Buy Fresh, Buy Local at the RiverLoop Public Market Co-op in Waterloo

If you're looking for locally-grown and fresh products, look no further! The RiverLoop Public Market Co-op in downtown Waterloo is just the spot to find a variety of food products, while supporting responsible farming practices and a sustainable local economy.

www.RiverLoopPublicMarket.com

The Co-op, which officially opened in November 2011, is a community-owned business and everyone is welcome to become a member-owner. While members receive special discounts, you do not have to be a member in order to shop at the Co-op.

The Co-op sells a wide range of food products, including:
- Locally grown fruits and vegetables
- Custom-cut, quality meats and seafood
- Deli meats and cheeses
- Bulk food selection of nuts, grains, oils, tea and coffee, herbs and spices, baking supplies and sugars
- Dairy and eggs
- Specialty and ethnic foods
- Fresh baked goods

One of my favorite parts about the Co-op are their in-store samples! During one of my visits to the Co-op, I had the opportunity to sample several different flavors of popcorn before actually buying the product. I also enjoy knowing the food I'm purchasing is grown or produced locally, which in turn benefits the economy around me.

Co-op markets like the one in Waterloo are popping up in cities throughout Iowa as the concept of "Buy Fresh, Buy Local" continues to spread. This spring the Co-op will be in charge of the Downtown Waterloo Farmer's Market, which moved to the RiverLoop Expo Grounds in 2010.

In addition to the assorted food products sold at the Co-op, they also serve lunch at the Loop Café, Monday through Friday, 11am to 3pm.

Customers can choose from the following delicious lunch items:
- Specialty whole sandwiches (served warm)
- Whole sandwiches (panini and salad sandwiches)
- Soups (2 varieties each day)
- Side salads
- Teas, coffees and other beverages

The Loop Café is the perfect location for a business meeting, lunch with friends and family, or a quick bite to eat when you're on the go!

RiverLoop Public Market Co-op: 327 W. 3rd Street, Waterloo
Hours: Monday-Friday (9am-6pm), Saturday (8am-3pm)
Loop Café Hours: Monday-Saturday (11am-3pm)

Waterloo Selected as a Blue Zones Project Finalist

Waterloo was recently selected as one of 11 communities to help lead Iowa to become the healthiest state in the country by 2016 (Iowa is currently 19th). The Blue Zones Project is the centerpiece of the Healthiest State Initiative and focuses on helping people live longer, better lives.

The goal is for all Iowa communities to become Blue Zones and has been structured as a multi-round application process over five years to select 10 demonstration sites. Demonstration sites are communities in Iowa that will receive expert support to accelerate their Blue Zones transformation and serve as role models for all communities.

In the first application round (November 2011), 84 communities indicated an interest in becoming Blue Zones Project demonstration sites. Of these 84 communities, 58 were asked to submit a comprehensive application. On January 4, 2012, 54 communities submitted their applications to continue their journey to become a demonstration site.

The applications submitted by the finalists reflected strong commitment from community leaders, local employers, and government officials, as well as prior success in collaborative community initatives.

The 11 finalists include: Ames, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, Mason City, Muscatine, Ottumwa, Sioux City, Spencer, and Waterloo.

In late February, the Blue Zones Project Team will begin conducting site visits to each of the 11 communities in Iowa. These visits will conclude in March and the first round of demonstration sites will be announced in May 2012. Those chosen few will be eligible to share in the $25 million earmarked for health and wellness projects.

For more information about the Blue Zones Project, visit www.BlueZonesProject.com.

My Thai Cuisine Brings Authentic Thai Food and Flavors to Waterloo

If you haven't tried My Thai Cuisine yet, it's a must! A group of co-workers and I recently ordered in from the restaurant and it was delicious!

www.MyThaiCuisineWaterloo.com/

The restaurant opened in June in downtown Waterloo and serves both lunch and dinner. They have a variety of Thai items listed on their menu, including:

- Appetizers
- Soups
- Salads
- Traditional curries
- Traditional rice dishes
- Traditional noodle dishes
- Desserts

We decided to order several of the Thai traditional noodle dishes and then sample each of them. We also ordered some crab rangoons, which are my absolute favorite!

Pad Thai: Thin rice noodles stir-fried with scallions, bean sprouts, peanut, and your choice of protein (chicken), then folded into a thin layer of fried egg.

