The Ranshaw House Concert Series Returns for Summer 2025

The series features local musicians performing on the front porch of North Liberty’s historic Ranshaw House (515 Community Drive) on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. in June and July.

Enjoy free performances from Johnny Kilowatt, Tanya English Band, Yesternite and more!

Catch up with friends and socialize as a community Friday nights in June and July on the Ranshaw House lawn. Bring a picnic, BYOB and enjoy live performances from local musicians on the historic house’s front porch.

Series Lineup - Summer 2025

June 6: Rock Academy

ranshaw house concert series eastern iowa arts academy rock academy

Presented in partnership with Eastern Iowa Arts Academy. Performers will be announced as date approaches.

June 13: Johnny Kilowatt Band

ranshaw house concert series johnny kilowatt band

A blues band with more than 30 years experience. Guitarist/vocalist Jon Klinkowitz was a founding member of the Blues Instigators with Kevin BF Burt, and was a member of Mother Blues with Patrick Hazell. They play high-energy, modern blues while honoring the traditions of the genre.

June 20: Steve Kalmes

ranshaw house concert series steve kalmes musician

Originally from St. Donatus, Steve has been playing music for the past 50+ years and has been in a large variety of bands in the Cedar Rapids area since moving there 35 years ago. Everything from country to heavy metal, blues, Top 40 and classic rock, and his latest adventure: easy listening, solo acoustic, done with a little different twist.

June 27: Day's Live Music

musician day ashworth from day's live music

Day is an Iowa-based, live looping musician from Tennessee. Her set is made of upbeat and easy listening modern and classic hits in the rock/pop/country genres and originals. She has been an opening act for bands such as The Pork Tornadoes, Alisabeth Von Presley, and The Schmidt Brothers.

July 11: Yesternite

ranshaw house concert series yesternite musical group

Yesternite is a six-piece funk band in the Eastern Iowa area performing instrumental covers by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Trombone Shorty, Roy Hargrove, Gnarls Barkely, Gloria Gaynor, and more!

July 18: Tanya English Band

Playing women’s empowerment blues for the eastern Iowa audience for over twelve years. Old style and contemporary, with premier musicians.

July 25: Youth Night

ranshaw house concert series united action for youth youth night performance

Presented in partnership with United Action for Youth. Performers will be announced as date approaches.

Here's What You Need to Know

The five Ws

  • Who: You! Free and no reservation needed
  • What: A free evening of good company with performances by local musicians
  • Where: Ranshaw House, 515 Community Drive, North Liberty
  • When: Fridays in June and July, with two-hour performances starting at 6 p.m.
  • Why: To catch up with friends and socialize with neighbors

Summer 2025 Schedule

What to bring

  • Lawn chairs and blankets to relax on while enjoying the performances. To allow everyone to have a view of the porch, we ask attendees to not bring pop-up tents or large sun shades.
  • A picnic from home or a local restaurant to enjoy with family and friends.
  • BYOB. While alcohol is usually prohibited in public parks, this event has been approved for BYOB of wine or beer (cans only, no glass). Alcohol must only be consumed within designated area of the park. Alcohol will not be for sale.
  • Your dog, if you’d like. They are welcome as long as they are on a leash and you clean up after them.

How to get there

  • The Ranshaw House is located north of the Community Center at 515 Community Drive.
  • Please park at the Community Center.
  • Skip the car and walk, bike or roller blade to the park!

You also might be wondering

  • Restrooms are available in the Community Center.
  • Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash and you clean up after them.
  • The use of tobacco, nicotine, vape and other electronic smoking devices are prohibited in North Liberty parks, trails and public recreation areas.

Stay in the loop

  • Any cancellations or delays will be posted in the Facebook event.
  • Share your photos with us on Facebook or Instagram..
  • Stay connected with the City by subscribing to the North Liberty Bulletin or signing up for news alerts.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation at our events for individuals with disabilities. For accommodations, please reach out to [email protected] or call (319) 626-5755.

Who to thank

This event is part of the City Slate. The yearlong schedule of events is made possible by Centro, Inc., Collins Community Credit Union, Corda Credit Union, The Eastern Iowa Airport – CID, Hills Bank, MidWestOne Bank, South Slope Cooperative, University of Iowa Health Care, Urban Acres Real Estate and Veridian Credit Union.

2025 City Slate Sponsors

Google Translate