River’s Edge Noise Opera offers new event in Muscatine
by Margaret Hurlbert
March 14, 2020

MUSCATINE, Iowa—A music lover, Chad Bishop always enjoyed the eclectic venues he discovered in Iowa City and the Quad Cities. Wanting to bring some of these unique sounds to Muscatine, Bishop worked together with several local bands to put on a first of its kind concert in the heart of downtown. On March 21, the River’s Edge Noise Opera will feature four local bands playing independent and original music to delight connoisseurs from across the county.

The night of the event, Doomr Noomr Boomr, Aural Xam, Abnormal Man, and ClosetWitch will each perform a set of their original music lasting between 20 and 45 minutes. Bishop describes the evening as, “a showcase of musical talent,” as well as, “a miniature version of a rock opera.” Though each band will play its own songs, all together they will focus on a central theme. Projections and animations played along with the music will help to tie each act together. Unlike a rock opera though, this noise opera will feature experimental and improvisational pieces as well as synthesized music. In the future, Bishop hopes to partner with the Pearl City Players to produce a full-length rock opera, which will feature rock music interspersed with theatrical scenes.

Along with bringing a new kind of musical experience to the area, the River’s Edge Noise Opera will also highlight one of Muscatine’s newest venues, the River’s Edge Event Loft. Located above the Sino US Friendship Center at 129 West Second Street, Muscatine, the loft opened in December 2019.

It features a large room for parties or performances with a sort of kitchen area. For future concerts, Bishop would love to partner with a food truck crew or other caterer to offer concessions from this space. Along with the main room, the loft includes a separate arcade room packed with retro games such as Pac-Man and Centipede for people of all ages to enjoy. While Bishop hopes the River’s Edge Event Loft will bring other performers to Muscatine, he also feels the space will work perfectly for anyone looking to hold receptions, birthday parties, and reunions.

Tickets for the River’s Edge Noise Opera cost $5 apiece for people of all ages. Due to the language of some songs, Bishop considers the event suitable for those ages 13 and up. For adults over 21, $10 VIP tickets will allow them to sit in a designated area as well as bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy.

With the River’s Edge Noise Opera, Bishop hopes to create a fun, festive music experience the community will enjoy. “I would encourage people to come out because it’s a unique cultural opportunity to experience music, multi-media, and storytelling,” said Bishop.

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