Seedlings opening for President Obama Thursday

Iowa bands have opened for some big acts in town. The biggest that springs to mind is probably when The Nadas opened for Bon Jovi at Wells Fargo Arena. But the leader of the free world? That's pretty big.

And that will be Seedlings gig on Thursday. The local folk rock group will perform before President Barack Obama's speech at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Admission is free.

If you want to see the band in a less partisan atmosphere, they'll open for Christopher the Conquered on June 7 at The Gas Lamp.

Seedlings are also one of six bands in the 80/35 Play-In competition on Iowa Public Radio. You can pick your favorite band to play the fest through the end of the day Friday here.