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The Englert Theatre Celebrates 99th Anniversary This Weekend

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The Englert celebrates the 99th Anniversary of its historic building this weekend with three days of performances and discussions Thursday, October 6 - Saturday, October 8.

The celebration features some of Iowa's best artistic talent. On Thursday, rockers Poison Control Center will grace the Englert's stage with a special performance of material specifically curated for the event. Celebrated country-folk performer, Iris DeMent returns to the theater with Bo Ramsey on Friday, October 7 for an unforgettable night of music. Saturday will host panel discussions with Iowa artists on different mediums of art. The weekend comes to a close Saturday evening with Pieta Brown. The sold-out Intimate concert (seating on-stage) is the album release show for her new album Mercury.

Schedule of Events:
The Poison Control Center
Thursday, October 6 at 8:00pm
Tickets: $5 / Limited Tickets Available
This will be a unique Intimate at the Englert performance by one of Iowa's hardest working bands. After spending a year on the road touring behind two critically-acclaimed records -- Sad Sour Future and Stranger Ballet -- the Poison Control Center return to their native Iowa and will grace the Englert's stage with a special performance of material specifically curated for the Englert's 99th Anniversary event.

Iris DeMent with Bo Ramsey
Friday, October 7 at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25
One of the most celebrated country-folk performers of her day, singer/songwriter Iris DeMent returns to the Englert stage for an unforgettable night of music. Supporting act will be Bo Ramsey, who will perform a rare solo set.

Panel: Theater Arts in the Cultural Corridor
Saturday, October 8 at 1:30pm
Free and open to the public
Members of Iowa City's rich theater community will gather to discuss the current state and future of theater arts in our area. Representatives include Chris Okiishi (City Circle of Coralville), Ron Clark (Riverside Theatre), Martin Andrews (Working Group), and Josh Sazon (Iowa City Community Theatre). The discussion will be moderated by actress/director Saffron Henke.

Panel: The Independent Artist
Saturday, October 8 at 3:00pm
Free and open to the public
Iowa City and the surrounding area serves as the home to a wealth of independent artists who relentlessly pursue their crafts in a range of mediums. This panel will explore the challenges and rewards of pursuing a life in the arts here in Iowa. Artist/panelists include musician David Zollo, photographer Sandy Dyas, and musician/artist/record label manager Shawn Reed (of Wet Hair, Night-People Records). Panel moderated by Englert Executive Director Andre Perry.

Pieta Brown with Alexis Stevens
Saturday, October 8 at 8:00pm
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Pieta Brown is a striking poet-songwriter with a haunting voice and an unmistakable style. Her unique blend of alt-country, folk, blues and indie-rock speaks to music fans around the world and has garnered rave reviews from the likes of the BBC and Boston Globe. This Intimate at the Englert performance will celebrate the release of her new album Mercury. Supporting will be local singer/songwriter Alexis Stevens.

For more information, visit englert.org.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Lighting Design - Top 3
1. Jen Schriever, Michael Arden - The Lost Boys
38.7% of votes
2. Jack Knowles - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
11.2% of votes
3. Kevin Adams - Chess
6.7% of votes

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