Thank you to everyone who came out to support NAMI at the benefit at Walker Homestead. About 200 people attended, raising over $2500 for community mental health services. Wonderful event for a wonderful organization!
Welcome
MUSIC WITH A MISSION!
HomeBrewed is “Music with a Mission”–a fun filled, multi-generational group, based in Iowa City, playing a mix of originals and covers in a Bluesy Rock’n Roll style. Our “mission” is to play music in support of non-profit organizations who are helping those in need in our society. So far, we have participated in over 60 benefit concerts for groups such as those who are assisting the homeless, victims of domestic violence, new immigrant communities, food banks and animal shelters. We released our first album in 2023 “Devil in My Soul” which is available on Spotify and Apple music (https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/hb-devil-in-my-soul-full-cd/pl.u-4ZRBTJoDXd) . We try to respect the roots of the blues and the influence of blues on other types of music with the selection of our songs. Our original songs and covers are varied, including traditional blues, modern blues, Gospel, Rockabilly and Country. Our covers include classics by the likes of Jimmy Rogers, Johnny Cash, Stray Cats, and Eric Clapton, to current bands such as Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Kaleo, and JJ Grey and Mofro. We use our music to give back for all the blessings we have had in life. Please let us know if you had a fundraiser in the Iowa City area that would benefit from having live music.
Iowa Blues Challenge
HomeBrewed was honored to participate in the 2025 Iowa Blues Challenge @ Lefty's in Des Moines, sponsored by the Central Iowa Blues Society. What a great experience, playing with so many outstanding other musicians. Taking home the bronze was special for our first competition while the responsive crowds were extra special. Great job team HomeBrewed!
Happy 25th to UI Center for Human Rights
Walker Homestead was the perfect setting for 125 people to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the UI Center for Human Rights, a unit within the UI College of Law. The event raised over $1600 to support student programming. Thanks to all who attended and supported online!
Immigrant Welcome Network benefit was great fun!
The James was a great venue for a fun evening promoting the great work of the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County. The crowd was very responsive to the music (which we of course enjoyed!).
Please consider donating to the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County.
Woof Wine Walk a great success!
Thank you to everyone who supported the Iowa City Animal Shelter via our Woof Wine Walk at the Walker Homestead Winery. We raised $6000 that will help with future needs of the shelter, such as when they needed to assist with rescuing the 131 dogs from the puppy mill. Much appreciated!
Album review in @LittleVillageMag "Devil in My Soul"
Thank you Little Village Mag for the unsolicited review of IC Homebrewed’s album “Devil in my Soul”. We appreciate the kind words, both about our music and our efforts to provide “Music with a Mission” for the community. Little Village is a great resource to the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area, filling a niche by covering news and current events in their unique and important way.
"If you are planning a fundraiser in the CRANDIC area and are thinking about just putting on a Spotify playlist and calling it a day, please don’t. Ask HomeBrewed to play instead.
HomeBrewed describes themselves as a “fun filled, mixed generational group, playing bluesy rock and roll and rockabilly.” The band performs primarily at benefit shows for nonprofits around the area. Recent benefactors include CommUnity Food Bank, Penfield Children’s Center and Shelter House. Back in December, HomeBrewed’s debut album release party at Wildwood Saloon raised over $3,500 to support Elizabeth Tate High School families during the costly holiday weeks, according to the band’s blog.
That album was Devil In My Soul (https://youtu.be/dTV6NQ4wZTI) , an ambitious first record consisting of four original tunes and three covers. Recorded by the incomparable Luke Tweedy out at Flat Black Studios, the album is an eclectic assortment of horn-and-harmonica-driven rock and electric blues tunes. As far as audition tapes go, this is an impressive sampling of what the band brings to their live performances.
The band’s bio says that by day, most of the members either work repairing instruments at local music stores or in the dental field. But make no mistake: Devil In My Soul is an exciting record by serious musicians unafraid of taking chances.
