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.

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:

Spotify

Apple Music

iTunes

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.

Fun night supporting the student vets 

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the Univ of Iowa Student Veterans at the IC VFW. It was both a fun and successful evening, raising over $14,000 to help upgrade the computing facilities for the student vets. Special thanks to the Iowa City and Riverside VFWs for their sponsorship of the event.

Thank you KCCK-great evening of blues! 

We were honored to be invited to play for the 30th anniversary of KCCK playing the blues on air (KCCK is Kirkwood's jazz/blues station). What a thrill to play in front of a sold out crowd of about 250 at the Olympic Theater in Cedar Rapids, on the same bill as many Iowa Blues Hall of Famers such as Dennis (Daddy-O) McMurrin, and Johnny Kilowatt. KCCK is a jewel that we all need to support.

Latest News

UpComing Gigs

Previous events

KCCK daBluesapalooza 2024

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Olympic Theater, 1202 3rd St SE, Suite 200, Cedar Rapids

IC Homebrewed is excited to once again be invited to play alongside a fantastic group of musicians at the third annual daBluesapalooza, in support of KCCK, one of the best jazz/blues stations in the country. Tickets are $30 at the door. Come out and enjoy the fun! More info or to donate online, please go to: https://www.kcck.org

Dec3

CommUnity Food Bank Holiday Food Basket Benefit

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Wildwood Saloon, 4919 Walleye Drive SE , Iowa City, IA 52240

CommUnity Food Bank Holiday Basket project is an annual way of providing families with a turkey dinner for the holidays. This is a fun way to support Holiday Basket while eating BBQ and listening to bluesy rock'n roll. Does it get any better than that :0) Donation options: $15 general admission in advance or at the door $100 reserved table for 5 (tickets included) Bid on silent auction items online or at the event: https://givebutter.com/c/homebrewedholiday

https://facebook.com/events/s/homebrewed-holiday-concert/309587251865921/

Can't make it, donate to Project Holiday here: https://givebutter.com/c/homebrewedholiday

Nov8

Join us for music, art and fun while supporting the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County whose mission is: to empower and support new immigrant and refugee families in Johnson County, Iowa by providing temporary housing and comprehensive assistance in navigating the complexities of resettlement.

Where: The James Theater, 213 North Gilbert St, Iowa City When: Wednesday November 8, 7:00-9:00pm Donation at the door: $25 (suggested) Nice artwork will be available for purchase

All proceeds will be used to support the new refugee and immigrant families staying in the temporary housing provided by the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County.

Seating is limited, so please go to the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County's Facebook event page and let us know that you can join us:

https://www.facebook.com/events/831152625351869

Can't make it, donate on their website!

Oct8

Woof Wine Walk and Lunch

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Walker Homestead, 3867 James Avenue Southwest , Iowa City, IA

Woof Wine Walk and Lunch for IC Animal Shelter You may have heard that the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center recently rescued 131 dogs from a puppy mill in rural Johnson County. Most of these dogs are on their way to a better life, however the costs were substantial and not likely the last time a puppy mill will need rescuing.

Bring your dog (and/or a friend) this Sunday Oct 8 from 10:00-2:00 to the Walker Homestead for the first Woof Wine Walk and Lunch to raise money for the Friends of the Animal Center Foundation who support the Iowa City Shelter.

What: Woof Wine Walk and Lunch Where: Walker Homestead Winery, 3 miles west of Iowa City, just south of Melrose Ave (IWV) When: This Sunday October 8, 10:00-2:00 Donation: A $25 donation includes: A dog/friend walk through the beautiful Walker Homestead countryside A glass of wine and a dog treat at the half way point A mimosa and dog treat on your arrival back to the Homestead Live music by Homebrewed Lunch can be purchased after the walk (Lunch menu) Silent auction, raffle and other ways to support available Registration start times are available from 10:00-12:00 *Note, when registering, you will be given an opportunity to select your start time (up to 18 people every 5 minutes). The registration site first appears as if there is only a 10 am start, but you select your preferred start time at the end of the registration process. (sorry, we know, its ruff 🙂)

Come on out, get a little exercise with your furry friend, enjoy the fresh air, delicious wine and lunch and, of course, fun music!

