ISSUE 275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7
A L W A Y S
F R E E
2019
A READER-SELECTED LOCALS’ GUIDE TO THE CR AND IC AREA
The Color Purple
2019/2020 SEASON UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 24–25 The Color Purple 29 Miró Quartet and Kiera Duffy, soprano Personal Revolution
Miró Quartet
FEBRUARY 1 Kids Club Hancher: Gina Chavez 5 Culinary Arts Experience: University Catering Dinner with the Chefs *Tickets on sale January 6 8 Rosanne Cash 15 RUBBERBAND, Vic’s Mix 21 Syed Umar Warsi, Amir Safi, and Amal Kassir An Evening of Spoken Word Poetry 22 Negin Farsad 28–29 The Actors’ Gang, The New Colossus
Gina Chavez
The Actors’ Gang The New Colossus
MARCH 4 The Chieftains, The Irish Goodbye 8 Club Hancher: Dreamers’ Circus 10 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 25 Club Hancher: Melissa Aldana Quartet 28 Los Angeles Master Chorale Lagrime di San Pietro (Tears of St. Peter)
The Chieftains
APRIL 3–4 Beautiful: The Carole King Musical 7 The Boston Pops On Tour Lights, Camera…Music! Six Decades of John Williams 18 ETHEL + Robert Mirabal, The River 24–26 Compagnia TPO, Farfalle MAY 1–2 4 6
Dreamers’ Circus
Slingsby Theatre Company Emil and the Detectives Danish String Quartet Culinary Arts Experience: Maggie’s Farm Wood-Fired Pizza *Tickets on sale April 6
AUGUST 14–16 The Big Splash! - FREE & OUTDOORS
Los Angeles Master Chorale Lagrime di San Pietro (Tears of St. Peter)
TICKETS MAKE GREAT GIFTS! $10 STUDENT TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SHOWS
Order online hancher.uiowa.edu Call (319) 335-1160 or 800-HANCHER Accessibility Services (319) 335-1158
Discover more at hancher.uiowa.edu Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events.If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Hancher in advance at (319) 335-1158.
Slingsby Theatre Company Emil and the Detectives
JANUARY 24–25 • HANCHER AUDITORIUM
HANCHER.UIOWA.EDU • (319) 335-1160 OR 800-HANCHER The performance on Saturday, January 25, at 1 pm, will feature an American Sign Language interpreter. Audio Description is also available for this performance.
Rosanne Cash Saturday, February 8, 7:30 pm
$10
STUDENT TICKETS
Carrying the legacy of her famous musical family forward, Rosanne Cash is one of the great singer-songwriters of our time. Pitchfork calls her latest record, She Remembers Everything, “a collection of miniatures that collectively paint a vivid, haunting portrait of the blessings and bruises of life.� A passionate learner and activist, Cash will also participate in a series of residency events while on campus. Details of these events are forthcoming. TICKETS: ADULT: $65 | $55 | $45 COLLEGE STUDENT: $58 | $10 YOUTH: $32 | $10
Order online hancher.uiowa.edu Call (319) 335-1160 or 800-HANCHER Accessibility Services (319) 335-1158
EVENT PARTNERS: Norma and David Carlson H. Dee and Myrene Hoover Jeffrey and Kristine Nielsen Shive-Hattery Architecture + Engineering
Discover more at hancher.uiowa.edu Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Hancher in advance at (319) 335-1158.
RUBBERBAND Vic’s Mix
$10
STUDENT TICKETS
Saturday, February 15, 7:30 pm RUBBERBAND holds a special place in Hancher history. The flood of 2008 forced the cancellation of the ensemble’s Hancher performance, but the troupe completed an exceptional state-wide residency, lifting spirits at a difficult time. Now, RUBBERBAND returns with Vic’s Mix, a celebration of Victor Quijada’s 15 years of making dance—not only for his own company but for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Scottish Dance Theatre as well. RUBBERBAND will also be a key part of The Big Splash! in August of 2020. TICKETS: ADULT: $45 | $35 | $25 COLLEGE STUDENT: $40 | $10 YOUTH: $22 | $10
Order online hancher.uiowa.edu Call (319) 335-1160 or 800-HANCHER Accessibility Services (319) 335-1158
EVENT SPONSORS:
Photo: Bill Hebert
Scheels
Discover more at hancher.uiowa.edu Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Hancher in advance at (319) 335-1158.
Syed Umar Warsi, Amir Safi, and Amal Kassir
$10 STUDENT TICKETS TICKETS: ADULT: $25
An evening of spoken word poetry
COLLEGE STUDENT: $10
Friday, February 21, 7:30 pm
General Hancher Partners Hancher Circle Donors
YOUTH: $10
EVENT SPONSORS:
Drawing from the wellspring of their lived experiences as Muslims, artists, and more, three spoken word poets and storytellers will present an evening of powerful and deeply felt work.
Negin Farsad Saturday, February 22, 7:30 pm A self-described “social justice comedian,” Negin Farsad has been named one of the 10 Best Feminist Comedians by Paper magazine and one of the 50 Funniest Women by Huffington Post. She is also the writer, director, and star of the romantic comedy 3rd Street Blackout and the director and producer of Nerdcore Rising and The Muslims Are Coming! While promoting the latter, she sued New York’s MTA for the right to put up humorous posters about Muslims. She won. She’ll win you over, too.
$10 STUDENT TICKETS TICKETS: ADULT: $40 | $30 | $20 COLLEGE STUDENT: $36 | $10 YOUTH: $20 | $10
EVENT SPONSORS: François M. and Doris E. Abboud Little Village Jo Ellen Ross
EMBRACING COMPLEXITY Hancher’s Embracing Complexity project celebrates and explores Islamic art, Muslim artists, and traditions from Muslim-majority parts of the world. Learn more at hancher.uiowa.edu/embracing-complexity. This project is made possible in part by a grant from the Association of Performing Arts Professionals – Building Bridges: Arts, Culture, and Identity, a component of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
Discover more at hancher.uiowa.edu Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Hancher in advance at (319) 335-1158.
The Actors’ Gang The New Colossus Friday-Saturday, February 28-29, 7:30 pm Performed in twelve languages (with English supertitles) with live music, poetry, and kinetic movement, The New Colossus asks an essential question: Who are we as a nation? The play explores the true stories of twelve people in the United States today because their families fled their countries of origin to escape oppression. Actors from around the world share the stage to tell heart-wrenching stories, weaving a single narrative of desperate people drawn to the promise of America. Audio Description is available for these performances. TICKETS: ADULT: $50 COLLEGE STUDENT: $25 YOUTH: $25
Order online hancher.uiowa.edu Call (319) 335-1160 or 800-HANCHER Accessibility Services (319) 335-1158
EVENT SPONSORS: Richard and Vicki Siefers
Photo: Ashley Randall
Alan and Liz Swanson
Discover more at hancher.uiowa.edu Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Hancher in advance at (319) 335-1158.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
$10
STUDENT TICKETS
Robert Battle, Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya, Associate Artistic Director Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 pm The extraordinary dancers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater make their first appearance on the new Hancher stage with a program that will be undeniably revelatory. Artistic Director Robert Battle has remained true to the vision of his predecessors— Ailey himself and Judith Jamison—while also expanding the company’s work with a wide array of choreographers. The performance will close with Revelations, Ailey’s masterwork that is as powerful today as it was when it debuted in 1960. TICKETS: ADULT: $75 | $65 | $55 COLLEGE STUDENT: $67 | $10 YOUTH: $37 | $10
Order online hancher.uiowa.edu Call (319) 335-1160 or 800-HANCHER Accessibility Services (319) 335-1158
EVENT SPONSORS: John and Ellen Buchanan Ed and Patricia Folsom The McIntyre Foundation
Photo: Andrew Eccles
Robert and Kathleen Staley
Discover more at hancher.uiowa.edu Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Hancher in advance at (319) 335-1158.
In the summer of 1960, a teenage girl from Brooklyn walked into a Manhattan recording studio and started writing the songs that would shape a generation. Her name was Carole King. Her story is Beautiful.
April 3–4 | Hancher Auditorium hancher.uiowa.edu | (319) 335-1160 or 800-HANCHER The performance on Saturday, April 4, at 1 pm, will feature an American Sign Language interpreter. Audio Description is also available for this performance.
f o s e s l t t t h o ig b n d e y c da i r p on f l M a H ine w
r u o Y e v r Rese day Holi ow! N s e i t r a P
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ISSUE 275 DEc. 4, 2019–Jan. 7
A L W A Y S
F R E E
2019
A READER-SELECTED LOCALS’ GUIDE TO THE CR AND IC AREA
Best Hair Salon, Best New Business: Honeybee Hair Parlor Best Massage Therapist: Jaime Nevins Zak Neumann / Little Village
VOL. 28 ISSUE 275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 ALWAYS FREE LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM PUBLISHER MATTHEW STEELE DIGITAL DIRECTOR DREW BULMAN ART DIRECTOR JORDAN SELLERGREN MANAGING EDITOR EMMA MCCLATCHEY ARTS EDITOR GENEVIEVE TRAINOR NEWS DIRECTOR PAUL BRENNAN VISUAL REPORTER—PHOTO ZAK NEUMANN VISUAL REPORTER—VIDEO JASON SMITH STAFF WRITER/EDITOR IZABELA ZALUSKA FOOD & DRINK DIRECTOR FRANKIE SCHNECKLOTH DISTRIBUTION BRIAN JOHANNESSEN, DAI GWILLIAM, NORBERT SARSFIELD, NICOLE ELDRIDGE, THEO PRINEAS MARKETING COORDINATOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER JAV DUCKER
Long before our neck of the woods was dubbed the ICR or the Corridor, it was known as the CRANDIC— taken from the CR-and-IC train line that has served the area since 1904, “the CRANDIC Route.” Whatever you call this area, we love it and we love you. Thank you for voting for the Best of the CRANDIC!
ENGAGEMENT EDITOR CELINE ROBINS ADVERTISING ADS@LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM LISTINGS CALENDAR@LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM
HOW DOES THE CONTEST WORK? We asked. You answered. We tallied. You waited. Now it’s finally time to celebrate the winners! From Aug. 1-Sept. 30, Little Village readers cast their votes in our second annual Best of the CRANDIC awards. From the Best Craft Brewery to the Best Place to People-Watch, readers didn’t just vote for who they think should go home with the title—they also wrote in why. That’s where the fun part starts for us. We tallied the votes and collected all the funniest, truest and most touching explanations into this issue, so you’ll get the lowdown on the Best of the CRANDIC from the locals themselves, plus a few shout-outs to the runners-up along the way.
CONTRIBUTORS ZACH BERG, AUDREY BROCK, JEFF CARL, NATALIE DUNLAP, MELANIE HANSON, BETH HUDSON, BENJAMIN JEFFERY, LAURA
SUPPORTED BY
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12 - Letters & Interactions 16 - Brock About Town 20 - Arts & Entertainment 42 - Health & Recreation 44 - Your Village
52 - Goods & Services 64 - Food & Drink 80 - Events Calendar 109 - Ad Index 111 - Dear Kiki
113 - Astrology 115 - Local Albums 117 - Local Books 118 - Reader Survey 119 - Crossword
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LETTERS LV encourages community members, including candidates for office, to submit letters to Editor@LittleVillageMag.com. To be considered for print publication, letters should be under 500 words. Preference is given to letters that have not been published elsewhere. RAGBRAI IS FALLING APART, BUT IOWANS HAVE ALWAYS HATED CYCLISTS. If you’ve ever dared to wade into
the comments section under local news stories about bike lanes in downtown Cedar Rapids, you’re familiar with this hatred. “I’ve been stuck going 15 under the speed limit just because there was a group of bike riders in the street,” one Facebook commenter said under a recent headline. Others chimed in angrily about bike lanes messing with parking options—something Iowans do not take lightly. “How about reverting bike lanes to parking spots?” someone suggested. If these folks were city planners, downtown Cedar Rapids would be an eight-lane highway that dead-ends into a parking lot. When I lived in Minneapolis for a stint, I rode my bike everywhere. I was proud of it—it was good for the environment and my
health. The bigger motivation, though, was that as a fresh-out-of-college broke person, I would have had to work for an hour and a half just to earn enough to afford to park. Luckily, Minneapolis has been consistently listed as one of the best cities for biking in the country due to its biking infrastructure and because it has motorists who “get it.” Polite, rule-following Iowan that I am, I looked on with wonderment at the Minneapolis natives who “rolled,” or yielded, at stop signs. It turns out, they were onto something. Several states have passed a law that allows cyclists to slow down instead of coming to a full stop at stop signs. A 2010 University of California Berkeley study, called Bicycle Safety and Choice, found this law improved safety, and author Jason N. Meggs theorized that part of the reason is that cyclists can perceive their surroundings better
Have an opinion?
F U T I L E W R A T H
S A M LO C K E WA R D
BETTER WRITE ABOUT IT! Send letters to editor@littlevillagemag.com than motorists and are able to execute a safe yield. We’re a long way from adopting that kind of law here. “Good for nothing bikers,” read one comment under a recent RAGBRAI news story. One of the main arguments against cyclists falls around the fact that people occasionally have to slow down a bit to get around someone, and that’s no good. “I once had to follow a middle-aged couple riding bikes with me laying on the horn for a good few minutes,” another Facebook commenter said, apparently unaware that blaring your horn is not part of sharing the road. There are also a lot of questions about whether cyclists are paying sufficient taxes to use the 1.26 inches of the road their tires occupy. Given how spread out the Cedar Rapids area is, it would be a gigantic undertaking to decide to get everywhere on a bike, especially in the winter. The snowboarding helmet with ear flaps and goggles I donned while biking in Minnesota helped keep me feel a tad more comfortable, but it wasn’t exactly like heated seats, nor was it my best look. Shouldn’t we be OK with these dedicated few saving a little bit on taxes? The most interesting point made against bike lanes is that no one uses them, anyway—they’re ghostly and empty. “You could pave the bike lane with gold and they wouldn’t use it,” a Facebook commenter said. Someone else responded in agreement, “I rarely see anyone using the bike lanes. Where is everybody?” When I moved back to Iowa, I gave up riding my bike for transportation swiftly and completely. Sure, we have (had?) RAGBRAI, but Iowans show a lot of hate for cyclists. I don’t think even the scariest online commenters would hit me on purpose, but I also don’t think they’d mind much if I got hit, so long as the accident didn’t cause a slowdown. —Jessica Carney The Full Kit is closing in Davenport, months after its Iowa City store closed Twenty years in retail is a great run, and Mitch should be proud. —Brendan H.
Holiday waste reduction tip #1 Choose sustainable gift wrap such as last year’s giftbags, old newspaper/maps, fabric, or reusable cloth bags. Remember: metallic- and glittercoated wrapping paper is not recyclable.
Get more tips at icgov.org/recycle LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 13
INTERACTIONS S T R E S S F R A C T U R E S
JOHN
MARTINEK Still have a pair of Nike SB I got there in 2011. Legend. —Gregory M.
Following a shaky performance in the latest Democratic debate, Joe Biden announces major Iowa campaign tour Sweetie no. —Allison L. Despite how this is being advertised [the “No Malarkey” bus tour] I believe there will be, in fact, a lot of malarkey. —Dan U. He’s taking on the hooligans and whippersnappers of the world! Watch. You’ll see. He’ll get ‘em! —Kevin M.
Cedar Rapids City Council backs Cargill’s plans for a rail yard in Rompot neighborhood, despite opposition from residents Sounds like environmental classism to me. This wouldn’t have been allowed in other areas of the city. —Hank W. This is just wrong on so many levels. The City Council needs to reexamine its position a vote “NO” on this rezoning. There are some things that are more important than corporate greed. —Al N.
Sen. Joni Ernst ‘literally danced a jig’ while discussing Buttigieg, the possibility of impeachment hurting Democrats in Iowa Meanwhile the despot she supports tears apart Iowa farmers while they seem to cheer it on. Surreal! —Christopher M.
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INTERACTIONS The Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building, named in honor of two Cedar Rapids civil rights pioneers, will open on Friday
Amazon is getting real-world real estate in Iowa City, and will give you the chance to deliver its packages (if you have $30,000)
Great family. Well-deserved honor. —Pam H.W.
I get it if the were trying to use already operating small delivery business, like Speedee or Hawkeye Express, but not tell people to start a small business just to deliver for Amazon. —Joni W.
Remarkable, warm, intelligent people. —Michael S.R.
BROCK ABOUT TOWN
AUDREY BROCK
Be Best Hello and welcome to the 2019 Best of the CRANDIC issue! A couple months back, we asked you to tell us your favorite places in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area—the best desserts, the best bar for dancing, the hottest band—and we, through a grueling March Madness-style process that may or may not have involved dark magic, determined the most popular. They’re reproduced here, for your viewing enjoyment. I know you’re dying to see if you or Emily were right about which sushi restaurant is best (it doesn’t matter, just call her and tell her you’re sorry) but allow me to wax philosophical for just a minute. As every year draws to a close, we’re inundated with “best of” lists. You can hardly scroll down your Facebook timeline without seeing a million of them— best memes, best movies, best dogs wearing sweaters—and even Spotify makes you a playlist of your most-played songs this year. In my case, it should be called “songs you cried to in public this year” and it is sorely unwelcome, but I digress. The point is, we all get kind of sick of the end-of-year rankings, but there’s something really cool about the Best of the CRANDIC. Especially this time of year, it’s easy to not like Iowa City. It’s cold and slippery and even though I’m not even in college anymore, college students keep giving me colds. When the holiday sads hit, it’s easy to think everything would be better if we were all sitting on a white sand beach, but the truth is, there’s a lot to love here. Next time you start to doubt it, flip through your copy of this issue and think about all the cool stuff we have right here at home. Yes, yes, your friends and family and the beautiful memories that you made together, but more importantly, good Szechuan. This issue is Little Village’s last of this year. Sad, I know. I’ll miss you guys over winter break. Have fun, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
Yeah...no. —Meg I. With the price of a vehicle, insurance, gas, repairs and everything else, it will be interesting to see if you can really make any money? —Dan H.
Six Iowa City parks to close early in December as sharp shooters cull deer I am so disappointed and disgusted by the City of Iowa City!! Sharp shooters?!? There are houses with children that border many of these locations. Not to mention the lack of our ability to cohabitate with far too many species. —Phoebe You guys are ridiculous. I’ve almost hit deer in DOWNTOWN Iowa City. There is a safety concern for motorists. They aren’t going to kill a bunch of deer just because. —Justin R. It is cruel to let them live while starving to death, too. With no natural predators this may be the most humane solution. —Dawn D.S. I do not approve of hunting in city parks. People walk home from work through these parks. Some parks are surrounded by homes. Close ONE PARK AT A TIME, or one day a week. Hunt, with permission, along open fields and forests in and near the city. But closing parks at 3 p.m. for 20 days or so is not reasonable. —Margaret K.
Iowa Chief Justice Mark Cady, author of the landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage in Iowa, has died Thank you for doing your civic duties of what judges are supposed to do—Justice is blind, and you judge accordingly. —Jenny A.
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READER POLL: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?
21.4% Tokyo Summer Olympics 57% Caucusing/ voting
READER PERKS
7.1% Sonic the Hedgehog movie 14.3% 20/20 vision puns
Iowa Supreme Court ruling on Coe College’s Grant Wood paintings costs school’s endowment more than $5 million Yes, that sounds right. Besides, do we want art counted in a university’s salable assets? Doesn’t that road lead to pressure to sell priceless works that have been donated? —Sharon F. Yet the college is responsible for the insurance, maintenance and safety of the paintings? The court is basically saying “These are yours in every way but...” —Debbie M.P.
Patients will be able to park for free in UIHC’s ramps starting on Dec. 3 Great. Now if I can just find my car. —Kay S.H.
