Harmony Hawks

Harmony Hawks Chorus, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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June 8, 2025

Three Upcoming Musical Events for Your Attention

Considering Matthew Shepard

This incredible musical work will be presented twice this month, Sat., June 28 at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s and Sun., June 29 at 4 p.m. at the University of Iowa’s Voxman Music Building.

Considering Matthew Shepard is a Grammy-nominated three-part oratorio composed by Craig Hella Johnson. The work is an evocative and compassionate musical response to the murder of Matthew Shepard. On October 6, 1998, University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, beaten, and left to die, in what became an infamous act of brutality, and one of America’s most notorious anti-gay hate crimes. Shepard’s murder ultimately led to the creation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and provided a catalyst for legislation that expanded the definition of a hate crime to include sexual orientation. In 2009, Congress passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Composer Craig Hella Johnson had a profoundly personal reaction to both the murder and its resonance. The Shepard family and Foundation engaged with Johnson in the creation of the work, and allowed the use of fragments from Shepard’s personal diary.

The work combines both modern and classical vocal traditions, multiple choirs, soloists and orchestra. The groups have been in rehearsal for this events for the past several months.

This performance is a collaboration between The Quire of Eastern Iowa, St. Paul”s Sanctuary Choir and other area vocalists.

Tickets are free with options for donation and will be required for entry.

Tickets here:
https://www.aplos.com/aws/events/considering_matthew_shepard_june_28

Voxman Music Hall in Iowa City on June 29 at 4:00pm Tickets here:
https://app.aplos.com/aws/events/considering_matthew_shepard_june_29

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Raise Your Voice in Song

Enjoy the uplifting music of the St. John’s Boys Choir. June 18, 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s, a spirited concert filled with harmony, inspiration, and the powerful voices of talented singers. This free event is open to the public.

Next to the Last One-Man Show

June 21, 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Iowa City.

John Marshall will perform music from “Paint Your Wagon,” “Brigadoon.” South Pacific,” Les Miserables” and more. https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bs9bKLsvq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Tuesday Plan

  • Church Bells
  • You Raise Me Up
  • Hush
  • Run, Run, Run
  • Gospel Medley
  • Daddy Sang Bass
  • There’s a Meetin’ Here Tonight
  • Shenandoah

Upcoming Events

  • July 22 – Cedar Rapids Kernels National Anthem
  • August 17 – Honor Flight Orientation (x2)
  • November 14 – Best of Cedar Rapids Gospel Concert
  • April 11, 2026 – Spring Show

May 31, 2025

Tuesday Plan

  • Church Bells
    • NOTE FOR BASSES: Measures 11 & 31: Sing the Dong! Dong! notes up an octave.
  • You Raise Me Up
  • Hush
  • Run, Run, Run
  • Daddy Sang Bass
  • There’s a Meetin’ Here Tonight
  • California Dreamin’
  • Under the Boardwalk

Upcoming Events

  • July 22 – Cedar Rapids Kernels National Anthem
  • November 11 – Best of Cedar Rapids Gospel Concert
  • April 11, 2026 – Spring Show

May 24, 2025

Cedar Memorial Memorial Day Sing-out

  • When: Monday, May 26
  • Where: Cedar Memorial (4200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids). Meet at Chapel of Memories.
  • Time: Arrive 10:30, Sing around 11:00 (you may want to arrive earlier for access to better parking)
  • Attire: Black pants, red shirt, white tie, black shoes

 Tuesday Plan

Reminder: Make sure you review the songs prior to rehearsal and be sure you have your music and way to mark it up as Chad directs us to.

  • Church Bells
  • You Raise Me Up
  • Hush
  • Run, Run, Run
  • Gospel Medley
  • There’s a Meetin’ Here Tonight
  • Let’s Get Away From It All
  • New York, New York

Afterglow at The Starlight Room immediately following rehearsal.

Probable Gospel Concert Songs

Work hard on these songs so you are off the music by August.

  • There’s A Meetin’ Here Tonight
  • Run, Run, Run
  • Church Bells
  • Gospel Medley
  • You Raise Me Up
  • Daddy Sang Bass

Upcoming Events

  • May 26 – Memorial Day sing-out at Cedar Memorial
  • July 22 – Cedar Rapids Kernels National Anthem
  • November 11 – Best of Cedar Rapids Gospel Concert
  • April 11, 2026 – Spring Show