Community Calendar

Bob Merchant has been part of the Midwest music scene for over 4 decades! Beginning in 1964 with the Sha-Dels, Merchant has carried the torch for classic rock n’ roll! His unique voice and solid bass play have made him an iconic frontman. Admission will be $15 at the door. The cafe will be open for food and nonalcoholic drinks before the performance. Proceeds benefit the Siouxland Center for Active Generations.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 7:00 pm, come to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center’s Spirit of Discovery Outdoor Stage for a free summer show. Be entertained by the Prairie Winds Jazz Ensemble as they perform a concert that will bring the Swing era to life.

This 17-piece group under the direction of Kevin Linder will play some patriotic medleys and swing tunes, a mix of big band classics from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Musicians from across northwest Iowa, most within a 30-mile radius of Akron, perform in the band.

Admission is free. The audience will be positioned in a grassy area of Center’s campus, so they are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. In case of rain, the show will be moved inside to the auditorium.

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 2:00pm, award winning author and historian Dr. Don Hickey will deliver a wonderful lecture on “James Monroe: America’s Fifth President.” No admission charges, but freewill donations are encouraged.

James Monroe was an American Founding Father who served as the fifth president of the United States from 1817 to 1825. He was the last Founding Father to serve as president as well as the last president of the Virginia dynasty. He is primarily known for the Monroe Doctrine, a foreign policy statement that warned European powers not to interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere.

Hickey holds a PhD from the University of Illinois and is a specialist in early American history and American military history. He is best known for his books, The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict (University of Illinois Press) and Nebraska Moments: Glimpses of Nebraska’s Past (University of Nebraska Press). His latest book, Tecumseh's War: The Epic Conflict for the Heart of America, (Westholme Publishing) was published in 2023.

Join the Western Iowa Tech Community Choir. Vocal Music Instructor and Director of Choral Activities, William Darwin, Jr., will be leading the choir on Tuesday nights. Every level of singer is welcome. The choir will perform at least once a semester. Singing in a choir is incredible for your well-being. Numerous studies show it can relieve stress, boost the immune system, and build a sense of belonging. Join the WITCC community choir to create lovely harmony in your life.

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 2:00pm, Russ Gifford will share a fascinating look into Roads and Trails and Stagecoach Tales. No admission charge, but freewill donations encouraged.

Russ Gifford, Senior Lecturer with Western Iowa Tech’s Institute for Lifelong Learning, delivers tales of American history to audiences in the tri-state region. His two decades of programs have included over 350 unique talks, plus numerous articles, and historical papers. Gifford’s work garnered two teaching awards, and his lectures have been supported by grants from Humanities Iowa, the Kind World Foundation, and others. More information at https://www.russgifford.net/russ_gifford_about.htm

Join the Western Iowa Tech Community Choir. Vocal Music Instructor and Director of Choral Activities, William Darwin, Jr., will be leading the choir on Tuesday nights. Every level of singer is welcome. The choir will perform at least once a semester. Singing in a choir is incredible for your well-being. Numerous studies show it can relieve stress, boost the immune system, and build a sense of belonging. Join the WITCC community choir to create lovely harmony in your life.

For more info contact Dr. Andy Haslit 402-375-7031.

Gallery hours
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 3 - 7 p.m.
All shows end at noon on closing day.

For more info contact Dr. Andy Haslit 402-375-7031.

Gallery hours
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 3 - 7 p.m.
All shows end at noon on closing day.

For more info contact Dr. Andy Haslit 402-375-7031.

Gallery hours
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 3 - 7 p.m.
All shows end at noon on closing day.

For more info contact Dr. Andy Haslit 402-375-7031.

Gallery hours
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 3 - 7 p.m.
All shows end at noon on closing day.