CONTENTS
11.08
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
In Circle
page 03
page 04
Curious about the cool kids behind Hoopla? Find out all about the crew and how to join us.
page 08
Not sure what to do this weekend? Check out these events and just try not to have a good time.
Behind the Bar
page 09
I’m Just Sayin’
Editor Carly Weber shares the full scoop on Hoopla, what’s in this issue and other randomness.
3 Things
page 06
12.
What’s got the Corridor all aTwitter? Ugly holiday sweaters, turkey and snow.
page 10
After years behind the bar at Third Base Brewery Troy Bartlett probably knows your secrets. Find out his.
Twitterpated
Clean Plate Club
Andrea Dietzenbach couldn’t get enough of the gooey cheesey goodness at Iowa City’s Sam’s Pizza.
page 05
VOLUME
001
ISSUE
003
In the Know
All the news you didn’t know you needed to know, plus Greg Dietzenbach’s comic, Little fish, big pond.
page 08
Five Minutes
Find out which holiday movie these young adults can’t help but watch year after year.
page 11
Taste Buds
Hungry? From neighborhood watering holes to fancy schmancy dining, these places might do the trick.
ON THE COVER
page 12
page 14
People You Should Meet
Fave Five
A few of Rachel Morey’s favorite things: Brucemore’s gardens in the summer and the food at El Super Burrito.
Mark Meyer may not be able to skate, but he’s making all sorts of goals with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Don’t know him? You should. Photography by Mark Tade
page 15
Bar Guide
page 16
Thirsty? Craving some live music or want to croon with karaoke? Here’s how you find out where and when.
page 18
Music Notes
PAGE 02
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D e c e m b e r 11 , 2 0 0 8
Let’s talk about … Books Baby! Caitlin Slessor gives you the cliff notes.
page 19
It’s been a big year for 50 Pound Rooster and they’re enjoying the ride.
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Book Talk
Get Out
Don’t be a scrooge. Need a holiday boost? Check out Tuba Christmas or Brucemore mansion.
{ WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
page 17
Flicks
What’s coming, what’s here and what you need to catch before it’s just another title on your Netflix queue.
page 20
Calendar
Quit whining that there’s nothing to do around here. We did the hard work. Go enjoy yourself.
INcircle {
Curious about the cool kids behind Hoopla? Find out all about the crew and how to join us.
Carly Weber
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Editor
Carly Weber is an Alaskan transplant who had to learn to navigate by interstates not mountains and has to pretend she’s seeing the ocean by squinting when she crosses the Mississippi River. She gets excited about new foods, $5 bottles of wine, learning new words, reading beautiful phrases, filling in the last crossword puzzle answer and most of all spending time with her family. She needs to know who to talk to about getting a few more hours added to each day.
Seth Smith
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Design
Seth Smith is an Iowa City native and graduate of the University of Iowa School of Art & Art History. His idea of a great weekend is one spent with his wife and kids during the day, and reading, playing Xbox or watching TiVo’d boxing after they’ve gone to bed. Enjoying a Sonic burger at some point during said weekend upgrades it from ‘great’ to ‘perfect.’
Andrea Dietzenbach
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HERTEEN & STOCKER Jewelers • Downtown Iowa City 101 S. Dubuque Street 319-338-4212
Clean Plate
Andrea is an avid baker and home chef who also works full time as a graphic designer for a large internet company. She is currently teaching her 10-month-old daughter the fine art of baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie.
MON. - WED.
4PM-7PM $2.25 TALL
Caitlin Slessor
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DOMESTIC DRAWS
Book Talk
Caitlin spends her days as a private practice attorney in Cedar Rapids and her nights in slippers on her porch with a book. In between, she is lucky to have a hilarious husband and daughter to cook for, sing Credence Clearwater Revival with and share her love of all things book-y. She’s come a long way since her childhood, when she tried to sneak books into church and spent weddings under tables reading.
Natalie Ditmars
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3707 1ST AVE. SE
862-0772
MONDAY NIGHT $4 BASKET OF WINGS $2.25 TALLBOYS DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS! by Ron
Book Talk
Natalie grew up in Council Bluffs. She attended Iowa State University and obtained her law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. She currently practices law at Bradley & Riley, P.C. In her spare time she enjoys reading (of course!), biking, cooking, traveling and spending time with friends.
Hoopla is published weekly by Gazette Communications.
To place an advertisement call: 319.398.8222 (Cedar Rapids) or 319.339.3101 (Iowa City) For distribution questions call: 319.339.3183 Contact us: Hoopla 201 S. Clinton, Suite 200 Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Phone: 319.339.3182 Email: hoopla@hooplanow.com
5-10PM
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Volume 1 , No. 3, Copyright 2008
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Happy Hour • 9pm-Close
December 11, 2008
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PAGE 03
I’m just
SAYIN’ {
Get the full scoop on Hoopla, what’s in this issue and other randomness.
My husband and I have woefully few family traditions. Remedying that is one of those items on my always growing to-do list. Right next to finishing (oh wait, I mean starting) that scrapbook from our wedding, honeymoon and now daughter’s first year. One of the few traditions we do have is putting up the Christmas tree on the weekend following Thanksgiving. I’d like to say that it’s a day full of apple cider, carols and warm cuddly feelings of familial love. But, truth be told. The real reason we put up the tree when we do is because I’m such a procrastinator. If we don’t do it then in all honesty the tree would probably never go up. And really. If anyone were filming us, we wouldn’t be starring in the next Christmas classic. Trust me. Jimmy Stewart and the rest of the
“It’s a Wonderful Life” cast need not worry. Happy holiday family. We are not. In fact. Our first official couple fight was over our Christmas tree. I wanted a tree fit for Martha Stewart’s living room. And, my husband. He didn’t.
How can you be all cocoa and cuddles when metal branches have left your forearms looking like you met a stray cat in the alley and nerves (not angels) are on high after the zillionth time of reminding an eager toddler that those ornaments aren’t for touching.
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{ WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
Even with A Charlie Brown Christmas spinning in the CD player, there’s only so much Christmas cheer one person can muster. Fast forward four years. We’re getting ready to put up this year’s tree and I’m wondering just how crazy we are to tackle this with an 11-month-old in the house. You have a walking curious toddler and you know that the tree is going to be more tempting than eating or sleeping or even Elmo. Bright lights twinkling seductively. Bright lights with cords. Mmm. Cords. But, we’ve had our tree up for a week now and she hasn’t gone near it. Not once. She tries to chew the trash can, my cell phone charger cord, cabinet knobs, door stops. Everything. But the tree. She leaves that alone. Go figure. Merry Christmas to me. So if you haven’t already, go ‘head put up your tree. But, don’t forget about all the other ways to get your fill of Christmas cheer around Eastern Iowa this month. If you need some ideas check out the calendar (starting on page 20) or go online to HooplaNow.com You never know, you may just start a family tradition.
I’m just sayin’,
KNOW
inthe
{
All the news you didn’t know you needed to know.
Moneywise
Clear skies
CEDAR RAPIDS — Those impacted by floods will
CEDAR RAPIDS — The city has decided it will take
have an additional resource to manage financial recovery. The United Way of Eastern Iowa and the city of Cedar Rapids have made it possible for Horizons to provide free consumer credit counseling services to anyone who needs assistance pulling together a budget, maneuvering through FEMA and SBA paperwork or taking necessary steps to restore credit after the flooding.
on the crows in Greene Square Park. As they did in past years, city crews placed boards in the upper reaches of the park’s trees with two dead crows attached to each one. The use of dead crows — the brainchild some years ago of former city veterinarian Russell Anthony — has effectively driven the thousands of crows, whose droppings paint sidewalks and park statues, out of the park.
For more information, call (319) 398-3576 or (800) 826-3574 or visit online at www.horizonscccs.org
Playground rebound
Mall for sale CEDAR RAPIDS — The owners of Westdale Mall told
the Linn County Board of Supervisors are willing to sell for $18.5 million. Westdale is the post-flood home of several county departments. Key county offices have operated there rent-free since mid-June. Supervisors have yet to decide where to put the offices permanently. They don’t want to return to 930 First St. SW, which they thought was too small even before the flood. The county commissioned a telephone survey to find out where residents wants county offices to be in the future. Results should be ready before Christmas.
-JUUMF ½TI CJH QPOE
The Gazette
The owners of Westdale Mall told the Linn County Board of Supervisors are willing to sell to the county for $18.5 million.
Happy driving The much-needed resurfacing of Interstate 380 between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids is complete just in time for winter — for the most part, anyway. State officials expect the new surface to stand up if this coming winter is as bad as the last one. A 5inch layer of asphalt was put atop the old surface, providing a 15- to 20-year life span for the road.
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The 107-acre park, situated along the Iowa River on the north side of town, was walloped by June’s record flood. Water was more than 9 feet deep at the lowest part of the park. Sand washed in by the flood and left behind when the water receded was 4 feet deep in areas. Total damage at the park is estimated at $667,000.
SOURCE: THE GAZETTE
by Greg Dietzenbach
The
6H?GHE4?
