Cedar County Cobras

Cedar County Cobras play American Roots & Blues music from the last century. The music takes on an “old time” blues feel that would most likely be found in a juke-joint down a gravel road in rural Iowa. Arriving with an upright bass, foot-drum, mandolin, and a collection of guitars this duo plays music that is best described as “boot-stompin” delta blues and roots blues. Fans of the Cobras have described the music as contagious, acoustic rockabilly swamp blues, or old-time country with the gritty sound of soulful blues. Tom Spielbauer is the singer/ songwriter for the duo, known for deep haunting vocals and playing slide guitar. His music partner, April Dirks, plays the boogie-blues on the upright bass. The recent album release, Homesick Blues, has made the international and national blues charts. They have charted at #1 for acoustic blues album, #1 for Iowa album AND up to #15 on the Top 50 Blues Album Chart for the Roots Music Report. The Cobras have played hundreds of shows across Iowa from the local brewery to the large festival stage. For more on the Cobras visit: https://cedarcountycobras.com.

Awful Purdies

Awful Purdies is a Folk-Americana collective of five multi-instrumental women, powered by seamless harmonies, banjo, accordion, cello, guitar, mandolin, and bass. The sound is an earnest nod to traditional American music, folk, old country, bluegrass, honky tonk, and soul.

The live performance experience is intimate, containing both humor and insight. On stage, Awful Purdies actively share gratitude and support of one another and take turns stepping up as lead singers and songwriters.

Since 2006, Awful Purdies have been raising families, telling women’s stories, advocating for human rights, and engaging with their communities in the midwest.

The Great Unraveling, their 4th studio album, was named Best 2021 Album by a local artist and “Something In the Water” earned Best 2021 Song by a local artist by Little Village Magazine.