The dramatic and stirring Fanfare for the Common Man by American composer Aaron Copland opens the program in recognition of the contributions of the average, everyday people. Next, GRAMMY Award winning pianist Michelle Cann delights us with George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. Finally, we’re traveling to the new world with a piece that was finished here in Iowa, Dvorak’s New World Symphony.
2026-09-11 22:00:00 -0500
Alabama native, Waffle House enthusiast and stand-up comedian Derrick Stroup is not your average slow talking Southerner. With the cadence of an angry auctioneer, he locks people in with his detailed stories and over the top energy. His debut Netflix special, Nostalgic, premiered globally on March 10th and landed a spot in the Top 10 shows in the U.S. with rave reviews.
Since making his debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2023, Stroup has quickly become a standout returning in 2025 to widespread acclaim and earning a third appearance this month, cementing his status as one of comedy’s fastest-rising voices. Derrick can be seen performing at the world-famous Comedy Cellar in New York City, headlining clubs across the country, and touring alongside national headliners Bert Kreischer, Larry the Cable Guy, John Crist, and Nate Bargatze.
His newest special, Nostalgic, dives into the time of being a 90’s kid growing up in rural Alabama and everything that came along with it. From partying with friends to board games and parental relationships, Stroup packs his rapid-fire storytelling with sharp observations and high energy that keeps audiences locked in from start to finish. Nostalgic was filmed at the Lyric Theatre in his home state of Alabama.
In 2024, Derrick appeared in Nate Bargatze’s Christmas special produced by Lorne Michaels and Bargatze, and next, Stroup set to appear in the upcoming film The Breadwinner co-written by Nate Bargatze and directed by Eric Appel.
Derrick is currently finishing up his Mad About Nothing tour and will be starting up his first-ever Running Hot theater tour in September.
2026-04-07 22:00:00 -0500
The World’s MOST Iconic Ballet - With a LIVE Orchestra!
The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Performing with a Live Orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding ballet captures every heart-pounding moment - from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between.
With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score soaring through the air and played LIVE, immerse yourself in this mesmerizing journey where dreams, heartbreak, and hope unfold right before your eyes.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission)
Audience: For ages 5 & over
2026-04-07 22:00:00 -0500
Jessie Montgomery’s Banner kicks things off with a bold, thought-provoking take on a familiar anthem. Then it’s all eyes on Orchestra Iowa Concertmaster Julia Sakharova as she lights up the stage in Mendelssohn’s electrifying Violin Concerto. Lastly, Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 3 brings big, bold, beautifully dramatic melodies to an already unforgettable musical experience.
2026-09-11 22:00:00 -0500
Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Bon Jovi’s iconic album Slippery When Wet live in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of Bon Jovi’s greatest hits. Over the past ten years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the US. The group of hand-picked musicians changes based upon the album being performed—and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the musicians doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It’s a full night of rock and roll magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. Fans across the country flock to their shows—and once you see one, you won’t miss another!
Don’t let the name fool you…known for their incredible live recreations of some of classic rock’s greatest albums, The Black Jacket Symphony is bringing Bon Jovi’s iconic album Slippery When Wet to life. It’s a full rock-and-roll experience! Black jackets for them, blue jeans for you.
2026-04-07 19:00:00 -0500
Get ready for an unforgettable evening when David Arquette goes BEHIND THE SCREAM, a thrilling live conversation featuring a special 30th anniversary screening of the iconic horror film SCREAM, followed by an in-depth moderated interview and Q&A with the legendary actor, David Arquette, who played the beloved character Dewey Riley in the franchise.
David Arquette will take the stage for an engaging discussion, sharing his insights, anecdotes, and the impact SCREAM has had on his career and the horror industry. Fans will have the opportunity to have their burning questions answered and hear firsthand accounts from one of the film's stars, making this a haunting night to remember.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available, offering the best seats in the house and an exclusive post-show photo-op with David Arquette.
Don't miss out on this rare chance to go "BEHIND THE SCREAM" with David Arquette. Secure your tickets now and be part of a night filled with suspense, stories, and special moments this Halloween.
