Must-see Iowa City concerts include The Indigo Girls and viral sensation Mason Ramsey

Spring has almost arrived, bringing warmer weather, blooming flowers, and notable concerts.

From the Mission Creek Festival to critically acclaimed acts or your favorite new band, here is a round-up of spring concerts in the Iowa City area.

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Mission Creek Music Festival (April 4-6)

Mission Creek is an annual music festival in its 19th season, bringing esteemed and local acts together April 4-6. The festival unfolds in downtown Iowa City, hosted at iconic, cozy locations like the esteemed Englert Theatre and the newly refurbished Riverside Theatre. Highlights include Neko Case, Osees, Indigo DeSouza, local acts Bootcamp, and The Blake Shaw Big(ish) Band.

Tickets went on sale in December, but passes are still available. A weekend-long pass costs $115; single-day passes cost $55.

More: Neko Case headlines 19th annual Mission Creek Festival held April 4-6 in Iowa City

Oumou Sangaré (April 12)

Oumou Sangaré is an acclaimed Malian singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the 1990s with her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics, often addressing issues such as women’s rights and African identity. Sangaré is touring her for recent release, “Timbuktu,” written during the COVID lockdowns. “Timbuktu” blends sounds of traditional West African music and American Blues to create a unique listening experience. Sangaré will perform at The Englert Theatre on April 12, and tickets are still available.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12

Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City

Price:$10-40.17

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Ratboys (April 12)

Ratboys is an indie rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 2010. The band gained attention with its debut album, “AOID,” released in 2015. They are currently touring to promote their most recent release, “The Window.” Ratboys brings its infectious melodies, intricate guitar work, and emotive storytelling to Gabe’s on April 12 with supporting act Ducks Ltd. Tickets are on sale now.

When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 12

Where: Gabe’s, 330 E Washington St., Iowa City

Price: $20+

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Indigo Girls (April 17 and April 18)

The Indigo Girls have sold millions of records thanks to their chart-topping song “Closer to Fine,” which helped fuel their debut in 1987. The Grammy-winning group continues to share their folk-rock sound during regular tours. The Indigo Girls recently performed at the Englert Theatre in November and are returning to the historic theatre on April 17 and April 18, with tickets starting at $59.

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18

Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St, Iowa City

Price: $59+

Mason Ramsey (April 20)

Mason Ramsey, also known as “The Walmart Yodeling Kid,” is an American singer and internet sensation who gained widespread attention in 2018. Ramsey has continued to pursue his music career since becoming a viral sensation and has demonstrated his versatility, expanding his repertoire beyond traditional country music. Ramsey will perform April 20 at Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon. Tickets are on sale now.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20

Where: Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, 4919 Walleye Dr. SE, Iowa City

Price: $18+

Caroline Rose

Caroline Rose is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for her eclectic blend of indie rock, pop, and alternative music. Rose is celebrated for her boundary-pushing creativity and brings a dynamic live performance to the Englert Theatre on April 23. General admission tickets start at $25.

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday April 23

Where: The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St, Iowa City

Price: $25+

Other Notable Acts Performing in Eastern Iowa

Breaking Benjamin − 7 p.m. Friday, April 5 at Alliant Energy Powerhouse, Cedar Rapids

Queensryche − 8 p.m. Sunday, April 8 at Alliant Energy Powerhouse, Cedar Rapids

Cake − 8 p.m. Friday, May 10 at McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_