Thursday, May 2

Willy Porter w. William Stonewall Monroe | 8 p.m. | The Mill | $15 | 19+ before 10 p.m.

The Guild Guitars recording artist and finger-picking extraordinaire makes another visit to the Mill on Thursday. In my mind, this is for fans of Keller Williams and other jam band/fluffy guitar fodder–and he kind of sounds like John Mayer. William Stonewall Monroe opens.

La Clamenza di Tito | 8 p.m. | The Englert Theatre | All Ages | $5-20

Running from Thursday through Sunday, this Mozart opera is sure to please fans of all ages. Sung in Italian.

Written to celebrate the coronation of Emperor Leopold II as King of Bohemia in 1791, La Clemenza di Tito tells of the attempted assassination of the Emperor Tito and his forgiveness of those who betrayed him. The opera was meant to reflect on the titular emperor’s mercy, a quality that the populace might have hoped for in their new king. Sung in Italian with English supertitles, Mozart’s striking portrait of a great ruler who finds power in mercy, rather than revenge, is a model for modern times. –via The Englert

More details and ticket pricing available here. Note that Sunday’s show, as an exception, begins at 2:00 p.m.

Friday, May 3

Fielded w. Gel Set, Gem Jones | 9 p.m. | The Mill | $7 | 19+ before 10 p.m.

The must-see show this weekend, both Fielded and Gel Set are redefining solo electronic/dance music of this century with their haunting vocals and unique songwriting. Both have visited Iowa City before separately, and in a stroke of genius they are finally touring side-by-side.

If you’ve missed out in the past, here’s your chance to catch them both in one fell swoop; If you’ve seen either of them before, I’m sure I’ll see you there on Friday. Gem Jones opens with an ever-changing and expanding lineup of local weirdos dreaming of the beach, mon.

Saturday, May 4

Seldom Seen Fun-Raiser | 7 p.m. | The Yacht Club | $5 | 19+ before 10 p.m.

Seldom Seen is an Iowa-based festival held between Monmouth and Baldwin Iowa on June 28-29, and–as the title suggests–this is a fundraiser for said event! According to their Facebook page, Seldom Seen ‘strives to create a full sensory experience through music, art collaborations, spoken word poetry, organic foods, yoga, photography, and anything else its attendees choose to bring to the event.’ The first day will focus on music and the second poetry, spoken word and art installations.

Sounds cool, right? Well come check out these awesome local bands and help these guys and gals raise some money! Bands include: Alex Body, No Coast, Alientech, Tall Like Cliffs, Phantom Vibrations and EZ EC.

Event page
Find Seldom Seen on Facebook

Emperor’s Club w. Noah’s Ark Was a Spaceship, Huge Lewis | 10 p.m. | Gabe’s | 19+

Still riding high off of their recent performances with indie greats Akron/Family and a sold out Mission Creek Festival show with Divine Fits, Emperor’s Club shows they’re down to play a more relaxed show and just have some fun this Saturday at Gabe’s.

If you haven’t checked out their new record yet it’s all over the interwebs! Noah’s Ark Was a Spaceship is from Omaha, ‘tight and big riffs’ with an indie undertone. Iowa City’s up and coming Huge Lewis rounds out this chilly bill.

Sunday, May 5

Cheap Art Bazaar & Bake Sale | PSZ (120 N. Dubuque St., Wesley Center basement) | 1-4 p.m.

Local artists and foodies will ‘hawk’ their wares on Sunday to support PS1/PSZ! Come buy some goodies to soak up the weekend.