Jasper County Concert Association announces lineup for 41st season

Jasper County Concert Association is ready for another spectacular season of live music performances that have completely unique musical styles and even feature homages to greats like Billy Joel and The Beach Boys. Newton concerts won’t begin until fall, so there is still time to obtain a membership or renew it.

Each year the JCCA Board of Directors selects professional groups or an individual to come to Newton to perform in the Center for Performance at Newton High School. Many of the performers have appeared on Broadway, and several of the bands have played shows all around the world.

Kicking off the 41st season is “Sing Us A Song…You’re the Piano Man,” which features the timeless hits of Billy Joel. Jim Witter leads the show on Oct. 10 with his superb showman skills and musical prowess. Get ready for night featuring both the A-sides and B-sides of Billy Joel’s long and fascinating career.

Letters From Home will perform Nov. 2 and feature a USO-style show that covers favorites from the 1940s and 1950s. So expect to hear songs by Frank Sinatra, the Andrews Sisters, Vera Lynn, Nicholas Brothers and many others. It’s a high energy show that is somehow funny, historical and inspirational all at once.

Doo Wah Riders on Feb. 4, 2025, ought to be one of the more interesting shows this season. Everyone likes a little bit of country, a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll, but has anyone ever tried that with a dash of Cajun seasoning? Well, you’re about to. The group has been wowing crowds for as long as the JCCA has been around.

Sail On is sure to bring out The Beach Boys fans on April 14, 2025. The five-member group performs all of the band’s classic hits along with some forgotten favorites. Sail On, a Nashville-based group, faithfully recreates what made The Beach Boys so special and so popular. It’s a tribute through and through.

Jared Freiburg and The Vagabonds close out the 41st season on May 14, 2025. Freiburg, who was actually born and raised in Des Moines, will be playing the early years of rock ‘n’ roll, country, blues and jazz with songs by Elvis, Frank Sinatra and Jerry Lee Lewis, to name a few. This Iowa boy sure knows how to put on a show.

Membership in the association is sold for the season of concerts. Three types of memberships are available: adult for $60, student for $15 and family (one or two adults plus children) for $130. This membership allows the member to attend five concerts in Newton, four concerts in Indianola and six concerts in Marshalltown.

To attend Marshalltown concerts it quires a one-time payment of $10 per single membership or $20 per family membership.

Those interested in purchasing a membership, call 641-521-8735 or mail a check to JCCA, P.O. Box 1252, Newton, Iowa, 50208 and disclose what type of membership you want. Memberships may also be purchased at Mattingly Music, Book and Hobby on the west side of the Newton town square.

Tickets will be mailed before the Oct. 10 concert.