Being a fan of Moen since her self-titled debut album in 2016, I can honestly confess that her music has the capability of transcending you from your current place in the world to an environment that sings of nothing but pure nostalgia.

From the multiple genres – folk, indie, and blues to name a few – her voice contains a certain fluidity that just draws you in and holds you captive until the last note is sung.

While watching the show, even though I was mesmerized by her voice, it was quite an experience to see how her music affected those around me. Halfway through the set, it was simply amazing to see so many not only listening to her music but actually listening to the words of her songs as well.

In a way, it showed how much of an important role artist play in our lives, whether we realize it or not. For some, it was clear to see that the words Moen spoke were honest and relatable. Which, if I may say, is quite rare to see manifest in artists in today’s day and age.

One thing that I did not expect was holding a conversation with a young woman during her performance.

It started off as a simple excuse me as I scurried to my seat and quickly turned into an impromptu friendship where I learned many interesting things about Moen.

For instance, only a few years ago did she walk these same streets as I, as a student here at the University of Iowa. While that simple fact may seem not as a noteworthy one, I can tell you it is anything but irrelevant.

Being a student, I cannot begin to describe what it felt like to see someone who was in the same shoes as you follow their passion and become successful.

In a way, it was a subtle push of encouragement in regard to reassuring me – and all my fellow Hawkeyes – that it’s okay to follow your passion.

Being a college student on the verge of graduation, it can be quite fearful to imagine the world outside of Iowa City; however, seeing a former student come back and perform, is simply amazing.

I can sit here and rift for hours on how wonderful Moen’s show was but what I want to iterate the most is simply how amazing it is to see an artist in person.

I mean, listening to them via any streaming website is one thing, but actually seeing and hearing them is an entirely different thing.

Which is why, I am more than happy – pleased – to have reviewed Elizabeth Moen’s show tonight at the Englert Theatre.

Next time she’s in town, I’ll be sure to attend.

I hope to see some of you all there.

The post Mission Creek Festival: Elizabeth Moen @ The Englert Theatre 4/5/18 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Both taiko and tanko bushi, for those who don’t know, refers to two traditional art forms within the Japanese culture. Specifically, taiko refers to a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments, while tanko bushi, on the other hand, refers to a Japanese folk song. Together, both can be seen in festivals within Japan ranging from either religious significance to historical pinpoints.

At the beginning of the event, we both sat in the front – on my behalf – in order to get the full experience of watching a taiko performance alongside demonstrations of a tanko bushi. What we failed to do, however, was read the description of the event and understand that the event itself wasn’t simply just a presentation, but instead, a workshop.

Midway through the event, the presenter began calling out for volunteers to participate in the tanko bushi. Being who we are, my friend and I tried to scurry to the back of the room in a poor attempt to not get called on; however, we failed miserably because

one of the ushers stopped us and encouraged our participation. Not being able to say no, we both scurried to the front of the room, or rather at the end of the crowd, and began to perform a tanko bushi.

At first, we were confused and by that, I do not mean any simple confusion.

In our best attempts, we tried to follow along with the steps of the tanko bushi; however, it was in that moment that we both realized we severely lack any form of rhythm. While we were trying to dance, stay in step, and on beat with everyone else, I can assure you we did anything but. One thing I will note, however, that while we may have been two of the most horrendous dancers anyone in that room has ever possibly seen, we had fun.

From the beginning to the end of the tanko bushi, we had a blast trying to keep up with the steps and stay in line with everyone else. While we may have looked like some rhythm-less dorks, we were cute dorks, if I may say so myself.

Towards the ends of the event where our energy was slowly beginning to dissipate, we returned to our seats and listened to the history that surrounds both taiko and tanko bushi alongside watching, more than listening, to the presenter play a taiko. While in

most instances, you would listen to an individual play an instrument rather than watching, in this instance, it was amazing to watch the presenter play the instrument because it was not only a musical performance, but a physical one as well.

Sadly, words cannot do justice to the performance, so please, watch one here.

Once the event concluded, my friend and I decided to run away before another workshop could commence, but we will admit that the event was not what we expected and that we are pretty pleased with our decision to attend the event itself.