Pad See-Ew: Wide rice noodles stir-fried with broccoli, carrots and your choice of protein (chicken) in a black, soy-based sauce.

Rad Nah: Wide rice noodles stir-fried with Chinese cabbage, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, snow peas, and your choice of protein (shrimp) in spicy Thai sauce.

I had never tried Thai food before and was hesitant at first, but now I can't wait to try it again! The restaurant staff was extremely helpful and even offered to deliver our order to our office next time. They also provided us with some menus to display at the Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau office for visitors.

Whether you're a veteran or newbie to Thai food, we encourage you to discover authentic Thai food and flavors at My Thai Cuisine.

My Thai Cuisine: 624 Sycamore Street, Waterloo
Hours: Monday-Saturday (11am-3pm / 5-9pm)
Dine In or Carry Out Orders

Announcing "The Green" at TechWorks in Waterloo

The Green@TechWorks Campus Unveiled:
Multiple projects announced in $50 million redevelopment, launches technology park for Waterloo

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber along with Mayor Buck Clark, John Deere and Financial District Properties recently announced plans for development of the Cedar Valley TechWorks campus. The new Green@TechWorks will bring an estimated 500 jobs and $20 million in annual payroll to the Cedar Valley.

Projects include:

The Green@TechWorks: A redevelopment of the TechWorks Tech II building (the former "C" building of John Deere's Westfield Ave. plant site) by Financial District Properties. The +/- 180,000 square foot, six-story property will include:

- A John Deere regional training center - providing employee development in the northeastern Iowa region for John Deere employees.

- A 100-room upscale business travel hotel. Developer FDP describes the venue as one that will include features for the modern business traveler and tourist with a design that accentuates the campus theme of mixing industrial history with advanced technologies. The developer is identifying the hotel operator, selecting from a successful and experienced group in similar projects and locations.

- A fine dining restaurant - to be planned and operated by Cedar Valley entrepreneur and Chairman/CEO of PFGBEST, Russell Wasendorf, Sr. Wasendorf also owns and operates My Verona Ristorante Italiano in neighboring Cedar Falls. The restaurant will be within the hotel, serving the general public.

- A new product in the Cedar Valley - Class A showroom and office space available for lease. Four floors totaling up to 60,000 square feet available.

The Green Energy System: The Green and adjacent Tech I building will be powered, in part, by an integrated renewable energy generation and distribution system. Beginning with 900kW of power combining both solar and small turbine wind generation, the system is being designed to accommodate emerging technologies in such renewable methods as hydrogen fuel cell storage, and biogasification, and the newest design wind and solar generation systems. FDP will install this integrated system simultaneously with other campus construction. The innovative energy system is being designed with products offered by Cleanfield Energy and iPower. Cleanfield Energy “is an industry leader in the research, development and distribution of 3.5kW vertical axis wind turbines,” and iPower, led by Iowa native Tim Dwight, will provide design and engineering expertise to create the solar array located on the rooftops of both Tech I and Tech II, as well as canopies over the parking areas.

Advanced Energy & Ag Tech Center: Planned for the first floor of The Green@TechWorks, the proposed center will be a place for education about innovation in renewable energy production and energy efficiency technologies, as well as the technologies driving the future of bio-agriculture.

The John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum: In May of 2010, John Deere announced its plan to build a tractor and engine museum in an existing building on the TechWorks campus. "It was very exciting for us to announce, nearly two years ago, that we were building a tractor and engine museum on the same site where Waterloo Boy tractors were built 100 years ago. Now that we see it is part of a larger, more complete campus and downtown redevelopment effort, it makes our museum project even more meaningful and important," explained Thad Nevitt, Factory Manager for the John Deere Waterloo Works.

The Green Zone Concept: Green and sustainable practices are being included in the design of each facet of the campus development program. The Green is being designed to LEED standards. FDP considers their emerging design “among the “Greenest” mixed use building in the Midwest, featuring “leading edge design in energy conservation and efficient building systems and components.” Further, the TechWorks Campus is a Brownfield site, at the edge of Downtown, so the combination of modernizing the building intended for other uses and utilizing a mix of renewable energy systems will be attractive to firms as the market demands more attention to sustainable practices by product manufacturers and marketers.

