Pictured Above: Kathy Ruestow and Justin LeDuc from New Beat Society. This six piece Iowa City group is a compilation of alumni, undergraduate, and graduate students from the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College.

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A new Iowa City band that is exploding on to the local music scene, New Beat Society sits down with Live From Iowa City at Donelly's Pub 110 E. College St., Iowa City to Share their opinions on the direction of local music; as well as, their growing pains as a band.

By Mike Mendenhall

Beer and Society

In a chill, smoke-free atmosphere, saxophonist Chris LoRang leisurely lifts a mug of dark Guinness lager and takes a nursing sip. Splitting open a peanut from the basket in front of him, the 21-year-old member of New Beat Society says, “Why don’t you order a beer and we’ll start talkin’ gigs and whatever you’ve got for us.”

Sitting down with LoRang, Guitarist Nik Gruber, and vocalist Kathy Ruestow at Donnelly’s Pub in Downtown Iowa City’s ped-mall on Nov. 14, these three members of the six-person jazz/soul group shared their experiences, influences, and direction of the local music scene as a new member to the musical community.

“It’s a strong community,” said LoRang. “Everybody knows each other and comes to see each other’s shows.”

Everything begins with a good education

With their origin in mid-April 2006, New Beat combines current and former UI and Kirkwood Community College students Brett Messenger (trumpet), Ben Soltau (Bass), Justin LeDuc (Drums), Gruber, Roland, and Ruestow who realize that the birthplace of their educations seem to manifest in the strength of theirs and many other local bands.

“A lot of the future and current strength of Iowa City music is from the schools,” said Gruber. “It’s that feeding effect. The University and Kirkwood are producing well trained musicians.”

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