Events & Programs
View all upcoming live concerts, literature/poetry readings,
exhibition openings, and more below.
Email Programs Coordinator to propose an event at the Hearst Center.
Red House Studios: Located next door to the Hearst Center, this facility offers studio space to artists. We announce open lease opportunities on this site and our social media.
Upcoming
All events listed below are free, unless otherwise noted requiring pre registration via Civic Rec.
AUGUST
BEL CANTO DUO WORKSHOP AND PERFORMANCE
Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Hailing from Eastern Nebraska, Bel Canto Duo presents an immersive workshop designed to lower stress levels through the use of music and rhythm informed by NeuroArts research. Led by oboist and English hornist, composer, and filmmaker Darci Gamerl and cellist, composer, and looping artist David Downing, the workshop combines live performance, discussion informed by NeuroArts research, and an audience Q&A. Participants experience original music created to support nervous system regulation, lower stress levels, and deepen a sense of connection. Through live musical excerpts and guided listening, the session demonstrates how rhythm, resonance, and musical structure can influence stress responses and overall wellbeing.
FINAL THURSDAY READING SERIES
Thursday, August 27, open mic at 7:00 p.m., featured author at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate decades of words, voices, and community with the Final Thursday Reading Series! This long-running program offers a welcoming space for writers at all levels, and the evening begins with an open mic that invites new and emerging voices to share their work. Whether you’re reading for the first time or returning to the mic, it’s your chance to be heard. Sponsored by Final Thursday Press, the Hearst Center, UNI’s College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences, and the Department of Languages & Literatures. Additional support for this anniversary season is provided by the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Featured author: Paul Hedeen I Hedeen is the author of the new novel The Killing (Atmosphere Press) as well as the FTP poetry collections Under a Night Sky and When I Think About Rain.
SEPTEMBER
OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH THE WEARY RAMBLERS
Thursday, September 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored in part by Susan Johnson in memory of her husband George. This newly formed Iowa Americana duo bring years of experience to the stage with award winning songwriting and chemistry. Chad Elliott and Kathryn Fox showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and great storytelling. Their winning list includes
Josie Music Awards, International Blues Challenge, International Acoustic Music, Indie Acoustic Music, Iowa Blues Challenge, and more. “Weary Ramblers are nothing short of
an Iowa-based super duo.” - Iowa Public Radio.
​
RED HERRING THEATRE PRESENTS MOTHER BAILEY
Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Written by James Norman Hall; Directed by Greg Holt
Set in rural Iowa in 1930, Mother Bailey is a story of adult children returning to the family home for Thanksgiving to figure out how to care for parents who can no longer live on their own. This still-timely but never-produced play was written by James Norman Hall (co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty) in the 1930s and is based on a story by Cedar
Falls writer Ruth Suckow. This will be the first public reading of the play.
ELEMENTAL DRUMMING WITH BARBARA ASHTON
September 19, and October 17 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
In this fun and dynamic group, we will use drums and percussion instruments from around the world to explore the four elements of nature – earth, wind, fire, and water. These drum circles will be held in the auditorium on hot days; or outside in the garden on cooler days to help us connect to nature. Drumming can help group members build connections, engage in self-reflection, develop individual and collective strengths, improve coping strategies, deepen communication skills, and process emotions.
Join in - instruments provided - no prior music or drumming experience is necessary. Ages 15 and up are welcome!
​
About the instructor: Barbara Ashton, MM, MT-BC (she/her) is the Director of Music Therapy and Associate Professor at Wartburg College. She completed her master’s in music therapy at Arizona State University and is currently enrolled in the PhD program at Temple University in Philadelphia. Professor Ashton’s primary focus in music therapy is mental health, trauma-informed care, and chemical dependency. She has worked extensively with adolescent, adult, forensic, military, and women-identified populations.
MIDDAY MELODIES
Fridays at noon
Enjoy classics performed by the UNI School of Music Department students and faculty.
September 11: Dr. Andreini directs percussion students
October 9: Dr. Copeland directs tuba students
November 13: Dr. Hendrix directs vocal students
December 4: Dr. Kodanashvili directs piano studio students
RUTH SUCKOW ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, September 12 from 1:00-3:30 p.m.
The Ruth Suckow Memorial Association sends a special invitation to celebrate the Iowa short stories of this Cedar Falls writer and good friend of Jim Hearst. Join us for a Reader’s Theatre Production of Suckow’s short story, A Great Mollie, Talk on Iowa Interiors with Dr Jim O’Loughlin, Illustrating Iowa with artist, Claudia McGehee, Contemporary Iowa Short Story Writers on Iowa Interior Panel with Laura Farmer, Keith Lesmeister, and Marc Dickinson.
