The CR Songwriter Series aims to connect songwriters and their songs with audiences in intimate settings.

Although songs are at the heart of every musical performance, it is often the songs that get lost in the hustle and bustle of clubs and bars. We hope to create a space where songs and the stories they tell are front and center, creating a connection between the songwriter and the audience that often gets missed in louder places.

NEXT SHOW

Nicole & Benj Upchurch

David Helmer

Friday February 27th Doors at 7pm, Show at 7:30pm

Breathing Room Yoga
608 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids

BYOD (Bring your own drinks)

$15

Nicole & Benj Upchurch

Nicole Upchurch is a singer/songwriter, banjo player and educator. Benj Upchurch is a mandolinist, ceramicist and skilled jingle writer. Together they perform in the folk americana quartet The Feralings, as well as their newest project, Yesterday’s Outfit. Nicole also performs regularly with Awful Purdies, a women-powered folk quintet and is the children’s programming instructor with Family Folk Machine, a local intergenerational choir. Her song “Something in the Water” - recorded by Awful Purdies - brings awareness about water quality and climate issues in Iowa and was awarded “Best Song By a Local Artist” in 2021 by Little Village’s Best of the CRANDIC. In 2025, Nicole participated in the Iowa City Songwriter’s Festival as a panelist and scholar.

2026 will bring new recorded music from this duo. Keep an eye out for the release of 20 singles to celebrate 20 years of Awful Purdies as well as The Feralings first full length album!