Caleb Rainey, aka the Negro Artist, came to Iowa City to earn an English major at the University of Iowa. Rainey was one of only 57 black men, in his undergraduate class of over 4,000 first-year students, who were not part of a Hawkeye sports team.
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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
Local optometrist Matt Houck prepares for his ‘MasterChef’ debut
Iowa City resident Matthew Houck is ready for battle. Next week, he’ll go head-to-head with home chefs from across the country competing for a coveted white apron on FOX’s MasterChef.
Houck, an amateur chef and optometrist at McDonald Optical in Iowa City, applied for a spot on the food-focused reality show last October. A long drive to Nashville for an initial audition required Houcks to prepare a signature dish for a group of judges.
Posted inCommunity/News
‘Strengthening families, changing lives and restoring hope’: Frederick Newell of The Dream Center
“Our mission is strengthening families, changing lives and restoring hope,” said Frederick Newell, executive director of The Dream Center in Iowa City.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Call for submissions: More than $20k available for Iowa City muralists
The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) announced today a new mural program that will distribute $22,500 in commissions to local artists able to “transform otherwise forgettable walls into community assets.” The commissions for five designated locations will come in $1500-$6000 increments: $1500 for 118 S Dubuque St (alley) The north side of the Fieldhouse building […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Forbidden Planet will close next week and reopen with a new concept and name
Forbidden Planet owner Tommy Connolly took to Facebook this afternoon to announce that the downtown Iowa City pizza arcade will be closing its doors for good next week. Responding to questions over the phone, Connolly said he expects the last day will be in the later half of next week, but couldn’t give an exact date.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Lissie records acoustic session at The Magic Barn
It’s the day after Christmas and singer-songwriter Lissie begins pouring a glass of Castle Rock Pinot Noir and pairing it with a variety of Harry Potter references. She’s prepping for what will be a two day acoustic session at The Magic Barn recording studio just outside of Solon. Lissie heard about the Magic Barn from […]
Posted inCommunity/News
This week in political activism April 12-16
Ready to take action to build the community, state and nation you want, but not sure what to do next? Here are some opportunities for political activism this week. Start local by getting to know your county supervisors and city council Legislative Forum on Mental Illness Mercy Medical Hallagan Center (701 10th St SE, Cedar […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Celebrate spring by joining a community garden
Spring is here! What better way to celebrate its arrival than to get your hands dirty outside at a community garden? Iowa City, Coralville and Cedar Rapids all offer city-run options. Cedar Rapids Ellis Park — 916 Ellis Blvd NW (no running water) Squaw Creek — Hwy 13 and Golf Course Rd SE Tuma Park […]
Posted inCommunity/News
City calls for community input on First Avenue lane conversions
The latest step towards a progressive Iowa City involves proposed road reconfigurations for First Avenue from Highway 6 to Mall Drive. Tonight the City will give a brief presentation about the project and gather community feedback. The open house meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Proctor & Gamble Room at Mercer Park […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Iowa City named to ‘Drunkest Towns’ list
Iowa City was named the nineteenth drunkest town in the U.S. according to 24/7 Wall St. which published the list. Over 23 percent of Iowa Citians reported drinking to excess. Last fall, the University of Iowa was named the number two party school in the country, according to Playboy magazine. 24/7 Wall St. used data […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Is Leonardo DiCaprio moving to Iowa City? Probably not
Attention Iowa Citians: Despite a rumor to the contrary, there is no evidence that Leonardo DiCaprio is buying a home in Iowa City. The rumor was launched by the O’Reilly Post, which calls itself a “fantasy news site.” It published a post saying that the recent Academy Award winner for Best Actor was buying a […]
