Iowa City Weekender: November 15-18

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Weekender. It’s shaping up to be a good weekend, and the weather is being refreshingly cooperative. Weather.com tells me the temperature will be in the mid-50s and sunny over the next few days, so that’s cool. Alright, time to move past the Weekender small talk weather report. Let’s get to the goods.

THURSDAY

Neil Hamburger // The Mill // 9:00 PM // $10

Neil Hamburger is a terrible comedian; maybe the worst there is. His jokes are bad, and refer almost exclusively to dated pop culture. His timing is completely off. He is a frequent victim of heckling and handles these encounters poorly. He is greasy, hard to look at and drinks heavily throughout his show, often (unsuccessfully) holding multiple cocktails in his arm. Neil Hamburger is also fictional. He is played by comedian Gregg Turkington, whose side career consists of performing in punk bands (Neil Hamburger comedy albums are released exclusively on indie music labels). Turkington’s brand of alternative standup comedy has generated a cult following over the past decade or so.

FRIDAY

Sonny Landreth w. Kevin Gordon Trio // Englert // 8:00 PM // $25

Slide guitar guru, Sonny Landreth has built himself a successful musical career with his own music as well as his collaborations with others. The famed blues rocker has contributed to records by Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson, John Hiatt and Jimmy Buffett. Born, raised and residing in the south, Landreth has become a blues guitar staple with his distinctive slide sound. His latest album, Elemental Journey is unlike anything he’s every released. It still features the voice of his guitar, but is entirely instrumental. Speaking about the project, Landreth says, “What I’d hoped to end up creating was sonic stories without words, and because there are no lyrics, it’s really important to connect on an emotional level. All of the titles for these songs have meaning for me — some of them are impressions from post-Katrina, Rita, the Gulf Spill, friends of mine and their experiences — so that’s part of it too. Still, I want listeners to feel something that resonates with them personally. I’ve always tried to make music that engages you on a deeper level that way.” Iowa City’s own Kevin Gordon Trio opens.

SATURDAY

Dick Prall // CSPS (Cedar Rapids) //8:00 PM // $17 Adv., $21 Day Of

Some might say Dick Prall got into songwriting a little late in the game. At 25 he began teaching himself to play the guitar and released his first album shortly thereafter. Since then, Prall has put out 5 more releases and built himself a strong following. Citing influences like Elvis Costello, Nick Drake and Cat Stevens, his songs are heartfelt and smartly crafted. The Chicagoan, by way of Iowa City, has shared the stage with Jon Brion, Mike Doughty, Bobby Bare, Jr., Glen Phillips and Justin Townes Earl.

SUNDAY

ICCSA Season 2 Finale // PSZ (Wesley Center) // 7:00 PM // $12

Iowa City Community Supported Art will celebrate a successful season 2 over at PSZ. The event will feature tasty food, performances and art. For more information on the ICCSA project, check out their website. It’s a very cool and unique idea, and Iowa City is one of the only cities to put on anything like it. From the event page:

Featuring an installation dance performance by Elizabeth June Bergman, catered small plates by Katy Hoffer (menu below), music by the Blue Stem Trio, and your last chance to take home the sensational stylings of ICCSA season 2 artists including work from Mark Drummond Davis, Jonathan Rattner, Cody Gieselman, Jeremy Chen, Josh Black.

SUNDAY :: NOVEMBER 18 :: 7pm
$12 general public ticket (All are welcome!)
FREE for season 2 subscribers!
(a handful of shares remain, call PS1 (319.354.2390) for more info)

Small plates menu:
Pavelka’s Point Lamb Meatballs
North African Tomato Sauce (Vegan, GF)
Spaghetti Squash (Vegan, GF)
Fresh Herbed Labne (Yogurt Cheese)
Kale Collard Slaw (Vegan, GF)
Quinoa Salad (Vegan, GF)
Corn Bread ( Vegan, GF)
Baguette (Vegan)
Shortbread Cookies (Vegan, GF)
Linzer Torte
Fresh Apple Cider