IOWA CITY — It will be snow, not floodwater, that soon covers City Park. But when the temperature turns more favorable again, Iowa City’s beloved playground should be back to its old self.
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{ WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
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3
THINGS NOT SURE WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND? CHECK OUT ONE, TW O OR AL L T HRE E OF T HE S E E VE N T S A N D YOU’ L L HAVE TO T R Y NOT TO HAVE A GOOD T IME . – ERIC CLARK
{ one } “The Sound of Music” Tonight to Saturday (December 11-13) Maria almost didn’t make “The Sound of Music.” Amy Stoner, who plays the lead character in Theatre Cedar Rapids’ production of the classic musical, was suffering from mono in the lead up to the show, which premiered Nov. 28. That’s not the only piece of bad luck Stoner had to deal with recently. In a dress rehearsal for TCR’s “The Rocky Horror Show” in October, she fell and tore open her knee, requiring an in-costume trip to the emergency room and five stitches. Show this girl some support! “The Sound of Music” E R I C C L A R K S H U N N E D M U S I C U N T I L H E WA S 1 2 A N D H A S B E E N OB S ES S ED W I T H I T EVER S I N C E. HE’S BEEN THE ARTS AND E N T E R TA I N M E N T R E P O R T E R AT T H E G A Z E T T E S I N C E 2 0 0 4 .
7:30 tonight (12/11) to Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, TCR Lindale, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, $10 to $25, (319) 366-8591, www.theatrecr.org
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Sat., Dec. 13
Wed., Dec. 17
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Summit
Kevin Burt
Fri., Dec. 12
Mon., Dec. 15
Thurs., Dec. 18
Ben Schmitz
Mark Moss
Tues., Dec. 16
Fri., Dec. 19
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Hoopla
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December 11 , 2008
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{ W W W. HOOPLANOW . C O M }
Full-Time Supervisor We offer:
• Medical and Dental Insurance • 401K • Competitive Salary • Professional and Fun Working Environment • Bachelors Degree and Supervisory Experience Preferred
Call 319-730-2320 for more information or go to www.ruffalocody.com
THREE OTHER THINGS Adrian Legg 8 p.m. Wednesday (12/17) CSPS 1103 Third St. SE Cedar Rapids $14 or $17 (319) 364-1580 www.legionarts.org
{ two }
{ three}
“Small Miracles” 7:30 p.m. Saturday (12/13) and 2 p.m. Sunday
Holiday Pops Saturday & Sunday
“Santaland Diaries” Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
(December 13-14)
(December 17, 19, 20)
Tim Hankewich will do his best Frank Sinatra impression in this year’s Cedar Rapids Symphony/Orchestra Iowa Holiday Pops concerts. Hankewich, the symphony’s conductor, will pick up a microphone for “You’ll Be Swingin’,” a jazzy medley of carols.
Nothing says Christmas for NPR lovin’ brainiacs like David Sedaris’ “Santaland Diaries.” Tim Budd of Iowa City plays Sedaris in City Circle Acting Company of Coralville’s production of the one-man show, which the troupe last staged in 2004.
You’ll also hear holiday favorites like “Let It Snow,” “Deck the Halls” and “Winter Wonderland,” along with guest vocalist John Ryal getting sinister on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Your heart might grow three sizes when you hear it.
The show tells the story of Sedaris’ experience working as a department-store elf. Budd says one of his favorite parts is when Sedaris overly scolds a kid who’s throwing a tantrum, telling him Santa’s going to steal everything out of his home if he doesn’t shut up.
Holiday Pops – “Home for the Holidays”
“Santaland Diaries”
2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday (12/13) and Sunday, Sinclair Auditorium, Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Iowa City West High School, 2901 Melrose Ave., Iowa City; $9 to $54, (319) 362-8203, www.crsymphony.org
7:30 p.m. Wednesday (12/17) and Dec. 19; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City, $15 to $18, (319) 688-2653, www.englert.org
Riverside Theatre 213 N. Gilbert St. Iowa City $12 to $20 (319) 338-7672 www.riversidetheatre.org
The Black Crowes 8 p.m. tonight (12/11) Val Air Ballroom 301 Ashworth Road West Des Moines $36.50 (319) 363-1888 www.valairballroom.com
Find Yourself Here • Job postings • Email notifications • Career opportunities • Employment guide • e-Newsletter • Corridor area links
Local Career Opportunities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City & Surrounding Areas { W W W. HOOPLANOW . C O M }
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December 11 , 2008
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PAG E 07
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Twitter.com is taking the online world by storm. All you have to do is answer, in 140 characters or less, this question: What are you doing right now?
TWITTERPATED minutes
FAME
When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing better than staying home and watching a movie. See what these Corridor residents had to say about the best Christmas flicks to catch year after year. — KATIE MILLS GIORGIO
CedarRapidsIowa: So we have RileysCafe twittering. Are there any other restaurants or businesses in Cedar Rapids using twitter?
of
What is your favorite Christmas
movie?
AMussman: okay, the world is officially virtual. My mom just joined facebook.
LoriPankey: I heart crunchberry day! What
other city in America can boast that their city smells like a wonderful bowl of sugar cereal? Thanks Captain!
dgreencr: Living dangerously. Just bought a 16pound capacity roaster to cook a 16.9 lb. turkey.
Crystal Jagnow, 25
Shawn Leuck, 29
Nick Miller, 25
“‘The Nativity’ because I love that it depicts the real reason—Christ’s birth.”
“‘Elf’ because honestly if you think about that movie it brings the Christmas spirit out.”
“‘A Christmas Story’ because of the bar of soap scene. ‘It was soap poisoning.’”
Marion
Cedar Rapids
Iowa City
HooplaNow: If you missed the horrendous
holiday sweaters at Bricks last night check out photos at www.HooplaNow.com
wlenzjr: One of my dreams is to be a great role
model for my kids. I have many more though. What are your dreams twitterverse?
Sarah Fiala, 25
Vanessa Solesbee, 28
Amanda Happel, 20
sbergus: Anyone seen a snow plow this winter?
“‘A Christmas Story’ because no matter how many times I watch it it’s still hilarious!”
“‘Christmas Vacation.’ It’s like my family on the big screen.”
“‘A Christmas Story’ because it’s a tradition. TBS plays it 24 hours a day. I can always catch it.”
There are still windrows of snow on Blairsferry, I assume CR just isn’t plowing this year #crplowwatch.
Cedar Rapids
muzzysgirl: Preparing for Turkey Dinner to-
Part-time Representatives
morrow for my fellow tweeters!
Can’t get enough? Follow us on Twitter @hooplanow J amie K e lly is th e social m edia gu id e at Th e Ga z ett e. You can stalk him onlin e at twitte r .com/ jami eti e or jami eti e. com
Passion Parties by Amanda 319-929-4300
to book Girls’ Night In yourCallParty today. Couples Parties Bachelorette & More
www.PassionbyAmanda.com PassionbyAmanda@mchsi.com PAGE 08
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Cedar Rapids
kati e mills g iorg io is a f re elance writer liv ing in ce dar rapids who e njoy s th e balancing act o f be in g a write r, wife, mom and hip yo u n g pro f essional in the corridor.
stevebuttry: Sorry to see Brian Duffy leaving the Register. Was there when he started. Cartoonists are a rich part of Register history.
Cedar Rapids
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“I really like working at RuffaloCODY because of the flexible scheduling. I can work part-time while going to school. I have also developed great communication skills that will help me in my future career.”
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Kirkwood Community College Student Employed by RuffaloCODY 4 months
We contact alumni and donors across the U.S to raise funds for prestigious colleges and universities We Offer: • Great Pay • Flexible scheduling • Tuition Assistance A GREAT JOB FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR PART-TIME OR A SECOND JOB Call 319-730-2320 for more information or go to www.ruffalocody.com
BEHINDthebar {
a f te r y ears b e hind th e bar , T roy B artl ett probably knows all yo u r s ecr e ts. Find o u t his . – qu inn pettifer
Troy Bartlett 35, Cedar Rapids
Bartender, General Manager @ Third Base Sports Bar & Brewery
Tell us a little about Third Base Brewery. Three words or less. Family, relaxed, traditional
How long have you been at Third Base Brewery? And in the biz?
Know a bartender we should meet? E-mail hoopla@hooplanow.com
Alright, out with it. Troy’s Signature Cocktail. What is it and what’s in it?
Oh, I can’t tell you that. You tell someone. They tell someone. Before you know it I’m out of a job! Let me say, it’s just what you need. Opened, shaken, stirred or poured. Served with a smile, and if you have time to sit and talk, a friendly ear to bend.
About a year and a half at the current location. Eleven and a half with the (Third Base) “dynasty.”
What got you caught up in the Third Base craze?
We, (Dave Carey, Joe Denny and I) were college buddies. They decided to open the first Third Base location, and on a whim I said, “Hey I could run the place for you.” Just out of graduate school, I decided to quit my job and just jump in with no experience whatsoever, absolutely no clue what I was doing behind the bar. But I went for it. After about one week I was hooked. I simply could not believe I was getting paid and tipped for doing that job.
Describe your most memorable customer. No question. My wife.
