In an extraordinary performance, John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats will play a solo show at an intimate venue in Iowa City.

The event, hosted by SCOPE, will take place at 9 p.m. April 21 at the First United Methodist Church, 214 E. Jefferson St. Tickets range from $17 to $19 and can be purchased at the Hub in the IMU or at all Ticketmaster locations.

Darnielle, who started as a poet, found himself writing what turned into music in his small studio apartment. That was the beginning of the Mountain Goats.

Now, Peter Hughes and Jon Wurster make up the rest of the band; however, they will not appear in the Iowa City performance.

The band is constantly creating new and distinct music. Specifically, its 2009 album, The Life of the World to Come, contains songs named after Bible verses.

This innovative style resonates with the group’s live performances, leaving fans wanting more.

Darnielle in particular has the ability to entertain a variety of crowds with such alternative tracks as “This Year” and thought-provoking lyrics.

With two recent two sold-out shows in Chicago, his performance in Iowa City is expected to wow crowds in a remarkable musical encounter.

– by Samantha Gentry