2026-05-11 21:30:00 -0500
Swamp Fox Bookstore and Orchestra Iowa are pleased to present Diary of a Wimpy Kid author (and host), Jeff Kinney, as he celebrates the release of his latest book, Fight or Flight, with a knock-out, interactive stage show, set to EGGSPLODE with fun for the whole family on the stage at Paramount Theatre on Wednesday, October 28 at 7 pm. Tickets available through the Orchestra Iowa/Paramount Theatre website: https://ticket.artsiowa.com/fightorflight
2026-09-08 20:00:00 -0500
Gary Owen has been entertaining audiences for more than two decades with his sharp observational humor and fearless storytelling. Known for his unapologetic, rule-defying style, his material draws from his personal life, time in the military and the everyday absurdities that connect people across backgrounds. With a fanbase that has grown by the millions in recent months and continues to surge across social media, Owen’s reach has cemented his place as one of the most in-demand touring comedians today.
Beyond stand-up, Owen has appeared in a wide range of feature films including BACK ON THE STRIP with Tiffany Haddish and Wesley Snipes, MEET THE BLACKS and its sequel THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR, THINK LIKE A MAN and THINK LIKE A MAN TOO, RIDE ALONG with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, LITTLE MAN opposite the Wayans Brothers, and DADDY DAY CARE with Eddie Murphy. He is also widely recognized for his scene-stealing role as “Bearcat” in the MGM film COLLEGE.
On television, Owen starred in his own BET series THE GARY OWEN SHOW and co-hosted TruTV’s sketch series UPLOAD WITH SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. After meeting Tyler Perry on THE TOM JOYNER MORNING SHOW, he was cast in the recurring role of Zach the barber on the TBS comedy series TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE.
Owen continues to write, produce and perform his own groundbreaking comedy specials, including BLACK FAMOUS, #DOIN’ WHAT I DO, I GOT MY ASSOCIATES, I AGREE WITH MYSELF, TRUE STORY, URBAN LEGEND, and BREAKIN’ OUT THE PARK. Most recently, he recorded two specials back-to-back—BROKEN FAMILY and GARY OWEN…NO S, released this past spring on YouTube.
In addition to his on-stage and on-screen work, Owen hosts his own podcast, #GETSOME WITH GARY OWEN, and has appeared on numerous others, including FLAGRANT PODCAST, TIGERBELLY, YOUR MOM'S HOUSE with Tom Segura & Christina P., CLUB SHAY SHAY and WE PLAYIN’ SPADES PODCAST with Nick Cannon, among others.
Following a wave of record-breaking, sold-out performances at comedy clubs across the country, he recently announced his first major North American theater tour, NO HARD FEELINGS, which kicks off in early 2026.
2026-04-07 22:00:00 -0500
Fresh off the release of Magic Lover—Netflix’s first-ever magic comedy special—Justin Willman is hitting the road with an all-new tour: One for the Ages.
Willman is best known as the star and creator of Netflix’s Magic for Humans and Magic Prank Show, where his signature mix of mind-blowing magic and relatable humor has made him a streaming favorite, a viral hit (1 billion views and counting), and a fan favorite for families, comedy lovers, and skeptics alike.
He’s appeared on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Conan, and was recently named “Stage Magician of the Year” by the Magic Castle. He’s performed at the White House, packed theaters across the country, and managed to make grown adults openly weep over a card trick. But the live show? That’s where the real magic happens.
One for the Ages is Justin’s biggest tour to date, featuring brand-new material and more. It’s an interactive, laugh-filled, sleight-of-mind experience that’s smart, silly, and astonishing.
And yes—it’s the kind of show you can bring your kids, your date, or your dad to. All ages. All generations. All-new.
This is One for the Ages.
2026-04-07 22:00:00 -0500
In the early years of his young adult life C S Lewis believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J R R Tolkien. Although both men loved mythology in general, Tolkien was convinced that the Jesus myth was the one true myth. That was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. From that point on Christmas, for Lewis, took on an entirely different meaning.
Here we find him at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve hosting a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England. They are about to experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulates a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Above all, they will discover how that encounter with Tolkien forever changed his Christmas celebrations.
2026-08-24 16:30:00 -0500
Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Michael Jackson’s iconic album Thriller live in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits. Over the past ten years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 popular albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the US. The group of hand-picked musicians change based upon the album being performed—and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the musicians doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It’s a full night of Pop magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. Fans across the country flock to their shows—and once you see one, you won’t miss another!
2026-08-20 21:30:00 -0500
Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble
Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble.
Armed with their lightning-fast wits, Mochrie & Sherwood transform the audience’s suggestions into an unpredictable evening of non-stop comedy gold. No script? No problem! “Asking For Trouble” is a wild rollercoaster ride of hilarity, where two improv legends prove they are still the best in the business.
2025-12-03 21:30:00 -0600