ISSUE 307 June 2022
A L W A Y S
F R E E
Rec’d Running Fever
Joggers share the methods behind their madness
Fork in the Road 12 spots to eat and drink off CRANDIC trails
Buy’owa Bug spray, bike bags and more, made in Iowa
How to Festival
What summer music fest archetype are you?
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INDEPENDENT NEWS, CULTURE & EVENTS Since 2001 LittleVillageMag.com
10 - Ad Index 12 - Interactions 20 - Brock About Town 22 - Running Spotlight 33 - Essay, “Song of Myself” 38 - Your Village 39 - State Parks Review 42 - Linn County Parks 46 - Bread & Butter 50 - Made in Iowa 54 - Prairie Pop 60 - A-List 64 - Events Calendar 79 - Dear Kiki 81 - Astrology 83 - Album Reviews 85 - Book Reviews Shelly Melton / Little Village
87 - Crossword
22
46
60
Iowa runners of all stripes share
When you’re done stopping to
Longtime Deadhead or concert
And I Ran
Trail Mix
POWERED BY CAFE DEL SOL ROASTING SAVE, SHARE OR RECYCLE
Good Vibes
their wins, tips, injury horror
smell the roses, stop and grab
newbie, navigating Iowa’s summer
stories and why they keep at it.
a bite at these restaurants.
festival scene requires some savvy.
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INDEPENDENT NEWS, CULTURE & EVENTS Since 2001 LittleVillageMag.com
EDITORIAL
PRODUCTION
Publisher
Digital Director
Issue 307, Volume 31
Arts Editor
Drew Bulman
June 2022
Genevieve Trainor
drewb@littlevillagemag.com Cover by Shelly Melton
genevieve@littlevillagemag.com Videographer
Love it or hate it, running runs
Managing Editor
Jason Smith
the world. In LV’s 2022 recreation
Emma McClatchey
jason@littlevillagemag.com
guide, nearly two dozen Iowa
emma@littlevillagemag.com
runners break down their routine. Marketing Analytics
Plus: State parks, music fests
News Director
Coordinator
and Iowa-made gear; CRANDIC
Paul Brennan
Malcolm MacDougall
trails and eats; and hip-hop artist
paul@littlevillagemag.com
malcolm@littlevillagemag.com
Cadence Weapon puts prairie rap
Art Director
SALES & ADMINISTRATION
Jordan Sellergren
President, Little Village, LLC
jordan@littlevillagemag.com
Matthew Steele
on the map.
matt@littlevillagemag.com
Meet this month’s contributors:
Multimedia Journalist Adria Carpenter
Donor & Client Services
adria@littlevillagemag.com
Manager Nolan Petersen
Events Editor, Design Assistant
nolan@littlevillagemag.com
Sid Peterson sid@littlevillagemag.com
Advertising Tyler Erickson
Nolan Petersen, Matthew Steele Staff Writers
ads@littlevillagemag.com
Courtney Guein courtney@littlevillagemag.com
Creative Services Website design, Email market-
Lily DeTaeye
ing, E-commerce, Videography
Haley Johannesen is a runner,
Tyler Erickson is a photographer
lily@littlevillagemag.com
creative@littlevillagemag.com
writer and teacher. She lives on
based in Des Moines. He has
the eastside with her husband
a devout love for distance
and two cats.
running, bicycle touring, and
Spanish Language Editor
CIRCULATION
Spenser Santos
Distribution Manager
Calendar/Event Listings
photographing honest moments
Joseph Servey
Kembrew McLeod is a founding
joseph@littlevillagemag.com
Little Village columnist and the
calendar@littlevillagemag.com Distribution
of the human experience.
chair of Communications Studies
A very special thank you to our
at the University of Iowa.
contributing runners!
Corrections
Bill Rogers, Huxley Maxwell, Joe
editor@littlevillagemag.com
Roth, Joey Leaming, Justin Comer,
Madelyn Orton is a coffee drinker,
Angel Banks-Adams
Sam Standish
cyclist, farmer and freelance
Ara Ispentchian
distro@littlevillagemag.com
writer based in Cedar Rapids.
Carrie Lembke
Erin Reasoner, Haley Johannesen,
OFFICES
Michael Roeder is a self-declared
DeShauna Jones
John Martinek, Lauren Haldeman,
Little Village
Music Savant. When he isn’t
Doug Hoyng
Lev Cantoral, Madelyn Orton,
623 S Dubuque St
writing for Little Village he blogs
Jeremy Mims
Michael Roeder, Sam Locke Ward,
Iowa City, IA 52240
at playbsides.com.
Katrina Benning
Little Village Creative Services
Shelly Melton is a Japanese
Kevin Lines
623 S Dubuque St
artist from Iowa City. She enjoys
Matthew Russell
Iowa City, IA 52240
drawing for friends and running
Melinda Urick
her cat’s Instagram page.
Robin Kopelman
June Contributors
Alexi Schlesinger
Chad Rhym
Audrey Brock, Daniel Boscaljon,
Keely A’Hearn Melchert
Sarah Elgatian, Shelly Melton, Tom Tomorrow, Tyler Erickson SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook @LittleVillageMag Instagram @LittleVillageMag Twitter @LittleVillage
319-855-1474
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LittleVillageMag.com
Top Stories Catch up on Little Village’s most-viewed headlines from last month. Read more at LittleVillageMag.com.
Gov. Reynolds avoids answering questions about whether
New IC food truck South Side Street Foods serves
she would support banning abortion ‘without exceptions’
Southwestern-style fry bread with style
By Paul Brennan, May 5
By Tiffani Green, May 17
Gov. Kim Reynolds avoided giving a direct answer about
When you approach the South Side Street Foods food truck,
whether she wants to outlaw abortions without any
you’re likely to hear Motown pouring out of the windows. The
exceptions when questioned by reporters after an unscheduled meeting in
inviting warmth of old school soul music could be a metaphor for the appeal
Marion May 4. “I am pro-life, I am proud to be. I am going to do everything
of both South Side’s food and the man who makes it.
I can to defend the unborn … and I’m excited about the opportunity,” she said before walking away.
Iowa City Parks and Rec weighs possibility of closing one
Photo Gallery: Hundreds march in Iowa City ‘Bans Off Our
pool and expanding another
Bodies’ protest
By Adria Carpenter, May 20
By Adria Carpenter, May 16
The 58-year-old pool at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
In the second week of protests in Iowa City following the
may be permanently closed under Iowa City’s Recreation
leaked draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court—which is
Facilities and Programs Master Plan. The city is also looking to remaster
poised to overturn Roe v. Wade and undermine decades of precedent for
the 72-year-old City Park Pool and expand Mercer Park Aquatic Center,
reproductive rights and right to privacy—hundreds of Iowans rallied on the
but only after collecting feedback from local residents.
University of Iowa Pentacrest on May 16, as part of the Nationwide Day of Protest for abortion rights.
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THANK YOU TO THIS ISSUE’S ADVERTISING PARTNERS This issue of Little Village is supported by: 80/35 (48) Adamantine Spine Moving (81) Arnott & Kirk (87) Artifacts (71) Brides by Jessa (9) Brown Street Inn (14) Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (41) City of Iowa City (58) City of North Liberty (33) The Club Car (86) Collins Community Credit Union (76) Coralville Public Library (2-3) Core4 (66) Corridor Entertainment Group (69) Crowded Closet (58) CSPS (27) Englert Theatre (75) FilmScene (40) Firmstone Real Estate (56) Goldfinch Cyclery (35) Goodfellow Printing, Inc. (52) Harmony Festival (49)
The Highlander Hotel (4) Honeybee Hair Parlor (38) ImOn (72) Indian Creek Nature Center (59) Iowa Children’s Museum (74) Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (54) Iowa City Burger Haul (38) Iowa City Downtown Co-op (21) - Beadology - Release Body Modification - Record Collector - Yotopia - Critical Hit Games - Fix! - Merge Iowa City Downtown District (78) Iowa City Northside Marketplace (77) - R.S.V.P. - Hamburg Inn No. 2 - John’s Grocery - Pagliai’s Pizza - The Haunted Bookshop
- George’s - High Ground Iowa Department of Public Health (57, 63, 78) Iowa City Public Library (25) Iowa Public Radio (56) Johnson County Public Health (84) KCCK Jazz 88.3 (76) KRUI 89.7 FM (19) Kim Schillig, REALTOR (31) Linn County Conservation (4245) Mailboxes of Iowa City (31) Martin Construction (82) Micky’s Irish Pub (19) Muddy Feet Yoga (57) Musician’s Pro Shop (52) MYEP (86) New Pioneer Food Co-op (51) Nodo (61) Oasis Falafel (61) Perez Family Tacos (47) Phoebe Martin, REALTOR (80)
Prairie Lights Bookstore & Cafe (63) Press Coffee (47) Public Space One (79) The Quire (17) RAYGUN (12) Revival (61) Ricardo Rangel, Jr., REALTOR (31) Riverside Theatre (56) Shakespeare’s Pub & Grill (86) Shelter House (39) Stanley Museum of Art (6) Summer of the Arts (53) Think Iowa City (88) True Endeavors (50) Trunk (40) West Music (71) White Rabbit (63) Wig & Pen (29) Willis Dady Homeless Services (9) Willow & Stock (20) World of Bikes (37)
Little Village magazine print readership 25,000—40,000 per issue LittleVillageMag.com readership 200,000 monthly article views 74,000 unique monthly visitors
RECENT READER SURVEY DATA MEDIAN AGE: 37 18-24: 14% 25-34: 20% 35-44: 21% 45-54: 17% 55-64: 14% 65+: 10%
AVERAGE NUMBER OF CHILDREN 1.85
MEDIAN PERSONAL INCOME: $50k 23.4%: $40k—60k 20.9%: $60k—80k 15.8%: $100k+ 12%: $20k—40k 15.8%: <$20k 12%: $80k—$100k
GENDER
EDUCATION Masters: 35.8% Bachelors: 38.5% Ph.D: 12.3% Some college: 7.8% Associates: 4.5%
AVERAGE NUMBER OF YEARS LIVING IN EASTERN IOWA
Female: 69.6% Male: 27.8% Nonbinary/other: 2.5%
27
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Interactions 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. Trump testifies about why he told people at 2016 Cedar Rapids rally to ‘knock the crap out of’ anyone with a tomato (May 2) It was a run-by fruiting! —Dave D. God bless Andrew. He spoke for all of us with that tomato. Icing on the cake that he gave Trump nightmares. —Josh C.
12 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
After years of delay, the Forest View relocation program begins to move forward (May 4) The landowners live in a $2 million mansion a few blocks away from the trailer court and have left these folks in dilapidated homes for years, it’s reprehensible. —Ben C.
And they had cans of soup… —Soup Riot
Gov. Reynolds avoids answering questions about whether she would support banning abortion ‘without exceptions’ (May 5)
Today is the day I learned the Supreme Court decided the tomato is a vegetable not a fruit. —Eileen L.
She is excited to slam every door shut that was opened for her to be where she is today. —Ian M.
F U T I L E W R A T H
S A M LO C K E WA R D
HAVE AN OPINION? Better write about it! Send letters to: Editor@LittleVillageMag.com
Zealots make terrible public servants. —Saba S. Absolutely ridiculous. A majority of Americans don’t support banning it. I knew she would do this shit. —Kelsey L.T. “Parents deserve a voice” says the person holding secret meetings. —Ben S. Makes sense why parents feel teachers don’t hear them when they don’t invite them to the table. —Mary Every one of these pols needs to be yelled at every time they’re in public. You don’t get to legislate violence against the people and then comfortably stroll about town. They haven’t made every form of protest illegal yet. —Jane B.
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 13
I N T E R AC T I O N S North Liberty Blues & BBQ festival brings the War and Treaty, Lilly Hiatt and more on July 9 (May 10) Just heard them [War and Treaty] in Chicago, they opened for Van Morrison! They were terrific. —Marcia R. Gov. Reynolds fails to get Open Records Act lawsuit dismissed; complains about State Auditor doing audits (May 11) She wants “her own” auditor. Don’t we all. —Suzan B. She thought she was so edgy saying that. —Lindsey As greyhound racing ends in Iowa, retired runners like Luci get used to a life of leisure (May 12) We adopted our childhood
MOMBOY
14 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
greyhound from a program through the DBQ track. Matt was a total sweetheart but had zero knowledge of so many things like mirrors, steps, etc. and showed signs of abuse. Luckily, he worked through his past with us and had a great life, but I’m glad that an industry with questionable practices that uses animals is ending. —Sara E.S. Save CR Heritage marks its 10th anniversary amid efforts to preserve old school buildings (May 13) U would think with the way our local and state governments keep expanding in size, that old school buildings like Garfield, would be perfectly suited to serve in some governmental function. There’s no written rule that says all government offices must be located
LAUREN HALDEMAN
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I N T E R AC T I O N S directly downtown. Old school buildings like Garfield, are still architecturally appealing, and have historical value so it would be a shame to have it torn down. —Gary H. Cedar Rapids is horrendously bad about just bulldozing anything that’s remotely old. There is absolutely no vision amongst our leaders or appreciation for history. —Sandy R. I mean, it’s very possible to turn some of the school buildings into apartments, the city of CR will just have to offer tax credits out the wazoo and burn through ARPA, CDBG, and Workforce Housing money… —@CedarRapidsBen on Twitter The Takeaway: New IC food truck South Side Street Foods serves Southwesternstyle fry bread with style (May 17)
tribe, an Indigenous people native to the Rio Grande Valley who have cultural roots on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. These roots are present in Mr. Velasquez’s food, from ingredients like chorizo, homemade salsas and nopales to the execution of the dishes. South Side Street Food’s signature dish is fry bread topped with chorizo, pico de gallo and beans.” We love to see it! (And eat it-yum!!) —Great Plains Action Society
/LittleVillage READER POLL: Seesaw or teeter totter?
Teeter totter 62.5%
Come to Science Thursdays! This sounds like it would be a great addition!! —Cathy C. Thank you so much for the love.. happy to add my part to the growing community. —South Side Street Foods
Seesaw 37.5%
“Mr. Velasquez is a member of the Yaqui
IS THIS A * SANDWICH?? *this question not included on survey
Make your voice heard.
LITTLE VILLAGE BEST OF THE CRANDIC
VOTING BEGINS AUGUST 1 16 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
• LGBTQ Clinic @ UIHC
• UnitedAction forYouth
www.LavenderLegalCenter.org
www.TanagerPlace.org/Prevention/LGBTQ-Center/
Legal services and related advocacy by and for LGBTQ+ people Supportive space for LGBTQ+ youth, family, and allie s
• Lavender Legal Center • Tanager Place LGBTQYouth Center Be a part of the CRANDIC LGBTQueer Community! www.TheQuire.org
www.LSAIowa.org
Community LGBTQ+ Softball League, no experience required! • Communi ty LGBTQ+ choiRapids r, no audition required! PFLAG - Cedar
• Lambda SoftballAssoc'n of Eastern IA • The Quire • Cedar Rapids Pride
Organizers of annual LGBTQ+ Pride Festival/Parade
Chapter of largest org in the USA for family/allies of LGBTQ+ folks
www.CRPrideIA.com
www.PFLAGCR.com
• Iowa City Pride
• Studio 13, Basix
Organizers of annual LGBTQ+ Pride Festival/Parade
The standout ve nue s for LGBTQ+ nightlife in the CRANDIC
www.IowaCityPride.org www.icNightLife.com • Lambda Softball Assoc'n of Eastern IA • The Quire www.IowaCityPride.org
www.icNightLife.com
Organizers of annual LGBTQ+ Pride Festival/Parade
Community LGBTQ+ Softball League, no experience required!
The standout ve nue s for LGBTQ+ nightlife in the CRANDIC Community LGBTQ+ choir, no audition required!
• Iowa City Pride
• Tanager Place LGBTQ Youth Center
• LGBTQ Clinic @ UIHC
www.CRPrideIA.com
• United Action for Youth
• Cedar Rapids Pride
• PFLAG - Cedar Rapids
www.LSAIowa.org
• Lavender Legal Center
Legal services and related advocacy by and for LGBTQ+ people
www.LavenderLegalCenter.org
General medical clinic, providing inclusive care and options
www.uihc.org/LGBTQ
Organizers of annual LGBTQ+ Pride Festival/Parade Facebook Groups
• Iowa City LGBTQIA+ Group
www.FB.com/groups/268124627173158
• Iowa City Queer Exchange
www.FB.com/groups/545532105652643
• Lesbians of Iowa
www.FB.com/groups/1304548846306589
• Studio 13, Basix www.TheQuire.org
Supportive space for LGBTQ+ youth, family, and allie s
www.TanagerPlace.org/Prevention/LGBTQ-Center/
www.PFLAGCR.com
Youth-focused services with an active LGBTQ+ support group
www.UnitedActionForYouth.org
Chapter of largestStudent org in the USAfor family/allies of LGBTQ+ folks Resources
• University of Iowa
Spectrum UI, Reaching OUT in Business, UI Trans Alliance, Gamma Rho Lambda, Delta Lambda Phi, Rainbow Readers, Pride Alliance Center, OutLaws, LGBTQ Staff & Faculty Assc'n
• Kirkwood Community College Pride/Unity Student Org
LGBTQueer Community! Be a part of the CRANDIC Statewide, Regional, & General
• One Iowa | Advocacy, education, and collaboration for LGBTQ+ folks and allies across Iowa www.OneIowa.org • LGBTQ Iowa Archives & Library | Preserve and share stories of LGBTQ+ Iowans and promote LGBTQ+ www.LGBTQIowa.org literature for all ages • Iowa Safe School | Advocacy & resources for LGBTQ+ and allied folks for more inclusive schools www.IowaSafeSchools.org • Affirming Church Directory | National resource to find inclusive, Christian religious spaces www.GayChurch.org • RVAP | Sexual assault prevention education, survivor advocacy, and queer health resources RVAP.uiowa.edu • Transformations Iowa | Support group for trans/NB folks, with in-person meetings across Iowa www.FB.com/TransformationsIowa Community Resource List Sponsored By: The Quire Lambda Softball Association of Eastern Iowa This information is offered as a community resource; errors and missing resources are not intentional. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 17
WO RT H R E P E AT I N G
I N T E R AC T I O N S
“I want my own AG, please. And I need a state auditor that’s not trying to sue me every time they turn around.” —Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has never been sued by the State Auditor, at a May 7 campaign event
AG Miller has to return a $50,000 campaign donation; Gov. Reynolds’ reelection fund surpasses $6 million (May 19)
“Last night [May 24], the Iowa Legislature, in the dark of night, removed the March 1 deadline for open enrollment. This is not good for schools trying to plan for the following year with increasing/decreasing enrollment. No good policy is passed in the dark of night without public input.” —Andy Crozier,
“It’s a short leap from banning superintendent abortions to of the Central criminalizing Lee Community Adria Carpenter / Little Village those seeking School District in and those providing southeast Iowa abortions. And it’s a really short leap from abortion “if a bartender over serves bans to birth control bans, someone and that person to marriage equality bans, injures another, they can to interracial marriage bans, be held liable. if you sell and on and on. We need someone a gun, and they politicians and judges to shoot people, someone just stay the fuck out of our should be accountable. personal lives.” —Francine start suing retailers. register Thompson, executive all arms. limit ammunition director of the Emma sales. thorough bg checks. Goldman Clinic, speaking anything. ANYTHING.” —@ at Iowa City’s Bans Off Our cic_fernandes on Twitter, Bodies protest following the Ulvade, Texas school shooting “There’s a part of me that “Intrepid journalists who doesn’t want to move, aren’t even in this room, doesn’t want to lose what in Flint, Michigan or that I feel comfortable with. daring reporter at the *Des But there’s a part of Moines Register*, or the me that knows unflinching local how bad the newscaster in El court is, the Paso, Texas— infrastructure every single one and stuff. of you, whether It needs you like it or to close not, is a bastion down. … of democracy.” [But] I don’t —Trevor Noah, know where apparently I’m gonna go. I referring to Iowa don’t know what I’m slgckgc via flickr journalist Andrea gonna do.” —Cindy Sahouri, who was pepper Onnen, a 50-year resident sprayed and arrested by of Coralville’s Forest Des Moines police in 2020 View Mobile Home Court, while covering racial justice which is deteriorating as protests development plans stall 18 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
LittleVillageMag.com
Will you PLEASE write an article about DEIDRE DEJEAR already! Enough with Kim Reynolds. With the election less than six months away, it’s about time to focus on who else is running for governor. —Ariane P. She isn’t really governing so much as bullying. At least she’s consistent. “The governor’s plan lacks popular support overall, and faces pushback from rural school districts, who are concerned about a further loss of funds. It is reportedly rural Republicans in the Legislature that are opposed to it. On Wednesday, the governor continued her pressure campaign against those lawmakers, by taking the extraordinary step of endorsing a primary challenger running against a Republican incumbent.” —Ben S. Iowa City Parks and Rec weighs possibility of closing one pool and expanding another (May 20) Hooray for an indoor track!!! —Robin C.K. I would love the indoor walking track and would love racketball, indoor “park” if you want more families we need to add more amenities that families can use. Research what YMCAs have. Expand the fitness room. Snack bar. —Tiffany P. How about they make Mercer park and outdoor
thank you @LittleVillage for the award and thank you @hehwellactually for the worst t-shirt I have ever owned —admirel mike franklin @justinkcomer
pool like it used to be and also add some family friendly features at City Park . This coming from a lifelong east side resident. —Tracy M. There was an outdoor pool at Mercer park??? Curious where in that park used to be a pool? —Bren F. Yes it’s where the rec is now. —Tracy M. Need to do something about Scott Park. Why not add outdoor basketball courts? —Bren F.
