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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

James Blake performs at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, TX on October 7, 2022.

Review | James Blake’s seventh studio album ‘Playing Robots into Heaven’

Olivia Hamilton, Arts Reporter September 13, 2023

James Blake released his seventh studio album “Playing Robots into Heaven,” this month.  The album showcased Blake’s affinity for synth harmonization and his taste in samples with the incorporation...

Olivia Rodrigo presents the award for best new artist.

Review | Olivia Rodrigo’s second album, ‘Guts,’ conquers youth and growing pains

Emma Gaughan, Arts Reporter September 12, 2023

Whether it’s exploring genres of pop-rock or diving deep into what it means to be a woman growing up, Olivia Rodrigo’s second album, “Guts,” is a masterful and intimate look at girlhood. The...

John Burns III during his songwriters concert at the Old Brick in Iowa City on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

Des Moines artist B. John Burns plays tribute concert for Bill Sackter

Stella Shipman, Arts Editor September 10, 2023

Old Brick on East Market Street echoed with the sound of acoustic guitar chords and rich piano harmonies. Beneath warm lights and a vaulted ceiling, singer-songwriter B. John Burns sang several original...

Irene poses for a photo after her performance in Iowa City on Sept. 2, 2023.

Yi-Hsun ‘Irene’ Tang premieres curated horn compositions two-part recital at UI

Olivia Hamilton, Arts Reporter September 6, 2023

The recital hall at the Voxman Music Building was filled on Sunday afternoon with an audience watching an empty grand piano in anticipation. The lights dimmed and Yi-Hsun “Irene” Tang emerged from...

Attendees participate in a mosh pit during Battle of the Bands hosted by Scope Productions at the Iowa Memorial Union River Amphitheater on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Four different local bands competed throughout the evening and placed after attendees voted.

Two Canes triumphs in Battle of the Bands 2023

Avi Lapchick, Assistant Arts Editor August 31, 2023

If you made the decision to walk along the Iowa River’s north banks Tuesday evening, you’d likely be met with the quiet serenity of leisurely water and the comforting breeze of a hot day finally...

Attendees participate in a mosh pit during Battle of the Bands hosted by Scope Productions at the Iowa Memorial Union River Amphitheater on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Four different local bands competed throughout the evening and placed after attendees voted.

Photos: Battle of the Bands Hosted by Scope

Cody Blissett, Visual Editor August 30, 2023

Scope Productions hosted a battle of the bands at the Iowa Memorial Union River Amphitheater on Wednesday. Dozens of people showed up to listen to the live music and vote on their favorite at the end...

Photos: Joey Green at Wildwood

Emily Nyberg, Visual Editor August 27, 2023

Texas county rock singer Joey Green played alongside bandmates at Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon in Iowa City on Saturday. His show was opened by Texas folk artist Erick Willis. Green gained popularity...

Hozier performs during the Love Rising concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 20, 2023.

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Review | New Hozier album ‘Unreal Unearth’ melds earthy imagery with classic melancholic tone 

Parker Jones, Managing Editor August 20, 2023

The release of Hozier’s third-ever full album was an ethereal occasion for me, to say the least. At midnight on Friday, the Irish artist released “Unreal Unearth.” “De Selby Part 1” First...

The James Theater in Iowa City on Monday, July 17 2023.

Punk-rock goes philanthropic: Iowa City artists perform in support of local charities  

Avi Lapchick, Arts Editor July 18, 2023

Behind a plume of cigarette smoke on the walk up to The James Theater’s Gilbert Street entrance was a portal to the pinnacle of the 1990s punk rock scene: welcome to Illiterati Fest 2.   The...

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,...

Taylor Swift performers during the first night of the Cincinnati stop of the Eras Tour at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, June 30, 2023.

Review | Taylor Swift drops the most important album of the summer with ‘Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)’ 

Anupama Choudhury, Arts Reporter July 10, 2023

It’s no secret that Taylor Swift is a force of nature in the music industry and has consistently maintained that stature for the past decade. The controversy with her masters led Swift to re-record...

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...