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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

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...

Jhe Russell poses for a portrait next to his angel number on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022. Russell has a degree in Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa and has developed new dance teaching methods.

Dancer, teacher, poet, and cashier — Jhe Russell is a man of many talents

Olivia Augustine, Arts Reporter February 23, 2022

At the New Pioneer Food Co-op on Van Buren Street, Jhe Russell can be found folding paper hats for the kids who come in. He tries to get to know every customer who walks through the doors. For those...

Lan Samantha Chang: an author and woman for change

Lan Samantha Chang: an author and woman for change

Anaka Sanders, Arts Reporter February 22, 2022

She was recently named one of eight women writers changing the world by Oprah Daily,  but that’s only one of Lan Samantha Chang’s many accomplishments. Chang began her writing journey when...

Photo illustration by Jerod Ringwald.

Artists create Iowa-themed art to celebrate the state’s 175th anniversary

Jenna Post, Arts Editor December 14, 2021

To celebrate the 175th anniversary of Iowa’s statehood, the Annals of Iowa — a quarterly published history magazine — will unveil a special edition in collaboration with the Iowa Arts Council...

Art that can be checked out is seen at the Iowa City Public Library in Iowa City Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. (Gabby Drees/The Daily Iowan)

ICPL’s Art-to-Go collection allows the Iowa City community to take home art for free

Olivia Augustine, Arts Reporter November 16, 2021

Having original artwork in a space can greatly add to its ambience, but that’s not always an accessible option for everyone. The Iowa City Public Library takes a step towards accessible art with...

Contributed.

UI student literary magazine Snapshots: stories for children

Olivia Augustine, Arts Reporter September 28, 2021

A conversation at Freddy’s between three University of Iowa freshmen prompted the creation of an Iowa City children-focused literary magazine. Josephine Geiger-Lee and Noelle Franzone met on a...

Englert’s weekly ‘Stages’ performance to feature Iowa City singer-songwriter Sean Tyler

Englert’s weekly ‘Stages’ performance to feature Iowa City singer-songwriter Sean Tyler

Delaney Orewiler, Arts Reporter September 8, 2021

For many musicians born and raised in Iowa City, playing at the Englert Theatre, whether live or virtually, is a dream come true. For Iowa City singer-songwriter Sean Tyler, this is accurate. On Wednesday,...