March 28, 2024

WinterFest concert is Jan. 28 at the Orpheum in downtown Marshalltown

MARSHALLTOWN — The IVCCD Orpheum Theater Center will feature three bands in one night of great music during WinterFest on Saturday, Jan. 28. Land of Blood and Sunshine, The Sires, and The Halfloves will perform in the Orpheum's Black Box Theater from 7 to 10 pm.
WinterFest will begin with a set by The Halfloves, described by the Iowa Informer magazine as "the best currently active rock band in Iowa."This indie rock outfit offers a variety of songs on their self-titled debut album made with renowned producer Brandon Darner (Imagine Dragons, The Envy Corps). Halfloves mixes pop sensibilities with heady textures and space to create an emotionally charged sound.

Next up, WinterFest goers will enjoy the music of The Sires, whose new record via Station 1 Records is also produced by Imagine Dragons’ producer Brandon Darner. Sires has played around the U.S. as well as touring in Japan and Bahrain. They’ve opened for such notable acts as Mumford & Sons, Of Montreal, Mac DeMarco, Ra Ra Riot and Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts.

The evening will culminate with a performance by Marshalltown rock band Land of Blood and Sunshine. Phil Young of Wabi Sound in Des Moines says, “Few bands have played as many shows around Central Iowa as the thunderous power house of musicians known as Land of Blood and Sunshine. Rarely do you see a band as focused and cohesive as LOBAS with an unbridled energy that really wakes you up.” LOBAS has a large following, a tribute to the talents of musicians Joel Downs, Nicholas Beard, Bo Becker, Garrett Goodman, Bryan Leger and Danielle Downs.

Since their founding in 2008, the LOBAS music has become more complex, and influences from Roy Orbison to Black Sabbath can be heard on their 7″ record and four full-length LPs. Their live shows give meaning to the word “performance,” with intense beats, mesmerizing chanting and a psychedelic sound.

WinterFest tickets are $12.50 each and can be purchased in advance at the Orpheum Theater Center, 220 E. Main St., Marshalltown. For more information, call the Orpheum at 641-844-5921 or visit the Orpheum website at OrpheumCenter.com. There will be limited seating, but lots of standing room.

The Orpheum Theater Center is administered by Iowa Valley Community College District.