Construction for this project will last 1 to 1.5 years, and will require many highly specialized skills in mechanical, electrical and energy efficiency systems. Following it's completion, the Green@TechWorks will bring great benefits to the Cedar Valley through the creation of both jobs and tourism.

For more information, please contact Cary Darrah, TechWorks General Manager, or watch our websites and social media pages.

Upcoming Event: Official After Party for the Jason Aldean Concert

Official After Party for the Jason Aldean Concert:
Bush Hawg, HER and Kings County and The Dennis Wayne Gang Hosted by DJ Silver
Saturday, February 18, Doors open at 7pm
Pavilion at National Cattle Congress Fair Grounds - Waterloo, IA
Admission: Free with concert ticket; $10 without concert ticket

BLA, the agency that represents Jason Aldean has extended the evening after the February 18 Country Gone Wild concert. The agency has added two nationally touring acts that are breaking through the record charts and bringing them to the Pavilion on the National Cattle Congress grounds.

The headliner for the after party is Bush Hawg and will also feature a band that has just hit the country charts called HER and Kings County. The Aldean concert is scheduled to end at 10:30pm at the UNI Dome, immediately after the concert, Aldeans concert DJ known as "DJ Silver" will head to the Pavilion to host the party.

Concert goers will pay no additional fee to enter the after party as long as they have their concert ticket. For people not able to attend the concert, the Pavilion will open doors at 7pm and have live music from The Dennis Wayne Gang.

Preparations for the after party include setting up an autograph area in anticipation of a potential appearance by Jason Aldean and or Luke Bryan. Larry Gaffey, Manager of NCC said "no one is promising that Aldean or Bryan will attend the after party, but considering the security and VIP areas we are required to set up who knows." Gaffey went on to say "DJ Silver who is working the stage at the dome will be making announcements during the concert about the after party, that along with the bands appearing having a big following also the possible appearance by the performers and there being no charge for concert goers we expect a big crowd, possibly to capacity."

What's Up Waterloo: Weekly Event Calendar 1/26-2/1

Travel Federation of Iowa (TFI) Showcase
Tuesday, January 31 in Des Moines
Aaron Buzza, Beth Keeney and Jim Marlin will be attending this year's TFI Legislative Showcase at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. "Tourism Works" is the theme for the 2012 Showcase. This is a great opportunity for travel and tourism organizations to visit with legislators about the importance of tourism to Waterloo and the state of Iowa.

Discover Waterloo-Cedar Falls Prints for Sale
Artwork by Paco Rosic & Gary Kelley
A limited edition of prints are available for purchase at the Waterloo CVB office and Cedar Falls Visitor Center. To place an order, call or stop by one of these locations. Prints are $25 unsigned and $35 signed by Paco Rosic and Gary Kelley. All proceeds will be used to purchase a piece of art for the Cedar Valley Trails System. The artwork is also featured on the cover of the 2012 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Visitors Guide. The original painting is currently on display at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. 
 
Grant Applications Due January 31
FY2013 Hotel-Motel Tax Grant Applications
The CVB has released the FY2013 Hotel-Motel Tax Grant applications on behalf of the City of Waterloo. The grant applications are available in the Press Room of our website, www.travelwaterloo.com/press-room.aspx. Applicants are encouraged to read the "Letter to Applicants" prior to opening the applications, as that letter explains some of the changes that have been made to the process. The letter also provides the dates and times of the workshops that are required for applicants to attend. If you have questions about the process or your application, we encourage you to contact us at (319) 233-8350. 

Exhibits

Thursday, January 26 - Wednesday, February 1
(NEW) Covered by Glory - Civil War Commemorative Quilts: Grout Museum, 9am-5pm
During the Civil War, many women turned to needlework to fill the long, lonesome hours and as a refuge from the stress and worry of war. They utilized their skills to support their families, create necessary items for soldiers, and raise money for the cause. When the war was over, they expressed feelings about the past by stitching commemorative quilts celebrating victory and honoring those who died. A century and a half later, the sacrifices are still remembered with commemorative fabrics, patterns and quilts that mark the Sesquicentennial of the War Between the States. Covered by Glory: Civil War Commemorative Quilts will showcase several quilts, some that were made during the era and commemorative quilts made from 10 to 150 years later. For more information, visit www.GMDistrict.org.

