Music on the Village Green Celebrates Humanitarianism and Public Service Month in Iowa

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Date: May 25, 2012
Contact: Bob Palmer, (319) 643-2541

WEST BRANCH, IOWA-Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, in cooperation with Main Street West Branch, invites visitors to celebrate Humanitarianism and Public Service Month in Iowa with a series of special musical events each Thursday night in June. The weekly performances feature artists Joe and Vicki Price (June 7th), James Kennedy and Friends (June 14th), Maintainers (June 21st) and The Beggarmen (June 28th). The concerts are free and begin at 7:00 p.m. at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa.

A statewide proclamation, to be signed on June 7 at the Governor's office in Des Moines, will highlight the importance of humanitarian and public service work within communities. The proclamation will emphasize the humanitarian and public service accomplishments of two of Iowa's most famous sons: President Herbert Hoover of West Branch and Dr. Norman Borlaug of Cresco. "The signed proclamation will be displayed during each of the Thursday evening events," said Pete Swisher, superintendent of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the national park which commemorates the life and accomplishments of the 31st President of the United States. "We hope it will inspire a new generation of Iowans towards public service work and humanitarian deeds."

The outdoor concerts will take place at the gazebo on the Village Green at 110 Parkside Drive, the intersection of Parkside Drive and Main Street in historic downtown West Branch. The Village Green provides a classic small town setting in which to enjoy an evening of free entertainment. There is ample parking nearby, and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or ground blankets. In the event of inclement weather the program will be moved to the Herbert Hoover Elementary School gymnasium at 148 North Oliphant Street in West Branch.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring so many artists with Iowa roots to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site," said Swisher. "They will show those in attendance a great diversity of musical styles that connect directly to our landscape, communities, and cultures. We are very much looking forward to their performances."

June 7, Joe and Vicki Price: A winner of multiple musical awards, Joe and Vicki's music is flavored more to the juke joint end of the blues: a bit rough and tons of fun. Joe Price was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 2002, The Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and was a finalist in the International Blues Challenge 2006. Joe has appeared on National Public Radio on the Michael Feldman show "What Do You Know" and the "Big Top Chautauqua" show, where he opened for Grammy nominated folk singer Greg Brown.

June 14, James Kennedy and Friends: James Kennedy has been a force in "indie" music for many years, performing blues, jazz, world, and more. During that time, he and his groups have toured regionally, nationally, and internationally playing venues of all sizes. Their instrumental melodic style is strong and appeals to audiences across all age groups. The variety of styles includes jazz, blues, folk, ragtime, and contemporary - something for everyone's taste in music.

June 21, Maintainers: Playing its own brand of roots-rock-country-folk music and building a loyal following through its live shows, Maintainers entertain their audiences through the performance of both original compositions as well as known numbers. This is all done through excellent instrumentation backed up with gritty vocal performances.

June 28, The Beggarmen: The Beggarmen are celebrating their eleventh year as one of the region's best Irish music ensembles. Since their first performance at a small pub in Iowa, the band has gone on to headline at folk festivals and concert halls throughout the Midwest, greeting audiences with their unique style of Irish folk music.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.



Last updated: April 10, 2015

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P.O. Box 607
West Branch, IA 52358

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319 643-2541

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