SHOP HALF-PRICE GIFT CARDS
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“Best Soul Food” in the CRANDIC
4342 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids • 319-396-2229
WE'RE MOVING! Follow us for announcements. Vivian’s Soul food
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Thank you! voted
BEST PLACE TO SEE ART
in the 2019 Best of the CRANDIC competition 4 1 0 T h i r d Av e n u e S E , C e d a r R a p i d s , I o w a • 3 1 9 . 3 6 6 . 7 5 0 3 • w w w. c r m a . o r g
BEST OF THE CRANDIC
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT “They make everyone dance when they play
BEST LIVE BAND
Elizabeth Moen
the Friday Night Concert Series. It is a tight group of musicians who have been together
BEST MUSICIAN OVERALL
Kevin Burt
“I’ve really enjoyed following Elizabeth Moen
for nine years, made up of all local talent. They
“He is amazing and has a heart of gold.”
and Elly Hofmaier. They have such soulful and
recreated Steely Dan’s hits with grace and
—Kristie F.D.
amazing voices and have so much promise as
vitality. A must-see act.” —Megan M.
great young artists.” —Matt B.
THE FEZ “We love The Fez. Firstly, Steely Dan... what more
PEANUT RICKY
Shoutouts!
Shoutouts!
instruments, is an excellent
“This group has great vision and the mood they create gives me all the feels.” —Doug N.
songwriter, and has great hair and style.” —Lydia G.
need be said? Secondly,
KAREN MEAT
The Fez just slays it. I’ve seen Steely live. The
“Hands down. Not only are they skilled
Fez miiiight be better!” —Natasha W.
musically, their stage presence is so oddly charming and very entertaining.” —Kailee O.
20 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
LUCAS ADOLPHSON “He is talented at multiple
From left: Elizabeth Moen, photo courtesy of Yellow Bar, Rome, Italy; Alizabeth Von Presley, Akwi Nji, Karen Meat, David Zollo and Kevin Burt, photos by Zak Neumann
ELIZABETH MOEN “She’s got so much soul in her voice all the while rips on the guitar. Every time I’ve seen her, the room is captivated by her essence. Her funky sound compliments her celestial lyracy.” —Rachel M.
TREVOR POLK “When he’s not playing keys for Halfloves, he’s composing and playing solo piano shows.” —Alexa B.
ALIZABETH VON PRESLEY “She is crazy talented, beautiful and creative. She’s also very real on social media and in real life.” —Mia S.
DAVE ZOLLO “His bluesy performances touch every bone in my body at any occasion.” —Jeanne S.
BEST ARTS PRESENTER
The Englert Theatre 221 E Washington St, Iowa City
“Is it a venue? Is it an organization? After a century of the arts, it’s broken out of the venerable theater, brings the arts outside to the entire ICR, including The Mill, Blues & BBQ and The Paramount.” —Nick B. “Best and eclectic. An Iowa treasure.” —Paul J. “Being in a historic theater allows you to feel the energy from so many shows past. Simply magic!” —Phoebe M.
ADAM KNIGHT “He’s bringing Riverside into the 21st century.”
AKWI NJI “Such gorgeous writing and powerful presentation, a strong voice with a heart on fire!” —Kristie V.
CSPS/LEGION ARTS “They have a history of bringing and promoting all kinds of artists. They are a blessing to this community.” —John W. “They have a wonderful performance space and bring an eclectic group of musicians and artists to Cedar Rapids.” —Jan F.
PARAMOUNT THEATRE “The Paramount offers an extensive range of
Shoutouts!
programming year-round in a beautiful and historic facility saved after the floods.” —C.K.
—Rachel H. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 21
Zak Neumann / Little Village
BEST LOCAL THEATER COMPANY
Riverside Theatre
213 N Gilbert St, Iowa City
“Riverside continues to be one of the only theaters in the country presenting this combination of classic and new work.” —Katie R.
BEST CONCERT OF 2019
Lake Street Dive @ Big Grove Brewery
“Lake Street Dive had an awesome show at Big Grove. The Englert and Big Grove collaboration made the show huge and the night rocked.” —A.M.
“Hotspur killed it (or
“I always love the festive, summery vibe at this festival. So much unique handmade work from a variety of artists. I can’t leave without buying a new piece of pottery!” —Cadry N.
“Kid-friendly and coolest lineup, plus beautiful
Shoutouts!
scenery, camping,
Men on Boats, Riverside Theatre HENRY IV, PART I, RIVERSIDE THEATRE
Iowa Arts Festival
GREY AREA
Shoutout!
BEST THEATRICAL PRODUCTION OF 2019
BEST FESTIVAL
etc. Luke and Cortnie work hard and make improvements that benefit the attendees every year.” —A.K.
OKTOBERFEST IN THE AMANA COLONIES
Shoutout!
“The Amana Colonies always throws the best Oktoberfest, filled with steins, lederhosen and
rather, got killed?)”
Matt Steele
—Stacia D.
all of the traditional German competitions!” —Emily E.
LIZZO @ HOMECOMING 2018 “First woman of color to headline a University of Iowa homecoming concert. So powerful, inclusive and inspiring!” —Penny P. 22 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
CONGRATULATIONS! University of Iowa Health Care 2019 “Best of the CRANDIC” Award Winners
Katie Imborek, MD Most Trusted Physician
Family Medicine/LGBTQ Clinic
University of Iowa Health Care
Best Mental Health Services Provider
UI Health Care
Best Mental Health Services Provider
uihc.org
IOWA CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL “It’s where I feel the most pride in being an Iowan.” —Bridget W. “Hands down the most talented folks to play
State of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Sean Ulman, CRMA executive director, reflects on events past and future.
in Iowa City. This year was filled with great performances, amazing talent and all for
Top three exhibitions of 2019
free in downtown Iowa City. Brings the jazz community out to party. It’s an opportunity to see the world’s best jazz artists here in Iowa City.” —M.M.
MISSION CREEK FESTIVAL “It’s always new, challenging and full of vectors.” —Andy M.
WITCHING HOUR “I can’t think of a more Iowa City festival.” —Michael Z.
BEST PLACE TO SEE ART
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
Shoutouts!
CSPS HALL “The building is a work of art, rich with history.
They feature local and national artists in their galleries. The galleries are free, making them
“American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times” (Feb. 2-May 19)
accessible to all. They have an auditorium and
Yale Joel, courtesy of The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
black box theater drawing in national and international musicians. I witnessed my first performance art piece there. One time, I shared a drink at intermission with a bagpipest from Ireland!” —Rachel M.
DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY “The mural project has really elevated the downtown area and made art more accessible to the public. I like that they’ve used a mix of local and non-local artists, which has kept the murals from getting too homogenous.” —Kelly S.
“Kick Up Your Heels: The Fine Art of Shoes” (May 11-Sept. 1) Courtesy of CRMA
PUBLIC SPACE ONE “To me, local artists means community and PS1 is the definition of such a place.” —Jennifer “No contest, they have cemented their legacy as the IC community hub for all things art related.” —Doug N.
24 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
“If We Ran the Zoo: Animals in Children’s Book Illustration” (Oct. 6, 2018-Jan. 13, 2019) Courtesy of Zerzanek Collection of the Cedar Rapids Public Library
Can’t-miss exhibition of 2020 Next year, the CRMA celebrates the 125th anniversary of its origins, and an entire year of exceptional exhibitions and educational programs are planned. First up is a major exhibition of French and American Impressionism, the prevailing style at the time of our founding in 1895. Entitled “Across the Atlantic: American Impressionism through the French Lens,” this exhibition of 76 works includes French artists such as Edgar Degas, Pierre Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro, as well as American artists John Singer Sargent, William Merritt Chase and Childe Hassam. We will be the only Midwestern venue for this important traveling exhibition, which will be on view in Cedar Rapids Feb. 1-April 26, 2020.
k n a Th ou! Y
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BEST LOCAL STAND-UP COMEDIAN
Spencer Loucks Shoutout!
Read Up! Marilynne Robinson, favorite of some of our more literate presidents, has helped put the City of Literature on the map.
CARSON TUTTLE “He’s witty, he’s quick on his feet and supports other local comedians to an
impressive degree.” —Emma W.
BEST LOCAL WRITER
Marilynne Robinson LYZ LENZ
Shoutouts!
“She has her finger on the pulse of
Housekeeping (1980), was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and won the PEN/ Hemingway Award for best first novel.
Gilead (2004), Robinson’s second novel, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2005.
Home (2008), a companion novel to Gilead, was a finalist for the National Book Award (fiction).
Lila (2014), the third book of the Gilead trilogy, won Robinson her second National Book Critics Circle Award.
Iowa politics as a contributor to The Gazette and released her first book this year!” —Krista K.
CALEB RAINEY “I’ve watched Caleb ‘The Negro Artist’ Rainey grow from solely spoken-word to publishing his own work, and the development in that process shows. Caleb not only channels so much energy into his work, but into connecting with others. No matter your walk of life, Caleb’s literature will touch your soul and challenge you to reflect—true art at its best.” —Dan S.
BEST LOCAL ARTIST
Sayuri Sasaki Hemann “Sayuri’s artwork has such a fun, playful and
JEFF MCNUTT “Jeff McNutt transfixes
colorful aesthetic. The work she did with the
me with his color and
mural near the Englert adds a lot to downtown
movement. Plus, he’s just
Iowa City.” —Cadry N.
Shoutouts!
DJ FREESMEIER
a great human.” —Natasha W.
“He’s a photographer,
CLAIRE THOELE
designer, architect and fisherman
“Her style is
whose passion and skill in his craft is
in a class of
matched only in his ability to make
its own and
others feel loved.” —Andrew R.
she is not only super
JOE HUERMANN A.K.A. NIGHTMARE IMAGERY
creative, but also technically
and screen printing that has been used for
spot-on with
album art and shirts for many local bands,
her work.”
as well as very well-known metal bands from across the country.” —Marissa D.
26 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
Jason Smith / Little Village
“He does amazing intricate ink drawings
—Amanda B.
BEST MOVIE THEATER
FilmScene
118 and 404 E College St, Iowa City “If the film is playing nowhere else, chances are it will be there.” —Paul E.J. “This place is welcoming, creative and cuttingedge! They take care and pride in programming events and weekly movies to get you thinking, talking and out of the box!” —Jamie
BEST LOCAL RECORD STUDIO/LABEL
Flat Black Studios (Long Play Records) 5012 540th St SE, Lone Tree
CURIOUS MUSIC “Curious Music in Coralville had been
Shoutout!
quietly putting out worldrenown avant garde artists for decades.” —Katie R.
t hones local BBQ
voted BEST BARBECUE in the crandic 1940 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City - 319.354.7427 | 745 Community Dr, North Liberty - 319.665.2486 jimmyjacksribshack.com
Nick Rohlman
BEST COMMUNITY (I.E. NON-PROFESSIONAL) MUSIC OR THEATER GROUP
Theatre Cedar Rapids 102 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids
Shoutouts!
FAMILY FOLK MACHINE “Family Folk Machine is an intergenerational
non-auditioned folk choir. Kids learn to play instruments, seniors sing their hearts out and the relevant voice of songs makes every concert a truly meaningful experience.” —Katie R.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY THEATRE “They draw lots of people in from IC and neighboring communities and build a very real sense of community in the theatre.” —K.R.
SPT THEATRE “Cracking up the Corridor with their clever writing and song choices for years!” —Kristie V.
I.C. KINGS “The I.C. Kings are such a unique drag king troupe. There is such a high level of theatricality in each and every show they put on. I’ve seen drag kings all over the country, and there is something very unique about this troupe. They come up with great themes, have entertaining guest performers and create such a safe space for all individuals. They’re amazing!” —Sara T.
OAKDALE COMMUNITY CHOIR “Locals and incarcerated men engage in singing and transformation (within themselves and the criminal justice system) under the direction of Dr. Mary Cohen.” —Maria K. “During the past choir season the choir was featured in a short documentary aired on Iowa Public Television—it is now been nominated for a regional Emmy award. The choir participated in a learning exchange with the Soweto Gospel Choir, welcomed Maggie Wheeler (Janice from Friends), and sang at the state capitol.” —Bridget T.
28 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
Studio 13
13 S Linn St, Iowa City
“Always good music. Always good drinks. People always dancing.” —Anthony S. “The atmosphere is always really fun and the music never stops!” —Amanda B.
GABE’S “Whether it’s live music upstairs or the dance
Shoutouts!
party downstairs—it’s always an easy place to let loose!” —Kyle H.
WILDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE & SALOON “There are few places where you can line dance, swing dance or salsa to a live band. This is a great place to learn and dance on a regular basis.” —C.K.
WE HAVE BEEN NAMED
Best Place to Dance & BEST LGBTQ HANGOUT FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR VOTES AND SUPPORT! 13 S. LINN ST., IOWA CITY • STHIRTEEN.COM IOWA’s 19+ NIGHT CLUB
VOTED
BEST COMMUNITY MUSIC OR THEATER GROUP 102 3 RD ST REET S E C E DA R RA P IDS , IOWA 3 1 9 .3 6 6 .8 5 9 1 THEAT REC R.ORG
BEST OF THE CRANDIC
COMMUNITY A beloved feature of the UI Museum of Natural History for 35 years, Rusty the Giant Sloth is not only an exhibit, but the museum’s designated mascot and “spokessloth.” He may be everyone’s favorite Pleistocene pal, but in truth, he’s a millennial. Rusty is a mid-1980s reproduction of the extinct Ice Age ground sloth Megalonyx jeffersonii, bearing no original parts. His fur? Harvested from cow tails. Still, it made Rusty a redhead, just like the man his species is named for: Thomas Jefferson.
32 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
Zak Neumann / Little Village
BEST LIBRARY
BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL
Iowa City Public Library
Stacey Walker, Linn County Supervisor “His story is real and he is making a difference.” —John W.
“They’ve got a media lab with Photoshop, a great selection of books, movies, ebooks (with
JOE BOLKCOM
Overdrive), and streaming movies with Kanopy.
“He sees that we need
The whole enchilada.” —Jamie H.
to legalize, decriminalize
Shoutouts!
and tax cannabis.” —R.H.
CEDAR RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY “Modern feel, quiet and
Shoutouts!
MARY MASHER “I have met her several times at the Oakdale
the rooftop area is a
prison. And also at the State Capitol when she
hidden bonus!” —Jessica K.
invited members of the Oakdale Community Choir to sing for the State House of
CORALVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Representatives in session. Mary is an asset to
“So much to do for kids of all ages and they’re
everyone she meets and works for.” —Harold S.
always happy and willing to help.” —T.L.C.
JANELLE RETTIG MARION PUBLIC LIBRARY
“She listens, researches and is very thoughtful
“Engaged staff, flexible collections, and exciting
about her choices.” —Jean R.
vision for the future!” —Madeline J.
BRUCE TEAGUE BEST MUSEUM
UI Museum of Natural History Macbride Hall, Iowa City
Zak Neumann / Little Village
123 S Linn St
“He’s always smiling and talking to everyone.” —Anthony S.
ASHLEY VANORNY “She is passionate about Cedar Rapids and puts her heart and soul into making it a better
“You can just stroll by and see that sloth or the
place. She is who we need in politics!”
least weasel or the right whale whenever you
—Bridget T.
want, for free. It’s great for so many ages.”
BEST COMMUNITY MEMBER
Audrey Wiedemeier
“Audrey takes us by bicycle to meet our local farmers, rides with our children to school on bicycle, and keeps our bikes out of the landfill and gives them new life at the Bike Library!” —Krista B.
Shoutouts!
ANGIE JORDAN “Angie is a force in Iowa City’s often overlooked
South District. She’s quick to deflect credit, but she’s the center of what feels like a million projects: A huge mural at Pepperwood Place. LED porch light distributions. Communitybuilding. Even a vicious fight against wandering Hy-Vee shopping carts. And she does it all with a smile and an unflappable positivity.” —Nick B.
—Rachel S.
Shoutout!
NATIONAL CZECH AND SLOVAK MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
“Can you believe that we have a national museum right here in Eastern Iowa?! That’s something to be proud of! They manage to bring such a wide range of exhibits and events to our community.” —Kaitlin S.
BEST HISTORIC BUILDING
Old Capitol Building 21 N Clinton St, Iowa City
“Old Capitol Museum/Building has the coolest stairs and the coolest stories.” —Jennifer B.
Shoutout!
CHERRY BUILDING “As they celebrate their 100-year anniversary, the Cherry Building continues
cultivating artists and entrepreneurs.” —Abby H. Zak Neumann / Little Village
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 33
CAROLINE DIETERLE “[She] has been advocating for economic justice and a healthy Iowa City environment for DECADES. In her 80s, she is indefatigable.” —Lauri D.
AUGUST STOLBA “He shows outstanding leadership within this community and works every day to better our food security problems.” —Rachel M.
BEST ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Mazahir Salih Shoutouts!
Courtesy of Iowa City Student Climate Strikers
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE
Iowa City Student Climate Strikers
CLAIRE CZERWIONKA “Claire has always gone
“High schoolers who advocate and do direct action.” —Karen K.
above and beyond to help people in the community. She has worked as a student and family advocate at the Iowa City Community School District and she currently works to place vets in less restrictive environments. She is heavily involved in union work and making sure that every workers’ voice is heard. There is no better advocate in Iowa City.” —Sara T.
NAOMI GREYSER “Professor at the University of Iowa. Teaching young people to go out into the world and stand up for those without a voice. A leading voice on women’s issues. A solid presence quietly working at local coffee shops.” —Brett S.
ANNIE VENTULLO “Social worker out of Iowa City that has been a strong voice for the most vulnerable populations in the area. Both politically active and ‘working the trenches’ in the homes of the families she serves, she more than walks the walk.” —Kyle H.
SARAH ZIEGENHORN “What she’s doing for our community and the state of Iowa around harm reduction is incredible. And she’s running the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition as CEO while she’s in medical school. Unreal dedication to the needs of our community!” —Matt T.G.
O
n Oct. 4, 2019, the Iowa City Student Climate Strike held a rally that featured Greta Thunberg, attracting thousands to downtown Iowa City and making international news. The group that started it all, led by junior high and high school students, had come a
long way since March. Friday, March 15 was an international day of climate protest, with student walkouts planned at schools around the world. Massimo Biggers, then an eighth-grader at South East Junior High, decided it was the right day to launch the weekly climate strike he’d been planning for a month. “It was freezing cold,” Alex Howe, one of the original strikers, recalled. “We stood outside for the whole day.” “There was a walkout [of other students] at, I believe, two o’clock. But we had been out there since before school.” Biggers didn’t want the strike to be a one-time event, like the walkout. He’d been inspired by the example of Thunberg, a Swedish teenager staging climate strikes every Friday. “I thought that if I do it once in a blue moon, it won’t really affect the city council or the school board,” Biggers said. “So, I thought that if I just keep striking every week it would be a lot more effective.” “At the beginning, I thought it’d be kind of difficult, but I saw that all the people on the school board and the city council all kind of agreed with us,” Biggers remembered. “They just didn’t want to act. So I thought that if we just pushed them a little, then they’ll finally do it.” The climate strikers helped convince the school board to pass a resolution addressing climate change, and successfully pushed the city council to declare a climate emergency. The strikers also attracted the attention of Thunberg through social media. And two days before their scheduled Oct. 4 rally, at which they planned to push the University of Iowa to close its coal-burning power plant, Thunberg contacted the strikers and asked if she could join them. The event grew, attracting more than 3,000 demonstrators and dozens of journalists. “We teenagers shouldn’t have to take the responsibility,” Thunberg said from the downtown stage, where Biggers, Howe and the other Iowa City strikers stood beside her. “But right now, world leaders are acting like children, and somebody needs to be the adult in the room.” In his speech, Biggers reflected on the Iowa City Student Climate Strike’s humble beginnings. “Even though our numbers were small, I knew we were never alone. Greta was striking with us,” he said. “Imagine what can happen when the UI gets on board, when our government gets on board.”