Opening with the title track, backed by ominous boogie piano lines and several searching saxophone parts, lead vocalist and harmonica player Pete Damiano sets the tone early. “Spirit of Hope” is a rockabilly tribute penned to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that finishes off with a ripping guitar solo, while “Loss in My Life” features a full-out jazz clarinet breakdown with a distinct Dixieland-bent.
Along with original tunes, the band proves it is equally adept at taking on more modern fare by covering “No Good” from Icelandic blues rockers Kaleo. They swing for the fences here, pouring several straight-gas guitar solos into the mix. As fearless as this one is, the band continues the streak by taking on two tunes from a pair of iconic and unique vocalists: Roy Orbison and Nathaniel Rateliff. “Pretty Woman” stays as true to Orbison’s as it can. It also gets as damn close to Billy Sanford’s original guitar tone as humanly possible. And with the horn section that HomeBrewed has assembled, it feels inevitable that they might try a Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats number. HomeBrewed get’s the jubilant horns and driving drum beat of “I Need Never Get Old” right.
It’s as simple as this: the band is making good music in support of good causes in the area. So check out HomeBrewed if you see them in a lineup somewhere this summer. And in the meantime, be sure and check out Devil In My Soul. (https://youtu.be/dTV6NQ4wZTI)"
This article was originally published in Little Village’s May 2023 issues.
Thank you KCCK-“daBluesapalooza”
KCCK “daBluesapalloza” was a great success
Thank You to KCCK, the Cedar Rapids-based blues/jazz station for the invitation to play at daBluesapalooza again this year on Saturday Feb. 18, 2023. It was an honor to join an impressive line-up of Iowa Blues Hall of Famers, playing to a packed house at the Olympic South Side Theater, raising money to keep the blues on the air in eastern Iowa and beyond. Particularly special was having our good friend and International Blues champion Kevin Burt join us on guitar.
New Album “Devil in My Soul” Now Streaming
Our first album, Devil in My Soul, is now streaming on the following services:
This album is a mix of HomeBrewed originals:
Devil in My Soul: The deep personal challenges within us all
Spirit of Hope: A tribute to Dr King and encouragement to stay positive
Beer Brought Me to the Blues: A tribute to life-long friends
Loss in My Life: Reflection and pain for those we’ve lost
And three of our favorite songs from other artists:
Pretty Woman-Roy Orbison,
No Good-Kaleo,
I Need Never Get Old-Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
A special thank you to Luke Tweedy at Flatblack Studio for a tremendous recording experience!
Album Release party a success
A belated thank you to all who supported the release party for our first album “Devil in my Soul”. 150 people came out to Wildwood in Iowa City to help us raise $3500 to provide families from Tate Alternative High School with food over the holidays. It was both fun and rewarding. A great example of our Music with a Mission. We greatly appreciate the support of family and friends- new and old, on behalf of those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you to the staff at Tate High School for their endearing effort to teach, mentor and support the students and families associated with their school. Happy New Year!
First Album Recorded!
Our band had a great time and learning experience recording our first album at Flat Black Recording Studios July 17-19. Luke Tweedy, owner/operator of Flat Black was fantastic to work with. We are in the process of mixing the 9 songs we recorded. They will be released over the next few months as part of an album with the title song: Devil in my Soul. More to come as the songs are released.
Latest News
UpComing Gigs
Previous events
Come out and enjoy a delicious dinner, fun music in support of the UI Student Veterans all for $15 for students, $20 for the general public. Silent auction items available. See you Saturday!
The UI Retirees Association is holding a benefit concert supporting the UI Food Pantry Location: Tavern Blue, 805 2nd Street, Coralville, Iowa 52241 ⏰Time: Sunday Feb. 15 4:00-6:30 $$: Free Will Donation 🔗 Tickets: Reservations (complimentary) available through Tavern Blue 🎶 Live Music Featuring HomeBrewed playing fun bluesy rock'n roll (originals and covers) 🔥 Dinner menu from Tavern Blue is available for purchase ✨Can't make it! Donate to the UI Food Pantry: https://foodpantry.org.uiowa.edu/donate-pantry
The UI Food Pantry serves students, staff and faculty who are in need of food assistance. During FY 2025, they had over 13,000 visits from over 1700 unique individuals. More information about the great work of the food pantry can be found HERE
Thank you to our University of Iowa co-sponsors: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences The Graduate College International Programs UI Center for Human Rights All proceeds support the UI Food Pantry.
