Enjoy an intimate concert with a purpose at Elkader Opera House
The Weary Ramblers will headline a fundraiser concert at the Elkader Opera House on Friday, Nov. 14. (Photo submitted)
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
Enjoy an intimate concert with a purpose at the historic Elkader Opera House on Friday, Nov. 14.
The event is sponsored by Elkader-based organization Turkey River Cabin Concerts (TRCC), which has attracted both local and national musicians to the area for the past six years.
While concerts are often held on the banks of the Turkey River, Brian Gibbs said the group has also made an effort to partner with other community sites, including a handful of events at the Volga City Opera House and Winter Fest at the Elkader Golf and Country Club. TRCC additionally supports music for Art in the Park and Deb’s Brewtopia.
“Last year, for the first time, we identified an opportunity at the Elkader Opera House and inquired about renting and setting up an intimate concert series,” Gibbs said. “We had two shows last year that sold out. They were on stage, so the audience sat with the artists, which was really unique.”
“It’s such a beautiful space,” he added, “and we had a lot of positive feedback from artists.”
Iowa award-winning folk duo The Weary Ramblers—fresh off nabbing Americana Song of the Year at the Josie Music Awards—will headline the concert as part of their album release tour. Kelley Smith from Minnesota and Kelly Hunt from Tennessee will open the show.
Smith and Hunt, along with Chad Elliott from The Weary Ramblers, attended a songwriter retreat put on by TRCC in May.
“They created bonds and a network through that,” said Gibbs. “Kelly and Kelley are doing a mini tour together.”
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available in advance by following the link on elkaderoperahouse.com. They can also be purchased at the door.
Proceeds will support the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.
“We wanted to do something more impactful, so it’s also a benefit concert with added meaning that comes during a time of need,” Gibbs said.
He invites people to not only support the cause, but to support and enjoy live music in the community.
“This brings people to the area to listen to live music and support the local economy. They stay here, have dinner and drinks and breakfast in the morning. It benefits a national historic site and the individual artists. It gains exposure to the community through Cabin Concerts,” Gibbs said.
He’s happy to be part of the event in a unique, intimate setting.
“It’s a world class opera house in a rural community, which is a rare thing. We enjoy bringing entertainment any time we can. Music brings us all together,” Gibbs shared.
Follow the Turkey River Cabin Concerts social media for more info on this and upcoming events.
