The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Chuck Swanson, the executive director of Hancher, who is soon retiring, poses for a portrait in the Hancher building on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

A legacy of leadership — Chuck Swanson reflects on time with Hancher

Parker Jones, Arts Editor March 22, 2022

When Charles “Chuck” Swanson was an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa in 1972, he saw the opening of Hancher Auditorium. A sophomore at the time, he sat in the audience of Hancher’s...

A chess board is shown on Wednesday, Mar. 9th, 2022.

Iowa City West High School freshman starts chess club for young girls

Jami Martin-Trainor, Arts Reporter March 20, 2022

Anjali Lodh started playing chess at five years old. Sitting with her dad while waiting for her brother to get done with chess club at the Iowa City Public Library, Lodh’s father would teach her...

Contributed.

One Book Two Book Festival, Iowa Young Writers Studio celebrate youth writing in Iowa City

Jami Martin-Trainor, Arts Reporter March 20, 2022

Iowa City is internationally recognized for producing talented writers. Through programs like the University of Iowa’s Writers’ Workshop, the Nonfiction Writing Program, and various literary magazines...

A line of books are seen at the Iowa Public Library on March 11, 2022.

What to read over spring break — Iowa City book clubs share their picks

Anaka Sanders, Arts Reporter March 11, 2022

With a week off from stress-inducing college classes, students can take the opportunity to read books other than their textbooks — escaping into another world over spring break.   There are...

Contributed.

Painting and drawing UI alum opens exhibition at National Indo-American Museum

Ariana Lessard, Arts Reporter March 10, 2022

Half-nude male bodies, abstract painted designs, and carefully choreographed movements — Kuldeep Singh’s art would draw anybody’s eye. Singh graduated from the University of Iowa in 2015,...

Contributed.

Isaac Stauffer, UI alum and professional tap dancer, performs with the Chicago Tap Theatre

Anaka Sanders, Arts Reporter March 9, 2022

Driving on the congested and fast-paced Interstate 80 is dreaded by many, but for tap dancer Isaac Stauffer, that interstate led him to the Chicago Tap Theatre. Following his graduation from the...

A sign outside the Willow Creek Theater on March 9, 2022.

Secret Standup comedy show revived through Willow Creek Theatre

Jami Martin-Trainor, Arts Reporter March 9, 2022

When Secret Standup first started in Iowa City, the event was meant to give beginning comics — mostly students — a place where they could perform comedy routines. The show took place in unfinished...

Drag queen Barbara Lusch Light (left) and Drag queen Daphne Danger (right) perform at the semifinal round of the Studio 13 Star Search Drag Contest Sunday, March 6, 2022.

Iowa City drag community seeks rising stars in ‘Studio 13’s Star Search’

Jami Martin-Trainor, Arts Reporter March 8, 2022

The disco ball smattered light into all corners of the bar, shimmering over the rainbow paneling distinctive of Studio 13’s performance space. Patrons filled tables scattered around the floor on...

Pianist Katrina Nilsen performs during the Dueling Pianos event at the Vue Rooftop in Iowa City on Friday, March 4, 2022.

Lively and witty Dueling Pianos take the stage at Vue Rooftop

Anaka Sanders, Arts Reporter March 5, 2022

 Packed into the dimly lit center of the Vue Rooftop restaurant, with the Iowa City skyline in the background, two shiny pianos sat slightly angled toward one another. The music started with a bang...

Karlee Cleary, owner, pours water into a drink at The Hawk High Energy Bar located on Linn Street in Iowa City on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. I chose [to open up in] Iowa City because I have nutrition clubs from Dubuque [to] all the way here, and [I] was asked by a couple girls, originally from Dubuque, that go to school here if I would consider one here, [and] now here we are. The Hawk High Energy Bar opened in October of 2021.

The Hawk High Energy Bar: an off-campus locale with an on-campus feel

Sydney Hurley, Arts Reporter March 2, 2022

Health teas, workout shakes, and a community space for students — the Hawk High Energy Bar has already established itself as a refreshing locale for Iowa City’s health-oriented community within...

University of Iowa student Gul Rukh Mehboob stands next to her painting for the 175th anniversary of the University of Iowa on Feb. 24, 2022.

Ph.D. student finds artistic recognition when selected to commemorate UI’s 175th anniversary

Parker Jones, Arts Editor February 24, 2022

On Friday, University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson will stand in front of a special painting at her formal presidential installation ceremony at Hancher Auditorium. The painting was created...

Commemorative Hall in the Theatre Building is empty on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. The Theatre Department took down the pictures that previously decorated the walls of the hallway after discrimination issues.

UI Theatre Department to reimagine wall of fame

Anaka Sanders, Arts Reporter February 23, 2022

Over 100 portraits of notable alumni and professionals have been taken down in the University of Iowa Theatre Department’s “Commemorative Hallway.” In their place, the department is searching...