Even as nearly every other performing arts organization, of every type, has scaled back its programming in 2020, Riverside Theatre is ramping it up. The 2020-21 season marks the 40th season for the revered Iowa City theater, and it has brought with it a good deal of change.
Brian Johannesen
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Englert makes the best of the pandemic, presenting and fostering engagement with the arts digitally
Throughout its 108-year history, the Englert Theatre in Iowa City has always changed with the times. From its origins as a vaudeville theater, to a movie theater and now a revered space for performing arts, the Englert has grown into its role as a cornerstone in Iowa City’s art scene. Through its regular programming as […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Record Collector adapts to the new normal, prepares for three Record Store Days
Since 1982 Record Collector has been a hub for Iowa City’s music-loving community. When founder and original owner Kirk Walther passed away back in 2017, many vinyl enthusiasts worried whether Iowa City would lose this sacred place where they could dig through crates of old jazz records, pick up the newest release of their favorite […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Green skies, red lightning, hurricane winds: Getting caught in the storm in Cedar Rapids
I am Midwestern, and that means when I hear tornado sirens my instinct is to walk out to my back porch and stare at the sky. Every single one of my neighbors does it, too. I look forward to storm season. I watch Twister at least once a year. I love that feeling when the […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Nathaniel Rateliff
w. Peter Wolf Crier, Christopher the Conquered – $8 advance, $10 door When listening to Nathaniel Rateliff, you can feel the Colorado mountains that surround his current home of Denver. His unique brand of indie-folk draws from the timeless traditional folk style that has persevered and grown since the beginning of recorded music–from a more […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
High and Lonesome
w. Shame Train Friday, April 1 – Yacht Club Dave Zollo has certainly paid his dues and has earned himself both a large local fan base and the respect of his fellow musicians with his innovative talent and undying enthusiasm. He has played alongside local heroes like Greg Brown and William Elliott Whitmore and, on […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Show Preview: Wolf Parade at the Englert, Nov. 18
Wolf Parade conquers the stereotype of a super-group. While most eventually suffer from clashing egos, fall into an indistinct sound, or just become bad, Wolf Parade has managed to consistently put out a sound that is definitely their own. The creative minds of its members are each represented and fleshed out, sonically eliminating the ego problem.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
VIDEO: The Wandering Bears and Bo & The Locomotive
Last Tuesday Grand Tetons, Bo & The Locomotive and The Wandering Bears played The Mill’s Tuesday Night Social Club. Here are a couple of songs from the sets of Bo & The Locomotive and The Wandering Bears. Bo & The Locomotive Bo & The Locomotive The Wandering Bears
Posted inArts & Entertainment
VIDEO: Vagabonds live @ College Green Park
Last Saturday afternoon, local folk sweethearts The Vagabonds graced College Green Park with their presence and old-timey tunes. Here are just a couple of the tracks they performed. Sam Blickhan and Sarah Mannix, members of the Vagabonds, can be seen tonight at the Mill performing in another of their local music projects The Wandering Bears.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Videos: Darren Hanlon and Grand Tetons
Here lies the second installation of Mission Freak’s YouTube channel. Below are two songs performed by Australia’s singer/songwriter and all around good guy Darren Hanlon and one by local band Grand Tetons.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Mission Freak YouTube Channel
Mission Freak is proud to announce the debut of its very own YouTube channel! That’s right, here are the first three installations of what promises to be a great source for video of Iowa City shows and hopefully interviews with local and touring acts. These three videos are from the show last Wednesday at the Blue Moose Tap House.
Posted inAlbum Reviews
The Tallest Man on Earth – Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird E.P. – Review
The Tallest Man on Earth has spent his entire career drawing comparisons to Bob Dylan. A complimentary comparison, no doubt, and a deserved one at that. However, The Tallest Man on Earth warrants distinction of his own.
