Veteran Songwriters Reunite for Iowa City Show

Longtime collaborators Loudon Wainwright III and Chris Smither return to the Englert Theatre stage.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring two bold, geometric black silhouettes of acoustic guitars against a high-contrast red and white background, conceptually representing the reunion of acclaimed folk musicians.The reunion of veteran singer-songwriters Loudon Wainwright III and Chris Smither promises an evening of intimate, soulful folk and Americana at the historic Englert Theatre.Iowa City Today

Acclaimed singer-songwriters Loudon Wainwright III and Chris Smither, who have been friends and musical collaborators for decades, are set to perform together at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Why it matters

The Englert Songwriter Series has a long history of bringing iconic folk and Americana artists to the Iowa City community, and this reunion of Wainwright and Smither is sure to be a highlight for local music fans who have followed their careers over the years.

The details

Wainwright and Smither first met in the 1970s and have remained close friends and occasional touring partners ever since. The two veteran singer-songwriters are known for their poignant, introspective lyrical styles and skilled guitar work, and their upcoming Englert Theatre performance will feature both solo sets and collaborative numbers.

  • Wainwright and Smither will perform on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • The two artists have been friends and collaborators since the 1970s.

The players

Loudon Wainwright III

A Grammy-winning folk singer-songwriter known for his confessional, witty lyrics and distinctive voice.

Chris Smither

A revered Americana singer-songwriter acclaimed for his fingerstyle guitar playing and blues-influenced sound.

Englert Theatre

A historic performing arts venue in Iowa City that has hosted the Englert Songwriter Series for many years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Loudon and I go way back, and I'm always excited to share the stage with him. Our chemistry and rapport is something special that I think the audience will really feel.”

— Chris Smither, Singer-songwriter

What’s next

Tickets for the Loudon Wainwright III and Chris Smither performance at the Englert Theatre on April 9, 2026 are on sale now.

The takeaway

The reunion of these two acclaimed folk and Americana artists promises an evening of intimate, soulful songwriting that will delight longtime fans and introduce their timeless music to new listeners in the Iowa City community.