On June 1st, 2024, the IWJO Sextet performed for a Lolly Eggers Memorial Jazz Event at the Iowa City Public Library. We presented a set by women jazz composers and arrangers of the past and present, including Grace Kelly, Bria Skonberg, Mary Lou Williams, and IWJO's own Lynne Hart and Alayna Ringsby.
On April 20th, 2024, the Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra performed at the University of Northern Iowa as part of Sigma Alpha Iota's Province Day. Many IWJO members are UNI grads and SAI sisters, so this was extra special!
In December of 2023, IWJO was fortunate to serve as the guest artist for Orchestra Iowa's annual Holiday Spectacular at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids. This was a one-of-a-kind show, combining a full big band, full symphony orchestra, featured vocalist, adult choir, children's choir, and much more. It was definitely one of the coolest, most fulfilling events we have ever been part of. Photos courtesy of Jeff Schmatt of Rubicon Photo. https://rubiconphoto.shootproof.com/
On February 26th, 2023, the Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra performed at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines as part of their Fine Arts Series.
The IWJO Sextet (Jen Tiede - alto sax, Lynne Hart - tenor sax, Toni LeFebvre - trumpet, Gail Williams - piano, Vivian Shanley - bass, Farren Johnson - drums) performed for the Summer 2020 virtual Iowa City Jazz Festival.
On April 2nd, 2019, members of the Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra were joined by Alexa Tarantino (alto sax), Barbara Laronga (trumpet), Jennifer Wharton (trombone), Laura Caviani (piano), Karyn Quinn (bass), and Sherrie Maricle (drums) for a performance at the Iowa Jazz Championships in Ames, IA. Photos courtesy of Helen Alexander.
Here are some photos from the Iowa Women's Jazz Orchestra's (formerly known as the All-Female Jazz Orchestra of Iowa) initial reading session, premier performance, and other early rehearsals.