MID-AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL
Friday, September 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Hearst Center in Collaboration with UNI’s International Engagement Office, invites you to
experience the beauty and tradition of the Mid- Autumn Moon Festival- a cherished cultural
celebration marking the harvest season and the full moon. Enjoy hands-on artmaking as we paint glowing lanterns and craft traditional moon cakes, sample delicious seasonal treats, and gather in the spirit of community and creativity. All ages are welcome to join!
HEARST FILM SCENE
Screenings and panels for cinephiles, film buffs, and anyone interested in movies.
DISCUSSION: DYSTOPIAN DREAMS WITH MATTHEW HUNDLEY
Tuesday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Dystopian tales speak to futures gone awry-human misery, oppression, disease, and
governments gone foul. Many Dystopian films draw their inspiration for books such as A
Clockwork Orange, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and Blade Runner. Join us in discussing the
worlds of dystopian films, novels, and the authors that inspired them.
FILM SCREENING: BLADERUNNER (RIDLEY SCOTT, 1983)
Tuesday, September 29 with intro at 6:30 p.m. with Philip K. Dick on Prescient Prophet of Dystopian Culture and screening at 7:00 p.m.
FINAL THURSDAY READING SERIES
Thursday, September 24, open mic at 7:00 p.m., featured author at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate decades of words, voices, and community with the Final Thursday Reading Series! This long-running program offers a welcoming space for writers at all levels, and the evening begins with an open mic that invites new and emerging voices to share their work. Whether you’re reading for the first time or returning to the mic, it’s your chance to be heard. Sponsored by Final Thursday Press, the Hearst Center, UNI’s College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences, and the Department of Languages & Literatures. Additional support for this anniversary season is provided by the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Featured author: Jonna Higgins-Freese I Jonna is the author of the forthcoming memoir All We Can Do: A Memoir of
Parenting and Illness (Bell House Press). She is also a UNI alumna and the author of Fearless: A Novel of Frances Perkins and Social Security.
OCTOBER
OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH FORREST AND MARGARET MCCURREN
Thursday, October 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand with the theme every road is a road home for somebody.
Don’t miss the tunes of McCurren’s latest album, Small Prayers, Big Blessings.
​
HEARST FILM SCENE
Screenings and panels for cinephiles, film buffs, and anyone interested in movies.
FIRST PERSON CINEMA WITH MATTHEW HUNDLEY AND GUEST CARRSAN MORRISSEY OF MATRIARCH FIILMS
Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Screening of 4 short films with a discussion and Q&A after.
Screen films with the director, get insights into the making of the film, and ask any questions they may have after viewing the films. We will be screening four of Carrsan’s short horror films: Lilian, Rot, The Conqueror Worm, and Bleeders.
FILM SCREENING: METROPOLIS ( Fritz Lang, 1927, NR)
Tuesday, October 20 with intro at 6:00 p.m. o Metropolis: Predicting the Future - 100 Years in the Past; screening at 6:30 p.m.
Intro: How a film made in 1927 (that takes place in 2026) still seems relevant 100 years later. Drummer Josh Hakanson and bassist Will Yager from the UNI Jazz faculty will perform a live soundtrack.
ELEMENTAL DRUMMING WITH BARBARA ASHTON
October 17 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
In this fun and dynamic group, we will use drums and percussion instruments from around the world to explore the four elements of nature – earth, wind, fire, and water. These drum circles will be held in the auditorium on hot days; or outside in the garden on cooler days to help us connect to nature. Drumming can help group members build connections, engage in self-reflection, develop individual and collective strengths, improve coping strategies, deepen communication skills, and process emotions.
Join in - instruments provided - no prior music or drumming experience is necessary. Ages 15 and up are welcome!
​
About the instructor: Barbara Ashton, MM, MT-BC (she/her) is the Director of Music Therapy and Associate Professor at Wartburg College. She completed her master’s in music therapy at Arizona State University and is currently enrolled in the PhD program at Temple University in Philadelphia. Professor Ashton’s primary focus in music therapy is mental health, trauma-informed care, and chemical dependency. She has worked extensively with adolescent, adult, forensic, military, and women-identified populations.
MIDDAY MELODIES
Fridays at noon
Enjoy classics performed by the UNI School of Music Department students and faculty.
October 9: Dr. Copeland directs tuba students
November 13: Dr. Hendrix directs vocal students
December 4: Dr. Kodanashvili directs piano studio students
RED HERRING THEATRE PRESENTS LIVING DEAD IN DENMARK
Tuesday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Written by Qui Nguyen; Directed by Chloe Ryann Anderson
An action-adventure/horror sequel to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Set five years after the events of the original, the undead have risen to power and are trying to take over the world. A formidable opposition has resurrected the corpses of some of the greatest women that Shakespeare had to offer: Lady Macbeth, Juliet, and the very angry Ophelia. A clash of undead titans ensues!