34
Zak Neumann / Little Village
h as be e n v ote d
BEST RETAIL STAFF
(for the second year in a row)
&
BEST STORE IN WHICH TO SPLURGE ON YOURSELF
Thanks to the community and our amazing patrons for all the love and support! 117 E. College St, Iowa City | 319.337.4511 | revivaliowacity.com
BEST LOCAL NONPROFIT OR CHARITY
CommUnity
1121 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
IOWA FARM SANCTUARY “Iowa Farm Sanctuary
Shoutouts!
works tirelessly to rescue animals and give them safe, forever homes in a state where their work is desperately needed.” —Cadry N.
IOWA VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY “Not only do they rally volunteers to help build Zak Neumann / Little Village
homes for our neighbors, but they run the ReStore (primarily by volunteers), providing an economical and environmentally friendly option for building supplies.” —Genevieve H.
NORTH LIBERTY COMMUNITY PANTRY “North Liberty and the surrounding areas are growing most rapidly. Golfview Mobile Home Park was bought out and will leave many homeless. The pantry is doing so much good in that community.” —Jacob P.
TABLE TO TABLE “The amount of food they save and redistribute to people in need is astounding. The work the volunteers do is important and makes a profound difference in many lives.” —Amanda B.
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD ON THE RISE
Czech Village Cedar Rapids
“Czech Village bounced back after the flood and is quickly evolving to be more trendy and welcoming.” —Mia S.
“The amount of movement is insane: Rodina, Soko, Lost and Found, Cafe Saint Pio, Moss, all opening within a year. Lion Bridge, Found and Formed and the Museum already there. Emerging cultural power.” —Sam S.
Shoutouts!
CORALVILLE OLD TOWN “The neighborhood is changing for the better
HARDEST FIGHTIN’ UNION
AFSCME Council 61 36 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
without selling its soul. It proves you don’t need a McMansion to live in a great neighborhood.” —Kelly S.
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD FOR FAMILIES
Longfellow neighborhood Iowa City
BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION
Czech Village/New Bohemia District Cedar Rapids
BEST SHOPPING DISTRICT
Downtown Iowa City “For anything that’s not on the S&P 500.” —Andy M.
BEST PUBLIC RESTROOM Zak Neumann / Little Village
OAKHILL JACKSON “Most people forget that NewBo is actually contained WITHIN Oakhill Jackson, and the neighborhood is much more than just that. Arguably the most historic neighborhood in Cedar Rapids, OJ is a diverse community full of character and life.” —Chad C.
SOUTH DISTRICT, IOWA CITY “South District has worked really hard to get the word out that it’s a great area to call home.” —Natasha W.
BEST VIEW
Vue Rooftop
328 S Clinton St Suite A, Iowa City “I mean, those sunsets are unreal, and just such a cool view of downtown.” —Jenni H.
Shoutouts!
MOUNT TRASHMORE “That’s the point! Also, the perspective from up
there is just so cool, to be able to see so many surrounding communities from one place. Love
Shoutouts!
BIG GROVE BREWERY “That’s a tough one... There are so many fine shitters in
this area. I give Big Grove Brewery 4.5 stars!! I will poop here again!!!” —Jeff A.
OLD CAPITOL MUSEUM “My niece and nephew loved how ‘fancy’ they were.” —Tyler S.
TERRY TRUEBLOOD LODGE “It is so nice to come in to while I’m out on a long run.” —Liz H.
Jordan Sellergren
it!” —Dylan N.
Iowa City Public Library’s restrooms
BEST YARD/GARDEN
The Brucemore garden 2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids
Zak Neumann / Little Village
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 37
We are honored to be named
BEST EUROPEAN CUISINE in the 2019 Best of the CRANDIC competition
Authentic Italian prepared with fresh, local ingredients by Chef Baroncini from Italy (319) 337 2048 • 104 S Linn Street, Iowa City • baroncinirestaurant.com
Thank you
for voting Prairie Lights Books the
BEST PLACE TO READ A BOOK! 15 South Dubuque St., Iowa City, Iowa • 319-337-2681 w w w.p ra ir ielight s. co m
Voted
BEST PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH for the second year in a row
Thank You! BREAKFAST • DINNER • DRINKS 203 N Linn St, Iowa City • (319) 352-1924 • goosetowncafe.com
k n a h T You! S T A C E Y W AL KE R V O T ED B EST ELEC TED O F FIC IAL FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
"Fight for someone you don't know. And make sure you all get out and caucus on Feb. 3rd for a progressive candidate...caucus for Bernie. "
✊
–– STACEY WALKER, LINN COUNTY SUPERVISOR @swalker06
Zak Neumann / Little Village
BEST OF THE CRANDIC
David Conrads, the
HEALTH & RECREATION BEST PLACE TO EXPERIENCE NATURE
Macbride Nature Recreation Area
2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE, Solon
INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER
right on the lake!” —Kaitlin S.
“It’s a great hard-surfaced trail created from
“Marion’s best-kept secret.” —Sydney B.
a railroad bed, so people of all ages can ride.” —Janet F.
PRAIRIEWOODS FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY CENTER Adoration have successfully put a conservation
“I’ve always loved being
on the 70 acres of woodland and prairie that has
by water. I’ve spent many
evaded development as Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha have grown together.” —August S.
al battery.” —Harold S.
HICKORY HILL PARK “This place packs a lot into a small space: for-
Zoro the Gyrfalcon
LOWE PARK
CITY PARK, IOWA CITY
hours sitting by the river, recharging my spiritu-
and education, with
Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Iowa beauty.” —Sam C.
“The kind and loving Sisters of Perpetual
Shoutouts!
outdoor recreation
BEST BIKE TRAIL
“Such a rad organization and a true taste of
“Not only can you meet some raptors up close and personal, but you can enjoy several trails
associate director of
TERRY TRUEBLOOD RECREATION AREA “Paths, water and more! Just a short drive from downtown.” —Jenni H.
est, fields, wetlands and streams, all within a stone’s throw of downtown Iowa City. It’s my go-to spot for birdwatching.” —Michael Z. 42 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
BEST PICNIC SPOT
Macbride Nature Recreation Area
2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE, Solon
BEST CAMPGROUND
Kent Park campgrounds 2048 US-6, Oxford
! u o Y k Than Mazahir Salih Voted Best Advocate for Social Justice Remember: democracy is participation.
• Attend city council meetings. • Stay informed and stay engaged. • Write and call your council members. IOWA CITY COUNCIL
@MAZAHIRIOWACITY
BY PAUL BRENNAN
LittleVillageMag.com
Jordan Sellergren
YOUR VILLAGE
According to the maps I find online, the lake in Lake Macbride State Park is Lake McBride. Are they named after the same person? Or did Macbride get the park and Macbride Hall at UI named after him, and McBride basically didn’t get anything other than me, years later, doubting his existence? —Matt, Iowa City
I
t would be possible for a lake called McBride and a park called Macbride to be named after the same person, because Thomas Macbride—10th president of the University of Iowa (1914-16) and expert on North American slime molds— was born a McBride and later changed the spelling. But that didn’t happen, because there’s no Lake McBride in Iowa, regardless of what a map tells you. The lake, like the park and the UI building, is Macbride. McBride is a decades-old spelling error that refuses to die. Why Thomas McBride, son of James and Sarah McBride, made the “b” lowercase and added an “a” isn’t clear. The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa just says, “By 1895, he had restored the spelling of his last name to its earlier Scottish form, Macbride.” By then, he was 47 years old and had been teaching what was called “natural science” at UI (then called the State University of Iowa) for 17 years. Macbride would be at the university for another 21 years. After he retired in 1916, Macbride and his wife, Harriet, moved to Washington to be near their two adult children who lived in Seattle. “A scholar, a poet, a scientist of unusual ability—but above all, a man of character,
of high ideals and of deep understanding,” his colleague Bohumil Shimek wrote after Macbride’s death in 1934. Shimek doesn’t mention the name change beyond noting Macbride’s early work was published under the name McBride, “but he later corrected this. Some other members of the family, however, continued to use the first form.” (And yes, that’s the Shimek the elementary school is named for.) Macbride is considered the father of the conservation movement in Iowa. He was a major advocate for the creation of state and local parks. His 1896 address to the Iowa Academy of Science, titled “County Parks,” led to the creation of the Iowa Parks and Forestry Association. One of the projects Macbride pushed for was the creation of an artificial lake in Johnson County, but he had already been in the Pacific Northwest for 16 years when the State Conservation Board recommended the creation of a state park with an artificial lake along Mill Creek near Solon in 1932. Names traditionally used for the area—such as Sugar Bottom and Horse Thief’s Cave— weren’t considered appropriate for what would would be the largest state park in Iowa, so a contest to name the park was held. The public sent in over 600 submissions, and Onie Strub of East Lucas Township won $50 for suggesting Lake Macbride. The name was announced at the lake’s dedication ceremony on May 30, 1934. Unfortunately, it was too late for Thomas Macbride to enjoy the honor—he died two months before the ceremony. Everyone agreed Macbride was a fitting
44 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
Looking north at “Lake McBride” from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
name for the lake and the park (and, later, the neighboring Macbride Nature Recreation Area, which is operated by the University of Iowa and sits on federal land), but the spelling error started almost as soon as the name was announced. The first detailed map of the lake was published in 1935, and it calls the lake “Lake McBride.” A search of Iowa newspaper archives shows the misspelling popping occasionally in almost every decade since the park opened. Online maps have given the misspelling new life. Even the map on Lake Macbride’s official page on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ website gives the name of the park as Macbride, but labels the body of water “Lake McBride.” The lake’s name is spelled properly on it printed material. But it’s not just the lake that’s been haunted by the original spelling. In 1899, Thomas Macbride published his magnum opus, The North American Slime-Moulds. It was immediately called the essentially book on the subject by Nature, the most important scientific journal of the day. That book review, however, listed the author’s name as McBride.
Have a question about what’s going on in your community? Ask Little Village. Submit your question through the Your Village feature on our homepage, or email us at editor@ littlevillagemag.com.
BEST GYM
Campus Recreation and Wellness Center 309 S Madison St, Iowa City
“The UI Rec center is head and shoulders above everywhere else locally for its broad variety of available activities, and quality and amount of equipment. Now, if it just weren’t for the college kids using it all the time…” —Nick K.
Shoutouts!
JAZZERCISE, IOWA CITY “Zero meat-market atmosphere, ALWAYS supportive
Q&A with Megan Robertson Shortly after becoming a certified yoga instructor in 2013, Megan Robertson began leading outdoor yoga retreats under the name Muddy Feet Yoga. That enterprise became a studio in October 2018, when Robertson purchased the
and ridiculously fun.” —Angela L.
space in which she was trained as a
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS, CEDAR RAPIDS
Zenergi), and reopened it as Muddy
“Motivating coaches, friendly members and a great atmosphere to get fit!” —Emily E.
BEST FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Megan Robertson, Muddy Feet Yoga
teacher, Shala Hot Yoga (formerly Feet. Co-owned and -operated by Robertson and Emily Uhl, the studio offers daily hot yoga classes as well as 200-hour teacher trainings. Why did you decide to go from a yogi to a yoga instructor? I’ve been doing yoga since 2001. I always
1705 S 1st Ave, Iowa City
wanted to be a yoga instructor, but
“She is very knowledgeable and encouraging.”
I thought I had to be super fit and
I never thought I was good enough; courtesy of Muddy Feet Yoga
—Amanda B.
only drink green smoothies and
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST
that I thought I would never get past. And then one day the lady that built this yoga studio
Jaime Nevins, Back Together Massage
green tea. There was just this sort of inherent barrier between yoga teacher and yoga student [Lisa Scaglione] said I should take yoga teacher training. “It’s just in your bones,” is what she said. I signed up the next day. I just needed someone, apparently, to tell me I was good enough.
1700 S 1st Ave Suite 11, Iowa City
It’s called “Muddy Feet Yoga,” but it’s obviously very clean in here! What was Muddy Feet “LOVE the craniosacral therapy!” —A.T.
before it was a studio? It was a mobile yoga business where I did yoga retreats, [with activities like] camping or river tubing. Basically, we’d get down and dirty outside and do yoga
“They are uniquely attentive to client concerns
together. The idea behind that was “come as you are, it doesn’t matter if you’re dirty, it doesn’t
and will prioritize client collaboration and com-
matter if we get dirty.” Yoga in its roots isn’t a super clean, super fancy, super rich sort of clas-
fort.” —A.O.
sist thing. Yoga is for everybody, can be done anywhere, despite the cleanliness of your feet.
BEST HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Do you think the studio retains some of that spirit from before? One hundred percent. It’s in
George’s Buffet 312 E Market St, Iowa City
BEST LGBTQ HANGOUT
Studio 13
13 S Linn St, Iowa City
the people. We keep it clean because it’s sort of a sacred space, and people put their faces on the floor. But people definitely come as they are with all of their emotional stuff, their mental stuff. They’re welcome and they know it, and they welcome each other. It’s noncompetitive, it’s nonjudgmental. The big thing about this place is the community and the love that everybody has for each other. It’s so cute! There are a lot of great yoga instructors in the area. What does it mean to you to know people identified you as the best around? It means that they see me and my intention for what
BEST PLACE TO READ A BOOK
Prairie Lights Books 15 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
it really is. They see that it’s more than making money and being cool and having a key to a yoga studio. It really is about spreading peace and love. I’m eternally humbled that we’re able to pull it off. I put everything that I have into it, and so does Emily. To be recognized in that way by the members, just by them showing up and coming back and trusting us with their care, their wellness—I’d say “thank you.”
46 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
Francine Thompson, co-director at Emma Goldman Clinic, speaks at a pro-choice rally in Iowa City. Zak Neumann / Little Village
BEST WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC
Emma Goldman Clinic
227 N Dubuque St, Iowa City
BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE-WATCH
“I go there for all my birth control needs and al-
“From the window in ICPL that overlooks the
BEST MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER
Downtown Iowa City Ped Mall.” —C.M.W.
“Especially on weekend nights when people are ‘silly.’” —Emma V.B.
ways feel so safe and comfortable!” —Marissa D.
University of Iowa Health Care
“I’ve been with [Lynda Green, ARNP] for a de“I love to draw the many faces I find there!!!”
cade and she’s gotten me through the absolute
—Jeff A.
worst and held my hope for me while I was
NEW BOHEMIA NEIGHBORHOOD
Shoutout!
incapable of thinking about a future. She’s the best. Hands down.” —Jamie H.
patio, enjoying an event. I like people-watching in
COUNSELING AND HEALTH CENTER
NewBo.” —John W.
“Excellent counselors in a charming
“Walking the area, sitting on a
Shoutouts!
old house near Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.” —Tyler S.
MOST TRUSTED PHYSICIAN
Dr. Katie Imborek, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
“Kind, professional, inclusive and knowledgeable!” —Lisa-Ann J.
Shoutouts!
DR. BRADLEY BEER, MERCYCARE BLAIRS FERRY
PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATES, NORTH LIBERTY “They have three therapy dogs and they’re all the sweetest. Plus one of them is named Tonks after the Harry Potter character!!” —Rhiannon M.
BEST CRISIS MANAGEMENT SERVICE/ORGANIZATION
CommUnity
1121 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
“He takes time to explain and answer questions. He is very thorough.” —Jan F.
DR. JASON POWERS, UIHC
“If you call them in a crisis they will send social workers to your HOUSE within 45 minutes. So awesome.” —Meaghan H.
“Best. Doctor. On. The. Planet.” —Amelia K.
DR. KELLY SKELLY, UIHC
“Excellent and expansive service provision with investment in collaborating with community
“She has been my doctor for more than 15
partners to address the needs and conditions in
years and I am in great shape!” —Diana K.L.
order to improve well-being.” —Lindsey K.
Photo by Barry Phipps
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is honored to take home the prize for
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219 2nd St SE, cedar rapids • 319 -366 -3177 cobblehillrestaurant.com
BEST OF THE CRANDIC
GOODS & SERVICES
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Honeybee Hair Parlor
Tie!
755 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
Rodina
LAOS CAFE “Surprised to find a Laotian restaurant in West
1507 C St SW, Cedar Rapids “Their incredible service coupled with quality and ethical food to back it up is very impressive for only being open for eight months.” —Ethan D.
she and Liz turn out one amazing ’do after
BENO’S FLOWERS “The owner has a lot of
another. JoAnn decorated Honeybee in her
charisma and the arrange-
unique and funky ‘if Gramma’s house was col-
ments are beautiful.”
orful, fun and didn’t smell like Gramma’ throw-
—Kate S.
Shoutouts!
back style. Honeybee partners with Green Circle Salons to significantly reduce their waste and their impact on the environment and their
DASH COFFEE ROASTERS “They are genuine and serve amazing coffee
staff and clients. We need more businesses
along the 380 corridor. You will build a bond
in Iowa City that care as much as the folks at
with all employees, which makes Dash my fa-
Honeybee.” —Jaime N.
vorite ‘hello’ and hardest ‘see you soon.’” —Ashley W.
52 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
place, and ran by a very nice family.” —Brian H.
BEST RETAIL STAFF
Found + Formed
“JoAnn has rocked every location she’s ever worked. Now she’s opened her own place and
Liberty. If you like Thai food, you will love this
65 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
Revival
117 E College St, Iowa City
Shoutouts!
Tie!
ACTIVE ENDEAVORS “Friendly outdoorsy college students who will answer
your questions. Managing brothers Dave and Brian are stalwarts.” —Brett S.
Zak Neumann / Little Village
Q&A with JoAnn LS JoAnn Larpenter-Sinclair has been a stylist for 19 years, graduating from La’ James International College in Iowa City. After a career working at others’ salons, she opened her own business, Honeybee Hair Parlor, in July, offering gender-neutral pricing and a space for both hairstyling and community gathering. What did it mean to you to open your own salon? I felt through my entire career there were always skills I had that I wasn’t able to utilize, and aspects of my personality I had to subdue to fit into whatever environment I was in. I have the power to do all the things I wanted to do at a salon but didn’t have the autonomy to do before. Everyone who comes into this space, I can make them feel like that as well. I feel like there are a lot of aspects about my industry and the beauty industry in general that shut people out or tell them that they’re not quite good enough, or they would be better if they were more like someone else, and I feel like I’m able to create a space where the person who you come as is awesome, and I get to help you celebrate that. What are some of the most rewarding reactions clients have had to your work? I’ve had Jav Ducker / Little Village
THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP “They always help me find what I was looking for or something like it AND a fun surprise I didn’t know I needed.” —Jamie H.
TEXTILES “I get honest opinions from staff, they’re always available to assist, and I get more compliments on the clothes they help me choose.” —A.T.
BEST VINTAGE/CONSIGNMENT STORE
Found + Formed
clients that I’ve had for a really long time, and seeing them come out of their shell and more outwardly show the kind of person they are is really enjoyable for me. Hair can be a catalyst for change or it can be a sort of marker for change. When people say you have carte blanche to do whatever you want, and you give them something they never would have even imagined, it’s just really awesome—just to see people’s faces transform when they see themselves in a slightly different way, it’s exciting and really fun. Honeybee hasn’t even been open a year yet. Has the business evolved since you’ve opened the doors? Going forward, can people expect any changes? Initially, I thought it was just going to be me and a front desk staff, and it completely changed, and I immediately had two other employees and a support staff, and we started having art shows. It grew a lot faster than I thought it would. I think moving forward, we’re just working on becoming a cohesive team and really being connected with each other and inspiring each other, but also thinking, what kind of education do we want to do? What kind of community partnerships do we want to have? What
“Found + Formed are size inclusive, have a
different creative projects? I want this place to be as collaborative as possible, both within the
huge variety of styles and eras, and are super
people who work here and the creative people in the community.
reasonably priced.” —Jacqueline H. What does it mean to know that the community has already recognized you as the best salon “They have the most on-trend selection of vin-
in the area? It took me a long time to be brave enough to take this leap. I think I was always ca-
tage pieces. Their inventory is unmatched. They
pable of doing it, but it’s really so humbling and such an honor to have people be so supportive
also have a great selection of handmade jewelry,
from the get-go … It just makes me really proud to be in Iowa City. I feel loved, and we all feel
decor, stickers, pins and more.” —Julia S.
very supported and encouraged. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 53
CROWDED CLOSET “I am a thrift store junkie. I love them all! But my fa-
Shoutouts!
vorite has to be Crowded Closet. The staff of volunteers are friendly. I like the fact that the proceeds go to Disaster Relief Services. I often find myself there on a Saturday afternoon.” —Harold S.