Forever Yours, Your Own - Tales of Love from the Civil War: Grout Museum, 9am-5pm

During the Civil War, letters were often the only way for soldiers and loved ones stay in touch. Although sending letters was slow and unreliable, when in the hands of the recipient they were of great comfort. Original letters, photographs, artifacts and dioramas will help visitors learn about the day to day life of the Civil War soldier. Regular admission. For more information, visit www.GMDistrict.org.  

The Golden Era of the Black Hawks - From McElroy Auditorium to Young Ice Arena: Grout Museum, 9am-5pm

Visit the Grout Museum, during the 2011-2012 Golden Anniversary season of the Black Hawks, to discover the exciting history of Waterloo's favorite home team. This exhibit is included with regular admission and available for viewing during regular museum hours. For more information, visit www.GMDistrict.org. 

Mini Masters - A Nine Hole Course in Art: Phelps Youth Pavilion, 10am-5pm

Art and golf come together in an exciting way in this new exhibit! Whether you're an amateur or a pro, all ages can play this unique 9-hole miniature golf course. As you play, you'll learn about the great master artists of the 20th century, and par for this course is FUN! You'll experience different types of sand traps, roughs and hazards...and we warn you, the 'greens' may not be the color of green at all! It's a great way for all ages to get into the swing of art. For more information, visit www.PhelpsYouthPavilion.org.
 
Master Artists of the Bahamas: Waterloo Center for the Arts, 10am-5pm
Experience Bahamian life and culture through the art of the country's leading artists. Featured artists range from intuitive to trained, and their works range from easel paintings to mixed media installations and environments. WCA is excited to present an exhibition of this caliber featuring the following master artists: Amos Ferguson, Kendal Hanna, Max Taylor, Brent Malone, Dave Smith, Eddie Minnis, Stan Burnside, Antonius Roberts, John Beadle and John Cox. For more information, visit www.WaterlooCenterfortheArts.org.  

Workshops

Monday, January 30
Don't Let the Elephant Eat the Hotdog: WCP/BHCT Walker Building, 4-5pm
Monday's through March 5, kids ages 5-7. Through the works of Mo Willems, kids get a chance to explore their own dramatic imagination, play theatre games, and develop their performance skills. For more information, visit www.WCPBHCT.org.

Once Upon a Time: WCP/BHCT Walker Building, 5-6pm

Monday's through March 5, kids ages 8-10. Using fairy tales and fantasies, kids will get a chance to play, create and explore within a magical world they help to create. For more information, visit www.WCPBHCT.org. 

Events

Thursday, January 26
Family Fun Days Boredom Buster: Phelps Youth Pavilion, 10am-5pm
Come play in the warmth of the Pavilion and make fun crafts that will help you get through the long, boring winter. Special Wild Winter Weather Puppet Shows at 11am, 1:30pm and 3pm. For more information, visit www.PhelpsYouthPavilion.org

Terrific Twos Storytime: Waterloo Public Library, 10:30am

Introduction to storytime for 2-year-olds and a parent or caregiver. Call (319) 291-4477, or visit www.Waterloo.lib.ia.us.

Taste of Loo: Downtown Waterloo, 5-9pm

Join us for this annual "deliciously diverse dining experience." You'll be visiting local dining establishments for a sample of one of their dishes. With the purchase of a "passport" ticket, each of the participating establishments will provide you with one sample of their featured specialty. You may visit at your own pace and in any order. Tickets are available at Main Street Waterloo office. Act fast, this event sells out! For more information, visit www.MainStreetWaterloo.org.

BINGO!: Pavilion, NCC Fair Grounds, 6-9:30pm

This game features a progressive jackpot and is held three times a week, Thursday, Sunday and Monday. Call (319) 232-5801, or visit www.NationalCattleCongress.com.

A Brother's Blood - A Heartland Cain & Abel: Waterloo Public Library, 7-8:30pm

Author, Scott Cawelti, will share the story behind his book, "Brother's Blood", followed by a question and answer session. For more information, visit www.Waterloo.lib.ia.us.

