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Arthur Russell: Iowa Native and Musical Pioneer

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Today marks six years since the posthumous release of musician and composer Arthur Russell’s album, “Iowa Dream.” Although cellist, avant-garde composer, and disco producer Arthur Russell received little to no commercial success during his lifetime, he left a lasting impression on New York City’s downtown music scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Before succumbing to an AIDS-related illness in 1992, he released several underground club tracks that went on to achieve cult status, while leaving behind a vast collection of unreleased recordings and compositions. To commemorate the release of “Iowa Dream,” I chose to reflect on the late artist’s musical … Continued

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October, 17th. Prostitute makes their first appearance in Iowa.

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I first heard Prostitute in my Spotify discover weekly playlist around the beginning of last summer and as an enthusiast of any kind of noisy or abrasive rock/punk, I pretty much immediately fell in love with their music. The incredibly energetic vocals and playing, combined with angsty yet introspective lyricism make for such a fun listening experience that continues to maintain your engagement. So a couple months when I found out they were playing a show in my home state, I immediately knew I couldn’t miss out. Driving back to Iowa City from my hometown that night led to me … Continued

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Indie Bliss and EDM Euphoria: Lost Woods Festival 2026 Review

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Masterminded by the Cedar Falls based electro-pop trio Salt Fox, Lost Woods Music Festival 2026 was another spectacular triumph. Building on the success of previous editions, the festival’s fourth year kept what made the experience so special while incorporating a dazzling array of new activities, sights, and sounds.

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2026 Refocus Recap

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The 2026 Refocus Film Festival was Refocus’s fifth iteration and it certainly made a splash in Iowa City. Occurring from October 22nd to October 25th, these four days were packed to the brim with a variety of films and programs. The contributors to this article were unfortunately not able to attend all of them, but we were still grateful to experience even a taste of what Refocus had to offer.  For those unfamiliar, Refocus Film Festival is a film festival started by Ben Delgado and Andrew Sherbrune, Filmscene’s Programming Director and Executive Director plus Co-Founder. The festival showcases films, new … Continued

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Logan Melia

Phoebe Bridgers Live in Chicago

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After three years of hibernation, Phoebe Bridgers returned to the stage this fall for The Lost Tour spanning across North America and Europe. On Saturday, September 19th there was a sold out crowd awaiting the four time Grammy winner at United Center without a phone in sight.

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Riot Fest Gallery

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Riot Fest just wrapped a successful, yet muddy weekend in Chicago. From September 18-20, over a hundred thousand people graced the grounds, later mud pit, of Douglass Park. Here are some of my favorite selects from the weekend.

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Gin Blossoms Live at Hy-Vee Ampitheater

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On a cool night, somewhere in between the last days of summer and first days of fall, the finale to the Hy-Vee Ampitheater’s inaugural season took place. Starring Arizona’s Gin Blossoms, hundreds turned out on their feet for the band in North Liberty’s newest venue.

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Minnesota Yacht Club Recap

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The third edition of Minnesota Yacht Club has wrapped was a resounding success. Through sweltering temperatures, heat lightning, and rain drops, none of it phased the over 35,000 fans who came each day to Harriet Regional Park. Celebrating music and summer on the water, it continues to be a highlight for the thousands of Minnesotans and the travelers. Friday Pat Kennedy is a name will be known far and wide very soon. Hailing from Boston, and a recent graduate of Berklee, Kennedy dances the oh so fine line of bringing classic cassette rock and roll with a modern push. Through … Continued

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