Music in the Courtyard

Enjoy a night of music under the stars!

Relax outdoors amongst good company and enjoy listening to music under the stars! Brucemore’s Music in the Courtyard series returns in 2024 with two special shows:

What’s in a Name

Seriously – what’s in a name? The answer can be more profound, and sometimes more surprising than you think, from the name of a lover to the name of a drifter. Join singers Precious Kimbrough and Nassor Cooper along with the Brucemore Boys & Friends band as we explore the stories and tales of names that moved mountains and changed lives. The set list will include new spins on familiar favorites like “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “You Can Call Me Al,” “I’ve Got a Name,” and more well-known and unexpected tunes.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

Come be entertained at an energetic night of music you can only find at Brucemore! This unique performance will get talented performers out of their box and on to the courtyard stage. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow community and the talent of people you know – and don’t yet know – and be surprised, surprised, surprised by what they do! Come see musicians Anna Barnts and Prince Wonten sing songs they never expected to perform. They’ll be joined on stage by special guests, but you’ll have to come to the show to find out who!


Music in the Courtyard is part of the Artisan Studio live performance series, supporting Iowa-based singers, songwriters, and technicians in their personal and professional pursuits.

In-kind technical sponsorship for this event is provided by Blue Sky Productions.

Things to know before you arrive:

  • The site will open at 7:00 p.m. for parking and seating. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.
  • Please arrive by 7:25 p.m. as the gate will close promptly.
  • You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages (beer and wine allowed) to enjoy. Concessions will not be available for sale at this event.
  • Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals.

What to do when you arrive:

  • Please enter through the gate at 2160 Linden Drive SE.
  • Follow signage and staff directions to open spaces near the Carriage House.
  • Check in with the staff member at the Courtyard entrance by providing the name on your order.
  • Follow staff and volunteer directions to find your seats.

Ticket Policies: All ticket sales are non-refundable. Please read our ticket policy here. Online and phone orders are subject to a $4.00 processing fee per order. Tickets can be purchased at the event, subject to availability.

Weather: The event occurs fully outdoors and may be held in light rain. If the event cannot be held due to weather, a decision will be made by 5:00 PM and posted on Brucemore’s website and social media. Ticket holders will be notified by phone. There will be no refunds, only exchanges to another date if tickets are available.

Photography and Video Notice: 

At this event, photography and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes. If you have concerns about your likeness appearing in these photos and videos, please talk to a staff member when you check in for the event.

Performance Dates


What’s in a Name

August 30, 31, and September 1


Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

September 5*, 6*, & 7

*Sold Out


How does seating work?

  • Seating is a on first come basis at 30″ cocktail tables.
  • Individual ticket holders will be seated at tables with others who have purchased individual tickets.
  • Orders with a table of five or multiple tables will be given reserved seating to help us facilitate a smooth check-in process.
  • Tables of 4 will not be reserved.
  • Please call 319-362-7375 ahead of the performance if you need any accessibility accommodations.

Admission:

  • Individual Seat: $30 ($25 for donors)
  • Table of 4: $110 ($90 for donors)
  • Table of 5: $140 ($115 for donor) 
  • To use your donor discount, please sign in using the link in the upper right corner of the purchase page or call (319) 362-7375.
  • A $4.00 processing fee will be applied to all online and phone orders.