Songwriter Showcase

The CSPS Songwriters series is a showcase of talented acoustic songwriters with Iowa connections. Featuring performers with diverse life experiences, musical backgrounds, and genres there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. The show is hosted by Cedar Rapids native and veteran performer Kimberli Maloy.

Bekka Dunn Dove - Cedar Rapids, IA - acoustic/indie

Bekka has been playing music in Eastern Iowa since childhood, finding expression everywhere from basement bars to Sunday service. Songwriting has always been her way of getting through big thoughts about the big things, though recently she uses it mostly on silly jingles that make her kids smile occasionally between eye rolls. Addicted to the transparency of acoustic-based sound, she shares her wrestlings in the hopes of pulling listeners deeper into their own big questions.

"Uncle Chuck" Finch - Waterloo, IA - eclectic

Uncle Chuck has been painting pictures with lyrics for many years and in the process has become a legendary songwriter in the Cedar Valley. He has written hundreds of songs that range from quirky to sensitive to often downright hilarious. Living with 4 cats has inspired many a beloved cat song! Uncle Chuck has recorded 5 albums and continues to inspire and entertain his fans at performance venues around the Cedar Valley.

Karla Ruth and Deb Niermann - Waterloo, IA - Americana

Karla Ruth's melodies stay with you and her lyrics tug at your heart. You'll be listening intently until the last chord to see how each story ends. Karla's been writing songs since she learned how to play guitar at age nine. Deb Niermann's harmonies lend perfectly and her mandolin complements Karla's dynamic guitar work. Karla has released 3 albums of all original music and she and Deb have been performing together around Iowa at various venues and festivals for over a dozen years.

Jordan Messerole - Des Moines, IA - Americana

From the depths of his Iowa roots, multi-award winning songwriter Jordan Messerole writes songs that vary as greatly as the wild flowers in the native tall grass. Messerole masterfully blends the sounds of his guitars with thoughtful lyrics, an engaging stage presence, and often rack harmonica to tell gritty American tales that are bound to evoke emotion from all of his listeners.