Aww…. Who says you can’t find love at the bar? Way to beat the odds.
Definitely. She is the only person to achieve the impossible: leave me stunned and speechless behind the bar.
One of the unique pieces of the Third Base group is the management and staff. There is very little turnover. What do you attribute that to?
Third Base Brewery 500 Blairs Ferry Rd N.E. Cedar Rapids
Respect. The owners do not take their managers for granted and the managers do not take their staff for granted. The service industry is not easy. It’s highly competitive. You have to be doing it better, faster and friendlier than the other guy or you are out of business. So when you are lucky enough to find a great employee you tend to hang on to them.
Eat-in, takeout
11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday
You always seem genuinely happy to be at work and doing what you do. What keeps you going?
Call
(319) 378-9090
The social aspect. I am honored and privileged to share life memories with thousands of people throughout the years. The good times, the bad times and unfortunately some of the ugly times. Imagine throwing a really cool party. I get to do that every night of the year. The social connections are what keep me coming back year after year.
Online
www.thirdbasebrewery.com
quinn petti fer promote s downtown c e dar rapids as a v ibrant are a to li v e , work, play, shop and visit as the cedar R apids downtown district’ s dire ctor o f marke ting .
{ WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
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PAGE 09
club {
CLEANPLATE
Sampling the Corridor one plate at a time with Andrea Dietzenbach.
Tackling Sam’s Pizza
Hav e a re sta u r a n t s u g g e st i o n ? E - m a i l c l e a np l at e c l u b @ hooplanow. c o m o r g o o n l i n e to www. h o op l a n ow. c o m
Sam’s Pizza is the perfect place for the big game or no game at all Details: Sam’s Pizza, 441 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City; eat-in or carryout; 11 a.m. to 1:45 a.m. Monday through Sunday; call (319) 337-8200; online at www.samspizzaic.com
GO HAWKS! Or whatever sports team you prefer. To be honest, I tend to eschew athletics in favor of the latest Food Network Cooking Challenge. The drama! The suspense! The completely inedible Disney-themed sugar sculptures that invariably collapse on the way to the presentation table. Whether you’re a sports bar fan or not, Sam’s Pizza in Iowa City is a great place to hang out and enjoy some really good bar grub. Sure they have several large screen TVs on every wall and maybe a slightly inebriated college kid tried to make conversation with my 1 year old but the atmosphere is one of the many reasons to go to Sam’s. The menu ranges from traditional sandwiches and pizzas to interesting pastas and calzones. I had the Special Calzone loaded with ham, sausage, onion, green pepper and enough gooey, melty cheese to feed several small melted-cheese-loving nations. The food was really good and I’d say the ambience makes it even better. The building has a lot more character than your average pizza place with soaring ceilings with exposed girders, comfy wood-crafted booths and big, long tables capable of holding the largest rowdy college crowd. It’s a fun place and I felt at ease there despite not seeing a single TV tuned to the Food Network. I don’t know how the game ended but I do know that Sam’s Pizza is going down in my book as a winner. PAGE 10
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{ WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
“the ambience makes it even better”
TASTE {
BUDS
Hungry and the McDonald’s 99-cent menu just won’t cut it? From neighborhood watering holes to fancy schmancy dining, these places might do the trick.
Crank it out
Beck and call
The pizza is the star at Cranky Hank’s. It’s “Quad Cities style,” meaning it’s a little sweeter crust, a little spicier sauce, cut in strips, not wedges. Cranky Hank’s also offers calzones, pasta, salads, sandwiches and fried chicken. Customers can watch pizza-makers toss dough and pull pies out of a large, vintage pizza oven.
At Beckett’s Public House you’ll find wood floors, warmly painted walls and literarythemed decor in honor of the pub’s namesake, Irish playwright Samuel Beckett. While the menu isn’t exclusively Irish, the chefs put an Irish twist wherever they can. Fill-up fee: $15 to $22 for entrees; $7 to $10 for sandwhiches.
Fill-up fee: $13.95 for a 12-inch, $20.95 for a 16-inch. Other
Details: 5300 Edgewood Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids; eat-in or takeout; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Bar stays open until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights; call (319) 393-3047; online at www.crbecketts.com
menu items are under $10. A daily lunch buffet is $9.
Details: Lindale Mall, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids; eat-in
or takeout, delivery for orders of $50 or more; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; call (319) 365-4265; online at www.crankyhanks.com
On the ranch
Crazy for Graze
At El Rancho, you’ll find tiled floors, faux adobe arches, colorful hand-painted murals and plenty of Mexican artifacts, like terra cotta hanging lights over the booths and masks on the walls. On your plate, you’ll find Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, chimichangas and tamales.
Graze is a place to go with friends. That’s
because the restaurant doesn’t serve entrees, really, but instead offers a selection of “entree-size portions of appetizers.” The idea is to order several, then share. The No. 1 selling item is Chicken Lips - it’s a (boneless) chicken wing. Graze also has a large “libations” menu that includes martinis, margaritas and other liquor.
Fill-up fee: $9.50 to $23.99, but most entrees are less than $10. All-you-can eat lunch buffet every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $5.75.
Fill-up fee: Most items are $12 or less.
Details: 2747 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids; eat-in or takeout; 11
Details: 115 E. College St., Iowa City; eat-in or takeout; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday; call (319) 887-5477; online at www. foodguru.com/graze/index.php
a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday; call (319) 298-8844; online at www.elranchomexican.com
Fair exchange
Homemade in Hiawatha
Fair Grounds coffee shop is known more as
The Coffee Emporium & Café in Hiawatha (there’s another location in downtown Cedar Rapids) offers salads with homemade dressings. Homemade egg, tuna and chicken salad, made-to-order paninis and cold wrap sandwiches. Soup choices rotate, and vary by season. There are also fresh baked goodies And, of course, coffee.
a restaurant with good coffee thanks to an extensive menu of vegan waffles and French toasts, vegetarian panini sandwiches and a rotating selection of vegan baked goods like cupcakes, muffins and biscotti. Gluten-free waffles are also available. Fill-up fee: $7 and under.
Fill-up fee: Around $6.
Details: 345 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City; eat-in or takeout; 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; call (319) 338-2024; online at http://fairgroundscoffeehouse.com
Details: 1725 Boyson Rd., Hiawatha; eat-in or takeout; 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; call (319) 393-2500; online at www.thecoffeeemporiumcr.com. So u rce: The Gaz ette a nd T he G u ide
{ WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
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{ Don’t know Mark Meyer? You should.
YOU SHOULD MEET
Mark is the master of that atmosphere. The cow bells? Those are his fault. Character appearances for the kiddos. Thank him. Fortunately for Mark he just has to shuffle across the ice. No skates necessary.
Mark’s mom was on her way to becoming a nun when she met his father. They had three boys. Matthew, Mark and Luke. John is his middle name.
Did you know:
Want to partner, sponsor or advertise with the RoughRiders? Mark’s your guy.
What he can do for you:
- CARLY WEBER
“This is second best,” Mark says.
And after all, what little boy doesn’t dream of playing professional sports someday?
“Our office is so small. We all have to wear different hats, help out where we can,” he says. “It gets to be a long season. But games are the most rewarding part, when you see a packed house or a promotion go off well.”
Mark has plenty to do without adding that task to his list.
“I’ve been on it, but not driven it. I’m not licensed for it,” he says.
Only driving the Zamboni could top the fun gun.
But the best part of the job? Shooting tee shirts from the fun gun, of course.
Carly Weber is the editor of Hoopla. She moved to Cedar Rapids from Alaska and back again. But missed Iowa so much she couldn’t stay away.
The Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School graduate isn’t the only one in town who didn’t grow up speaking hockey.
For the record, icing is a delaying tactic when a player shoots the puck to the end of the ice from behind the center ice red line. A penalty kill is when a team is down a player because he (or she) is in the penalty box.
During the game, he schmoozes with guests in suites and orchestrates postgame meet and greets.
“Once they’re here, the atmosphere sells itself,” he says. And that means. You guessed it. He’s on the ice at least once, sometimes twice, a weekend.
“They didn’t hire me to skate,” he says, grinning. “Luckily they didn’t ask me about icing and penalty kills when they hired me either.”
It’s Mark’s job to get people in the door for the first time.
Here, though, the RoughRiders are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. Waterloo, on the other hand, has had a team for more than 40 years.
“Cedar Rapids is still new to hockey, still learning the game of hockey,” says Mark, who was introduced to the game at St. Mary’s University in Minnesota, a state that loves its hockey as much as their Canuck brothers to the north.
This is, after all, Hawkeye Town, where Herky, not hockey is king.
As the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders corporate partnership director for the last four seasons the Cedar Rapids native is in charge of promoting the team. Including game time promotions.
Mark, though, doesn’t have most jobs.
In most jobs, not being able to skate would probably rank down somewhere around not being able to play the bagpipes.
We’re not making a judgment. Those are his words.
Mark Meyer is an embarrassment on ice skates.
Corporate Partnership Director @ Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Mark Meyer, 28, Cedar Rapids
FAVEFIVE {
A few of Rachel Morey’s favorite things: Brucemore’s summer gardens and the food at El Super Burrito.
