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Three things to do this weekend

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Masquerade Ball
Thursday, Dec. 31

masquerade

Get out your finest masquerade costume to ring in 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Cedar Rapids. The hotel is hosting a charity ball to benefit the Animal Welfare Foundation of Iowa. Enjoy an appetizer buffet, beer, Champagne, a cash bar and acoustic music by Justin Crippen and Nassor Cooper followed by the musical stylings of Class Act DJ. Oh and they’ll even get you home safe and sound with free limo service.

Masquerade Ball
7 p.m. Thursday (12/31), $35, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 350 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids,

http://crnewyears.eventbrite.com

Mad Hatter Ball
Thursday, Dec. 31

hatter

For a special evening getaway for the New Year, toast to 2010 at the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center tonight. The Mad Hatter Ball features dinner, a six-hour open bar, music and dancing by Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra, Champagne toast, music and, of course, dancing. Register online or over the phone.
Mad Hatter Ball
7 p.m. Thursday (12/31), Coralville Marriott Hotel &
Conference Center, 300 East Ninth St., Coralville, $199 to $329, www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cidic-coralville-mariott-hotel-and-conference-center

Dueling Pianos
Thursday, Dec. 31

piano

If you’re spending the first of the year in the Key City, swing by the Diamond Jo Casino downtown Dubuque for some gambling (if you’re feeling lucky) and some entertainment. Robert Bozaich and Elissa Larson will be on dueling pianos starting at 8 p.m. followed by DJ Double J ringing in the balloon drop, party favors and toast at midnight.
Dueling Pianos
8 p.m. Thursday (12/31), Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar, 301 Bell St., Dubuque, $10 general admission, www.diamondjo.com

Three other things

Noon Years Eve
11 a.m. Thursday (12/31)
The Play Station, 200 Collins Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, kids $5.99, adults free, www.theplaystation.com

Synergy
9 p.m. Thursday (12/31)
Riverside Casino, 3184 Hwy 22, Riverside, free, www.riversidecasinoandresort.com

Irish New Year Party
4 p.m. Thursday (12/31)
The Mill Restaurant, 120
East Burlington St., Iowa City, $15 www.icmill.com

Three things to do this weekend

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DMX Live
Friday, December 11

dmx

DMX is in the house. Or at least he will be this Friday night. And while he won’t so much be in a house as he will be in a hotel, this is one show you don’t want to miss. DMX will bring hip-hop hits like 1999’s “Party Up (Up in Here)” to Coralville during a concert presented by AmazaShow.com and hosted by University of Iowa Alumni and former KRUI radio personality Sid Mali (a.k.a Sid The Kid). Plus, proceeds from the event will benefit the pediatric cancer research center at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. That’s what we call a different kind of rapping with a cause this holiday season.

DMX
7 p.m., Friday (12/11), Coralville Marriott and Conference Center, 300 East Ninth Street, Coralville, $30 in advance or $35 at the door, www.amazashow.com

What a Load of Craft!
Saturday, December 12

crafting

Clearly, this isn’t your grandma’s craft fair. What a Load of Craft! features local crafters and artists selling handmade goods just in time for the holidays. Plus there’ll be live music throughout the day and a Craft Death Match. Now that’s something you just have to see that for yourself. Happy crafting!
What a Load of Craft
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday (12/12), Johnson County Fairgrounds Building C, 4261 Oak Crest Hill Road SE, Iowa City,
www.whataloadofcraft.com

Garaj Mahal
Sunday, December 13 @ 6 to 10 p.m.

garaj

Head to Parlor City Sunday night to soak up the sounds of San Francisco and Chicago-based Garaj Mahal. This four man band — including guitar and sitar virtuoso Fareed Haque, world-renowned bass master Kai Eckhardt, gospel-inspired jazz keyboardist Eric Levy, and the funky Sean Rickman on the drums — promises a little jazz, a whole lot of jam and some world fusion to add a little fresh and funky to your holiday ho hum.
Garaj Mahal
6 to 10 p.m. Sunday (12/13), Parlor City Pub and Eatery,
1125 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, $10 at the door, (319) 362-6975, www.kcck.org

Three other things

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
8 p.m. Thursday
Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington St., Iowa City, $34 to 41, (319) 688-2653, www.englert.org

