Times are strange for a music maker. While holed up for this winter I'm releasing some new material with the help of an app that let's me be a whole band. Also, songs in 3/4 time are underrepresented today, so here's one called "Press On".
KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN!!!
Hello everyone! River here. This past year I received the honor of being named a 2017-2018 Iowa Arts Council Fellow. In this role I am advocating for creating music that is communal and truly Iowa-grown. I am working to create an album of music that will feature over 50 Iowa artists from across the state. In a sense, it will serve as a sonic snapshot of the multitude of voices and musical traditions that exist across Iowa. I believe that art is community and I want to showcase many of the current and former Iowa-based artists who I've learned from and grown alongside during these past 25 years.
In order to book recording time for these artists, and to pay them for their time and talent, I ask each of you to contribute to raise $7,000. Crowdfunding efforts such as this have become an essential part of funding projects in the art world, so I'm calling on you to share this campaign and contribute what you're able. For many, this means pitching in $20 to purchase yourself a copy of this album in advance. For those of you who can play an even bigger role, please contribute more. I've made it worth your while as you'll see on my Kickstarter page.
Love to you all.
-River
Our 2018 submission for...
NPR's Tiny Desk Contest!
It's a pleasure to present to you our submission for NPR's Tiny Desk Contest 2018. "As Above, So Below" is a song loosely inspired by the concept of The Hero's Journey. We recorded this live performance in the recital hall of the Voxman music building at the University of Iowa and were very blessed to work alongside the talents of Joshua De Lanoit (videographer) and James Edel (sound engineer) to capture this magic so we could share it with you. Please enjoy, share this video, and check out our upcoming performances to experience our music in-person. Much love to all!
-River
Iowa Arts Council awards River a Fellowship Grant!
River has received funding from the state to make art over the coming year!!!
Read more about it here.
--- GOIN' HOME AGAIN TOUR 2017 ---
River is hitting the road to promote the release of his new EP!!!
For additional show details, click here.
For additional show details, click here.
Wintering in NOLA /// Spring Tour 2017
--- I Found my Heart in New Orleans ---
BUSKING!!!
I spent a great deal of my childhood busking on the streets of Galena, IL with my family and it has been a wonderful return to my roots to be in NOLA busking daily in the French Quarter.
RECORDING!!!
I am so happy to announce that I am recording a new EP during my time here in New Orleans. It's my first foray into self-recording and will be a pleasure to share with the world when I release it in May.
--- Goin' Home Again Tour 2017 ---
I have put together my biggest, boldest tour to date and am honored to be teaming up with Elizabeth Moen (Iowa City, IA) for a run of shows through the midwest in May/June of this year. Details to come, but look for us in:
Bellevue, IA
Waterloo, IA
Iowa City, IA
Dubuque, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Davenport, IA
Des Moines, IA
Madison, WI
Galena, IL
Chicago, IL
And more...
Stay tune, y'all. 2017 is going to be a great year of music!
-River
BUSKING!!!
I spent a great deal of my childhood busking on the streets of Galena, IL with my family and it has been a wonderful return to my roots to be in NOLA busking daily in the French Quarter.
RECORDING!!!
I am so happy to announce that I am recording a new EP during my time here in New Orleans. It's my first foray into self-recording and will be a pleasure to share with the world when I release it in May.
--- Goin' Home Again Tour 2017 ---
I have put together my biggest, boldest tour to date and am honored to be teaming up with Elizabeth Moen (Iowa City, IA) for a run of shows through the midwest in May/June of this year. Details to come, but look for us in:
Bellevue, IA
Waterloo, IA
Iowa City, IA
Dubuque, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Davenport, IA
Des Moines, IA
Madison, WI
Galena, IL
Chicago, IL
And more...
Stay tune, y'all. 2017 is going to be a great year of music!
-River
September & October Shows!
I'm sure many a touring musician will agree with me that fall is a beautiful time to hit the road and play some shows. I'm blessed to be able to do it again this year and am eager to return to fans and friends alike at shows in:
Hazel Green, WI
Clarks Grove, MN
Galena, IL
Prairie de Chien, WI
Davenport, IA
Webster City, IA
Cincinnati, OH
Athens, OH
Saline, MI
Surprise! November Shows:
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Dubuque, IA
Find tour information --> Here!