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I N T E R AC T I O N S Speaker Grassley says the governor’s school voucher program won’t pass this year (May 23) Using public funds to serve private purposes is wrong. Boo hoo, Kim. I’m sure they’ll bring the proposed legislation back next year. —Coleen S.
/LittleVillage READER POLL: Jorts or jean shorts? Jean shorts, good lord 31.8%
Jorts!!!!! 68.2%
Pretty much the last chance, Iowa. Remove Reynolds or our public education is a wrap. —Jason A.
BROCK ABOUT TOWN
AUDREY BROCK
LAST NIGHT, I WOKE UP IN A COLD SWEAT at precisely 3:42 a.m. The cause? Not a nightmare, or the debilitating existential dread that I used to regard as a symptom of an impending depressive episode, or perhaps some kind of voodoo curse, but I now understand to be a non-negotiable component of American life. No, it was because I realized that I’ve been writing this column for two and a half years and I haven’t done a beauty column yet. How is that possible? I’m a woman, for God’s sake, and if there’s anything I’ve learned from The Media it’s that women are in desperate, constant need of physical improvements. Ladies and femmes, read on for Brock About Town’s summer beauty hacks! • Get a trendy haircut. Short hair is in this season, which makes it the perfect time to shave your head, sell your hair to a sketchy Russian wig manufacturer and use the money to start a college fund for the baby you may soon be forced to give birth to and raise! You’ll be showing your unwanted child how to make the best of living in a country rife with unchecked misogyny and look fierce while doing it! #girlboss! • Try out a whole new aesthetic. Personally, I like the goth vibe, so what I do is, I just paint my face with ashes, ascend the nearest roof and scream into the yawning void that is the cold, unfeeling universe, grieving for all that I have lost and all that I have yet to lose. Flirty! • Remember, mother knows best. You know when you were, like, 14, and your mother told you to wash your face with Dial and forced you to brush out your curly hair until it looked like an old Halloween wig so you’d look “respectable”? You’re just going to have to forgive her for it, because you’re 27 and men aren’t going to be beating down your door for very much longer, as your mom made perfectly clear. Maybe you should start going to the tanning salon again. Men like a girl with a nice, healthy tan. That’s how she hooked your father, and although you might not be able to see it now, he was quite a catch back in the day. Just something to think about, sweetie. • Use silicone-based personal lubricant to prevent chub rub. Now you can wear sundresses again. Yay. 20 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
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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. 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 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 21
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
WHY WE RUN
RUNNING
“It’s OK to walk” So you’re a new runner? Not so fast, pal. These experts recommend a gradual build to speed.
START SLOW. Running feels great, but injuries are almost guaranteed when you start taking on too many miles at once. I used to run
just for weight loss two miles every day and slowly inched up to four miles a couple of times every week. But once I started pushing into eight, nine and 10 I could tell I needed more training before I could move on. Even now, instead of “bumping up” my long run each week, I tend to repeat the same distance and just tweak the effort by either adding runs the days before or after the
long run to mimic running the same distance on tired legs, running certain parts of it faster, on harder terrain, or split it into two runs at different tempos. I want to make sure I feel comfortable with that distance before moving on. It’s kind of like learning a new mathematical method to me. You don’t just learn it once and move on to the next method. You have to try it a few times under different conditions to really feel confident about it. Buy new shoes before you need new shoes. For me, I like to have some overlap time where I am breaking in new shoes with shorter runs but can still run
22 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
Shelly Melton / Little Village
Since the pandemic began, more people are running than ever. It is one of the most popular, and for many, accessible forms of exercise there is. Little Village asked a range of runners from Des Moines, the CRANDIC and the Quad Cities areas to comment on their experiences: advice for beginners, motivations to move, injury recovery stories and more. Plus, guides on upcoming races, running groups that will keep you moving, interesting books on running—they do exist!— and an Iowa music playlist to keep you on pace.
longer runs in a different older pair. If you wait until your shoes are just trashed, then you are stuck running longer runs in the new ones, and that can be painful— very painful. Cross train. Lifting weights has always done me good. I focus on hips, glutes, quads, my underdeveloped hamstrings, core on all sides, shoulders, back, triceps. If I ever get injured I turn to weight lifting. Find running friends. Everyone else around you will be so annoyed to hear you talk about running 24/7. Your running friends won’t ever get tired talking about chafing, blisters or mid-run potty breaks. Speaking of which, run with wipes. —DeShauna Jones It is OK to walk. You
are still a runner if you walk. And listen to your
body, do not push it based on a training plan. Go at your pace to avoid injury, especially early on. —Haley Johannesen
This is your personal journey, take it day by day and progress each week. If you need to
walk while running, so be it. You are still moving forward and improving your mental health and fitness. Enjoy the journey and the wonderful benefits on what running provides to us. We are blessed to have two legs to run, so enjoy! —Ara Ispentchian I still consider myself a beginner runner, but if I were to offer advice to myself a few months/years ago I would say: invest
in leggings with pockets. If you’re
uncertain whether you want
MEET YOUR RUNNER
to run or not, put on your workout clothes and see how you feel. Don’t try to do too much at once, build a steady routine. Consistently drink water throughout the day before running. Wear a hat when running in the cold. —Shelly Melton Make sure you get proper running shoes. This is so incredibly important, not only for comfort, but for injury prevention. Usually your local running stores will help you get properly fitted for a shoe. Start slow. Don’t start expecting to knock out a four-to-five-mile run. Start with a few miles every other day, and then gradually increase your mileage as you feel ready.
Running is like any other sport or exercise; it takes time to build up to where you want to be in terms of strength and distance. Most
importantly, have fun! Running outside, especially, can be so liberating. Soak up nature; the sounds, the sights, the smells, the sun. —Carrie Lembke
No matter how long you’ve been running, there are just days (and
weeks) where it feels hard and discouraging. I
recently did a nine-mile run and was so excited to go out on such a beautiful day, but every step ended up being pure torture. It was such a struggle every step of the way. When everything is said and done, that’s one of the things I kinda like about running though—it takes grit and dedication. It makes you stronger physically and mentally. Some days I thoroughly enjoy it and feel amazing during and afterward. Some days I just feel glad to have it checked off my list, but it makes me feel like I accomplished something. Like I can get through tough things when all I wanted to do was throw in the towel, but I slogged through anyway and completed my goal. I’ve definitely shed some tears on the hard days. My advice is just keep powering through—you won’t regret it. —Keely A’Hearn Melchert
Fall in love with the process. If you do, running becomes more of a release or meditation, and
races, PRs, etc. can come and go but the process will always be there. —Kevin Lines
Tasha Moon AGE:
26
Courtesy of Tasha Moon
CITY: Des
from Moines Leprechaun RUNNING FOR: 10 years, Chase 7 years consistently AVERAGING: 35-40+ mpw UPCOMING RACE: Whiterock Ultra 50m
FREQUENCY AND PREFERRED TIME
ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS? Both!
OF DAY: Pretty
I am so slow that I feel like I hold others back. I do go to social runs at my local Fleet Feet though, and I love all the different people and paces there are. My husband also likes to ride his bike next to me sometimes and that makes the time go fast.
much every day, it is hard to take rest days. For me, running is like brushing my teeth, I don’t feel right if I haven’t done it. I like to run in the afternoon or evening. PREFERRED TERRAIN: Trails, the rougher the terrain the better.
Dress appropriately and just go. I have run in -50 degrees in February, and 110 degrees in July.
SEASONAL STRATEGY: FAVORITE COURSES: I
like the Sycamore trail system just outside of Des Moines. Either that or Moffit Lake near Norwalk. Both are long-ish trails, not too difficult but difficult enough to feel it. MOST MEMORABLE RUN:
Probably my first 50k attempt at Whiterock last year. I ended up DNFing (did not finish) after having to be pulled at mile 29 (50k is around 31 miles). The course was long due to using an alternate due to storms, so if I had kept going I would have ended up at around 35 miles for the race. The storms came back, and it would have been dangerous for me to go on so the race director had to pull me from the course.
FAVORITE SHOES: Hmmm,
I kind of like On Cloud shoes. Though right now I am wearing a comfy pair of Asics. I am broke all the time so I only have one pair of shoes at a time.
ESSENTIAL WINTER GEAR:
Reflective vests, lights and ice cleats. ESSENTIAL SUMMER GEAR:
Anti-chafe balm NUTRITION TIPS: Find what works for you, and always know where the next bathroom is. FOLLOW: Tasha’s page Adventures of a Slow Goth Runner on Facebook
Develop a habit! Turn your run into a routine by setting and following a schedule. Before you know it, you’ll actually want to go!
Shelly Melton / Little Village
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 23
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
What motivates you to go for a run? How do you motivate yourself to run when the weather is crap, you’re short on time or you just don’t feel like it?
I know that if I don’t, I will be a crab and no one will want to hang out with me.
—Tasha Moon
to think, especially about new ideas, like when you’re really in a mode for it, it generally helps me with recalibrating. If I’m ever
stuck on a paper or research project, running will always get the gears back turning. Otherwise, it’s
Getting glimpses of parks, neighborhoods and trails that I haven’t yet discovered and knowing that I’ll get a nice serotonin boost motivates me to go for a run. I always feel more at peace with myself and my surroundings (nature, outside critters, people in my community) after a good run so I prepare for my adventures with that as my end goal. Also, my job involves a lot of sitting for long periods of time so when I’m done with the workday I’m usually itching to move around and release the energy that I’ve built up. —Shelly Melton
You get a natural high that gives you an extra spring in your step. It is a mood enhancer for sure. —Ara S Ispentchian
It definitely helps with relieving stress, and honestly, it’s a great time
The act of running has become an ingrained habit at this point and there’s
great exercise, and keeps me in shape! —Chad Rhym
If I don’t do X, I can’t do Y (which is usually x = training, y = race that I signed up for). —Melinda Urick My biggest motivation is sense of accomplishment and how you feel post run.
almost this automatic internal pull that gets me out the door most days. There will be times when I’ll take a few days off (it’s important to do that and recover!), but I ultimately am back at it! In terms of motivators that I would pinpoint, my desire to stay healthy, enjoy the outdoors, and experience new environments/terrain rank up there in terms of motivators. You can’t beat the runner’s high after the fact, either! —Matthew Russell
RUNNING
Knowing that I get to go out and be in nature where there is beauty all around me, the endorphin release, and then there’s that feeling of being accomplished when you crush a run. For me, it also serves as an antidepressant and way to cope with life’s stressors. —Carrie Lembke
The feeling of accomplishment and a restored sense of well-being afterwards.
—Angel Banks-Adams
Having Cerebral Palsy and Autism, it keeps me healthy and sane. —Kevin Lines I enjoy the “runner’s high,” but mostly [I run] as an easy method of exercise— you can start and end at home. —Doug Hoyng How I know I’ll feel at the end of the run. Energized. Like I accomplished something. Sometimes just so I can enjoy beer and pizza after those long runs. To be out in nature. To go on an adventure and try new things. To be with people I enjoy. —DeShauna Jones
ENLDLESS ARCHIVES The Libby (library reading) app will give you access to current and back issues of running magazines as well as a decent selection of books on the topic. It’s free and works on phones or tablets; all you need is a library card to start checking out.
READ IT! If you struggle with motivation to run, try reading up on the subject. Check these books out and see if you can stop yourself. WAX
A PRACTICAL
AN EPIC
LOOK
PHILOSOPHICAL
APPROACH
JOURNEY
FORWARD TO
What I Talk
Run Forever
Spirit Run
Running
About When
Amby Burfoot
Noé Alvarez
While Black
I Talk About
CENTER STREET
CATAPULT
Alison
Running
Mariella Désir
Haruki Murakami
HERRINGBONE
KNOPF
BOOKS
24 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
MEET YOUR RUNNER
DeShauna Jones AGE:
37
CITY: Coralville,
IA years AVERAGING: 20-40 mpw UPCOMING RACE: Kettle Moraine 100k
/
RUNNING FOR: 14
SIGN UP AT
ICPL.ORG SRP
Jason Smith / Little Village, from Run CRANDIC 2022
FREQUENCY AND PREFERRED TIME OF DAY: Four to five times a week. I really like running any time after 7 a.m. PREFERRED TERRAIN: Trail!! MOST MEMORABLE RUN:
I attempted to run a 50mile race…untrained…in a thunderstorm. It was Whiterock Ultra in 2021. I didn’t actually “run” a lot of it and ended up walking because I was way undertrained and not very good at running in mud or thunderstorms or starting a race at midnight with poor nutrition. I did everything wrong and almost quit around mile 42 but I pulled it out with a lot of walking (some barefoot) and tears (literally). ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS?
It depends on my mood. Sometimes I like to be alone to work through a problem or just have quiet time. But I also like a group since it makes the miles fly and is easier on my mental game. SEASONAL STRATEGY:
Winter: avoid ice at all costs! I focus on building slow base miles on trails when I can and get interval work on treadmills. I also try to run in the afternoon. Spring: all the trails except when overly muddy. It’s my favorite season to run because the trails come alive. Summer: a lot of loops for longer runs so I can get all the hydration I need in the heat. I avoid afternoon runs unless I’m training for a summer race. If I’m running
a summer race I’ll run some hard efforts in the middle of the day to get used to it. Also my favorite season to camp and run at new parks. Fall: similar strategy as spring, but leaves add another trip hazard because they hide roots on trails. I tend to visit the treadmill again on frigid days.
A F R I E N D S F O U N D AT I O N B E N E F I T
FOR THE
I O WA C I T Y P U B L I C L I B R A R Y
FAVORITE SHOES:
Road: Hoka Clifton & Rincon, Brooks Ghost, Saucony Ride. Trail: Nike Pegasus Trail, Altra Lone Peak, Hoka Speedgoats NUTRITION TIPS: I’m an ovovegetarian and I didn’t grow up that way so I had to reimagine my diet big time. I try to eat a good lean, high protein and carb dinner the night before a long run. The night before my first marathon I decided to go to an all-you-can-eat German sausage restaurant and it was the worst idea ever. In the morning I just now started eating oatmeal with nuts and fruit. I am ashamed to say I used to eat a Snickers bar before running. If I have a good oatmeal breakfast, I can last seven to 10 miles without a solid snack, but I do drink Body Armor or apple juice for calories. Strooper waffles, Luna bars, Huma and fruit snacks. I don’t do well with GU packs— they are bad for my stomach. If I’m on the trail for a long trail race (like 30 miles or more), more substantial and savory foods like PB&Js, cheese sticks, mashed potatoes, pickles and the rare cinnamon roll. I love, love, love the food available at trail races.
Celebrate and read Pride with us by visiting icpl.org/pride scan to access the Bookmobile schedule online
Stop by the ICPL Bookmobile during the Farmer’s Market! (select Saturdays)
June 11 & 25 • Pick Up Holds • Browse Books • Enjoy an Activity • Grab a Bus Pass
(319)356-5200 icpl.org/calendar LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 25
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
What motivates you to keep going? Forget starting a run, how the hell are you gonna finish it? Whether it’s a matter of simply returning from whence you came, maintaining a sense of identity, or just an oppotunity to listen through a well-curated playlist, here are a few reasons to keep up the pace to the end. I gotta get home! —Chad Rhym I go out and purposefully get lost so that it doesn’t matter if I want to quit, I have to get back home. Plus I maintain a
page on Facebook called Adventures of a Slow Goth Runner, so I have to make new content for that!
—Tasha Moon
I have an Instagram account for the things I encounter when I go for walks and runs, so I’m always looking to collect and document more fun things I find. I’ve got a small circle of friends following the account and they share a similar enthusiasm for these finds so the possibility of discovering something fun or interesting motivates me to keep going. —Shelly Melton
the day of the event that much easier because all of the work has been done and now I just need to show up and execute. I also like to break up long runs into segments and focus on completing the first portion of the segment, then the second segment, and so on. This really helps keep me motivated and makes the total distance seem less daunting. —Matthew Russell
It’s become so much of who I am anymore that getting out there is all it takes. Sometimes
my mind wanders to times I couldn’t be out there and it
Once I get going, it only becomes a question of how far I want to go—three, five, eight, 10, more. —Doug Hoyng
A good playlist! On the treadmill I am guilty of mouthing the lyrics of my favorite songs while I am running. I like to sing karaoke, so I multi-task by reading the lyrics to songs on my phone while I’m running. I also like to rewatch my favorite shows on long runs. When I am outside running I like to pick an object in the distance and guess how long it takes to get there. I also like to look around at the scenery and really get lost in it (which is probably why I trip so often). Conversations with people also motivate me to keep going if I am running with others. But mostly it’s that I know I am going
to feel proud when I’m done. I’m going to feel good and I never regret a run! Even when I fall, I only regret not paying attention while I was running. —DeShauna Jones Music. Some really, really good music. Also, I’m probably odd in the fact that I like to “challenge” myself. If I say I’m going to run three miles, I always make sure to run four. I always add that extra mile just to push myself. Running is 80 to 90 percent mental. Your body can do it, it’s you that you have to convince. —Carrie Lembke
Remember my number-one why: my family (my wife and two kids) and also the journey to better health that started with a walk. —Ara S Ispentchian
The eventual runner’s high—sometimes you have to finish the run to get there. —Angel Banks-Adams
RUNNING GROUPS Iowa City Trail Sisters. Kelly Teeselink
Hot shower, chocolate milk, electric blanket are all at home. —Melinda Urick There are days when I’m out on a run and feel like a million bucks and could keep going in perpetuity whereas other days I’m a slug and am lucky to eke out three or four miles. When I’m training for an event, I remind myself that the preparation will make
reminds me how important it is. —Kevin Lines
RUNNING
CAPITAL STRIDERS
Facebook: @Cityparkparkruniowa
Des Moines
The first official Park Run in Iowa,
Incorporated in 2003, formed in
among 50 events in the U.S. and
the mid-’80s, open to all
1,500 worldwide: a free, weekly,
capitalstriders.org
timed 5k run/jog/walk
CAPITAL STRIDERS TURKEYS
GIRLS ON THE RUN
Des Moines
Eastern and Central Iowa since
Since 2013, open to all
2007, Quad Cities since 2016
capitalstriders.org/
Open to all students who identify
capital-striders-turkeys
as a girls, non-binary, gender-fluid or gender expansive
CITY PARK PARK RUN
Don’t wanna go alone? Check out these regional running groups for a bit of camaraderie on the trails.
26 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
Iowa City
GOTR of Eastern Iowa:
Since April 2022, open to all
facebook.com/gotreasterniowa,
Meets every Saturday at 5 a.m. at
GOTR of Central Iowa:
Lot 3 in City Park
girlsontheruncentralia, GOTR
Register at
Quad Cities: facebook.com/
parkrun.us/cityparkiowa
GOTRQuadCities, girlsontherun.org
MEET YOUR RUNNER
Courtesy of Ara Ispentchian
Ara Ispentchian AGE:
48
CITY: Cedar
Rapids, IA years AVERAGING: 15 mpw minimum RUNNING FOR: 14 RECENT RACE:
Marion Arts Festival Half Marathon
FREQUENCY AND PREFERRED TIME OF DAY: Four
times a week and early morning is preferred.
be more alone as it allows me to reflect on my goals and journey. SEASONAL STRATEGY: I
PREFERRED TERRAIN: I
prefer trail as it is better on the body and also builds stronger legs for paved races. MOST MEMORABLE RUN:
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon which was my first ever marathon. What made it special was that it was on the anniversary of mom’s passing and she was with me each step to that finish line.
am a year round runner but do decrease my weekly miles from mid Nov to January to do other crosstraining routines and add in an additional day of strength training.
