Music returns to the Sanctuary

This Saturday evening, the Sanctuary Pub makes its comeback as an Iowa City music venue — and it’s coming back strong. First on the bill for the bar, once known as a premier spot for jazz and blues music, is Iowa Blues Hall of Famer Robert “One-Man” Johnson, the same musician who played the Sanctuary’s very first show ever. Johnson was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 2014.

New co-owners Aaron Jennings and Dave Stein made the decision to bring music back to the venue. Jennings & Stein were announced as the new owners of the Sanctuary in December (taking over from Daryl Woods, who stepped down effective Dec. 30). The Sanctuary has been a mainstay in Iowa City since 1972.