We both look forward to our next adventure and this time, I promise, we will read the full description of the event.

Anything going on around town?
Let me know: Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram!

The post Word Around Town: Taiko Presentation and Tanko Bushi Dance Workshop appeared first on KRUI Radio.

What a wonderful day to finally welcome spring with open arms by heading down to The Mill and checking out the American Short Fiction 8^th Annual Literary Magazine & Small Press Book Fair.

Ranging in all forms of literary genres, once again, American Short Fiction banded together to advocate creative work by not only established voices but emerging ones as well. Taking a leap of faith to present the public with a mixture of fresh and conventional creations, once again, the event was successful and worth noting.

From the beginning to the very end, the book fair was lively with a diverse crowd, which luckily brought about an atmosphere that was more than welcoming. Each booth provided a variety of information either about an up-in-coming author, publishing house, or opportunities for the public to partake in. It gave everyone in attendance a chance to learn something new and even broaden their horizons by expanding their literary preferences.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk one-on-one with either authors and publishers. It provided me and everyone else the chance to actually engage with the literary world and get an inside perspective on a world that usually for the general public is unattainable. It was heartwarming to speak with both authors and publishers in regards to how open they were in sharing the stories of their journeys throughout their participation in the literary world. By being able to simply talk to them and be in their presence, you could actually feel the love and passion they have for the literary world and it was something that words can’t describe.

It was love and passion in it’s purest form.

What was more intriguing and worthwhile than anything else was the simple fact that the book fair was not solely centered on authors and publishers native to Iowa but opened to fellow authors and publishers from across the Midwest. It was nostalgic to see literary events that I participated in back in my hometown Chicago in attendance at the book fair. It left an everlasting impression that the literary world has no bounds and is truly opened and meant for everyone.

Overall, the American Short Fiction 8^th Annual Literary Magazine & Small Press book fair was a success in my eyes. It was amazing to see how full circle the literary world comes in regards to how they open their doors to the public and remember where they came from. Taking a moment to go back to the beginning and speak with people who share the same love and passion for the literary world as themselves, the authors and publishers that attended the book fair are more than simply being inspirational and motivational characters.

They are role models for our youth.

If I was to give the show a rating, it would be as follows:

Overall: ★★★★☆

Interested in checking out American Short Fiction on your own? Check out the links below!

American Short Fiction: Home Page

American Short Fiction: About Page

American Short Fiction: Online FIction

The post Mission Creek: American Short Fiction @ The Mill 4/8/2017 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Tonight, I walked into The Mill expecting to listen to music that was far outside my own preferred genre; however, I was shocked by the performers that took the stage and practically stole my heart. From the two openers: Dickie and The Feralings; to the star of the show: Pieta Brown; all were amazing in their own way; however, some more than others.

Starting from the top, Dickie was an interesting combination in itself. A talented mid-forties gentleman, paired with a young mid-twenties violinist, worked magic together to create a collection of dark and gorgeous songs that you could only imagine listening to when it’s dark and storming outside.

At first, I was skeptical and weary about the strange musical combination but after hearing them perform together I started to move my body along with the interesting melody and soon found myself humming and truly enjoying the music. It was as if their music had the capability to pierce your chest and weave their way into your heart and make a home. It is something that is hard to put into words because words cannot amount to the emotions that Dickie brought about. Throughout the entirety of their performance, I was entranced and left wanting more.

After listening to Dickie for an hour, I had high expectations for the second openers: The Feralings; however, I can’t help but admit that I was not moved by their performance on the same level that I was with Dickie. From their opening song, I knew we weren’t going to have a wholehearted relationship, but something different altogether. Possibly due to it being an interesting combination, or rather a branch, of Christian Rock music, it simply did not peak my interest and wasn’t my cup of tea.

The transition of melodies from Dickie to The Feralings was so dramatic and different that it, unfortunately, left the latter a little unattainable and confusing. I do want to clarify, that I am not saying that The Feralings is a band that should not be noted and held in high esteem, but rather, for the environment that they were in, it was not appropriate and did nothing to aid them professionally. When I think of The Feralings, I imagine sitting around a campfire just relaxing and looking up at the night sky, not red brick walls and the lingering smell of cigarette smoke. The Feralings were good but not as good as I hoped.

