Awful Purdies are a group of five women who joined forces like an Americana Voltron. For the past 20 years, they have been rocking the region with their beautiful blend of folk, honky tonk, bluegrass and a little bit of soul. This synthesis is achieved through an amalgamation of instruments that range from cello, mandolin […]
Awful Purdies
Posted inArts & Entertainment
After divorcing her bandmate, Deb Talan channeled heartbreak into a solo album
Little Village spoke with singer-songwriter and visual artist Deb Talan about the inspiration behind her recently-released solo album, I Thought I Saw You, what she loves about creating art in her chosen hometown of Iowa City, and the joy she’s found in collaborating with her fellow Iowa-based artists.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Bored during lockdown, a Williamsburg couple built an outdoor stage on their property, offering artists 100% of ticket sales
If you want to accidentally start a performance venue amidst a pandemic, it’s best to start with a barn. Put it outside of the city a few miles where it’s quiet, on four acres of Iowa prairie, most of it pasture for horses, with plenty of places for people to park. That’s how Nathan and […]
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: Awful Purdies — ‘The Great Unraveling’
The Awful Purdies’ new release, The Great Unraveling is a defining statement for these accomplished musicians who combine their strengths, with wearied joy, to perform miracles. The songs are timely and timeless. The album is proud but not boastful, strong but not brutal, both wise and playful. The sheer quality of the material and the […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Groundbreaking silent films interpreted anew with music from the Awful Purdies
The Awful Purdies, the all-female Midwest folk scene staple ensemble, will be accompanying silent movies by female film pioneers on Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. as part of Film Scene’s Women’s March events. Tickets are $15.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Video premiere and interview: The Awful Purdies, ‘45’
Because “45” has a simple, catchy melody, its easy to overlook the levels of depth that make it great. The melody is accompanied by a complex arrangement of acoustic elements, one of the hallmarks of the Awful Purdies’ sound. It unfolds into Katie Roche’s vocals and includes textured and layered harmonies that echo and support them.
Posted inFood & Drink
LV Recommends: The Agape Café, 25 years of free, feel-good fare
Iowa City’s Agape Café proves true to name. Since 1993, the café, located in Old Brick Church on Market Street, has been serving free, restaurant-style, made-to-order breakfast to the Iowa City community on Wednesday mornings, 7 to 8:30 a.m.
Posted inCommunity/News
SILT, Awful Purdies collaborate on music video to raise awareness of loss of farmland
With the release of a music video to the song “Common Ground” by the Awful Purdies, the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) is hoping to raise awareness about the ongoing loss of Iowa farmland to development and the challenges facing new farmers — and showcase the SILT’s effort to protect the land and support a new farming generation.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
The Awful Purdies and the Family Folk Machine kick off a ‘historical’ collaboration
Lecture and Performance by the Awful Purdies Johnson County Historical Society — Sunday, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. This June, the Family Folk Machine was awarded a grant from the Iowa Arts Council jointly with the Iowa City Senior Center, which is celebrating its 35th year. The grant will fund a unique opportunity for the […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
“An Evening at the Ecopolis” comes home to Iowa City
An Evening at the Ecopolis Old Capitol Senate Chambers — Fri., Mar. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Music, literature and a deep passion for the world in which we live — what more could you ask of your Friday night? Iowa City’s The Awful Purdies are joining with author Jeff Biggers in a revamp of the […]
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: Awful Purdies – Hiatus
Awful Purdies Hiatus www.awfulpurdies.com The women of the Awful Purdies combine many years of musical experience, compounded by six years of playing shows together. They all sing, play and write, staying close to the modern folk music vernacular. What gets me about the Awful Purdies is that they come together and create something seamless and […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Iowa City Weekender: August 9-11
Welcome back to the Weekender! We are all over the board this week. Whether it’s legendary blues, nerdy hip hop or local Iowa City folk, this is the weekend for you. Enjoy. THURSDAY Taj Mahal Trio // Englert // 8:00 PM // $35-$50 American blues artist we know as Taj Mahal grew up in a […]