Rachel Morey 33, Cedar Rapids Writer
no.
01
no.
Brucemore Mansion
www.brucemore.org 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids
no.
El Super Burrito
The grounds and gardens at the mansion are amazing. Admission to the grounds is free most of the time. The gardens are maintained by a staff of talented horticulturists and the pond is inhabited by a school of friendly fish. The lion cemetery is marked by a statue of a large dog. Brucemore is a magical place. Expect to be awed. Bring a friend. If you are so inclined, a tour of the mansion is available if you stop in at the visitors’ center.
Brucemore Mansion
02
El Super Burrito is one of those places that you kind of won’t want to mention after you’ve been there. The food
is authentic, amazing, cheap and you can
always get a table. Until people hear about how authentic, amazing and cheap it is. Maria at El Super Burrito in Cedar Rapids is waiting to greet you. Try the tamales. Try the burrito. Try it all. Well, avoid the tongue (yes, it’s on the menu), but try the rest.
El Super Burrito
www.elsuperburritocedarrapids.com 3300 Johnson Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids
03
The Vine
After a long hard day at the game, there is only one place in Coralville to get two dozen wings and inhale them with a cold beer while your best friends scream at each other about politics. Yes, The Vine has the best wings IN THE WORLD. Hot means HOT. So don’t act all brave if you can’t take the heat. You may have to hunt down a waitress and beg for your wings on game day, but it’s worth it. You can walk there from the stadium. In fact, if you’ve been tailgating all day, you probably should walk there.
The Vine
www.vinetavern.com 39 2nd St., Coralville
Want to write a FAVE FIVE? E-mail hoopla@hooplanow.com
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{ WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
no.
04
Redhead
Eat dinner at the Redhead. This restaurant has a funky, cool ambiance that matches the food and the personality of the chef herself. It’s quiet and romantic without being obvious about it. The food is local and delicious but certainly not pretentious. If you show up without reservations, there is a small town bar down the street where you can wait and people watch.
Redhead
www.myspace.com/redheadrestaurant 240 E. Main St., Solon
no.
05
UI Museum of Natural History
When you want to impress someone, whether it’s your mom, your four-year-old or an old friend from Idaho, take them to the Museum of Natural History. Mammal Hall and Bird Hall are the
best kept secrets in the state. Nearly every
species of bird and mammal is represented and they are all looking at you. It’s creepy and awe inspiring. Just go there. Bring your kids or borrow someone else’s for the afternoon and don’t forget your camera.
Museum of Natural History
http://www.uiowa.edu/~nathist/ 10 Macbride Hall, University of Iowa
Bar Guide
HOOPLA
{Sponsored content }
NORTH CORRIDOR AREA
BAR & LOCATION Thursday 12.11
Friday 12.12
Saturday 12.13
Sunday 12.14
CEDAR RAPIDS WEST Mike Flack 8-12 p.m. $5 Fifth Gear Dom. Pitchers 6 p.m.Bar & Grill close, Late Night Happy
Black the Sun 9 p.m.
Filthy Sanchez 9 p.m.
CLOSED
Cedar Rapids EAST/MARION Otis’ Tailgators Sports Bar
Jeff Bruner 9 p.m.
Pretend Rockstar 9 p.m.
$2 Tall Boys, $3.75 Bombs, $2 Bottles for Iowa Basketball
Karaoke
4617 J. Street SW 366-2177
Monday 12.15
Tuesday 12.16
Wed 12.17
Bud Cup Refil $1 6 p.m.-close, All Bombs $3.50 8 p.m.-close
Rib Special $8.99 6-9 p.m. 1/2 Rack, Loaded Potato, Baked Beans, Side Salad & Corn Bread
$1 Domestic Pints
$1.50 Domestic Bottles
Wii Quaterback Toss, Karaoke, 75¢ Domestic Pints
$2 Domestic Bottles 7 p.m.-close, 1/2 Price Pizzas after 6 p.m.
$5 All-U-Can-Eat Wings $5 Bottomless Cup 6-11 p.m., $2.50 Domestic 7 p.m.-close Steins
Summit 7-9 p.m. $1.50 Domestics & $2 Wells 5-7 p.m.
Ben Schmitz 8-10 p.m. $1.50 Domestics & $2 Wells 5-7 p.m.
Kimberli Maloy 8-10 p.m. $3.50 Martinis All Night for the Ladies
Hour 11 p.m.-close
3969 Center Point Rd. NE 393-6621
Wrigleyville
$5 Bottomless Cup
1899 7th Ave., Marion 377-3885
DOWNTOWN CEDAR RAPIDS $1 Domestic Draws & Bricks 320 2nd Ave. SE 366-0950
$2 Wells Alll Night Long
$2.50 Tallboys, $2.25 Domestic Bottles, $2 Jello Shots
$2.50 Tallboys, $2.25 Domestic Bottles, $2 Jello Shots
Daniel Arthur’s
Kevin Burt 8-11 p.m. $1.50 Domestics & $2 Wells 5-7 p.m.
Bryce Janey 8-11 p.m. $1.50 Domestics & $2 Wells 5-7 p.m.
Terry McCauley 8-11 p.m.
Super Size 7
BillyLee Janey Band
821 3rd Ave. SE 362-9340
Volume
Bloody Mary Bar 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 25¢ Wings, $2 U-call-It 7 p.m.-Close
329 2nd Ave. SE 366-1501
SOUTH CORRIDOR AREA DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY $3 Domestic Pitchers, The Picador $2 Apple Shots; The Heligoats
6 p.m.-The Forecast, Seabird, Pacific Proving Ground, All Ages
$2.50 Micros, $3 Imports $3 Bloody Mary, $1 Cans $2.50 You-Call-It
6 p.m.-Quietdrive, Treaty of Paris, White Tie Affair, Rookie of the Year
$2 Tall Boys
330 E. Washington St. 354-4788
Quinton’s Bar & Deli
$3 Boulevard Big Girls, Live Music 9 p.m.-close
Big Girl Margaritas All Day $3.50 Strawberry or Lime
Stoli Saturdays Singles $3. Doubles $5.
Domestic Big Girls $3, Well Drinks $2, White Russians $3
All Day $2.50 Mexican Bottles, $2.50 Little Boys
The Vine
330 E. Prentiss St. 354-8767
Happy Hour 3-7 p.m. $3 Domestic Steins & $5 Import Steins
Happy Hour 3-7 p.m., $2.50 Wells & Domestic Pints
$4 Bloody Mary & Happy Hour 3-7 p.m., Screwdrivers, Happy Hour $2.50 Wells & Domestic 3-7 p.m. Pints
Happy Hour 3-7 p.m., Happy Hour 3-7 p.m., 9-close $1 U-Call-It Wells $2.50 Wells & Domestic & Domestic Pints Only Pints
The Mill
Maia Quartet 7 p.m. $5
Mannix, Humanos, The Slats, Caw Caw
GB Leighton 8 p.m. $7
Open Mic w/ J. Knight 8 p.m.
Martini’s
$2 U-Call-It, $2 Cosmos, Kir Royale, & Crushed Martinis
$3 UV Drinks, $3 Domestic Bottles, $4 Well Drinks
The Summit
$3 House Wine/glass 3-7 p.m.
$2.50 Specialty Drafts 3-7 p.m.
All Day $2.50 Specialty Beers
Karaoke 9:30 p.m., $3.25 Selected Drinks, Happy Hour 2-7 p.m.
Happy Hour 2-7 p.m.
The Vine
$3 Domestic Steins & $5 Imported Steins
$3 Leinenkugel & Boulevard Seasonals
Gus’ Food & Spirits
9 p.m.-close Karaoke
7 p.m.-close Nightly Drink Live Music 9 p.m.- close Specials, 9-close DJ
215 E. Washington St. 354-7074
120 E. Burlington St. 351-9529 127 1/2 E. College St. 351-5536 10 S. Clinton St. 354-7482
CORALVILLE Charlie’s Bar and Grill
450 First Ave. 356-6914 39 2nd St. 338-7770
2421 Coral Ct. 545-4290
KEY: Live Music Comedy
Karaoke Disc Jockey
$2.50 Cider Bottles and $2 Domestic Bottles Reggae 9 p.m.-close
5-10 p.m. $3 Martinis, All Day Import & Microbrew Bottles $2.50
Happy Hour 3-7 p.m., 9-close $1 U-Call-It Wells & Domestic Pints Only
Tuesday Night Social Club White Tornado 9 p.m. $5 9 p.m.
$1 Domestic Drafts, $2 Imported drafts, $3 Specialty Drafts, $3 Bombs
1/2 off Martinis, $1 Domestic Drafts, $2 Domestic Bottles, $2 Imported Drafts, $3 $3 Bacardi & Three Olives Bombs, $2 Mixed Drinks
1/2 price Martinis, $2 Domestic Bottles, $3 Bacardi & Three Olives
All Day $2.50 Specialty Beers
$3 Specialty Cocktails 3-7 p.m.
$2.50 Specialty Beers 3-7 p.m.