Jorda
Jav Ducker / Little Village
n Sell
ergren
MAD MODERN “Because of their genuine mid-century pieces and frequent turnover, [there is] always something different to see in the store.” —Ellen W.
REVIVAL “It never disappoints. Such cute and quality things.” —Addie B.
BEST STORE FOR GIFT SHOPPING
White Rabbit
112 S Linn St, Iowa City
“Just try to find a gift without picking up something for yourself as well.” —Kelly S.
DESIGN RANCH “So many wonderful, unique and quality items that really show the recipient you care (and have great taste).”
Shoutouts!
—Andrea J.
IOWA ARTISANS GALLERY “Local handmade and quality over decades of curating. Always something new.” —Jacob P. 54 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
Dodge Street Tire & Auto • BRIAN SEKAFETZ (Owner) • 605 N. Dodge St., Iowa City
BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION
Green State Credit Union
“I have banked here my whole life. The best people.” —Bridget T.
MOST TRUSTED MECHANIC
Dodge Street Tire 605 N Dodge St, Iowa City
“Honest mechanics and competitive prices— cannot beat that!” —Kate S.
HAVLIK’S AUTO SERVICE “Reasonable, dependable
Shoutouts!
and honest. What more can you ask from a mechanic?” —Chad C. Zak Neumann / Little Village
MOSS
CREATE EXCHANGE
“Who doesn’t love plants and candles?”
“I could—and have—spend hours in this name-
—Sydney B.
your-price thrift craft store!” —Madeline J.
EDUSKATE
SCOUT OF MARION “Wide variety of home goods, beauty and little
“The combination of skate and print shop,
odds and ends.” —Emily C.
coupled with the owners’ eccentricities and
RUSS’ NORTHSIDE SERVICE “John Logan at Russ’ Northside Service!!!! I cannot say enough good things about that man, he’s an angel.” —G.G.
MOST TRUSTED PLUMBER
Bea Day
openness make this shop one of a kind. They
BEST STORE AT WHICH TO SPLURGE ON YOURSELF
Revival
truly love their community and their customers.” —Dylan N.
117 E College St, Iowa City
Shoutouts!
HEIM “I bought myself a mug made by Allison Fretheim and it’s the most beautiful
vessel; I use every morning to drink my coffee. I have bought tinctures and other things for me every time I’ve gone there.” —Rachel M.
SOKO OUTFITTERS “Camping and climbing gear is an addiction.” —August S.
MOST UNIQUE SHOP
White Rabbit 112 S Linn St, Iowa City
ARTIFACTS “No boring things al-
Shoutouts!
lowed. Try and get bored there.” —Matthieu B.
56 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
Zak Neumann / Little Village
Thank You for voting us
BEST OF THE
CRANDIC
creating lasting value GreenState.org
BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY
Martin Construction
“Come on! The Martin family combined with Suzanne Bradley? You got your chocolate in my peanut butter!” —S.K.
MOST TRUSTED ELECTRICIAN
John Gay Electrical Services and Design MOST TRUSTED IN AUTO SALES
MOST TRUSTED REALTOR
Phoebe Martin, Skogman Realty
“Phoebe gets me and my quirkiness. I <3 Phoebe Martin!” —Angela L.
Shoutout!
LESLIE FITZPATRICK, BLANK AND MCCUNE IOWA CITY
“I couldn’t expect a kinder and more knowledgeable realtor in our search for a home. Leslie helped us find the little gem we were looking for in the perfect location based on our very specific requests. She worked tirelessly, even over holidays and weekends—to the point I was even able to sign closing documents while riding RAGBRAI!” —Kyle H.
Zak Neumann / Little Village
Toyota of Iowa City
393 E College St, Iowa City
Shoutouts!
MICHELLE BALHAN, VELVET LOTUS TATTOO “Her work in incredible. She
listens and is truly an artist as well as a super rad lady.” —Amanda B.
KRIS EVANS, ENDORPHIN DEN “[Kris] is professional, attentive and relaxed. She’s also an amazing artist.” —K.B.
BRYAN MERCK, EVOLUTION TATTOO “He’s by far the best in the Corridor and the state and probably the Midwest.” —Krista B.
NIKKI POWILLS, TEMPLE BODY ARTS “Nikki has it all—talent, humor, endless creativity and technical skill, and she is a blast to work with. I love her!” —Sasha A.
Eastside Pet Clinic
Release Body Modification
811 S 1st Ave, Iowa City
110 S Linn St, Iowa City
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
BEST HAIR SALON
Honeybee Hair Parlor 755 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
Shoutouts!
BEST TATTOO ARTIST
Anne Marsh, Iowa City Tattoo
BEST VET CLINIC
BEST BODY PIERCER
Pilsen Photo Co-op
“Beautiful, clean images all around. They do food, landscapes, portraits. They’re amazing!” —Phoebe C.
FRESH FEEL FADE SALON AND SPA “Molly is absolutely amazing! I had always had long hair but
BEST WEDDING VENUE
Rapid Creek Cidery 4823 Dingleberry Rd NE #2, Iowa City
recently got promoted and decided to go with a fade to be able to style it for my new job. She cut it the first time and I wasn’t sure about it,
Shoutouts!
so she recut it at no charge since it was a new
NATIONAL CZECH AND SLOVAK MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
style to me. She is the greatest! Always look
“The building is beautiful and the crystal chan-
forward to going to her shop. I drive an hour
delier is stunning. Great event staff.” —M.D.
just to have her do my fade.” —Darci R.
SECREST 1883 OCTAGONAL BARN MOODS SALON AND SPA
“Since my brother got married there, I’m quite
“Anna Mohni is great! Especially if you have
partial to Secrest 1883 Octagonal Barn. It has a
curly hair and haven’t found someone who
lovely rustic feel with the backdrop of the Iowa countryside.” —Ariane P.P.
knows just how to cut it!” —Alexa B.
SKIN DEEP SALON & SPA “Tara Gavin-Hiatt does great haircuts and the spa is known for its care of cancer patients.” —Diana K.L.
BEST NAIL SALON
Grace Nail Salon
1301 S Gilbert St Suite 3, Iowa City
58 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
Emma McClatchey
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VESTA “They consistently have excellent food and excellent service. The salmon BLT is a standard, the elk stroganoff is a knock-out and the bread pudding with balsamic ice cream is the stuff dreams are made of.” —Cara I.
WINIFRED’S RESTAURANT “The food is great, soft jazz playing in the background and it’s quiet so that you can easily converse with your dinner partners.” —Jan F.
ZEPPELIN’S BAR & GRILL “I have NEVER had a bad meal or service. The menu selection is fabulous and it is not a runof-the-mill chain.” —Michelle T.
BEST CHEF
Samuel Charles, Rodina 1507 C St SW, Cedar Rapids
Shoutouts!
MATT STEIGERWALD, RAPID CREEK CIDERY “His food has a homemade
feel to it while never disappointing on innovation and interest.” —Emily C.
Zak Neumann / Little Village
BEST OF THE CRANDIC
FOOD &DRINK
BEST RESTAURANT
Cobble Hill Eatery & Dispensary 219 2nd St SE, Cedar Rapids
CHEZ GRACE
BEST BARTENDER
David Basinger, Rodina
“Very intelligent when it comes to everything down to the little details and always has a smile on his face.” —Dylan C.
me up that this elegant little restaurant is in a strip mall in Coralville), the food is outstanding, one of a kind.” —Kaci C.
does a great job of training young chefs.” —Brett S.
LOST AND FOUND PROVISIONS AND SPIRITS
CAFE DODICI
“It’s exactly what this city needed—fresh take
“Nice, romantic spot
work.” —S.S.
is so worth it. The ambiance is amazing (cracks
restaurants in the country. Andy Schumacher also
Shoutouts!
“Just sit at the bar and watch the Pullman team
“It’s a once- or twice-a-year thing for us, but it
and David, the owner/chef/sommelier/server, is “No other restaurant compares. One of the best
NATHAN WOODY, PULLMAN BAR & DINER
on tasty food items, and a creative mind behind
with really good food at
it all. The owner is by far one of the most
reasonable prices.” —Todd C.
hardworking people I’ve ever met! (And their brunch is to die for!!)” —Bethany C.
CAUCHO
Shoutouts!
HELEN ROUSHER, GEORGE’S BUFFET “Homegirl been killing it for
like 30 years.” —Brycen M.
TONY S., IOWA CITY YACHT CLUB “He’s spunky and fun, always making wonderful creations.” —Cassie E.
ERNEST ZALECKAS, JOSEPH’S STEAKHOUSE “He consistently challenges himself to elevate
“They go above and beyond to give an
TRUMPET BLOSSOM CAFE
exceptional hospitality experience. The food
“It’s the only restaurant you can walk in and
interesting and increasingly irresistible and
and drinks are all made from scratch. They’re
get vegan, mostly organic, delicious food. No
engaging to the Joseph’s community. Its round
one of the few places in the country that keep
worries that it won’t be prepared vegan. Good
of regulars have a particular taste and he
the tradition of fresh corn masa and nixtamal
service and atmosphere, and always a yummy
understands just what they’re looking for in a
alive, and do it extremely well.” —A.L.
signature cocktail.” —Erin H.W.
unique and quality drink.” —Isabelle P.
64 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
his weekly feature cocktail to be more
Q&A with Chef Samuel Phoebe and Samuel Charles opened Rodina in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village in January 2019, designing a menu in the spirit of the slow food movement— what Samuel describes as “a state of mind that focuses on local food, local cuisine and decreasing the carbon footprint for getting food from A to B.” Phoebe serves as Rodina’s general manager, Samuel its executive chef.
What was your and Phoebe’s
owner? Rodina has given me a
original vision for Rodina? Our
platform to collaborate and grow
original vision for Rodina was a
with the local food scene. It has
Rodina owners Phoebe and Samuel Charles with bartender
much smaller restaurant, and we
also given me the opportunity
David Basinger Jav Ducker / Little Village
were actually in the middle of
to trailblaze our cuisine, which
finalizing architectural plans for a
we define as “Midwest comfort
What menu item would you say
Many voters praised the qual-
smaller location when the space
food.” Individuals see Iowa as a
is a Rodina signature? Though
ity, ethics and affordability of
we ended up in became avail-
meat-and-potato state as if it’s
the accompaniments often
Rodina’s food. How are you able
able. The heart of the vision has
a bad thing, and I embrace it
change, my heart and soul and
to balance the restaurant’s up-
remained the same: a family-style
and lean fully into the fact that
the heart and soul of our menu
scale features with remaining
experience built to feel aestheti-
it is. Though I focus on what I
is the Roasted Half Chicken, for
accessible? Rodina was never
cally like walking into your grand-
consider simple food, it has been
multiple reasons. Personally,
imagined to be a cash cow. This
mother’s kitchen. Our vision was
a challenge to convince the lo-
it reminds me of home.
concept was created to bring
always to serve simple food in a
cal community that it is, in fact,
Everything from the smell, the
real food to the average diner.
comfortable environment using
simple.
taste and even the sound takes
We have no delusions that this
me home. Professionally, chick-
restaurant will make us rich. We
local, sustainable and humanely
As a chef-owner and a new fa-
raised products, while trying to
ther, being at the restaurant 100
en is often the afterthought
do it because we believe in its
raise the bar for what an Iowa
percent of the time has meant
of restaurants, but I’ve always
message. Phoebe and I have al-
dining experience can be.
that my personal life comes sec-
gauged a good restaurant by
ways intended that this restaurant
ond, which is a constant struggle.
how they cook a chicken. If the
was meant to be an educational
What opportunities and chal-
On the flip side, as the owner,
chicken is executed correctly, it
platform for hospitality industry
lenges has Rodina presented
nobody can tell me that I can’t
will translate into every single
individuals. Start here, learn here
to you as a chef? As a business
bring my son to work.
thing they do.
and go change the world. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 65
Zach Berg / Little Village
BEST RESTAURANT STAFF
Rodina
BEST PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH
“They care. Immensely. Game day grind is
1507 C St SW, Cedar Rapids “The name itself means ‘family’ in Czech, and their staff really takes it to heart to make you feel like you’re at home when you’re there!” —Julie C.
Shoutouts!
STELLA theirs, they own it and pull it off weekly.” —Cassie L.
BEST FOOD-SCENE GAME-CHANGER
Rodina
Goosetown Cafe
203 N Linn St, Iowa City
“With all the natural light and openness of the dining area, this place is the perfect spot to have a lunch where you talk about important
“They’re taking local and sustainable food
things. I feel smarter just by walking in the
seriously, while creating beautiful and delicious
door.” —Carla B.
MAGGIE’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA
plates for you to share with loved ones.” —Julia C.
“They are incredibly friendly,
CAUCHO
considerate, personable and make every trip
“They do tacos and
feel like you’re with family!” —Kenzie C.
tequila but like turned
BEST COCKTAIL MENU
Shoutouts!
way up.” —Rachel M.
Clinton Street Social Club 18 1/2 S Clinton St, Iowa City
MIDTOWN 1 “They get to know their patrons and their
FOUR SQUARE MEALS FOOD TRUCK
“From classic to classy, their cocktails are on
preferences. They’re fun and knowledgeable.”
“What?!? Is that VEGAN food in a food truck?
point. The unique atmosphere helps.”
—Anne T.
Yes, please!” —Angela L.
—Matthieu B.
MONICA’S
LA VECINA RESTAURANTE
“Monica’s restaurant has a wonderfully warm
“Authentic South American cuisine. No fryers,
COBBLE HILL EATERY AND DISPENSARY
and welcoming service staff that is professional
and love the pineapple on the spit.” —Diana K.L.
“Like the food menu, the
and polished!” —M.H.
Shoutouts!
cocktails change with the
ST. BURCH TAVERN
season, but the Oak Old-Fashioned always on
PULLMAN BAR & DINER
“The Den at St. Burch is very unique. Nothing
the menu puts it over the top.” —Chris F.
“Awesome people, even better food.” —Josh D.
else like it around the area!” —Abby K.
66 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
“ BEST LIBRARY IN THE CRANDIC! ”
123 S. Lin n Street Iowa City, Iowa 522 40 319-356-5 200 icpl.org
GOOSETOWN CAFE
RODINA
LINCOLN WINEBAR
“I love that they offer beautiful no- and low-
“Everyone will find something on the menu
“Lincoln Winebar in Mount Vernon is perfect for
proof cocktails.” —Sasha A.
to love, the space is cool but in a way your
a first date—a little bit of a drive for the non-
parents will like, and heck, the name means
native Vernonites (all the better for some pre-
family!!” —Cindy S.
date chats and scenery), a wine list to die for (or
BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE YOUR PARENTS
Basta Pizzeria Ristorante 121 Iowa Ave, Iowa City
impress your date with), the best pizza in the
BEST RESTAURANT FOR A FIRST DATE
Shoutouts!
Basta Pizzeria Ristorante
BIG GROVE BREWERY
Shoutouts!
“Big Grove has something for everyone, not to mention good comfort food. Rack up that beer
area (‘What good taste you have.’ -Your date), and then a drive home for a little hand-holding in the car. A perfect date.” —Ellen W.
LION BRIDGE BREWING COMPANY
BRIX CHEESE SHOP & WINE BAR
“Fun atmosphere and reliably good beer and
“The ambience encourages
night).” —P.H.
food (so even if the date tanks, it’s a good
bill and let Mom and Dad cover!” —Katrina S.A.
talk and lingering.” —Mark P.
HAMBURG INN
HAMBURG INN
“Fire-lit dinner and drinks but without all the
“There is something for everything at Hamburg
“I took one to the Hamburg in 1992. We are still
pressure of being so ~*Romantic*~” —Cooper M.
Inn, and the political ephemera makes the
together.” —Laurie
SANCTUARY PUB
parents squirm; great fun!” —Angela L.
1st Annual
Systems Unlimited Holiday Market Featuring gifts designed and created by local artists with disabilities
FREE REFRESHMENTS FROM WAKE UP IOWA COFFEE + THE COTTAGE BAKERY
The Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd, Iowa City Saturday, Dec. 14th 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, Dec. 15th 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Free Admission
artists_at_sui 68 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
artstudio@sui.org
Thank you for your votes of confidence! "Best Home Improvement Company in the CRANDIC"
www.andrewmartinconstruction.com
|
319-248-0561
|
1824 G Street, Iowa City
POP’S BBQ
Shoutouts!
“I grew up in Des Moines, eating some of the best barbecue
around. When I moved to the area, I wondered where the best barbecue would be. I found it at Pop’s. Their blueberry habanero sauce is exceptional!!!” —Harold S.
QDOGS BBQ COMPANY “The pork and brisket are so good I rarely use any sauce. The dry rub is enough. The cornbread is addicting.” —John W.
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN/ MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
Oasis Jav Ducker / Little Village
206 N Linn St, Iowa City “The best effing hummus, hands down.” —A.T.
BEST SOUTH ASIAN CUISINE
Masala
9 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
Shoutout!
TASTE OF INDIA BEST SOUL FOOD
Vivian’s Soul Food
4342 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids (moving soon!) “Soul food will be forever judged by the quality of the fried chicken, collard greens, and red beans and rice. Vivian’s dominates them all.” —Chad C.
Tie!
BEST BARBECUE
“It’s worth a special
Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack
trip for the chana
1940 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City
appreciate that they have lots of vegan options,
745 Community Dr Suite F, North Liberty
and they’re clearly marked on the menu.”
poori alone. Scoop the chickpea stew with fried puffy bread. I also
—Cadry N. “So good! Smoked wings and fatty brisket are so delicious!” —Lisa-Ann J.
BEST PIZZA
Pagliai’s Pizza
302 E Bloomington St, Iowa City
Wig & Pen
1220 US-6 West, Iowa City 363 N 1st Ave, Iowa City 201 Hwy 965 NE, North Liberty
NEED PIZZA “The CRUST. The SELECTION. The AQUARIUM.” —Sydney B.
Shoutouts!
TOMASO’S PIZZA “I will die on this beautiful, well-seasoned, thincrust hill.” —Bridget W.
70 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
Jordan Sellergren / Little Village
Thank you! Photography by Pilsen Photo Co-op
VOTED BEST NEW BUSINESS OF 2019 • BEST RESTAURANT STAFF • BEST FOOD SCENE GAME CHANGER • BEST CHEF: Samuel Charles • BEST BARTENDER: David Basinger H i s t o r i c C z e c h V i l l a g e , 1 5 0 7 C S t r e e t S W, C e d a r R a p i d s , I o w a • 3 1 9 . 2 0 0 . 2 5 1 5 r o d i n a i o w a . c o m
Jordan Sellergren / Little Village
BEST LATIN/SOUTH AMERICAN CUISINE
Shoutouts!
La Regia Taqueria
436 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City
Shoutouts!
