Chris Umscheid
Each December the Iowa Brass, a British-style brass band, puts on a free community Christmas Concert in addition to at least three other free performances throughout the year.
SOLON — Iowa Brass is an all-volunteer, community-based British-style brass band that will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2026. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Iowa Brass is proud to bring high-quality live music to communities across eastern Iowa, including right here in Solon.
We rehearse weekly in the Solon Community Center and perform a minimum of four concerts each year in town—each one free and open to the public. These performances feature some of the finest brass musicians in the region and are a great source of local pride.
Our 35-member ensemble also gives back to the community in many ways. Members volunteer annually at Solon Beef Days and support local events whenever possible. Beyond that, Iowa Brass hosts a Young Artist Competition for high school and collegiate musicians, organizes the Wurst Brass Festival in the Amana Colonies each June, and competes in brass band competitions around the country—including a performance on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
We are proud to be the only British-style brass band in the state of Iowa. Nationally, there are only around 100 groups like ours, and we’re honored to represent this unique musical tradition right here in Solon.
For more information and performance schedules go to www.facebook.com/iabrass or their website, www.iowabrass.com.