This spring, Hancher Auditorium will debut the first edition of the Stop/Time Festival. The festival will run for two days from April 3-4 and will span a range of venues, bringing in a wide range of artists across multiple genres.
Stop/Time is meant to celebrate and represent the innovation, independence, and discovery found in the modern musical and artistic landscape. The festival was co-curated by Hancher Executive Director Andre Perry and Programming and Engagement Director Aaron Greenwald.
The festival will kick off on Friday, April 3, with an opening night featuring Ambrose Akinmusire and indie-pop singer Mei Semones. Within the performance, Akinmusire will present his latest work, “honey from a winter stone,” at Hancher. Audience members will have the unique experience of being seated on the Hadley stage through the venue’s Up Close configuration.
In addition, a jazz combo, spoken word artist, and string ensemble, PUBLIQuartet, will join Akinmusire in support.
Semones and her band will follow Akinmusire’s performance through an evening set in Club Hancher.
On April 4, the festival will shift to downtown and will allow audiences to engage in a full day of programming across different venues. The initial list of musical performers includes the Branford Marsalis Quartet, who will present their Grammy-nominated album “Belonging,” as well as the band Tortoise in support of their new record “Touch.”
The lineup also features contemporary classical brass ensemble The Westerlies, jazz pianist Jason Moran, experimental sound artist Evicshen, avant-garde jazz guitarist Mary Halvorson, anti-folk singer-songwriter Jeffrey Lewis, multi-genre bassist Mali Obomsawin, and psych-punk band Frankie and the Witch Fingers.
Several Iowa-based musicians are also represented, with some of the featured artists being Lex Leto and The Christine Burke Ensemble, Miracles of God, and Pieta Brown with the string trio Open Field Ensemble.
Featured venues included in Friday and Saturday’s programming are Hancher Auditorium, Voxman Music Building, Riverside Theatre, The Englert Theatre, Iowa City Masonic Lodge, Gabe’s, and the UI Pentacrest.
A second wave of programming will be announced in the new year, including more information about featured authors and free community events.
Festival passes are currently on sale and can be purchased online through Hancher’s website. The Stop/Time festival can be accessed through a Friday single-night pass, an all-inclusive Saturday pass, or a two-day pass, which includes all performances.
Early bird pricing runs through Feb. 11, 2026, and a discounted rate will be available for students and youths.