In 2000, St. Raphael Orthodox Christian Chapel found fertile soil in Iowa City. Over 10 years, the chapel has matured and attracted a congregation of more than 100 Syrians, Russians, Romanians, Greeks,...

When he was working on the book By Myself: An Autobiography with longtime friend David Trinidad, one could say that D.A. Powell heard music. Powell, a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, mentioned...

As many women are being spoiled with Ghirardelli chocolates and a dozen perfect red roses on Valentine’s Day, Angie Toomsen will light up the stage with songs about shredded love letters and slashed...

Winard Harper doesn’t let his status as a master percussionist in the jazz world get to his head. He realizes it is as important to stay on the road, playing shows and hosting workshops. “In this...

Wells Tower loves everything about language. Since childhood, he has had an unwavering passion for all things involving the written and spoken word and the realm of linguistics. He recalls storytelling...

Sid Mali wanted to give back. After seeing the devastation in Haiti, Mali knew the right cause. He reached out to his friends in the music industry, and the result is the J. Holiday Pre-Valentine’s...

This is Amy Haeussler’s favorite part of the year. Not because Valentine’s Day is soon approaching and not because she will graduate in a few months. What Haeussler loves most about February is the...

After singer/songwriter Rosanne Cash paid tribute to her family, including father and country mega-legend Johnny Cash, with the 20-song album Black Cadillac and a subsequent tour, she is now seeking to...

Dear Brian Johnson, Leave Bono alone. Just because you and the rest of the AC/DC members don’t mesh music with humanitarian acts doesn’t mean other celebrities can’t. During your recent interview...

Anna Vogelzang and Annie Palmer are traveling with more instruments in their ’98 Nissan than clothes. “The lifestyle of touring is awesome,” Vogelzang said. “You’re out there doing exactly...

**** out of ***** Since hitting the indie-music scene in a big way in 2006 with a partnership with Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis on Rabbit Fur Coat, the Watson Twins has been all over the map musically —...

The Grateful Dead is a band that spawns countless tribute and cover acts. While each shares an abiding love for the Dead, Dark Star Orchestra takes it one step further. Dark Star performs its shows based...