Cover art by Dan Peterson. Peaks and Valleys, the new record by the Sapwoods is likely one of the best new records you’ll hear this year. Anchored by singer-songwriter Justin Swafford and guitarist David Suchan, the Sapwoods went through a bit of turnover after 2012’s Electric Glow, before the lineup stabilized with Miranda Peyton on keys, […]
Crystal City‘s transition’s complete. Former acoustic duo Dave Helmer and Sam Drella have added a band and released Change, their second record, following an eponymous EP. Brock Muench adds bass and Blake Oleson (since replaced by Dan Peterson) drums. Dave, a gifted writer, also sings and plays guitar. The lovely and talented Sam sings (she could […]
Good Night Pete: Tribute to Pete Seeger Uptown Bill’s Coffee House Saturday, February 22. 7-9 Featuring Mary Adams, Joe Brisben, Jp Claussen, Combined Efforts Choir, Gwendolyn Countryman, Jennifer Danielson, Erin Ebnet, Bob Engeman, Marvin Hain Jr., Bill Hook, Matt & Jamie Kearney, Karla Miller,Nick Stika, Greg & Jean Thompson.
Given the recombinant nature of Iowa City bands and the general talent level, it’s probably nuts to label any new band a super-group. However . . . Scott Cochran has been writing great songs for a long time now, polishing his craft with two excellent bands, Slew Grass and Flannel. He’s given a lot of […]
If you haven’t seen heard Catfish Keith play, odds are good you haven’t seen anyone like him. The shorthand for what he plays is acoustic blues, but you’ll hear hokum, Caribbean and Hawaiian influences as well. He’s toured overseas 41 times, and is just back from 2 1/2 months in Denmark, Ireland, N. Ireland, and the […]
Bands come and bands go in a college town. Crystal City moved here about 15 months ago from Marshalltown and set about transforming themselves from an acoustic duo to and electric band, rehearsing, recording, woodshedding. Sam Drella and Dave Helmer got together about four years ago, developing a following in central Iowa and restoring Dave’s […]
Stretch your comfort zone Saturday at Uptown Bill’s 7-9 with Harmony Holler. Mountain music is one of the styles Bill Monroe synthesized into bluegrass 70 years ago. You’ll hear high energy, four part harmonies, and songs about food, animals and drugs. Check them out on Facebook. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJrUcEjhNiE] –John Hiett
Sure, they opened for Led Zeppelin, but that was only one night in Mother Blues’s long career. Ringleader Patrick Hazell wrote the best summary of the the band’s history. These guys rocked hard. Hazell, a great pianist and harp player, has an ideal voice for shouting blues and a ton of soul. He’s in […]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9dC6OtmXCg] Joe Scarpellino, bass player and battery of Dead Larry, answers a few questions in anticipation of Friday’s epic show at Gabe’s with Twin City jam monsters Wookiefoot. Dead Larry’s been together nine years now, which is quite a feat. How do you guys do it? To be honest – I’m not entirely sure. We’ve […]
Oboyoboyoboy They’ve been one of Iowa City’s most successful bands. They’ve mentored others, they throw the party of the year, and they seem to be genuinely nice guys. Ex-pats and current Colorado residents Euforquestra return to Gabe’s Friday night, part of a midwest tour. The Chicago Farmer and Muscatine’s CHEEFS open. Guitar slinger/facemelter Mike […]