Sign Up For the Woof Wine Walk and Lunch Here: https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=139005

Can't make it, donate here! https://icanimalcenter.org/207/Donate

Jun3

Summer Camp Benefit Honoring Mark Twain Principal

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Mark Twain Elementary, 1355 Deforest Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240

Dear Friends: Please join us this Saturday from 3-6pm to give a rousing send off to beloved Mark Twain Elementary School Principal Jason McGinnis while raising funds to support 45 kids who lost funding to attend summer camp.

What: Farewell Party Fundraiser honoring Twain Principal Jason McGinnis Where: Mark Twain Elementary School. 1355 Deforest Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240 When: This Saturday June 3, 3-6pm

Food! Games/ activities! Fun Music! Raffle items! and so much more! Your help will make a difference in a child's opportunity to have A Safe Place to Go this summer! Sponsored by: the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County and HomeBrewed-Music with a Mission.

Can't attend in person, you can also donate here: https://ncjc.org/baspcampaign.html

HomeBrewed Album Release Party for Tate High School

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Wildwood Saloon, 4919 Walleye Drive SE , Iowa City, IA 52240

Release Party for HomeBrewed's First Album "Devil in My Soul". Proceeds support the Holiday Food Drive benefiting Elizabeth Tate High School families over the winter break "Devil in My Soul" is HomeBrewed's First Album, recorded at Flatblack Studios in rural Iowa City (Thank you Luke Tweedy!). It is a mix of original and covers in a bluesy rock'n roll style. CDs available for purchase at the event to support Tate families. Come join the fun, Family Friendly

$10 tickets in advance (Wildwood Saloon) or at door $100 reserved table for 5 (tickets included) Art Works available for silent auction, many by Tate Students.

Jun11

Benefit concert for the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County Enjoy an outdoor concert with a Food Truck, and Bouncy House Bring a chair or blanket and BYOB for beverages.

Music by HomeBrewed, Iowa City-based bluesy rock n roll band, playing classic blues, rock, modern indie blues and original tunes.

Suggested Donation: Goodwill and raffle items

Jan29

dabluesapalooza

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Olympic Theater, 1202 3rd St SE, Suite 200, Cedar Rapids

daBluesapalooza is a benefit concert celebrating 30 Years of ‘da Blues on KCCK, the Kirkwood CC radio station. Featuring an All-Star jam of the top Blues and R&B musicians from Cedar Rapids and Iowa City! Your Hosts: Bob DeForest and John “Big Mo” Heim Scheduled to Appear: Craig Erickson Quartet Evan Stock Band Homebrewed John Resch and Doggin’ Out Johnny Kilowatt Molly Nova and The Hawk featuring Bryce Janey Tanya English Band ….and more! We are honored to play for this wonderful event. Come on out and join the fun!

Students $5, Gen Admission $15, Reserved with BBQ dinner $30

Nov12

This Sunday morning Nov 14 (9-noon), Walker Homestead is hosting a 5K fun run-walk-crawl to raise money for the North Liberty Community Pantry and Coralville Food Pantries. Walker Homestead is located 3 miles west of Iowa City, just south of Melrose Ave (IWV). The event is in collaboration with GreenState Credit Union and Homebrewed. The 5K Vintner’s run-walk-crawl is on a beautiful groomed course around the Walker Homestead Farm with fire pits, smores and local wine samples along the route to keep your warm, ending in the vineyard with a celebration mimosa and farm breakfast.

Registration start times are spread across the morning (limit to a count of 12 every 10 minutes from 9AM to noon) to give ample space for your bubble to enjoy the morning outing on the farm and at each wine tasting station with wines from Lubben Vineyards & Wines and Walker Homestead:

  1. White wine station table and fire pit at mile one

  2. Red wine station table and fire pit at mile two

  3. Mimosa and farm breakfast in the vineyard with live music from Homebrewed

Come on out, get a little exercise, enjoy the fresh air, delicious wine and farm breakfast and, of course, fun music!