Final Thursday Reading Series: Hearst Center for the Arts, 7pm

Now in its 11th season, the Final Thursday Reading Series features guest regional authors while providing a forum where local writers can share their own work. Free and open to the public. Open mic sign-up is 7pm. Share your best five minutes of original poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. The open mic begins at 7:15pm, and the featured author takes the stage at 8pm. There will be a short question and answer period as time allows. Sponsored by Final Thursday Press and Cup of Joe. For more information, visit www.HearstArtsCenter.com.  

Friday, January 27 

The Foursome: Waterloo Center for the Arts (Hope Martin Theatre), 7pm
When four old college chums, home for their college reunion, hook up for a round of golf and share their successes and failures in "The Foursome". The play, set on the 18 tees of a golf course, follows the four as they relive old times, and catch up on their problems, successes and failures. For more information, visit www.WCPBHCT.org.

The Magic Flute with UNI School of Music: Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm

Mozart's Masterpiece, first performed just two months before his death, the "Magic Flute" contains high nobility and some of the most soprano arias of all time. Mozart's combination of Masonic subtexts and comic buffoonery mad this one of his most popular operas. Featuring the remarkable talents of the University of Northern Iowa's School of Music, this production will stir your heart and make you laugh out loud. For more information, visit www.GBPAC.org.

Saturday, January 28

Super Science Day - Space: The Final Frontier: Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, 9am-5pm
Embark on the ultimate adventure by exploring the great unknown, Outer Space, at the Imaginarium! Take a closer look at what lies beyond our Solar System. Discover what it takes to survive in Outer Space. Test your skills at piloting the Space Shuttle. Build your own rocket to test out at home! This event is covered by regular admission. For more information, visit www.GMDistrict.org.

Family Storytime: Waterloo Public Library, 10:30am

Traditional storytime for children of all ages. Call (319) 291-4477, or visit www.Waterloo.lib.ia.us.

Love & Valor Film Showing: Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, 1:30-3:30pm

A tremendously moving and literate story of the Civil War based on letters, regimental histories, newspaper stories, and additional writing. Jacob Ritner answered Lincoln's first call for 75,000 men in April 1861. After serving a three-month term with the 1st Iowa Infantry, Jacob acted as a recruiting officer for the Union Army, and then re-enlisted in the 25th Iowa Infantry. For more information, visit www.GMDistrict.org.  

Women's Snowshoe Hike: Hartman Reserve Nature Center, 2-5pm

Bring a friend to enjoy Hartman on a guided snowshoe hike and then cozy up with some hot chocolate after. The hot chocolate will be paired with lively conversation and board/card games. Program fee: $5/person. You can pre-register online at www.BlackHawkCountyParks.com by clicking the "Events" tab and selecting the desired program.

Swing Dancing: Lampost Theatre & Coffee Shop, 7:30pm

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing! Come on out for a fun night of spins and twists. There will be lessons at 7:30pm followed by a night of dancing starting at 8pm! For more information, visit www.Lampost.com.

Sunday, January 29
Full Metal Jacket: Oster Regent Theatre, 2pm
Classic movies in a classic theatre! Don't miss the Stanley Kubrick movie series. Free will offering only. For more information, visit www.OsterRegent.org.

Waterloo Black Hawks Hockey vs. Des Moines: Young Arena, 3pm

Purchase tickets online at www.WaterlooBlackHawks.com.

BINGO!: Pavilion, NCC Fair Grounds, 6-9:30pm 
This game features a progressive jackpot and is held three times a week, Thursday, Sunday and Monday. Call (319) 232-5801, or visit www.NationalCattleCongress.com.

The Foursome: Waterloo Center for the Arts (Hope Martin Theatre), 7pm
When four old college chums, home for their college reunion, hook up for a round of golf and share their successes and failures in "The Foursome". The play, set on the 18 tees of a golf course, follows the four as they relive old times, and catch up on their problems, successes and failures. For more information, visit www.WCPBHCT.org.

Monday, January 30
Mother Goose Storytime: Waterloo Public Library, 10:30am
A language enrichment program for babies ages 0-24 months and a parent or caregiver. Call (319) 291-4477, or visit www.Waterloo.lib.ia.us.

BINGO!: Pavilion, NCC Fair Grounds, 6-9:30pm

This game features a progressive jackpot and is held three times a week, Thursday, Sunday and Monday. Call (319) 232-5801, or visit www.NationalCattleCongress.com.

