Every week we will be spotlighting the musicians and hosts bringing Make Music Cedar Rapids to life on June 21.
Explore who’s participating and get inspired to join.
Hosts
Big Grove
Music Store & Venue
4840 80th Street, Suite A
In 2023, we opened our doors in the heart of the historic Kingston Village, bringing life to longtime community connections. As one of just a few breweries in the country crafting beer with open fermentation, we pride ourselves on creating one-of-a-kind brews in an inviting atmosphere for our friends, neighbors, and visitors to Cedar Rapids.
Hosting on Make Music Day:
L&J
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Avery Kepros
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Emmylane Linh and Timmothy Palmersheim
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Yoder Grove Music
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Music151 – Room 1
Music Store & Venue
4840 80th Street, Suite A
Music151 is a beginner-friendly music store that also has Room 1! Room 1 is a flexible, accessible performance venue that has held recitals, concerts, plays, and plenty of parties. As a concert venue, it offers an intimate indoor setting with flexible staging and seating, and with the available overhead door open the indoor stage can transform into a casual open-air bring-your-own-seating performance space.
Fia’s Finds
Upscale Consignment
3117 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
Fia’s Finds is Cedar Rapids’ go-to destination for elevated resale and standout style. This upscale consignment boutique blends curated fashion, unique home décor, and high-quality pieces you won’t find anywhere else, at prices that actually make sense. With a constantly rotating inventory, every visit feels like a treasure hunt, whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or hunting for that one perfect find. Fia’s Finds also empowers the community by giving consignors a chance to turn their gently loved items into cash. It’s sustainable, stylish, and just the right amount of addictive, in the best way possible
Hosting on Make Music Day:
Abigail Rae
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cedar Rapids Public Library
Public Library
450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a welcoming community hub in the heart of downtown, offering flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for learning, creativity, and connection. As a Make Music Day host, the Library provides an accessible setting for performances that engage visitors of all ages.
The Ideal
Theater & Bar
213 16th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
Originally built in 1914, The Ideal Theater & Bar blends historic charm with modern amenities, quality entertainment and exceptional bar service. Whether you’re coming for live music or hosting a private celebration, step in and experience the magic of one of the area’s most dazzling event venues.
Kingston Yard
Outdoor Venue
145 3rd St SW, Cedar Rapids
A vibrant, family-friendly destination on the west bank of the Cedar River, Kingston Yard is built for gathering. Centered around its lawn and ImOn Stage, it will host live music throughout part of the day as part of Make Music Cedar Rapids and a movie in the afternoon.
Hosting on Make Music Day:
SUN POT
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wren & The Crow’s Feet
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
The Poor Poor Rich
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Performer
Wren & The Crow’s Feet
Rock, Blues, Folk
Wren & The Crow’s Feet is the product of 3 siblings who grew up listening to classic rock while mastering their musical talents. We cover songs from heavy hitters—Led Zeppelin, Heart, Queen, Fleetwood Mac— with a healthy mix of your favorite hits, and songs you’ll want to add to your playlist ASAP. With a powerful Joplin/Nicks-esq female vocalist, dizzying guitar soloes, groovy bass lines, and drums that can’t be beat (pun intended), Wren & The Crow’s Feet has a sound that is sure to get you on your feet.
Performing on Make Music Day at:
Kingston Yard
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Vernon Heights Neighborhood
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
AJ Cerniglia
Folk, Pop, Indie-Folk
Whether on drums, a keyboard, or a cathedral organ, AJ loves a good rhythm. Her background spans rock and show choir bands as well as her current work as an organist in Iowa City. AJ loves arranging upbeat indie, pop, and folk songs into joyful, high-energy music for the whole family.
Performing on Make Music Day at:
Greene Square (Summer in the Square)
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
L&J
Indie-Folk
L&J are a Cedar Rapids-based trio consisting of vocalist/bassist Liz Kennedy, vocalist/guitarist Justin Kennedy and drummer Tim Shane. With original music that ranges from indie to folk to midwest pop, their catchy melodies and eclectic sounds are sure to grab your attention. L&J will perform music from their 2nd full-length album, House On the Hill, 2025 EP Saturday Sessions Vol.1, and their fun and relatable single “Hard To Make Friends,” from their recent digital 45.
Performing on Make Music Day at:
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Cedar Rapids Municipal Band
Classical Band
From classic marches and patriotic favorites to contemporary selections, the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band delivers performances rooted in musical excellence and broad community appeal. Through its longstanding presence in public spaces, the band continues to bring live music directly into parks and neighborhoods, creating accessible, recurring opportunities for residents to gather and connect.
The Poor
Poor Rich
Rock / Americana Band
With a required outfit of trucker hats and flannel shirts, The Poor Poor Rich are a Cedar Rapids/Iowa City based roots rock/Americana band with flourishes of Waits-ian weirdness and gypsy punk energy. The current lineup is fronted by Wes Shirley on guitar, vocal and songwriting duties, with Rich Wagor on bass, Ben Schmidt on lead guitar and keyboards, Jonathan Welch on fiddle, and Wyatt Forster on drums.
Performing on Make Music Day at:
Kingston Yard
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Abigail Rethwisch
Opera
1953 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
A nationally recognized soprano who has performed with companies including the Metropolitan Opera, Abigail Rethwisch will host a front porch concert in Vernon Heights. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy an evening of live music in a welcoming neighborhood setting.
Performing on Make Music Day at:
Abby’s Front Porch
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
If you are participating in Make Music Day Cedar Rapids and would like to be on a spotlight, reach out to n.zeker@cedar-rapids.org.