Free Will Donation
Habitat for Humanity's Home Renovation Program Benefit
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ReUnion Brewery Downtown Iowa City, 113 East College Street , Iowa City, IA 52241
Join us Sunday, December 14, at 5:00pm@ ReUnion Brewery (Ped Mall, Iowa City) for HomeBrewed, Home Renewed, a fun evening supporting Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Helping Hands home repair program—think leaky roofs, patched, floors made safe again, and accessibility ramps built for freedom and independence.
⏰ Doors open: 5:00 Music begins at 5:30
🔗 Tickets: $20 for individuals, $100 for a reserved table for 4 -Your ticket comes with one free drink, and complimentary heavy hor d'ourves and dessert sponsored by Sueppel’s Building and Remodeling and Two Rivers Bank & Trust!
🔥 Dinner menu from ReUnion Brewery is available for purchase
📝Silent Auction We have great donations from local businesses.Silent auction items will be ready for preview HERE soon
🎶 Live Music Featuring HomeBrewed playing fun bluesy rock'n roll (originals and covers)
✨Can't make it! Donate to Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Helping Hands home repair program HERE
🥗 Family friendly event for a great cause this holiday season!
All proceeds support our local Habitat for Humanity's Helping Hands Renovation Program!
$20 for individuals, $100 for a reserved table for 4 -Your ticket comes with one free drink, and complimentary heavy hor d'ourves and dessert sponsored by Sueppel’s Building and Remodeling and Two Rivers Bank & Trust!
AFM Local 450 Benefit for KCCK Nov 9 @ Wildwood
The American Federation of Musicians Local 450 is proud to be sponsoring "Union Blues" a benefit gig supporting KCCK's youth music programs at Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon on Sunday November 9 from 4-6:30pm.
KCCK, Kirkwood CC's jazz and blues station, provides tremendous support for youth music in the Corridor, however they received a $150,000 budget cut when the CPB was eliminated. This is our chance to show union solidarity for KCCK's music education programs!
Main Activities
🎶 Live Music Enjoy Local 450 members Dave Zollo and the Body Electric and HomeBrewed.
🔥 Full menu of delicious Bar-B-Que and drinks prepared by Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon
📝Silent Auction Special items including music lessons donated by some of the top teachers in eastern Iowa.
🔗 Reservations Recommended: Order individual tickets ($15) or reserve a table in advance!
All proceeds support KCCK's youth music programs.
Timeline:
4:00–6:30 PM – Food & bar open and live music✨Can't make it! Donate to KCCK's youth music programs: https://www.kcck.org/donate/
$15 for individuals, table reservations also available
NAMI Benefit Dinner/concert@Walker Homestead
Walker Homestead, 3867 James Avenue Southwest , Iowa City, IA
IC Homebrewed is very excited to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Fall-o-ween: Uncorking Hope on Sunday October 12 at 4:00 @Walker Homestead, just west of Iowa City. There will be delicious dinner and drinks available as well as the release of a new wine specifically made for Fall-o-ween: Uncorking Hope. This family friendly event is free with activities for kids. Enjoy an inspirational trail walk with wine for adults for a $25 donation (all proceeds supporting NAMI Johnson County IA).
Main Activities
🌸 One-Mile Inspiration Walk – $25 Stroll a scenic loop through the vineyard, chestnut trees, and gardens, pausing at “inspiration stations” to reflect on uplifting affirmations. The walk begins and ends with a glass of wine — a perfect way to connect with nature, community, and hope.
🔗Order One-Mile Walk Tickets Link
🎶 Live Music Enjoy a lively performance by HomeBrewed, setting the tone for an evening of joy and togetherness.
