The term roots is often used to describe unadorned country and folk music — though it is sometimes invoked without much thought about its deeper, more resonant connotations. But by examining the life of Iowa’s most well-known purveyor of this tradition, Greg Brown, we can better understand how it is ingrained in history, culture and […]
Iris Dement
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Livestream: The Green Room presents Khizr Khan on Monday, Oct. 2
The topic of democracy has become more pronounced as the nature of the institution — at least in its American context — seems imperiled. Khizr Khan, born in Pakistan but resident in America since 1980, embodies much of what democracy in its best sense means…
Posted inArts & Entertainment
UNESCO City of Literature benefit to feature William Elliott Whitmore, Iris DeMent, the Recliners and more, all covering Bob Dylan
This Wheel’s on Fire, a benefit concert for the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, will be at the Englert Theater this Friday, April 28. Keeping in tune with the legacy of Bob Dylan in both music and literature, southeastern Iowan musicians will be performing exclusively Dylan covers from all eras of his discography — with the players reinterpreting the flavors and inflections of the legendary folk artist.
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Iris DeMent brings new concept album ‘The Trackless Woods’ to the Englert Theatre
Iris DeMent The Englert Theatre — Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. Touring off the release of her most recent album, The Trackless Woods, Iowa City-based folk musician Iris DeMent will play The Englert Theatre this Saturday, Nov. 21. at 8 p.m. The Trackless Woods is a concept album that utilizes the English translations (by […]
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Show Photos: Wednesday at Mission Creek
It is officially night 5 of Mission Creek and I’ve been on a tear all over town since the pre-show monday. I’ve tried to catch as many acts as my short legs will get me to in time. I’ve got a lot of photos to throw your way, but let’s do this in bite-sized chunks. […]
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Interview with Iris DeMent
In October of 2012, Iris DeMent released her first new album of original songs after 16 years. The album—Sing the Delta, which DeMent maintained complete creative control over by releasing on her own record label—is an utterly personal work, drawing influence from her upbringing with gospel music and telling stories with her distinctive literary voice. It is a masterpiece of American literature as much as a timeless album of country folk. DeMent sat down with Little Village to talk about her career, her new album, songwriting, moving to Iowa and her upcoming Mission Creek Fetival show at the Englert Theatre.
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: Iris DeMent – Sing the Delta
Iris DeMent Sing the Delta irisdement.com Iris DeMent put 16 years between her new album, Sing the Delta, and her previous album of original music. She quickly gained critical acclaim (and one Grammy nomination) for her first three albums and while she stayed busy performing and sporadically recording with others and delivering an album of […]
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On the Beat: Summer listening guide
Summer in the Clubs! Live Music Venue GUIDE Iowa City is what is known in the biz as a ‘small market.’ Acts on national tours book shows in Iowa City based on it’s geographical position within a half-day’s drive of Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis and Kansas City—it’s a great place to shoehorn a show in […]
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The First Family of Folk
Pieta Brown said she gets so nervous when she opens for her dad that she can “barely talk.” “It never goes away, that dad factor,” she told the Englert crowd, “specially when it’s that dad.” And who can blame her? That Dad’s voice, guitar-playing and presence get more imposing with each passing year. Who other […]
