The back room of The Mill does feel like, as Arish Singh describes it, “my uncle’s weird basement.” The wood paneling and the fish tank, glowing from behind the bar, really cement the familial vibe. People flock to the booths, including the comedians. They sit together, laughing before the show even starts. Spencer Loucks acts as both a comedian and host for the night. His standup is more self-disclosing, both with anecdotes and observations. He makes jokes at the expense of the audience, but his smile betrays a lack of malice. One can’t help but compare his infliction to John … Continued
The Fruit Bats and Matthew Logan Vasquez Raise The Crowd
Article by Myles Ackman and Kade Grierson | Cover Photo by Cat Dooley For the first time in fifteen years, Fruit Bats returned to Iowa City on October 21 for a performance at The Englert Theatre, with support from Matthew Logan Vasquez. “Iowa City was the first place I ever traveled far to, and I thought, ‘this place resembles freedom,’” – Fruit Bats and permanent member Eric D. Johnson. The three of us—Elle, Myles, and Kade—were the youngest people in the audience by far, and sat near the front on the edge of a sea of double denim, floral shirts, … Continued
