Join us at The James Theater on May 1st for a May Day Celebration with Carol Montag as she makes her return to Iowa City.
Carol Montag has been described by folk music legend, Tom Paxton, as "a genuine discovery and the best thing to come out of Iowa since Bonnie Koloc."
Carol learned to play the guitar by listening to a variety of folk musicians such as Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Carole King. Carol performs original songs and songs from the Great American Songbook. Carol accompanies herself on guitar, piano, and dulcimer. Her concerts typically feature a blend of original songs, traditional and contemporary folk, and timeless selections from the Great American Songbook, woven together with rich storytelling. She also presents an annual holiday favorite titled, A Carol Christmas, and performs a special Tribute to Joni Mitchell concert. In addition to her performances, Carol also conducts songwriting workshops.
She has shared the stage with or opened for Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Greg Brown, David Wilcox, Cliff Eberhardt, Michael Johnson, Jim Post, Three Dog Night, Kenny Rankin, Larry Groce, and many others. She has recorded seven albums and has been commissioned to write music for Ballet Iowa and the LaCrosse Ballet.
She was honored to perform at the World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony at the request of Kenneth Quinn, President of the World Food Prize and former Ambassador to Cambodia. Past performers at the ceremony include such notables as Ray Charles, John Denver, and Simon Estes.
Carol has won multiple film festival awards for her music video titled "Strange Ballet" as well as awards for her original songs. As one critic said, "Carol is a singer of new songs written by her for her. Carol is not folk or blues or modern, she cannot be categorized, she must be heard.”
The James Theater
213 N Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA
Friday, May 1, 2026
7pm Doors | 7:30 Show
$15 Student | $20 General Admission