Muscatine music festival is for the birds

America’s national bird inspired an annual winter tradition along the Mississippi River. (Photo: Getty Images)

Birds of a feather and music fans flock together for the annual Eagles & Ivories Ragtime Fest set for Jan. 16-19 in Muscatine.

For 30 years now (just a few years longer than a typical bald eagle’s lifespan), this indoor-outdoor tradition has drawn loyal regulars and curious newcomers alike to a winter weekend of bird-watching events and ragtime concerts along the Mississippi River. And as the birds’ population has grown, so has the festival.

This year’s event offers a chance to watch birds from the Pearl City Station at Riverfront Park, with a few tips and presentations from local naturalists. Whenever you’re ready to warm up inside, you can heat up with a lineup of informal concerts and music-accompanied meals, including a kickoff cabaret, a soup supper at the local Methodist church, silent films accompanied by live music at the Muscatine Art Center, and a Sunday morning gospel service filled with ragtime and jazz. So go ahead: Shake those tail feathers!

  • Show Comments (0)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

comment *

  • name *

  • email *

  • website *

You May Also Like

Day Trip to Earlham For Home Decor

RJ Home in Earlham (about 30 minutes west of Des Moines) opens its two ...

Win big with your State Park Passport

Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor is one of 60 stops to check off your ...

March to Mason City for the big parade

The clarinets of the Mason City High School Band. Not pictured: 76 trombones. Photo: ...