Hazel Green, WI
Clarks Grove, MN
Galena, IL
Prairie de Chien, WI
Davenport, IA
Webster City, IA
Cincinnati, OH
Athens, OH
Saline, MI
Surprise! November Shows:
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Dubuque, IA
Find tour information --> Here!
June & July Shows!
Hey folks,
I hope you're all having a great start to your summer. Just letting you know that I have some shows coming up and that I hope you'll come check out the new sounds being created by myself and the wonderfully talented musicians who will be joining me for my Summer Tour 2016. Come join us at the following performances:
6/16 in Iowa City, IA @ The Mill (9pm)
6/17 in Dubuque, IA @ The Lift (Early All Ages show 6pm)
6/17 in Dubuque, IA @ The Lift (10pm)
6/19 in Des Moines, IA @ Lefty's Live Music (6pm)
6/24 in Dubuque, IA @ Town Clock Plaza (12pm w/ Molly Morris!)
6/25 in Galena, IL @ The Cornerstone (8pm w/ Molly Morris!)
6/27 in Chicago, IL @ Corrib Pub (7pm w/ Molly Morris!)
7/2 in Akron, OH @ Mustard Seed Market (6pm w/ Molly Morris!)
For updates, please 'like' my music page on Facebook.
I hope you're all having a great start to your summer. Just letting you know that I have some shows coming up and that I hope you'll come check out the new sounds being created by myself and the wonderfully talented musicians who will be joining me for my Summer Tour 2016. Come join us at the following performances:
6/16 in Iowa City, IA @ The Mill (9pm)
6/17 in Dubuque, IA @ The Lift (Early All Ages show 6pm)
6/17 in Dubuque, IA @ The Lift (10pm)
6/19 in Des Moines, IA @ Lefty's Live Music (6pm)
6/24 in Dubuque, IA @ Town Clock Plaza (12pm w/ Molly Morris!)
6/25 in Galena, IL @ The Cornerstone (8pm w/ Molly Morris!)
6/27 in Chicago, IL @ Corrib Pub (7pm w/ Molly Morris!)
7/2 in Akron, OH @ Mustard Seed Market (6pm w/ Molly Morris!)
For updates, please 'like' my music page on Facebook.
--- Finishing Strong ---
River Glen and the gang will be doing some pretty cool stuff before year's end - here's what you need to know...
Mini-Minnesota Tour Nov. 20th & 21st
That's right, this River's flowing North. Catch River Glen and his band @ Kathy's Pub in Rochester, MN on Friday, November 20th from 10pm-1am. If that's not enough for you, catch them again the following evening, Saturday, November 21st @ Ed's No Name Bar in Winona, MN at 9pm. This show will feature The Weathered Heads. They totally rock!
Live Concert Taping
By the requests of fans and venues alike, River has scheduled a concert to be filmed in HD. This show will feature various local artists, local youth performers, a raffle, and more! Join in the fun on Sunday, November 29th @ The Smokestack in Dubuque, IA at 3pm.
LITTLE BIG FEST in DSM
Each year the Des Moines Music Coalition hosts a competition for a performance slot at Little Big Fest and this year fans voted River Glen to victory. LBF is a wonderful chance to catch a variety of Iowa musician in one place. You should probably attend.
CHRISTMAS SHOW!
The day after Christmas is one of the best days to play a hometown show. With the added talent of Dan DiMonte and the Bad Assettes, this is sure to be a show so good, it'll feel like 2016 came early. Witness this happening on Saturday, December 26th @ The Lift in Dubuque, IA from 10pm-1am.
Stay tuned for exciting news regarding new music and tours in 2016!
Mini-Minnesota Tour Nov. 20th & 21st
That's right, this River's flowing North. Catch River Glen and his band @ Kathy's Pub in Rochester, MN on Friday, November 20th from 10pm-1am. If that's not enough for you, catch them again the following evening, Saturday, November 21st @ Ed's No Name Bar in Winona, MN at 9pm. This show will feature The Weathered Heads. They totally rock!
