2013 was a fertile year for music. Rap came strong with ASAP Rocky’s debut, the El-P and Killer Mike Run the Jewels collab and more toughboy posturing from Pusha T. Disclosure kept the dancefloor hot with its improbable ‘90s house flashback while Rhye kept bedrooms steamy with their Sade-inspired R&B jams. Janelle Monae stepped forth […]
Iowa City music
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Royal dialogue: Will Oldham discusses performing solo and his gospel influence
Bonnie “Prince” Billy, the musical brainchild of Louisville-based artist Will Oldham, will take the stage at The Englert Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 15, bringing…
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Trumpet blossom presents a night of world music
The Trumpet Blossom will be hosting the Bloomington-based band Salaam this Saturday for a night of world music and dance with additional performances by Mona N’Wal and Kahraman Dance Studio. The band’s name comes from the Arabic word for “peace” and their musical style is representative of that — drawing deeply disparate sounds and genres […]
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Indie powerhouse Speedy Ortiz to play a free show at Gabe’s this Wednesday
Boy, Iowa City, you sure did get lucky with this one. Speedy Ortiz, one of 2013’s finest indie rock buzz bands, will be stopping by Gabe’s this Wednesday for…
Posted inArts & Entertainment
First details released for the 2014 Mission Creek Festival
Mission Creek officials revealed the first lineup details of 2014 today, boasting a list that includes famed composer Philip Glass and former Drive-By Truckers guitarist/songwriter Jason Isbell. In addition to its usual slew of literature, film, lecture and music events, the 2014 festival will include a new Mission Creek Tech + Innovation Mini-Conference set for April 4-5, as well as a film series co-curated by FilmScene.
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On the Beat: Bonnie “Prince” Billy heads to the Englert
Bonnie “Prince” Billy is the recording name of Will Oldham, a Kentucky-born singer-songwriter. Oldham has been a fixture of the independent folk and country music since 1993 thanks to his various Palace projects (Palace Brothers and Palace Music are the best known), which have risen to legendary status over the years.
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Reviews: Buffalows – Woe Isn’t Me
Buffalows is Landon Strause, Brooks Strause and Adam Bolts. The Brothers Strause are best known for the formidable Old Scratch Revival Singers, a very freaky, psychedelic take on old time gospel revival. Buffalows has a simpler sound, centered in old-timey country music. I’m not sure who writes the songs, but I hear some of Brooks’ infallible roots-pop ear for melody. The simple acoustic (except for pedal steel guitar) arrangements and close harmony serve the songs well.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
On the Beat: Rubblebucket take the stage this Friday at the Blue Moose Tap House
Rubblebucket are not strangers to Iowa City. The Brooklyn-based band have made multiple appearances here in Iowa City since their first visit during…
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IC darlings: An interview with Rubblebucket’s Alex Toth and Kalmia Traver
A fan once tweeted one of the best descriptions of Rubblebucket’s music I’ve ever read: “Listening to Rubblebucket is kind of like dressing up as a starfish…
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Local artist Dana T unveils ‘Show Preview Show’: Hard-di-Har and friends to play PS1 this weekend
Har-di-Har are a charming pair of musicians who write and perform their intricately worked songs, kind of like an acoustic Radiohead with a more attractive lead…
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Wednesday at Gabes: The return of Baltimore’s Terrors
Baltimore’s Terrors and DJ Julie Benner will be playing at Gabe’s on Wednesday, December 4. Local electro noise-niks Alex Body, Miller-Heuermann, and Sky Fauna will support the bill. Terrors, also known as Elijah Forrest, has released several limited-edition cassette tapes on labels such as Bathetic Records and Cavelife. In 2011, Weird Forest Records culled selections […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
This Friday: Thin Hymns, Giant Question Mark and Bryn Love at the Trumpet Blossom
Trumpet Blossom Cafe has established its bona fides as a vegan foodie destination, but has stealthily become one of Iowa City’s most interesting music venues…
