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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

The outside of the Riverside Theater is seen during day three of the Mission Creek Festival in Iowa City on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

Riverside Theatre presents stellar season lineup and educational programs

Stella Shipman, Arts Editor August 22, 2023

Riverside Theatre’s fall season will begin in October with “The Trip to Bountiful,” a play written in the 1950s by famous American playwright Horton Foote, best known for his screenplay for...

Kokoo performs during the Black History Month Slam Poetry event in the IMU on Thursday, February 28, 2019. The event was hosted by The Iowa Edge Student Organization, in collaboration with Black Art; Real Stories.

Local slam team IC Speaks finds power in poetry at Brave New Voices

Aspen DeGroot, Arts Reporter August 7, 2023

Iowa City has always been a hub for writers from all walks of life. Whether in attendance at the University of Iowa’s renowned Writer’s Workshop or a participant in the various events hosted by UNESCO...

Mars Hojilla lead singer of the band Two Canes performs during the 2023 Pride Parade & Festival in downtown Iowa City on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Local hard-rock band Two Canes: from inception to latest single

Zhenya Loughney, Arts Reporter July 11, 2023

Chloe Weidl started learning instruments, particularly the drums, at the School of Rock in Marion, Iowa. She and her brother, Evan Weidl, a skilled guitarist, were consistent solo and ensemble performers,...

Damani Phillips plays the saxophone during the 2023 Iowa City Jazz Festival in Iowa City on Saturday, July 2, 2023.

Exploring the soul of jazz: a conversation on the culture of jazz in Iowa City

Avi Lapchick, Arts Editor July 5, 2023

In the week leading up to this year’s Iowa City Jazz Fest, The Daily Iowan spoke with Damani Phillips, a local jazz saxophonist and associate professor of African-American studies at the University...

Madison Bartlett poses for a portrait at Art Building West on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Bachelor of Fine Arts graphic design graduate learned who she is through trial-and-error

Zhenya Loughney, Arts Reporter May 8, 2023

Cedar Rapids native Madison Bartlett can’t remember a time when she wasn’t surrounded by art. Bartlett said it has always been her outlet for self-expression. Barlett’s identical twin...

Iowa city hair stylist Nathan Stanley washes new hire Katie Boeckenstedt's hair during a training session at Zen Salon & Spa in Iowa City on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

Trans-inclusivity takes root in salons across Iowa City

Zhenya Loughney, Arts Reporter May 2, 2023

Hair stylists in Iowa City are making strides toward offering more inclusive haircut options. Gender-affirming hairstyling is becoming more common across the city. Hair stylists cut hair to...

The piece titled “Una Coz En Mi Cabeza” is shown in the back room at the Los Performers by artist Juan Correa gallery at Public Space One on Friday, April 21, 2023. The gallery hours are Friday from 4-6 pm and Saturday from 12-3 pm. The final day of the show will be Friday, April 28, 2023. (Averi Coffee/The Daily Iowan)

Public Space One hosts Juan Correa’s ‘Los Performers’ exhibit in North Gallery

Stella Shipman, Arts Reporter April 25, 2023

Juan Correa was born in Bogota, Columbia, and grew up in Los Angeles, California. In his “Los Performers” exhibit, Correa said he explores his experiences and interactions with American...

Country singer Justin Moore performs during his "You, Me, & Whiskey" tour at Xtream Arena in Coralville on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The tour promotes Moore's newest album, "Stray Dog," which will be released May 5.

Country music scene of Iowa City highlights community engagement

Zhenya Loughney, Arts Reporter April 25, 2023

Iowa City is an arts beacon sandwiched between miles of corn fields and pig farms — seemingly the perfect location for country music. Live performances dwell at the heart of Iowa City. Some upcoming...

Masami Igarashi and Hideaki Taki from the Echizen papermaking village in Japan prepare a canvas during a Japanese papermaking festival in Iowa City on Friday, April 14, 2023.

Japanese papermaking festival hosted by UI Center for the Book brings tradition to Iowa

Zhenya Loughney, Arts Reporter April 18, 2023

Paper pulp, woven threads, and fiber painting: The Iowa City public dipped their hands into traditional Japanese fiber arts and “washi” last weekend. The series of events, titled “The Future...

Photo contributed by David Gompper.

Contemporary music festival to bring international collaboration to Iowa

Stella Shipman, Arts Reporter April 11, 2023

The Voxman Music Building will soon be filled with a diverse selection of Israeli compositions that tell powerful stories and bring Israel to the forefront of modern music. The Festival of Contemporary...

Singer and guitarist Kevin Morby and saxophonist Cochemea Gastelum perform on stage during a Kevin Morby concert at Englert, in Iowa City, during the Mission Creek Festival on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

Mission Creek Festival 2023 transforms Iowa City in celebration of music and literature

Jami Martin-Trainor, Assistant Digital Editor April 11, 2023

Downtown Iowa City tends to be fairly lively as the weather starts to warm, with students and families walking and exploring the city streets. This year’s Mission Creek Festival — which...

Willow Creek Theater Co. presented Melancholy Play by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Regen Kuker. This play was preformed on Thursday the 9th through Sunday the 12th. The play follows a young woman Tilly who seems to attract everyone she meets until her melancholy goes away and her connections change.

Exploring the thriving local theater scene in Iowa City

Stella Shipman, Arts Reporter April 4, 2023

Local theaters are booming in Iowa City through collaborations, new building openings, and an exciting season of shows. Riverside Theatre, Willow Creek Theatre, Iowa City Community Theatre, and...