FAVORITE SHOES:
New Balance 1080s ESSENTIAL WINTER GEAR:
Warm Hat and Gloves ESSENTIAL SUMMER GEAR:
ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS? I
like both; my longer runs I like to
Breathable socks and comfy shorts
Drop your shoulders! Every so often, take note of tension you may be carrying on your run and try to relax it away.
IC TRAIL SISTERS
NO REGRETS RUNNING
Iowa City, North Liberty,
Cedar Rapids
Coralville, Solon, Since 2018
Since 2015, open to all
The Trail Sisters community
Group runs Tuesday and Sunday
welcomes and encourages
mornings, up and down the IC/CR
inclusion from all who identify
Corridor. Wednesday Trashmore
as women
runs will begin soon.
Meets 1-3 times per month
Facebook: No Regrets - Running
Facebook: Iowa City Trail
(private group)
Sisters (private group) Instagram: @trailsistersic
THE RUNNER’S FLAT RUN CLUB
trailsisters.net
Waterloo/Cedar Falls Since 2012, open to all (plus a
TRAIL SISTERS QC
junior high/high school summer
Quad Cities
group and an elementary school
Facebook: Trail Sisters
fall group for cross country)
Quad Cities, IL (private group)
Thursday night coached workouts,
Instagram: @trailsistersqc
Saturday mornings long runs.
trailsisters.net.
therunnersflat.com/run-club LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 27
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
Is running fun?
RUNNING
Shelly Melton / Little Village
Lungs burning. Quads aching. Sweat pouring. Running can look and feel miserable, but for some it’s euphoric. Yes, once you get the routine of running down.
Being outside in nature is my happy place. The best part
though is when you get done, those endorphins and the feeling of accomplishment is what I live for. —Carrie Lembke
Until 10 years ago, distance running was something other people did, not me. I ran short distances in basketball games, baseball games, etc., however, I decided to train for the Des Moines half in October one year. I found a training program on the internet and followed it. I built up my long mileage and discovered during that training what the “runner’s high” was and how enjoyable it was to just take time to cruise at a comfortable pace, even if by myself. Sometime the next year, I was invited to join a running group. That was my first group running experience. That made the running even more enjoyable, to have
Mix it up! Running the same route again and again can be a slog. Incorporate new routes into your
conversations while getting the exercise done as well.
In short, running is fun. We just may not look like we’re having fun while doing it. —Doug Hoyng
I really believe running is fun. It’s one of the few sports that allows a person to alter to their liking. If running on a hard surface like roads or asphalt is uncomfortable, there is the ability to trail run and be surrounded by nature which to some is very therapeutic. There are fartleks, sprints, strides, hill runs, stair runs, and the ability to listen to a concert or a podcast. All these varieties keep running not only interesting but fun. —Ara Ispentchian Running is fun.... kind of. I recently read that people who enjoy running are people more interested in the result of a thing rather than the daily practice of a thing. So the daily grind can be painful and unrewarding but the feeling of the end result is enough to keep you going.
I enjoy running most of the time, if it is cool, not cold, sunny, not warm, and my music is in the right order.
—Haley Johannesen
routine, set an interesting landmark as a goal, add speed intervals or wear a new outfit. Running isn’t boring if you learn how to make the most of it.
Generally yes, especially with other people. I find that some days the idea of running can be daunting but once completed I
28 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
feel a great sense of accomplishment and in a better head space. —Alexi Schlesinger No. Ask me tomorrow. I might have a different answer, but likely not. —Katrina Benning My answer is, of course! Yes! But not always. I have made incredible friendships running—the kinds of conversations that happen with my running partners just don’t always happen in other social situations. I love being outside and exercise is a great way to enjoy the weather and your surroundings, as well as a great way to see the sights when you travel. I often love the way I feel when I am running, strong and happy, and if I don’t, I at least can mostly love the way I feel afterwards. I am also a person who loves the way it feels to set a goal and accomplish it—the key is to set meaningful and attainable ones so the process can be (at least sort
of) fun. The honest truth is that it isn’t always
fun. Some runs suck, no matter where you are in your fitness, and it really can be un-fun to have to restart after injury.
BUT, when you have good running friends who will support you through the process and hold you accountable, the fun peeks through and does return. —Robin Kopelman When I immediately think of running, the word fun does not come to mind. However, there are times that I’ve had fun running or made it fun or at least a fun experience. This happens usually by listening to music or a podcast that interests me or is intentionally fun or funny. I find myself laughing out loud or smiling big. When I do that, I take a moment to appreciate how I’ve made something like running, which is challenging for me, feel fun, or experienced a moment
MEET YOUR RUNNER
Angel Banks AGE:
Courtesy of Angel Banks from Yosemite Half Marathon
33
CITY: Des
Moines years AVERAGING: 3 runs per week RECENT RACE: Yosemite Half Marathon RUNNING FOR: 8
FREQUENCY AND PREFERRED TIME OF DAY:
I prefer mornings, but in this season of life, I run in the evening on the treadmill after my children have gone to bed. Looking forward to longer days and more outdoor runs in the summer.
back then! My life was quite different. ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS?
With friends; the miles fly by! SEASONAL STRATEGY: Summer
heat translates to fall speed. FAVORITE SHOES: Brooks
PREFERRED TERRAIN:
Glycerin
and Brooks Ghost
Paved trails ESSENTIAL WINTER GEAR: Gloves, FAVORITE COURSES? Capital
tights, vest, base layer
Pursuit 10-mile in Des Moines ESSENTIAL SUMMER GEAR: MOST MEMORABLE RUN: My
solo 20-miler in preparation for the Des Moines Marathon. I was in my late 20s and ran after an eight-hour workday. I have NO idea how I did that
Shorts, skorts, dri-fit tanks, water NUTRITION TIPS:
Fuel before you need it for anything longer than two hours.
...Is running fun? of joy in the process. —T.J. Dedeaux-Norris
Absolutely.
—Angel Banks
Yes! It is one of my favorite things. —Tasha Moon Running went way beyond fun a long time ago. I don’t know if obsession would even fit anymore. It’s become my lifestyle. Through injuries, setbacks, bad weather, I always try to get out everyday—even if it’s a short walk. I’m always looking forward to getting out there. —Kevin Lines
Depends on the circumstances! I’ll
have some days where I’ll
knock breakfast out of the park, I’m talking protein, fruits, water, maybe even a smoothie, I get all my work done in the afternoon/early evening, maybe I’ll see a funny tweet, and then boom, I think wow, a 7 p.m. sunset run would absolutely rock out this terrific day. That is a fun run. On the contrary, I would say a lot of the runs from the half-marathon training were not fun whatsoever; I would wake up in night sweats thinking about the Nike run app yelling at me about the five miles I needed to knock out later that day. Those sucked for sure. So yes, if I’m having an outstanding day, my runs are typically very enjoyable! —Chad Rhym LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 29
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
RUNNING
What’s your mantra? A basic philosophy or mantra can provide peace of mind, focus, motivation and a sense of calm during the most difficult miles.
Tyler Erickson
“It’s not running away from your issues; it’s running through them.” (Courtney Duawalter) —Tasha Moon It doesn’t matter how fast or slow or short or long. Just go run! —T.J. Dedeaux-Norris I try to remind myself that running should be an opportunity to appreciate what my body can do and the amazing places that it can take me. If it’s no longer serving that purpose, I have to reflect on my expectations and make a change. —Shelly Melton
“Make sure to slow down and enjoy your run.” I used to be so focused on speed, but I’ve coached myself to listen to this. I’m so glad I did! —Carrie Lembke
I can do anything for two minutes. —Melinda Urick
“The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race, it’s to test the limits of the human heart.” (Bill Bowerman) —Ara Ispentchian
It is amazing and invigorating what you can do with your body when you put your mind up to the task! —Matthew Russell
My philosophy on running is to simply be present and if I’m lucky, connect with that inner-child feeling of play. It’s really become an integral tool for
“It’s not about today” is what i tell myself when I’m feeling off. It’s OK to walk home, cut it short, go out again, change shoes, etc. I try not to push through pain that feels damaging. —Kevin Lines Run at the pace that is comfortable for you. —Doug Hoyng I make mantras that rhyme with the mile I am on. “Feeling divine on mile 9,” “We can do this again in mile 10.” (The teens are hard to come up with mantras but I tend to zone out in the teens). “Mile 21, the fun has just begun,” etc. —DeShauna Jones 30 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
my creativity and mental health. No matter how I’m feeling going into a run, I’ve never returned feeling depressed. That’s a really impressive statistic for me. —Tyler Erickson Discomfort (not injury!) is temporary. Running never takes away more than it provides, if your training approach is smart. —Angel Banks-Adams I have never finished a run and went, “wow, that was a terrible idea.” —Chad Rhym
UPCOMING RACES Lace ‘em up! Here are 27 races on the horizon, ranging from 5Ks to ultramarathons. Consider hitting a route, as a runner or spectator. Saturday, June 4
Friday, June 10
Saturday, June 25
Monday, July 4
ANAMOSA: Jones Co
ROBINS: 5K Twilight
AMES: Iowa Trail
AMES: Friendship Ark
What’s Your Natural
Run (5K run, kids run)
Runs - A Midsummer
5K on the Fourth,
Night’s Run
(5K run)
High Fun Run (5K run)
Saturday. Jun. 18
(10K, 5K trail run) Saturday, July 9
DAVENPORT: MADRID: Iowa Trail
Schuetzen NEIN!
Saturday, July 2
AMES: Midnight
Runs - Ledges
Hour (9H trail run,
CORALVILLE: 4th Fest
Madness (10K, 5K run)
(10K, 5K trail run)
9H relay)
5K (5K run, kids run) Cont. >> pg. 32
MUSIC FOR MIDWEST MILES Listening to nature has its place, but sometimes you need more motivation to put in the miles. This playlist featuring Iowa artists will keep you company on your next run. • Wonder Alisabeth Von Presley
• Invoked Dryad
• Self Help Penny Peach
• Rita The Maytags
• Andre’s Prayer Andre Davis
• The Wav. Ahzia
• Blooms Annalibera
• Perfect Machine Strong Like Bear
• Story Problem The Envy Corps
• She’s into Me Sires
• The Good Host Lvvmaking
• Geographic Dysphoria Rational Anthem
• Zero Dollars and Zero Cents Death Kill Overdrive
• Hellride Surf Zombies
• Ancient Nug Telekinetic Yeti
• The Whip Druids
• Flood Runner Land of Blood and Sunshine
• Tusk Lily DeTaeye
• I Find Plumero
• Heading Home Again Avery Moss, Jim Swim
• Disgusting Lani, ABJ
• Diedrate Allegra Hernandez
• Love is a Flood
Sh
elly
Me
lto
n
Abbie Sawyer LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 31
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D UPCOMING RACES >> Cont. from pg. 30
Saturday, Aug. 13
Saturday, Aug. 27
ADEL: Adel Sweet
DES MOINES: Get Your
Saturday, July 9
Corn Festival 5K
Rear in Gear - Des
COON RAPIDS:
(5K run, kids run)
Moines (10K, 5K run, kids run)
Whiterock Ultra (50M, 50K trail run)
TIPTON: Buchanan
House Wine Run (5K) Saturday, July 16
CLIVE: Iowa Brewery
Running Series - 515
MT. VERNON: Glyn
Sunday, Aug. 14
Mawr Wine Run 5K
LE CLAIRE: Olathea
(5K run)
Creek, Wine Run (5K)
Brewing (5K run) Sunday, Sept. 4 CEDAR RAPIDS:
Sunday, July 17
WEST DES MOINES:
NewBo Run (13.1M,
DES MOINES: Polk
Summer Sizzler
10K)
County Clover Dash
(10K, 5K) Saturday, Sept. 10
(5K run) Saturday, Aug. 6
Sunday, Oct. 9
Sunday, Oct. 16
SOLON: North Shore
DES MOINES: IMT Des
15K trail run)
Distance Classic
Moines Marathon
(20, 10, 4M run)
(26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run,
CEDAR FALLS: Scott
set Wine Run (5K)
Sterrett Memorial
Sunday, Sept. 18
Race Weekend (13.1M,
DES MOINES: Greater
10K, 5K run)
Saturday, Aug. 20
26.2M relay) Friday, Oct 14
Des Moines Women’s
DUBUQUE: Mines of
LISBON: Lisbon Kraut
Half Marathon & 5K
Spain 100 (100M,
Route (5K run)
(13.1M, 5K run)
100K trail run)
Courtesy of Chad Rhym from Brooklyn Half Marathon
know what I’m talking about.
with my dear friend, Hannah, a few weeks before my half marathon. We did a Sunday morning 10-miler, and that built a lot of comradery for our relationship, so maybe as I mature, I am indeed a run-with-friends type of guy. I think it all depends also on how in shape I am, I have to protect my brand first and foremost.
MOST MEMORABLE RUN:
FAVORITE SHOES: Hokas!
I honestly bring a mini towel with me on every summer run, I am a profuse and exuberant sweater. Dri-FIT shirt for sure. Short shorts, personally; sky’s out, thighs out, those are the rules. I have convictions, yes.
ESSENTIAL WINTER GEAR: As a grad student, I’m pretty bad at investing money into gear. But honestly: I always go sweats, socks over the bottom of the pants, hoodie, another shell-jacket; (I use this Columbia bomber I stole from my dad like in 9th grade,) uh, and then most essential… the knit beanie and GLOVES. You’re not making it more than a mile without the gloves, I’ve, like, ran with my hands under my shirt when
NUTRITION TIPS: Water and bananas, staying hydrated and stretching are literally my only rules in the wild. But hydration especially? That’s for real, no joking matter whatsoever. I think the banana is for energy or to help alleviate cramps? That’s one of those nutrition traditions I read about like seven years ago and just held as gospel, I have legit no reason why though.
MEET YOUR RUNNER
Chad Rhym AGE:
PALO: Pleasant Creek
Trail Run (45K, 30K,
INDIANOLA: SummerWEST BRANCH: Hoover
Prairie Run (5K trail run)
Run CRANDIC, April 2022 Jason Smith / Little Village
24
CITY: Iowa
City RUNNING FOR: 10 years AVERAGING: 12-15 mpw RECENT RACE: Brooklyn Half Marathon
FREQUENCY AND PREFERRED TIME OF DAY: Three
or four times a week. In a perfect world, I would run as soon as I woke up. But because of inconsistencies with my own scheduling, I tend to run more than often in the evening. PREFERRED TERRAIN: Anywhere that’s not a treadmill, and I mean that with all of my heart. Ideally, I would love to do a long run in Hickory Hill. FAVORITE COURSES: The City Park trail that leads to Coralville with that huge waterfall dam thing? Y’all
Although it was certainly a recent core memory, running the Brooklyn half marathon this past April has got to be number one on the power rankings, that was a #movie. ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS? I
have to run alone. I under no condition run with the homies, the run is hard enough, I do not need to be shown up by my comrades as well! Slightly kidding? But, the first time I ran with a friend in like a year was
32 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
I’ve underestimated the wind/cold. It’s vicious out here, y’all, stay safe. ESSENTIAL SUMMER GEAR:
RUNNING NORTH LIBE RTY
CITY SLATE
Essay
Song of Myself The feeling of health, the full-noon trill, the song of me rising from bed and meeting the sun. BY HALEY JOHANNESEN
Ranshaw House Concert Series June & July, 7 to 8 p.m. Catch up with friends amid live music each Friday. Free Fishing with TAKO June 4, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Get hooked on fishing. Let Love Fly June 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mega kites soar above the park for a community celebration of love. Freedom Roll June 24, 9 a.m. Decorate some wheels and join the parade. North Liberty Blues & BBQ presented by Veridian Credit Union
July 9, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The summer tradition is back! Live music, headlined by The War and Treaty, plus craft beer, barbecue and kids’ fun. More events and details at northlibertyiowa.org/cityslate
Every City Slate event is free to attend thanks to our sponsors: MidWestOne Bank | Veridian Credit Union Hills Bank | Adam Schechinger State Farm Shive-Hattery | Eastern Iowa Airport – CID GEICO Philanthropic Foundation South Slope Cooperative Communications Centro, Inc. | University of Iowa Health Care
W
e let technology guide us in many facets of our lives. We wake up to our smartphone alarms and go to bed staring at them, scrolling, usually knowing we are wasting precious time. Sometimes, possibly more than we would like to admit, we allow technology to dictate our thinking. Where should we go for vacation? Look it up. What do I want for dinner? Top 10 weeknight dinners. Should I keep my job? Take this quiz to see. Technology has removed our inner voice and supposedly made life easier because of it. I was in this exact cycle when I decided to buy an alarm clock. Waking each morning scrolling on my phone, reading the urgent news from the eight hours I was asleep. Questioning things in my life I had never thought of before, because of an unaccredited article I clicked. I decided this cycle was not helpful to me so I decided to remove the phone from the bedside. A first step. Although learning to use an alarm clock again after ten years had its own challenges, I felt proud of my new purchase. My phone plugged in, charging in the room over, I was back in control of my body’s wants and needs. Then, today my phone alarm went off at 5:00 am. I awoke to a faint piano sound of the iPhone and forced myself up. Did I set an alarm on accident? Did I forget to shut something off? No. There were no alarms set. Possibly a glitch, or a ghost. Either way, I was out of bed. Time for a run. Running has become another way I try to reset my body’s regular system. I have taken to leaving my phone in my pocket but running with no earbuds or music. Letting myself hear my breathing, my shoes hit the pavement and allowing my mind to wander, be fearful, and often become imaginative. In this listening, this connection to the self, we become free. Not just of technology, but of all constraints of life. When I run unplugged I could be running in 2021 or 1983. I know not what day it is or what time it is, only where the sun is in the sky and what the weather is like on my skin. I can tell the seasons and the rhythms of my neighborhood. Which houses are awake, which are sleeping, still dreaming in their beds. I am free to embrace the run, the surroundings. Here I think of Whitman in his Song of Myself, The city sleeps and the country sleeps, The living sleep for their time, the dead sleep for their time, The old husband sleeps by his wife and the young husband sleeps by his wife; And these tend inward to me, and I tend outward to them, And such as it is to be of these more or less I am, And of these one and all I weave the song of myself. I too, find myself tending toward my surroundings, no matter if they are aware of me, I am aware of them and their part in my connection to myself. I feel a part of the lives and heartbeat of my town, and this becomes my urge forward. I often do not feel this until halfway through my run when I realize my joy. By disconnecting and listening to only the song of myself I become joyful in my movement. Joyful for my one job, my ability to move, and my understanding husband that turns the other way when I stir before the sun. Joy for the sound of my feet hitting the pavement, faster down the hills. Joy for knowing the smell of the field as I pass and the ability to remain in that morning feeling long after I have returned home. This ability to connect with the self, to listen to the joy within the body, is only something I can do when I am disconnected from the technology that tells me how far I’ve gone, what song will play next and when to stop. Without this connection, my body knows what it wants and becomes satisfied. I stop when I am full, not because I am told to. Whether it was an act of the running gods that my iPhone found a glitch on this morning or the technology itself feeling upset at my abandonment, we must be aware of our own unset alarms going off inside us. The alarms that are telling us our needs are not being met when we look to technology for answers. Listen to your bodies, to the song of yourself, and you will find you hold the answers better than any man-made device could ever understand.
Haley Johannesen is a runner, writer and teacher. She lives on the eastside with her husband and two cats. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 33
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
RUNNING
Nature vs. Technology What’s in your ears during a run? Shelly Melton / Little Village
explain it, but the banter psyches me out. I mostly listen to like southern rap, Jay Z, or Beyonce. “Dirt Off
Music. I like a variety, but EDM gets me through the really good/long runs! —Carrie Lembke
Music and podcasts—it’s like running with my own little soundtrack. —Angel Banks Music! I don’t like podcasts. I have a hard time following along in a conversation and running at the same time with people who are not in front of me. I also have an inability to do math while running. It’s really odd. —DeShauna Jones
Your Shoulder” is by far the greatest running song of all time. Go try that out on your next jog around the city, like, the power that song has, I don’t know the science behind it, but it should be studied in a lab for decades to come. It warps your reality and teleports you into an early y2k music video, it’s an epic… and odyssey. —Chad Rhym Most runs, nothing; usually chatting with others. Though when I’m running by myself, and I need a boost/am struggling, I will listen to dance music. —Melinda Urick Neither—I listen to music and podcasts all throughout the day so going on a run is my chance to appreciate the sights and sounds around me, without distractions. It helps me feel safer and more aware of my surroundings since I run alone. If I’m running indoors (where the scenery isn’t as great), I put on some EDM to keep me pumped. —Shelly Melton
I could never do the podcasts on runs, I genuinely wish I could, because I love the pods, and I reserve those for my long evening/morning strolls instead. It’s just that the talking totally destroys my pacing, I can’t
Nothing. I want to be able to hear traffic. —Doug Hoyng I don’t listen to music when I’m out there. I’m kinda old school that way. —Kevin Lines Nothing at all; the world is busy enough when I’m not running with too much “noise.” When I’m out on the trail, I love to take in all the sights and sounds of nature unperturbed by music or podcasts. When I’m running on paved trails or sidewalks, situational awareness is a big thing for me and I just feel that the best way to maintain that is to not have music or a podcast running in my ear. —Matthew Russell
LV Reader Poll Do you run wearing headphones?
