Whether you’re a Hallmark-maniac who’s been prepping for Valentine’s since last year or you’re sick of all things sickly sweet, this weekend’s got plenty to keep you happy! Swing on down to the Englert in Iowa City for ‘The Second City Swipes Right’ as the comedians take on all things love, dating, relationships and all that other stuff. Spending the weekend in Cedar Rapids? Don’t miss Leslie Mitchell and co. over at Lucky Cat Comedy Club for a night of awesome local comics. Pick of the weekend: Don’t miss the opening reception for ‘The Pink House Wants Me Dead,’ a new exhibition at Public Space One’s North Gallery (229 N. Gilbert) by Megan Roethler. Violence, shame, guilt and dark humor mingle in these found-object-and-heirloom sculptures.
Little Village announces Isaac Hamlet as statewide Arts & Culture Editor
Long-time Iowa arts reporter Isaac Hamlet has joined Little Village as our statewide Arts & Culture Editor, based out of our Des Moines office. A Michigan native, Isaac has lived in Iowa since 2013, writing on arts for the Daily Iowan during his time at the university and continuing to cover Iowa culture for the Press-Citizen, the Des Moines Register and more in the time since. You can reach him at isaac@littlevillagemag.com. Welcome, Isaac!
This week’s dinner will be a joint production of Full Bowl in Newbo City Market and Up In Smoke BBQ in Czech Village. Music provided by touring singer/songwriter Severio Mancieri of Duluth, MN.
The Pink House Wants Me Dead is an honest reflection on untreated mental illness, family dysfunction, and internalized homophobia, misogyny, and ableism.
This event is free and open to the public and will showcase the incredible artistry of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals with more than 25 pieces of art.
This show is a simple love letter to comedy, bringing some of Leslie’s favorite comics to one great night. Featuring Matt Anderson, Brandon Gale, Joe Marino, Mitch Banks, and Zach Vaughan.
Love isn’t patient and isn’t kind in Factory of Fear’s newest haunt.
Moline-based Factory of Fear has been manufacturing Halloween scares for nearly 30 years, showcasing year-round attractions across more than 40 scare rooms. They’ve been sharpening their fangs in preparation for their 2023 Valentine’s weekend event, “Love is Blind: Vampires Suck.”
Book Review: ‘Tending Iowa’s Land: Pathways to a Sustainable Future’ ed. by Cornelia F. Mutel
by William Blair, Feb 8
While contemplating Tending Iowa’s Land, a poignant story returned to mind. A good friend of mine and his wife, several years ago, lived very near the Iowa River. During a hot, dry spell, he decided to put a pump into the river and use river water instead of well water to resuscitate their parched garden.
