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!