Comedians Claude Stewart and John Burton, $3.50 Martinis 3-7 p.m.
$3.25 Mimosa & Bloody $2.50 Domestic Pints, Mary, $2.50 Screwdrivers $2.25 Well Drinks 2-4 p.m.
$3.25 Selected Drinks, Happy Hour 2-7 p.m.
$3.50 Selected Mexican Drinks
$4.25 Selected Mixed Drinks
$2.50 Domestic Pints, $2.50 Domestic Pints $4 Bloody Mary & Screwdrivers
$2.50 Domestic Pints
$3 Domestic Pints
$2.50 Domestic Pints
7 p.m.-close Nightly Drink 7 p.m.-close Nightly Drink 7 p.m.-close Nightly Drink Specials Specials Specials
To advertise in the Bar Guide, contact your Gazette Communications Media Consultant. Cedar Rapids 319.398.8222
Iowa City 319-339-3101
All drink specials and events in the Hoopla Bar Guide are subject to change.
{ WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
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BOOKTALK {
Let’s talk about … Books Baby! Natalie Ditmars and Caitlin Slessor give you the cliff notes. What are they reading right now and which books can’t they wait to crack open.
Cozy up to these hot books
want to s ee what e lse C aitlin and N atali e ar e reading ? G o to www. goodre ads . com or e- mail booktal k@h ooplanow. com
Days are short. Nights are long. Spend them with these piping hot bowls of literary chili. “In the Woods” by Tana French
In this author’s debut novel, the fun is the path, not the answer. Years after emerging from the woods as the only apparent child survivor of a bloody encounter, our detective works to solve another child’s murder. In this book, relationships are just as important as crime scene details. Psychology is as crucial as the timeline. Pay close attention and you might catch what the detective misses. French has published a few other books in her short career, which I might look into, but not before I read “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson.
“The Fortress of Solitude” by Jonathan Lethem
Growing up white in a mostly black neighborhood in Brooklyn gives Dylan, the protagonist, a unique perspective on adolescence. Magical superpowers are interwoven with other issues like race, class, drugs, criminality and sexuality. You won’t regret starting the three-decade ride with Dylan. For this girl from the Midwest, I was surprised how much I related with the self-conscious Dylan, especially in his early teenage years. I’m also planning on checking out the much discussed “Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz, another multi-decade ride through history.
3969 Center Point Rd. NE • 393-6621
Wait Till Otis Sees Us, He Loves Us!
YOUR HOME OF THE HAWKS Catch all the action on our 13 foot BIG SCREEN TV! WEDNESDAYS
SUN., DEC 14
DJ KARAOKE
DJ KARAOKE
THUR., DEC 11
TUE., DEC 16
Generation X Productions
TANK’S BACK!
$2.00
Tallboys
noon-6pm
Generation X Productions
mixing videos on a 13 ft. big screen!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 “Acacia: The War With The Mein” by David Anthony Durham
The impressive first in a promising new fantasy series, epic Acacia tears down the powerful Akaran family in order to build it back up. Using the human cunning and supernatural assistance that is a staple of the genre, Durham wraps the reader in a fantasy world where nothing is too treacherous to do to a trusting friend. Fans of George R.R. Martin’s “Song of Ice and Fire” series will appreciate the moral ambiguity, where good is sometimes bad and bad can be an ally. I am patiently awaiting book two, set for publication next fall. I’ve also heard good things about Durham’s historical fiction novel, “The Pride of Carthage.”
Next on m y list: Of cours e, I won’t start a ny new r eads unt i l I’ve inh al ed the w hole Twi lig ht s erie s.
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{ WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
Live Music
9PM
Jeff Bruner SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
Live Music
9PM
Become A Tailgators VIP By Texting OTIS to 83361
FLICKS
{
What’s coming, what’s here and what you’d better hurry to the multiplex to see before it’s just another title on your Netflix queue.
Coming
A lready here
Friday, December 12
Four Christmases
Nothing Like the Holidays
The scattered members of the Rodriguez family return to their parents’ home in Chicago to celebrate the holiday season, as well as their youngest’s safe return from combat overseas. But when old tensions surface, the pressure is on the individuals to truly come together as a family. Stars John Leguizamo and Debra Messing.
Wednesday, December 17 Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood directs himself, playing a veteran whose prejudices are challenged in encounters with his immigrant neighbors.
Thursday, December 25 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Brad Pitt rejoins “Babel” co-star Cate Blanchett for this film, based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald story about a man who ages backward toward infancy.
Valkyrie
Tom Cruise stars as German Col. Claus von Stauffenberg, who led a group of insiders in a failed attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler with a briefcase bomb. Key scenes were shot at actual places in Germany where events occurred, including Bendlerblock, the place where the anti-Nazi conspirators were executed.
Revolutionary Road
Their epic love was giddy, passionate, unshakable — until the ship hit the iceberg and sank. The stars of “Titanic,” Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, share a far different love story in “Revolutionary Road,” playing a couple whose marriage comes undone as they seek meaning amid the stifling conformity of the 1950s.
Wednesday, December 31 Defiance
Daniel Craig stars with Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell in the story of Jewish brothers who escape the Nazis and set up a community of resistance fighters in Eastern Europe.
A comedy about a married couple (Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) from two divorced families who are tasked with attending four Christmas Day celebrations. HooplaNow.com extra: Two guys, a girl and movie review “Four Christmases.”
Twilight
This good girl, bad boy romance is based on the first book in Stephenie Meyer’s series about an awkward teen (Kristen Stewart) who falls for a dazzling, eternally young stud (Robert Pattinson). OK, so he’s a vampire, but a nice vampire, from a family of bloodsuckers who eschew gnawing on humans.
Australia
Nicole Kidman is back with “Moulin Rouge” creator Baz Luhrmann, co-starring with Hugh Jackman in a tale of a British aristocrat and a roughneck driving cattle across the continent amid a Japanese attack during World War II.
Bolt
Another Disney Channel star, Miley Cyrus, lends her voice to the animated adventures of a canine TV star (voiced by John Travolta) on a cross-country trek to get home to his human co-star (Cyrus).
G oing Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
This sequel reunites voice stars Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith and David Schwimmer as zoo animals out in the wild. It sets up one of the season’s weirdest love stories, between Schwimmer’s giraffe and Pinkett Smith’s hippopotamus.
Quantum of Solace
When we last saw Mr. Bond, the superspy in the making was really steamed and looking for payback over the death of the love of his life. “Quantum of Solace” picks up where “Casino Royale” left off, pitting Bond against a phony environmentalist trying to monopolize the water supply. The title comes from a phrase in an Ian Fleming short story, where someone describes to Bond a relationship that unraveled and what measure of devotion is required to keep love alive. HooplaNow.com extra: Two guys, a girl and movie review “Quantum of Solace.” { WWW. H O O P L A N O W .COM }
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MUSICNOTES
{
You’ve heard their music. Now know their story.
GRAB YOUR DRINK AND TURN IT UP!
FREE ADMISSION WITH COLLEGE I.D.
WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY 6PM - 2AM
UPCOMING SHOWS! FRI., DEC. 12 Super Size 7
P H OTO P R O V I D E D
Eric Weber , Matt McPherson, Casey Yeager and Trent Sieverding.
SAT., DEC. 13 BillyLee Janey Band
50 Pound Rooster
THE TALENT: Eric Weber (rhythm guitar/vocals), Trent Sieverding (drums/lead vocals), Casey Yeager (bass guitar) and Matt McPherson (lead guitar) THE SOUND: Southern-fried rock and roll THE GIGS: Saturday (12/13), Stalker’s Pub, Miles. CD release party at Mooney Hollow Barn on New Year’s Eve. Closer to the Corridor at Scooter’s in Anamosa May 23. THE ALBUM: “Takin’ Both Lanes” Available online. THE MUSIC: Hear mp3’s of 50 Pound Rooster at www.HooplaNow.com THE REST OF THE STORY: www.50poundrooster.com and www.myspace.com/50poundrooster Nothin’ poultry about it, 2008 was an exciting year for 50 Pound Rooster, a Bellevue-based band that’s a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. “We don’t really fit one genre,” says band member Eric Weber, who plays rhythm guitar and does some singing (and also happens to be the brother-in-law of Hoopla Editor Carly Weber.) “We play country. We play rock. We play music that sounds good to us—the way we like it!” 50 Pound Rooster started mostly as a cover band adding their own interpretations to classic favorites.
They started performing original tunes about a year and a half ago and this past June, 50 Pound Rooster opened for Kenny Chesney and LeAnn Rimes at the iWireless Center in the Quad Cities after winning a regional “Next Big Star” contest. “We were quite ecstatic and nervous at the same time,” Weber says. “When the time came, it was such a thrill. That enormous arena and the number of people—it really made an impression on us. And getting there with our own music and by the support of our fans made it extra special.” To wrap up their big year, the band’s first original album “Takin’ Both Lanes” is due out later this month. Weber says it’s packed with 13 tracks of driving rhythms, scorching hot guitar licks, and lots of great lyrics and vocal harmonies.