DON MIGUEL’S TIENDA MEXICANA “I can’t say enough about
Don Miguel’s. Their food is fantastic. Their space is honest and unpretentious. Their staff are incredibly warm and accommodating and
NARA THAI
MICKY’S IRISH PUB
“Great Thai spice (like, holy
“Leaf through your new
cow). You can taste the love
purchase from Prairie
in the food.” —Phoebe C.
Shoutouts!
Lights with Scotch eggs and a summer shandy.” —L.J.Y.
PANDA LIN “Delicious, affordable and such a kind family.
RAPID CREEK CIDERY
Hidden gem. 10/10.” —Jacob P.
“Seriously, can you beat that view? No contest. The food’s not bad either.” —Rachel S.
SOSEKI CAFE “Freshest seafood, just-right ramen, affordable
TIN ROOST
Mexican restaurant.” —Dylan N.
and fast!” —Andrea J.
“Tin Roost is beautiful with the view of the
LA VECINA RESTAURANTE
BEST AFRICAN CUISINE
the service is always great. They are my favorite
“La Vecina has twists on traditional Mexican food, and is able to pull them off successfully. Everything we’ve tried was delicious!” —Matthew S.
BEST EAST/SOUTHEAST ASIAN CUISINE
Thai Spice
1210 S Gilbert St #200, Iowa City 725 Mormon Trek Blvd, Iowa City “I just spent two weeks in Bangkok eating all the Thai food I could find and what amazed me the most was how much it compared to Thai Spice. Nothing can touch the freshness of the seafood
small pond and huge fireplaces.” —V.I.
Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
BEST RESTAURANT FOR DELIVERY
food, and it’s always fun to eat with your
BEST LATE-NIGHT FOOD
Oasis
206 N Linn St, Iowa City
“The Nile is such a great place to go. Wonderful hands.” —Rhiannon M.
BEST SEAFOOD
St. Burch Tavern 127 Iowa Ave, Iowa City
BEST PATIO/OUTDOOR DINING
Big Grove Brewery 1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
in Bangkok—but, Thai Spice is about as close as you’ll get as far as flavor goes.” —Kyle H.
George’s Buffet 312 E Market St, Iowa City
“The simplicity of the burgers here contradict the overwhelming joy experienced when you’re consuming one. Especially when you’re drunk.” —Kyle W.
Shoutouts!
ESTELA’S FRESH MEX “I live near them and sometimes go over for a
burrito at midnight!” —Jamie H. 72 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
THANK YOU! LAKE STREET DIVE @ BIG GROVE BREWERY PRESENTED BY THE ENGLERT THEATRE
VOTED B EST CONCERT OF 2019 englert.org
â&#x20AC;¢
biggrovebrewery.com
BEST BAKED GOODS
JIANGHU ASIAN STREET FOOD
Deluxe Cakes and Pastries
“The hand-pulled noodles and spicy oil are the best night-cap.” —Andrea J.
812 S Summit St, Iowa City
MARCO’S GRILLED CHEESE “Delicious, fast and iconic.” —Addie B.
“I think about those Russian Tea Cookies on my good days, on my bad days, on sunny days, on
”Whatever your favorite drunk food may be,
rainy days... on the days of the week that end in
you can get it here on a portable slice of
‘day.’” —Kaci C.
courtesy of Deluxe Cakes and Pastries
MESA PIZZA
dough.” —Tyler S.
BEST BURGER
Short’s Burger & Shine 18 S Clinton St, Iowa City
521 Westbury Dr, Iowa City
THE MAP ROOM “It’s all about the
Shoutout!
Melbourne with a veggie patty for me, but I’ve yet to be let down!” —Madeline J.
BEST FRIES
Oasis
Jav Ducker / Little Village
780 11th St, Marion
MOO MOO’S ICE CREAM TRUCK “They serve all Iowa-made goodies (even dog treats!) and have the friendliest drivers!” —Jill F.
BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH DEB’S ICE CREAM & DELI
“Hands-down the best fries! I tell anyone who will listen.” —Bridget T.
“Deb’s makes a seven-layer
Shoutouts!
Bluebird Diner
650 W Cherry St #9, North Liberty 330 E Market St, Iowa City
bar that is divine. Their baked
BEST EUROPEAN CUISINE
Baroncini Ristorante Italiano 104 S Linn St, Iowa City
goods are bake-sale style and super yummy.”
“Pancakes? Eggs Benedict? Biscuits and Gravy?
—V.I.
HOW DO I DECIDE.” —Emma V.B.
GREAT HARVEST BREAD COMPANY, CEDAR RAPIDS
BANDITO’S “Bandito’s in Iowa City is the best, and remains
“Delicious, fresh-baked products, made with
woefully overlooked—though it’s great to watch
“I was attacked by birds the whole time I
ingredients you can pronounce. Wonderful
suckers spend an hour waiting for Bluebird
dined on their patio, but the meal was still
staff.” —Ron A.
across the street while I’m enjoying delicious breakfast tacos.” —Nick K.
overwhelmingly positive and memorable. You’ve never had a ravioli with such a deep flavor profile. My eyes rolled further back in my head the longer I chewed. The birds swooped closer and grew louder. My vision blurred, then darkened, then halted. The dew fell all around me the next morning, but I remained dry. It was the ravioli. It had nourished me. It protected me. Baroncini. They have a great bar program and the wait staff is very knowledgeable and cool! My server was fun to talk to and explained every single dish to me because I don’t know the simplest Italian and all the dishes are traditionally named.” —Kyle W.
BEST COLD TREAT
Heyn’s Ice Cream 811 S 1st Ave, Iowa City
Everything on the menu is dee-lish.” —R.R.
“They offer over 40 different flavors of delicious ice cream, and they are a local business! How can anyone be more awesome?” —Noel V.
“Monthly fro-yo flavors,
Shoutouts!
free samples and Saf is the friendliest owner on the Ped Mall.” —Maria K.
DANE’S DAIRY “Dane’s Dairy twist cone. Nothing says summer evening in IC like a trip to Dane’s.” —L.J.Y.
74 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
“Amazing food, amazing prices, amazing service, always a friendly and cozy environment.
25 E Cherry St, North Liberty
ASPEN LEAF
BILLY’S HIGH HAT DINER
DELUXE SUNDAY BRUNCH “I’ve driven 100 miles for it!” —Hiedi L.
RAPID CREEK CIDERY “OMG the Dutch Apple Pancake.” —C.V.
101 WEST MaIN ST, SoLoN
I
319.624.2337
I
@BIGGRoVEBREWERY
THANK�YoU VOTED BEST CRAFT BREWERY AND BEST PATIO/OUTDOOR SEATING IN THE CRANDIC!
1 225 S GILBERT ST, I oWA CITY
I
319.354 .2687
I
BIGGRoVEBREW ERY .CO M
BEST COFFEEHOUSE
The Java House 211 E Washington St, Iowa City 1575 S 1st Ave, Iowa City 713 Mormon Trek Blvd “I have never been disappointed by anything I’ve gotten here and I have been here a lot! They do such a great job of training their staff and they’re attract some super friendly people to work there.” —Kaitlin S. “American Gothic + amazing baristas = bliss.” —Amelia K.
DASH COFFEE ROASTERS “I was so happy when they
Shoutouts!
came to Iowa City. They handsdown have the best lattes, coffee and matcha in town.” —Rhiannon M.
DODGE STREET COFFEEHOUSE “You can go through the drive-thru without taking kids out of the car OR you can take the kids to the hip play area and sip your coffee in Frankie Schneckloth / Little Village
BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR
Pavelka’s Tie! Point Meats, Hoffman Family Farm & Forage BEST CSA
“Keeps me in delicious fresh veggies from spring till fall.” —Meaghan H.
BEST GROCERY STORE
New Pioneer Food Co-op 1101 2nd St, Coralville
Echollective
“Echollective Farm’s CSA has been such an institution for so long! The variety and quality is excellent, and Farmer Molly is sure to include food justice tidbits in the newsletter, alongside tried-and-true recipes. They are organic in name and practice, and deserve their reputation for excellence.” —Ellen W.
Shoutouts!
MORNING GLORY
SHANTI SELLZ AT WALKER HOMESTEAD
22 S Van Buren St, Iowa City 3338 Center Point Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
BEST PRODUCE
New Pioneer Food Co-op BEST LOCAL FARM
Echollective Mechanicsville
“The biggest reason I almost
peace!” —Krista B.
LIGHTWORKS CAFE “Lightworks is the hippest lil’ do-your-workwith-a-coffee joint in town. The coffee is always fresh and boldly delicious but the food... it has overtaken all of my old go-to breakfast spots as the place to eat breakfast when I do eat breakfast. GIVE ME MORE VEGGIE HASH AND BREAKFAST TACOS!!! ” —August S.
BEST CRAFT BREWERY
Big Grove Brewery 101 W Main St, Solon
1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City “Ever-expanding lineup and always delicious, with a great brand and gathering space.” —Jake V.
Shoutouts!
LION BRIDGE BREWING COMPANY “Disaster at Meux and
Compensation are the best beers in Iowa. And beyond.” —Erin H.G.
didn’t sign up for this CSA was because of the drive involved, but now the drive involved (and
THEW BREWING COMPANY
the beautiful layout of the Walker Homestead)
“Amazing beers without the pretentiousness of
is my favorite part of the CSA.” —Lucas B.
most craft breweries!” —Edward R.
76 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275
VOTED BEST LATIN/SOUTH AMERICAN CUISINE
THANK YOU! 436 HWY 1 W, IOWA CITY (319) 341-8226
WWW.LAREGIAIA.COM
RIVERSIDE THEATRE VOTED BEST LOCAL THEATRE COMPANY
THANK YOU!
MEN ON BOATS BEST THEATRICAL PRODUCTION OF 2019 21 3 N G ilbe rt Stre e t, I owa C ity • 319-338-7672 • riversidetheatre.o rg
Thanks for voting us
Best Local Farm & Best CSA
in the CRANDIC for the second year in a row! Sign up for our
2020 CSA Veggie Share today at
echollectivefarm.com
Molly, Derek & Liliona
879 Echo Avenue, Mechanicsville, Iowa â&#x20AC;˘ echollectivefarm.com
w o r e l h d t m o r f y o J l gl o b a l gi f ts a c i h et
EDITORS’ PICKS
CALENDAR EVENTS AROUND THE CRANDIC DEC. 4, 2019–JAN. 7 2020 Planning an event? Submit event info to calendar@littlevillagemag.com. Include event name, date, time, venue, street address, admission price and a brief description (no all-caps, exclamation points or advertising verbiage, please). To find more events, visit littlevillagemag.com/ calendar. Please check venue listing in case details have changed.
= Best of the CRANDIC winners
Wed., Dec. 4 Iowa City Open Coffee, Merge, Iowa City, 8 a.m., Free (Weekly) DIALOGUE W/ DIR. IRIS MORALES, PRESENTED BY IMAGINING LATINIDADES
‘Palante, Siempre Palante!,’ FilmScene— Chauncey, Iowa City, 5:30 p.m., Free COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Sunny Sweeney’s Dysfunctional Family Christmas, Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa City, 6 p.m., $20-25 ZUUL w/ Techno Lincoln & the Technicolor
Buy one, get one 25% OFF, storewide* December 10-12 *All artisans have been paid in full.
Union, Wet Wallet, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free University of Iowa Combined Choirs and Symphony Orchestra, Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City, 7:30 p.m., Free Open Mic Night, Penguin’s Comedy Club, Cedar Rapids, 8 p.m., Free (Weekly) Karaoke with Vidal, Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Underground Karaoke with Spencer, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Open Stage, Studio 13, Iowa City, 10 p.m.,
105 S. Dubuque St. on the Ped Mall Monday–Saturday 10 AM-6 PM, Sunday 11 AM-5 PM
Free (Weekly)
STAFF PICKS
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
And why don’t you do it, too?
chunky, needy, elderly Tortie, definitely has the first two. But what is the effanineffable name she calls herself? Only the deep introspection possible at this exhibition will bring me closer to the truth. —Celine Robins
Karen Meat w/ Elizabeth Moen, Sinner Frenz, Good Morning Midnight, Trumpet Blossom, Iowa City, Friday, Dec. 6, 8:30 p.m., $10 This will be a special evening of
local music. It is not often that four of the pillars of the local music scene get together on one bill, but when local heroes Karen Meat announce they will take a break for a while, it is cause for such a gathering. Joining Iowa City’s favorite low-fi pop duo will be songwriter and vocal powerhouse Elizabeth Moen (solo), eurorack beat machine Sinner Frenz and indie rock songwriter Good Morning Midnight. This is a unique opportunity to experience the sonic diversity of Iowa City in one night and an excellent way to support your scene! See you there. (You can also catch Elizabeth Moen at CSPS Hall on New Year’s Eve, starting at 8 p.m.—if you manage to nab a ticket.) —Brian Johannesen
Saturdays at the Stanley: Cat People Art, Iowa Memorial Union Stanley Visual Classroom, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m., Free
Legendary cat person T.S. Eliot wrote that every cat must have three names: the name the family uses daily, the “peculiar” name that no other cat will ever share (Eliot suggests “Quaxo,” among others) and “His ineffable effable / Effanineffable / Deep and inscrutable singular Name”—the one the cat gives himself. This line has long troubled me. Luna, my
iday season, but the Johnson County Ukulele Club is brightening it up with their Annual Christmas Ukulele Special. The performance will be held at Uptown Bill’s Coffee House from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. There will be food and drinks (guests are encouraged to bring their own treats to contribute as well) and sing-a-long packets so audience members can join in the show. As a lover of the cheery instrument and the high holidays, I look forward to seeing both come together to celebrate the season. —Natalie Dunlap
the holidays—and, indeed, it’s showing three more times as part of the Picture Show series, free for kids and $5 for adults: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22 at 10 a.m. and Thursday, Dec. 26 at 3:30 p.m. What makes this year different is that the Chauncey space making full use of its 35mm capabilities for all screenings. And on Dec. 18, Donna Reed’s daughter Mary Owen will join moviegoers for a pre-show reception with eggnog, cookies and general holiday cheer.—Genevieve Trainor
via www.ncsml.org
Zak Neumann / Little Village
Johnson County Ukulele Club Christmas Special, Uptown Bill’s Coffee House, Iowa City, Saturday, Dec. 14, 4:30 p.m., Free Iowans might be bracing for a frigid hol-
DECEMBER 4. 2019– JANUARY 7, 2020
“Bethlehem and Beyond: The Nativity Scene,” National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, Nov. 2-Feb. 2, Free-$10 When you tell the same story over
‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ FilmScene— Chauncey, Iowa City, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 5 p.m., $15-18 Precious few films, or
any art, hold up to large amounts of hype. Typically, the more I’m told I’ll love something, the less likely I am to even like it. This 1946 Frank Capra Christmas classic defies that logic. Its cynicism-cracking charm lies squarely on the shoulders of its three leads: genuine “they don’t make ’em like that anymore” star James Stewart, quintessential meme of motherhood (and Iowan!) Donna Reed and delightful (but less well-known in modern circles) character actor Henry Travers as the angel Clarence. There’s something more to it, beyond their performances, too: a cohesion, a gentleness that doesn’t shy away from hard truths. It’s hard to pinpoint. But it works. FilmScene often brings this classic around for
and over, you start to put your own spin on it. Thus is the case with the tale of Jesus Christ’s birth (the second greatest story ever told?), specifically the Nativity scene. Whether it’s depicted by Sunday School actors, collectible figurines, murals or lawn inflatables, the thousands of ways various Christians have assembled Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the Wise Men/Magi and a few farm animals often say more about the person or culture displaying them than the story described in the books of Matthew and Luke. In 2016, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library received a donation of a nearly 1,000-piece Nativity scene, and they have it on display in the Smith Gallery through Feb. 2. Carved in Příbram, Bohemia over 150 years ago, the figures are described as “whimsical and fantastic,” mixing biblical imagery with elements straight out of a Czech and Slovak village, including chimney sweeps, pub-keepers, farmers and ducks. Veselé Vánoce! —Emma McClatchey
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 81
EDITORS’ PICKS THIS WEEK: ‘BEYOND HORROR: THE HISTORY AND SUB-CULTURE OF RED FILMS’
Late Shift at the Grindhouse, FilmScene—Chauncey, Iowa City, 10 p.m., $4 (Weekly)
Thu., Dec. 5
IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN
Therapy Thursday, NewBo City Market, 5:30 p.m., Free (Weekly) Iowa City Meditation Class: How To Transform Your Life, Quaker Friends Meeting House, Iowa City, 6:30 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly) Line Dancing and Lessons, Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa City, 6:30 p.m., Free (Weekly) Thursday Night Live Open Mic, Uptown Bill’s, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) Daddy-O, Parlor City Pub and Eatery, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Delicious meals made from scratch.
Served up for over fifty years!
FOOD | DRINKS | ENTERTAINMENT 120 E Burlington St. | 319.351.9529 | icmill.com
READING: ‘THE THIRTEENTH MONTH’
Colin Hamilton, Prairie Lights, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free WISCONSIN GUITAR ROCK
Cody James w/ Riff Worm, Woodcreeper, Yacht Club, Iowa CIty, 7 p.m., $5 Live Jazz, Clinton Street Social Club, Iowa City, 8 p.m., Free (1st & 3rd Thursdays) Karaoke Thursday, Studio 13, Iowa City, 8 p.m., Free (Weekly) All Guts No Glory w/ Never Knows Best, Bain-Marie, Good Devils, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $8 WOMEN ON THE VERGE
‘Madeline’s Madeline,’ FilmScene— Chauncey, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $8.50-11 Vinyl Swap, Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) The Nadas, Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City, 9 p.m., $15-20 DJ Loomer Thirsty Thursday Dance Party, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly)
82 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020
105 S. Dubuque St. on the Ped Mall
millions of live & active cultures
thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of culture, even by iowa city standards
Open 7 days a week
Get 10% off when you mention Little Village
Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re with friends now.
11 S. DUBUQUE ST. MICKYSIRISHPUB.COM
BREAKFAST â&#x20AC;˘ LUNCH â&#x20AC;˘ DINNER â&#x20AC;˘ DRINKS
Magic the Gathering. Video Games. Warhammer. Warmachine. RPGs. Board Games. X-Wing. Dice. LotR. HeroClix. Miniatures. GoT. Blood Bowl. L5R. Pokemon. Yu-Gi-Oh. Kidrobot Vinyl. Retro toys. Pop vinyl & plushies. Gaming & collectible supplies. Huge Magic singles inventory plus we buy/trade MtG cards. Weekly drafts, FNM, league play, and frequent tourneys.
MOVIE NIGHT JUST GOT BETTER!
Now buying/selling/trading video games & toys! Bring in your Nintendo Gameboy, NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube, Sega, WiiU, Xbox 360, PS1-2-3, & other used games, consoles, action figures, and toys for cash or trade credit! Fun atmosphere and great customer service!
    � �� � � �
115 S. Linn Street (by the Public Library), Iowa City Tel: 319-333-1260; Email: chg@criticalhitgames.net www.criticalhitgames.net @criticalhitgamesiowacity
EDITORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PICKS
Fri., Dec. 6 25TH ANNUAL! ALSO 12/7 AND 12/8
Iowa City ARTist Cooperative Presents: Eastside Artists Art Show, Masonic Building, Iowa City, 10 a.m. Coralville Community Food Pantry Free Community Meal, Coralville Rec Center, 5 p.m., Free Make & Take Winter Wreath Workshop, Willow & Stock, Iowa City, 6 p.m., $75 Bodies of Knowledge: Open House Reception and Performance, Public Space One, Iowa City, 6 p.m., Free EVENTS THROUGHOUT CZECH VILLAGE AND NEW BOHEMIA ALL WEEKEND!