Creative Connections: Joyce Schmidt
10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, Free, (319) 366-7503, www.crma.org

Aisle of Lights
Weekend
Various times on Saturday and Sunday
Various locations around Coralville including the Johnson County Historical Society Museum, the Iowa Children’s Museum and City Hall, Free, www.coralville.org

Three things to do this weekend

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Andy Warhol Exhibit and Virsky Ukrainian National
Dance Company
Friday, October 16

dance

Coe College is chock full of culture this Friday night. First stop by the opening reception in the Marvin Cone and Eaton-Buchan Galleries for an art exhibition featuring Andy Warhol Polaroids and works by sculptor Isabel Barbuzza. The fascinating exhibition runs from 3 to 5 p.m. daily through November 8. Then pop over to Sinclair Auditorium to see the world renowned folk dance ensemble Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company perform. The group — famous for bright colors and blending tradition with modern day — is sure to give you a little taste of their native Ukraine.

Andy Warhol Exhibit and Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company
5 to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday (10/16), Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, (319) 399-8600, www.coe.edu

Rock ‘n’ Roll at TCR
Friday, October 16

tcr
What do you get when you combine romance, rock music and Czech history? Here in Cedar Rapids you might actually come up with a few answers, but this weekend it means Rock ‘n’ Roll at Theatre Cedar Rapids where politics, poetry and rock ‘n’ roll collide. This drama reveals life in Czechoslovakia from the Prague Spring of 1968 to the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Don’t miss this rockin’ history lesson now through October 31.

Rock ‘n’ Roll
7:30 p.m. Friday (10/16), TCR Lindale, 4444 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, Adults $20-$25; students $15, 319.366.8591, www.theatrecr.org

Magician Rob Lake
Sunday, October 18

lake

He’ll put a spell on you. Well, not exactly. But you’ll surely
be amazed at the talents of magician Rob Lake. Not only was he  the youngest magician named the 2008 Merlin International Magician of the Year but David Copperfield has called him “the hero of magic.” Not too shabby. He’s bringing his spectacular illusions and enchanting stage show to Iowa City this weekend.

Magician Rob Lake
2 p.m. Sunday (10/18), City High School Opstad Auditorium, 1900 Morningside Drive, Iowa City, $25 – $10, (319) 335-1160, www.hancher.uiowa.edu

Three other things

Orchestra Iowa’s
Urban Perspectives
8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
Sinclair Auditorium at Coe College, 1220 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, $14, $24 or $39, (319) 366-8203 or (800) 369-TUNE (8863), www.orchestraiowa.org

Beyond the Grave
Cemetery Tour
6 to 8 p.m. Sunday
Sharon Center United Methodist Church, 2804 520th St SW, Kalona, Free, (319) 351-5738, www.johnsoncountyhistory.org

The Avett Brothers
8 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday
Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington, Iowa City, $22 in advance and $26 day of show, (319) 688-2653, www.englert.org

Three Things
To do this weekend

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Jason Reeves
Friday, May 29

Iowa City’s native troubadour, Jason Reeves, returns to the Englert Theatre’s stage this weekend. Reeves, now a Warner Brothers recording artist, entertains audiences with his pop/folk melodies which have earned him both critical and popular acclaim including “Top Folk Album of 2007″ from iTunes. Don’t miss this concert, which promises to take the audience on a contemplative journey of love, hope, heartbreak and renewal.

Jason Reeves
8 p.m. Friday (05/29), Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington St., Iowa City, $17 in advance or $19 day of show, www.englert.org

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John Buck: Iconography
Saturday, May 30

Drop by the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Saturday to check out the opening of their latest exhibition, John Buck: Iconography. Buck, originally from Ames and now living in Montana, is an internationally acclaimed printmaker and sculptor. The CRMA is the only Iowa stop for this nationally touring exhibit featuring more than 60 of Buck’s works including large-scale prints, sculpture, shadow boxes and more. While you have until August 16 to see Buck’s works  at the CRMA, there’s just one chance to meet the artist and hear him speak about his creations during the featured artist talk on Saturday afternoon.
John Buck: Iconography
1 p.m., Saturday (05/30), Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, www.crma.org

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Ladies Tire Titan Challenge
Tuesday, June 2 through June 7