“We like to ‘Roosterfy’ things,” Weber says. “We put our own ingredients into something you’ve heard before and make it a bit more interesting.” The band has been playing together since May of 2005. They all come from different musical backgrounds, which is one of the band’s strengths Weber says.
“Really, this is great example of our “Roosterfied” music. I think there is something for every musical preference. That mix of country and rock is really apparent in the new album.”
“We tried our best to embrace what everyone brought to the table and build upon that together. We learn something every time we get together and that helps us keep refining who we are.”
And the title, he says, sums up where the band is headed in the coming year. “Get out of the way, we’re coming through!”
K AT I E M I L L S G I O R G I O I S A F R E E L A N C E W R I T E R L I V I N G I N C E D A R R A P I DS W H O ENJOYS THE BALANCING ACT OF BEING A WRITER, W I FE, MOM A ND HIP YOUNG PROFESSIONAL IN THE CORRID OR.
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{ W W W. HOOPLANOW . C O M }
FRI., DEC. 19 Reddoor
SAT., DEC. 20 Suspect Zero
FRI., DEC. 26 Funkstop
SAT., DEC. 27 Black The Sun
NEW Year’s Eve... CRAZY DELICIOUS E-mail: volumecr@yahoo.com
SMOKE & DRINK IN OUR BEER GARDEN
LINE-UP CARD MONDAY $1 Domestic Pints TUESDAY $1.50 Domestic Bottles Live Music w/ Nassor Cooper WEDNESDAY 75¢ Domestic Pints THURSDAY $5 Bottomless Cup FRIDAY $2 T-Boys, $3.75 Bombs SATURDAY $2 Domestic Bottles Karaoke Wed. & Sat. Nights with Entertaining Donkeys
GOLDEN TEE POWER PUTT Now Available! Enjoy $1.50 Domestic Bottles & $ 2 Tallboys During Iowa Basketball Games 1899 7th Ave. • Marion, IA 377-3885
GETOUT
{
We don’t care how you do it. Catch a parade, a show or trim a tree. It’s the holiday season. Celebrate!
It’s beginning to look, feel and sound a lot like Christmas. Retailers hustling, shoppers jostling, wind whipping, tires slipping. Ahh. Man. We missed the holidays. With all the frenzy to out-gift one another and fluff that Christmas tree branch just so, it can be hard to remember all the good reasons for the season. Like kids faces beaming, Christmas lights gleaming, happy voices singing and silver bells ringing. That all sounds nice. Right? For more feel good Christmasy-type events, read on.
MONDAY $2 Dom. Bottles 7-close 1/2 Price Pizzas after 6pm
TUESDAY
For the musician Tuba Christmas @ Westdale Mall, Cedar Rapids Information: Jim Engelbach (319) 377-2389 or Sid Blair (319) 377-9474 or www. crtubachristmas.com
Tubas don’t often get the spotlight. Cheer on the underdog at the annual Tuba Christmas Saturday at the Westdale Mall in front of JCPenney’s. Dozens and dozens of tuba players congregate to play Christmas carols as only tubas can. Hear how low they can go and check out the decked out instruments and musicians. The performance starts at 2 p.m. Registration and rehearsal start at 10 a.m. Admission is FREE.
$5 All-U-Can-Eat Wings 6pm-11pm $2.50 Domestic Steins
RISTMAS BASH! CHChristmas Night • 8-close
WEDNESDAY $5 Bottomless Cup 7pm-close
The Generation X Productions DJ’s!
THURSDAY
DJ Bryan Lee • DJ Commando DJ Jesse James • DJ NYJ DJ VerbaTIM
$1 Dom. Draws & $2 Wells ALL NIGHT LONG
FRI. & SAT. $2.50 Tallboys $2.25 Dom. Bottles $2 Jello Shots 3 Tacos for $2 • 10pm-1am
$100 Domestic Pints • $200 Wells
NEW YEAR’S EVE
SUNDAY Bloody Mary Bar 11am-6pm 25¢ Wings $5 Burger Basket $2 U-Call-It 7pm-close
616 2nd Avenue SE • www.karmacr.com
THURSDAY NIGHTS For the history buff Brucemore Mansion Tours 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids Information: (319) 362-7375 or www.brucemore.org
Even if you’ve taken a tour at Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids’ only National Historic Trust site, go again. Around the holidays, the mansion is even more resplendent with its several ornately decorated trees, lush garland winding up the grand staircase, luxurious table setting in the dining room and new mantel arrangements. Tours begin on the hour 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday through December 31. Reservations are required for parties of ten or more. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children and free to Brucemore members.
Noche Latina
Music to be played Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Regaeton, Mbia, Nortena. Import beers, Margaritas, House drink specials.
(Latin Night)
Dance Lessons 7-8pm. Open Floor right After lessons till 2am.
FRIDAY NIGHTS
DJ JER RIS
SATURDAY NIGHTS DJ Bryan Lee
NOW HIRING! Waitresses & Barbacks Cedar Rapids Most Upscale Nightclub
{ W W W. HOOPLANOW . C O M }
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CALENDAR
Thursday
December 11 Music Linda Bryant
11 a.m. Herrick Chapel, Grinnell College, Grinnell. www.grinnell.edu
Out & About Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce PM Exchange 5 p.m. The Salvation Army, 1000 C Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids. (319) 743-4723 or www.cedarrapids.org
Theater
Thursday Forum: Ann Struthers, “Memoir of the Middle East”
3 p.m. The Old Creamery Theatre, Amana. Tickets: $25.50; $16.50 under age 30. 1-(800) 35-AMANA or www.oldcreamery.com See also Friday through Sunday and Wednesday listings.
8:45 a.m. Kesler Lecture Hall, Hickok Hall, Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. (319) 399-8561
“Traveling Greece in the Footsteps of Pausanias: Creating Cultural Identity with a Distant Past”
11:10 a.m. Hedges Conference Room, The Commons, Cornell College, Mount Vernon. Free. (319) 895-4231
“Writers Gone Public”
Minds Matter team trivia
7 p.m. Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 300 E. Ninth St., Coralville. Entry fee: $80 for a team of eight ($10 per person). (319) 338-7884 or www.communitymentalhealthcenter.org
For Children Children’s Story Time
9:30 a.m. Children’s Room, Russell D. Cole Library, Cornell College, Mount Vernon. (319) 895-4271
Holiday Events Kwick Kwanzaa Krafts Part 2: Making Gifts 10:30 a.m. Cedar Rapids Public Library, Westdale Mall, Cedar Rapids. (319) 551-9037
“A Douglas Family Christmas” 5 p.m. Brucemore, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids, Admission: $10 adults; $7 Brucemore members; $3 ages 6 to 18. (319) 362-7375 or www.brucemore.org See also Wednesday listing
Crafts/Sales
Lectures/ Discussion
7 p.m. Gerber Lounge, English-Philosophy Building, University of Iowa, Iowa City. Free. (319) 335-3467
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7 p.m. Jefferson High School, 1243 20th St. SW, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $2 to $4. (319) 558-3778. See also Friday and Saturday listings.
Iowa Theatre Artists Co. presents “Smoke on the Mountain”
Film “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming!”
Urban Theater Project of Iowa presents “The Pillowman”
6:30 p.m. James Kennedy Public Library, Dyersville. (563) 875-8912 or www.dyersville.lib.ia.us
Art Events BFA Group Exhibition opening reception
7 p.m. UNI Gallery of Art, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. Free. (319) 273-6134
Performance Collaborative Performance Concert 8 p.m. Space Place, North Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City. Tickets: $12; $6 UI students and youths. (319) 335-3041 or 1-(800) 346-4401. See also Friday and Saturday listings.
7:30 p.m. 221 Second Ave. SE (above Blend), Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $10. (319) 651-8535. See also Friday and Saturday listings.
“The Congresswoman” by Aristophanes
8 p.m. Brewery Square, 123 N. Linn St., Iowa City. Free. www.uiowa.edu See also Friday and Saturday listings.
Friday
December 12 Music Holiday Tubas
12:30 p.m. Old Capitol, University of Iowa, Iowa City. Free. (319) 335-1603
Music Seminar Student Recital
3:15 p.m. Ringer Recital Studio, Armstrong Hall, Cornell College, Mount Vernon. Free. (319) 895-4231
5:30 to 8 p.m. downtown Marion merchants ■ ■
Jefferson High School Drama Department presents “The Crucible”
7:30 p.m. Colony Village Restaurant, Little Amana, Interstate 80, Exit 225. Tickets: $25 show only; $39.50 with buffet. (319) 622-3222 or www.iowatheatreartists.org See also Friday through Sunday listings.
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Candlelight Vespers Concert with Kennedy High School Chamber Choir 5:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 310 Fifth St. SE, Cedar Rapids. (319) 364-6148
UI Jazz Combo Festival
6:30 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 E. College St., Iowa City. Free. (319) 335-1603
Kathy Mattea, “Songs and the Season”
7:30 p.m. Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. Tickets: $24 to $40. (319) 273-4849, 1-(877) 549-7469 or www.unitix.uni.edu
Tonic Sol-fa
7:30 p.m. Erling and Dorothy Hanson Auditorium, Manchester. Tickets: $15; $10 students 18 and under. (563) 608-0026 or (563) 920-1528
Steel Drum Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m. King Chapel, Cornell College, Mount Vernon. Free. (319) 895-4231
UI Martha-Ellen Tye Opera Theater presents “A December to Remember” by Gary Briggle 8 p.m. The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St. Tickets: $20; $16 seniors; $10 UI students and youths. (319) 688-2653. See also Saturday listing.
