By Daniel Boscoljon for Little Village. In 2019, frequenters of Goosetown Café mingled with friends of John Rapson to delight in the new band he had assembled: MEKTOUB. It was a trio, initially — Rapson on the keys, Ryan Smith on woodwinds and Nielo Gaglione on vocals and mandole. Together, the three produced a distinct… Read More Album Review— MEKTOUB ‘Elizabeth’
Something bright and beautiful from our most recent Iowa City Irish Sessions (1st and 3rd Mondays from 7:30-9:30 at Sanctuary Pub). That’s Ryne Van Horn on flute and Keith Reins on guitar, both of whom will be featured this Saturday at The Bohemian in Cedar Rapids along with Wandering Wild (the harp duo of Fox… Read More March 12 at The Bohemian beginning at 5 pm
We Return concert by The Soft and Low July 23, 2021. Photo by Bethany Niciu Thank you so much for being with us and for sharing this magical shot, Bethany! Image Description: Fiddler and guitarist in shadow standing in front of a house illuminated by fairy lights and a lawn full of friends and neighbors.
Image Text: “‘I am not for everyone’ is at least as much a promise to myself as it is a declaration to the world.” Image Description: Middle-aged white woman climbing carpeted stairs wearing a sweatshirt reading: “WEIRD IS RAD”.
A musical video collaboration from around the world and an important affirmation in these trying times.… Read More Happy and Well
Keith and I are delighted by the invitation from the Marion Arts Council to share traditional Irish music and dance along with our friends Champagne Academy of Irish Dance at Lowe Park on March 6!
All proceeds from downloads benefit United Action for Youth. The song is also available on Spotify, Google Play and all the usual streaming services so please consider a direct donation to United Action for Youth if you choose to stream. A collaboration spanning decades and continents unites Iowa’s beloved Irish trad band Coppers & Brass,… Read More Feet of a Dancer benefiting United Action for Youth now available for download
As we prepare to perform Hot Tamale Louie back in our hometown of Iowa City for the first time in many months, I give you the words of the writer who inspired the entire piece, Kathryn Schulz in “Citizen Khan” The New Yorker. June 6 & 13, 2016: “Over and over, we forget what being American means.… Read More Hot Tamale Louie the Performance in Iowa City on Thurs Jan 23
The Soft and Low and our favorite elf are pleased to present the 2019 Top Ten Carol Countdown! We will be singing these TONIGHT (Saturday, December 7 at 7 pm) with YOU as an opening act for the Coppers & Brass Christmas show at Sanctuary Pub. We used a delicate algorithm balancing community input with… Read More The Soft and Low Carol Countdown
Hello friends!I hope that all of you had a warm and nourishing Thanksgiving. December is full of seasonal fun! Here’s where you’ll find me celebrating all the treasures of this month: Ron Clark’s Small Miracles – Fri, Dec 6th – 7-9 pmUptown Bill’s, 730 S. Dubuque St, Iowa CityA beautiful and rare offering by my friend and mentor Ron… Read More December delights from Tara McGovern and friends
Tara McGovern 