33rd Annual Eagles and Ivories Ragtime Fest Brings World-Class Jazz and Ragtime to Muscatine, January 14–17, 2027
The Muscatine County Arts Council announces the return of the Eagles and Ivories Ragtime Fest, celebrating its 33rd year as one of the country’s premier ragtime music festivals. The festival runs January 14–17, 2027 in a variety of venues set against the historic backdrop of the Mississippi River in Muscatine.
This year’s festival features internationally acclaimed artists like The Saint Louis Stompers, Andy Schumm, Jeff Barnhart, Anne Barnhart and the Quad Cities’ own jazz-drummer Josh Duffe. Local favorites, the Mad Creek Mudcats will also join the lineup. The festival’s diverse program includes concerts, silent film accompaniments, a gospel service, and the ever-popular “Soup Supper” and “Syncopation Desserts.”
Festival Highlights:
- Thursday, January 14: Opening Cabaret at The Merrill Hotel with The St. Louis Stompers and the Sweet & Hot Quartet (Jeff & Anne Barnhardt, Duffe, Schumm).
- Friday, January 15: Free afternoon Kick Off Concert at Addington Place of Muscatine, followed by the Soup Supper and evening concert.
- Saturday, January 16: Eagle Watch at Pearl City Station, silent film with live music at the Muscatine Art Center, and multiple concerts throughout the day.
- Sunday, January 18: Ragtime/Jazz Gospel Worship Service featuring Mad Creek Mudcats.
Artist In Residence
The Muscatine County Arts Council welcomes Andy Schumm as the 2027 Eagles & Ivories Festival Artist In Residence for programs Monday, January 11 through Friday, January 15. Mr. Schumm is a Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and bandleader celebrated for his authentic revival of 1920s and 1930s jazz. Proficient on cornet, clarinet, saxophones, piano and drums Mr. Schumm will bring his passion for early jazz to schools and senior centers throughout Muscatine County while offering opportunities for homeschool students to participate. Enriching lives through music, learning, and intergenerational connection is the aim of the Artist In Residence program.
Event Locations
Events are hosted at venues across Muscatine, including The Merrill Hotel, Wesley United Methodist Church, Muscatine Art Center, and Pearl City Station. The festival is made possible by the Muscatine County Arts Council, Visit Muscatine, and generous community sponsors.
- The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center at 119 Mississippi Dr, W., Muscatine
- Wesley United Methodist Church 400 Iowa Ave, Muscatine
- Pearl City Station 200 West Riverfront, Muscatine
- Muscatine Art Center 1314 Mulberry Ave, Muscatine
- Addington Place of Muscatine 3515 Diana Queen Dr, Muscatine
Iowa’s Ragtime Mecca on the Mississippi Iowa PBS Feature
See Iowa PBS’ Iowa Life feature on last year’s Eagles & Ivories Ragtime Fest.
Eagles and Ivories on Iowa PBS YouTube
Tickets and Information:
Full festival passes and individual event tickets are now available. A full-festival ticket (all shows, all weekend) is $70, individual concert event tickets range from $10 to $20. Tickets may be purchased online at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/eagles-and-ivories-ragtime-fest or in person at Flowers on the Avenue, 1138 E 9th St, Muscatine.For a complete Eagles & Ivories Ragtime Fest schedule, artist bios, and ticket purchase, visit www.muscatineartscouncil.org or contact ajwoodhouse@machlink.com
About the Muscatine County Arts Council
he Mission of the Muscatine County Arts Council (MCAC) is to provide support for the arts as well as cultural & entertainment opportunities for the greater Muscatine County Area. We believe the arts play a strong role in maintaining a vibrant & interesting community by enriching the lives of Muscatine County’s citizens and visitors. The MCAC fosters and supports the arts in Muscatine County, Iowa. We sponsor Eagles and Ivories Ragtime Fest, Art Array Juried Art Show, Wandering Words, the Second Sunday Summer Concert Series, Muscatine Plein Air Paint Out and also provide funding for many educational, artistic and community programs. The Muscatine County Arts Council is a non-profit group dedicated to the promotion of the arts through unique entertainment & educational projects & events for the communities in Muscatine County. The MCAC is a proud member of the Muscatine Cultural Alliance.
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