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

Photo contributed by John Kenyon

Talented Iowa City students receive recognition for powerful writing

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter February 20, 2024

Since she was five years old — and though that was only seven years ago — Cora Beland has been a writer. For years, the Iowa City Community School District Northwest Junior High seventh-grader’s...

The lead guitarist for 28 Days Later interacts with crowd during Battle of the Bands at Gabe’s in Iowa City on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Iowa bands battle it out for a spot in upcoming annual music festival

Evan Weidl, Opinions Editor February 18, 2024

Dozens of fans packed the top floor of Gabe’s on Saturday to watch six popular Iowa City bands duke it out for a chance to play at Solshine, an annual music and arts festival in Illinois in May....

Mathew Sweet performs on stage at Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon in Iowa City on Feb. 14.

Alt-rock artist Matthew Sweet explores fame at Wildwood performance

Isabella Nekvinda, Arts Reporter February 15, 2024

Backed by a high-energy drum tempo and electric guitar power chords, alt-rock singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet and his band performed a sold-out Valentine’s Day show at Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon...

Three last-minute gift ideas to save the date this Valentine’s Day

Three last-minute gift ideas to save the date this Valentine’s Day

Avi Lapchick, Arts Editor February 13, 2024

Here you are: It’s the big day, and you’re searching for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift at the bottom of a Pringles can — metaphorically, I hope. Whether you and your significant other are...

Customers order Valentines Day themed desserts at Deluxe Cakes and Pastries in Iowa City on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Deluxe, along with other Iowa City restaurants, implemented an exclusive Valentines Day menu in early February.

Iowa City restaurants show the ‘love’ of the season through a special Valentine’s menu

Madison Christenson, Arts Reporter February 13, 2024

The mirrors on the walls of DeLuxe Cakes and Pastries are now adorned with pink satin bows, its ceiling decorated with hanging hearts as the smell of desserts wafts through the air — it’s undeniably...

Singer John Waite preforms on stage at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City on the evening Friday, Feb. 9.

‘80s legend John Waite brings his pop-rock sound to Englert Theatre

Kate Perez, Senior Reporter February 10, 2024

Before the doors to the house had even opened, pop-rock fans were crowded in the Englert Theatre’s lobby on Friday, ready to see the popular 1970s and ‘80s British rock singer John Waite.  In...

Shawn Lurkens speaks during a art gallery opening for formally incarcerated artists hosted by Inside Out Reentry at Public Space One in Iowa City on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. My artwork is not free until I am, said Lurkens.

Photos: Formally incarcerated artists gallery

Cody Blissett, Photojournalist February 7, 2024

Inside Out Reentry hosted an art gallery for formally incarcerated artists at Public Space One in Iowa City on Friday, Feb. 2. Dozens of people showed up to look at art and listen to artists speak....

An attendee speaks with artist Jesse Miller during a art gallery opening for formally incarcerated artists hosted by Inside Out Reentry at Public Space One in Iowa City on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Formerly incarcerated artists showcase art in Iowa City exhibit

Avi Lapchick, Arts Editor February 7, 2024

The text on the plaque card underneath Chris Martin’s artwork read “Created while incarcerated.” His pieces, handcrafted using only popsicle sticks, glue, and paint, were inspired by mementos...

The cast of Dance Nation dances the opening number during a dress rehearsal for “Dance Nation” at David Thayer Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

‘Dance Nation’ brings realities of girlhood to the stage

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter February 5, 2024

Preteen girlhood is a maze of trials and tribulations. This reality is especially prominent in “Dance Nation,” a play that introduces audiences to a competitive dance troupe of thirteen-year-old...

Roxane Gay speaks as a keynote speaker during at the 2024 Emma Goldman Choice Event at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Gay is a feminist writer, professor, and editor.

Feminist author Roxane Gay joins Emma Goldman fundraising event

Natalie Dunlap, Assistant Digital Editor February 3, 2024

Prolific feminist author and professor Roxane Gay, best known for “Bad Feminist,” a New York Times best-selling collection of essays, discussed how feminism and reproductive justice intersect with...

Attendees watch a film at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Indian Creek Nature Center hosted the Winter Wildland Alliance Backcountry Film Festival.

Big Grove hosts Backcountry Film Festival

Isabella Nekvinda, Arts Reporter January 28, 2024

Silence washed over the crowd at Big Grove Brewery's screening room as film festival patrons digested filmmaker Josh Goldsmith's newest short documentary. His film "What If?" explores courage and doubt...

Students rehearse for the 27th Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival presented by The University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts in the Theatre Building on Jan. 22, 2024. The cast is starring in a play titled “The Worst Supervillain in the World” written by student Darrin Terpstra. (Madison Frette/The Daily Iowan)

UI Theater Department presents student-run Ten Minute Plays

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter January 23, 2024

 The University of Iowa’s Theater Department’s annual Ten-Minute Play Festival is a unique, student-run production that incorporates the talents of UI students interested in play production. Showcased...

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