FINAL THURSDAY READING SERIES
Thursday, October 29, open mic at 7:00 p.m., featured author at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate decades of words, voices, and community with the Final Thursday Reading Series! This long-running program offers a welcoming space for writers at all levels, and the evening begins with an open mic that invites new and emerging voices to share their work. Whether you’re reading for the first time or returning to the mic, it’s your chance to be heard. Sponsored by Final Thursday Press, the Hearst Center, UNI’s College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences, and the Department of Languages & Literatures. Additional support for this anniversary season is provided by the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Featured author: H.M. Bouwman I Bouwman is the author of several middlegrade novels, including Scattergood (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House), which takes place during WWII in West Branch, Iowa. She teaches literature and creative writing at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.
NOVEMBER
LECTURE: AMERICAN INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS, EDUCATION FOR EXTINCTION
Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Author, Scott Cawelti provides an examination of the systematic “civilizing” of Native American children in America during the 19th and 20th century—when, why, how, and what if? Cawelti taught writing, film, and literature at UNI for forty years. His years of researching Native American boarding schools brings a deep level of reflection to this
lecture and discussion.​
CLASSICAL CONCERT PRESENTED BY IOWA CHAMBER MUSIC COLLECTIVE
Sunday, November 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Experience an unforgettable afternoon of masterful music as the Iowa Chamber Music Collective brings passion and precision to the Hearst Center stage. Performers are Daniel Kaplunas, violin; Bethany Washington, violin; John Chiles, viola; Vakhtang Kodanashvili, piano; Ranee Lei Yang, clarinet; and Liudmila Lebedeva, cello.
MIDDAY MELODIES
Fridays at noon
Enjoy classics performed by the UNI School of Music Department students and faculty.
November 13: Dr. Hendrix directs vocal students
December 4: Dr. Kodanashvili directs piano studio students
UNI MUSIC DEPARTMENT: JAZZ WITH MIKE CONRAD, LEVI SAELUA, AND FRIENDS
Friday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Join the Hearst in welcoming Portland-based saxophonist/composer Levi Saelua to Cedar Falls for a concert with members of the UNI Jazz Faculty and friends. Included on the program will be original compositions, creative improvisations, jazz standards, and even some guest vocalists.
FINAL THURSDAY READING SERIES
Thursday, November 19, open mic at 7:00 p.m., featured author at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate decades of words, voices, and community with the Final Thursday Reading Series! This long-running program offers a welcoming space for writers at all levels, and the evening begins with an open mic that invites new and emerging voices to share their work. Whether you’re reading for the first time or returning to the mic, it’s your chance to be heard. Sponsored by Final Thursday Press, the Hearst Center, UNI’s College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences, and the Department of Languages & Literatures. Additional support for this anniversary season is provided by the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Featured author: Yasmina Din Madden I Din Madden is the author of the debut collection, You Know Nothing: Stories
(Northwestern University Press)
DECEMBER
CEDAR VALLEY MUSIC SCENE SERIES2026-2027: ORIGINAL, INDEPENDENT INDIE ROCK AND ROLL PANEL DISCUSSION
Tuesday, December 8 with Pop-Up Inside Rock Music Museum at 6:00 p.m. and panel discussion at 7:00 p.m.
The 1980s brought many big acts to the UNI Dome: The Police, Pink Floyd, The Who, The Rolling Stones. Meanwhile venues on The Hill and downtown hosted up-and-coming bands like Green Day, The Flaming Lips, The Dead Milkmen, and Black Flag. We also had numerous bands spring up right here writing, performing and recording original
independent rock’n’roll. We’ll talk to the people who: booked the bands; played in the bands; owned the clubs; spun strange new sounds on the radio; and sold recordings on independent labels at local record stores. Matthew Hundley will present with moderator Sherm McNeal and Panel members Kelly Plumber, Matthew Wilson and Al Schares discussing local Indie Rock.
MIDDAY MELODIES
Fridays at noon
Enjoy classics performed by the UNI School of Music Department students and faculty.
December 4: Dr. Kodanashvili directs piano studio students
HOLIDAY CONCERT WITH BEL CANTO CEDAR VALLEY
Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m.
This popular concert is back! Bel Canto Cedar Valley (BCCV) is a premiere chamber choir serving the communities of the Cedar Valley. Bel Canto Cedar Valley builds community connections and contributes to cultural enrichment by promoting quality choral music, exploring vast and varied choral repertoire, and cultivating music as a life-long passion.