66.7% Yep
Nike Run Club: it has a feature where you can play your Apple Music or Spotify along with the coaching and run. —T.J. Dedeaux-Norris During the week it’s typically music, but on long runs I break out a podcast. My favorites are from Parcast, they have a great variety of different ones, I love trivia, so I typically pick Historical Figures or Unsolved Mysteries. —Tasha Moon
Never listen to music or podcasts during my runs; I reflect on my journey or how I can better help someone who has reached out to help in starting their journey. —Ara S Ispentchian
MEET YOUR RUNNER Courtesy of Kevin Lines from 2018 Distance Classic
Kevin Lines
AGE:
39
CITY: Davenport RUNNING FOR: 12
years 70-100 mpw UPCOMING RACE: The Hennepin Hundred AVERAGING:
FREQUENCY AND PREFERRED TIME OF DAY:
Nearly every day, dusk/golden hour PREFERRED TERRAIN: Mostly
pavement
MOST MEMORABLE RUN: Mines
34 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
9.5% 23.8% Never Sometimes
of Spain 100k
MEET YOUR RUNNER : KEVIN LINES
ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS? Mostly
alone, but
enjoy group runs too SEASONAL STRATEGY: Winter:
time outside. Spring, summer, fall: mileage Road: Brooks Ghosts for roads. Trail: Hoka Speedgoats for trails. Walking: Salomon XA Pro v8s and Salmon XA wild GTX
FAVORITE SHOES:
ESSENTIAL WINTER GEAR: A Buff, mostly wool socks (60/40 injinjis are my fav) ESSENTIAL SUMMER GEAR: A
Buff! I wear them
year round. NUTRITION TIPS: Don’t
be afraid to eat what
you need to. ON RUNNING WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: My
mom likes to say that right after i learned how to walk, I started to try and run. I’d fall down all the time and keep getting up. I don’t think much has changed since then. My right foot loves to drag and i can trip on anything! I’ve fallen more times then i can count. I’ve ended up getting X-rays, bumps, bruises, you name it. I’m not sure where my drive comes from, but I always get back up and keep going. A unique problem I have with cerebral palsy is finding the right shoes. I have two very different feet. My right one is a full size smaller and wider than my left. I go with what my longer foot enjoys. It was a bit weird at first but my right one doesn’t mind being in a shoe that size. It slides forward anyway and ends up in the right spot. There’s about a half inch of open shoe at my heel but whatever works!
ON RUNNING WITH AUTISM: The
saying “cheaper than therapy” couldn’t be more accurate with my autism. It’s been the best thing I’ve found for it. Walking works too but there’s nothing like a good run. Since I don’t listen to music or mess with my phone much anymore, it becomes almost meditative and always brings me back to my center. Other runners can relate but it seems to go deeper for me. Maybe that’s why I’ve so driven to keep it up. It’s nice to have goals and try new things that scare me, but beyond any races or achievements, I love the grind most of all. I’ll keep doing this until I can’t, and honestly, I have no idea when that’ll be so I don’t take it for granted. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 35
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
It’s bound to happen. It’s inevitable! You will get through this!! Sometimes, when we are injured, our greatest feat of endurance is simply not running at all. I have on and off plantar fasciitis, it is slowly getting better now that I am more consistently taking rest days and adding strength training. —Tasha Moon Achilles tendinitis in 2017ish. I also had a stress fracture in my back in 2019 (though that was also likely due to roller derby). —Melinda Urick The first year I started running, I experienced IT band pain, mostly exacerbated by adding in too many miles too quickly and not having a body that was yet adapted to running.
I worked with a physical therapist and was able to build a more sustainable plan and began some strengthening exercises to better support the demands I was placing on my body by running. When I was training for
the Zion 50K last year, I did experience Achilles Tendinopathy a few weeks before the run. I got things checked out at Steindler Orthopedic in Iowa City and was given the green light. I worked on strengthening exercises heavily those last few weeks and continue to ensure strength training is practiced more consistently. —Matthew Russell My first injury was shin splints because I went from running virtually nothing at all to a half marathon too quickly for my body. Then I had IT band problems on and off. Then trochanteric bursitis largely from running the same direction on a track for months. (Switch direction!!). I also had a ankle sprain twice. I fell on an icy sidewalk trying to outrun a train and bruised my knees pretty bad. And this year I slipped on the ice again and hurt my hip. But nothing too terrible in a couple of years. Fingers crossed. But I do fall A LOT.
Make the most of downtime Being injured sucks! It’s not uncommon for depression, feelings of isolation, and even a shaky sense of personal identity to set in but, not all is lost. Taking a break from running can be a wonderful opportunity to diversify your movement portfolio and re-focus your mind on other fitness practices. Low-impact cross training (cycling, swimming, eliptical), strength and flexibility work (weightlifting, yoga and pilates), and actually just resting for a bit, for crying out loud, can do you and your eventual return to running a lot of good. 36 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
I fell four times during my last race. But I have a new light outlook on falling after a fellow runner suggested that I take a picture from the vantage point of my fall.
—DeShauna Jones
A lot. Last year’s fall (hip) took a month. Broken foot in ‘’09 was bad. I had a knee problem in ’18 that sidelined me for awhile. I think i’ve had tendinitis more than i’d like to admit. The list goes on and on… —Kevin Lines
Shelly Melton / Little Village
War stories
RUNNING
Over the years, hamstring and back injuries have caused breaks in running. Most recent was lower back in November 2021. —Doug Hoyng I had a gastrocnemius strain and tibial stress fracture most recently. That particular injury put me out of running for a solid 9 months, but I’m happy to report I am back at it.
If you choose to be a runner, my best advice in avoiding injury is to spend money on a shoe that properly meets your running needs. There
are a multitude of running stores that can help you get fitted with a proper shoe, and it will be worth every penny. Most importantly, change them out every 3-4 months. Your body will thank you. —Carrie Lembke Four years ago I injured my hamstring at mile 14 of a marathon, I should have stopped but was
stubborn and walked the last 12.2 miles. Since then I have not had any lingering pain on that side but finally have found proper PT and therapy to help bring it back to proper health. —Ara Ispentchian
Running again after having children has been my longest recovery to date. It
has taken about six months to run middle distances (613 miles) fairly comfortably (for completion, not for speed) again after each birth.—Angel Banks
Not from running! Wow, honestly wild in retrospect that I haven’t, because I am clumsy as all get out. More injuries from walking for sure. I broke my Iowa record this past winter of seven cartooncharacter-esque falls on the ice. —Chad Rhym
MEET YOUR RUNNER
Courtesy of Matthew Russell from Zion 50K
Matthew Russell AGE:
37
CITY: Des
Moines, IA years AVERAGING: 30-40 mpw when training UPCOMING RACE: Whiterock Ultra 50k RUNNING FOR: 6
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A RUNNER? A
little over 6 years. I got into running as a result of setting a goal to complete a 5K. I was a pack-a-day smoker, ate poorly, and drank more pop than I’d like to admit.
ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS? I’m
mostly a solo runner; it’s an opportunity for me to zone out and get into my own world. I’ve also found that most running groups want to get up at the crack of dawn, so that’s all the more reason to run solo on my time and terms!
FREQUENCY AND PREFERRED TIME OF DAY: I’m definitely an evening runner. It’s a wonderful way to de-stress after a long day. I’ve tried many times to become a “morning runner” and I do not enjoy it; however, there are some days that I have to suck it up and get that morning run in due to other obligations in the evening. PREFERRED TERRAIN: Early on in my running experience, I was all about paved trails and sidewalks but I have transitioned in the last year to a love of unpaved trail running. The solitude offered, quietness, and beauty of nature is such a freeing experience for me and plays into the concept of “shinrin yoku” (forest bathing). I do like to mix up running hills and flats. MOST MEMORABLE RUN: My first (and only to date—soon to change that!) ultramarathon last April was the Zion Ultra Marathon in Apple Valley, Utah. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, the course challenged me beyond anything I had done physically before, and the camaraderie of the other runners in an ultra is simply second to none.
FAVORITE SHOES: Road:
Mizuno Wave Inspire. Trail: Hoka Speedgoat
ESSENTIAL WINTER GEAR: Definitely have a base layer! The extremities are what’s most crucial to protect, so wool socks and thick gloves. A balaclava combined with a neck gaiter is a lifesaving combo if you’re going to be running in very cold temps with significant wind.
WOB
ESSENTIAL SUMMER GEAR: I always have sunscreen and a headband in my car just in case I forget to bring one along when I venture out for a run.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it is that nutrition is very unique to each runner. What works for me could serve up as an abysmal failure for the next person. Staying hydrated is an area that I tend to slack on, so calculating sweat rate and working to replenish what is lost is important. I use gels (GU) and have also used Tailwind in my water for longer runs. Justin’s peanut butter packets are easy to consume on the go. I’ve also started to consume blue corn mush an hour or so before my longer runs and it really seems to go the extra mile in keeping me strong!
NUTRITION TIPS:
This section was compiled by Jordan Sellergren, who ran her first half marathon in April and is now swimming laps due to a sprained ankle. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 37
LITTLE VILLAGE YOUR VILLAGE There seems to be a new push to make the “Field of Dreams” some kind of big baseball location, which made me wonder if Iowa has an official state sport or if they’re going to make baseball the state sport? —RB, Iowa City
I
owa doesn’t have an official state sport. Only 17 states do and two of them, Massachusetts and New York, have claimed baseball as their own. That doesn’t mean Iowa couldn’t. Seven states have the cardi- Herbert Hoover nal as their state bird and a dozen have tapped the whitegetting fit and tail deer as an official mammal (Iowa is official-mam- having fun. Herbert mal-less). But why do that when there’s a sport that is Hoover Presidential played nowhere but Iowa? I’m talking about Hoover-ball. Library and Museum Pandemics permitting, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch has held the Hoover-ball National Championships on a more-or-less annual basis since 1988, attracting teams of friends interested in tossing a medicine ball (4 lbs for men’s and women’s teams, 2 lbs for youth teams) over an 8 ft. high volleyball net at each other. Participants come from all over the greater West Branch area, and presumably a couple of other places. It’s scored using the same system as tennis. This magpie’s nest of a game was invented by Adm. Joel Boone, Hoover’s physician while he 34th Annual was president from 1929 to 1933. It was meant to Hoover-Ball National be a way for the president to get some exercise, but Championships Hoover extended its reach and made members of Saturday, Aug. 6, his cabinet gather on the south lawn of the White West Branch, House at 7 a.m. to throw a six-pound medicine ball $25-30 to register over a volleyball net. “Except for Sundays, we played medicine ball every morning of the week, including official holidays,” Hoover’s Secretary of the Interior wrote in his memoirs. According to the secretary, they played “in cold and wind, snow and rain” and on days when the rain was too heavy, they played in the White House basement. Hoover-ball, of course, never caught on—a game created to keep rich and powerful men from getting too fat didn’t have much popular appeal as the country sank into the depths of the Great Depression—but it would still be less problematic as a state sport for Iowa than baseball. Adrian “Cap” Anson, born and raised in Marshalltown, is without question the most important baseball player to come out of Iowa. “GREATEST HITTER AND GREATEST NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYER-MANAGER OF 19TH CENTURY . . . .300 CLASS HITTER 20 YEARS,” his plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame says. He’s credited with helping to introduce such now standard features as the hit and run play and the pitching rotation. He was also fiercely racist, even by the standards of the late 19th century. Anson was famous for refusing to take the field if an opposing team had a Black player, as some did when he started playing. He became the leading player to push for expulsion of Black players, and the creation of all-white baseball leagues. Aside from the team owners who entered into the so-called “gentlemen’s agreement” that kept Black players out of major leagues until 1947, Anson did more than almost anyone else to bring racial segregation to baseball. Hoover was a massive baseball fan, but if he ever noticed the game he loved only had white players he never mentioned it. And Iowa, in its embrace of Hoover, manages not to mention that he left the state as soon as he was able, and never returned here to live. Maybe that should be Iowa’s state sport: ignoring unpleasant facts. It’s something the Reynolds administration already excels at. –Paul Brennan
38 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
A new Iowan’s assessment of some state parks
Lake MacBride from the Iowa River. She swore that there’s usually more water in the “waterfall,” and there’s photos online to verify her claim. But during our visit, it was a slight trickle, like a leaky spigot. Still, I enjoyed the large body of water, and the shady trail leading towards it.
Since moving to Iowa City from Athens, Georgia last August, I’ve spent my free time relaxing in Johnson County’s parks and greenspaces, and my weekends hiking state parks and trails. Here’s a tentative ranking of the five state parks I’ve explored throughout the state so far, plus an honorable Wisconsin mention.
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Maquoketa Caves State Park Maquoketa, IA
My date and I went in January, under a foot of snow, which I thought would make for great pictures. Unfortunately, the caves were closed when we arrived for bat hibernation. We explored some of the shallower caves that didn’t go underground or require lights, and we walked the forest trails. This was my first real experience with snow. Georgia snow, when it rarely appears, is fine and powdery. This snow was thick, mostly untouched for weeks, and magical. After surviving my first Midwest winter, I’m still in love with snow.
BY ADRIA CARPENTER
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STATE PARKS
Lake MacBride State Park Solon, IA
I first went to Lake MacBride in October on a second date. We hiked to what she described as a “waterfall.” In reality, it’s a spillway that divides
Adria Carpeter on the beat at Maquoketa Caves. Erin Reasoner
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Backbone State Park Dundee, IA
We hiked the Backbone trail, which loops between Backbone Lake and Maquoketa River. The mile-long tail has jagged rock and overgrown roots. It’s narrow but beautiful. We climbed into a hollowed section of rock to hide from the wind and eat our picnic. It was “spring,” my partner said, which meant bare trees and brown grass, but no snow. Further along, we peered over the ledge to see the river, surrounded by tall, yellow grass. It reminded me of the dead marshes. The trail was slightly disorienting. It looped around without us realizing, and we somehow ended back at the parking lot.
Map data ©2022 Google
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I’d like to come back in late summer or fall, when the trees and flowers are in bloom. My partner and I hiked around Canyon Road and the Table Rock Loop. The paved trail began high above the gorge, and the cold, windy air burned my face. We climbed down and failed to cross a flooded pathway. The winding stairs felt near vertical on the return trip. We stumbled onto a witchy stone house, a flood pole nearby. We’d listened to a horror podcast earlier, and the dead forest began to creep me out as we walked back to the car.
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Ledges State Park Madrid, IA
Palisades-Kepler State Park Mt. Vernon, IA
We hiked the Cedar River Trail and Cedar Cliff trail, which began around a beach area. It has a rough texture somewhere between sand and silt, but the dogs didn’t seem to mind. Further along there’s a dam. Water rushed across, so we couldn’t walk along it. There are stairs, carved through the rock, which lead up to the Cliff Trail. We found a nice vantage point to hammock and read.
Vintage, Second-Hand, Eclectic Finds & Oddities
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES | JUNE 22, 7PM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IOWA CITY LATINO FEST 40 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
@TRUNKIOWACITY 209 Scott Ct. Iowa City
STATE PARKS
Iowa can’t claim Devil’s Lake, but we can get there pretty fast. Adria Carpenter
As we left, I saw the American Gothic Barn, a replica of Grant Woods’ famous painting covering the barn’s exterior.
WORTH THE HIKE
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Devil’s Lake State Park Sauk County, WI
Devil’s Lake has three things I love: large bodies of water, big trees and big rocks (in that order). The park features the Devil’s Doorway, a rock formation with a tall gap in the middle. The rocks were pinkish red with streaks of pale green. I stopped to take pictures every five minutes. From the overlook, the forest was a sea of vibrant red, orange and yellow. I was awe-struck at the sight of the lake, which covers 374 acres. Even with a wide lens, I couldn’t photograph the entire surface, and my panorama picture was too wide to fit on Instagram. If you make the three-hour drive for a weekend trip, stay at The Birdhouse Inn.
Once a month not enough?
Tomás and Charlie Lasansky An Artistic Union
June 4 – September 11, 2022
410 Third Avenue SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 319.366.7503 www.crma.org
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Presented by Linn County Conservation
Linn County Parks Guide Linn County Conservation manages nearly 30 areas in the form of parks, preserves, natural areas, and trails. We also are committed to providing natural resource protections on public lands.
HIKE AND BIKE The J. Harold Ennis Preserve
The J. Harold Ennis Preserve is a 33-acre preserve with a hiking trail along the Cedar River in southern Linn County.
CAMP OUT
LinnCountyIowa.gov/Conservation
These modern campgrounds include RV electric and water hookups, showerhouse, grills, picnic tables, fire rings and firewood for purchase:
• • • •
Buffalo Creek Park Morgan Creek Park Pinicon Ridge Wanatee Park
Try these spots for a more rustic experience without the modern amenities:
• Wakipicada Natural Area • Matsell Bridge Natural Area • Mt. Hope
42 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Cedar Valley Nature Trail is a 52-mile trail from Waterloo to Cedar Rapids, now extending into Johnson County.
EDUCATE Abbe Creek School Museum The oldest standing brick schoolhouse in Iowa, first used in 1836. Now converted into a museum and listed on the National Register of Historic Places Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center Operated by the Cedar Astronomers, the EIOLC is host to public and group events to observe the stars and share in their joy of astronomy.
Center Point Historic Depot and Museum
Built in 1914, this depot was a popular spot along the old WCF&N railroad, which is now the Cedar Valley Nature Trail.
Matsell Bridge Natural Area
This Historic Linn County Bridge over the Wapsipinicon River has a ghost story worthy of investigation.
Paris Bridge Natural Area
Jordan Sellergren
The Paris Bridge was constructed in 1876 and the natural area offers canoe access to Wapsipinicon River between Troy Mills and Central City.
Chain Lakes Natural Area
The Chain Lakes Bridge was completed in 1884 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
UNIQUE NATURE Hitaga Sand Ridge Prairie Preserve
This preserve includes very large glacial erratic and is home to threatened wildlife and plant species such as the ornate box turtle and prickley pear cactus.
Wickiup Hill Learning Center
This 751-acre complex just northwest of Cedar Rapids features an indoor nature center highlighting our natural resources, history, educational displays, hands-on exhibits, field trips and public programs for all ages. Immerse yourself in the outdoor areas that include five miles of trail, woodlands, prairie, and the Wickiup Wandering Woods nature playscape: a place for all ages to create, engage, and build with nature.
Grant Wood Trail
This trail boasts a prehistoric bog in the western section just east of Waldo’s Rock Park.
Rock Island Botanical Preserve
The area is exceptionally rich in plant diversity (491 species), including 15 species identified as rare or species of special concern. Four rare species of butterflies and skippers have been found here, as well as the state-threatened Blanding’s and ornate box turtles. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 43
Presented by Linn County Conservation
MULTITASK
LinnCountyIowa.gov/Conservation
Linn County Parks Index 1
Abbe Creek School Museum
877 W Mount Vernon Rd, Mt. Vernon 2 Blue Creek Natural Area
Blue Creek Rd, Center Point
3 Buffalo Creek Natural Area
Morgan Creek Park
New additions to the south side of Morgan Creek Park now open with new walking trails and paths, event and picnic shelters, and a state of the art playground never before experienced in this region. Easily accessible off of E Ave at Highway 100.
19 Otter Creek Natural Area
7500 Elf Lane, Palo
4 Buffalo Creek Park 5034 Buffalo Creek Park Rd, Coggon
1365 Ivanhoe Rd, Ely
5 Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Boyson Road, Hiawatha
6 Chain Lakes Natural Area
20 Palisades-Dows Preserve
21 Palo Marsh Natural Area
2935 Palo Marsh Rd, Palo
22 Paris Bridge Natural Area
4247 Chain Bridge Rd, Palo
5301 Sutton Rd, Coggon
7 Eastern Iowa Observatory & Learning Center
23 Pinicon Ridge Park 4732 Horseshoe Falls Rd, Central City
8 Goose Pond Natural Area
3875 Lewis Bottoms Rd, Shellsburg 9 Grant Wood Trail
933 acres along the Wapsipinicon in Central City, with a modern campground, cabins to rent, playground, water access, an observation tower 1,028 feet above sea level, and hiking trails. The Mary Lundby Bridge enables pedestrians to walk over the Wapsipinicon.