Live Concert Taping
By the requests of fans and venues alike, River has scheduled a concert to be filmed in HD. This show will feature various local artists, local youth performers, a raffle, and more! Join in the fun on Sunday, November 29th @ The Smokestack in Dubuque, IA at 3pm.
LITTLE BIG FEST in DSM
Each year the Des Moines Music Coalition hosts a competition for a performance slot at Little Big Fest and this year fans voted River Glen to victory. LBF is a wonderful chance to catch a variety of Iowa musician in one place. You should probably attend.
CHRISTMAS SHOW!
The day after Christmas is one of the best days to play a hometown show. With the added talent of Dan DiMonte and the Bad Assettes, this is sure to be a show so good, it'll feel like 2016 came early. Witness this happening on Saturday, December 26th @ The Lift in Dubuque, IA from 10pm-1am.
Stay tuned for exciting news regarding new music and tours in 2016!
August & September Shows!
Shows have just been announced for August and September in Iowa and beyond.
River will be performing with artists such as Joe Stevens, The Host Country, and more!
Click here for details!
River will be performing with artists such as Joe Stevens, The Host Country, and more!
Click here for details!
UPCOMING SHOWS
Previous events
Hello, good people. I invite you to experience some live music as part of an audience that will be encouraged to engage directly with the artist (meee!) to help steer the proceedings and even assist in creating some of the content of the performance. I'm gonna play some new songs, I'll take your requests, and I'm gonna ask y'all to help me create some #MicroSongs. You give ideas and I turn them into songs right in front of your eyes. It's something I've done around many a campfire to entertain, we'll see how it translates to this type of format. It'll be a fun time. #NotChasingPerfection.
River Glen Band w/ Jes & Jakob, Joe Stevens & Megan Bee
Convivium Urban Farmstead, 2811 Jackson St, Dubuque, IA 52001
--- An Evening of Original Folk/Folk-Pop/Americana Music ---
COVER: $10 DOORS: 5:00pm MUSIC: 5:30pm-8:00pm
RIVER GLEN TRIO
"His words and vocals are reminiscent of Brett Dennen, from the idealism and social commentary to the balladeer crooning and wide tonal range." - Julien's Journal www.RiverGlenMusic.com
JES & JAKOB
“This Modern acoustic group pairs a love for traditional genius with innovative instincts. The result is a fresh, cohesive catalog of music distinguished by playful twang, artful arrangements, and tight, thick harmonies." - Northwest Music Scene
JOE STEVENS & MEGAN BEE
“There's a yearning, freight-train-hopping, propulsive energy to many of their songs that suggests not only an indie-band road tour, but the road to one's true identity, a destination on a map still being written.” - Huffington Post www.JoeStevensMusic.com
"Bee’s latest album feels like a drive through the area’s modest hills, sipping well water from a tin dipper to take away the taste of those dusty roads." - No Depression Magazine www.MeganBeeMusic.com
River Glen Trio w/ Jes & Jakob, Joe Stevens & Megan Bee
— —
--- An Evening of Original Folk/Folk-Pop/Americana Music ---
COVER: $10 DOORS: 9:00pm MUSIC: 9:30pm-Midnight
RIVER GLEN TRIO
"His words and vocals are reminiscent of Brett Dennen, from the idealism and social commentary to the balladeer crooning and wide tonal range." - Julien's Journal www.RiverGlenMusic.com
JES & JAKOB
“This Modern acoustic group pairs a love for traditional genius with innovative instincts. The result is a fresh, cohesive catalog of music distinguished by playful twang, artful arrangements, and tight, thick harmonies." - Northwest Music Scene
JOE STEVENS & MEGAN BEE
“There's a yearning, freight-train-hopping, propulsive energy to many of their songs that suggests not only an indie-band road tour, but the road to one's true identity, a destination on a map still being written.” - Huffington Post www.JoeStevensMusic.com
"Bee’s latest album feels like a drive through the area’s modest hills, sipping well water from a tin dipper to take away the taste of those dusty roads." - No Depression Magazine www.MeganBeeMusic.com
