Show Preview: Lip Critic with Recess and Ascended Master at Gabe’s, February 19th

February 18, 2026

RGBdatamoshchaosinformercialblownouttattoocontentawaredistortpopupad band Lip Critic returns to Iowa City at Gabe’s this Thursday, February 19th, as part of The Englert’s Track Zero concert series. They are supported by Iowa City’s Recess and Cincinatti metal Ascended Master.

Iowa City Free Week 2026 Preview

February 16, 2026

Free Week returns to Iowa City from February 16-22, 2026! An expansive and sprawling celebration of the arts here in our town, with performances, workshops, screenings, and more, free for all! Here are our day-by-day highlights.

Comedy Review: I Was Not the Target Audience for Tom Arnold at The Englert

February 11, 2026

By Bailey Vergara

Tom Arnold hosted a show at The Englert Theatre on February 6th. Though Tom Arnold is an undoubtedly adept comedian, I found myself at odds with his material.

Interview: Sierra Hull

February 9, 2026

KRUI’s Logan Melia talks with Sierra Hull ahead of her stop at The Englert Theatre on February 12th with The Milk Carton Kids.

Oasis “Live 25”: The Gig of a Lifetime

February 5, 2026

There were many tours in 2025, but one stood out. On a weekend that housed five shows at Chicago’s Soldier Field, Oasis Live ’25 was the standout of the weekend, and of a lifetime.

A Night at The Englert with Joseph

January 29, 2026

Portland indie-pop duo Joseph made their way to The Englert Theatre as they tour their new record “Closer to Happy”

Ethical Gaming: Choices, God, and “How Fish Is Made”

October 12, 2025

By Bailey Vergara

Developer Wrong Organ’s existential horror game “How Fish is Made” left me with some deeper questions about the nature of choice in the broader context of our existence. If the only way forward is death, does it matter what choices you make in the meantime?

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Iowa City Songwriters Festival Preview

September 2, 2025

The Englert Theatre will host the inaugural Iowa City Songwriters Festival, headlined by Jeff Tweedy and Joy Oladokun, this weekend from September 4-6. Sprawling across many of Iowa City’s favorite venues, this town wide event is bound to be memorable.

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

June 6, 2025

By Lee Nienhaus

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.

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Anti-wokeness and Iowa’s dismantling of education

May 2, 2025

By Amman Hassan

Republicans have successfully captured key state judicial and legislative procedures and used them to strangle the institutions and legal precedents that stand to curtail their agenda and limit their power.

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2025 March Madness Overview

March 18, 2025

By Collin Carrithers

With the bracket set for the 2025 NCAA National Championship tournament, KRUI takes a closer look at some of the matchups that will be taking place during this edition of March Madness.

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In Conversation with Ross Nusser

February 28, 2025

Meet Iowa City Council District C Special Election candidate Ross Nusser, in conversation about his policies and values with KRUI staff.

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In Conversation with Oliver Weilein

February 27, 2025

Meet Iowa City Council District C Special Election candidate Oliver Weilein, in conversation about his policies and values with KRUI staff.

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Seeing Double with Two Words’ Debut Album “Double Vision”

December 20, 2024

By Lee Nienhaus

Chicago band Any Two Words’ debut album “Double Vision” tugs at the main themes of the genre of Midwest Emo. Its’ 13 song run is a mass of casual poetry.

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Michael Knowles and a Case Study of Tolerating Intolerance

December 3, 2024

By Amman Hassan

The student group Young Americans for Freedom once again were allowed by the university to host another transphobic speaker at the Iowa Memorial Union. The lecture was met with protests outside by students and those in the Iowa City community who showed up to support trans people.

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Magdalena Bay at an Artistic Peak, Live in the Flesh

November 9, 2024

By Maurice Crawford

On their sophomore album, indie pop duo Magdalena Bay manages to deliver an instant classic that showcases a progressive and genre-blending interpolation of pop music. This release cycle also featured a special performance at the University of Iowa.

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More From KRUI

Music →

Best Albums of 2025: KRUI Staff Picks

The rumors are true, KRUI likes music! 2025 was a crazy year all around, and even crazier, we here at KRUI actually listened to lots of albums this year. We’ve picked out eleven of our favorite albums from this year to share, and explore together.

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Best Songs of 2025: KRUI Staff Picks

It’s December 29, 2025, and if you can believe it, we here at KRUI actually listened to music throughout the whole year! From pop superstars, to indie legends, to the fresh Bandcamp up-and-comers, we’ve picked out nine of our favorite songs released this past year to share and explore together.

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News →

Iowa Public Safety Leaders Warn “9-1-1 Can’t Wait,” Push for First Surcharge Increase Since 2013

Iowa’s 911 operators urge lawmakers to increase surcharge fees to cover rising costs.

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Dancing Differently

For nearly 40 years, Jhe Russell needed to be perfect. After all, his dance career demanded it. But when injuries and the chaos of life took him in a different direction, he found peace in a job he never expected.

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Sports →

Calling for Free

With over three decades of calling hockey games under his belt, Jason Shaver is considered one of the most respected sports broadcasters in the American Hockey League. While his path to the Chicago Wolves was anything but conventional, he will never put a price tag on the journey.

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Out of Magic: Rams Knock Bears Out of Playoffs in Overtime 20-17

A miraculous season for the Chicago Bears finally came to an end against the Rams, one game shy of the NFC championship. Instead of boos from the stadium, there was applause, and hope, for a team that exceeded all expectations.

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