Deck the District 2019 Kickoff: Svaty Mikulas and Tree Lighting Celebration, Kosek Building, Cedar Rapids, 6:30 p.m., Free FAC Dance Party, The Union, Iowa City, 7 p.m. (Weekly) Ron Clarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Small Miracles,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Uptown Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Iowa City, 7 p.m., $10 Suggested Donation OPENING NIGHT (RUNS THROUGH 12/8)
Run of The Mill Presents: Antigone, The Mill, Iowa City, 7 p.m., $10 READING: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;MEANDER BELTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
M. Randal Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Wain, Prairie Lights, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free OPENING NIGHT (RUNS THROUGH 12/8)
RHCR Theatre Presents: A Christmas Rat Pack Tribute, Cedar Rapids Public Libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Downtown, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., $20-25 OPENING NIGHT (RUNS THROUGH 12/15)
City Circle Theatre Company Presents: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Annie,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, Coralville, 7:30 p.m., $14-29 OPENING NIGHT (RUNS THROUGH 12/15)
 2790 N DODGE ST., IOWA CITY (319) 569-1722
Iowa City Community Theatre Presents: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Almost, Maine,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Johnson County Fairgrounds, Iowa City, 7:30 p.m., $9-17 OPENING NIGHT (RUNS THROUGH 12/8)
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Nutcracker,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Englert Theatre, Iowa City, 7:30 p.m., $20-40 ALSO 12/7
Joe Fernandez w/ Jimmy Roberson, Penguinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comedy Club, Cedar Rapids, 8 p.m., $13-15
LITTLEVILLAGE MAG.COM/CALENDAR
TOP PICKS: QUAD CITIES
DEC. 4. 2019–JAN. 7, 2020
Flatfoot 56 w/ Jenny Lynn Stacy and the Dirty Roosters, River Music Experience, Davenport, Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30 p.m., $12-15 Celtic punks Flatfoot 56 fire up the
90.9 910
old working-class populism with thunderous zeal. Mixing modern electric with traditional instruments, this Chicago-based band bellows a brighter sound—and message—than their ’70s-era forebears. Let’s call it pop anti-establishmentarianism. Jenny Lynn Stacy and the Dirty Roosters open with their super-fresh funkabilly. —Melanie Hanson
AM
Jeff Carl
NEWS
Paige Underwood
Dark Family, Denim Dragon, Liv Carrow, Max Kamm, Good Doom, Aubs., Heather Files and DJ NUMA! Featuring a badass collaborative set of Condor & Jaybird X the Golden Fleece, with video installations by Dystopia Kid and Marble Lobe. Expect an unofficial closing ceremony to celebrate Illinois’ legalization of recreational marijuana. —MH
with clay or not, the drop-in clay workshops at DeSoto are a great chance to learn a variety of clay-building hand techniques and get the opportunity to make a piece of your own. Get your hands a little dirty, make art and build a skill all in one night. $15 covers materials and bisque-firing of one piece. —PU
Chris Schlichting
Sunshrine w/ Liv Carrow, Cocopower, Rozz-Tox, Rock Island, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m., $5-10 sliding Before Sunshrine
Clay Workshop, DeSoto Pottery Studio, Rock Island, Tuesday, Dec. 17th, 7 p.m., $15 Whether you have experience working
FM
NEWS | STUDIO ONE
New Year’s Eve at Rozz Tox, Rozz-Tox, Rock Island, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., $10-12 Mark the end of the decade with
heads down south on their first tour, the local psych-folk outfit will play a hometown show to kick things off. Their recent release, “Dream Milk,” is a lysergic prance through flower-filled fields on the search for that milky goodness. Liv Carrow, whose voice soothes the soul and who has the wittiest stage banter, and Cocopower will also perform. —Paige Underwood
NEWS YOU CAN TRUST.
Tomfoolery on Tremont 44, Renwick Mansion, Davenport, Friday, Jan. 3, 8 p.m., $10 Chris “The Originator”
Schlichting, star of Schlick News and Schlick Runs, headlines this edition of Tomfoolery. Get to the mansion in time for happy hour at 7 p.m., so you can corner Schlick himself and ask how close he is to quitting his day job, which is documenting the lives of local squirrels. —MH
Stream online: IowaPublicRadio.org or the IPR app.
EDITORS’ PICKS Mike Maas & Carlis, Sanctuary Pub, Iowa City, 8
CEDAR RAPIDS NEW BOHEMIA/ CZECH VILLAGE
p.m., Free Anthony Worden & the Illiterati w/ Purple Frank, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 8:30 p.m., $8 Karen Meat w/ Elizabeth Moen, Sinner
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Frenz, Good Morning Midnight, Trumpet Blossom, Iowa CIty, 8:30 p.m., $10 Latin Night w/ FUZE, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly)
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Black Earth Gallery Art Consulting
SoulShake, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly) Sasha Belle Presents: Friday Night Drag & Dance Party, Studio 13, Iowa City, 10:30 p.m., $5 (Weekly)
Sat, Dec. 7 LOCAL RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT
Richard the Whale Release Party & Brunch, Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City, 8 a.m., $79-99 PROCEEDS FROM BEVERAGE SALES BENEFIT GROW JOHNSON COUNTY
Not Your Mother’s Craft Fair, Merge, Iowa City, 9 a.m. Deck the District 2019: Very Cherry Holiday, Cherry Building, Cedar Rapids, 9 a.m., Free-$10 ALSO 12/8
Deck the District 2019: Old World Christmas for businesses and personal homes, pop-up shows and public art events blackearthgallery.com @black_earth_gallery blackearthgallery@gmail.com If art isn’t important, then why does it have so much power?
Market, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, 10 a.m. Family Storytime, Iowa City Public Library, 10:30 a.m., Free (Weekly) Go Down Deep: Exploring the Spiritual Essay w/ Andy Douglas, Iowa Writers’ House, Iowa City, 1:30 p.m., $75 SATURDAYS AT THE STANLEY
Cat People Art, Iowa Memorial Union, Iowa City, 2 p.m., Free ORCHESTRA IOWA & BALLET QUAD CITIES
‘Nutcracker Ballet,’ Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., $18-49 A CAJUN CHRISTMAS
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Hancher Auditorium, Iowa CIty, 7:30 p.m., $10-45
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EDITORS’ PICKS QUAD CITIES QUIRKY POP PHANTOM ROCK
Chrash w/ 6 Odd Rats, Evan Stock Band, Piece of Cake, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $10 Concubine w/ Dead Emperors, Acoustic Guillotine, Trumpet Blossom Cafe, Iowa City, 9 p.m., $5
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Elation Dance Party, Studio 13, Iowa City, 9 p.m., $5 (Weekly)
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Sun., Dec. 8 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VISUAL AIDS
Still Beginning: The 30th Annual Day With(out) Art, Public Space One, Iowa City, 1 p.m., Free Sunday Funday, Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City, 2 p.m., Free (Weekly) CRAFTY WINTER FUN
Winter Wreath Workshop, Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City, 2 p.m., $75 INTERNATIONAL STEINWAY ARTIST
Holiday Grande with Jim McDonough and His Orchestra & Singers, Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, 2:30 p.m., $29-48 Jeff Dunham: Seriously!?, US Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, 3 p.m., $51.50-151.50 FILMSCENE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
The Eye Opener, FilmScene—Chauncey, Iowa City, 4 p.m., $25
Mon., Dec. 9 Open Mic, The Mill, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) Comedy Open Mic with Spencer & Dan, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Say Anything Karaoke, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Tue., Dec. 10 Open Mic, Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) NOW HEAR THIS
The Feralings, Opus Concert Cafe, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., $12 88 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020
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EDITORS’ PICKS Blues Jam, Parlor City Pub and Eatery, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) Weekly Old-Timey Jam Sessions, Trumpet Blossom Cafe, Iowa City, 7:30 p.m., Free (Weekly) ALL HOLIDAYS VARIETY SHOW
Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, 7:30 p.m., $53-78 Dance Party with DJ Jamaican Daddy, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Comedy & Karaoke, Studio 13, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Wed., Dec. 11 Iowa City Open Coffee, Merge, Iowa City, 8 a.m., Free (Weekly) 2019 Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Annual Luncheon, Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Coralville, 11:30 a.m., $50-500 Burlington Street Bluegrass Band, The Mill, Iowa City, 6 p.m., $5 (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) New Pioneer’s Wine Freak Out, New Pioneer Coop, Coralville, 6 p.m., $20 ‘Sorry to Bother You’ Screening and Discussion, Iowa City Public Library, 6 p.m., Free CHRISTIAN ELECTRIC FOLK
Aaron Warner w/ Deb Tiemens, Thieves, Yacht Club, Iowa CIty, 7 p.m., $5 SOULFUL HOLIDAY SHOW
A Motown Christmas, Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, 7:30 p.m., $49-59 Open Mic Night, Penguin’s Comedy Club, Cedar Rapids, 8 p.m., Free (Weekly) Karaoke with Vidal, Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Underground Karaoke with Spencer, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Open Stage, Studio 13, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly)
LITTLEVILLAGE MAG.COM/CALENDAR
Joseph Leaming, courtesy of The Mimzees
TOP PICKS: DES MOINES
DEC. 4. 2019–JAN. 7, 2020
The Mimzees Album Release w/ Choro Moingona, The Lift, Dec. 12, 8 p.m., Free
The Mimzees are entirely a musical entity unto themselves. They’ve come to be known for their song cycles, setting the prose of numerous poets to melodies equally beautiful and strange. The new release, On Gay Wallpaper (recorded by Dana T at Flat Black Studios) sets the words of William Carlos Williams’poem of the same name to a genre-spanning stroll through imagery of the sprawling countryside and abundant natural landscapes. The show will celebrate the release of that tape, with Brazilian Choro traditionalists, Choro Moingona, providing opening tunes. Brilliant Crafts & Wares Fair 8, Vaudeville Mews, Dec. 15, 12 p.m., Free Perfect for
gift-buying procrastinators, Brilliant Crafts & Wares Fair brings together a smattering of local artists, crafters and creators to offer their goods to the public at “I-don’t-have-room-forthis-anymore” prices. Maybe you’re looking for something specific, like homemade playdoh or that one band’s new record, or perhaps you’re just better at knowing the right gift when you see it. The fair has been going on for eight years in Des Moines; longer, since its inception in Iowa City as What A Load of Craft. Nowadays, organizers continue to find ways to cram more and more vendor tables between the dingy walls of the ol’ Vaudeville Mews every year.
5th Annual Wild Party, Noce, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., $75-150 I’m not normally one to
write about such an expensive event, however this one is Gatsby-themed, so really it’s just part of the aesthetic. Plus, Noce always does things up right for this, offering classic cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dress and décor, in case you prefer to spend New Year’s Eve pretending it’s actually 100 years ago instead of 2019 (I wouldn’t blame you). This year marks the fifth year for Wild Party, and will feature the Des Moines Big Band backing up Chicago vocalist Rose Colella and, of course, Noce’s head-honcho, Max Wellman. NO SLEEP, Wooly’s, Jan. 4, 8 p.m., $1215 You have to hand it to everyone helping
make the push for local comedy in Des Moines. With the recent opening of the new downtown comedy club, Teehee’s, and last month’s massive Beast Village Comedy Festival, that scene is probably more lively now than it’s ever been. The NO SLEEP series has been doing their thing around town with these stacked comedy showcases for a while now. The new year brings the series to Wooly’s for a full lineup featuring Chris Schlichting, Dante Powell, Michael Good, Alex Carter, Hayley Raven, Andrew Lopez, Donny Townsend, Sam Hirchak, Tommy Morgan Jr. and Toll McGrane. —Trey Reis
EDITORS’ PICKS THIS WEEK: WOMEN ON THE VERGE: ‘KNIVES AND SKIN’
Late Shift at the Grindhouse, FilmScene—Chauncey, Iowa City, 10 p.m., $4 (Weekly)
Thu., Dec. 12 Holidays with a Heart: Shop for a Cause & Support our Community, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, 5 p.m. Therapy Thursday, NewBo City Market, 5:30 p.m., Free (Weekly) CANADIAN RAP
Merkules w/ DJ Jason Kolstad, Joey Cool, Bedbury Music and more, Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa City, 6 p.m., $31.80-66.78 Iowa City Meditation Class: How To Transform Your Life, Quaker Friends Meeting House, Iowa City, 6:30 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly) Line Dancing and Lessons, Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa City, 6:30 p.m., Free (Weekly) Thursday Night Live Open Mic, Uptown Bill’s, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) Daddy-O, Parlor City Pub and Eatery, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) ALSO 12/13 & 14
Lynne Rothrock’s Christmas Cabaret, Whipple Auditorium—Cedar Rapids Public Library, 7:30 p.m., $30 Karaoke Thursday, Studio 13, Iowa City, 8 p.m., Free (Weekly)
LITTLEVILLAGE MAG.COM BELOVED SACRAMENTO HIP-HOP DUO
Blackalicious w/ Jim Swim, the Only Ion, Animosity, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $20 WOMEN ON THE VERGE
‘The Headless Woman,’ FilmScene—Chauncey, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $8.50-11 Hannah Frey Album Release Party w/ Young Charles, Ivory James, Trumpet Blossom, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $8 Vinyl Swap, Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) DJ Loomer Thirsty Thursday Dance Party, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Fri., Dec. 13 Make & Take Winter Wreath Workshop, Willow & Stock, Iowa City, 6 p.m., $75 Friday Night Out, Ceramics Center, Cedar Rapids, 6:30 p.m., $40 (2nd Friday) Revival Theatre Company Presents: ‘Christmas, With Love,’ National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, 6:30 p.m., $40-300 GHOST STORIES W/ AUTHOR CHAD LEWIS
Legends & Folklore of Winter, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 7 p.m., Free FAC Dance Party, The Union, Iowa City, 7 p.m. (Weekly) The Soft and Low, Wild Culture Kombucha, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free
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EDITORS’ PICKS LOCAL CABARET CHANTEUSE HOLIDAY SHOW
Amy Friedl Stoner’s Christmas Cabaret, Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, 7:30 p.m., $38-48 Hawkmania XIII: Triskaidekaphobia, Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa City, 7:30 p.m., $10 Winterland: Cryptical Envelopment, Englert Theatre, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $10-18 JAZZ, SOUL & BLUES
Joyann Parker, Famous Mockingbird, Marion, 8 p.m., $10 ALSO 12/14
Ben Gleib, Penguin’s Comedy Club, Cedar Rapids, 8 p.m., $15-18 Blake Shaw, Sanctuary Pub, Iowa City, 8 p.m., Free
OAD L N DOW APP
THE R COVE S I D TO N
ER T S A E A IOW NTS
EVETED BY E CURA LLAG I V E LITTL
Latin Night w/ FUZE, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly) IHEARIC
Anastasia Scholze w/ Thieves, Warship, Gersony/Vanek, Trumpet Blossom, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free FEEL-GOOD ROOTS/REGGAE
Pete Jive w/ Mississippi Jake, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., $5 IOWA HOUSE MUSIC SHOWCASE
Launch feat. Bigzz, Loomer, Angelia, Vyvans, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 9:30 p.m., $5 SoulShake, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly) SPECIAL PRESENTATION: ‘FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VII: THE NEW BLOOD’
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Late Shift at the Grindhouse, FilmScene—Chauncey, Iowa City, 10 p.m., $4 Sasha Belle Presents: Friday Night Drag & Dance Party, Studio 13, Iowa City, 10:30 p.m., $5 (Weekly)
Sat., Dec. 14 Family Storytime, Iowa City Public Library, 10:30 a.m., Free (Weekly) SATURDAYS AT THE STANLEY
Get Cozy at the Stanley, Iowa Memorial Union, Iowa City, 2 p.m., Free
IOWA CITY OLD TRAIN DEPOT LITTLEVILLAGE MAG.COM/CALENDAR
TOP PICKS: WATERLOO/CEDAR FALLS video still via Celtic Women ‘Tír Na nÓg ft. Oonagh’
DECEMBER 4, 2019–JANUARY 7, 2020
Iowa Doesn’t Suck, Spicoli’s Reverb, Waterloo, Saturday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m., $7
Anyone who pays attention to fast, heavy music in this state is well aware that Iowa doesn’t suck—but it never hurts for local venues to put it out there in blatant language as the title of an event. Rock, punk and metal acts from the state will be on hand to smash your eardrums: pop punkers Sorry, Pluto from Cedar Rapids; Cedar Falls hard rockers Feet to Fall Over; the August Guns, punk out of Des Moines; Iowa City metal act NonGrata; and Waterloo’s Toppling Despots will be present at this all-ages show. Celtic Woman, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls, Sunday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m., $41.75-126.75 For
the past 15 years, the rotating slate of female voices making up Celtic Woman (currently: Máiréad Carlin, Éabha McMahon, Tara McNeill and Megan Walsh) have entranced and beguiled audiences with gorgeous arrangements of traditional, original and occasional pop classic tunes. The group was recruited by David Kavanagh, Sharon Browne and David Downes; what was meant to be a one-off concert in Dublin became an international phenomenon thanks to repeated showings on PBS. Their second album, 2006’s A Christmas Celebration, cemented them as a holiday tradition in the public consciousness, and their most recent album, The Magic of Christmas (released in North America on Oct. 25) plays directly into that reputation.
Noon Year’s Party!, Waterloo Center for the Arts, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m., Free$5 I’m a sucker for a noon year’s eve—it’s
a fantastic way for kids to get in on the fun of putting the past aside and welcoming new chances. To be fair, kids probably aren’t cynical enough to need to put the past behind them in one huge chunk at year’s end. But it’s good to get in that practice of letting go, of honoring cycles and of looking forward with anticipation and hope. Plus, noon year’s parties tend to have more balloons than fireworks—which makes them aces in my book. This party will feature crafts, snacks and games; members are free and non-members are $5 (but the wristband is good all day at the center, not just for the two-hour event). Melodies ’Til Midnight—A New Year’s Celebration, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., $5-82.50 OK,
fine. You want something grown-up to do. I don’t blame you! This event is as grown-up as it gets, with music from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony kicking off the evening. The concert will feature 19th century Vienese music, perfect for dancing. At 9:30 p.m., the orchestra cedes responsibility for your auditory pleasure to Hands of Time, a project of University of Iowa jazz faculty Chris Merz. They’ll be providing classics from the Great American Songbook to accompany food, drink and more dancing in the lobby. You can attend the events separately or dedicate your whole night to this celebration of delight.
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EDITORS’ PICKS Johnson County Ukulele Club
TEXAS COUNTRY
Christmas Special, Uptown Bill’s
Flatland Cavalry w/ Adam Keith,
Coffee House, Iowa City, 4:30 p.m.,
First Ave Club, Iowa City, 8 p.m.,
Free
$15-110
BIG BAND HOLIDAYS
Ross Clowser Quartet, Sanctuary
The Jazz at Lincoln Center
Pub, Iowa City, 8 p.m., Free
Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Elation Dance Party, Studio
Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City, 7:30
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WWE Live Holiday Tour Supershow, US Cellular Center, Cedar
CALIFORNIA POP/HIP-HOP
Rapids, 7:30 p.m., $18-103
Zay w/ DJ Hi-Tech, Yacht Club, Iowa CIty, 9 p.m., $5
ALSO 12/15
A Carol Christmas with Carol
Twerkfest, Yacht Club, Iowa CIty, 11
Montag, CSPS Legion Arts, Cedar
p.m., $20
Rapids, 8 p.m., $27-30 HOLIDAY JAZZ
Sun., Dec. 15
Eddie Piccard Quartet, Famous
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BIG GROVE BREWERY The Nadas December 5, 8 p.m.
WILLOW & STOCK Make & Take Winter Wreath Workshop December 6 & 13, 6 p.m.
NEW PIONEER CO-OP CORALVILLE New Pioneer’s Wine Freak Out December 11, 6 p.m.
THE MILL Food Bank Project Holiday Benefit Concert December 15, 6 p.m.
