Iowa Blues Challenge Winners: Cedar County Cobras

The Library is very happy to welcome The Cedar County Cobras for an afternoon of music! The Cedar County Cobras are the winners of the solo/duo category and represented the state of Iowa at the Blues Foundation's  International Blues Challenge on Beale St. Jan 7th-11th 2025. They play American Roots & Blues music from the last century. The music takes on an “old-time” blues feel that would most likely be found in a juke-joint down a gravel road in rural Iowa.

Arriving with an upright bass, foot-drum, a mandolin, and a collection of guitars this duo plays music that is best described as contagious, acoustic rockabilly swamp blues, or old-time country with the gritty sound of soulful blues. Tom Spielbauer is the singer/songwriter for the duo and is known for playing slide guitar. His music partner, April Dirks, plays the boogie-blues on the upright bass. Tom is also the winner of the 2022 Central Iowa Blues Challenge and placed as a semi-finalist at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The Cobras have played hundreds of shows across Iowa from the local brewery to large festival stages. For more information on the Cobras visit cedarcountycobras.com