Yes, the Weekender is back! It is my hope that this column finds its readers refreshed after a long weekend of food and family. Yeah? Good, because for many of us in this college town, it’s crunch time. With the semester’s end in sight, it’s time to get it in good with professors, keep your nose to the grindstone and get your work done. That being said, it is important for sanity’s sake to strike an appropriate balance between academics and leisure. Think of this week’s column as a reward system for your hard work. Let us take a look at what you’ve got to look forward to.
Thursday
Santah w/ Chasing Shade, Homebody Fury // The Mill // 10:00 p.m. // $6
You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout…Alright I’m sorry, but seriously, Chicago indie popsters, Santah are coming to town this Thursday amid a string of Midwest tour dates. The five-piece group was formed by students of the University of Illinois who have since emigrated from Urbana-Champaign to the windy city to continue their musical pursuits as a band. Since the release of their debut album, White Noise Bed in 2010, the band has been steadily touring and gaining momentum throughout the heartland and beyond. Attendees should expect to be washed away in a swell of whimsical guitar-driven indie-pop. Opening the show will be two local acts: Chasing Shade – three super talented dudes whose recent album features songs ranging from funk-rock jams to heartfelt folk ballads, and Homebody Fury, a band who I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing personally, but has an amazing live recording of a song titled “Boner!” on their Myspace page.
Friday
The Nutcracker // Englert Theatre // 7:30 p.m. // $16-22
With Thanksgiving out of the way, it’s time for Christian America to launch full force into the biggest holiday of the year. If you’re ready to embrace the Christmas spirit, there is no better way to do so than by checking out The Nutcracker this weekend. The Nutcracker is a classic and is certainly one of the most iconic pieces of Christmas culture, but you already knew that. You’ve likely seen it before and know that it rewards an annual viewing. If you haven’t seen it, perhaps this is the year. Trying to impress that special someone? I’ll let you in on a little secret, Weekender reader; I can say from personal experience that The Nutcracker at the Englert makes for a fantastic Iowa City date night. Regardless of what holiday you celebrate this season (if any), The Nutcracker is worth checking out.
Dave Coulier// IMU Main Lounge // 10:00 p.m. // $5
Dave Coulier carries an extensive resume of voice acting roles for cartoons, but you know him best as Joey Gladstone, the funnyman-Uncle figure from Full House. I should say that I am often annoyed by the intense 90s nostalgia that most of my 20-something peers tend to hold. When I heard Dave Coulier was coming to town I held my breath, mostly expecting another washed up 90s celebrity exploiting this nostalgia across the country for some extra cash. After some googling, I was pleased to find that Coulier actually has something real going on. Sure, he’ll likely make Full House references and throw out crowd-pleasing catch phrases, but unlike his vulgar Full House colleague Bob Saget’s stand-up, Coulier’s act focuses on keeping it clean. He has received praise for establishing the “Clean Guys of Comedy” tour. It’s kind of his thing. A lot of it ain’t bad, and if it’s nostalgia you’re after, isn’t family-friendly the best case scenario?
Saturday
Chicago Loves Iowa City// Public Space One // 7:30 p.m. //$3-5 (suggested donation)
This might be the most interesting thing you will do all weekend. Chicago microcinema The Nightingale treats Iowa City to a unique screening of around 15 short experimental films. The films showcased here are all works by aspiring Chicago filmmakers featuring glitchwork, experimental documentary, animation, essay films and experimental narrative. The program will surely pique the interest of seasoned filmmakers/enthusiasts, but if you’re like me and aren’t exactly well-versed in experimental film, the rapid-fire approach to this screening might be a good way to get acquainted with several stylistic examples within the genre. Start your Saturday night with a little something out of the ordinary. The agenda gives a precise 83-minute time slot (plus intermission), so don’t be late!
Lydia Loveless w/ Grand Tetons, Milk & Eggs// The Mill // 9:00 p.m. // $8
Lydia Loveless doesn’t know how Steve Earle even got her number. He attends all of her shows, hits on her and offers to buy her drugs. He wants so badly to be in her band and she doesn’t know how to let him down easy. At least this is the tale Miss Loveless likes to tell in her catchiest tune, “Steve Earle.” Hailing from the small town of Coshocton, OH, Loveless delivers some powerful country rock with an I-don’t-take-no-shit-from-no-one attitude. The songwriter is currently touring her sophomore record, Indestructible Machine, which came out just over a month ago. As a 21-year old, Lydia Loveless has the voice and songwriting chops of a seasoned alt-country star (Neko Case and Gillian Welch are two that immediately come to mind).
I couldn’t imagine opening acts more fitting than Iowa City’s own alt-country band, Grand Tetons and folk songstress Milk & Eggs.
Have a fantastic weekend!
~LV
