Photo by Miriam Alarcon Avila
Iowa Native (and UI alumni) Susan Werner performed two shows at The Mill on October 9, 2014. Earlier in the week, she performed at the "Leave Your Mark" ceremony at the Hancher construction site, and was the first artist to perform on the new Hancher stage, playing a special lunchtime set for construction workers.
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We thoroughly enjoyed Susan Werner! She speaks to us as Iowans who revel in and, at the same time, are concerned about the paths that our country, Iowa, and farming are on. Her experiences as an Iowan and a woman are conveyed so genuinely and poetically. Her relationship with her audience is intimate and caring. Who could ask for any more?
I would like to add that I have been attending concerts for 45 years and Susan Werner's was absolutely one of the best. We had never heard of her and, on the basis of the Hancher write up, we decided to get tickets. Boy, are we glad we did. Her artistry is amazing, thoroughly entertaining, and memorable. Thank you for bringing her to Iowa City!
Hillary Maurer
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Great concert! Great audience interaction. Such a talented singer/songwriter. A+
Deb Walker
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I loved the Susan Werner performance at The Mill. I thought it was great that Susan was picked to be the first on stage at the in-process Hancher and that your group is working with The Mill in the waiting time. I have seen three or four other of Susan's performances, but this one was unique. The Hayseed Project was a great idea and I am not sure who came up with it. Thanks for the opportunity.
Roger Schnittjer
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She's a real picker!
Sherwood Wolfson
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First, I'm looking forward to completing this arc when I see "All Recipes Are Home."
I've never been to Club Hancher before, and I appreciate her interactivity in such a small venue. I've seen Werner before, and she's an incredible live act. She makes her recordings imo sound syrupy and sweet -- probably palatable for some forms of distribution (radio.) Her songs come to life on stage. And her accompanying musicians were fantastic. The encore shift was unexpected and delightful.
On another subject, I hope Hancher maintains its regional community footprint on some level after the new building opens. Yes, it would be nice to see Herb Alpert, Ballet West, Luna Negra, and Interpreti Veneziani at Hancher -- but it was great to see them at Riverside Casino, Shiloh (minus the rain), the Englert, and St. Mary's, respectively. And when I get to travel to the Twin Cities someday to see Cantus on their home turf, it will likely be in a church. Seeing Cantus in St. Mary's will be like seeing them in Minneapolis or St. Paul. So I hope Hancher will consider some of these stages to be places to perform Hancher programming, even after the building opens. The community imprint that cultural organizations had to cultivate after the flood of 2008 was a true, if twisted, gift. I hope cultural organizations don't abandon those conversations, collaborations and connections.
Pat Muller
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The Susan Werner concert was delightful. The setting at the Mill was intimate and the food was excellent. Susan has a fantastic voice and the two men with her added to the performance. She is a great performer. I was much closer to her than when she appeared at CSPS here in Cedar Rapids. 1 giant thumbs up for this production.
Anonymous
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I first heard about Susan Werner at a Liars Theater show at Campbell Steele. Since then I have heard her several times. I believe she is one of the most creative singer/songwriters I have had the privilege of hearing. The show at the Mill was spectacular.
Steve Williams
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This was a great event. The music was fun and fabulous and presented by such a great, engaging personality. We loved it.
Karen Drake