Blake Shaw wears many hats in the community which include gigging weekly on double & electric bass, leading educational endeavors for students and teachers alike, performing as a vocalist, composing/arranging music and serving as Mt Mercy’s Jazz Department Director. Blake brings a wide variety of inspiration to the table and being an ambitious and hungry bassist has helped him navigate through many different genres of music and work with a wide variety of artists. In his own project, The Blake Shaw Trio he not only showcases his original compositions but adds a mix of jazz-influenced arrangements that take swing music to another level. Dan Padley on guitar and Chris Jensen on drums will be joining him to add just the right touch and groove you’ll need to have a fantastic time.
IC Speaks develops and sustains an inclusive, thriving spoken-word poetry community within the greater Iowa City area that empowers youth, ages 13 to 19, from all backgrounds to speak their truths. Using poetry as a vehicle to process emotions, explore their experiences, and build a network of support, enabling youth to find not only their voice in writing but confidence on and off the stage. The IC Speaks Slam team--Jen Tran, Ellie Medea-Kapp, Ta'Kya Washington, and Noah Goupell--will be competing in the 2026 national youth poetry slam in San Francisco, CA.
Northside Saturday Nights is sponsored by RG Living, Build to Suit, Hills Bank, and Dr. Susanne Stock, Orthodontist. Join us from 6 – 8pm for this free concert!