The Ladies Titan Tire Challenge is no ordinary charity golf tournament. And thanks to the hard work (and volunteer coordination) of Junior League of Cedar Rapids, this exciting professional sporting event is headed to your backyard. The Ladies Titan Tire Challenge is one of 17 stops — and the first-ever Iowa stop — on the LPGA’s official developmental tour known as the Duramed FUTURES Tour (Lorena Ochoa and Christina Kim began their professional careers on the tour and hometown-hero Zach Johnson got his start on the men’s equivalent) and will feature 144 professional female golfers (from 31 countries) vying for an LPGA membership card. Events include the 54-hole professional competition, teaching clinics, two Pro-Am tournaments and social events. Plus, event proceeds go to The Arc of East Central Iowa. Fore!
Ladies Titan Tire Challenge
Various times, Tuesday (06/02) through Sunday (06/07), Hunter’s Ridge Golf Course, 2901 Hunter’s Ridge Rd., Marion, $10 per day or $25 for three-day pass, www.titantirechallenge.com or www.juniorleaguecr.org

THREE OTHER THINGS

Barks in the Park
6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday (5/28)
Squaw Creek Park (meet at Red Cedar Lodge), 4305 Squaw Ln., Marion, $5, http://wickiup.blogspot.com/

Free Family Night at the Iowa Children’s Museum
5 to 8 p.m., Friday (5/29)
Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coralridge Ave., Coralville, Free, www.theicm.org

Beckster Fest
Various times Friday through Sunday (5/28 to 5/31)
Amana Colonies RV Park and Event Center, Amana, $10 to $12 daily or $25 three-day pass, www.barefootbecky.com

Three Things to do this Memorial Day weekend

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Friday Night Concert Series and Uptown Friday Nights
Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22

Kick off your three-day weekend — and the start of a summer-long weekly event — by attending this year’s first Summer of the Arts Friday Night Concert Series on Thursday and Friday in Iowa City on the Ped Mall and Uptown Friday Nights Friday in downtown Cedar Rapids at Greene Square Park. In Iowa City, the Friday Night Concert Series starts Thursday with a special performance by the Iowa City High and West High jazz ensembles. It continues Friday night when Big Wooden Radio takes the stage. Check it out each Friday night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. through August 28. In Cedar Rapids, perennial favorite The Swing Crew is on deck Friday at the Jaycees summertime staple, Uptown Friday Nights. Go back every Friday through the end of July from 5 to 8 p.m. Stay downtown afterward for specials from area bars and restaurants.

 

 

 

Friday Night Concert Series
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday (5/21) and Friday (5/22), Ped Mall, Iowa City, Free, www.summerofthearts.com

Uptown Friday Night
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday (5/22), Greene Square Park, Cedar Rapids, $5, Must be 21 or older to attend, www.uptownfridaynights.com

LIBERTY CENTRE BLUES & BBQ

Liberty Centre Blues and BBQ
Sunday, May 24

There’s nothing like a little barbecue and blues to get in the mood for summer. And there’s no time like Memorial Day weekend to kick off the season. The annual Liberty Centre Blues and BBQ in downtown North Liberty is a  family-friendly event with all-day live music, a variety of local food vendors, kids’ activities ranging from fishing to carnival games and a beverage garden for the 21 and over crowd. The regional entertainment includes the music stylings of Wise Fools and Bob Dorr and the Blue Band. So bring your lawn chairs, blankets, big appetites and friends down to the celebration. P.S. It’s free!

Liberty Centre Blues and BBQ
Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday (5/24), Liberty Centre, North Liberty, Free, www.northlibertyiowa.org/bluesandbbq/

Iowa Renaissance Festival

Iowa Renaissance Festival
Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25

The 18th annual Iowa Renaissance Festival and Gathering o’Celts returns to Middle Amana this weekend with three days of festivities. New and returning classic acts will bring the large living history campment fields and entertainment to life. There will be comedy, street performers (nearly 200 from Iowa, Minneapolis, Chicago and Kansas City), traditional horseback jousting tournaments, Highland Games demonstrations, a beer garden and wine tasting and the military history exhibits. The merchant’s includes artisans and products that can only be found at a Renaissance faire. The children’s realm will also have new surprises and games, along with story-tellers and faerie greeters.
Iowa Renaissance Festival
11 a.m. to 6p.m. Saturday (5/23), Sunday (5/24), Monday (5/25), Middle Amana Park, Amana, single day admission $10 for adults, $5 children ages 6 to 14, children under six free,$15 two-day pass, $18 three-day pass www.iowarenfest.com

 

3 things to do this weekend

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3 Things

Not sure what to do this weekend? Check out one, two or all three of these events and you’ll have to try not to have a good time.