Sign Up For the Vintner's 5K Run-Walk-Crawl Here

Sep18

Suicide Prevention Benefit Concert

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Wilson's Orchard, 4823 Dingleberry Rd NE, Iowa CIty

Please join us for an important event to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention. This event is in coordination with the UI College of Dentistry Alumni Weekend, however all are welcome! Location: Wilson’s Orchard and Farm, 2 miles north of Iowa City, just east of Hwy 1, on Dingleberry RdNE (County Road X-16).
Date/time: Saturday Sept 18, Music will begin at 8:00pm to 10:00pm. You can arrive at any time and enjoy the Orchard. Cost: Free (although everyone will be encouraged to donate to the cause) Venue: This is an outdoor event. It will take place at a new stage in a valley next to the Orchard parking. Picnic tables are available on top of the hill or you can bring a blanket/chair to be closer to the music. Sustenance: Delicious Wilson’s Smokehouse BBQ, snacks, adult and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase Purpose: This event will help kick off the Jenifer (Dr. Jen) Wolfe Memorial Funding Campaign, an effort by the College and the Department of Pediatric Dentistry to support the College’s suicide prevention program in memory of a member of the Class of 2001. In addition, a small portion of these funds will be used to provide dental care to disadvantaged children. For more information and to contribute, please visit the funding campaign’s website:https://uigoldrush.org/drjen. We hope to see you there, and help us build community around this important topic.

Jenifer (Dr. Jen) Wolfe Memorial Funding Campaign

Mar7

UI Student Veterans Fundraiser @ Eagles Club

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Eagles Club of Iowa City, 225 Highway 1 W, Iowa City, IA 52246

UI Student Veterans Association UIVA dinner/concert at the IC VFW-Fifth Annual. Proceeds will support career development assistance for the 2000+ student vets and their dependents on campus. $15 includes pork dinner and concert. Donations can also be made online: www.givetoiowa.org/UIVAvetfund

Dec15

Last Dash Food Bank Benefit

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The MIll, 120 E Burlington St, Iowa CIty, IA

Kevin BF Burt, International Blues Champion will be joining us for the 5th Annual Benefit Concert for the Community Food Bank. The event will support Project Holiday with the goal of serving a full holiday dinner for 4000+ families. Suggested donation: $10 for adults, $5 for students, kids free. Bring the family after work for good food, drink, music and fun.

Nov2

Penfield Children's Center Benefit Concert

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Linneman's Riverwest Inn, 1001 E. Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53212

Come enjoy the Second Annual HomeBrewed benefit concert to support Penfield Children's Center! Bring your friends to Linneman's Riverwest Inn and raise your glass to fun music for a great cause. Penfield creates a positive start in life for infants and children, many of whom have developmental delays or disabilities, by providing early education, health services and family programming. https://www.facebook.com/events/702360346840718/

Oct20

A HomeBrewed Benefit for the Greatest Small City for the Arts Campaign

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The MIll, 120 E Burlington St, Iowa CIty, IA

FilmScene and The Englert Theatre are in a capital and programmatic campaign to help strengthen their local historic arts venues, expand into new venues and programs, and evolve the ways in which we connect the arts to all of the cultures that make up our community. At its heart, their campaign is about deepening partnership and collaboration in our area and they hope to write an important chapter in the overall vision of Building the Greatest Small City for the Arts. HomeBrewed is an all-star Iowa City rock band that most often dedicates its shows toward raising awareness and funds for nonprofit institutions and efforts. Suggested Donation: $10 adults, $5 kids Information Tables about the Campaign will also be on site

Oct6

Come on out and join HomeBrewed and our friends, Two Bit Maniac for an Oktoberfest good time of food, beverages and games, all while helping the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County raise money to support field trips for underprivileged kids in the Iowa City Area.