concert | 4 p.m. Sunday (5/6) | Marion First United Methodist Church, corner of 12th Street and Eighth Avenue, Marion | Free

 

JOHN GORKA

After 14 critically acclaimed albums, countless national and international tours, and collaborations with the likes of Nanci Griffith, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ani DiFranco, Patty Larkin and more, John Gorka released “True in Time” in January. The 12-song collection spans a lyrical spectrum from the spirit lives of dogs, to the people of the Taos Pueblo, to the idea that all songs manifest in time. He will be joined by guest artist Amilia K Spicer, a singer/songwriter based in L.A. and Austin.

John Gorka | 9 p.m. Sunday (5/6) | CSPS Hall, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids | $23 advance, $28 door | Legionarts.com