River Glen Trio w/ Jes & Jakob, Joe Stevens & Megan Bee
— —
Trumpet Blossom Cafe, 310 E Prentiss St, Iowa City, IA 52240
--- An Evening of Original Folk/Folk-Pop/Americana Music ---
COVER: $8 DOORS: 8:30pm MUSIC: 9pm-11:30pm
RIVER GLEN TRIO
"His words and vocals are reminiscent of Brett Dennen, from the idealism and social commentary to the balladeer crooning and wide tonal range." - Julien's Journal www.RiverGlenMusic.com
JES & JAKOB
“This Modern acoustic group pairs a love for traditional genius with innovative instincts. The result is a fresh, cohesive catalog of music distinguished by playful twang, artful arrangements, and tight, thick harmonies." - Northwest Music Scene
JOE STEVENS & MEGAN BEE
“There's a yearning, freight-train-hopping, propulsive energy to many of their songs that suggests not only an indie-band road tour, but the road to one's true identity, a destination on a map still being written.” - Huffington Post www.JoeStevensMusic.com
"Bee’s latest album feels like a drive through the area’s modest hills, sipping well water from a tin dipper to take away the taste of those dusty roads." - No Depression Magazine www.MeganBeeMusic.com
River Glen @ Taproot in London
— —
Taproot (above The Root Cellar), 623 Dundas Street, London, Ontario
--- An Evening of Original Music with River Glen ---
LOCATION: Taproot (above The Root Cellar) COVER: $10 DOORS: 7:00pm MUSIC: 7:30pm
River Glen Breitbach is a deft songwriter and powerhouse multi-instrumentalist from Dubuque, Iowa, USA. His lyrically-driven music blends elements of folk, pop, rootsy-rock, blues, and hip-hop. As the recipient of a 2017-2018 Iowa Arts Council Fellowship Grant and the 2018-2019 IAC Art Project Grant, River continues to proudly represent his home state by bringing his brand of Iowa Grown Folk-Pop to audiences across the Greater Midwest, the Northeast, and Canada. Visit www.RiverGlenMusic.com for upcoming performances, music, videos, and more...
River and Megan return to one of their favorite places to play!
River is rocking the opening set for this year's OktoberFest in Iowa City. Come hang with bunch of good people!
River Glen (solo) @ Harvey's in Redfield
— —
River is coming to Redfield to give his debut performance at Harvey's Diner and Pub. Sure to be a good time, so come join the fun!
River Glen (full band) w/ The Host Country and Abbie & The Sawyers
Des Moines Social Club, 900 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
--River Glen-- River's songwriting and performances blend pop appeal and clever lyrics into Folk, Pop, Rock, and Organic Hip-Hop. River, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, makes lyrically driven music that blends elements of Folk, Pop, Rock, and Hip-Hop. River's performances are extremely honest, heartfelt, humble, and inclusive. His talent and professionalism are serious, yet River is playful to the point that not even he knows where the music will go in any given show.
--The Host Country-- The Host Country’s genre experimentation puts them in a category of their own. Their music is a fusion of folk, rock, and blues; a mix of raw and vulnerable, all combined with hauntingly passionate chord shifts. Dual writing credits between Ty Wistrand & Diana Weishaar put forth versatile songs that are evocative and intimate. Ty (guitar/vox), Diana (keys/vox), Tom Rue (bass), Ethan Weishaar (drums), and newly added member Michael Lovan (guitar) are musical storytellers and engaging performers on stage.
--Abbie & The Sawyers-- Original Americana folk with a side of mm-hmmm. Abbie & The Sawyers’ original Americana folk serves up earthy soundscapes, soulful hooks, and lilting harmonies rooted in the Iowa prairie. As described by dsm Magazine, their “unique blend of backwoods Appalachia and Midwest charm creates a sound that is stunningly intimate.” Based in Des Moines, Abbie & The Sawyers has played Des Moines Arts’ Festival, Camp Euforia, Ankeny Unplugged, and many other venues across Central Iowa. Band members are Abbie Sawyer (vocals/guitar), Alex Clemons (double bass), Lorin Ditzler (vocals, banjo), and Chris LoRang (vocals, guitar).