18 North Cedar Natural Area
3410 Cedar Heights Trail
1825 Coggon Rd, Coggon
1365 Ivanhoe Rd, Ely
Pinicon Ridge Park
17 Morgan Creek Park
7212 E Ave NW, Palo
24 Rock Island Botanical Preserve 4501 Preserve Ln, Cedar
Rapids
25 South Cedar Natural Area
6303 Partners Ave, Marion
248 Cedar Park Rd, Mt. Vernon
10 Harold & Ruth Rehrauer Natural Area
3200 Coggon Rd, Troy Mills
1299 Red Bridge Rd, Coggon
11 Hitaga Sand Ridge Prairie
Preserve 2727 Wapsi Ridge Dr,
Walker
26 Troy Mills River Access
27 Wakpicada Natural Area
313 Central City Rd, Central City 28 Wanatee Park
1600 Banner Dr, Marion
12 Hoover Nature Trail
1635 Hillcrest St, Ely
29 Wickiup Hill Learning Center 10260 Morris Hills Rd,
13 J. Harold Ennis Preserve
Toddville
14 Jay G. Sigmund Memorial
3900 Wickiup Hill Rd, Toddville
550 Cedar River Rd, Mt. Vernon
30 Wickiup Hill Natural Area
Site 10260 Morris Hills Rd,
Toddville
15 Matsell Bridge Natural Area
3742 Matsell Park Rd, Central City
Wanatee Park
998 acres is home to a variety of wildlife, with vast woodlands and prairie. Enjoy the multi-use trails throughout the park, including a mountain-bike trail suitable for all skill levels. 44 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
16 Millard Preserve
5053 Millard Ln, Central City
Follow Linn County Conservation
GET THERE
Ready to explore? Find your way to each of these Linn County parks:
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29 19 6
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Linn County map data ©2021 Google
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LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 45
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D LV Recommends
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Rest Stop Grab a drink or a bite at these Eastern Iowa eateries, located right off the trail, park or lake.
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BY MADELYN ORTON
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LittleVillageMag.com/Dining
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The Pedalers Fork Off of Cedar River Trail
2010 Sylvia Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, thepedalersfork.com
You’ll deserve a stop at the Pedaler’s Fork after that climb! Nestled on a hill, their large menu includes everything from burgers, salads and tacos, to mac and cheese bowls and six different types of nachos. Enjoy regular specials and an extensive tap beer and cocktail selection while you watch the trail traffic from the shaded patio out back. If you find yourself riding by on a Sunday morning, check out their extensive brunch buffet.
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Sag Wagon Off of Cedar Lake Loop
827 Shaver Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, thesagwagon.com
On any given sunny summer day, the Sag Wagon is a cyclist hot spot. The spacious outdoor area is sprinkled with picnic tables, adirondack chairs, a sand volleyball court, firepit, and various yard games. Its convenient location on the trail means you won’t be the only one wearing spandex biking shorts.
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Map data ©2022 Google
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Clock House Brewing Off of Cedar River Trail
600 1st St SE, Cedar Rapids, clockhousebrewing.com
Clock House Brewing has something for every type of beer drinker–even the nonbeer drinkers! Their rotating line-up consists of light lagers, dark porters, hazy IPAs and sours. You’ll also find guest ciders, wines and selters in the rotation. Their neighbors at Black Sheep 46 June 2022
Sag Wagon, Cedar Rapids via Sag Wagon’s facebook
Social Club are responsible for the appetizers and quick bites on the menu, even serving their crowd favorite duck fat fries.
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Kickstand Off of Cedar River
Trail, near Osborn Park, 203 16th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, kickstandiowa.com
Grab a seat at the large outdoor area, or if you’re lucky, perhaps the swingset table will
BREAD & BUTTER
Club 76 The Lodge, North Liberty Emma McClatchey / Little Village
be unoccupied! Kickstand’s spacious outdoor seating and Bottoms Up draft system make this a regular stop among cyclists. Their food menu includes a large selection of appetizers, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and wraps. They even serve breakfast for those early morning riders.
well as various seltzers, ciders and wine, and you’re served a basket of popcorn to accompany your beverage. If the popcorn isn’t enough to tide you over, their menu has quick bites and bar food favorites.
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Big Grove Solon Brewpub
Near Lake Macbride Trail. 101 W
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The Shack Tavern
Main St, Solon, biggrove.com
Off of Cedar River Trail,
Like its bigger, younger brother in Iowa City, Big Grove’s Solon Brewpub is known for its relaxed environment, signature beer and diverse menu. You can sit outside on their back patio or soak up the air conditioning and cozy atmosphere indoors while enjoying everything from comfort food to small bites.
near the Roller Dam, 2545 Old River Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, 319-366-3629
The Shack Tavern is tucked on a gravel road, not far from the trail. Enjoy great views of the Cedar River from their tiki bar, grain bin bar or their front patio while enjoying a housemade lemon press drink—the perfect thirst quencher. Also a popular motorcycle bar, there’s room for two types of bikers here.
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Bobber’s Grill On the Coralville Lake,
near Lake Macbride State Park, 850 Scales Bend Rd NE, North
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House Divided Brewery
Off of Cedar Valley Nature Trail, near Ely City Park, 1620 Dows St, Ely, housedividedbrewery.com
Like its hometown, House Divided Brewery is small but mighty, with plenty of space to park your bike. They have several of their own beers on tap, as
Liberty, scalespointe.com
Dock your boat or park your RV and enjoy a snack lakeside. The social center of the Scales Pointe marina and campground, Bobber’s Grill is both a general store and a watering hole, surrounded by excellent views, picnic tables, a playground and plenty of space to play and wander. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 47
Bread & Butter
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LittleVillageMag.com
Club 76 The Lodge 2349 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE A,
North Liberty, 319-626-6046
The Lodge serves cold beer, throws a mean steak night and caters to a crowd of local veterans, campers, boaters, Harley drivers and cyclists—all the folks who cross paths while enjoying the Iowa River and Macbride Nature Recreation Area on a summer day. Sunday Fundays featuring CR rock band the Surf Zombies begin June 12.
Ramen Belly, Iowa City Jordan Sellergren / Little Village
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Ramen Belly Near Iowa River Trail, Iowa River
Corridor Trail, 1010 Martin St, Iowa City, ramenbelly.co
Ramen Belly opened last spring in IC’s picturesque Peninsula Neighborhood, serving up a light meal to dog owners visiting the nearby Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park, and the runners, bikers and Frisbee golfers that coalesce in Peninsula Park. Refuel with short ribs, pot stickers, classic ramen and even ramen in a blanket—ramen noodles nestled in between two tonkatsu filets.
Be famous. (Kinda.)
Little Village is looking for writers.
Contact: Editor@LittleVillageMag.com
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Jon’s Ice Cream and Restaurant Off historic Hiawatha Pioneer Trail,
231 W Marengo Rd, Tiffin, 319-545-2558
Come on, grab some ice cream—you’ve earned it! Jon’s is the perfect summer stop (and drive-through) after a hike in Kent Park or game in Tiffin City Park. The historic business has an extensive menu of soft-serve and hand-dipped ice cream, novelty desserts (a massive “trash can sundae” with gummy worms! cheesecake on a stick!), fried appetizers and sandwiches. Emma McClatchey contributed to this article.
The best medicine for stress?
Nature. Studies show just 20 minutes per day spent outdoors can significantly reduce stress hormones.
Get your daily dose.
5300 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
RETAIL
LV Recommends
Made in Iowa From bike bags to beer coolers, recreational product companies are based in the state. BY COURTNEY GUEIN
Fox River Mills
Kenai Coolers
SOCKS
COOLERS
Based in Osage
Based in Decorah, kenaigear.com
oxsox.com
Kenai Coolers are guaranteed to last for a lifetime, and the company encourages its customers to test that promise in “the mountains, desert, meadows and prairies, or a spring creek in Iowa.” Kenais are more affordable than many outdoor cooler brands, and though the company’s named after an Alaskan borough, it’s rooted in northeast Iowa.
This small, privately owned hosiery mill has fashioned some of the United States’ leading socks for sports and outdoor recreation since 1900. Fox River also produces a women’s-specific fit performance sock, with a smaller toe box and heel pockets.
Holstein MFG GRILLS Based in
restaurant and personal use. This ain’t your grandpa’s Weber; even Holstein’s home grills could fit enough meat to feed a horde. Impress your neighbors with their four-basket roll top rotisserie grill.
Holstein holsteinmfg.com
Since the first grill in 1976 was sold, Holstein MFG has become a leading supplier of grills for food production, food consumption, agriculture, catering,
Original Udder Balm LOTION, PAIN RELIEF CREAM Based in West Des Moines originaludderbalm.com
Summer heat can be udderly draining. Original Udder
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Balm is a run-to product after exposure to sunlight and dirt, which can make your skin dry, itchy and wrinkly. All of that hard work in the sun can cause sore muscles, too—for those, you can try their Doc Hoag’s Menthol Pain relief cream.
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 51
Community
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
Ironweed BIKE BAGS Based in Iowa City ironweedbp.com
Ironweed’s heavy-duty bicycle bags, or panniers, are water resistant and maintain their shape regardless of what’s in them, or what isn’t. Founder Brian Loring wanted to design a “graceful” pannier that would suit bikes new and vintage. “So I made a pannier that, in addition to being functional, would be suitable for a 1972 Jack Taylor mixte,” he said. Ironweed also sells the racks, mounts and straps needed to fit the bag to your ride.
in 1958. Since then, its brand name has become synonymous with recreational vehicles. (Winnebago County, and thus the Winnebago brand, were named for the Native HoChunk, or Winnebago, tribes of the Midwest). While its headquarters shifted to Eden Prairie, Minnesota in 2021, the company has maintained its thousands-strong Iowa workforce in Forest City and beyond.
food and drinks, but also to protect wildlife from getting into coolers and potentially harming themselves, Grizzly coolers provide “optimum safety, durability, and performance, even under the most extreme conditions,” and are tested with actual grizzly bears to ensure their bearproof status. And you bet they sell Hawkeyes and Cyclones branded coolers.
LittleVillageMag.com
RETAIL
choice of 15 or 30 SPF and three flavors: mint, berry and sport. Eco Lips purchased Columbus Junction company Simply Soothing, Inc. in 2021, and now sells the massively successful Bug Soother product, a DEET-free bug spray utilizing the natural insect repellants lemongrass and vanilla, with some vitamin E added to moisturize the skin.
Eco Lips SPF LIP BALMS, SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY Based in Cedar Rapids ecolips.com
Protect your lips and skin against the heat and annoying mosquitos, gnats, no-see-ums and other Iowa plagues. Eco Lips lip balm is made with organic products, with the
Grizzly COOLERS Based in Decorah grizzlycoolers.com
Made to not only protect your
Winnebago RVS, TRAILERS, VANS, HAULERS Based in Forest City winnebago.com
Winnebago Industries was founded in Forest City, Winnebago County, Iowa
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LittleVillageMag.com Prairie Pop
Prairie Rap North or south of the Canadian border, a Midwest ethos drives Cadence Weapon’s sound. BY KEMBREW MCLEOD
CCI ACTION FUND ENDORSES JON GREEN AND V FIXMER-ORAIZ! Our vision of changing business-as-usual politics starts and stops with prioritizing people and our planet. That’s movement politics—bringing real people, our stories, issues, and our solutions to the center of our political system. We support Jon and V for Johnson County Supervisor because they’re with us on the issues—clean water, climate change solutions, and racial and immigration justice. Like us, they understand the issues we face are all connected, and change always comes from the bottom up.
VOTE
Jon Green and V Fixmer-Oraiz for Johnson County Supervisor
Early voting in person: May 18–June 6, Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm Johnson County Auditor’s Office Election Day: Tuesday, June 7 7 am–8 pm Find your polling place: cciaction.org/pollingplace
For more information, call (515) 282-0484 or email kbiechler@iowacci.org Paid for by Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund, 2001 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311 Hugh Espey, Executive Director
“O
ne thing that people maybe don’t know about Canada is that the places above and below the border are similar to each other,” said Rollie Pemberton, a Canadian MC who performs as Cadence Weapon. “I live in Toronto now, and we definitely get kind of Detroit vibes over here, whereas Alberta, where I’m originally from, resembles Montana, the Dakotas and Midwestern places like Iowa.” Pemberton’s dynamic set at the 2022 Mission Creek Festival in Iowa City consisted of just him, a mic, laptop and some assorted audio gear—a DIY approach that echoes the way that he makes his music and has forged a career as a writer and critic. This single-minded, can-do approach was shaped by growing up in the geographic and cultural margins, a place that many people in Canada don’t even think about except when it’s the butt of a joke. Much like Iowa. “I see parallels between those places,” he told me. “You know, the whole time I was in Iowa City, there was a sense of familiarity, a kind of friendly Midwestern sensibility. Where I’m from, Edmonton, it’s a prairie city, and it’s also a little more country. Coming from an environment like that, and making a Black art form, and trying to be respected by other rap fans and artists, it was a challenge.” As a ’90s kid, Pemberton’s form of recreation and escape was to connect with others on the newly emerging internet, which was a portal to like-minded hip-hop heads throughout the world. “When I was growing up, I wasn’t aware of any local rap scene,” Pemberton said. “So, for me, the internet was like an online version of a street corner cipher. That was where I learned how to rap for real. I’d be writing lyrics and sending them to people and having them critique them.” This led him to writing about music on early music blogs and websites like Pitchfork. And file-sharing gave him the software tools that helped him start making his own music—a career arc that culminated in a string of accomplishments over the past two years. In 2021, Pemberton released his
critically-acclaimed album Parallel World, which won the prestigious Polaris Music Prize in Canada. This was followed closely by the release of his debut book, Bedroom Rapper: Cadence Weapon on Hip-Hop, Resistance, and Surviving the Music Industry (May, 2022; McClelland &
meanings for Pemberton. He wrote and recorded the album while in quarantine, which made him feel very trapped, so he wanted to create something that was a kind of gateway into an alternate reality that listeners could relate to as well. “That’s where I started thinking of the idea of
“WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, I WASN’T AWARE OF ANY LOCAL RAP SCENE. SO, FOR ME, THE INTERNET WAS LIKE AN ONLINE VERSION OF A STREET CORNER CIPHER. THAT WAS WHERE I LEARNED HOW TO RAP FOR REAL. I’D BE WRITING LYRICS AND SENDING THEM TO PEOPLE AND HAVING THEM CRITIQUE THEM.” Stewart/Penguin Random House Canada). “It’s something that I worked on over the entire pandemic, basically, for a couple years, and it was at the same time as I made my last album,” he said. “So, it was a process where I would be writing during the day in the morning, and then I’d go to the studio at night, so I was just insanely productive at that time.” Parallel World’s title holds a few different
a parallel world,” he said. “But then the more I thought about it, writing about themes like structural racism got me thinking about how one can walk down the street and see another person and then realize, ‘OK, we are on the same street, we live in the same neighborhood, but our lives might be completely different, depending on our race.’” The glitchy, experimental electronic beats and
Cadence Weapon performs at Gabe’s during Mission Creek Festival, April 2022 Jason Smith / Little Village
futuristic textures on Parallel World exude an alternate reality-like vibe, but its lyrical concerns are grounded in very real-world concerns, like surveillance and racial profiling. “All geotagged, got brands on me, got ads on me / Not asking me but they’re still on me, got scams on me,” he raps in “On Me,” the album’s second track. “Got my name in registry so they stay on me, won’t let me free.” Pemberton’s critical perspective is, in part, the product of being different than most everyone else while growing up. “When I was in elementary school,” Pemberton said, “I was the only Black student in the entire school, and then in junior high, there were like six other Black kids.” He grew up surrounded by a library of music, and he spent much of his time as a kid daydreaming about what his music would one day sound like. It took until the turn of the century before hip hop became more entrenched in Alberta, thanks to mainstream rappers like Eminem and LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 55
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50 Cent, but Pemberton had already been heavily schooled in the genre by his father, Teddy Pemberton, who was from Brooklyn, New York. His son remembers Teddy bringing back albums from record stores in New York City—lots of funk, R&B and soul, though hip hop was his main passion—and he had a long-running show on a local college radio station. “He was a DJ who had a radio program that started in 1980, and he was basically the person who brought hip hop music to Edmonton,” Pemberton said. “His show was extremely popular, and there have been so many people who still tell me about how his show was appointment listening every Saturday night.” Pemberton also learned a lot from his father about being an uncompromising artist.
“‘BE YOURSELF,’ THAT’S THE NUMBER ONE SHIT I TELL PEOPLE. I DON’T FOLLOW ANYBODY ELSE, I NEVER DID. IDIOSYNCRATIC AND ICONOCLASTIC—I AM ME, MOTHERFUCKER. BE YOU!”
RIVERSIDETHEATRE.ORG
NEWS YOU CAN TRUST.
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Stream online: IowaPublicRadio.org or the IPR app.
AM
“Believing in yourself and marching to your own drummer,” the MC said. “Musically, that’s something I got from him that I took to heart throughout my career.” As Cadence Weapon exclaims in “SENNA,” another highlight from Parallel World, “I’m not afraid to be who I am. You know, I always tell people, ‘Be yourself,’ that’s the number one shit I tell people. I don’t follow anybody else, I never did. Idiosyncratic and iconoclastic—I am me, motherfucker. Be you!” After spending his childhood imagining the kinds of hip-hop songs that he would eventually make, Pemberton realized that this was easier dreamed than done. “I was living in a place that, even in Canada, people don’t really think about, so it’s not somewhere that you would associate with rap music. So, basically, my entire career is a very unlikely thing given where I come from.” YouTube didn’t exist, and there were no beat-making tutorials he could access. Pemberton began teaching himself through trial and error in an attempt to make the music that he heard in his head—and often failing miserably, though
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 57
Iowa City is an active community and we want you to be involved! Follow City Boards and Commissions by signing up for email notifications and agendas. Select the meetings you are interested in following at:
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KNOW? DID YOU The City of Iowa City has
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Pemberton still learned something every time that he came short of the mark. “I was going on torrent websites downloading cracked versions of Fruity Loops and Cool Edit Pro with that Wild West mentality, like, ‘Yo, I’m gonna make this music.’ I was just a kid who was working at a record store, HMV, and I didn’t have the money or aptitude to use anything other than my mom’s crusty old Hewlett Packard desktop computer, but then I ended up just making this music that actually resonated with people.” Pemberton dropped out of college because he had a nagging feeling that he needed to get his music into the world, so he went home to Edmonton and lived with his mom, who gave him an ultimatum: “If you don’t make something happen within a year,” she said, “you gotta go back to school.” That lit a fire under him. The fledgling rapper made a mixtape and burned CDs that he sold around Edmonton, and he also circulated his music during the music blog era’s imperial phase, when his songs began gaining traction. Cadence Weapon’s first breakthrough occurred after the release of “Oliver Square.” In 2005, Fluxblog posted the song, which led to an album deal with the label Upper Class Recordings. Opportunities snowballed from there (along with many headaches—see A Tribe Called Quest’s Industry Rule #4080: “record company people are shady”). “Oliver Square” was named after an ordinary mini-mall in his neighborhood, because he wanted to represent Edmonton. “We’re kind of hardscrabble, do-it-yourself, overlooked, underrated kind of people,” he remembers thinking, “so let’s make an anthem for that.” During his 2021 Polaris Prize acceptance speech, Pemberton made an homage to something that Outkast’s André 3000 uttered, when the Atlanta-based group won the 1995 Source Awards at a time when rap was dominated by the East and West Coasts: “The South got something to say.” For Pemberton, music is a conversation—especially hip hop, which is a highly self-referential art form—so he felt that it was important to highlight where he was from in that speech. After dissing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his long history of wearing blackface, Pemberton told the Polaris Prize audience: “The prairie’s got something to say!” Kembrew McLeod’s summer project is finishing his prog rock concept double album, ‘Who Let the Prairie Dogs Out?’
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 59
Culture
LittleVillageMag.com
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D FESTIVALS
Traveling, camping, tailgating, stage-hopping, hula-hooping, singing at the top of your lungs—summer music fests are a blast, if you come prepared.
