The Englert Theatre Announces Lineup for the Inaugural
IOWA CITY, IA May 2, 2025 – The Englert Theatre is thrilled to announce the inaugural Iowa City Songwriter Festival (ICSF), a new immersive music experience happening September 4–6, 2025, across venues in the heart of downtown Iowa City. This three-day celebration will honor and elevate the timeless craft of songwriting by blending world-class live performances with enriching educational opportunities and community engagement.
Spanning multiple venues including The Englert Theatre, The James Theater, The Black Angel, and Trumpet Blossom Cafe, the festival will feature an intimate atmosphere where attendees can connect deeply with the music and the process behind it. “Iowa City has long been a place where words matter—a UNESCO City of Literature with a legacy of storytelling that spans generations,” said John Schickedanz, Executive Director of The Englert Theatre. “With the Iowa City Songwriters Festival, we’re building on that legacy by celebrating songwriting as one of the most powerful forms of modern storytelling. This festival honors the literary spirit of our community while creating space for new voices and new songs that will echo far beyond this moment.”
Each day will offer a dynamic mix of solo and duo sets, artist talks, and panel discussions, creating space for audiences to not only hear the songs but understand the stories, processes, and people that bring them to life. What sets ICSF apart is its dual identity as both a performance-driven festival and a songwriter-focused conference. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to engage with some of the most respected voices in songwriting through mentorship sessions, behind-the-scenes conversations, and community forums that encourage exploration, inspiration, and growth.
“Iowa City has always been a songwriting town where musicians cross paths with writers of fiction and poetry and where the pace and infrastructure of a Midwestern college town has allowed artists to hone their crafts and focus on creating,” said Brian Johannesen, Programming Director of The Englert Theatre. “The Iowa City Songwriters Festival is a reflection of that history, but it’s also a vision of what’s next. As our arts ecosystem grows and shifts, this festival is about creating meaningful experiences that build community around the art and process of songwriting, inviting songsmiths both locally and from around the world to gather in Iowa City and hone their craft.”
Whether you are a seasoned songwriter, an aspiring artist, or a passionate fan, ICSF invites you to be part of a festival where lyrics matter, melodies move, and connections are made—both on and off the stage.
2025 Lineup Highlights
ICSF will showcase a handpicked lineup of nationally acclaimed songwriters and emerging voices:
- Jeff Tweedy – Legendary Wilco frontman and author of multiple books on songwriting known for pushing the limits of storytelling through song.
- Joy Oladokun – A bold, genre-fluid artist acclaimed for her fusion of folk, soul, and pop.
- Loudon Wainwright III – Grammy-winning folk legend praised for his wit, honesty, and lyrical storytelling.
- Courtney Marie Andrews (Artist-In-Residence) – Soulful Americana singer-songwriter, painter and poet.
- Sunny War – Genre-bending guitarist blending punk energy with blues tradition.
- Deb Talan – Co-founder of The Weepies; known for evocative, melodic songwriting.
- Dave Moore – Iowa songwriting staple whose harmonica and lyricism define The Iowa Sound..
- Buffalo Nichols – A modern blues innovator challenging tradition with raw, resonant storytelling.
- Margo Cilker – Country-folk troubadour praised for vivid, place-based songwriting.
- Ken Pomeroy – Young Americana voice from Oklahoma with a delicate, rootsy style.
- She Returns From War – Charleston-based cosmic Americana project led by Hunter Park.
- Willy Tea Taylor – A pastoral poet of rural life, beloved for his gravelly voice and heartfelt ballads.
- Jordan Smart – Midwest-based singer-songwriter and activist weaving classic and modern folk traditions.
- Connar Moon – Rising artist known for soft, poetic lyricism and intimate delivery.
Festival Features
- Performances at The Englert Theatre, The James Theater, The Black Angel, and Trumpet Blossom Cafe.
- Conference programming at Iowa Conservatory with panels, artist talks, 1-on-1 mentorship, and an exhibit hall.
- Artist Residency celebrating the literary roots of Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature.
Scholarship Program
ICSF will award 20 full scholarships to emerging musicians eager to expand their craft. Scholarships include:
- All-access festival pass
- Exclusive songwriter talks and engagements
- Lodging at The Graduate Hotel
- Meals and dining stipends
- Opportunity for 1:1 mentorship sessions from professional songwriters
Applications are open until May 30, 2025 @ 11:59 PM CST at englert.org/icsf/scholarship.
Festival Passes
- All Access Pass – $350
- Full Weekend Pass (Fri–Sat) – $175
- Member Weekend Pass – $150
Individual show tickets for select performances will be available in June.
VIP All-Access Pass includes:
- Full weekend pass, with guaranteed access to all music performances at The Englert and The James
- Exclusive kick-off dinner and performance at Trumpet Blossom on Thursday
- Free entry to the ICSF Conference on Saturday
- Free entry to exclusive artist talks with lineup performers
- 4 complimentary drink tickets (redeemable at The Englert)
- Commemorative festival t-shirt & lanyard
About the Iowa City Songwriter Festival
The Iowa City Songwriter Festival is a new, intimate three-day music festival and conference experience presented by The Englert Theatre. Focused on the art and community of songwriting, ICSF brings together performers, listeners, and emerging writers to explore music’s most enduring form of storytelling.
WEBSITE: https://englert.org/icsf
Thank you to the ICSF 2025 partners and sponsors!
Chorus Sponsors: Hamburg Inn, Pullman, St. Burch, Field Day
Bridge Sponsors: Honeybee Hair Parlor, Marcus Fitzpatrick of Blank & McCune, ImOn, Iowa Conservatory, Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
Media Sponsor: IPR Studio One
Conference Sponsors: Kim Schillig Realtor, Little Village Magazine
Community Supporters: Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar, Doug & Sarah Goettsch, Big Grove for Good Foundation, New Pioneer Co-Op