Walking across the broad lawn and up the to the looming old doors, I pulled the handle to ring the bell and was let in. Immediately to the right upon entry was an old tandem dining and living area that has been repurposed as a part time performance space. Both areas lined with folding chairs, theater seats, and couches that looked towards the performers. A chandelier hung above. A window lay behind the room, glazed over in light, looking out onto the street. The wall to right hosted a ten-foot lobster leftover from the Dada Prom, which PS1 hosted in December. 

Joe Kenkel was the first to perform. A transplant from Nashville, this was his first show playing in Iowa City after moving here about a year and a half ago. He sang, and played soothingly mellow, chilled out songs from a clean, reverberating guitar. The sound was backed by a drum machine he laid on the ground, his feet plucking at it with careful precision. 

The second set brought Brennan Wedl and their full band. With their alternative country sound, the songs they played were a very stark change. They were much more energetic, with a hard rock sound characterized by an effortless twang. The galloping, driving sound was occasionally elevated by a searing, hissing guitar sound that tore through the room. Other noise rock elements enriched the wonderfully raucous atmosphere. The lyrics in each song told a delicate personal story, laced with turmoil.  

Finally, Dan Wriggins, sporting a hoodie with a lobster crest, closed out the night. Swapping out his typical guitar, he played his songs on a piano modulated through a smaller synthesizer. The melodic, somber chords seeped through the room, backing up his gravely echoing voice. The words wavered with emotion as he recited lyrics that contained poetic snapshots of experiences.  

Wriggins played the title track “Mr. Chill” from his most recent EP. His only song of his that doesn’t rhyme, but still it works. He also performed songs from his band Friendship, including “I Don’t Have to Imagine Your Love” and “Clairvoyant” from the album “Dreamin.” He ended the set with the song “Hex on the Barn,” discussing whether some images have symbolism, comparing the recent ink on his arm to the Dutch hex symbols found throughout rural Pennsylvania. All while the lobster loomed over, listening.  

Brennan Wedl and their band are still touring through spots in the Midwest. Joe Kenkel and Dan Wriggins will to continue to play around the area.  Below are links to all of the artist’s Bandcamp pages.

Joe Kenkel

Brennan Wedl

Dan Wriggins

Friendship

The post A Night of Lobsters and Alt-Country at Public Space One appeared first on KRUI Radio.

college heightens all these relationships and everything seems to move ten times faster. Before you know it you’re moving out of your freshman dorm room, applying to get into your major, celebrating your twenty-first and soon enough graduating. The moments we make along the way are the memories we will keep forever.

That being said, one of the most celebrated holidays in college is your twenty-first birthday (and yes, your birthday is a holiday! Celebrate you!). The college budget may not entail for you to go on a vacation with your besties or buy her the dermaroller gift you know she deserves. However, here are twenty-one ways you can create homemade gifts under a low budget that mean more than that expensive handbag she’s had her eyes on.

1. Attire

   

Time to go out with the full shebang. I’m talking sashes, tiaras, buttons, necklaces, maybe even a boa?

2. The Checklist

Every girl needs her checklist or bucket list for the night, you only turn twenty-one once.

3. Bar Crawl T-Shirts

So you’re in college and you decided to do a bar crawl to celebrate the big night, a very popular fashion statement are birthday bar crawl t-shirts. Friends wear these throughout the night and not only does it let everyone know it’s your birthday but it’s a great way not to loose anyone along the way-just look for everyone in the same shirt! Additionally, consider spicing things up with these corporate hampers to make the celebration even more memorable.

To add an extra touch of excitement to your birthday bar crawl, consider incorporating personalized gifts into the celebration. Alongside the popular birthday bar crawl t-shirts, custom face shirt offers a unique and memorable way to commemorate the occasion. Whether adorned with funny faces or inside jokes, these custom shirts add a fun and personalized element to the festivities.

4. Polaroids

   

She’s going to want memories from the night and you can’t expect her to remember to be taking pictures of everything. Designate someone or a group to carry around a camera or better yet a Polaroid camera to capture the night.

Tip: Makes for a killer scrapbook

5. Birthday Cake

   

Can’t celebrate without the cake, am I right ladies?

6. Beer Tower

   

She can finally drink! A beer tower is a classic way to gift plus takes less than ten minutes to put together making it an easy last minute gift.

7. 21 Remember When Sign

Gather all your friends and have them write down a memory or funny story they have shared with her

8. Clink N’ Drink

You’re going to need something to open those bottles

     9. Shot Book

Have each a friend make a page with a picture of them and the person turning twenty-one. The catch is everyone has to pick a different shot to put on his or her page.

    10. Personalized Cooler

Famously known as a gift given to a fraternity guy that asks you to formal, this can also work as a birthday gift

11. Paddles

One of the easier gifts to make: throw some glitter, rhinestones, and paint it however you want. Makes for a cute decoration to hang up in her room.

12. Bottle Cap Frame

A gift not a lot of people think of but super easy to make

13. 21 Wish Jar

Scribble on a piece of paper a wish you have for your lucky birthday girl and toss it in a jar. Do this with friends until there are 21 or put in more, the more wishes the merrier!

14. Shot Clock

A fun memento to hang in your kitchen. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!

15. Personalized Chalkboard

    

There’s so many phrases to choose from

16. Snack Bottles

You’re going to need munchies for throughout the night (when you get home)!

17. Monopoly Board Game

    

Select her favorite shops, restaurants, and other places as the locations.

18. 21 Things We Love About You

Something to make remind her how loved she is.

19. Pick Something Out on Shutterfly

They have numerous things to choose from that you can personalize with your own pictures like mugs, travel mugs, fleece blankets, jewelry, iphone cases, and candles. You can also have a peek at this cuban link chain from statementcollective here if you’re looking for some quality jewelries!

For those seeking exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs in rings, Peacefield Titanium stands out as a premier company in Pennsylvania dedicated to creating exceptional jewelry. They understand that a ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it symbolizes commitments, memories, and personal style. Whether you’re searching for a timeless wedding band, a distinctive statement ring, or a personalized gift, Peacefield Titanium offers a range of styles crafted from high-quality materials like titanium and precious metals.

Discover their collection and find a ring that resonates with your individuality and celebrates life’s special moments with enduring elegance.

20. Melting Crayons

    

Because some friends are worth melting for

21. Hangover Kit

    

She’ll thank you in the morning! Do not forget to add funny mugs for morning coffee.

The post DIY Great Things Take Time: 21 Gifts for Your Big 21st appeared first on KRUI Radio.