Tuesday, August 15, 2023

SCOPE Productions is thrilled to partner with Hancher Auditorium for an exciting evening of performances for students and our community! Mark your calendars for Friday, August 25 for the Fall Welcome Concert where you'll experience performances by Iowa native indie-folk artist Elizabeth Moen, Grammy Award winner Brittany Howard known for her electrifying delivery, and house and R&B sensation, Dawn Richard.

Schedule of Performances:

(Gathering starts at 5:00 p.m. on Hancher Green)

Elizabeth Moen at 6:00 p.m.

Brittany Howard at 7:30 p.m.

Dawn Richard at 9:15 p.m

Opener Elizabeth Moen has gained accolades from NPR Music, The Washington Post, and Paste Magazine for her introspective lyrics exploring the realms of life, love, and soul-searching. The University of Iowa alum, now Chicago-based rocker, has captivated audiences nationwide. She returns home to Iowa City to kickstart our festival-style concert on the Hancher Green.

Brittany Howard is a recognizable force in the contemporary music scene. Emerging as the lead singer and guitarist for the Alabama Shakes—Howard is known for her seamless blending of blues, psychedelic rock, and soul. Jamie, her 2019 debut solo album, brings an intimate look to her artistry through an experimental and convention-bending lens. Pitchfork asserted that “Howard pushes the boundaries of sound and space in search of fulfillment and decency. In a world that requires so much fixing, the music works effortlessly.” (Pitchfork). Make sure to witness her mesmerizing headlining performance. 

The electric Dawn Richard will ignite the night. With a fusion of R&B, house, footwork, and bounce weaved with the essence of New Orleans culture, her music promises the ultimate dance party. Innovative, boundless, and ever-changing, She declared, “I am the genre.” (Merge Records). Richard will be an unforgettable end to an amazing night.

Additionally, the Hawkeye Drumline and Pep Band will be performing in-between sets! Bring your friends–and your blankets and chairs–for this evening of music and dance! An array of on-site food trucks will be provided outside of Hancher Auditorium. See the complete list of food trucks here. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Fall Welcome Concert sets the stage for a great year of both Hancher Auditorium and SCOPE programming. Rock with us on Wednesday, August 30, at the IMU Amphitheater for SCOPE's annual Battle of the Bands! 

In addition to what's coming up with SCOPE, Hancher has many exciting performances throughout its 2023-24 season. Some highlights include collaborations between the Department of Dance, School of Music, and Performing Arts Production Unit, including the 100th-year celebration of the radical Martha Graham Dance Company and the spring opera Fierce.

 Infinite Dream is Hancher’s new multidisciplinary festival with performances from Kurt Vile and The Violators, Model/Actriz, Love in Exile featuring Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily, and more. Festival passes and individual tickets are on sale now. See the full Hancher season here.

During the Fall Welcome Concert, take advantage of Hancher is for Hawkeyes, Hancher’s opportunity for students to receive deep discounts on performances throughout the 2023–24 season. The Hancher Box Office will remain open until 8:00 p.m. on August 25 so that you can take advantage of the sale while attending the Fall Welcome Concert. Learn more about Hancher for Hawkeyes here