Jonathan Batiste heads to The Englert Theatre alongside Stay Human this Thursday at 8 p.m. for an evening of uplifting, free-flowing jazz. Batiste comes from a… […]
On The Beat
Three November shows to warm your cold, cold heart
If you’re in the mood for something decidedly more fast-paced, and potentially seizure inducing, head over to the Blue Moose for a full evening of melodic death metal and thrash revival. Known for experimenting with the genres of Scandinavian-style death metal and metalcore, The Black Dahlia Murder have been growling their way into the hearts of metal fans for well over a decade. Their latest LP Everblack features strobelight paced rhythms, frenetic key changes and maniacal growling. The album’s lyrics are brimming with horror film based imagery and as a whole is reminiscent of death metal pioneers Cannibal Corpse, with whom they have tour […]
On the Beat: Live music picks for mid-November
This month, Iowa City gets visits from an indie rock institution, a soulful British man and a band of misfits from Memphis led by a charismatic man who may or may not be allergic to pants. If the suggestion of a pants allergy can’t get you to read on, I need you to check your […]
On the Beat: Three October shows that will leave you satisfied
For those wishing to escape the stresses of late October in a decidedly less agro manner, head over to the Trumpet Blossom Café and spend an evening drifting… […]
On The Beat: Live music highlights for October 2-15
The first half of October brings a wide variety of music to Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Standing out are two duos and two full fledged bands: We have a pair of songwriting ladies from opposite ends of the world. […]
On the Beat: Kepi Ghoulie to headline a night of pop-punk Tuesday at Gabe’s
While punk has evolved into a genre that encompasses diverse and, oftentimes contradictory, styles and ideals, I’ve always been partial toward the bands that fall… […]
Live music and festival preview for July
The Iowa City Jazz Festival and Firecracker 500 take over Iowa City this weekend, but late July also promises some legendary performances. Read about the shows and sample the bands after the jump. […]
Live Music Preview: June 20-29
I know I’m not alone in saying Cursive will always have a place in my heart. They emerged when indie rock was a big deal. Anyone who was anyone was paying attention to Omaha’s Saddle Creek Records. If you haven’t listened to 2003’s … […]
Live music preview: May 23-29
The band name “4onthefloor” is a reference to the band’s onstage schtick; every member of the band has a kick drum in front of them at all times (and they never deviate from the 4/4 time signature). The Minneapolis four piece is straight up rock and roll. […]
Live Music Preview: April 24 through May 1
William Tyler is a busy man. Even if you’ve never heard of him, it is likely you’ve heard his music in some form. Tyler has been a longtime member of Lambchop and has appeared on records by Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Silver Jews, Charlie Louvin and Wooden Wand. […]
Live Music Preview: 3/25 through 4/3
The Mission Creek Festival will soon be upon us, and Iowa City is holding its collective breath until it finally arrives. While Mission Creek’s main entrée is music (with healthy portions of literature and culinary arts), I won’t spend too much time explaining the festival here. That being said, much of this issue’s noteworthy live music doesn’t hit us until the fest starts on April 1. […]
On The Beat: Aesop Rock, White Mystery and more coming to Iowa City
Right now, Mountains may be one of the best in the business when it comes to ambient, experimental music. Longtime friends and bandmates Koen Holtkamp and Brendon Anderegg got together and released two albums in 2005 and 2006 under their own label, Apestaartje. […]