“The Sound of Music”
7:30 tonight (12/11) to Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, TCR Lindale, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, $10 to $25, (319) 366-8591, www.theatrecr.org

 Maria almost didn’t make “The Sound of Music.” Amy Stoner, who plays the lead character in Theatre Cedar Rapids’ production of the classic musical, was suffering from mono in the lead up to the show, which premiered Nov. 28.
 That’s not the only piece of bad luck Stoner had to deal with recently. In a dress rehearsal for TCR’s “The Rocky Horror Show” in October, she fell and tore open her knee, requiring an in-costume trip to the emergency room and five stitches. Show this girl some support!

Holiday Pops – “Home for the Holidays”
2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday (12/13) and Sunday, Sinclair Auditorium, Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Iowa City West High School, 2901 Melrose Ave., Iowa City; $9 to $54, (319) 362-8203, www.crsymphony.org

 Tim Hankewich will do his best Frank Sinatra impression in this year’s Cedar Rapids Symphony/Orchestra Iowa Holiday Pops concerts. Hankewich, the symphony’s conductor, will pick up a microphone for “You’ll Be Swingin’,” a jazzy medley of carols.
 You’ll also hear holiday favorites like “Let It Snow,” “Deck the Halls” and “Winter Wonderland,” along with guest vocalist John Ryal getting sinister on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Your heart might grow three sizes when you hear it.

“Santaland Diaries”
7:30 p.m. Wednesday (12/17) and Dec. 19; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City, $15 to $18, (319) 688-2653, www.englert.org

 Nothing says Christmas for NPR lovin’ brainiacs like David Sedaris’ “Santaland Diaries.” Tim Budd of Iowa City plays Sedaris in City Circle Acting Company of Coralville’s production of the one-man show, which the troupe last staged in 2004.
 The show tells the story of Sedaris’ experience working as a department-store elf. Budd says one of his favorite parts is when Sedaris overly scolds a kid who’s throwing a tantrum, telling him Santa’s going to steal everything out of his home if he doesn’t shut up.

3 Other Things

Adrian Legg, 8 p.m. Wednesday (12/17), CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $14 or $17, (319) 364-1580, www.legionarts.org

“Small Miracles,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday (12/13) and 2 p.m. Sunday, Riverside Theatre, 213 N. Gilbert St., Iowa City, $12 to $20, (319) 338-7672, www.riversidetheatre.org

The Black Crowes, 8 p.m. tonight (12/11), Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, $36.50, (319) 363-1888, www.valairballroom.com

Eric Clark shunned music until he was 12 and has been obsessed with it ever since. He’s a punk-rocker at heart who doesn’t think a receding hairline is reason enough to retire from the mosh pit. He just wears a hat. When he’s not listening to music, he rides BMX flatland, which is sort of like break dancing on a bicycle. He’s worked at The Gazette since 2004.

– Eric

halloween happenings

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Here are few Halloween events we’ve heard about. Add yours to the list by commenting on this post.

Friday, Oct. 31

Cedar Rapids Public Library. Halloween Party for children ages 3-11.

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Center Court at Westdale Mall.

More info: Visit www.crlibrary.org.

 

Sunday, Oct. 26

Safe Halloween at Noelridge Park. Bring out the kids (under 14) for an old-fashioned Halloween. There will be costume contests throughout the afternoon with prizes in various age categories. This event is relocated from the annual event once held at Ushers Ferry, which is currently closed after this summer’s flooding.

When: noon to 3 p.m.

Where: Noelridge Park, 4900 Council Street NE, Cedar Rapids

Cost: $3 for any child who will be trick or treating. There is no charge for accompanying adults. You are asked to have exact admission ready when you come to the gate.

Extras: Parking is available at the Noelridge Greenhouse, Noelridge Pool and Harding Middle School.

More info: (319) 286-5763.