Category Archives: Reviews

Where Every Day is Bloom’s Day

Capitalizing on the convenience and speed of the Internet, musician and producer Patrick Bloom manages his cooperative music label from his kitchen, usually in the middle of the night. Iowa City – Patrick Bloom puts a new spin on working … Continue reading

Posted in Music, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Creek is Rising – Mission Creek:Midwest Turns 4

Iowa City – Bartender here is my $50 – hook me up with a festival pass and a pint of Fat Tire. That statement is one organizers of the Mission Creek Music Festival anticipate hearing often over the next two … Continue reading

Posted in Liquor, Music, Reviews, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

William Elliott Whitmore Brings Hope from the Shadows with “Animals in the Dark”

From the opening verse on William Elliott Whitmore’s new release, Animals in the Dark, war is declared on those in power that would try to control people from behind closed doors. Set only to a martial drumbeat, “Mutiny” signals a … Continue reading

Posted in Liquor, Music, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Joe Price ~ “Rain or Shine”

During these long winter months some hot blues can be just the thing to warm the soul. Joe Price is bringing the heat on his new recording, Rain or Shine. Released on Blues Acres Productions, this is the second of … Continue reading

Posted in Music, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Visiting Iowa City for an Iowa game, tailgating is only the beginning

Whether looking to revisit some old college haunts, catch a ball game or rage at a hardcore show, Iowa City has all this to offer and even some highbrow activities to amuse the sophisticate in the crowd. It’s rare to … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Food, Liquor, Music, Politics, Reviews, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Shape Shifting Reporter Michael Hall

Con artist, chameleon, musician, writer and journalist. Those are some nifty identities to wear on your utility belt.  All play off of themselves and all enable Michael Hall to gain access to what he wants out of life and to … Continue reading

Posted in Literature, Music, Reviews, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dave Van Ronk with Elijah Wald ~ “The Mayor of MacDougal Street

In the 1940s, lines were being drawn – a side had to be picked, either for or against – and we’re not talking about world wars here, this is jazz, baby! The “mouldy fig wars” had erupted, pitting the bebop … Continue reading

Posted in Literature, Music, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Pines ~ “Sparrows in the Bell”

I had some bad cabin fever this past March.  The snow and cold had me on lockdown.  In lieu of an actual outing I popped in “Sparrows in the Bell,” the Red House Records debut by The Pines. This offered … Continue reading

Posted in Music, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Showtime’s “Weeds” puts Buzz on Suburbia

Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.  Showtime has brought the chronic with its new dramatic comedy Weeds. The story concerns Nancy Botwin, played by Mary-Louise Parker, and her fight to maintain appearances and the American Dream after the sudden death … Continue reading

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dubuque Iowa After Dark

Excuse me but have you seen where Iowa City’s nightlife might have gone?  It seems to have been misplaced. I swear it was here just the other night. Turns out it wandered 85 miles northeast to Dubuque.  This doesn’t happen … Continue reading

Posted in Food, Liquor, Literature, Music, News, Reviews, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment