2006 saw the debut of two series that built their plots around the behind-the-scenes action of shows with disturbing similarities to Saturday Night Live. The first was Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Following the success of Sorkin’s The West Wing, and with a cast that included Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet and D.L. Hughley, this show looked like a sure bet. The second show was 30 Rock.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Mission Creek Festival Spotlight: Mister Lies
Columbia College student Nick Zanca, also known as mastermind producer Mister Lies, is scheduled to play a show at the Yacht Club on Thursday, April 4. He combines looping vocal lines with sweeping synth and sharp percussion and bass to create mesmerizing dance tracks.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
ARTicle: These things don’t do themselves
If you’re hanging art, measure. Measure for the eyes and head like every set of eyes is an enemy sniper. Save your troops. If you have sculptures or objects, pedestals are a must. Meticulous details—like how many brown M & M’s go in the dish, and even more realistically what kind of snacks you use at all and if people besides yourself like seltzer (spoiler alert: they do)—must be paid attention to.
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: Angle – White Andy
Angle and Coolzey are Iowa hip-hop veterans, but to my knowledge White Andy is their first collaboration. They don’t pussyfoot around; “White Andy” is a character Angle (Jarid Catrenich) uses to take on the issue of hip hop and race in possibly the most ridiculous, over-the-top manner, including appearing in White Face on the cover. “Two white dudes making music for people of all colors,” drawls Coolzey at the end of “Blazee.”
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: The Blendours – Level 99
The continuing influence of The Ramones’ music on the face of rock years after their breakup is a testament to the idea that simple and direct is the most effective approach to getting to the hearts of youth. Directly or indirectly, any variation of punk rock today owes a debt to the amphetamine-driven sped-up version of ‘60s rock that The Ramones made.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Moon Zero Three premiers Thursday 2/28 at PATV
Tonight marks the release of the first installment of long-awaited, locally produced sci-fi epic Moon Zero Three. (Starring former Hawkeye basketball star Acie Earl!) Check out the trailer and head […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Iowa City Weekender: February 28 – March 1
Hello and welcome to another edition of the Weekender. Starting with Thursday, Alex and Francis White of the “fiery” bother/sister duo White Mystery will be heading to The Mill alongside Good Habits and We Shave. Details of this show and more after the jump.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Mission Creek Festival Spotlight: Thao and the Get Down Stay Down
Thao and the Get Down Stay Down bring their folky, Indie-pop style to the Mill on April 2. Thao Nguyen has found fame creating lyrics that can be as biting as they are playful.
Posted inCommunity/News
Health: The phenomenon known as After Singing Syndrome
Although this particular diagnosis cannot be found in medical textbooks, the syndrome’s effects are very real. My former accompanist and vocal coach, Marcelina Turcano, first coined this phrase during a vocal competition where five sopranos, including myself, were giggling, screaming and yammering at a mile a minute: “You are just being an ass,” she said, “You have after singing syndrome.”
Posted inCommunity/News
Pro Tips: Cleanliness is Godliness
For over six months, Wayne Diamante has been the name you trust when it comes to money matters; tampon advice; which brand of hip replacement is best; dealing with the neighbor’s cat problem; measuring the distance between hello and second base and countless other bits of human drama and plan-B scenarios.
Posted inFood & Drink
Chicken Little Reviews: Nodo
Located across the street from Horace Mann School and conjoined with our friendly local Ace Hardware store, Nodo is one of the odder and more overlooked sandwich spots in Iowa City. Walking in the door, you will likely be met by the proprietor, Bryan Asklof, who will either be working diligently on an order or standing, arms crossed, in rapt attention to the latest international soccer game (which he will be happy to fill you in on.)
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Mission Creek Festival Spotlight: JEFF the Brotherhood
Post-Grunge rockers JEFF the Brotherhood play the Mill Thursday, April 4. Their songs take listeners back to a time when guitar solos backed by heavy distortion, thick reverb and catchy lyrical hooks were the norm.
