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Plain Spoken: Poems to stop a flop in the reeking koi pond of Christian nationalism

Recent events in Minneapolis have demonstrated the by-now-obvious entrenchment of American Christianity in the nation’s fascist movement. Demonstrators at Cities Church were right to see David Easterwood — simultaneously a pastor at the church and the director of an ICE field office — as a potent symbol of fascist and evangelical lamination.  Given the breadth […]

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Dante Powell hosts one of Iowa’s hottest comedy shows: ‘I’m not bootlicking, I’m not tip-toeing. I am who I am’

Dante Powell is on a roll. The Louisiana-born comic has clocked thousands of miles as both a truck driver and a comedian. Powell has called Des Moines his home for over a decade, headlining shows in the capital while hitting the road in major cities with Gary Gulman, Janelle James, Rory Scovel and other gods […]

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‘The more aggressive we got, the more we found ourselves’: The Rumours reflect on their rise ahead of a hometown show at Octopus College Hill

When the Rumours pull into the venue Saturday and start unloading their van, it’s inevitable someone will assume they’re the “girlfriends carrying the guy’s gear.” “They don’t know that we’re the girl band that’s actually playing,” said Ela Moore, bassist and singer for the Rumours. “Yeah, it’s one of those situations. We get a lot of disrespect, so we’re just kind of pissed off about it.”

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‘It has always been me and the guys’: Tina Haase Findlay embraces her status as one of the great Iowa jazz/blues performers

Celebrated for her warm, welcoming personality as well as her rich, vibrant singing, Tina Haase Findlay has been inducted into two Iowa music halls of fame. Little Village talked with Findlay about reconciling her interests with the biases of others, retaining gratitude throughout her career and what piece of advice she shares with all of […]

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Review: From passionate to jazzy to epic, the Des Moines Symphony shined with ‘Love–Romeo & Juliet’

The Des Moines Symphony offered classical music enthusiasts an ideal date night on Valentine’s weekend with Love–Romeo & Juliet, the aptly titled fourth installment of their Masterworks Series.  The baton was wielded by guest conductor, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, who led a nuanced program of European masterpieces. Harth-Bedoya’s rapport with the ensemble was remarkable considering this is […]

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