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With my emotions on edge, The Feralings bid their final thanks and welcomed Pieta Brown to the stage. Having it be the first time that I have ever heard her name, I was beyond interested in what she was bringing to the table. Already having been entranced by Dickie and set off by The Feralings, I was more than skeptical at what she was capable of. Waiting for her to begin was torture in itself; however, once the sound of her voice hit my ears, it was all worth it in the end.

The physical form of nostalgia stood before me in the form of a woman in her early forties with a fondness for folk music. It was as if the stage was made for her and she knew it. From her first song to her very last, it was amazing to watch her lose herself in her music and express herself in the purest way. Her music was sincere and literally left everyone wanting more. Not ready to say goodbye, the crowd urged, or rather begged for one more song, and like the angel she is, she delivered and it was too good to let go that when she bid the crowd her last farewell, you couldn’t help but feel the longing left in the crowd.

Overall, Dickie, The Feralings, and Pieta Brown brought about an experience that is literally something you would only experience once in a lifetime. I am more than happy, maybe even appreciative, that I attended Mission Creek at The Mill, for if I hadn’t, I would have missed out on music that I was desperately in need of.

If I was to give the show a rating, it would be as follows:

Overall: ★★★★☆

Dickie: ★★★☆☆

The Feralings: ★★☆☆☆

Pieta Brown: ★★★☆☆

Want to hear them for yourself? Check out the links below!

Dickie
The Feralings
Pieta Brown

The post Mission Creek: Pieta Brown @ The Mill 4/7/2017 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Have you ever woken up five minutes before your alarm went off and choose to lay in bed rather than getting up and starting your day? The lull of the soft warm blankets accompanied by the whispers of your dreams too tempting to resist? The cold air threatening enough to chill you to the bone and dispel the air out of your lungs? The soft glow of the sun and the murmurs of the birds all too relaxing for you to just ignore?

You choose to roll over in your bed, pulling the blankets up higher and relaxing deeper into the soft mattress, when a thought suddenly conjures itself to the front of your mind, disrupting your pleasantries and thinking, “My life fucking sucks.”

If you haven’t, then pat yourself on the back, and consider you and I mortal enemies.

My life, or my joke as I like to call it, is a collection of these unfortunate moments that the universe believes to be comical enough to drop them on my shoulders and see how I manage.

It’s as if I’m running down a dark corridor away from some malevolent being, my life, and with every step I take, corner I turn, and plea I shout, somehow turns itself around and knocks me down, only to get caught by that malevolent being in the end. However, right before the malevolent being grabs me, I somehow always manage to slip away and make a quick escape; surviving to fight another day. It’s quite an adventure but an interesting one nevertheless.

Which is why I think back and wonder who said college is a time for exploration, finding yourself, and having fun, because whoever said that, lied through their teeth and obviously never enrolled in an accredited university.

So far I have yet to explore without screaming bloody murder, I have yet to find myself in a pleasant situation and only unimaginable ones, and if you haven’t guessed by now, I am not having fun. I am helplessly running around trying to adult but failing horribly at it every step of the way.

It’s a constant game of trial and error, and well, I haven’t quite got the hang of it yet. The only thing I have managed to get the hang of is learning from my trails and errors by applying them to my future trials and tribulations in some mere hope that maybe, just maybe, I can dodge that malevolent being and one-up it for once in my life.

This, by some chance, now leaves me to say that if you somehow randomly stumbled upon this column, for unknown apparent reasons, to seek advice on how to adult, I’m sorry to admit, but I’m not the girl you’re looking for. I can barely adult myself so me trying to help you is like the blind leading the blind. We will get absolutely nowhere anytime soon. I’m sorry I can’t adult right, but I can share my experiences with you in hope that you can learn from my experiences and apply them to your own life in some form or fashion.

May God be with us all.

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Walk In My Shoes is a bi-weekly column about a college student who doesn’t know what she wants to do after graduation but write award winning novels all while stumbling around helplessly in the world.

The post Walk In My Shoes: Pilot appeared first on KRUI Radio.