Iowa Summer Jam showcases Midwestern artists

Expect a mixture of hip-hop, rock and R&B on the Iowa Summer Jam stage this year at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex downtown. The festival, known for supporting budding talent, will showcase artists from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Illinois.

This marks T1 Entertainment’s seventh year putting on the festival, but the goal remains the same.

T1 Entertainment CEO Antonio “Tone Da Boss” Chalmers said the event is a chance for young artists to perform on a large stage and network with the radio personalities, DJs, videographers and content creators that come to the event.

“It gives the entire state of Iowa — and now we’ve expanded to Illinois and Missouri — an opportunity to not only showcase your talents but feel like a star ... with all the cameras and the people in attendance and the support behind it,” Chalmers said. “It’s really an uplifting event where we shake hands, we laugh, we perform.”

Performers include Tone Da Boss; Klazik; Essence W. Dance; Zeus Rebel Waters; Nate and Grace; Zeek The Rapper; CHISongwriter; Tevin Jones; Madi Bloc Musiq; and Subtle Intentions.

“We’ve got Essence from Davenport who was on ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ ” Chalmers said. ”She’s going to be dancing with her team and performing some original music there. So we’re bringing a lot of different talent (from) all over the state.“

Tyrone “Klazik” Thomas said events like Iowa Summer Jam show people what’s possible.

“When you get to see something ... on television, it gives you one idea. But when you can see it in real life, it just drives it home a little bit more,” Thomas said. “Hopefully we can trigger some dreams with the festival.”

A few years ago, T1 Entertainment started the Road to Iowa Summer Jam showcase tour. It gives stage time — and coaching from Chalmers and his team — to smaller artists.

“I like to teach people from my experiences, the good and the bad, so they don’t have to make the same mistakes, and then I want to build people,” Chalmers said. “At the top, they collaborate. People at the bottom compete. I’m not looking to compete with other artists out here. I want to work with you. I want to grow with you.”

This year T1 Entertainment expanded Iowa Summer Jam to Missouri and Illinois.

“We want to do this all over the Midwest and then create Iowa as this hub, as this big destination for artists all over,” Chalmers said. “It’s also great to give these new artists an opportunity to be a part of something that to some people feel is unattainable.”

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