The Iowa City Council’s 5-1 decision last month to move ahead with Marc Moen’s Chauncey building project settled the question of what is to become of the corner of Gilbert […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Photos: Have you considered investing in a local farm? Local fair shows the payoff
The basic premise of a CSA is this: Patrons become members of a CSA by purchasing a share of a farm. In return for paid membership, they receive a weekly box of fresh food straight from their local farmer. The mutual advantages to this are countless but the most obvious benefit is, perhaps, reassurance. Not only does a CSA membership guarantee fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey and occasionally meat and dairy products to the consumer, but it also insures that farmers are able to support both the community and themselves.
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: DJ 500 Benz – Geometrics II
DJ 500 Benz though still in his early 20s has been very active in Iowa hip-hop scene for the past few years, producing beats for a variety of MCs—notably Rahlan Kay’s excellent Relationships from the summer of 2012. Geometrics II is a different sort of thing, comprising tracks that fall under the electro house heading. Electro house has little to do with actual electro or house; it’s the synth heavy dance pop that seems to be swamping the pop charts these days.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Prairie Pop
Prairie Pop: Girls got game
In the classic Destiny’s Child song “Say My Name,” the protagonist suspects that her man is cheating on her because his voice has changed: “Every other word is ‘uh huh,’ ‘yeah,’ ‘okay.’ Could it be that you are at the crib with another lady?” The woman, voiced by Beyoncé, demands reassurance through spoken language. Fully rejecting the idea that “actions speak louder than words,” Beyoncé argues for the importance of words themselves and the voices that speak them. Who else is there? What is your voice hiding? And why can’t you just say my name?
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: Haunter- Perishing Road
The full-length debut, Perishing Road, from Haunter (a.k.a. Kyle Arthur Miller) is ideal for late nights, headphones and staring out at the frozen tundra. Miller’s new collection of ambient compositions rewards those who put in the time, with headphones bundled around the ears. Perishing Road is a feast of guitar drone interplay.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
The Tube: Saying goodbye to 30 Rock
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.
