Ace jones plays at the Festival, 2023
2026 Music Schedule
As a festival, we understand the importance of live music and aim to curate performances that complement the art. The live music at the Marion Arts Festival is not just background noise; it's an active participant in the artistic experience. It adds depth and cultural context, making it a true celebration of the arts!
Ryan Hoagland
11:15am-12:30pm
Ryan Hoagland is a percussionist from Eastern Iowa. He is the founder of the street drumming group “Junk Funk”. He also spends his time touring with various artists through the midwest and teaches private lessons in Marion. He’s previously toured nationally and internationally with the Broadway musical “Jekyll and Hyde” as well as broadway super duper star Megan Hilty. He’s thrilled to be playing the Marion Arts Festival, a festival he’s been a fan of for many years!
Spirit Awake
1:00pm-2:15pm
An Alternative Rock band that meets somewhere in the middle of indie, funk, and metal. The result of which is a sound that is reminiscent of grunge rock, but is also fresh and new, with colorful chord voicings, funk-influenced basslines, high-energy drumming, and angsty, philosophical lyrics. Spirit Awake will be playing a “Tiny Desk” style performance at this years’ Marion Arts Festival.
Griffin Shroyer
2:45pm-4:00pm
Griffin Shroyer is a 17-year-old Cedar Rapids native and junior at Washington High School. He is an active member of the marching band, wind symphony, Momentum varsity show choir, and concert choir, as well as the jazz band. Outside of school, he is also very active. He is in two bands at the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, and a key part of 10th St. Rapids as a keyboardist, singer, and bassist. 10th St. Rapids most notably played the opening act for week three of Jazz Under The Stars in 2025. He is also active as a solo artist in the community, and he hopes his musicianship will lead to a career in performing music.
10:45am-11:15am & 12:30pm-1:00pm | School of Rock Intermission Sets in the Marion Square Park Ice Loop
The Performance Program is School of Rock's hallmark music program. Students are assigned songs and parts, then work through their parts in weekly private music lessons and refine the skills and concepts from those songs. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare kids and teens for live performances. This is one of those performances, though truncated to be an “intermission set” at Marion Arts Festival!
Interested in being the soundtrack to our 10,000 person art party? Apply now!
The Marion Arts Festival, showcases the exceptional talent of juried artists from across the region. This free, family-friendly event transforms 7th Avenue and City Square Park into an outdoor gallery, offering a diverse array of fine art, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and more. Beyond the art, attendees can enjoy live music (this is where you come in!), indulge in delicious food from local vendors, and participate in hands on art activities. The Marion Arts Festival is a celebration of artistic expression and community spirit, making it the kick off event of the summer season in Uptown!
As a festival, we understand the importance of live music and aim to curate performances that complement the art. Additionally, the live music at the Marion Arts Festival is not just background noise; it's an active participant in the artistic experience. It adds depth and cultural context, making it a true celebration of the arts!
Sets are 75 minutes in the North Plaza on 7th Avenue in the heart of the festival. Performers are expected to bring their own gear, including sound. You will have access to power.
Music selections are finalized by mid April. Please fill out the form below if you are interested in playing!