Out & About Mediacom/Big Ten Network flood recovery fundraiser
featuring Ashton Kutcher and Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson, held in conjunction with Iowa/Iowa State men’s basketball game, Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City. Pregame VIP event with Johnson at the arena ($50 donation); screening of Kutcher’s movie “Personal Effects” after the game at The Englert Theatre 11 p.m. ($15). www.mediacomfloodrelief.com
Holiday Events Annual Christmas Tree Walk and Craft Show
5 to 8 p.m. Lawrence Community Center, Anamosa. Admission: canned food item. (319) 462-2181. See also Saturday and Sunday listings.
Annual Hiawatha Musical Notes and Holiday Floats Parade
6 p.m. St. Elizabeth’s Church to Hiawatha Elementary School, Hiawatha. (319) 241-0436 or (319) 393-1515
Lectures/ Discussion Waneta Dawn, author book signing
5 to 8 p.m. Waldenbooks, Sycamore Mall, Iowa City. (319) 471-5276
Art Events Annual Eastside Artists Holiday Show and Sale
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Masonic Building, 312 E. College St., Iowa City. www.eastsideartistsiowacity.com See also Saturday and Sunday listings.
Comedy Dale Jones with Vilmos
8 p.m. Penguins Comedy Club, Clarion Hotel, 525 33rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $12.50; $14.50 day of show. (319) 362-8133 or www. penguinscomedyclub.com See also Saturday listing.
Performances Collaborative Performance Concert
8 p.m. Space Place, North Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City. Tickets: $12; $6 UI students and youths. (319) 3353041 or 1-(800) 346-4401. See also Saturday listing.
CALENDAR
Dance Kahraman Near East Dance Ensemble presents “Evening of Decadence”
7:30 p.m. Kahraman Dance Studio, 330 E. Second St., Iowa City. Tickets: $20. (319) 354-9638 or www.KahramanDance.org
Old Time Christmas Dance, sponsored by Cedar Valley Chapter of Polka Club of Iowa 8 p.m. Memorial Building, Traer. (319) 266-8817
Theater “Nuncrackers”
3 and 7:30 p.m. The Old Creamery Theatre, Amana. Tickets: $25.50; $16.50 under age 30. 1-(800) 35-AMANA or www.oldcreamery.com See also Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday listings.
Jefferson High School Drama Department presents “The Crucible” 7 p.m. Jefferson High School, 1243 20th St. SW, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $2 to $4. (319) 558-3778. See also Saturday listing.
Iowa Theatre Artists Co. presents “Smoke on the Mountain”
7:30 p.m. Colony Village Restaurant, Little Amana, Interstate 80, Exit 225. Tickets: $25 show only; $39.50 with buffet. (319) 622-3222 or www.iowatheatreartists.org See also Saturday and Sunday listings.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music”
7:30 p.m. Theatre Cedar Rapids at TCR Lindale, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $20 to $25; $15 youth; $10 rush. (319) 366-8592 or www.theatrecr.org See also Saturday and Sunday listings.
Starlighters II Theatre presents “Godspell” 7:30 p.m.
Starlighters II Theatre, Anamosa. Tickets: $14; $13 students and seniors. (319) 462-4793 or www. starlighters.org See also Saturday and Sunday listings.
Urban Theater Project of Iowa presents “The Pillowman” 7:30 p.m. 221 Second Ave. SE (above Blend), Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $10. (319) 651-8535. See also Saturday listing.
“Baby With the Bathwater,” dark comedy by Christopher Durang
7:30 p.m. Plumb-Fleming Studio Theater, Cornell College, Mount Vernon. Tickets: $8; $5 students (non-Cornell); free Cornell students and staff. www.cornellcollege.edu See also Saturday listing.
“A Christmas Story”
7:30 p.m. Mount Vernon District Auditorium, Mount Vernon. Tickets: $5. (319) 213-0147 or www.odysseytheatremv.com See also Saturday listing.
Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony presents Holiday Pops 2 and 7:30 p.m. Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. Tickets: $24; $13 youths (up to two youth tickets for $1 each at matinee). (319) 2734TIX, 1-(877) 549-SHOW or www. wcfsymphony.org
Cedar Rapids Symphony/Orchestra Iowa presents “Home for the Holidays” pops concert 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sinclair Auditorium, Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $21 to $54. (319) 3668203, 1-(800) 369-8863 or www. orchestraiowa.org See also Sunday and Tuesday listings.
“Holiday Grande 2008” with Jim McDonough
“Christmas in the Loft” organ recital with Barbara Ritchie
7 p.m. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 8300 C Ave. NE, Marion. Free. (319) 294-2552
Musick’s Feast holiday concert 7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 2701 Rochester Ave., Iowa City. Tickets: $15; $12 seniors; $6 students.
Elizabeth Wessling, piano
7:30 p.m. Recital Studio, Armstrong Hall, Cornell College, Mount Vernon. Free. (319) 895-4231
UI Martha-Ellen Tye Opera Theater presents “A December to Remember” by Gary Briggle 8 p.m. The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St. Tickets: $20; $16 seniors;
$10 UI students and youths. (319) 688-2653
Out & About Linn County Conservation Department Hike-A-Trail
10 a.m. Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Rd., Toddville. Free. (319) 892-6485
24th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Civil War Re-enactors 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Carl and Mary Koehler History Center, 615 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Admission: $3; $1 students and seniors; $5 families. (319) 362-1501 or www.historycenter.org
2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Five Flags Center, Dubuque. Tickets: $26 to $29. (563) 557-8497 or www.ticketmaster.com See also Sunday listing.
“The Congresswoman” by Aristophanes
8 p.m. Brewery Square, 123 N. Linn St., Iowa City. Free. www.uiowa.edu See also Saturday listing.
Saturday
December 13 Music Cocoa and Carols
10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Kennedy High School, 4545 Wenig Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $1 to $3; free students, seniors and preschoolers. (319) 558-2251
Tim Daugherty Holiday Tour
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Von Maur, Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids. Free. (319) 395-9770
“Merry TubaChristmas”
2 p.m. Westdale Mall, Cedar Rapids. Rehearsal at 10 a.m. (319) 377-2389 or (319) 377-9474
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CALENDAR OPENING: “Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America”
1 p.m. Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., Iowa City. Free. (319) 887-6216
For Children Edgar Wibble Puppet Theatre
2 and 4 p.m. lower level below Younkers, Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $5. (319) 294-7082. See also Sunday listing.
Holiday Events “Holiday in the Hills”
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jackson County Welcome Center, Sabula. 1-(800) 342-1837. See also Sunday listing.
Annual Christmas Tree Walk and Craft Show
noon to 8 p.m. Lawrence Community Center, Anamosa. Admission: canned food item. (319) 462-2181. See also Sunday listing.
Christmas for the Critters
1 p.m., Fontana Park, near Hazleton. Registration fee: $3; $7 per family. (319) 636-2617
Holiday Visions House Walk
4 to 8 p.m. Fairfax. Soup, sandwiches and desserts at St. Patrick’s Church. (319) 846-3138 or www.fairfaxia.com
Cookie Walk and More, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library temporary location, Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids.
Museum guild cookie walk, 9:30 a.m.; 10 a.m. to noon Holiday Make and Take Workshop; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marj Nejdl personalizes Christmas ornaments. (319) 294-5354 or www.NCSML.org
Mount Vernon Winter Farmers Market 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. City Hall, Mount Vernon. (319) 310-6399
Art Events Annual Eastside Artists Holiday Show and Sale
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Masonic Building, 312 E. College St., Iowa City. www.eastsideartistsiowacity.com See also Sunday listing.
Harry Potter Day
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Free. (319) 366-7503 or www.crma.org
Comedy Dale Jones with Vilmos
Crafts/Sales
7:30 and 10 p.m. Penguins Comedy Club, Clarion Hotel, 525 33rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $12.50; $14.50 day of show. (319) 362-8133 or www. penguinscomedyclub.com
Naomi-Esther Circle Cookie Walk
Performances
8 a.m. to noon St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 4700 Johnson Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids. (319) 396-6361
Cookie Walk
8:30 to 10:30 a.m. United Church of Christ, Central City. $4 baker’s dozen. (319) 438-1347
9 to 11:30 a.m. First Presbyterian Church, 2701 Rochester Ave., Iowa City. (319) 466-9390 ■ ■
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8 p.m. Space Place, North Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City. Tickets: $12; $6 UI students and youths. (319) 3353041 or 1-(800) 346-4401
Theater
Annual Cookie Walk, Alternative Gift Market, Mini-Bazaar and Cookbook Sales
PAGE 22
Collaborative Performance Concert
“The Elves and the Shoemaker”
11:30 a.m. The Old Creamery Theatre Co., Amana. Tickets: $7. 1-(800) 35AMANA or www.oldcreamery.com
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Iowa Theatre Artists Co. presents “Smoke on the Mountain” 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Colony Village Restaurant, Little Amana, Interstate 80, Exit 225. Tickets: $25; $39.50 with buffet. (319) 622-3222 or www.iowatheatreartists.org See also Sunday listing.
