Iowa native Rochelle Feldkamp, who performs now as Rochelle Riser, didn’t exactly head to Nashville to chase her dreams, as so many have before her. She went right after high school to attend college, but ended up finding her voice. Now, with one EP under her belt (recorded under her given name), she’s touring, writing and stretching […]
Uptown Bill’s
Nine disability friendly businesses in Iowa City to visit this holiday season

Here are a few suggestions for feel-good holiday giving from Seen & Heard, a new community integration project run by Systems Unlimited, which works to increase visibility for people with disabilities in Iowa City. Every single day since the project began in August, we’ve been out meeting with community leaders, enjoying Iowa City’s cultural opportunities […]
Uptown Bill’s may soon close

In a city with a surprising number of coffee shops, Uptown Bill’s stands out as a unique place. Part coffeehouse, part performance venue, part used bookstore, in the words of Tom Gilsenan, who ran it for eight years before his retirement in June, it’s “a place where everybody is welcome, no matter what their station […]
Cowboy songs from Steve Cormier at Uptown Bill’s on Saturday
A celebration in honor of Bill Sackter, champion of abilities awareness in public life

Bill Sackter’s Birthday Bash Uptown Bill’s — Thursday-Sunday, April 13-16 In honor of Bill Sackter’s life and legacy, Wild Bill’s Coffeeshop and Uptown Bill’s Coffeehouse will hold their annual celebration over the course of this weekend, from Sackter’s birthday through Sunday, April 16. Sackter would’ve been 104 on Thursday, April 13. He spent 44 years […]
Fundraiser at Uptown Bill’s ahead of NAMI’s Day on the Hill

Ahead of a summit on Iowa’s capitol hill to lobby for mental health advocacy, local organizers have set up an event at Uptown Bill’s (730 S Dubuque St) showcasing music from Sarabeth Weszely, readings and information on mental health. The event begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21. All money received from donations will go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Iowa. […]
Cohousing community breaking new ground in Iowa City

Iowa City Cohousing Information Meeting Uptown Bill’s — Thursday, Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. A new housing community, Prairie Hill, hopes to bring the concept of cohousing to the Iowa City area — encouraging a greener, more neighborly living space. The development, many years in the making, broke ground in November on land in southwest […]
Wise men say only fools would miss the Elvis tributes this weekend
Don’t feel so all alone — head to BobFest at Uptown Bill’s!

BobFest Uptown Bill’s — Saturday, May 28 at 7 p.m. American folk music legend Bob Dylan turned 75 this year and Uptown Bill’s is ready to celebrate. Uptown Bill’s Coffee House (730 S Dubuque St., Iowa City) is hosting its annual BobFest tribute concert. The event is featured as part of the shop’s Saturday Night […]
Long live community radio: Uptown Bill’s granted low-power FM radio license by FCC
14th annual Ralston Creek Fair set for Labor Day weekend

Iowa City’s 14th annual Ralston Creek Fair kicks off this Labor Day weekend, August 30-31, in the area outside Uptown Bill’s Coffee House (730 S Dubuque St.). The event, hosted by Uptown Bill’s, will benefit its Extend the Dream Foundation, a non-profit charity that empowers individuals of all abilities. The fair will feature a flea […]
Catch up with Iowa City songstress Jennifer Danielson

Iowa City’s Jennifer Danielson will be playing Uptown Bill’s Coffee House this Saturday at 7 p.m. as part of the venue’s Saturday Night Music Night series. Danielson’s music is very much in the vein of local legends Bo Ramsey and Greg Brown (who, incidentally, appears as a backing vocalist on several of Danielson’s recordings). Her songs are thoughtful and lived-in, built around her acoustic guitar and strong, angelic voice,.. […]