🔥 Fire Pit Gatherings Unwind with wine or cider around cozy fire pits as the sun sets over the farm.
📝Message of Hope Station Write a supportive note for someone else to discover later — spreading kindness and creating a ripple of hope.
🎃 Kids’ Activities Halloween-themed fun for children throughout the evening. Donations welcome at the door.
🍽️ Food & Drinks Available: Menu items available for purchase.
🔗 Dinner Reservations Recommended: If you’d like to stay for dinner and music, reserve a table in advance! Click on Table Reservation Link or email info@walker-homestead.com or call 319-351-4791
Timeline:
4:00 PM – Doors open; Inspiration Walk begins (4–5:30) 4:00–7:00 PM – Food & bar open for ordering; live music; kids’ Halloween-themed activities 6:29 PM – Sunset over the vineyard 7:00 PM – Event concludes✨ Can't make it but want to help, Donate here: https://namijc.org/get-involved/donate/
Tickets include unlimited samples of craft beer, spirits, cider & more from the best breweries in Iowa, souvenir glass plus live music by HomeBrewed and the DTKK Band. Food trucks will be there to including Beast & Bird BBQ, Comfort Food 154 & Millstream Brau Haus.
It’s one of Iowa’s largest charity beer events supporting Aiming for a Cure Foundation, and the Iowa Brewers Guild.
VIP $60 –early admission 12-4pm, special barrel aged Millstream Brewing Co. tastings during the first hour, unlimited tastings, souvenir glass and live music General Admission $45 –admission 1-4pm, unlimited tastings, souvenir glass and live music
Get ready for History’s Hottest Block Party — where presidential pride meets small-town summer fun! Each August, West Branch throws a celebration like no other, honoring our most famous native son, President Herbert Hoover, while showcasing the spirit, charm, and community pride that make our town shine.
From live music and kids’ activities to local food, historical experiences, and small-town traditions, Hoover’s Hometown Days brings together residents and visitors for a weekend that blends the past with the present in the heart of Iowa.
Enjoy live music from HomeBrewed and help support Iowa Capital Dispatch, your go-to source for Iowa news. Uptown Garage Brewing Co. is family-friendly, with games for kids. When: Sunday July 13, 4-6:30 p.m. Tickets: Order in advance or at the door. General admission is $15 or reserve a table. https://order.toasttab.com/online/uptown-garage-brewing-company
$15 for tickets, tables can also be reserved in advance.
Come Out Thursday for Lunch and Music Outside UI College of Medicine
Date: Thursday May 22, 11:00-1:00 pm Event: Science Thursday-Outdoor Music and Food Trucks
Come spend your lunch hour, sitting on the patio, eating great food from a variety of food trucks while listening to music-doesn't get much better than that! Forecast is sunny! Where: Outside UI Carver College of Medicine, West side of campus Music by: HomeBrewed, Iowa City-based bluesy rock n roll band, playing classic blues, rock, modern indie blues and original tunes.
Family Friendly
Come celebrate the Univ of Iowa Center for Human Rights’ 25th Anniversary! Have fun while supporting student projects promoting Human Rights. 🌿 Date: Sunday, April 27th, 11:30am-2:00pm 📍 Venue: Walker Homestead WInery $ Gate: Free-will donation 🎶 Live Music by HomeBrewed 🍽️ Food & Drinks Available: Menu items available for purchase from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM. 💵 One-Mile Trail Walk: Wine at half-way point and mimosa finish! (11:30-12:30). Fee for the trail walk and drinks: $25.00 supports the UICHR. 🐐 Play Baby Goat Bingo! For 25 years, the UICHR, affiliated with the UI College of Law, has championed human rights education, research, and public service—impacting students, communities, and global initiatives. Celebrate their success and contribute to their future! 💛 Can’t attend but want to support? Donate here: [UICHR Donation Link]
Join us for the 9th annual benefit dinner/gig benefit the UI student veterans. Silent auction items available. Fun for a great cause!
