This weekend is a special one as it is time to honor those who have fallen in defense of this country. The President puts a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetary, and others barbeque and take the day easier, engaging in the same activities that those fallen would have also enjoyed on their memorial. Whatever you do, remember that you live in an awesome country where many have died to protect our freedoms. If it wasn’t for those dead union soldiers that this holiday was created to memorialize, I wouldn’t be a free man right now. While this country is nowhere near perfect, we’re pretty lucky because we can say that it isn’t perfect, come up with ways to make it so, and still live our lives. That’s a pretty cool thing if you ask me. In tribute to the founders of this country and those that have fallen, I’m not going to give you options for Sunday and Monday. You can figure out what to do on your own. The only requirement is that it be constitutional. I don’t support breaking the Constitution.
THURSDAY
Community Stories Writing Workshop at Shelter House Iowa City Reading // Prairie Lights // 7:00 PM // Free, All Ages
Shelter House is a place that provides services for the homeless population here in Iowa City as well as providing services for the larger southeastern region of Iowa. If you remember the winters here, you know that the services that they provide are indispensable. With the help of the Center for the Book, five writers from Shelter House’s writing workshop have published a book of poems, stories and experimental essays. Their stories are excellent and, more importantly, the sale of the books will help to fund Shelter House. Thursday offers a chance to hear them read their work and tell stories. It should be an excellent night that celebrates the variety of creative voices here in Iowa City.
Euforquestra w/ Holding Space // Iowa City Yacht Club // 9:00 PM // $10
Euforquestra should be familiar to many Iowa Citians. This Thursday, the band that began nearly a decade ago in Iowa City returns from their new home of Fort Collins, CO to take their place at the Yacht Club, the club they called home for many years. While their sound is an indescribable mix of African rhythms, jazz, bluegrass, funk and jams amongst other things, Euforquestra does bring the consistent party, making everyone in the audience dance and have fun. Special for this show, the band is playing two sets. One will be early, and the other will be late. In between sets will be Holding Space. Yacht Club faithful and virgins alike should get a kick out of this show.
FRIDAY
Friday Night Concert Series // Ped Mall // 6:30 PM // Free, All Ages
With Memorial Day, we welcome the unofficial beginning of the summer. What better way to kick it off than sitting outside, drinking lemonade and listening to music? The institution that is the Friday Night Concert Series is in full swing again, celebrating its 20th year of entertaining Iowa City and providing a venue for local performers. This week, Dave Zollo & The Body Electric will be playing their brand of the blues down on the Ped Mall. You’ll have to bring your own seating, but that’s not too bad of a trade for a free show, don’t you think?
SATURDAY
Old Capitol City Roller Girls v. Sioux City Roller Dames // Coralville Marriott // 7:00 PM // $10 Adv, $13 Day of Match; All Ages
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The Roller Girls are on a hot streak. Having won their last six matches, the ladies are a full fledged wrecking crew. They return to their home track to host Sioux City and, hopefully, put a beating on them. Tickets are available at New Pioneer Co-op, Uniquely Ink in Sycamore Mall, and Crossroads Tattoo in Coralville. These matches are a fun time for all, and very entertaining. It’s an excellent way to spend a Saturday night.
Deathships w/ Emperor’s Club & The Western Front // Blue Moose Tap House // 8:00 PM // $6, 19+
A recurring theme of this Weekender is embracing and welcoming back those who have gone out into the world to represent Iowa City. Euforquestra is one such group, returning this weekend to its old stomping grounds. The other is Deathships. Former Iowa City resident Dan Maloney has taken Deathships through many incarnations, drawing from the best talent around him, from Iowa City to Chicago. The project has continuously evolved into a more complex sound. Their songs can switch from slow, heartfelt ballads to faster tracks that are reminiscent of the B-52s. However you want to classify what they do, it is clear that they can make excellent songs. Maloney returns to his old hometown, where his updated crew is likely to be joined on stage by at least one or two former members. They’ll be playing at the Blue Moose with Emperor’s Club & The Western Front, a bill that will be entertaining from beginning to end.
This is a weekend of remembrance and celebration. As long as you can do these two things within the next five days, you’ve done well by me and those who have served this country in the theater of war. I hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day.
~LV
If you have an event that you want to see here, email the date and details to Weekender@LittleVillageMag.com.