Tuesday, January 31
Preschool Storytime: Waterloo Public Library, 10:30am
Traditional storytime with storybooks, fingerplays and crafts for 3- to 5-year-old children accompanied by an adult. Call (319) 291-4477, or visit www.Waterloo.lib.ia.us.

The Foursome: Waterloo Center for the Arts (Hope Martin Theatre), 7pm
When four old college chums, home for their college reunion, hook up for a round of golf and share their successes and failures in "The Foursome". The play, set on the 18 tees of a golf course, follows the four as they relive old times, and catch up on their problems, successes and failures. For more information, visit www.WCPBHCT.org.  

UNI Men's Basketball vs. Southern Illinois: McLeod Center, 7pm

Enjoy the University of Northern Iowa Men's Basketball. For more information, visit www.UNIPanthers.com.

UNI Spotlight Series Faculty Artist Showcase: Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm

This event is ticketed. For tickets, call (319) 273-4TIX. For more information, visit www.UNI.edu/music.   

Wednesday, February 1
Preschool Storytime: Waterloo Public Library, 10:30am
Traditional storytime with storybooks, fingerplays and crafts for 3- to 5-year-old children accompanied by an adult. Call (319) 291-4477, or visit www.Waterloo.lib.ia.us.  

Story & Craft Time for Pre-Schoolers: Phelps Youth Pavilion, 11:30am-12:30pm
A special story and craft time just for pre-schoolers. Length of storytime varies. No registration required. FREE with Phelps Youth Pavilion admission. For more information, visit www.PhelpsYouthPavilion.org.

Live Music & Nightlife

Thursday, January 26
DJ @ Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, 8-12pm - No cover
Karaoke by Ultimate Entertainment @ Spicoli's, 9pm - No cover

Friday, January 27

Karaoke @ Beck's in Waterloo, 10pm - No cover
TV & Me Comedy Show (Mike Toomey) @ Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, 7 & 9pm - $15 
Bill Chrastil (Elvis & Neil Diamond Tribute Band) @ Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, 8-12pm - No cover
Soul Fusion @ Jameson's Public House, 9pm - No cover
Anew Revolution @ Spicoli's, 8pm - $8

Saturday, January 28
Bill Chrastil (Elvis & Neil Diamond Tribute Band) @ Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, 8-12pm - No cover
Wicked Andersons @ Jameson's Public House, 9pm - No cover 
In Dying Days @ Spicoli's, 9pm - $5

Find additional events in the Cedar Valley at www.VisittheCedarValley.com.

Stay in touch with happenings in Waterloo online through our additional sites & media.

www.TravelWaterloo.com  

www.TravelWaterlooBlog.com

www.Twitter.com/WaterlooIowa  

www.Facebook.com/WaterlooIA

Upcoming Event: Timothy Andres to Perform with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony

Pianist/Composer, Timothy Andres to Perform with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony
Saturday, February 4, 7:30pm
Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at UNI - Cedar Falls, IA

Join us February 4, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center for a fascinating look inside the creative process. Timothy Andres, an up-and-coming young composer and performer, introduces one of his own works and then performs his version of the solo part to a piano concerto that Mozart played but never committed to paper.

Andres performs widely, focusing mostly on music by contemporaries. “New music cannot be intimidating when played with this degree of skill and zest,” proclaimed Boston Globe critic Richard Dyer. Timothy has played solo concerts at Strathmore Performing Arts Center, Wordless Music Series at Miller Theater and at the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Green Umbrella series.

Recent works include Trade Winds, commissioned by Carnegie Hall; Family Plays, a short song cycle for Gabriel Kahane; and It takes a long time to become a good composer, a companion suite to Schumann’s Kreisleriana.

WCFSO Music Director Jason Weinberger and Timothy Andres will give a casual pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. in Jebe Hall. After the performance, enjoy desserts, drinks and live music at FÍNE, the Symphony’s post-concert lobby celebration.

For information on season tickets call 319-273-3373. Tickets start at $20 for adults, $15 for students and Buck a Kid is available for this concert. $5 student tickets (18 and older with student ID) are also available.  For single tickets for the February 4 concert or other 2011-12 performances call 319-273-4TIX or 877-549-SHOW.  Visit www.wcfsymphony.org for information on all of the WCFSO’s programming.