I
BY LILY DETAEYE
t’s that magical time of year again! Festival season is back and that means wristband tan lines, sipping craft beer with buddies and seeing all your favorite bands onstage. Although most festivals took a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are back this year in full force. Alongside national favorites like Coachella, South-By-Southwest, Bonnaroo and Americana Fest, Iowa boasts its own exciting schedule. Savannah Rae is the senior editor for The Festival Voice, a blog dedicated to covering festivals across the country. “It is great to be able to highlight Iowa’s festivals because we are a smaller state,” she said. “This lets my readers know that there is something to do in Iowa besides looking at corn! Iowa knows how to throw some amazing parties.”
FESTIVAL PRO TIPS Having fun is hard work! A few tips from some committed regulars should help make your experience more magical and less stressful.
Don’t ignore the up-andcomers
Dress for success
“I saw Lizzo before she blew up on a free stage at 80/35. There were maybe 150 people in the crowd. Core memory.” —Lily DeTaeye
“Bike shorts are amazing. Rompers feel really cute but are kinda hard when you’re in a port-a-potty.” —Maggie Klos
“If you hear a crowd getting really excited, go there. Because it’s probably gonna be a really good show.” —Madeleine King
“Pack for the weather. Your outfit looks wonderful—but you won’t have fun if you’re freezing to death.” —Savannah Rae
60 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
Make the most of the space “I’m a back-of-thecrowd person. I feel like a lot of really fun dancing always happens back there.” —Madeleine King “Do your research in advance and get a lay of the land.” —Dustin Smith
e illag le V Litt
How to Festival: A Guide
Kansas City resident Maggie Klos has got camping at the central Iowa fest Hinterland down pat. “Our group of six-to-eight of us rent an RV in Kansas City. We drive up, which is always an adventure,” Klos explained. “We kind of have a routine now where we make sure we are settled down in the type of spot we like. And then it’s just like a lovely weekend being around friends and really great other concert or festival goers.” Klos and her group have camped in St. Charles for three and a half festivals since Hinterland began in 2015. Last year, a separate commitment kept the group from the first part of the fest. “This is how much I love Hinterland really,” she said. “We flew from St. Louis at 6 a.m. Sunday morning and took a cab to Hinterland. We were there for like 24 hours, but we wanted to make it there for at least Sunday. So I count that as a half.” Klos says traveling in an RV is still the best camping experience. A nice bed to sleep in at night can be a godsend, and you still spend plenty of time outdoors. “We have a lot of space where we kind of set up what we call our front patio,” she said. “With chairs and rugs and stuff like that.” First time camping at a music festival this year? Klos recommends doing your research before showing up.
/ ren erg Sell dan Jor
A-List
“Typically, you’re not going to go to shows until later in the afternoon,” she said. “So make sure you think about what you want to do during the day. It doesn’t have to be that organized, but bringing games, bringing food to cook or going on a nice walk. They have the covered bridges all over Iowa. Thinking of fun things to do in your downtime is really great.” Klos’s group is responsible for organizing the Hinterhalf, a half marathon (and concurrent 5K) held on Saturday morning of the festival. Participants get shower tokens and great camaraderie. Interested in joining? Be on the lookout for this year’s Hinterhalf details coming soon. Rest assured that when you’re visiting a festival, your favorite artists will probably be having just as much fun as you. But have you ever wondered the best way to support the acts that come through? Dustin Smith, a solo artist as well as frontman for Des Moines band, The Maytags, said the way to an artist’s heart is through the
Be prepared
“Bring both cash and card if you can. The beer tent could be card only but your favorite artist’s merch stand might just take cash.” —Lily DeTaeye “Bring your own toilet paper.” —Maggie Klos
Put yourself out there! “MAKE FRIENDS! Iowa has so many wonderful people and I can say that I’ve met some outstanding people from all over the state.” —Savannah Rae “There are so many things they offer for kids and adults that are not drinking and music.” —Dustin Smith
SUMMER FESTIVALS
LITTLE VILLAGE REC’D
Find your Festival Archetype Thinking about getting together a festival group? Klos says it’s important to make sure everyone “knows their role.” Here are a few folks you might want to include in your next festival excursion.
Sophie McClatchey
The Manager
Des Moines, Friday-Saturday, June 3-4, $53.36-278.46 Beckster Polka Fest, Amana Colonies RV
supplies, big dad energy
The Creative
The Time Keeper
designs outdoor space
studies festival
at campsite, brings
schedule, gets group
games, enthusiastic
to shows on time,
festival veteran
good with alarms
Park, Amana, Friday-Sunday, June 3-5, $15-40 Glenn Miller Festival, Clarinda High School, Clarinda, Thursday-Sunday, June 9-12, $15-22 Country Thunder, Heritage Park Grounds, Forest City, Friday-Sunday, June 10-12, $75-400
Worker Bee
The Cook
maintains clean
plans meals for group,
campsite, assesses
leads cooking effort,
where group needs help,
always brings new
just happy to be there.
sangria recipe
Jordan Sellergren / Little Village
Kosmic Kingdom 2022, Sleepy Hollow,
drives the RV, packs
Iowa Summer Jam, Doubletree by Hilton, Cedar Rapids, Saturday, June 11, $30-75 Cornstock, Electric Park Ballroom, Waterloo, Thursday-Saturday, June 16-18, Free-$25 MusicIC, Multiple Venues, Iowa City, Friday-Saturday, June 17-18, Free Wild Cat Country Fest, Downtown Newton, Saturday, June 18 at 1 p.m., $50 Fierce Faith Music Fest, Downtown Newton, Sunday, June 19 at 1 p.m., $20 Volta Youth Music and Art Festival, Green Square Park, Cedar Rapids, Saturday, June 25 at 2 p.m., Free-$5 Iowa City Jazz Festival, Friday-Sunday, July 1-3, Free
Cont. >> pg. 64 62 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
merch table. Selling merch while on the road is a “game changer,” according to Smith. But there’s other things you can do if you’ve already emptied your wallet on your tickets. “If it’s an artist you don’t know, haven’t heard of before, I think it’s important to do the little things,” he said. “Give them a like on Instagram, pull them up on streaming services, start following them on their journey. If they were a lower name on the roster, there’s a good chance any of those little things will go a long way.” Although the Maytags have played festivals across the country, Smith vibes best right here at home. He said Hinterland is the most unique artist experience he’s had. “Each artist has their own RV with everything you could want. What makes Hinterland different is the artist area isn’t just one tiny green room or a tent out back, which is what I’m used to,” he said. “All the artist RVs are centered in this one area and there’s fire pits and a bar for the
artists alone. There’s bags and all this other stuff that give the artists an outlet. Especially if you’re touring and you’ve been on the road, to have this unique space is pretty awesome.” Of course musicians aren’t the only artists at the festival. Many are in the pit getting shots of the bands onstage. Madeleine King is a photographer and a member of the digital team for Iowa Public Radio. She attends festivals regularly to get shots for IPR’s “Best of the Festival” posts. “It’s always a privilege and really exciting, especially for bands you like, to be able to be in front of the crowd even for a portion of it,” King said. “But it’s definitely challenging, especially when there’s a bunch of other photographers trying to get the same great shot as you, but it’s really thrilling.” The days are long and sweaty, but ultimately worth it to King. “I’ve never, in any other situation, been able to get so many perfect shots in one day,” she said. “It’s always fun.”
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 63
FESTIVAL SEASON
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/CALENDAR
EVENTS: JUNE JUNE 2022
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. Tulapalooza Benefit Concert, City Park, Iowa City, Sunday, June 26 at 12 p.m., Free This festival of caring is bringing the community together to support Tula Bloom Brickel, an Iowa City teen navigating the world with an aggressive bone cancer called osteosarcoma. The concert is free to attend, but supporters of Brickel and her family will have many opportunities to contribute Via Indian Creek Nature Center
to the cause, including food for purchase from New Pioneer Coop and drinks from Press Coffee. The line-up is an adroitly programmed Iowa City earthy, folk-fueled who’s who, kicking things off at noon with Mektoub and continuing through Marc + Brandi Janssen, the Dandelion Stompers, the Feralings, Crystal City, Ben Schmidt, Cedar County Cobras and closing out the evening with eternally popular Grateful Dead tribute band Winterland. For more info on the family and how to help, visit gofundme.com/operation-help-tula-heal. 80/35, Western Gateway Park,
Exile Music Festival, Exile
Des Moines, Friday-Saturday,
Brewing Company, Des Moines,
July 8-9, $55-220
Saturday, Aug. 27, $35
Camp Euforia, Jerry’s Farm,
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion,
Lone Tree, Thursday-Saturday,
Midwest Old Threshers Museum,
July 14-16, $70-130
Mount Pleasant, ThursdayMonday, Sept. 1-5, $15-35
Dawn and On Music Festival, Schwiebert Park, Rock Island,
Norwalk Music Fest, Norwalk
Saturday, July 23, $TBD
City Park, Norwalk, Sunday, Sept.
Writing the Iowa Derecho: A Creative Experience, Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids, Sunday, June 5 at 1 p.m., $5-$10 donation
County Fairgrounds, Guthrie
Maximum Ames Music Festival,
Center, Thursday-Saturday, July
Downtown Ames, Thursday-
28-30, $80-220
Sunday, Sept. 15-18, $TBD
Hinterland, Avenue of the
World Food and Music Festival,
Saints Amphitheater, St. Charles,
Western Gateway Park, Des
Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 4-7, $99-
Moines, Friday-Sunday, Sept.
1,500
16-18, Free
The Log Project is creating a codex. Founded by Karrie Higgins and Alan Murdock in the wake of the 2020 derecho, the Log Project takes its inspiration from the original root of the term codex: The word that we now associate with ancient manuscripts is derived from the Latin caudex, meaning the trunk of a tree. Higgins and Murdock are taking slices of wood from trees felled by the derecho and creating a codex of stories and memories contributed by the people of Cedar Rapids. Each participant in this Indian Creek Nature Center event will have the opportunity to write or draw their derecho experience on a page of the codex, using ink created from walnut hulls sourced in the Time Check neighborhood.
Turkey River Music Festival,
Pioneer Village Harvest Moon
Literary Luxuries
Riverside Park/The Inwood
Song and Dance Fest, Dan
Ballroom—Ludwig Stage,
Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer
Friday, June 3 at 7 p.m. Conversa-
Tuesday, June 7 at 7p.m. Robin
Spillville, Friday-Saturday, Aug.
Village, Long Grove, Sunday,
tion w/Katie Runde and Lyz Lenz,
Hemley w/Patricia Foster and Da-
5-6, $10-15
Sept. 25, $3-6
The Chauncey, Iowa City, Free
vid Hamilton, Prairie Lights, Iowa
Alternating Currents, Downtown
515 Alive, 2022 TBA
Saturday, June 4 at 3:30 p.m.
4, Free Guthrie’s River Ruckus, Guthrie
City, Free Davenport, Thursday-Sunday,
Conversation w/Heather Guden-
Wednesday, June 8 at 7 p.m.
Aug. 18-21, Free
kauf, Sidekick Books & Coffee,
Reading w/Nina Barragan, Prairie
Iowa City, Free
Lights, Free
64 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
EDITORS’ PICKS: June 2022
PRESENTED BY WORLD OF BIKES
AROUND THE CRANDIC
Wednesday, June 15 at 7 p.m. Con-
Tuesday, June 21 at 7 p.m. Con-
Thursday, June 23 at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 28 at 9:30 a.m. Tea
versation w/ Sulari Gentill, Swamp
versation w/Arda Collins, Dorothy
Reading w/Neil Hamilton, Prairie
for Two w/Jennifer Black Rein-
Fox Bookstore, Online, Free
Tse and James Shea, Prairie Lights,
Lights, Free
hardt, $40-65
Online, Free Monday, June 27 at 7 p.m. IWP
Thursday, June 30 at 6 p.m. An
versation w/Maureen McCue and
Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m.
Mentor Reading w/Sanam Maher,
Evening with Joshua Moehling and
Miriam Kashia, Prairie Lights, Free
Between the Lines Reading w/
Dini Parayitam, Chandrahas
Heather Gudenkauf, Cedar Rapids
Poupeh Missagi & Jose Olivarez,
Choudhury, Prairie Lights, Free
Public Library, Free
Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m. Con-
Sunday, June 19 at 3 p.m. Reading
Prairie Lights, Free
w/Mary Gutman, Prairie Lights, Free
Pro H2O, Multiple Locations, Thursday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m., $10-65
The Iowa Environmental Council’s largest fundraiser of the year is ready to rock! The main event will be held at the River Center in Des Moines, where tickets will be $65 ($40 for young professionals), but there are many other ways to join in the fun. Tickets to satellite locations at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom in Iowa City and Dickinson Co. Conservation’s Maser Monarch Lodge near Okoboji are $35-50. And you can stream the program from home or anywhere for $10-25. Susan Werner will provide the tunes, Big Grove will provide the suds and Black Cat Ice Cream created a special treat just for the celebration. Guests are encouraged to network for the first hour, leading up to an awards presentation program. Werner’s concert will begin at 8 p.m. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support the IEC’s values of clean water and land stewardship, clean energy, and a healthy climate. Courtesy of Iowa Environmental Council
Community Connections Friday to Sunday, June 3-5. Iowa
Saturdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 at
Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 18. Iowa City Pride
Arts Festival, Downtown Iowa City,
1 p.m. Diversity Market, Pepper-
Layout and Printing for Zines and
Festival, Downtown Iowa City,
Free
wood Plaza, Iowa City, Free
Pamphlets Using InDesign, PS1
Free
Saturdays, June 4, 18 and July 2
Saturday, June 4 at 6 p.m. Iowa
Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m. Welcome
Saturday, June 18. BenzBeerfest,
at 7:30 a.m. Cedar Rapids Down-
Farm Sanctuary Fundraiser,
to Night Vale, Englert Theatre,
Benz Beverage Depot, Cedar
town Farmers Market, Downtown
Trumpet Blossom Cafe, Iowa City,
Iowa City, $15-36
Rapids, $40-50
Cedar Rapids, Free
Free-donations Friday and Saturday, June 17-18.
Saturday, June 25 at 4 p.m. Iowa
Friday, June 3 at 5 p.m. Summer
Wednesday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Kalona Days, Kalona Area Cham-
City Block Party, Downtown Iowa
Gallery Walk, Iowa City Downtown
25th Anniversary Table to Table
ber of Commerce, Free
City, Free-$15
District, Free
Dinner, The Celebration Farm, Iowa City, $60-600
THE WEEKENDER YOUR WEEKLY EDITOR-CURATED ARTS COMPENDIUM, A.K.A.
st uf f to do IN YOUR INBOX EVERY THURSDAY LittleVillageMag.com/Subscribe
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 65
EDITORS’ PICKS: June 2022
PRESENTED BY WORLD OF BIKES
J U N E T E E N T H
JUNETEENTH My Story IS History: Juneteenth Workshop, Multicultural Family Center, Thursday, June 9 at 4:30 p.m., Dubuque, Free Emancipation Day: Juneteenth Event, Living History Farms, Urbandale, Saturday, June 11 at 9 a.m., Free-$17 (cost of admission) Juneteenth Jubilee, Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, West Des Moines, Saturday, June 11 at 5 p.m., Free Celebration of Gospel with special guest Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Franklin Junior High School, Sunday, June 12 at 6 p.m., Des Moines Juneteenth and Emancipation, Hiawatha Public Library, Tuesday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m., Free Video still from ‘High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America’
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J U N E T E E N T H
EDITORS’ PICKS: June 2022
4TH OF JULY
Film Screening: High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America, Virtual, City of Iowa City, Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m., Free Juneteenth & Emancipation with Jenny Barnett, Washington Public Library, Wednesday, June 15 at 3 p.m., Free Community Builders Appreciation Banquet, Drake University Olmstead Center, Des Moines, Thursday, June 16 at 5 p.m., $60
Courtesy of the DSM Symphony
Juneteenth Black Art Exhibit, Mainframe Studios, Des Moines, Friday, June 17 at 5 p.m., Free Juneteenth Comedy Jam, Teehee’s Comedy Club, Des Moines, Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m., $15-20 Juneteenth Comedy Show, Joystick Comedy Bar & Arcade, Iowa City, Friday, June 17 at 9 p.m., $5 27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Gates Park, Waterloo, Friday-Sunday, June 17-19 Juneteenth in our Neighborhood, S.T. Morrison Park, Coralville, Saturday, June 18 Juneteenth in our Neighborhood, Mercer Park, Iowa City, Saturday, June 18
Yankee Doodle Pops, Des Moines Symphony, Iowa State Capitol, Friday, July 1 at 8:30 p.m., Free
With an expected crowd of 100,000, the Des Moines Symphony calls their annual Yankee Doodle Pops event “the largest single-day concert event in Iowa.” This year, the event’s 28th, the whole state can get in on the fun, thanks to a broadcast partnership with Iowa PBS and Iowa Public Radio. The symphony will perform a variety of patriotic tunes, including standards like the 1812 Overture and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” The winner of the Des Moines Symphony’s “Oh Say Can You Sing?” contest will kick off the event, performing the Star Spangled Banner with the orchestra.
Quad Cities Juneteenth Celebration, Lincoln Center, Davenport, Saturday, June 18, at
Celebrate the 4th!
11 a.m., Free Tuesday and
Saturday, June 2 at 8
Sunday, July 3 at
Monday, July 4 at
Neighbors Day, Western Gateway Park, Des
Wednesday, June 14
a.m. 4thFest 5k Walk/
6:30 p.m. 4thFest
6 p.m. Freedom
Moines, Saturday, June 18 at 11 a.m.
and 15 Freedom Fest:
Run, Coralville Recre-
Outdoor Concert,
Fest: Celebration of
Log Carving Demon-
ation Center, $30-40
S.T. Morrison Park,
Freedom Fireworks,
Juneteenth, NewBo City Market, Cedar Rap-
stration, NewBo City
Saturday, June 25 at
Coralville, Free
Cedar Rapids Down-
ids, Saturday, June 18 at 11 a.m., Free
Market, Cedar Rapids
9 a.m. Freedom Fest:
Parade, Downtown
Sunday, July 3 at
Cedar Rapids Opera ft. MaKayla McDonald
Saturday, June 18 at
Cedar Rapids, Free
6:30 p.m. July 3rd
and Jude Balthazar, NewBo City Market,
5 p.m. Freedom Fest:
Sunday, June 19 at 2 p.m., Free
Balloon Glow, Jones
Friday, July 1 at 9
Park, Cedar Rapids,
p.m. Freedom Fest:
Free-$5
Laser Light Show,
Monday, July 4 at 10
Hawkeye Downs,
a.m. 4thFest Parade,
Thursday-Sunday,
Cedar Rapids, $5 or
Coralville, Free
June 23-26 Freedom
festival button
Juneteenth Celebration, Ely Public Library, Monday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m., Free
FIND MORE EVENTS!
Fest: Dock Dogs,
town District, Free w/ festival button
Parade, West Des
Monday, July 4 at
Moines, Free
9:45 p.m. 4thFest Fireworks, S.T. Morrison Park, Free Monday, July 4 at 10 p.m. 4th of July Celebration Fireworks,
Cedar Rapids, Kings-
Saturday, July 2
ton Stadium, Cedar
at 7 p.m. Mayor’s
Rapids, Free
Fireworks, Riverloop
Urbandale, Free
Amphitheatre, Waterloo, Free LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 67
EDITORS’ PICKS: June 2022
PRESENTED BY WORLD OF BIKES
AROUND THE CRANDIC
Fridays, June 10, 17, 24 at 6:30
Saturday, June 18 at 7 p.m. ME-
p.m. SotA Friday Night Concert
KTOUB Album Release Show,
Series, Ped Mall, Iowa City, Free
James Theater, Iowa City, $13.27
Saturdays, June 11 and 18 at
Saturday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. SotA Northside Con-
Feed Me Weird Things: FU-
cert Series, Northside Market
JI|||||||||||TA w/Granular Breath,
Place, Free
Englert Theatre, $15-20
Saturday, June 11 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m.
Benefit Concert for Afghan
Helmet, Wildwood BBQ &
Refugees, Faith United Church
Saloon, $25
of Christ, Iowa City, Free-donations
Wednesday, June 22 at 8 p.m. Elements Live, Gabe’s, Free
Saturday, June 11 at 7 p.m. An
Volta Youth Music and Art Festival, Green Square Park,
Evening of Jazz w/Curtis Taylor
Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. Punk
Quartet, James Theater, Iowa
Show to Benefit DVIP, The
City, $35-50
James Theater, $22-25
Saturday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Wave Cave ft. Caleb “The Negro
Indigo Girls, Paramount Theatre,
Artist” Rainey and Dan Padley,
$39.50-75
PS1 Close House, Iowa City, $12 Monday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Cedar Rapids, Saturday, June 25 at 2
Tuesday, June 14 at 8 p.m.
