Stream

News
Des Moines’ plan to solve its budget crisis: gentrification

By

Des Moines is facing the culmination of multiple long-standing budgetary crises resulting in its present $17 million annual deficit. Without room in the general fund, transportation is facing cuts, utility rates have been hiked, and agencies reorganized. The city manager, Peter Zamansky, in January released a proposal to lay out reductions in spending to shrink the deficit this fiscal year. However, policymakers are looking for larger cuts and structural changes to address the city’s long increasing debt burden. Image via Axios One of the largest services under scrutiny is Des Moines’ DART bus system. Reimagine Dart is the city’s response … Continued

Music
On Speaking Aloud and Breaking Boundaries: Mannequin Pussy Mission Creek Festival

By

Ignore the name. Or don’t, because truthfully the heart of Mannequin Pussy’s art lies in its name. Mannequin Pussy, of Philadelphia origin, gracefully blessed the hall of the Englert Theater for Iowa City’s annual Mission Creek Festival in April. As someone who has been a longtime listener, I was ecstatic when I learned they were performing on day 2. For those who are new to the band, Mannequin Pussy consists of 4 artists, Missy Dabice on vocals and lead, Kaleen Reading on drums, Bear Regisford on bass and secondary vocals, and Maxine Steen on guitar. They weren’t always called Mannequin … Continued

Music
Eric Intlekofer

Show Review: Walk the Moon

By

By Eric Intlekofer Walk the Moon’s set at the Blue Room at the Blue Moose Tap House proved that they are a band you will be hearing from in the future. Following their appearances at this year’s Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, they’ve embarked on a nationwide tour in support of their debut album I Want! IWant! and have been gaining recognition as an upcoming indie-pop act. Despite there being fewer people than I expected at the show, the Cincinnati quartet hit the stage with the typical enthusiasm one can expect from their energetic performances. The floor of the Blue Room was … Continued

Keep reading...

Review: Portugal. The Man – In the Mountain In the Clouds

By

By Eric Intlekofer There is a quality in Portugal. The Man that all music lovers can admire, or at least respect, and that is their ability to put out a consistent record every year. With “In the Mountain In the Cloud,” the Alaska and Portland based band moved to a major label, many a music fan’s nightmare. This time around, however, that chance is not to be feared. Their style has not been compromised, in fact it’s been honed. Their sixth LP seems to be a culmination of the forward progress the band has been working on for the past … Continued

Keep reading...

Portugal The Man