“A Christmas Story”
2 p.m. Mount Vernon District Auditorium, Mount Vernon. Tickets: $5. (319) 213-0147 or www.odysseytheatremv.com
“Baby With the Bathwater,” dark comedy by Christopher Durang
7:30 p.m. Plumb-Fleming Studio Theater, Cornell College, Mount Vernon. Tickets: $8; $5 students (non-Cornell); free Cornell students and staff. www.cornellcollege.edu
“The Congresswoman” by Aristophanes
8 p.m. Brewery Square, 123 N. Linn St., Iowa City. Free. www.uiowa.edu
Sunday
“Nuncrackers”
3 and 7:30 p.m. The Old Creamery Theatre, Amana. Tickets: $25.50; $16.50 under age 30. 1-(800) 35-AMANA or www. oldcreamery.com See also Sunday and Wednesday listings.
Jefferson High School Drama Department presents “The Crucible” 7 p.m. Jefferson High School, 1243 20th St. SW, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $2 to $4. (319) 558-3778
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music”
7:30 p.m. by Theatre Cedar Rapids at TCR Lindale, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $20 to $25; $15 youth; $10 rush. (319) 366-8592 or www.theatrecr.org See also Sunday listing.
“Small Miracles”
7:30 p.m. Riverside Theatre, 213 N. Gilbert St., Iowa City. Tickets: $20. (319) 3387672 or www.riversidetheatre.org See also Sunday listing.
Starlighters II Theatre presents “Godspell”
7:30 p.m. Starlighters II Theatre, Anamosa. Tickets: $14; $13 students and seniors. (319) 462-4793 or www.starlighters.org See also Sunday listing.
Urban Theater Project of Iowa presents “The Pillowman” 7:30 p.m. 221 Second Ave. SE (above Blend), Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $10. (319) 651-8535
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December 14 Music Sweet Adelines
2 p.m. Granger House Museum, 970 10th St., Marion. Regular admission fee: $3 adults; $1 children. (319) 393-7052
Cedar Rapids Symphony/ Orchestra Iowa presents “Home for the Holidays” pops concert
2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sinclair Auditorium, Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $21 to $54. (319) 366-8203, 1-(800) 369-8863 or www.orchestraiowa.org See also Tuesday listing.
“Holiday Grande 2008” with Jim McDonough
West High School, 2901 Melrose Ave., Iowa City. Free. (319) 335-1603
For Children Edgar Wibble Puppet Theatre
2 and 4 p.m. lower level below Younkers, Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $5. (319) 294-7082
Holiday Events Joyful Sunday
First United Methodist Church, 214 E. Jefferson St., Iowa City. Free. Chancel Choir presents John Rutter’s “Gloria” 8 and 10:30 a.m. services; 9:15 a.m “Company’s Coming,” children’s musical production. (319) 337-2857
“Holiday in the Hills”
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jackson County Welcome Center, Sabula. 1-(800) 342-1837
Annual Christmas Tree Walk and Craft Show
noon to 4 p.m. Lawrence Community Center, Anamosa. Admission: canned food item. (319) 462-2181
Holiday Open House
1 to 4 p.m. Cedar Valley Humane Society, 7411 Mount Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids. (319) 362-6288
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Live Nativity
2:30 p.m. Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. Tickets: $26 to $29. 1-(877) 549-7469 or www.unitix. uni.edu
3:30 to 6 p.m. First Avenue at Court Street, Iowa City. Free. (319) 338-5626
Luren Singing Society presents “O Praise the Lord”
Alternative Gift Market
Joyful Noise Women’s Chorus Annual Holiday Concert
Film
3 p.m. St. Luke’s Catholic Church, St. Lucas. (563) 387-1119
4 p.m. Monticello High School, Monticello
Iowa Percussion’s “Last Chance” concert 8:02 p.m.
Crafts/Sales 9:30 a.m. to noon First Presbyterian Church, 2701 Rochester Ave., Iowa City. (319) 337-5436
“Jewel of the Earth”
2 p.m. Museum of Natural History, Macbride Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City. Free. (319) 335-0606 or www.uiowa.edu/~nathist
CALENDAR “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”
2 p.m. James Kennedy Public Library, Dyersville. Free. (563) 875-8912 or www.dyersville.lib.ia.us
Art Events Annual Eastside Artists Holiday Show and Sale
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Masonic Building, 312 E. College St., Iowa City. www.eastsideartistsiowacity.com
Dance Argentine folkloric dance workshop
4 p.m. Arts a la Carte, 408 First Ave., Coralville. Cost: $5 per class; $20 for five classes. (319) 400-4695
Theater Iowa Theatre Artists Co. presents “Smoke on the Mountain” 1:30 p.m. Colony Village Restaurant, Little Amana, Interstate 80, Exit 225. Tickets: $25 show only; $39.50 with buffet. (319) 622-3222 or www.iowatheatreartists.org
“Small Miracles”
2 p.m. Riverside Theatre, 213 N. Gilbert St., Iowa City. Tickets: $20. (319) 338-7672 or www.riversidetheatre.org
Starlighters II Theatre presents “Godspell”
2 p.m. Starlighters II Theatre, Anamosa. Tickets: $14; $13 students and seniors. (319) 462-4793 or www.starlighters.org See also Saturday and Sunday listings.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music”
2:30 p.m. Theatre Cedar Rapids at TCR Lindale, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $20 to $25; $15 youths; $10 rush. (319) 366-8592 or www.theatrecr.org
“Nuncrackers”
3 p.m. The Old Creamery Theatre, Amana. Tickets: $25.50; $16.50 under age
30. 1-(800) 35-AMANA or www.oldcreamery.com See also Wednesday listing.
free preschoolers, students with activity pass. (319) 395-0074
Out & About
Holiday Events
Spanish Conversation Circle
Auditions
2 p.m. Charlie’s, Gage Memorial Union, Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. Practice speaking Spanish. (319) 363-3707 or www. diversityfocus.org
“A Douglas Family Christmas”
Vernon Middle School Bands winter concert
Cedar Rapids Symphony/Orchestra Iowa presents “Home for the Holidays” pops concert
For Children
“Lost in Yonkers”
7 p.m. TCR Lindale, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. Runs Feb. 13-22. www.theatrecr.org See also Monday listing.
Monday
December 15 Music Annual Italian Dinner and Swing Show, West High School, 2901 Melrose Ave., Iowa City Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m.; performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15; $10 dinner; $6 show only
Tim Daugherty Jazz Quintet 8 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 E. College St., Iowa City. Free. (319) 337-3333
Film “Batman Begins”
7 p.m. James Kennedy Public Library, Dyersville. Free. (563) 875-8912 or www.dyersville.lib.ia.us
Auditions “Lost in Yonkers”
7 p.m. TCR Lindale, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. Runs Feb. 13 to 22. www.theatrecr.org
Tuesday
December 16 Music Kennedy High School Band holiday concert
7 p.m. Kennedy High School, 4545 Wenig Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $2 to $4;
7 p.m. Vernon Middle School, 1301 Fifth Ave., Marion. Free. (319) 377-9401
7:30 p.m. West High School, 2901 Melrose Ave., Iowa City. Tickets: $21 to $54. (319) 366-8203, 1-(800) 369-8863 or www.orchestraiowa.org
For Children
Theater
Science for Squirts: A Holiday for the Birds
“Nuncrackers”
3 p.m. The Old Creamery Theatre, Amana. Tickets: $25.50; $16.50 under age 30. 1-(800) 35-AMANA or www.oldcreamery.com
10 a.m. Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, Toddville. Cost: $2 per child. Register by Monday. (319) 892-6485
Tot Time with Andrew
10 a.m. North Liberty Community Library, North Liberty. (319) 626-5701
Tot Time with Andrew and Melanie
10 a.m. North Liberty Community Library, North Liberty. (319) 626-5701
5 p.m. Brucemore, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids. Admission: $10 adults; $7 Brucemore members; $3 ages 6 to 18. (319) 362-7375 or www.brucemore.org
PJ Story Time with Melanie
6 p.m. North Liberty Community Library, North Liberty. (319) 626-5701
City Circle Acting Co. presents “The Santaland Diaries” 7:30 p.m. The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City. (319) 541-2980
Film “The Dark Knight”
7 p.m. James Kennedy Public Library, Dyersville. Free. (563) 875-8912 or www.dyersville.lib.ia.us
Wednesday December 17
Music Ruth Hurlburt, organ
noon St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 2675 E. Washington St., Iowa City. Free. (319) 626-6354
Lunch in the Loft: Advent organ celebration, with Betty Debban
noon First Lutheran Church, 1000 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Bring your lunch. (319) 365-1494
Adrian Legg
8 p.m. CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets: $14 advance; $17 day of show. (319) 364-1580 or www.legionarts.org
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