Mockingbird, Marion, 8 p.m., $25
THIS MONTH: JENNIFER MILLER
The Afternoon, The Center, Iowa City,
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LITTLEVILLAGE MAG.COM/CALENDAR Sunday Funday, Iowa City
FEATURING KEVIN BF BURT,
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HOMEBREWED
p.m., Free (Weekly)
Last Dash CommUnity Crisis Center Food Bank
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
‘One Man, Two Guvnors,’
Fundraiser, The Mill, Iowa City, 5 p.m., $5-10 Suggested Donation
FilmScene—Chauncey, Iowa City, 2 p.m., $15-18
DETROIT OUTLAW COUNTRY
Whitey Morgan w/ Them Dirty FINAL PERFORMANCE
Roses, Wildwood Smokehouse &
‘Not Another Christmas Letter!
Saloon, Iowa City, 6 p.m., $25-80
the Musical,’ Old Creamery Theatre, Amana, 2 p.m., $12-32.50
Mon., Dec. 16
FINAL PERFORMANCE
‘Straight White Men,’
Open Mic, The Mill, Iowa City, 7 p.m.,
Riverside Theatre, Iowa City,
Free (Weekly)
2 p.m., $10-30 Comedy Open Mic with FINAL PERFORMANCE
‘Matilda the Musical,’
Spencer & Dan, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Theatre Cedar Rapids, 2:30 p.m., $22-51
Say Anything Karaoke, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly)
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EDITORS’ PICKS
Tue., Dec. 17 Open Mic, Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) Blues Jam, Parlor City Pub and Eatery, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) Weekly Old-Timey Jam Sessions, Trumpet Blossom Cafe, Iowa City, 7:30 p.m., Free (Weekly) Dance Party with DJ Jamaican Daddy, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Comedy & Karaoke, Studio 13, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Wed., Dec. 18 CHRISTMAS CLASSIC ON 35MM FILM
‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ FilmScene— Chauncey, Iowa City, 5 p.m., $15-18 CAROLS, COOKIES, COCOA
Festival of Carols, Englert Theatre, Iowa City, 6:30 p.m., Free Cody Hicks & Friends Wednesday Writer’s Round, Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa City, 7 p.m., $7-15 Open Mic Night, Penguin’s Comedy Club, Cedar Rapids, 8 p.m., Free (Weekly) Karaoke with Vidal, Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Underground Karaoke with Spencer, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Open Stage, Studio 13, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly) THIS WEEK: ‘DIAL CODE SANTA CLAUS’
Late Shift at the Grindhouse, FilmScene—Chauncey, Iowa City, 10 p.m., $4 (Weekly)
Thu., Dec. 19 Therapy Thursday, NewBo City Market, 5:30 p.m., Free (Weekly) Iowa City Meditation Class: How To Transform Your Life, Quaker Friends Meeting House, Iowa City, 6:30 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly)
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EDITORS’ PICKS Line Dancing and Lessons,
Karaoke Thursday, Studio
Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa
13, Iowa City, 8 p.m., Free
City, 6:30 p.m., Free (Weekly)
(Weekly)
Novel Conversations, Coralville
The Beaker Brothers, The Mill, Iowa
Public Library, 7 p.m., Free (3rd
City, 8 p.m., $10
Thursday) DULUTH FOLK
Thursday Night Live Open Mic,
Two Many Banjos, Famous
Uptown Bill’s, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free
Mockingbird, Marion, 8 p.m., $12
(Weekly) Vinyl Swap, Moco Game Room & Hot Back Room Comedy
Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 9 p.m., Free
hosted by Clara Reynen,
(Weekly)
Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City, 7 p.m., DJ Loomer Thirsty Thursday Dance
$5
Party, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Daddy-O, Parlor City Pub and Eatery,
Free (Weekly)
Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly)
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CLINTON ST. HOUSE BAND W/
Fri., Dec. 20
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Live Jazz, Clinton Street Social Club,
FAC Dance Party, The Union, Iowa
Iowa City, 8 p.m., Free (1st & 3rd
City, 7 p.m. (Weekly)
Thursdays)
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3184 HWY 22 | Riverside, IA 52327
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE riversidecasinoandresort.com OR IN THE GIFT SHOP 319.648.1234
LITTLEVILLAGE MAG.COM/CALENDAR Brian Johannesen, Moco Game Room
CHICAGO PROGRESSIVE JAZZ-ROCK
& Hot Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m.,
Marbin w/ Special Guest Craig
Free
Erikson and Sky Train, Famous Mockingbird, Marion, 8 p.m., $15
Combined Efforts and Friends Winter Wonderful Show, Uptown
ALSO 12/21
Bill’s, Iowa City, 7 p.m., $10 Suggested
Kevin McCaffrey w/ Geoffrey
Donation
Asmus, Penguin’s Comedy Club, Cedar Rapids, 8 p.m., $15-17
Jordan Sellergren Band, Lincoln Steve Grismore, Sanctuary Pub, Iowa
Winebar, Mt. Vernon, 7 p.m., Free
City, 8 p.m., Free OPENING NIGHT (RUNS THROUGH 12/22)
Latin Night w/ FUZE, Yacht Club,
Holiday Spectacular: Orchestra
Iowa City, 9 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly)
Pops at the Paramount, Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, 7:30 p.m.,
SoulShake, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 10 p.m.,
$18-59
Free (Weekly)
The Paddlers w/ Middle State,
Sasha Belle Presents:
Uncle, City Park, Gabe’s, Iowa City,
Friday Night Drag & Dance Party, Studio 13, Iowa City, 10:30
8 p.m., $8
p.m., $5 (Weekly) Euforquestra: Home for the Holidays X w/ Flash in a Pan, Englert Theatre, Iowa CIty, 8 p.m., $20-24
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EDITORS’ PICKS
Sat, Dec. 21 Come to Groundswell Cafe for healthy, fresh, and locally-sourced food. Your tips and donations provide meals for those who cannot afford to pay.
Wed., Dec. 25
Family Storytime, Iowa City Public Library, Karaoke and Holiday Treats, Studio 13,
10:30 a.m., Free (Weekly)
Iowa City,8 p.m., Free Annual Gingerbread House Party, NewBo City Market, 12 p.m., $25/team
Located just off I-380! 201 3rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
319-200-2791 • groundswell.hub25.org/cafe Vegan and vegetarian options available!
Thu., Dec. 26
BRASS QUINTET
Brass Tower, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 5 p.m., $5
Iowa City Meditation Class: How To Transform Your Life, Quaker Friends Meeting House, Iowa City,
ANNUAL READING OF DYLAN THOMAS CLASSIC BY
6:30 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly)
DAI GWILLIAM
A Child’s Christmas in Wales, The Mill, Iowa City,
Line Dancing and Lessons, Wildwood Smokehouse
8 p.m., $5
& Saloon, Iowa City, 6:30 p.m., Free (Weekly)
The Beaker Brothers, Famous Mockingbird, Marion,
Thursday Night Live Open Mic, Uptown Bill’s,
8 p.m., $15
Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Cole Peterson Trio, Sanctuary Pub, Iowa City, 8
Daddy-O, Parlor City Pub and Eatery, Cedar Rapids, 7
p.m., Free
p.m., Free (Weekly)
OLD SCHOOL BLUES
Karaoke Thursday, Studio 13, Iowa City, 8
The Blue Dog Band, Wildwood Smokehouse &
p.m., Free (Weekly)
Saloon, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $10-20 Vinyl Swap, Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar, Cedar Elation Dance Party, Studio 13, Iowa City,
Rapids, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
9 p.m., $5 (Weekly) DJ Loomer Thirsty Thursday Dance Party, Yacht
Sun., Dec. 22 Sunday Funday, Iowa City Public Library,
Club, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Fri., Dec. 27
Iowa City, 2 p.m., Free (Weekly) FAC Dance Party, The Union, Iowa City, 7 p.m.
Kim will help you find your way HOME kimschillig@gmail.com 310.795.2133 V/T
FINAL PERFORMANCE
(Weekly)
‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,’ Giving Tree Theater, Marion, 2 p.m., $23
MySpace Emo Prom w/ Taking Back Emo, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $5-10
Mon., Dec. 23
Latin Night w/ FUZE, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly)
Open Mic, The Mill, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) SoulShake, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly) Comedy Open Mic with Spencer & Dan, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Sasha Belle Presents: Friday Night Drag & Dance Party, Studio 13, Iowa City, 10:30
Say Anything Karaoke, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 10 p.m.,
p.m., $5 (Weekly)
Free (Weekly)
Tue., Dec. 24
Sat., Dec. 28 Family Storytime, Iowa City Public Library,
Dance Party with DJ Jamaican Daddy, Yacht
10:30 a.m., Free (Weekly)
Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Catfish Keith, The Mill, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $15 Comedy & Karaoke, Studio 13, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
PARISIAN NEW YEAR
moulin rouge DEC 31 | 4PM | FILMSCENE AT THE CHAUNCEY FilmScene's annual countown to the New Year on Paris time includes champagne, French pastries, crêpes, and a screening of Moulin Rouge!
EDITORS’ PICKS David Zollo & The Body Electric, Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $10-20 Elation Dance Party, Studio 13, Iowa City, 9 p.m., $5 (Weekly) Aaron Kamm & The One Drops, Famous Mockingbird, Marion, 9 p.m., $15
Sun., Dec. 29 Sunday Funday, Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City, 2 p.m., Free (Weekly) DULUTH POP PUNK
Cities Never Sleep w/ Names Without Numbers, Dog Dave, the Insomniacs, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $8
Mon., Dec. 30 Open Mic, The Mill, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) Comedy Open Mic with Spencer & Dan, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly) Say Anything Karaoke, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Tue., Dec. 31 Noon Year’s Eve Celebration!, Cedar Rapids Public Library, 10 a.m., Free Noon Year’s Eve 2020 Celebration, Iowa Children’s Museum, Coralville, 10 a.m., Free-$9 Glow in the Dark Noon Year’s Eve Party, Iowa City Public Library, 11:30 a.m., Free Irish New Year’s Eve Party w/ Wylde Nept, The Mill, Iowa City, 4 p.m., Free-15 CELEBRATE PARISIAN NEW YEAR
‘Moulin Rouge’: A Parisian New Year, FilmScene—Chauncey, Iowa City, 4 p.m., $25 New Year’s Eve Party for a Cause Benefiting St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 350 First, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., $75 New Year’s Eve Party ft. Dueling Pianos, Vue Rooftop, Iowa City, 7 p.m., $100 Blues Jam, Parlor City Pub and Eatery, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly)
LITTLEVILLAGE MAG.COM
IOWA CITY SOUTH OF BOWERY
NEW YEAR’S HYPNOTISM SHOW
Doug T, Penguin’s Comedy Club, Cedar Rapids, 7 & 10 p.m., $22-37 LAUGH IN THE NEW YEAR
Martin Moreno, First Ave Club, Iowa City, 7:30 p.m., $20-100 Elizabeth Moen’s New Year’s Eve, CSPS Legion Arts, Cedar Rapids, 8 p.m., $15-20 New Years Eve ICE BALL 2020 w/ Alisabeth Von
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Presley, DanceMor Ballroom, Swisher, 8 p.m., $20 Boogie Nights NYE Party, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $10 The Roaring (20)20s New Year’s Eve Party ft. Vandello, History Center, Cedar Rapids, 9 p.m., $75 Ring in 2020! Benefit for Strengthen • Grow • Evolve, ft. Sweetie and the Toothaches, Dandelion Stompers, Hotel Vetro, Iowa City, 8 p.m., $35-100 Kris Lager Band, Famous Mockingbird, Marion, 9 p.m., $25 Cedar County Cobras w/ Illinois John Fever, The Mill, Iowa City, 9:30 p.m., $10 New Year’s Eve Champagne Celebration, Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar, Iowa City, 10 p.m., $50-250
Wed., Jan. 1 THIS WEEK: ‘CHOPPING MALL’ W/ ‘SOUL FOOD’
Late Shift at the Grindhouse, FilmScene—Chauncey, Iowa City, 10 p.m., $4 (Weekly)
Thu., Jan. 2 Iowa City Meditation Class: How To Transform Your Life, Quaker Friends Meeting House, Iowa City, 6:30 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly) Line Dancing and Lessons, Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon, Iowa City, 6:30 p.m., Free (Weekly) Thursday Night Live Open Mic, Uptown Bill’s,
IMPORT SERVICE SPECIALISTS Audi, VW, BMW, Volvo, Subaru, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Mini Cooper, Jaguar, and other imports
Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) Daddy-O, Parlor City Pub and Eatery, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly)
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EDITORS’ PICKS Live Jazz, Clinton Street Social Club,
Jordan Sellergren, Wild Culture
Iowa City, 8 p.m., Free (1st & 3rd
Kombucha, Iowa City, 7 p.m., Free
Thursdays) INTERNATIONAL ACTOR/COMEDIAN
Karaoke Thursday, Studio
Rodney Carrington, Paramount Theatre,
13, Iowa City, 8 p.m., Free
Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., $44.75-194.75
(Weekly) Latin Night w/ FUZE, Yacht Club, Iowa Vinyl Swap, Moco Game Room & Hot
City, 9 p.m., $5-10 (Weekly)
Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
SoulShake, Gabe’s, Iowa City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly)
DJ Loomer Thirsty Thursday Dance Party, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 10 p.m.,
Sasha Belle Presents: Friday Night Drag & Dance Party,
Free (Weekly)
Studio 13, Iowa City, 10:30 p.m., $5
Fri., Jan. 3 ALSO RUNS SAT., JAN. 4
(Weekly)
Sat, Jan. 4
‘Foul Play at the Fuzzy Lemon’ Murder Mystery Dinner, Shores
Family Storytime, Iowa City
Event Center, Cedar Rapids, 6 p.m., $48-58
Public Library, 10:30 a.m., Free (Weekly)
FAC Dance Party, The Union, Iowa City, 7 p.m. (Weekly)
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City, 10 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Saloon, 7 p.m., $15-20 Beaker Brothers Band, American
Tue., Jan. 7
Legion Post #17, Iowa City, 8 p.m., Open Mic, Moco Game Room & Hot
Free
Dog Bar, Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free Elation Dance Party, Studio
(Weekly)
13, Iowa City, 9 p.m., $5 (Weekly) Blues Jam, Parlor City Pub and Eatery,
Sun., Jan. 5
Cedar Rapids, 7 p.m., Free (Weekly) Weekly Old-Timey Jam Sessions,
Sunday Funday, Iowa City
Trumpet Blossom Cafe, Iowa City, 7:30
Public Library, Iowa City, 2
p.m., Free (Weekly)
p.m., Free (Weekly) Dance Party with DJ Jamaican
Mon., Jan. 6
Daddy, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Open Mic, The Mill, Iowa City, 7 p.m.,
Comedy & Karaoke, Studio
Free (Weekly)
13, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Comedy Open Mic with Spencer & Dan, Yacht Club, Iowa City, 9 p.m., Free (Weekly)
Find your unique gift this holiday season at the NCSML Museum Store. Shop online at
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ADVERTISER INDEX
BoK(s): Bodies of Knowledge in the PS1 gallery 229 N. Gilbert curated by DOMINIC DONGILI with work by MELISSA AIRY SAMANTHA M. CONNORS DORIAN DEAN TRISTEN IVES SAMANTHA LEOPOLD-SULLIVAN MEENA MANGALVEDHEKAR MORGAN SCHOONOVER DANI SIGLER JACOB YEATES
open house reception
Fri. Dec. 6
6-8pm
with a performance by Melissa Airy AND 7 commissioned videos responding to the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic
screening on loop
Sun. Dec. 8
1-4pm
publicspaceone.com
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DEAR KIKI
LittleVillageMag.com/DearKiki
This question has been edited for length.
D
ear Kiki, My grandfather’s name has been passed down through the generations, starting with his grandfather. My grandfather and grandmother gave it to my uncle, who gave a female version of it to my cousin, who in turn, gave it to her son. I expected this, and never thought twice about it. Six generations: That’s great! I have always been so close with my cousin. Being so close in age, we were always like sisters. We were so close that her kids call me auntie. When I found out my second child would be a boy, I decided to honor my grandfather by using his name. My kids would never know him, so I thought it was important to give them some connection to him. I felt like it would be too confusing to use my grandfather’s name as a first name, given so many people with that name in the family, so I gave it to my son as his middle name. A few days later I received a text message from my cousin … She was extremely upset that I had given my son my grandfather’s name without speaking to her first. She felt as though it was her family’s name. It was her father’s name and her son’s name. She told me that I was hurting my nephew. “He’s only 10 years old, what do you think this is doing to him?” I should have taken his feelings into consideration. I was shocked. It took me a couple of days to respond. I was very kind in my responses, but still stood my ground. I had extreme anxiety leading up to Christmas, which didn’t help with my postpartum depression. On Christmas we were all friendly, but it was extremely fake. Since then, I have run into my cousins a couple of times at the grocery store. We make small talk, but that’s it. I do send cards and gift cards to my nieces and nephew for their birthdays, but no other communication. My grandmother tries to show my aunt pictures of my kids, but she says she “doesn’t need to look at them,” and blows it off. I was surprised that my family didn’t expect that I would honor my grandfather through my son. I thought that since my cousin’s kids got to know him and have memories of him, it wasn’t a big deal for me to name him, middle name anyway, after him. With the holidays around the corner, I’m just trying to figure things out —Confused Cousin Dear Confused Cousin, Naming is a powerful thing. Names are a gift we give our children, and they can carry the
heavy weight of history, of family, of memory. They’re a way of imbuing hope and meaning and promise into someone whose personality we don’t even know yet. Giving a name is a great responsibility, and a lot of people take it incredibly seriously. All that is to say, it might’ve been a useful gesture of kindness to reach out to your cousin before finalizing your son’s name, just as a heads-up. Just so she wasn’t blindsided. Acknowledging that to her, if you haven’t yet, might go far toward patching things up between you. But you absolutely, without question, should not have been expected to give her a veto over your own naming responsibility. Because that power belongs to you, as well. Names are not possessions. It was a convenience and, frankly, a courtesy for you to use your grandfather’s name as your son’s middle name instead of his first. That was both smart and kind—but not necessary. Naming is a powerful thing, but it’s also worth remembering that it’s transitory. Your cousin should take a step back and remember that while the privilege and power of naming can help shape a child’s trajectory, it cannot determine it. She can’t control what nicknames her son’s friends give him. She can’t control if he chooses to reject it entirely and choose a new one. That can be incredibly hard for parents to accept (as evidenced in the trans community). Your cousin should come to terms with that, and how you handle this might help her. Is there something else in her life that is causing her to cling to what little power she has here? You can reach out and see if there is some lack of agency she’s feeling that’s underpinning this. But ultimately, she and her family are treating you unkindly, and you have the right to protect yourself from that by stepping back from it. If she can’t connect with you genuinely this holiday, you may want to rethink where you spend the next holiday. Xoxo, Kiki
KIKI WANTS QUESTIONS! Questions about love and sex in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids area can be submitted to dearkiki@littlevillagemag.com, or anonymously at littlevillagemag.com/dearkiki. Questions may be edited for clarity and length, and may appear either in print or online at littlevillagemag.com.
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 111
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Winter provides a unique perspective and highlights the changing beauty to the outdoors. These colder months of the year allow for hiking, snowshoeing, wildlife watching, photography, and much more.
WINTER FUN
in linn county parks
SLEDDING
The area next to Red Cedar Lodge at Squaw Creek Park and a hill by Woodpecker Lodge at Pinicon Ridge Park are popular for sledding during the winter months.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Linn County Conservation trails that are available for cross-country skiing include: Matsell Bridge Natural Area 5 miles Morgan Creek Park 3.8 miles Squaw Creek Park 3.5 miles Wickiup Hill Learning Center 3.3 miles Pinicon Ridge Park 1.5 miles 4” of snow is required for our equipment to be able to groom trails. Tracks are first “rolled” and then “groomed”. Hikers, horses, and dogs are encouraged to stay off the Nordic ski track.
