The sun’s finally decided to return back to us all. While it’s not permanently back yet, I appreciate its return. It should be a nice touch for any outdoor events that would take place this weekend in your life. I have a nice variety of events this weekend, so let’s get started!
THURSDAY
Lydia Davis // Dey House (507 N. Clinton St.) // 8:15 PM // Free, All Ages
While her name might not be immediately recognizable, Lydia Davis is, unarguably, one of the most talented writers working in American letters right now. While she has written a novel, Davis is considerably better known for her “short stories.” The term is used with scare quotes because Davis actively plays with the form. Some of her stories continue in the traditional form of a story with a narrative arc and characters, but most don’t. Instead, much of her work is brief, a paragraph or in some cases, a sentence punchline. The narrator is unknown and there are no characters to speak of in a lot of her stories. Although her work is hard to classify (most try to put it between prose poetry and fiction), its constants are humor and thoughtfulness. Davis is careful with her words, distilling complex ideas into beautiful sentences and paragraphs. Recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant as well as a translator of French authors, this reading will be a great time to experience Davis whether you are a long time fan or a first-time reader.
FRIDAY
Generationals w/ The Olympics & Sam Knutson // Gabe’s // 8:00 PM // $10, 19+
Made up of ex-Eames Era guitarists Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer, Generationals continue in that vein, writing indie pop songs that have a more rocking edge. Their music culls heavily from the AM radio era as they record on analog technology and very much recall the harmonies of girl groups and the melodies of pop bands at that time. While they are calling upon that sound, they are not pure revivalists as they mix these analog sounds with synthesizers, drum machines, and considerably more modern, new wave flourishes. The resulting product is a sound that has is fresh and sugar sweet, but slightly dark. Each song is catchy and can be sung along with, but their choruses can be, sometimes, less than hopeful and a little sad. This gives their music a lovely edge, making it a refreshing change from the regular indie pop/ indie rock act. With The Olympics and Sam Knutson in support, this should be a lovely show for a cool Friday night.
SATURDAY
Riverbank Art Fair // Hancher Green // 10:00 AM // Free, All Ages
While this weekend is not shaping up to be the best that it can be, it is forecasted to be warm but breezy, which makes it acceptable to be outside. While you’re out roaming, head over to Hancher Green for the Riverbank Art Fair. Featuring artists from all around the Midwest and places further who were chosen by a jury, the Art Fair will be a fine time to pick up new art work in a variety of media. These include, but are not limited to, painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, drawing, fiber, metal, and needlework. In addition to the art, there will also be a wine tasting for those of legal drinking age, featuring wines including many from all around the state. This will be a nice family event and a time to pick up some new art for the homestead.
Backyard Abundance Plant Sale // Robert A. Lee Recreation Center // 10:00 AM // Free, All Ages
As the weather is starting to get warmer, it is becoming a better and better time to think about getting the garden fired up again for the coming summer. I’m sure that some have started with their flowers, but the vegetables and herbs can be a considerable bit trickier. Seeing as this weekend will be a warm one, the time to start tilling soil and putting plants in the ground, I think, has come. While the first part is probably achievable immediately as you have a hoe at home, you’ll need some plants. The Backyard Abundance Plant Sale is here to help. Selling a variety of locally and regionally sourced herb & vegetable plants and fruit & nut trees, this should start you on the path towards building a beautiful spring/summer garden. For more information, visit the Backyard Abundance website.
Better Together // White Lightning Wherehouse // 2:00 PM // $5, All Ages
Performance Art Circus // White Lightning Wherehouse // 9:30 PM // $5, All Ages Ages
UI Breakers Afterparty // White Lightning Wherehouse // 12:30 // $5, All Ages
A veritable plethora of strange and wondrous goings on down by the tracks Saturday. The afternoon kid-friendly circus event will feature acrobats, face painting, yoga & cookies. Even children deserve their own temporary autonomous zone. At night, a more mature-themed Circus ensues, with comedy, belly dancing, music, and unspecified risqué hijinks. And if that isn’t enough the UI Breakers roll in in the wee hours to pop and lock.
Saturday’s goings-on at the Wherehouse underscores its importance as an alternative venue, providing a home for events that simply don’t belong in the Englert or commercial venues of Iowa City. Things there are a little rougher and edgier. Even though it’s an underground venue with few rules (don’t smoke inside!), every event I’ve been at has been more relaxed and orderly than most of the downtown bars. Even if the freaks come out, they keep things chill, as though they don’t want to break the spell.
The winter is over. If you haven’t already, you should really get your weather striping down if you still have that up. It’s not that cold anymore. When you’ve accomplished that task, I will welcome you to the spring. Maybe you should take on this task this weekend in between these events. Just a thought. Whether you do or don’t enter into the spring this weekend, have a good one.
~LV
Don’t see your event here? Want to? Send details and dates to Weekender@LittleVillageMag.com!
