Weekly Updates

June 8, 2025

by admin

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