MUSCATINE, Iowa–From Jan. 27 through 30, the annual Eagles and Ivories Ragtime Weekend looks to liven up Muscatine with classic music and an unparalleled chance to watch eagles. Now in its 28th year, this beloved event looks forward to returning to an in-person format.
The musical festivities will begin Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Merrill Hotel with a cabaret featuring Anne and Jeff Barnhart and Chase Garrett. On Friday, Eagles and Ivories will share their event with people throughout the community by performing kickoff concerts at Addington Place (formerly Sunnybrook at Muscatine) and Lutheran Living as well as by showing silent movies at Jefferson Elementary School. In the evening, music lovers can take in a variety of concerts across the city, including a dinner concert and soup supper at Wesley United Methodist Church followed by a performance featuring numerous artists, including Ivory and Gold, in the church sanctuary, and an after party with music at the Merrill Hotel.
On Saturday, anyone who enjoys the great outdoors or birding can take part in several eagle watching activities beginning at 9 a.m. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, people can stop down to the Red Brick Building (Pearl City Station) to visit booths hosted by regional conservation groups, enjoy hot chocolate and coffee, and put together kid’s crafts. At 9:30 and 11 a.m., RARE will host a live raptor show, letting attendees learn about and see live raptors like eagles. At 12:30 p.m., anyone interested may attend the Building Better Birders and Citizen Scientists Workshop, which will share information and experiences from the BioEco Research and Monitoring Center, Clinton County Conservation, and the Nahant Marsh Education Center. Until 2 p.m., guests may also participate in eagle watching.
In the afternoon, the ragtime fun will continue with a silent movie showing and concert at the Muscatine Art Center. Syncopation Desserts at Wesley United Methodist Church accompanied by the Locust Street Boys will usher in an evening of outstanding music, including a concert at Wesley United Methodist Church featuring six different groups and another after-hours at the Merrill following it.
The weekend of musical treasures will conclude with a ragtime and jazz gospel worship service at Wesley as well as a matinee concert at the Muscatine Art Center.
After scaling back their activities in 2021, Eagles and Ivories organizer Ed Chamberlin looks forward to putting on a wide selection of in-person events this January. “This is a great opportunity to see world class musicians in a great environment,” he stated. “This is the first time since COVID that these performers will be venturing out,” he added, noting that he looks, “forward to seeing and hearing live music,” once again.
Anyone wanting more information about each of Eagles and Ivories events this year may learn more by visiting the Muscatine Area Arts Council website or by emailing them. Those wishing to attend any of the concerts or musical events may purchase tickets at the door or buy a $70 all inclusive pass at Flowers on the Avenue at 1138 East Ninth Street.
