The Coggon Opera House welcomes Johnny Rogers back to the opera house stage on Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m. with his ‘History of Rock & Roll – Buddy and Beyond Show.”

From Branson to Las Vegas, Rock ‘n’ Roll showman Johnny Rogers is in the business of bringing yesteryear’s music and history of Rock ‘n’ Roll to life. This show is a crowd-favorite and appeals to just about everyone. His show is a tribute to the music of the legends of Rock n’ Roll. Johnny opens with his uncanny portrayal of the late Buddy Holly and goes on with a tribute to the legendary Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Nelson, Chuck Berry, Elvis and many more.

Johnny is an outstanding musician and can pull off guitar licks that would make Jimi Hendrix proud! He was inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and into the Midwest All Music Association Hall of Fame in 2019. Whether this will be your first time to hear him, or you’ve heard him before, you will be amazed at Johnny’s versatility and talent. A great way to spend a summer afternoon in the air-conditioned Coggon Opera House.

Seating at the Coggon Opera House is by general admission only. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or reserved for will-call by leaving a message at (319) 435-2071. Payment by cash or check only. Doors open 30 minutes beforehand.

It’s time to celebrate all things Irish with Blame Not the Bard. This group is on a mission to bring alive the songs and stories of Ireland. Expertly blending their historical knowledge with fiery instrumentals and musical prowess, Blame Not the Bard’s high-energy show will get your hands clapping and feet tapping through an afternoon of down-to-earth entertainment you won’t soon forget! This year storyteller Darrin Crow joins them sharing his captivating Irish tales.

General admission seating. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door. Call (319) 435-2071 to learn more and to reserve will call tickets. Payment is by cash or check.

Blame Not the Bard was formed in 2015. Since then, they have played hundreds of shows, lighting up the stages in intimate lounges and major festivals including main stage appearances at the annual Iowa Irish Fest. Boasting multiple media appearances and numerous appearances on the award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast with tunes from their debut album, Soundcheck, and a 2022 full-length Greetings from Iowa PBS special, Blame Not the Bard is sharing their songs and stories nationwide.

In August of 2023, Blame Not the Bard released their sophomore album “Now and Again,” which features their current lineup of Andrew Philbrick, Corey Baker, Nicole Philbrick, along with their newest member, Dan Vaughn.

Darrin Crow is a storyteller from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Storytelling has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember, whether it was listening to his aunts, uncles and grandparents talking about farming and coal mining in Iowa or immersing himself in Jules Verne and Tolkien up in his tree house. He studied interpretive speech in college, and then worked as an actor and itinerant storyteller in Pennsylvania and Florida. In 1999 he returned to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and has been telling stories ever since.

It’s another great night of BLUEGRASS MUSIC at the Opera House! This year’s evening of bluegrass music features Banjoy with Bob & Kristie Black, Straightback Chair, and the Great Bluegrass Herons.

Banjoy headlines the show with Bob Black playing a wicked banjo. Banjoy performs everything from classic bluegrass and gospel songs to originals and lively instrumentals. The Great Bluegrass Herons are a couple of couples from the rural Sharon Center, Iowa area who have played and sung bluegrass music together since 1991. Straightback Chair has been together for over 10 years playing bluegrass, Americana and “songs we like.” They love to perform in Opera Houses and the Coggon Opera House one of their favorites.

General admission seating. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door. Call (319) 435-2071 to learn more and to reserve will call tickets. Payment is by cash or check only at the door. Doors open 30 minutes beforehand.

Come celebrate all things Irish with Blame Not the Bard. This group is on a mission to bring the stories of Ireland alive…and to have fun doing it. Described as “Iowa Raised, Ireland Rooted,” Blame Not the Bard is a high-energy show determined to get your feet moving and hands clapping. Armed with Irish song, stories, and fiddling, Blame Not the Bard will bring you an evening of down-to-earth entertainment you won’t soon forget!”

General admission seating. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door. Call (319) 435-2071 to learn more and to reserve will call tickets. Payment is by cash or check.

Blame Not the Bard was formed in 2015. Since then, they have played hundreds of shows, lighting up the stages in intimate lounges and major festivals including main stage appearances at the Iowa Irish Fest in Waterloo, IA. Boasting multiple media appearances and numerous appearances on the award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast with tunes from their debut album, Soundcheck, and a 2022 full-length Greetings from Iowa PBS special, Blame Not the Bard is sharing their songs and stories nationwide.