Mickey Thomas and Orchestra Iowa Brought Down the House

There's nothing to do in Cedar Rapids?

Check out an Orchestra Iowa performance. To my mind, they are becoming the 'worst kept secret' in Cedar Rapids entertainment, but don't let the name fool you. They are more than just Mozart, Bach and Beethoven.

With a couple of "Symphonic Rock" projects now under their belt, they are becoming quite versed as a rock band, too.

It turns out, the same touring backup band that joined them for the Journey tribute last year was the one that played alongside Starship lead singer Mickey Thomas last Saturday night, and they brought down the house.

"Shadows of the Night" by Pat Benatar, "Separate Ways" by Journey, "Juke Box Hero" by Foreigner and yes, "Freebird" were part of the setlist played by the band, with Orchestra Iowa even going it alone on a couple songs during the roughly 40-minute opening set.

Then, after a 20-minute intermission, Mickey Thomas took the stage, playing about 5 Starship classics (almost everyone's favorite, of course, was "We Built This City") as well as "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.

This caliber of entertainment coming to our town for $50 or less is a treasure and we look forward to seeing more of it.