I hope that everyone has been able to stay somewhat cool during this random heatwave that has popped up so early in the summer. I’m slightly glad that I don’t have anything to really do, otherwise I would be having a rough go of things right now. While it’s been hot, I’m glad that the summer is in effect. The city is quiet and things are strangely doable again. It’s a nice feeling that I have to relish while I still can, especially while I don’t have people yelling in front of my window at all hours of the day. Regardless of what you actually want to do this weekend, here are some things that you should do.
THURSDAY
Greg Brown // The Mill // 8:00 PM // $20, All Ages
Greg Brown has been a staple of the Iowa folk scene for many, many years. Playing since the 1960s in a variety of venues from coffeehouses to A Prairie Home Companion, there is very little that Brown hasn’t done in his long career. Not being content with resting on his laurels, Brown has released Freak Flag, an album of all-new material on Yep Roc. In true fashion, Brown will be coming to The Mill this Thursday to play an all-ages show. There’s no openers on this show. It will be only you and a couple hundred of your friends watching the legend tell some stories.
FRIDAY
Henry V // Unitarian Universalist Church of Iowa City (10 S. Gilbert St.) // 7:30 PM // $8-12, All Ages
Deep into its current season on the effects of war, Dreamwell Theatre is staging one of Shakespeare’s most famous war plays, Henry V. The play focuses on Henry’s rise to power and his rather spectacular fall to the French at Agincourt. Evoking exhilaration as well as humor, Dreamwell’s interpretation of Henry V should do its source material justice.
Writer’s Workshop 75th Reunion Reading // The Mill // 9 PM // Free
In a world where Iowa Citians trade in panegyrics on said city’s manifest awesomeness, especially florid encomiums are reserved for the Iowa Writer’s Workshop.
SATURDAY
CircUS // Gabe’s // 2:30 PM // $5, All Ages
An all-ages affair, CircUS is an event put on by Better Together, a collective that helps children as well as fosters art in the local community. Half of the money that is raised at the door will be given to local charities that support the welfare of children such as Head Start. What are you getting for your five dollar entrance fee? Aside from the piece of mind that comes with providing for others, there will be a number of kid-friendly activities including face painting, juggling, yoga, and interactive performances. It will be a good way to get the kids active during the day and keep them from climbing the walls.
Lonelyhearts & Roommate
As you know from reading this fine publication, this city has an active music community, one that brings in travelers from other locations as well as sends many to other places in the world while still fostering its own. This Saturday will a band that this city has taken under its wing and one that has been sent out into the world to return back. The adopted band is The Lonelyhearts. While they started in the Bay Area, the band and their darkly-tinted Americana have become a well-established part of this local scene. The visitor is native son Kent Lambert and his band Roommate. Balancing emotions and experimentation, Roommate will be an excellent complement to The Lonelyhearts. The reason that there is no extra information above is because the bands are playing TWO shows on Saturday. The first will be a part of Downtown Saturday Night (Ped Mall @ 7:30 PM // Free, All Ages). The second will be later in the night at the Blue Moose (9:00 PM // $6, 21+) and will also feature Skye Carrasco and Grand Tetons. Both shows provide excellent options for your Saturday night.
Stay cool. Have an excellent weekend!
~LV
If you would like to see your event listed here, email Weekender@LittleVillageMag.com with dates and details.
