ia: The best of Iowa arts and culture

The Bird Hunters kick off this year's songwriter showcase at Reiman Gardens. (Photo courtesy of Reiman Gardens)

More than birds sing at Reiman Gardens in Ames

Ease into your lawn chair, eat some snacks and enjoy live music in the Goldfinch Room Songwriter Showcase this summer at Reiman Gardens. The series that began in the Goldfinch Room at Iowa State University's Stephens Auditorium is moving five concerts outside to the sprawling gardens nearby.

“The fusion of beautiful music and the stunning surroundings of the gardens promises to be an unforgettable event for all who attend,” gardens director Christine Prescott said in a prepared statement.

May 27: The Bird Hunters

This self-proclaimed “Midwest country” band draws inspiration from the Turnpike Troubadours, placing meaningful lyrics at the center of its songwriting.

Give your dog its best hair day in Mason City. (Photo courtesy of the Mason City Kennel Club)

In Mason City, canines dress to the nines

Pomeranians, poodles, pugs — you name it, the Mason City Kennel Club Dog Show likely has it. More than 600 esteemed guests (aka dogs) are expected participate in the two-day show, April 19 and 20, at the North Iowa Events Center.

All dog breeds are invited, and grooming is available on-site. Even if you don’t own a pup, you can stop by admire the contenders.

Get outside and celebrate Mother Nature this year on Earth Day.

Earth Day three ways

Celebrate the planet, learn about conservation efforts, and do your part to clean up the place we all call home no matter where your actual address is. Here are three Earth Day events around Iowa:

North Iowa Green Expo, April 24, Clear Lake. Local businesses, nonprofits and organizations will showcase their green products and services alongside an indoor farmers market.

Decorah’s Earth Day Festival, April 26, Decorah. Find free snacks and coffee at this educational festival to celebrate mankind’s home. Visitors will learn about recycling, composting, renewable energy and more important topics relating to conservation.

Earth Day at Brenton Arboretum, April 27, Dallas Center. Enjoy Earth Day with various special activities: face painting, kids’ crafts and even a round of “100 Things to Do in Des Moines Before You Die” bingo.

Plus: Many Iowa cities, counties and local businesses are hosting their own cleanup efforts in the days leading up to Earth Day on April 22. Check your area for a Trash Bash or Cleanup Day to participate in.

Maygen & the Birdwatcher, a Midwest Country Music Organization member band and Minnesota-based folk group, performing at an MCMO-sponsored show. (Photo: Sammie Jean Cohen)

Country music on the radio waves and in real life

The Midwest Country Music Organization, a nonprofit established in 2017, cultivates a network of musicians and fans across Iowa, the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The organization hosts a syndicated radio show across several state markets, broadcasting originals from musicians within the organization.

For the past five years, the organization has hosted its MCMO Awards, where regional artists and fans gather to celebrate and watch performances. This year, the sixth annual event takes place April 12 at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park. Limited tickets are still available online.

"Junior League Christmas Party, 1962," a gelatin silver print by Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret. (Cedar Rapids Museum of Art)

Cedar Rapids art show focuses on fashion

Clothing can tell a story all by itself. Just ask a costume designer or a portrait artist. In an exhibition called "All Dressed Up (and Down): Depictions of Clothing in the Collection" on display through May 18 at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, you can see how clothing varies from high society to farms to college campuses and pretty much everywhere else people wear clothes.