As the federal holiday commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. approaches this Monday, Iowa City is getting back to life, teeming with activities that, mostly, have nothing to do with celebrating the life of Dr. King. While this might be true, there will be times when you see Black people and White people at a rock concert, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, brimming with happiness and smelling vaguely of alcohol. You can go to an experimental theater event and sit next to a lovely Korean family or be in discussion with your Latino friends about Sailor Moon or a more current anime/manga series. Although it has been only 47 years since Brown v. Board and this country still has massive steps to make (Obama was the stride over the first hurdle in the steeplechase), these small moments during the day where people of different races can get together and be mostly sure that they won’t get attacked by another are reminders that we are living King’s dream. And, that’s something you can say to sound smart when someone asks why we celebrate MLK Day. To get back to the point of this column, if you feel bad because you don’t think that you are honoring King’s legacy by going to a concert rather than watching Eyes on the Prize, don’t. By walking on the streets and interacting with society, you are doing what King wanted of us all. This is when the eagle would drop in majestically from the sky. Enough patriotism, let’s go.
THURSDAY
Country Dance and Lesson | Eagle’s Lodge (225 Hwy 1 W) | 7:00 PM | $5, All Ages
There have been multiple points in my life where I’ve found myself in need of line dancing skills and not having them. I would put off learning them because there were long gaps between these situations. If you find yourself in situations like my own far more often or just plain love country music, the IC Country Dancers offer you an opportunity to learn how to do line dances as well as how to dance with a lovely lady/gentlemen. You can transfer these skills over to the dance and maybe rustle up some fun for your night.
Sam Knutson w/ Chris Gelbuda | The Mill | 7:00 PM | Free, All Ages
Known for his work with Shame Train, Sam Knutson is well known to the local music community as both a band leader and a solo singer-songwriter. With Chicago-based Chris Gelbuda as his opener, Knutson will be playing a free show at the Mill, which are always treats regardless of where they are. It’s only made better by being in the Mill.
FRIDAY
The Grapes of Wrath | Iowa City Public Library | 7:00 PM | Free, All Ages
The third installment of The Films of the Great Depression series looks at the classic film The Grapes of Wrath. Directed by John Ford, the film features Henry Fonda as Tom Joad of the troubled Joad family in this adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel. Along with a screening of the film, discussion about the film’s depiction of the Great Depression will be lead by John Raeburn. This offers an opportunity to learn more about one of the darker moments in American history.
Jaill w/ Datagun | The Mill | 9:00 PM | $8, 19+
If you have not been keeping up with indie rock over the past couple of years, there has been a renaissance of psych-pop/sunshine-California type bands. They aren’t playing Jan and Dean covers, but they’ve got that same sort of hazy, rocking surf sound. A lot of bands have been adapting this sound for their own uses quite well. Hailing from Milwaukee, Jaill is one such band. Rather than playing up the surf component, Jaill wants to rock a lot more. Their songs have good hooks, loud guitars, and are really fun. Their release That’s How We Burn was one of the sleeper albums of 2010, offering that psychedelic sound mixed with a raw garage rock power. Jaill will be supported by local electronic wizards and King dream poster Datagun. If you want to know what’s been going on underground, this would be a good way to find out.
Rubblebucket w/ Mary Mo & Her Sweet Notes | Iowa City Yacht Club | 9:00 PM | $10, 19+
Hailing from Brooklyn, Rubblebucket upsets the horn hierarchy in bands. As those children who grew up during the age of Alternative Nation”, Bill Bellamy, Matt Pinfield, and Kennedy know, the horn players were the goofy dudes at the back of the stage, showing up only in the choruses of ska songs. Rather than being in the back, the horns are front and center, leading to them having a really cool sound. It is reminiscent of a less angular A Certain Ratio or less repetitive version of !!! (chk chk chk). With Mary Mo & Her Sweet Notes in support, Rubblebucket will bring the groove in an exciting live show.
SATURDAY
Conscious Birth Summit | Iowa City Public Library | 10:00 AM | Free, All Ages
For the fifth year in a row, the Friends of Iowa Midwives have held this day-long summit in support of Midwivery, or natural birth. If you are a pregnant woman or are generally more interested in learning about the miracle that is birth, this conference will offer a lot of useful information in an environment that will encourage curiosity.
Roller Skating | Robert A Lee Recreation Center | 6:00 PM | Free, All Ages
If you’re anything like me, the winter is beginning to take its toll on the delicate psyche. Someone will say to this that it’s not too bad, and you can go ice skating. What if you don’t like ice skating? Go roller skating. It’s free, downtown, and family friendly. Most importantly, it’s inside the warm rec center. It’s good, clean family fun.
Diplomats of Solid Sound w/ OSG | Blue Moose Tap House | 8:00 PM | $7, 21+
If you have been floating around this town for a while, you’ve either probably heard Diplomats of Solid Sound on KRUI, seen them at a festival, or gone to one of their shows. If you count yourself among the unlucky masses who hasn’t, The Diplomats have been doing their duties, bringing that southern soul to this northern town and points all across this fair nation of ours. With special guests OSG, The Diplomats will provide the soul that is needed by all in these cold time.
Enjoy your weekend. Until the next one, over and out.
~LV
