Summer is in the air, which means that Gallagher Bluedorn’s Block Party series is back!

What began last summer as a way to offer free entertainment to the Cedar Valley during the pandemic has now grown into an opportunity for neighborhoods to gather, build community and experience great music together.

“Block Parties are a fun and accessible way to share the joy of the performing arts,” said Jennifer Onuigbo, community relations manager at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. “We recognize that there are many people in the area who have never been to the Gallagher Bluedorn, and we want everyone in our community to experience live arts programming. Bringing the party to the people is a fun way to make that happen!” 

The series features local artists performing on the Gallagher Bluedorn’s portable stage in eight Cedar Valley neighborhoods from June to September. The stage is equipped with state-of-the-art light and sound equipment that you would typically expect at a Gallagher Bluedorn performance. 

Some featured bands are returning favorites, while others are new to the Block Party series.

“We enjoy working with the local bands we all know and love, but we are always looking for new and diverse music to feature at Block Party and preshow events,” Onuigbo said. “We know that it can be hard to get that big break as a musician, so Gallagher Bluedorn wants to use our platform to amplify the talent of folks within our community.” 

Block Party sponsors include the Hearst Center for the Arts and Waterloo Center for the Arts. All events are free and open to the public, and those interested in attending should plan to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Each Block Party is unique as each neighborhood determines what activities and vendors are featured. 

Regardless of whether you choose to attend one event or all eight, one thing is for certain: you’re guaranteed to have fun with the Gallagher Bluedorn this summer!

To view the Block Party dates and times, sponsor an event or learn more about being a featured local band, visit the Gallagher Bluedorn Block Party webpage. Follow the Gallagher Bluedorn on social media for additional information and weather updates. 

SUMMER 2022 BLOCK PARTY SCHEDULE: 

• June 4 — Southdale/Orchard Hill featuring Mike Lefebvre and the Favorites
• June 18 — Gates/Juneteenth Celebration featuring Felicia Smith-Nalls and HartSmith
• July 9 — North End Arts and Music Fest
• July 15 — Landmark Commons featuring Milk & Honey
• July 17 — Grand Avenue featuring STACKHOUSE
• July 30 — Birdsall featuring Snozzberries
• August 2 — Greenbrier featuring Felicia Smith-Nalls and HartSmith
• September 18 — Waverly Senior Center featuring The Vinyl Frontier

Contact:
Jennifer Onuigbo, Gallagher Bluedorn community relations manager, 319-273-3679, jennifer.onuigbo@uni.edu