Everybody’s got water on the brain. The many somethings coming out of our faucets are in the headlines so often you can almost see the words swimming through a cold glass. The authorities continue to insist that a lot of nitrates won’t hurt, while some guy on Reddit did an at-home test that turned the […]
Arts & Entertainment
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: The Des Moines Playhouse serves ‘Waitress’ with the right mix of sweet and savory
Waitress at the Des Moines Playhouse tells you exactly what’s inside the show in its first 15 seconds: “Sugar … Butter … Flour.” A delicious pie will typically have the same base ingredients as a so-so slice — the difference comes down to additions, assembly and the aptitude of the chef. Similarly, Waitress, on paper, […]
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Review: More than 80 musicians brought their own controlled chaos to the first Burlington Jazz Festival
Like the Mississippi River, jazz flows with strength and grace, carrying stories from one generation to the next. On July 25 and 26, the inaugural Burlington Jazz Festival channeled that spirit along the river’s edge. The free two-day event turned the historic downtown into a celebration of sound. With five venues, 12 bands and more […]
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This weekend in Iowa: Harmony Festival in CR, a rooftop reading series in IC and more
Established 2001 | Always free! It’s been another weird week in a constant string of weird weeks. Coldplay’s Kiss Cam created a scandal, the QAnon Shaman flipped on Trump and two WWE Hall of Famers have died (one passing got us in the feels, the other not so much). Take a Weekender break with some of these stellar music […]
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Book Review: ‘New and Old’ art zine by Cooper Whittlesey
There’s something omnivorously large about Cooper Whittlesey’s aesthetic. He’s obviously spent time studying his craft, even though he might be considered an outsider or underground artist. His work suggests that of Gary Panter, Jean-Michel Basquait and Harmony Korine. That’s who came to mind when I came across Whittlesey’s book of collected works, New and Old, […]
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: Mr. Softheart — ‘Reflections on Primitive Action’
Reflections On Primitive Action by Mr. Softheart In a musical landscape littered with algorithm-choked playlists and brand-safe radio edits, Mr. Softheart comes forward in a defiant whisper. Their latest EP, Reflections On Primitive Action, spins a glittering web of discontent, yearning and sleazy dramatics on this six-track stunner. It’s the hottest release of the summer […]
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Review: The Des Moines Symphony summoned a sense of patriotism, despite artillery and a presidential visit clouding the air
I love pop music. I love symphonic music. If those passions haven’t already revoked any of my pseudo-punk-rock cred let me offer one more confession: I love patriotic music. Little Village asked me to do this and I was excited. This would be my first time…
Posted inBook Reviews
Fully Booked at ICPL: Reads for the whole family
We all have a unique relationship with our family. Some of us get along really well, others not so much. Whether a fictional family feels familiar or foreign to you, family dynamics make for compelling stories. Here are some reading suggestions that represent a variety of family dynamics. Worry by Alexandra Tanner is a newer […]
Posted inBook Reviews
Fully Booked at DMPL: Pageturners for any mood
I’ve just checked out the latest book by one of my favorite authors that I’ve been anticipating for months. I am excited, ready to dive into what is sure to be a new favorite. After reading a few paragraphs, I lose focus. Even if the writing and plot are brilliant, I just don’t feel like […]
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Review: The eyeliner is heavy and the outfits skimpy for Des Moines’ Panic! at the Burlesque Show
Never in my wildest dreams have I imagined someone flashing her pasties at the iconic strike of a G note. Morticia Midwest started the night with a bang (or flash if you prefer) to the tune of “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance. Morticia Midwest and her husband, Johnny Bravado, created the […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Ozzy Osbourne, British rock god known for an infamous show in Des Moines, dies at 76
Ozzy Osbourne has died. Heavy metal’s “Prince of Darkness,” who later had a second career as an avuncular reality TV star, was 76 years old. “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” the Osborne family said in […]
Posted inBook Reviews
Book Review: ‘Off Izaak Walton Road: The Grace that Comes Through Loss’ by Laura Julier
In Becoming Native to This Place, Wes Jackson says, “Either all the earth is holy or none is. Either every square foot of it deserves our respect or none does.” In Off Izaak Walton Road, winner of the River Teeth Literary Nonfiction Prize, Laura Julier shows us how true this is with heart, grace and […]
