The Night Lights
Photo by Joe Crimmings.
The Night Lights, an Iowa women’s folk trio, features lifelong friends Abbie Sawyer, Katharine Ruestow and Sarah Cram. Together, they deliver original heartfelt songs about motherhood, growth, and friendship. Their introspective, folk-inspired sound focuses on storytelling and rich harmonies. This project honors creativity and emotion while sharing music that resonates with each other and their community.
The group released a debut self-titled album in 2023. A sophomore album is expected in 2026 as part of a grant from the Iowa Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Night Lights have played with Will Whitmore, Deb Talan, Awful Purdies, and more at venues including Codfish Hollow and The Englert.
SHOWS
September 4 — Iowa City, IA: The Night Lights at North Side Series, 6-8 p.m., FREE and OUTDOORS, DETAILS (RESCHEDULED FROM 9/12)
September 27 — Des Moines, IA: The Night Lights at West Des Moines Methodist Church at 720 Grand Ave, Playing during the 9 a.m. service followed by a 30 minute set in the Fellowship Hall
September 27 — Des Moines, IA: The Night Lights at Waveland Park Porch Fest, 4:30-5:15 p.m., 1535 44th St. Porch, FREE and OUTDOORS
October 2 — Des Moines, IA: The Night Lights at Mainframe Studios First Friday, 5-8 p.m., FREE and Open to the public, DETAILS
December 6 — Des Moines, IA: The Night Lights at XBK, Album Release Show with Awful Purdies, 3 p.m., Kids 10 and under FREE, TICKETS NOT YET LIVE
Meet The Night Lights
Katharine Ruestow
Sarah Cram
Abbie Sawyer
The Night Lights Merch Table
Be among the first to get the next album, “Wild Heart,” from The Night Lights on VINYL, to be released in late 2026. The Night Lights are: Abbie Sawyer, Kathy Ruestow, Sarah Cram. Together, they’ve crafted a new batch of anthems, heart songs, musings, sing-a-longs and serenades.
Titles include: In My Body, Cleaning and Crying, Anywhere with You, Weary Traveler, Simple Love, Call it Love, and 6 more originals.
Vinyl will be available for pick up at the album release show on December 6 at XBK at 3 p.m. (tickets available soon) or shipping.
The Night Lights are: Abbie Sawyer, Kathy Ruestow, Sarah Cram
Songs: Skipping Like a Stone, Love Like Yours, Intertwiners, Mama Bear, Gotta Decide, Until I Fall Asleep, Go Easy On Me Baby, Coming Home, I’ll Send My Love to You My Friend, Here With You, Just Breathe.
Shine your love for The Night Lights! Tri-blend shirt. Black with white ink. Design elements by Ramona Muse Lambert. Shirt layout and design by Blake Van Houten.