Mission Creek Daily Preview: Friday

By Kendall McCabe

Broke college students rejoice, for Friday brings a bundle of fantastic free shows!

The Wheelers, The Western Front, and Complexes will perform for free at Joe’s Place, 5 PM.

WindFarm, Taser Island/Radius, Centaur Noir, and Candy Breaks will also play for free at the upstairs of the Deadwood, also at 5 PM.

This week’s series of free Public Space One shows also comes to an end with Gardens & Villa and Golden Birds at 6 PM for free.

Those looking for laughs on Friday and didn’t manage to secure tickets to the David Cross show are out of luck, as it sold out awhile ago. Cross (as well as Jon Benjamin, Jon Glaser, and Mary Lynn Rajskub) prepared a special, one-time-only variety show for the Mission Creek Festival. Nobody quite knows what will happen onstage during the performance, but the show has been six months in the making and it’s sure to be worth the wait.

SHOW DETAILS

What: David Cross with Jon Benjamin, Jon Glaser, & Mary Lynn Rajskub
Where: The Englert Theatre
Time: 7 PM
Cost: SOLD OUT

William Elliot Whitmore, Justin Townes Earle, and Grand Tetons at the Blue Moose Tap House also sold out. Whitmore, an Iowa native and local favorite, will bring down the house with his folky crooning, but the powerhouse Justin Townes Earle and the superb Iowa City folk/rock band Grand Tetons should not be missed, either.

Recommended Track: “Bury Your Burdens In the Ground” by William Elliot Whitmore

SHOW DETAILS

What: William Elliot Whitmore, Justin Townes Earle, Grand Tetons
Where: The Blue Moose Tap House
Time: 9 PM
Cost: SOLD OUT

Sharon Van Etten, Bowerbirds, The Lonelyhearts, and Alexis Stevens at The Mill is sure to be a big draw. Sharon’s album Tramp, which was released last month, is steeped in self-awareness. She’s direct about her vulnerability (which was so very evident on her previous releases) in a way that makes her seem fearless and open.

Recommended Track: “We Are Fine” by Sharon Van Etten

SHOW DETAILS

What: Sharon Van Etten, Bowerbirds, The Lonelyhearts, Alexis Stevens
Where: The Mill
Time: 8 PM
Cost: $15 Advance / $18 Door

Lulacruza, The Miles Kean Epictet, and Lady Espina will also play the Yacht Club. Those interested in South American music will enjoy Lulacruza, a Colombian band that combines found sounds and other modern electronic sounds with traditional music.