WINTER SAFETY TIPS
Dress in layers for the weather Wear bright colors Keep hydrated Only venture on ice more than 4” thick
ICE FISHING
Ice fishing opportunities are abundant along the Wapsipinicon and Cedar rivers.
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ASTROLOGY
BY ROB BREZSNEY
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian composer Ludwig van Beethoven was inclined to get deeply absorbed in his work. Even when he took time to attend to the details of daily necessity, he allowed himself to be spontaneously responsive to compelling musical inspirations that suddenly welled up in him. On more than a few occasions, he lathered his face with the 19th-century equivalent of shaving cream, then got waylaid by a burst of brilliance and forgot to actually shave. His servants found that amusing. I suspect that the coming weeks may be Beethoven-like for you, Sagittarius. I bet you’ll be surprised by worthy fascinations and subject to impromptu illuminations. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I have a lot of confidence in your ability to renew and reinvent yourself in the coming months. In fact, I think that doing so will be a fun project you’ll both enjoy and be able to carry out with flair. But right now you may be going through a brief period when your own confidence for this project is low. You might be entertaining doubts about your ability to summon the courage and willpower you’ll need. But I feel this is a temporary dip. I have faith that you will soon be tapping into previously unavailable reserves of energy that will provide you with all the fuel necessary to renew and reinvent yourself.
New exhibits coming Dec 5 Elizabeth Moen
Dec 31
CSPS HALL 1 1 03 3R D S T S E C E D A R R A PI DS , I A 5 24 0 1 (3 1 9 )3 64 - 158 0
www.legionarts.org
Dec 14 & 15
A Carol Christmas
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The word “enantiodromia” refers to a phenomenon that occurs when a vivid form of expression turns into its opposite, often in dramatic fashion. Yang becomes yin; resistance transforms into welcome; loss morphs into gain. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you Geminis are the sign of the zodiac that’s most likely to experience enantiodromia in the coming weeks. Will it be a good thing or a bad thing? You can have a lot of influence over how that question resolves. For best results, don’t fear or demonize contradictions and paradoxes. Love and embrace them. CANCERIAN (June 21-July 22): There are Americans who speak only one language, English, and yet imagine they are smarter than bilingual immigrants. That fact amazes me and inspires me to advise myself and all my fellow Cancerians to engage in humble reflection about how we judge our fellow humans. Now is a favorable time for us to take inventory of any inclinations we might have to regard ourselves as superior to others; to question why we might imagine others aren’t as worthy of love and respect as we are; or to be skeptical of any tendency we might have dismiss and devalue those who don’t act and think as we do. I’m not saying we Cancerians are more guilty of these sins than everyone else; I’m merely letting you know that the coming weeks are our special time to make corrections.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Feb. 18): The only thing we learn from history is that we never learn anything from history. Philosopher Georg Hegel said that. But I think you will have an excellent chance to disprove this theory in the coming months. I suspect you will be inclined and motivated to study your own past in detail; you’ll be skilled at drawing useful lessons from it; and you will apply those lessons with wise panache as you re-route your destiny.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Erotic love is one of the highest forms of contemplation,” wrote the sensually wise poet Kenneth Rexroth. That’s a provocative and profitable inspiration for you to tap into. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you’re in the Season of Lucky Plucky Delight, when brave love can save you from wrong turns and irrelevant ideas; when the grandeur of amour can be your teacher and catalyst. If you have a partner with whom you can conduct these educational experiments, wonderful. If you don’t, be extra sweet and intimate with yourself.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In his own time, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) was acclaimed and beloved. At the height of his fame, he earned $3,000 per poem. But modern literary critics think that most of what he created is derivative, sentimental and unworthy of serious appreciation. In dramatic contrast is poet Emily Dickinson (1830– 1886). Her writing was virtually unknown in her lifetime, but is now regarded as among the best ever. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to sort through your own past so as to determine which of your work, like Longfellow’s, should be archived as unimportant or irrelevant, and which, like Dickinson’s, deserves to be a continuing inspiration as you glide into the future.
VIRGO (Augu. 23-Sept. 22): In the follow-up story to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, our heroine uses a magic mirror as a portal into a fantastical land. There she encounters the Red Queen, and soon the two of them are holding hands as they run as fast as they can. Alice notices that despite their great effort, they don’t seem to be moving forward. What’s happening? The Queen clears up the mystery: In her realm, you must run as hard as possible just to remain in the same spot. Sound familiar, Virgo? I’m wondering whether you’ve had a similar experience lately. If so, here’s my advice: Stop running. Sit back, relax and allow the world to zoom by you. Yes, you might temporarily fall behind. But in the meantime, you’ll get fully recharged. No more than three weeks from now, you’ll be so energized that you’ll make up for all the lost time—and more.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Humans invented the plow in 4,500 B.C., the wheel in 4,000 B.C. and writing in 3,400 B.C. But long before that, by 6,000 B.C., they had learned how to brew beer and make psychoactive drugs from plants. Psychopharmacologist Ronald Siegel points to this evidence to support his hypothesis that the yearning to transform our normal waking consciousness is a basic drive akin to our need to eat and drink. Of course, there are many ways to accomplish this shift besides alcohol and drugs. They include dancing, singing, praying, drumming, meditating and having sex. What are your favorite modes? According to my astrological analysis, it’ll be extra important for you to alter your habitual perceptions and thinking patterns during the coming weeks.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Most sane people wish there could be less animosity between groups that have different beliefs and interests. How much better the world would be if everyone felt a generous acceptance toward those who are unlike them. But the problem goes even deeper: Most of us are at odds with ourselves. Here’s how author Rebecca West described it: Even the different parts of the same person do not often converse among themselves, do not succeed in learning from each other. That’s the bad news, Libra. The good news is that the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to promote unity and harmony among all the various parts of yourself. I urge you to entice them to enter into earnest conversations with each other!
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What’s something you’re afraid of, but pretty confident you could become unafraid of? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to dismantle or dissolve that fear. Your levels of courage will be higher than usual, and your imagination will be unusually ingenious in devising methods and actions to free you of the unnecessary burden. Step one: Formulate an image or scene that symbolizes the dread, and visualize yourself blowing it up with a “bomb” made of a hundred roses.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Cecilia Woloch asks, “How to unwant what the body has wanted, explain how the flesh in its wisdom was wrong?” Did the apparent error occur because of “some ghost in the mind”? she adds. Was it due to “some blue chemical rushing the blood” or “some demon or god”? I’m sure that you, like most of us, have experienced this mystery. But the good news is that in the coming weeks you will have the power to un-want inappropriate or unhealthy experiences that your body has wanted. Step one: Have a talk with yourself about why the thing your body has wanted isn’t in alignment with your highest good.
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 113
LOCAL ALBUMS
Arthur Russell Iowa Dream ARTHURRUSSELL.BANDCAMP.COM
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t was awfully sweet what Kevin Costner’s Ray Kinsella said about Iowa—but nobody has made this place sound so good as Arthur Russell. Iowa is always polite, always wild, not the convenient setting of some canonical work of literature read in high school classrooms. The lines are all smudged. Traffic stops for tractors that cost more than Cadillacs. There’s plenty of space—everything kinda spills everywhere. The best of that bleed is Iowa Dream, the latest collection of songs plucked from the 166 feet of tape left behind when Russell died in 1992. The 19 tracks form borderless countryside, mostly singer-songwriter stuff from the kid who picked up the cello in Oskaloosa and then played the damn thing with the Talking Heads. But it’s obvious that these three-minute miracles never had a moment to gather moss, probably rolling around Russell’s head as he fled the cornfields for the building on 12th Street in New York City that was also home to Allen Ginsberg. For Russell, the guy who dabbled in disco classics and would become the subject of academic dissertations, this collection is basically birdshot. On the wide-eyed title track, he pedals through his hometown, singing “I see, I see it all,” with the same enthusiasm as the pre-teen
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protagonists in Pokémon games. Another track, “I Felt,” takes place on the last day of school and has a hook that describes self-destructive behavior like a word problem (“And I felt so sad / I treated everybody bad”). That doesn’t mean everything on Iowa Dream sounds aweshucks and simple. “I Kissed the Girl From Outer Space” is a can’t-miss connecting flight from Mahaska County to the Paradise Garage, and somewhere along the way, its cockpit starts to smell like smoke; Russell does state, “I am water, man”—but the story is still about a boy’s big, dumb smile. And the stickiest bit of bubblegum in the bunch is the studio recording of “You Did It Yourself,” featuring the same tasty riff that was teased a decade ago in the documentary Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell. No matter what else Russell did, in his music, he had pull like the moon. The tide throughout this collection ebbs and flows according to the whims of his songwriting. “Barefoot In New York” is one track that shouldn’t have any business being so listenable. It’s a dilated look at the dang sidewalk that won’t stop tripping Russell as he attempts to talk. Then, through the commotion, comes this: “I’ve always disliked the Rolling Stones since I found out what they were up to.” Maybe heaven is too perfect to call even the nicest of nice places. But there is the voice of Arthur Russell. It’s coming from that couch in the cathedral, blissed out on board-certified doses, warped in the sunlight of itself. Listen to him sing, with piano and nothing else, on “The Dogs Outside Are Barking.” You’ll feel like you’ve found something for sure. —Benjamin Jeffery
Dark Family Holiness DARKFAMILY666.BANDCAMP.COM
New Year’s Eve at Rozz Tox, RozzTox, Rock Island, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., $10-12
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ark Family’s second album of 2019 is a fucking groove. Released on Oct. 30, Holiness essentially takes the psychedelic supergroup’s first album, The Reverberation Cult, and retrofits it with all the inky, druidic, pot rock energy the band’s full lineup commands. Evocative lyrics—penned by Rubin Flores of St. Thomas and the Fervors—resonate in melodies strengthened by guitarist Jeramie Anderson’s (Sunshrine) eerily playful string work. Anderson, who also recorded and produced the first six tracks that became The Reverberation Cult, describes the album experience as floating down a sonic river. To complete that first recording, Flores rented a car and drove from his home in Iowa City to Moline, Illinois. His pairing with Anderson was a natural success, and they easily recruited the rest of the family: bassist Courtney Jade (Archeress) and percussionists Ian Lambach (Pollinators) and Kelsey Gould (White Stone Awakening). Which brings us to Holiness. Now complete, Dark Family sounds like the Flaming Lips covering the Black Angels. They make a sound that lets us dance when we are joyful and shoe-gaze when we’re not. “Have You Seen Lizzy?” is
a search for Jesus in the same manner as Lou Reed looks for his dealer. While you listen to “Birdie,” lie on your back and stare up at the ceiling: You’ll feel a kinship with everyone who’s ever been introspective on a breezy summer afternoon. The record opens with a lingering, mellow tone straight out of Mogwai’s ambient phase. The appropriately titled “Step Inside” offers string chords gently rising from an unwaning single note before Gould thumpers in to cue the remaining spread. The rest of the song is a preview of recurring threads: late ’60s underground-inspired riffs that would make Arthur Brown jealous; ethereal vocal harmonies from an alternate reality where the Beach Boys spent their formative years in a South Asian ashram; Jade’s bass sounding like a mother’s heartbeat as heard from the womb. If I have to pick a favorite track, it’s gotta be “Summertime,” for reasons both personal and academic. Technically speaking, it may be the best example of the group’s musical strengths in all the aforementioned areas. Personally, it reminds me of my first semester as an undergrad—a time that was as energizing as it was humbling. “Summertime” evokes a similar feeling of real, live, in-the-moment elation in the form of tripping psychedelic sounds made even more vivid by the horrible knowledge that time moves ever forward, with the percussion section taking us on an easy march toward universal entropy with the help of a tambourine. While the album is amazing, Dark Family is a band you need to see in person. They enjoy turning their shows into occult gatherings complete with shared bottles of wine and breaking bread. Keep an eye out for this Iowa-Illinois band, or catch them for sure and certain at the Rozz-Tox New Year’s Eve party. —Melanie Hanson
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36 Jan. 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;16, 2018 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV234
LOCAL BOOKS
Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey Heart Notes (SELF-PUBLISHED)
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aleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey’s second volume of poetry was self-published in October, just five months after his first volume (Look, Black Boy) was released. Heart Notes departs from race as its central topic and focuses on aspects of love, which Rainey explores through widely varying structures and types of poems. In fact, if you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a poetic structure that you can enjoy reading, you’ll likely find your match here. From haiku to wandering free verse, this book has a little bit of almost everything—although notably absent are his signature spoken-word texts. The structures throughout the book are unconventional, and, in some spots, experimental. Throughout Heart Notes, Rainey offers musings centered on romantic love in its multitude of iterations. The volume opens with “Love Easy,” a poem that falls into what seem to be three distinct parts. The opening line— “My mother said I was a dangerous child / because I loved too easy”—sets up the poem, which then shifts to adult musings such as “I’m not sure I’ve mastered the art of loving / or if I’m just scared of messy love” and then moves on to reminders to self. Other poems are more singular in voice, focused on one person and a desire to love protectively, as
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in “To the Girl Who Wants to be a Poem,” or focused on the loss of love, as in “February 13: An Anniversary.” In his reflections, Rainey wanders around romantic love, and in spots handles the topic quite deftly, such as in “Light,” where he writes, “. . . perhaps I mean the light / which is to say I’ve seen sunrays / in your eyes . . .” But in other places, the effect is less successful, as in the opening lines of “A Simple Love Poem,” which begins, “I’m so in love I may need a doctor / after a fall like that.”
IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED WHETHER THERE’S A POETIC STRUCTURE THAT YOU CAN ENJOY READING, YOU’LL LIKELY FIND YOUR MATCH HERE. FROM HAIKU TO WANDERING FREE VERSE, THIS BOOK HAS A LITTLE BIT OF ALMOST EVERYTHING. Perhaps the most successful verses of this volume are a series of seven poems called “Magnet Poems.” One can imagine Rainey working on Heart Notes and taking breaks with a magnetic poetry set to create these concise beauties: “words we share / a secret safe / in my heart / a home for us / Always”. When picking up a poetry book with a single topic as its focus, one wonders if it contains new meditations on it. With a writer as varied as Rainey, it’s clear that there can always be room for new poets to experiment and offer their voices into the chorus of human experience. —Laura Johnson
Erin Casey & Alex Penland, ed. Writers of the Depths Anthology THE WRITERS’ ROOMS
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ike a river flowing into the sea, Writers of the Depths, the anthology from the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids workshop collective the Writers’ Rooms, injects a fresh perspective into ocean tales. One traditional story and six fantasy tales are studded with poems like pearls among the prose. These pieces do not shy away from complex contemporary issues, and more than surface-level themes underpin enjoyable reads. Maxwell Love’s evocative haiku, “Clutching the Wheel Through a Storm,” opens the anthology. On its heels is Amelia Kibbie’s “The Pearl,” a present-day yarn in which the emotional pain of living in an often-hostile, high-stress world is figuratively—sometimes literally—transformed into hope. Emma Jean Meyer’s “Maelstrom: A Full Transcription of the Soul Abandoning Ship” is a classic “be careful what you wish for” tale about a girl who loves the sea, though the ending spins in an unusual direction. It is followed by Linda Muller’s poem, “Into the Past,” which contains lovely imagery about the flow of memory. “The Horror at the Beach” by Ross T. Byers is a delightful romp. The author deftly depicts a small slice of time in the lives of monster hunters. By showing
only a piece of the narrative’s context, the author conveys a sense of a larger world outside the story. “Out of Reach,” by Ellen Rozek, is the one piece that has no fantasy elements; it is a more straightforward narrative of a sailor who finds a woman stowed away aboard his ship. The realistic danger of the situation keeps the reader wondering how it will resolve. It is followed by G.Z. Chapman’s poem “By Surf and Stone,” a beautiful piece about drowned sailors. R.C. Davis’ “Deepwater Metamorphosis” is another monster hunter story, but very different from Byers’ tale. After an invasion of terrible creatures from the sea, a fraction of remaining humans fight for survival in what seems to be a losing battle. The hopelessness of constant loss is a major theme as the main character traces his history—but perhaps there is hope after all. “The Reclamation” by Laurie M. Penland turns the idea of human supremacy over the sea on its head, creating a scenario that is both ironic and poetically just. In a world where humans have pillaged the ocean, what happens when the sea fights back? “Silver and Syrup,” by J.E. Brooke, is set in a world different from our own. Sea people, forced into poverty, eke out a parched existence on the shore. But when two girls go hunting for treasure, their search is interrupted by a fight for survival. The last piece in the book is a poem by Casey Vox, “Under-See.” The metaphorical ocean imagery in this poem resonates in the mind long after the book is closed. Ocean yarns are as old as humanity and echo down throughout the ages of storytelling. This anthology adds new material to the long chronicle of sea tales, and though short, it will delight those who love to read about the ocean. —Beth Hudson
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LittleVillageMag.com/Survey
Reader Survey Thank you for reading Little Village! Our goal is to provide you with relevant and meaningful stories and to make every issue of Little Village a great one. We value your feedback, and we appreciate you taking the time to complete this two-minute survey to help us plan for 2019. *NOTE: All sections optional; all answers confidential. Fill out your survey today, then cut it out and mail it in (or drop it off): LV HQ, 623 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240.
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
AVCX THEMELESS #42
BY WYNA LIU
LittleVillageMag.com
The American Values Club Crossword is edited by Ben Tausig.
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50. Shakespearean affirmatives 51. Secret alternative 52. Like nuts 54. Twice, a pedal type 57. Move the needle, in a way 59. Oft-ignored file, ironically 63. Temper, for example 66. Butler’s partner 67. Indie band named
after a bit of 1960s New York Mets apocrypha 68. Lobby 69. Past the point of no return 70. Roll and shake, e.g.
29. Black-and-white bites 31. Like some Lone Star State denizens 32. Conductor Seiji with two Grammys 33. “Oh brother!,” in shul 34. They’re often found in brackets 36. Be offhand onstage 41. About to get 44. Learn to live with 48. Acclimated 49. It won’t happen again 53. Early internet name 54. Words said while shaking a fist, perhaps 55. Ages 56. You might grind to one 58. Russo who plays Tom Berenger’s love interest in Major League 60. Word intoned at the start of a 1957 pop hit 61. Stable genius? 62. They’re found near temples 64. Eastern path 65. Simple toy
DOWN 1. Assist with some heavy lifting 2. Get down and stay down 3. Como las montañas 4. Vonn or Veith 5. “Wait a minute ...” 6. Letters addressed to a helicopter, perhaps 7. It’s a front! 8. Sounds of the lights turning on 9. Goddess of chess 10. Coming 11. Govt. source of vaccination info 12. Remote needs 13. 1990s rapper who is allegedly one of Kanye’s favorites 14. Relieved word 20. Like foreign concepts, metaphorically LV274 ANSWERS 24. It’s coated and A N G S T WO R M E D S T S piped R E R A N A R I A N A CR I TW I S T A ND S HO T H I D 26. The Castle of S T D S S T E E L A DOB E Y U K RU E R A L OE Crossed Destinies S P A GU S P RODMA R Y T OUCH P A D MONROE author Calvino U P DO L E B E A U F 27. Basic taste S I NC E U B E E NGON E F A T T I E R OA T S 28. Member of MA R I A H B I K E L A N E C L ODN I N E E L M N AW an early British MA T E COR P OU T AMA S S T A R P S E A S E invasion HO T OD E N E D
H E Y SO L S I S T E R A V E E NO U L T R A H A T R E D D A N E S
Life’s Celebrations...
Made from Scratch Make Scratch cupcakes part of every celebration: Cedar Falls | Waterloo | West Des Moines | Corallville 1-855-833-5719 | scratchcupcakery.com LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV275 Dec. 4, 2019–Jan. 7, 2020 119