Good Morning Midnight, TV
p.m., Free-$5 Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, celebrating 15
R.A.P. Ferreira w/ BLAX, Gabe’s,
Cop, In Lieu, New Confusion,
Iowa City, $15
Gabe’s, $10 suggested donation
Tuesday, June 14 at 9 p.m.
Tuesday, June 28 at 8 p.m. Son
Feed Me Weird Things: CS and
Volt, Codfish Hollow Barnstorm-
Kreme w/Rachel Saint, Trumpet
ers, Maquoketa, $25-30
years of bringing low- and no-cost art exploration opportunities to the youth of Cedar Rapids, is hosting their seventh art and music festival this year, in collaboration with the CR Freedom Festival. The first hour is free to the public; after 3 p.m., a $5 Freedom Fest button will be required for admission. Volta will feature all eight of EIAA’s youth bands, as well as live music from more established CR-area acts. Artists from the academy’s visual arts programs will be on hand to sell and display their work. Don’t miss this unparalleled chance to support young artists in Eastern Iowa!
Blossom Cafe, $10-15 Friday, July 1 at 7 p.m. DiscusThursday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.
sions w/KRYUH and WTCH-
The Cactus Blossoms, Gabe’s,
CRFT, Public Space One, Iowa
Iowa City, $10-20
City, Free
Musical Marvels Thursday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 1 at 9 p.m. Feed Me
Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 3 at 8 p.m. Wave
Buddy Guy, Paramount Theatre,
Weird Things: Tongue Depres-
ABBAFAB, Englert Theatre,
Cage, Treesreach, Hot Kunch,
Cedar Rapids, $49.50-95
sor and Austin Lark w/Christine
Iowa City, $15-55
Seth Cloe and the Silver Liners,
Thursdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Burke and Death Bag, Trumpet
Wildwood BBQ & Saloon, Iowa
Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m. Mar-
City, $10
cel Beach w/24thankyou and
at 6 p.m. Thursay Night Farm
Sophie Mitchell, Gabe’s, $10
Blossom Cafe, $5-10 Saturday, July 2 at 8 p.m. The
Sessions, Wilson’s Orchard &
Saturday, June 4 at 5 p.m.
Zombies, Codfish Hollow Barn-
Farm, Iowa City, Free
Jordan Sellergren, Sutliff Cider
stormers, $60-180
Company, Lisbon, Free Fridays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 and July 1 at 6 p.m. Rock the Block
Sundays, June 5, 12, 19, 26 at
Concert Series, NewBo City
1 p.m. Big Grove Summer Jam
Market, Cedar Rapids, Free
Concert Series, Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City, Free
Fridays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 and July 1 at 7 p.m. Ranshaw’s
Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28 at
House’s Weekly Concerts, Ran-
6:30 p.m. SotA Music on the
shaw House, North Liberty, Free
Move, Various Venues, Iowa City, Free
68 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
FIND MORE EVENTS!
EDITORS’ PICKS: June 2022
PRESENTED BY WORLD OF BIKES
AROUND THE CRANDIC
Basic Training, James Theater, Iowa City, Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 19 at 4 p.m., $43 Kahlil Ashanti, an
Courtesy of James Theater
alum of Davenport North High School, brings his award-winning one-man show to Iowa City for its premiere performance in the state. Basic Training, written in the early 2000s when Ashanti was living in Los Angeles, traces his path through the Air Force using 23 different characters to build an interactive story that has garnered accolades at Montreal Fringe, Vancouver Fringe, Melbourne Fringe and Edinburgh Fringe, as well as from the NAACP and the New York Times. A talkback will follow each performance. It will be fascinating to see Ashanti still exploring his younger self 20 years on and finally bringing the show home to Iowa.
Theatrical Thrills Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m. Improv
Opens Friday, June 10. The Color
Opens Friday, June 17 at 7:30
Saturday, June 18 at 8:30 p.m.
First Thursdays, CSPS Hall, Cedar
Purple, Revival Theatre Company,
p.m. Henry V, Riverside Theatre’s
Pride Comedy Showcase, Joystick
Rapids, Free-$5
CSPS Hall, $40-52
Festival Stage, Lower City Park,
Comedy Arcade, $5
Iowa City, Free Friday-Saturday, June 3-4. Live
Friday-Sunday, June 10-12. Monty
from the Artisan Studio: Tesla
Python’s Spamalot, Coralville Cen-
Friday, June 17 at 9 p.m. June-
Staged Reading, Brucemore, Ce-
ter for Performing Arts, $14-29
teenth Comedy Show, Joystick
Opens Friday, June 24. Mamma
Comedy Bar & Arcade
dar Rapids, $10-20 Thursday-Saturday, June 16-18.
Mia, Theatre Cedar Rapids, $22-46 Friday-Saturday, June 24-25 at 8 p.m. The Roaring 20s: Prohibition,
Friday-Sunday, June 3-5. God
CROpera: The Pirates of Penzance,
Saturday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Help Us! RHCR Theatre, Kenne-
Brucemore, $25-35
Orphan Train to Iowa: For The
CSPS Hall, $25-30
dy High School, Cedar Rapids,
Love of Pete, Coralville Center for
Saturday, June 25 at 9:30 p.m.
$20-50
Performing Arts, $12-27
Block Party Comedy Show, Joystick Comedy Arcade, $5
The First Step, FilmScene— Chauncey, Iowa City, Wednesday, June 29 at 7 p.m., Free Shown as part of FilmScene’s Community
The First Step
Connections series, 2021 documentary The First Step follows the efforts of political commentator Van Jones to effect bipartisan criminal justice reform in the U.S. Jones, winner of an Emmy award, multiple Webby awards and honors from The Root, Ebony and Essence magazines as well as the NAACP, partnered with Kim Kardashian to push forward the First Step Act, passed and signed in December, 2018. The legislation centered on reducing recidivism and decreasing the inmate population in federal prisons. FilmScene presents the screening in partnership with Dream Corps JUSTICE; the California-based org’s Empathy Network Leader for Iowa, LaDrina Wilson, will be present for a discussion afterward, as will the film’s producer, Lance Kramer. Films In Focus Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. RRR,
Thursday, June 2 at 2 p.m. Cinema
Friday and Saturday, June 3 and
Sundays, June 5, 19 and July 3
FilmScene—Chauncey, $9.50-12
Salon: Downton Abbey: A New Era,
4 at 7 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The
at 8 p.m. The Rooftop Series, Film-
FilmScene—Chauncey, $9.50-12
Godfather, FilmScene—Chauncey,
Scene—Ped Mall Rooftop, Iowa
$9.50-12
City, $15
70 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
2022
PLAY PLAY MAKE
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM
The Godfather
YOUR YEAR TO
INDIVDUAL AND GROUP LESSONS, ALL AGES
Monday, June 6 at 7 p.m. The Godfather, FilmScene—Chauncey, $9.50-12 Tuesday, June 7 at 7 p.m. Sign O’ The Times, FilmScene—Chauncey, $9.50-12 Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12 at 11 a.m. The Picture Show: Encanto, FilmScene—Chauncey, Free-$5 Saturday, June 11 at 8:45 p.m. FilmScene in the Park: First Cow, Free
Play now. Play for life.
319-351-2000 westmusic.com/lessons
Saturday, June 11 at 9 p.m. SotA Free Movie Series: Cruella, Willow Creek Park, Free Thursday, June 16 at 3:30 p.m. The Picture Show: Encanto, FilmScene—Chauncey, Free-$5 Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m. Pride at FilmScene: Paris is Burning, FilmScene— Chauncey, $9.50-12 Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. JUSTUS, FilmScene—Chauncey, $4.42 Saturday and Monday, June 18 and 20 at 6:30 and 7 p.m. Mississippi Masala, FilmScene—Chauncey, $9.50-12 Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m. Real Women Have Curves, FilmScene—Chauncey, $5 Thursday, June 23 at 3:30 p.m. Mississippi Masala, FilmScene—Chauncey, $9.50-12 Saturday, June 25 at 8:45 p.m. FilmScene in the Park: Crooklyn, Free Saturday, June 25 at 9:15 p.m. SotA Free Movie Series: Soul, Mercer Park, Free LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 71
PRIDE EDITORS’ PICKS: June 2022
PRESENTED BY WORLD OF BIKES
P R I D E
Drag Queen Bingo, Blaz-
CRPride “30 Years of
ing Saddle, Des Moines,
Pride” Inaugural Pride
Wednesday, June 1 at 6
Parade, NewBo District,
p.m., $10-$14
Cedar Rapids, Saturday, June 4 at 11 a.m.
Pride Parade, Historic 4th St, Sioux City, Thurs-
Pride Festival, Museum
day, June 2 at 6 p.m.
Block, Sioux City, Saturday, June 4 at 12 p.m.
Iowa City Pride 2021, Adria Carpenter / Little Village
Pride Pageant, The Garden, Des Moines, Friday,
One Iowa Gala, Des
June 3 at 5 p.m.
Moines Heritage Center, Des Moines, June 4 at
Quad Cities Pridefest,
6:30-10 p.m.
Schwiebert Park, Rock Island, Friday-Saturday,
Interfaith Pride Service,
June 3-4, $7-12
First Unitarian Church, Sioux City, Sunday, June
Drag Brunch, Surety Ho-
5 at 11 a.m.
tel, Des Moines, Saturday, June 4 at 9:30, 11:45, 2:30
Inclusive Worship, The Garden, Des Moines, Sun-
Pride Ride, Iowa City Bike Library, Saturday, June 4 at 10 a.m., Free-$5
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EDITORS’ PICKS: June 2022
DES MOINES
Queens in the Kitchen, Online, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. Capital City Pride Fest, East Village, Des Moines, Friday-Sunday, June 10-12, June Drag Brunch/Pride Show, Decades Event Center, West Des Moines, Sunday, Des Moines Performing Arts
June 12 at 11 a.m., $37 Pride Fashion Show, Central Library, Des Moines, Sunday, June 12 at 3 p.m., Free Big Gay Bar Crawl, Begin at Studio 13/Joystick, Iowa City, Tuesday, June 14 at 8 p.m. Riverside Pride, Downtown Fort Madison, Thursday, June 16 at 3 p.m.
Pieces of My Heart, Stoner Theater, Des Moines, Opens June 9, $20
$10-15
When playwright August Wilson died in 2005, he left behind more than just a powerful and unparalleled body of work examining the consciousness of Black America. Wilson, who started his writing career as a poet, also gifted the world a selection of unpublished love poems. Pieces of My Heart sets them as a choreopoem, with poems by his daughter Azula at beginning and end. Sonia Dawkins, founder and artistic director of SD/Prism Dance Theatre and currently on the faculty of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre School, choreographed and directed the piece, which incorporates a blues and jazz score. Des Moines Performing Arts’ partnership with Dawkins includes a three-week residency for her and her dancers to complete development on this new work, which will premiere at the Stoner Theater.
HPOP Pride Festival, Slow Down Coffee
Dynamic DSM
Iowa City Pride Picnic, City Park, Iowa City, Friday, June 17 at 5 p.m., Free Iowa City Pride, Downtown Iowa City, Saturday, June 18 Pride Bar Crawl, Begin at Voodoo Lounge, Des Moines, Saturday, June 18 at 4 p.m.,
Co., Des Moines, Saturday, June 18 at 4 Saturday, June 4
Saturday, June 11
Saturday, June
Saturday-Sunday,
at 1 p.m. Iowa Craft
at 7 p.m. Narly’s
18 at 9:30 p.m.
June 25-26 Arts-
The Project of the Quad Cities Pride Par-
Brew Fest, Water
Night of Scary Good
Wisenheimer:
Fest Midwest, Iowa
ty, Bass Street Landing, Moline, Saturday,
Works Park, Des
Talent, Ames City
Long-Form Improv,
Events Center, Des
June 18 at 5 p.m.
Moines, $45-60
Auditorium, $15
Teehee’s Comedy
Moines, Free
p.m., Free
Club, $15-20 Friday, July 1 at
Teen LGBTQIA Loud and Proud Party,
Tuesday, June 7 at
Monday, June 13
South Side Library, Des Moines, Wednes-
7 p.m. AViD Author
at 2 p.m. JGate-
Opens June 19
5 p.m. Modern
day, June 22 at 2:30 p.m., Free
Series: Dr. Richard
way Dance: Water
Buffalo Women,
Concepts: Modern
Deming, Neil Ham-
Themed Movement
Des Moines Com-
Dance, Des Moines
Pride in the Park, Crapo Park, Burlington,
ilton, Jim Autry,
Workshop and
munity Playhouse,
Art Center, Free
Saturday, June 25 at 10 a.m.
Central Library,
Performance, Forest
$25
Des Moines, Free
Avenue Library, Des
Pride Block Party, Central Park, Ottumwa, Saturday, June 25 at 12 p.m.
Moines, Free Friday, June 10 at
Friday, July 1 at Tuesday, June 21
7 p.m. Mt. Joy w/
at 5 p.m. Tee-Off
Madison Cunning-
8 p.m. Wave Cage
Wednesday, June 15
Opening Ceremo-
ham, Lauridsen
Album Release
at 7:30 p.m. Buddy
ny, Mainframe Stu-
Amphitheater, Des
Show w/Chris Merz
Guy, Hoyt Sherman
dios, Des Moines,
Moines, $35-175
and Mike Conrad,
Place, Des Moines,
Free
Cedar Rapids Pride Festival, Saturday,
Noce, Des Moines,
$59.50-99.50
July 9
$12-50
C O M I N G
U P !
Opening Saturday, Friday, June 24
July 2 A Midsum-
Thursdays, June 16,
at 7 p.m. Girls
mer Night’s Dream,
Cedar Valley Pridefest, Friday-Saturday,
Saturday, June
23, 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Rock! Des Moines
DSM Opera, Blank
Aug. 26-27
11 at 4:30 p.m. A
Music in the Garden,
Summer Showcase,
Performing Arts,
Language of Holes,
Des Moines Botani-
Wooly’s, $15-20
Indianola, $22-121
Moberg Gallery,
cal Garden, Free-$10
Coralville Pride Festival, Sunday, Sept. 4
Des Moines, Free LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 73
EDITORS’ PICKS: June 2022
PRESENTED BY WORLD OF BIKES
CEDAR FALLS / WATERLOO
The Cedar Valley Fashion, Art & Culture Expo, Young Arena, Waterloo, coming up on a decade now of uplifting youth in the Cedar Valley on a mission to diversify tech, business and entrepreneurship. Among their projects have been the STEM in the Arts Urban Outreach Initiative and the Youth Career Technical Education Summit. “We cannot flourish when talent remains on the sidelines,” their website notes. Their central fundraiser each year is the Cedar Valley Fashion, Art & Culture Expo, or CVFAC. This year, the theme of Met Gala: Black Couture will take over the home of the Waterloo Blackhawks, Young Arena. DJ Smiles is the featured DJ for the event, which will feature vendors from around the region as well as the fashion show.
Courtesy of CVFAC
Saturday, June 25 at 4 p.m., $15 SHIPHT is
Saturdays, June 4 and 18. Block
Saturday, June 11 at 9 p.m. Mr.
Party Outdoor Concert Series
Softheart w/Penny Peach, Octo-
by Gallagher, Various Locations,
pus College Hill, $10
Cedar Valley, Free Sunday, June 12 at 7 p.m. Corn-
Wildest W’loo + more!
Opening Friday, June 10 at 7:30
stock, Electric Park Ballroom,
p.m. The Fantasticks, Cedar Falls
Waterloo, Free-$25
Friday, June 3 and July
Friday, June 3 at 7
Saturday, June 4
1. RiverLoop Rhythms
p.m. Renee Fleming,
at 7 p.m. Sounds of
Concert Series, River-
Gallagher-Bluedorn
the American West,
Friday, June 10 at 9 p.m. Sam
Vitality: A Conference and Expo
Loop Amphitheatre,
Performing Arts
RiverLoop Amphithe-
Locke Ward and Joel Sires,
on Economic Prosperity, Waterloo
Waterloo, Free
Center, Cedar Falls,
atre, Free
Octopus College Hill, Cedar Falls,
Convention Center, Free-$50
$22.55-66.75
Community Theatre, $10-30 Thursday-Friday, June 23-24.
$10
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EDITORS’ PICKS: June 2022
PRESENTED BY WORLD OF BIKES
QUAD CITIES
Ride the River & Ride and Seek with River Action, Sunday, June 19 at 7 a.m., $5-$35
Courtesy of River Action
After a two year hiatus, River Action is hosting Ride the River for the 38th time. A Father’s Day event that starts at the Quad City Times building in Davenport and crosses the river by boat or bridge, ending at any of several Illinois locations, this bike tour of the Quad Cities is paired with a Quad City Scavenger Hunt called Ride and Seek. Kits and maps for both events are available from River Action. Proceeds go to River Action’s conservation efforts. Quintessential QC Wednesday, June 1 at 4 p.m. Sum-
Saturday, June 11 at 12 p.m.
Friday, June 24 at 8 p.m. Drag for
Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. Movies
mer Reading Kick Off, Quad City
Pioneer Days, Colonel Davenport
Dogs, Village Theater, Davenport,
In The Park: Space Jam, Veteran’s
Botanical Center, Rock Island, Free
House, Rock Island Arsenal, Sug-
$15-100
Memorial Park, Bettendorf, Free
gested Donation $10 Saturday, June 25 at 5 p.m.
Thursday, June 30 at 8 p.m. Film
Friday Street Fair in Downtown
Thursday, June 23 at 7 p.m. Ross
Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of the
Screening: Made In Hong Kong,
Muscatine, Free
Gay Keynote Event, Hybrid/On-
Beatles + Circus Performers,
Rozz-Tox, Rock Island, Free
line, Figge Art Museum, Daven-
Schwiebert Park, Rock Island, $12
Friday, June 3 at 5 p.m. First
Friday, June 10 at 6 p.m. KAS
port, Free
Live Music, Unimpaired Dry Bar, Davenport, Free
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78 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
DEAR KIKI
LittleVillageMag.com/DearKiki
D
ear Kiki, I love my children with all my being, I love who they are and I will love whoever they become. But I struggle with loving the parts of them that remind me of their father who I still carry painful memories of. We are divorced and have been since they were very young. He is part of them just like I am, but sometimes it is difficult to reconcile with children who are like him in so many ways. Sometimes just the tone of their voices will
curve of an eyebrow, isn’t it? If they are talking down to you or being dismissive or similar, that’s not just a memory trigger, it’s a bad habit that will come back to bite them later in life. Remember, in the funny dance between nature and nurture, there are things that are not set in stone, but rather tendencies that we can be taught to turn from. You can help them become better versions of themselves (and of him). Allowing yourself that agency may help you accept the things IN THE FUNNY DANCE BETWEEN NATURE AND you can’t change. NURTURE, THERE ARE THINGS THAT ARE NOT SET IN Because, STONE, BUT RATHER TENDENCIES THAT WE CAN BE Triggering, TAUGHT TO TURN FROM. YOU CAN HELP THEM BECOME when it’s a case of, BETTER VERSIONS OF THEMSELVES (AND OF HIM). “That’s the same vein bring up bad memories of our marriage which that throbs in his forehead when he gets angry!” was at times very unpleasant and even frighten- you really do just have to stand down. One helpful trick is to remember that there ing due to mistreatment. I know I’m not alone and many divorced parents probably struggle are probably traits that they’ve inherited from with this. I know the answer is to simply love you that are triggering to your ex! Whether that them but I wasn’t prepared to feel so triggered evinces commiseration or schadenfreude is up during the times he surfaces. Do you have any to you, Triggering—but either way, it’s better than carrying that weight on your own. advice about how to manage these feelings? You can also get yourself through in the moThank you, Triggering Traits ment by making a mantra of cataloging the other influences on their genetics. Is that your dimple in their cheek? Your mother’s way of breathing ear Triggering, Ahhh, this one hits ol’ Kiki just like through the nose in frustration? Consciously an arrow to the knee! Those remind- look for these other familiarities, and the trigers take us by surprise sometimes, don’t they? gering traits won’t have as much sway. You’re A turn of phrase here, a curl of the lip there … managing genuine trauma, here: Establishing a And, go figure!, they often seem to be most ob- routine and a plan for dealing with it can go a vious when you’re in conflict with those charm- long way to making sure it doesn’t take over ing li’l chips off the old block, don’t they? It your life. xoxo, Kiki can feel downright re-traumatizing, and you need to let yourself understand, deeply and truly, that it isn’t at all fair to you. You do not deserve that shit. But you know who else it’s not at all fair to, Triggering? Them. I know you know that. Your concern for them is present in every word you type! But it’s important to be reminded, and reminded, and reminded again: They didn’t choose their parentage; they didn’t choose which traits they inherSubmit questions anonymously ited from which parent. They’re just stumbling at littlevillagemag.com/dearkiki along through existence looking for guidance. or non-anonymously to So your first step is to take a breath and ask, dearkiki@littlevillagemag.com. do they need any guidance here? That can help Questions may be edited for clarity and you dissect your own reaction and focus on length, and may appear either in print or what’s important. For example, you mention online at littlevillagemag.com. tone of voice: That’s a bit different than the
D
KIKI WANTS QUESTIONS!