River and Megan will be returning to Grinnell to give their debut performance at Hotel Grinnell. Come hear some original folk-pop music!
River returns to perform the Happy Hour series at La Poste. Come join the fun!
Join River and his band for FREE live music at the Top of the Hop!
The River Glen Trio returns to 7 Hills to rock socks and get whacky and playful with a mix of original folk-pop tunes as well as some choice covers.
River Glen Trio @ Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, 1225 S gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240
The River Glen Trio returns to Big Grove to rock socks and get whacky and playful with a mix of original folk-pop tunes as well as some choice covers.
River returns to La Poste to entertain folks during their monthly Happy Hour series. River is bringing a collection of instruments and his looper pedal, so it's sure to be a fun and spontaneous night of music! River performs from 5:30pm-8:30pm.
River Glen (full band) @ Blueberry Jam Music Festival
River and the band make their debut appearance at Blueberry Jam Music Festival. There will be so much great music happening that you'll want to be there for all of it!
River and Megan return to Lock 12 to entertain folks at one of the funniest places to play in Eastern Iowa. Come thirsty and ready for a delightful mix of folk-pop originals and some choice cover songs. Music from 9:00pm-Midnight.
Vintage & Made Fair is an outdoor event inspired by indie craft and all things vintage with live music and food trucks. River performs from 3:00pm-4:00pm.
River Glen Duo @ DSM Food Truck Throwdown
Des Moines Social Club, 900 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
River and Megan are coming to entertain folks at the Des Moines Social Club's Food Truck Throwdown. Come hungry, thirsty, and ready for a delightful mix of folk-pop originals and some choice cover songs.
River Glen (full band) @ Bell Tower Theater
Bell Tower Theater, 2728 Asbury Rd Stuite 242, Dubuque, IA 52001
--River Glen Band w/ Dana T--
Doors: 6:00pm Music: 7:00pm-9:00pm Tickets: $10 (All Ages Show!)
River and his band are moving out of the bar and into the theater! This seated show is sure to be the best opportunity yet to appreciate the playfulness and depth of River's lyricism as well as the monstrous, yet nuanced talent of every member of the band.
HEADLINER: River Glen
River Glen Breitbach: vocals, guitar, violin, mandolin Megan Roeth: vocals, keys Dan Padley: electric guitar Blake Shaw: upright bass Justin Leduc: drums
"His words and vocals are reminiscent of Brett Dennen, from the idealism and social commentary to the balladeer crooning and wide tonal range." -Julien's Journal
River is a deft songwriter and powerhouse multi-instrumentalist from Dubuque, IA. His lyrically-driven music blends elements of folk, pop, rootsy-rock, blues, and hip-hop. River and his band deliver performances that are upbeat, engaging, and tasty like biscuits and gravy. As the recipient of a 2017-2018 Iowa Arts Council Fellowship Grant, River continues to proudly represent his home state by bringing his brand of Iowa Grown Folk-Pop to audiences across the Greater Midwest, the Northeast, and Canada. Visit www.RiverGlenMusic.com for upcoming performances, music, videos, and more...
SUPPORTING ACT: Dana T
It’s only hearsay, but Dana T is the bandleader for a late-night talk show that films in an alternate universe Studio 54. Carl Sagan is a guest every night. Catering is mostly dragonfruit. It’s all very casual, yet very intense.
The other rumors are true: Dana T makes delightfully odd music that “draws you in, even as it baffles you.” (Little Village Magazine, Nov. 2015). The sonic trademarks are horns and strings fighting alongside melodic, Motown bass-lines. The drumming is frenetic and the guitar parts are shape-shifting monsters, fuzzed-to-heck riffs one moment and a clean spank the next.
It’s an arrangement style that isn’t too far from early Scott Walker or the Beach Boys, but the sound itself is a lush funk, a series of ethereally pretty vocals slinging it all together on the griddle. There’s a chaotic sort of satisfaction and kismet to it all, as if questions and answers have been written on separate scraps of paper, hurled in the air, and correctly landed on top of one another. http://www.danatelsrow.com/