Neighborhood Centers Holiday Benefit Concert
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Wildwood Saloon, 4919 Walleye Drive SE , Iowa City, IA 52240
HomeBrewed's Annual Holiday Benefit Concert at Wildwood Saloon in Iowa CIty–this year supports the Neighborhood Centers as they "Raise the Roof" on a new east-side facility. Neighborhood Centers is a community-based, family-centered, human services agency serving Johnson County, Iowa, since 1973, providing outreach and programing to low-income families in need. Tickets are $10, reserved tables of 5 for $100. Enjoy the great food at WIldwood while enjoying fun music from 4:00-6:30.
Support the great work of It Takes a Village Animal Rescue. This event is part of Fall Pet Festivals weekend of animal-centered fun along the River in Muscatine!
Dear Friends: Please join us this Sunday for Pizza, Music and Outdoor Fun in support of the CommUnity Food Bank. Where: Across from Stella Restaurant, Melrose ave, Iowa City When: Sunday Sept 22, 4:00-6:30 pm Music by Acoustic Mayhem and HomeBrewed Food: Wood Fired Pizza by Maggie's Farm Pizza and Beverages from Stella Cost: Free-will donations at gate. Other opportunities to donate at event.
The CommUnity Food Bank at Pepperwood Plaza provides produce, bakery, deli, dairy, health, baby, hygiene and non-perishable items to families in need-and the need is great!.
Bring a Chair, Sit a spell!
Can't make it? Donate online to the CommUnity Food Bank HERE Co-Sponsors for the event include:
*University Heights Community Foundation Stella Restaurant Maggie's Farm Pizza IASDA | Iowa City IA Iowa Chapter-American Student Dental Association
Great beer (of course) along with fun music on a Friday evening, all benefiting Open Heartland, who support new immigrant families in the Iowa City area.
This is a benefit for ovarian cancer research during a large car show, it is part of the Alternating Currents Music series in the Quad Cities.
Habitat for Humanity Billie Townsend Women's Build Frame-a-thon.
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Habitat's Iowa City warehouse: 4764 420th S SE, 4764 420th S SE, Iowa City, IA
Help with the kick of the Billie Townsend Women's Habitat Build. Decorate 2x4s for the house construction, with lunch and music.
Come enjoy a food truck lunch with fun music on a beautiful summer day!
Come join our band Homebrewed to celebrate "Dirty Johns" 76th Anniversary
Location: John's Grocery, 401 E, Market St, Iowa City Date: Next Wednesday May 29 Music: 4-6pm
Johns Grocery is still here for a reason!
Doug Alberhasky runs a fantastic store with friendly and knowledgeable staff and the best selection of wine and beer in town.
We will be playing in the parking lot for the second year in a row celebrating their longevity.
Come enjoy our mix of original and classic bluesy rock n roll tunes while you sample food and beverages.
Doesn’t get much better than that!
MADACC Benefit Celebrating Mike Dooley
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Shank Hall, 1434 N Farwell Ave , Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 276-7288
Benefit Concert for MADACC Sunday April 21, 4:00pm (Doors open 3:30) Shank Hall, 1434 N. Farwell Ave Suggested Donation: $15
Iowa City-based band HomeBrewed, led by Milwaukee native Pete Damiano, will be sharing a mix of horn-driven originals and covers in a bluesy rock’n roll style to benefit the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC).
All proceeds go to MADACC to purchase supplies for kitten season and puppy enrichment toys.
It is also a great opportunity to help celebrate the life of Mike Dooley, a life-long friend of many in Milwaukee and a huge supporter of MADAAC.
Food, live music, a great venue and It’s an early event! What a great excuse to get together with friends and have fun!
Tickets are only $15, available at the door or in advance at: TICKETS.
HomeBrewed “Music with a Mission”¬ is a fun filled, multi-generational group, playing a mix of originals and covers in a Bluesy Rock’n Roll style. They released their first album “The Devil in my Soul” last year that is available on Spotify and Apple Music.
Even if you can’t make it, please consider buying a ticket or donating online to MADACC.
ALL ARE WELCOME!! Hope to see you there!