Gabe’s specifically feels like a hotspot for Gephart because of its rich history of supporting local musicians, with the venue’s weekly calendar always full.
Gephart emphasized how inspiring it feels for him to play on a stage where other famous bands, such as Nirvana or The Smashing Pumpkins, also played.
“Everyone’s favorite band was a local band at one point,” he said.
Two members of the band Dark Agenda, Joshua Ludley and Jesse Albaugh, also played during live sets at Gabe’s. Ludley, in particular, saw one of his first live shows there.
“I remember being 16 years old going up to Gabe’s,” Ludley said. “Anytime they’d have something there, we’d go up there.”
The two members met in 2015 and established the band in Anamosa, Iowa. Since 2018, Dark Agenda has expanded and performed throughout Iowa,
including in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Dubuque, and the Quad Cities. The other three members of the band include bassist Dan Bieber, rhythm guitarist Eddie Coyle, and new drummer Devin Royer.
In addition to robust opportunities to hear live music on any given night, the community of local musicians in Iowa City is special, Gephart said.
While most local musicians compete for attention, everyone is still friendly and supportive of each other’s music in Iowa City, Gephart said. Local bands show up to each other’s gigs, offer advice, help foster connections, and overall aid in the growth of other local musicians, he said.
Along with local musicians creating a supportive environment, Gephart noted how the fans and attendees of local shows are always down to jam out to all types of music. This is a trait which encourages Nongrata to play its own, unique sound.
Community isn’t the only way Nongrata feels supported by its city. Inner Light Records, an Iowa City-based recording and rehearsal studio, works with Nongrata to help them produce and record singles.