Emily Mecklenburg’s passion for theater and medicine have one unexpected trait in common: vaginas. “For both acting and being a doctor, you have to learn a set of skills,” she said. “I love theater;...

The connotation of the name Death Ships is much harsher than the band’s folk sound — and the group knows it. On its website, the members warn those expecting long hair and death metal might be in for...

Having gone from living in the hood to becoming a national headliner, comedian Ralphie May’s rise to fame is not lost on him. May, who will perform at 7:30 p.m. today in the Englert Theatre, 221 E....

Kevin Kellett has witnessed more drama in his first year as bassist for the hard-core band Liferuiner than many other musicians see in a lifetime. Not only has he nearly been sucker-punched in the face...

In a short period of time, Paul Pollard has done what many aspire to achieve. Yet the classically trained trombonist, now a member of the New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, has remained grounded in...

In ceramics, round is not always what the artist is angling for. Visiting ceramics artists Christa Assad, Josh DeWeese, and Lorna Meaden plan to demonstrate what inspires them and how they make their...

Many musicians aspire to pack up their instruments and move to faraway places that, seemingly, promise fame and fortune. Ed Gray found the music scene he was hoping for right here in Iowa City. “It’s...

Providing opportunities for young people to show off their classical-music talent is a goal of the “From the Top” radio program. Hosted by Christopher O’Riley, it will air from Iowa City tonight...

Matthew Davis is hard-pressed to remember a time when he didn’t want to write. When his desire to do so was met with praise and encouragement from college professors, it made him think this was not...

Justin Townes Earle will play in Iowa City for the first time today — maybe. For several reasons, the 28-year-old musician was unable to recall if he had ever visited before. “I’m actually not sure,”...

**** out of ***** Jamie Cullum is a rebellious jazz-pop singer and songwriter known to break a grand piano or two in his concerts — which leads to slight chaos in his new album. The Pursuit builds...

For Sarah Smelser, art pieces with opposing values converse with each other. And lecturers and their audiences should, too. So while Smelser will be the focal point of a discussion at 7 p.m. today in...