New piano & rooftop art

Along with the fabulous view from 120 ft. up and hearing the sound of the 47 bells, there are other reasons to come to Jefferson and visit the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower.   A new public piano with a RAGBRAI theme is now located on the plaza.  A fourth rooftop art has been completed called Music Straight From the Heart.  It is well-worth a visit to Jefferson to see these public art pieces and more.

Opening Day

The Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower will officially open for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. – 4 pm.  It will be open these same hours during the weekends in May or by appointment by calling 515-386-2155.

Music written for solar eclipse

Martin McGinn, a 1999 graduate of Jefferson Scranton High School, was home to visit his family during the August 21 Solar Eclipse.  He composed a special untitled-yet song to play during the event.  The new 4 octave Carillon rang out in the partial eclipse in Jefferson’s downtown.  As the street lamps glowed, the song gave an ethereal feeling to those listening and watching.  This music was spectacular and made the eclipse special in Jefferson.

Martin plays and sings professionally in California under the name Art Elliot.

Martin played the Carillon on August 26 and plans to play again before he leaves on September 2.