Event

Mira Gibbons and Janset Celik are 13 and 12, respectively, and together they have 20 years of experience playing the violin. Mira is a freshman at Washington HS and is involved in her school orchestra, as well as several honors orchestras throughout the year. Mira also participates in show choir, speech, swimming, mock trial, and debate. In 2024 Mira played 137 free concerts at senior living centers, schools, and fundraisers. You’ll often find Janset Celik playing with her. Janset is an amazing violinist with a generous heart who is always willing to spread joy through music. Janset is in 6th grade at Harding Middle School, where she plays the upright bass in her school orchestra. Janset plays in several orchestras and also enjoys gymnastic and figure skating. They’re honored to play at this lovely event to support their peers.

Garrett Turner is a Cedar Rapids-based artist specializing in creating vibrant imagery in charcoal, paint and pastel art. His colorful designs have delighted audiences both locally and around the globe, a trait he says is made unique by his background as a self-taught hobbyist with no formal art education. Aside from creating art, he also teaches art classes at the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy in Cedar Rapids. In his spare time, Turner enjoys listening to music, connecting with friends and cooking a variety of world cuisines.

Eastern Iowa Arts Academy is home to Rock Academy. Youth musicians come together to form seven talented rock bands. Whether they’re into country, rock, pop, heavy metal or blues, each band plays the music and songs they choose and love. Guided by local professional musicians who are passionate about teaching and sharing their skills, students grow as musicians, build confidence and form strong bonds with their bandmates. Rock Academy bands perform all over the Corridor and beyond, teaming up with local businesses, organizations and community groups. Thanks to AccessArts, our financial aid program, all EIAA members get access to private lessons, the recording studio and instrument rentals — all at reduced or no cost. Rock Academy is currently accepting auditions.

The Sarah King Woodwind Studio is a vibrant community of over 40 woodwind players of all ages and skill levels, led by teacher Sarah King. Through personalized instruction, King helps students grow both technically and artistically, developing well-rounded musicians who excel in performance, creativity and leadership within their musical communities. Whether preparing for auditions, enhancing technique, or pursuing a passion for music, students are empowered to reach their highest potential and make lasting contributions to the musical world.

Students of The Sarah King Woodwind Studio have achieved remarkable success in their musical journeys. Many of them have earned positions as principal players at their schools, perform in top ensembles and consistently shine in band programs and festivals. Studio members have performed in events such as the Festival of Trees, annual studio recitals, and regional honor bands, including the Marion Honor Band, Coe College Honor Band, NEIBA Honor Band, and the University of Iowa Honor Band, among others.

For more than 25 years, Kevin “B.F.” Burt has been electrifying audiences throughout the Midwest, dispelling the myth that true blues has no roots in Iowa. His unique soul-inspired presentation is often compared to Bill Withers and Aaron Neville, with the ability to build an audience rapport that has been compared to B.B. King.

Burt released his latest album, “Stone Crazy,” in 2020 via Gulf Coast Records. He was nominated in four categories for the 2021 Independent Blues Awards, including best soul/blues album, best soul/blues song, Gateway Artist of the Year, and received nominations for best soul/blues album and the Artist on the Rise Award at the 2021 Blues Blast Music Awards.

At the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, Burt took home top honors in three categories: best solo/duo, best solo/duo guitar player and best harmonica player. In 2019 he received a Blues Music Award nomination for his debut album “Heartland and Soul” (Best Emerging Artist Album) and was inducted in the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame. In 2021 he was awarded the Bobby Rush Lifetime Achievement in Entertainment award by the Jus’ Blues Foundation. He received a 2022 Blues Music Award nomination for Acoustic Artist of the Year.

Thank you to our emcees!