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 79
AST R O LO GY
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A blogger named Sweetlikeacherry reminds us, “Some epiphanies are only possible when you put away your phone and go completely offline for a while.” She adds that sometimes you also need to at least partially avoid your phone and the internet if you hope to incubate new visions of the future and unlock important discoveries in your creative work and summon your untamed genius. According to my astrological analysis, all these possibilities are especially likely and necessary for you in the coming weeks. I trust you will carry out the necessary liberations to take full advantage. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Poet Carolyn Kizer (1925-2014) won a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry. She was smart! But when she was young and still studying her craft in college, a professor objected to one of her poems. He said, “You have pigs in this poem; pigs are not poetic.” Kizer was incensed at such ignorance. She testified, “I got up and walked out of that class and never went back.” Judging from the astrological omens, I suspect you may have comparable showdowns headed your way. I advise you to be like Kizer. You are the only one who truly knows the proper subjects of your quest. No one else has the right or the insight to tell you what your work (or play) should be about. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo author James Baldwin said it wasn’t often “that two people can laugh and make love, too—make love because they are laughing and laugh because they’re making love. The love and the laughter come from the same place: but not many people go there.” Your assignment, Leo, is to be the exception to Baldwin’s rule during the coming weeks. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, there’s a high possibility that interesting eros can converge with humorous fun in a glorious synergy. You will have a knack for conjuring up ribald encounters and jovial orgasms. Your intuition will guide you to shed the solemnity from your bliss and replace it with sunny, carefree cheer. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I’m worried you will over-indulge in your pursuit of perfection during the coming weeks. It’s fine to be exquisitely skillful and masterful; I hope you do that. But if you get obsessed with flawlessness, you will risk undoing your good intentions. As an antidote, I offer you two pieces of advice. The first is from actor and activist Jane Fonda. She said, “We are not meant to be perfect; we are meant to be whole.” The second counsel is from philosopher and psychologist William James, who wrote, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Author Mustafa Mahmoud described the signs of love between two people: 1. feeling a comfortable familiarity; 2. having no urge or need to lie; 3. being natural, not trying to be different from who one is; 4. having little or no possibility of being embarrassed in front of the other person; 5. experiencing silence as delicious, not alienating; 6. enjoying the act of listening to the other person. I bring these pointers to your attention, Libra, because the coming months will be a favorable time to define and redefine your understandings about the signs of love. How do you feel about Mahmoud’s ideas? Are there any more you would like to add? SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “We do not love each other without changing each other,” wrote author Madeleine L’Engle. Meditate on that gem, Scorpio. Now is a perfect time for you and your loved ones to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate the ways your love has changed each other. It may be true that some transformations have been less than ideal. If that’s the case, the coming weeks will be a favorable time to correct those trends. As for the positive changes that you and your allies have stimulated in each other: I hope you will name them and pledge to keep doing more of that good work.
By Rob Brezsny
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “I always deserve the best treatment, because I never put up with any other,” wrote Sagittarian novelist Jane Austen. Sagittarian politician Stacey Abrams said, “From the moment I enter a room, I am clear about how I intend to be treated and how I intend to engage.” You’ll be wise to cultivate those attitudes in the next seven weeks, Sagittarius. It’s high time for you to raise your self-respect in ways that inspire others to elevate their appreciation and regard for you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 1963, Jim Munro and Alice Munro founded Munro’s Books, a store in Victoria, British Columbia. After being on the job for a few months, Alice found she was not impressed with many of the products they sold. “I can write better books than this,” she told Jim. Five years later, she published her first collection of short stories, Dance of the Happy Shades. Fourteen books later, she won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Will the coming months bring your equivalent of Alice Munro’s pivotal resolution? I suspect they could. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “True love for whatever you are doing is the answer to everything,” proclaimed performance artist Marina Abramović. Amen to that righteous attitude! I hope you will embrace it in the coming weeks. I hope your heart and imagination will reveal all you need to know to bring tender fresh streams of true love to the essential activities of your life. Now is an excellent time to redefine the meaning of the word “love” so it applies to all your relationships and pursuits. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A homeless woman in a wheelchair stopped where I was sitting outside a café. She was pushing her belongings in a small shopping cart. “Would you like to go dancing?” she said to me. “There’s a nearby park that has a great grassy dance floor.” “Maybe another day,” I told her. “My energy is low. I’ve had a lot of personal challenges lately.” I’m sure the expression on my face was less-than-ebullient. “Cheer up, mister,” she told me. “I’m psychic, and I can tell you for sure that you will live a long life and have many more fine adventures. I’ll be in the park if you change your mind.” My mood instantly brightened. “Thanks!” I yelled toward her as she rolled away. Now I predict that you, Pisces, will have comparable experiences in the coming days. Are you willing to welcome uplifting surprises? ARIES (March 21-April 19): Who loves the truth better than you Aries people? Who has the greatest potential to speak the real story in every situation, even when it requires extra courage? Who has more fun than you in discovering and defining and expressing the raw facts? In my Book of Life, you Rams are radiant beacons of candor—the people I go to when I need accuracy and honesty. And all I’m saying here will be especially crucial in the coming weeks. The whole world needs concentrated doses of your authenticity. Now read this pep talk from Aries philosopher St. Catherine of Siena: “Let the truth be your delight; let it always be in your mouth, and proclaim it when it is needed. Proclaim it lovingly and to everyone, especially those you love with a special love—but with a certain congeniality.” TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Before the 20th century, you couldn’t buy a loaf of bread that was already sliced into thin pieces. Then in 1912, the American inventor Otto Frederick Rohwedder developed a slicing machine. But all his work, including the blueprints and the machine prototypes, was destroyed in a fire. He had to seek new funding and begin again. Sixteen years later, his innovation was finally ready for broad public use. Within five years, most of the bread in the U.S. was sold sliced. What does this have to do with you? I am picking up an Otto Frederick Rohwedder vibe when I turn my visions to you, Taurus. I suspect that in the coming months, you, too, will fulfill a postponed dream. LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 81
LO C A L A L B U M S
MEKTOUB Elizabeth TARAMCGOVERN.COM/ECLECTIC/MEKTOUB
I
n 2019, frequenters of Goosetown Café mingled with friends of John Rapson to delight in the new band he had assembled: MEKTOUB. It was a trio, initially—Rapson on the keys, Ryan Smith on woodwinds and Nielo Gaglione on vocals and mandole. Together, the three produced a distinct style of improvisational music they describe as Mediterranean folk-jazz. The brick background and the smell of Goosetown’s food combined with Gaglione’s tendency to sing in both French and English, as well as the incredible talents of Smith and Rapson, to offer an otherworldly vibe to their sets. Instead of a pastiche, they generated the electricity of something truly alive. Two years later, the trio had grown. The last performance added fiddler Tara McGovernand Justin LeDuc on the drums. This was the core of the MEKTOUB Arkestra, which stunned a sold-out Englert crowd with Esteban and the Children of the Sun, a work Rapson envisioned as a collaborative effort, which he completed in the weeks leading up to his widely mourned departure into Shakespeare’s “undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns.” Something of a return lives on in the release of Elizabeth, named for Rapson’s wife and recorded at their daughter’s house during the Esteban sessions. Led by Gaglione (credited for music, lyrics and production), Elizabeth encapsulates everything enlivening about those early
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performances. It seems impossible that the band ever sounded complete without McGovern’s fiddle, which moves in and out of the foreground here, often serving as a sonic balance for Smith’s woodwinds. The tones of each fly around the other like birds in an infinite dance. Because the musicians adeptly keep time without percussion, LeDuc is freed to experiment. The first track, “Artisan,” highlights Smith’s skill and grace. Gaglione’s voice and playing convey a sense of urgency, despite the soaring tones of flute and fiddle. Rapson fans will appreciate the long piano solo in “Mystic Journey,” which strongly recalls the sonic template of Esteban. Track three, “Dance the World,” which often concluded their live set, encapsulates the joyful soul that the band voices so remarkably. “The Beneficent” appears next, passing the melody back and forth as though it was water tossed by waves: LeDuc’s percussion is more prominent here, but still capably understated. Listening for it shows the skill consistent throughout. McGovern’s fiddle is also highlighted on this song, even as a pause allows Rapson’s keys to shine again. “Lifeboat (Le son de la mar)” invites listeners into a song that even at almost 11 minutes still feels too short to resolve what it introduces: Like the rest of the album, one simply wishes there was more. “Vagabondo” returns Gaglione’s urgent mandole to the foreground. This expression of something so vital, more nourishing on repeated listens, is less a surprise than confirmation of hope’s delight. MEKTOUB’s music translates nimbly to a studio recording, inviting you to listen repeatedly to the joy that converged in its creation. It offers every reason to hope that Rapson’s legacy will continue to delight and awe audiences—and move beyond. It’s explicitly and uniquely itself, with an audacious beauty. Listen to the album, see the band play live and know it for yourself. —Daniel Boscaljon
Mr. Softheart “Caravaggio” / “Flower of Tomorrow” Double Single MRSOFTHEART.TV
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suppose the new direction is another pandemic story,” Nick Fisher offers as the impetus for the recent pivot of the band formerly known as Hex Girls. “I had begun writing lyrics to songs that seemed to lend themselves to a new project: The themes were darker, perhaps more complex. Personal grief, as well as the collective grief and isolation of the time, had informed that shift.”
MR. SOFTHEART TENDERS A MORE CONSIDERED APPROACH [THAN HEX GIRLS]—INTROSPECTIVE AND MOODY. The Fisher brothers, Nick and John, plus long-time collaborator Charlie Patterson, splintered into a new band: Mr. Softheart. At first glance, it might seem unnecessary to have rebooted the band with a new identity, but the double single of “Caravaggio” and “Flower of Tomorrow” shows a striking new territory for the trio. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the vocals. Where Hex Girls style was a more fidgety and sneering bratty protest, Mr. Softheart tenders a more considered approach— introspective and moody, with pacing that develops with the music. “Caravaggio” is a bouncing electropop work and the more pop-leaning track of the two new songs, falling somewhere between the
post-punk of the New Romantics like Talk Talk and the cinematic goth of Nick Cave. The chiming synth lead and bouncing bass ride over a stomp-and-clap “Train in Vain” backbeat. The title refers to the baroque 17th century Italian painter notable for his moody, sometimes violent paintings featuring stark lighting (the technique is called “tenebrism”). This is what Nick Fisher is calling into focus with references to light and shadow in the lyrics: “One of many names / One of many things / Casting shadows / I know / I know, I know / Caravaggio” as well as references to light rays and sunlight. The deep vocals never quite fall in the pocket but rather slide around with no concern about the beat, capturing perfectly a disconnected outsider perspective. “Flower of Tomorrow” does not continue this style, choosing to present a more harrowing and noisy, droning track with no percussion that leans industrial. It’s reminiscent of the atmospheric work of Peter Gabriel for the 1988 film The Last Temptation of Christ (available in album form titled Passion). When the song folds the wordless cries of Penny Peach (credited as Elly Hoffmaier) at the 2:40 mark, it calls to mind Clare Torry on Pink Floyd’s “Great Gig in the Sky.” The whole song switches mood brilliantly from angry, distant, drunken grieving to sad and resolute. Not hope so much as an end of grief. Here come the rain Here it come to take me away No more flowers, no more tomorrow Here come the rain Here come the rain Here come the rain This double single of “Caravaggio” and “Flower of Tomorrow” is an impressive calling card for Mr. Softheart. The members of the band have been building on their skills as songwriters and performers since the early days of Hex Girls, and Mr. Softheart is the next stylistic step on that journey. —Michael Roeder
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84 June 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307
LO C A L B O O KS
Xochitl Gonzalez Olga Dies Dreaming FLATIRON BOOKS
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he fact that Aubrey Plaza will play the main character in an upcoming Hulu adaptation of Xochitl Gonzalez’s debut novel Olga Dies Dreaming is the least interesting thing about the book. Olga Dies Dreaming is everything a novel should be and more. In 369 pages, Gonzalez subjects us to curiosity, heartbreak, lust, intrigue and rage. What takes place in this novel is realistic. In fact, many of the events are lifted from real life. There are no forced happy endings here, just grown adults working through their trauma and learning to live with the hands they’ve been dealt. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Olga is a Brooklyn wedding planner for the 1 percent. She spends her days acquiring expensive napkins, organizing entertainment and catering to the ridiculous whims of her ultra-rich clients. And while her life seems put together on the outside, it really is far from it. Between dealing with her fugitive mother who abandoned her family to fight for Puerto Rican liberation when Olga was just a child, and mourning her late father who died of HIV, Olga has a lot on her plate. Not to mention being there for her closeted Congressman brother who finds himself constantly pulled between doing the right thing for his constituents and maintaining his public image. But Olga is able to keep her head above the water until hurricane Maria strikes Puerto Rico and sends her world into a tailspin. How do
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you cope with the devastation of a place that’s in your blood but not below your feet? Is family actually everything? And when is it OK, if ever, to prioritize your own well-being when people are suffering? Gonzalez does not take the task of writing about these complicated issues lightly. With every loaded question comes a loaded response that is perfectly executed by complex character development and a carefully crafted omniscient narrator. Gonzalez informs her audience about PROMESA, hurricane Maria and issues of Puerto Rican liberation in a way that is not heavy-handed. Instead, it provides context and encourages readers to do their own research on how these events actually took place outside of the world of the book. Perhaps most satisfying of all is how Gonzalez makes us sit in the discomfort of microaggressions, class disparity and gentrification, but Olga and her family are not at all pitiful. In fact, they are complex humans that experience tremendous
Jon Cone Liminal: Shadow Agent Pts 1&2 GREYING GHOST
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n the letter that author Jon Cone sent along with the first two volumes of his Liminal: Shadow Agent project, he calls the slim books “comic book scripts.” They are, in a sense. They tell a pictureless story of a superhero entering a fight against a great evil. The dialogue is called out with all-cap character names and is centered on the page. There are asterisks appearing periodically, perhaps to indicate panel transitions. There are even some captions noted, and WITH EVERY LOADED QUESTION there are direct COMES A LOADED RESPONSE instructions to an artist and letTHAT IS PERFECTLY EXECUTED terer. BY COMPLEX CHARACTER But there is DEVELOPMENT AND A CAREFULLY nothing here that CRAFTED OMNISCIENT NARRATOR. could become a traditional comic as we know it. Dialogue far too extensive joy in the book as well as trauma. for a single panel appears in sinWe celebrate their wins, we watch gle asterisked sections. Scenes are them show up for each other and filled with detail too precise for we laugh along with them as they even a full-page panel; expressions traverse a difficult world. described with more subtlety than This debut is simply impressive. could be conveyed. It’s informative, addicting and wonIn Part 1, Liminal, the hero, passderfully engaging. I cannot wait to es a comic book shop on the street. read more from Gonzalez and I He doesn’t linger, but the view does, wish happiness for Olgas all over focusing on Hipster Theoretician the world. and Hipster Friend conversing Readers should be aware that this about the limits of the form. “You book includes sexual assault and visee the form hasn’t begun to be olence. —Lily DeTaeye explored. No one’s done anything new since Kirby in the early ’60s.
The whole thing’s stuck, inert, dead!” says Hipster Theoretician. The character goes on to argue that comics should evolve to transcend speech, to be visual only. “Writers can make a contribution, sure, but the artist should always be king.” Cone’s work is this theorizing in the inverse. A poet by primary trade, he paints pictures with his words, guiding the reader nimbly and viscerally without actual imagery. These are not just comic scripts, they are already fully illustrated—just not visually. Cone is living in the space defined by his unsubtle heroic naming conventions: the liminal. This is a comic that both is, and is not. It exists in the in-between. Over the course of the two parts, this love letter to comic style echoes, upends and teases trend after trend from the early superhero and even pulp books that Cone grew up reading. Do the hero and his female support character, Base 39, have sex to activate the magic needed for him to enter another realm? Of course they do. Does the crucial confrontation with the villain begin at high noon? Could it possibly do otherwise? Is there a cyborg battle? Yes, there’s a freaking cyborg battle! Duh. The story is not inherently funny, but beat after beat, Cone peppers allusion after allusion, making it impossible not to laugh while reading. But the directions make this a script in the most Tom Stoppard-y way possible. They are not just instructions, they are meant to be read. They are their own literary form. “The lance, a huge heavy column, crushes Liminal’s body against the wooden barrier,” one reads. “Pinned like a Nabokov butterfly.” Cone may have been sincere that he intended to work with an artist on this, to turn it into a more traditional comic. I for one am glad that he didn’t. —Genevieve Trainor
LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LV307 June 2022 85
Jewel Box Ribbons June 28 – August 27, 2022
CHECK OUT OUR BEER GARDEN!
PUB & GRILL
This exhibition of the Jewel Box Quilt Guild features quilts of all sizes, techniques, colors, and patterns, designed and quilted by local guild members. This will be their first exhibition at the museum since a pattern has been set for all of us by the pandemic: isolation, stasis, discovery, emergence, renewal.
Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, 1108 Park Street, Grinnell, Iowa 50112 Hours: Tuesday—Friday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday, noon-5 p.m.
DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS 11-2 M-F BREAKFAST DAILY UNTIL 11A
819 S. 1ST AVENUE, IOWA CITY
OPEN 11-2AM DAILY
TRY OUR BREADED TENDERLOIN! SERVING FOOD UNTIL 1AM DAILY
Minors under age 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Grinnell College is not responsible for minors on campus or at College sponsored events. Image: “Twisted Ribbons” quilt with pattern designed by Elsie Campbell, pieced by the Jewel Box Quilters Guild, and machine quilted by Julie Fisher. 115 x 101 in.
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LittleVillageMag.com
The American Values Club Crossword is edited by Ben Tausig.
was the goddess Athena 27. Squalid 29. Rapper known as MCA who often got smashed in Switzerland? 32. Family in The Grapes of Wrath 34. Bird that made Donald Trump flinch 35. With 36-Across, items that contain much musical work?
36. See 35-Across 37. Live at the Acropolis new-age superstar 38. Huey ___ and the News 39. David Bowie song about someone who’s an absolute whiz with DNA? 41. Uses a mop on deck 45. Mother of Horus, in Egyptian mythology 46. Pods in gumbo 48. Feel sore
or Bing 21. Singer famed for having underwear thrown at him 22. Intestinal fortitude 26. Goes to battle, at scale 28. Neil who often performs with Crazy Horse 30. Talk like a tabby 31. Vertical line in a graph 33. Caught in ___ (busted) 35. Workers with mops 36. Party errands to restock the cooler 37. “Well, what’s it gonna be?” 38. Thumbs-up on social media, say 39. Peri of Frasier 40. “Soon, soon ...” 42. Clear of all charges 43. Country in the Himalayas 44. Taking in 47. Open areas in malls 50. Needle dropper? 51. They may get poached 52. Skin care brand 54. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress author ___ Sijie
DOWN 1. Apt vehicles on which to listen to Kenny Loggins, Toto, etc. 2. Location of the eyes, to people who need to be told 3. City in Illinois or Arizona 4. Heckle 5. Tastelessly materialistic 6. Rave review or Grammy award, e.g. 7. Six Flags Great Adventure roller coast- MAY ANSWERS er whose name transP I P P A P S I K A R A lates to “The Bull” AGA I N S E C T A DOS PO I N T GU A RD BOB S 8. Robert De ___ T N T R I C E P UR E E A C T L I N E W O R K E R S 9. Footnote abbr. T H EGA NG T H E I S T S 10. Any birthstone L A RR Y S MOMS S RO K I P T P S 11. Frozen fish brand VO I D V I EWE R A I R B E D S B I G D A T A named for its foundSQU A R E S P A C E G I G er’s mother HUN T S COR E N B C ROO T CU B E S T E A K S 12. Feeling totally zen A T U L P ROD A NGE L ME T E A L Y N A S T Y 13. Use DuckDuckGo
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Our quest is to help cyclists of all kinds. Every good bike adventure has the same basic elements: a character or group of characters goes on a journey, making discoveries along the way, and in the end arrives at the destination to a hero’s welcome. Well, okay, the hero’s welcome is optional. You supply the characters on bikes and the plot twists; we’ll provide the rest.
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