The Yard at Johnston Town Center, managed by VenuWorks, and the City of Johnston are pleased to announce Maddie Poppe will headline its grand opening on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 8:30 p.m. with opening act, Jason Walsmith of the Nadas performing at 7 p.m. The concert is part of the Grand Opening of The Yard, which includes an afternoon of family-friendly activities, including inflatables, dance performances, splash pad, food trucks and art activities beginning at 3 p.m. The event will take place at The Yard, 6245 Merle Hay Rd., Johnston, IA 50131. More information on the schedule of activities will be released at a later date.
Who: Maddie Poppe with opener, Jason Walsmith
Where: The Yard, Johnston Town Center
When: Saturday, August 28, 2021
Time: 7 p.m.
Tickets: Free, Reservations Required for concert only bit.ly/JTCGrandOpen
The Yard at Johnston Town Center is a mixed-use development that will bring restaurants, shopping, offices, community amenities and a new city hall to Johnston, Iowa. Public amenities at its gathering space, The Yard, include a large green space, public art, a community orchard, a bike trailhead and refuge and a convertible splash pad/ice rink. Also in the works are community programs like farmers’ markets, festivals, concerts and movies in the park.
About Maddie Poppe
Maddie Poppe is a twenty-three-year-old singer-songwriter from Clarksville, Iowa and Season 16 winner of American Idol. Maddie fell in love with music at a young age, learning to play guitar, ukulele and piano. In 2016, Maddie released her debut album, “Songs from the Basement,” which she wrote, produced and recorded alongside her father, Trent. After years of performing locally in Iowa, she decided to audition for American Idol - a decision she calls her “saving grace.” Ultimately, Maddie stole America’s hearts and was crowned the winner, giving the audience an emotional, overjoyed and tear-stained performance of her single, “Going Going Gone.”
Since her Idol victory, Maddie has been in high demand, appearing on multiple TV shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live! With Kelly & Ryan and the Radio Disney Music Awards, and performing at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, the Special Olympics and CMA Fest in Nashville.
Maddie’s sophomore album Whirlwind reached #2 on the iTunes Pop charts and her hit single “Made You Miss” earned #19 on the Hot AC radio charts. Her sentimental ballad “Not Losing You” also swept radio charts, reaching #17.
In Fall 2019, Maddie supported Ingrid Michaelson on The Dramatic Tour, an experience she calls a dream come true. Hoping to brighten the 2020 holiday season, Maddie released a holiday EP aptly titled Christmas From Home on November 20th and embarked on a near-sold out acoustic Christmas tour. Maddie is currently working on new music.
About Jason Walsmith
Jason Walsmith is a founding member and principal singer/songwriter of the Iowa-based band The Nadas. He has toured the country for 25 years playing shows from Key West to Seattle, San Diego to Maine, as well as occasional shows internationally in places such as Mexico, Canada and even Beijing, China. Walsmith is known for his storytelling and heartfelt portraits of people and places in his songs. His solo performances range from intimate introspective songs to stomp and clap burners that keep the audience engaged and wondering what comes next.
About The Yard at Johnston Town Center
Johnston Town Center is a mixed-use development that will bring restaurants, offices, community amenities and a new city hall to Johnston, Iowa. The Yard, at Johnston Town Center, will host public amenities, including a large green space, public art, a community orchard, a bike trailhead and refuge and a convertible splash pad/ice rink. Johnston-based Hansen Company and Hansen Real Estate are partnering with the city to spearhead the project and is expecting to break ground on the first two commercial buildings in fall 2021. www.johnstontowncenter.com
About VenuWorks
VenuWorks provides customized management solutions for arenas, stadiums, theatres and convention centers throughout the country with services that include operations, catering, concessions, along with the booking and marketing of sports and entertainment events. www.venuworks.com