MUSCATINE, IOWA (September 28, 2021) — Celebrate fall with outdoor performances at the Muscatine Art Center. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and snacks and enjoy two free family-friendly performances and opening day of the Scarecrow and Jack-o-Lantern competition.
On Friday, October 22, 12:30PM, the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Co from West Liberty will perform an adaptation of The Bremen Town Musicians, a beloved Grimm’s Fairy Tale. Live guitar, piano, and singing is performed by musician Laura Kittrell and Eulenspiegel puppeteers Monica Leo and Stephanie Vallez. Delight in a colorful cast of characters including a donkey, a bluesy hound, a rockin’ rooster, and a jazzy cat! The creation of the show was supported in part by an Arts Dollars grant from Quad City Arts. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch to enjoy before the performance. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held in the Music Room.
Celebrated vocalist, writer, and arts educator, Ashli St Armant or “Jazzy Ash”, will perform on Thursday, October 28, 4:30PM. Jazzy Ash tours the United States with her band, Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards, performing jazz for young audiences. The group has produced five albums, been featured on National Public Radio, and have performed at venues such as Lincoln Center. Ash grew up dually influenced by the music from her mother’s hometown of New Orleans and her father’s Trinidadian culture. She trained professionally in music and theater and holds a degree in Early Childhood Education. This free performance of traditional African-American music for kids is presented by the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series.
“We are really excited to host these family performances,” explains Muscatine Art Center Program Coordinator, Katy Loos. “Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre has always been a great partner, and we are excited to have them back. While Jazzy Ash is a new performer for us, this is not the first time we have partnered with Quad City Arts to share the talents of performers participating in their Visiting Artist Series. It is a fantastic way to bring nationally celebrated musicians to our area!”
Jazzy Ash’s performance unofficially kicks off the Muscatine Art Center’s Scarecrow and Jack-O-Lantern competition. Entries will be exhibited at the Muscatine Art Center starting Thursday, October 28 through Sunday, October 31. Contact Katy at kloos@muscatineartcenter.org to request an entry form, visit our website muscatineartcenter.org to download one, or stop in to the Muscatine Art Center, 1314 Mulberry Avenue, to pick one up. Entries due October 8.
