February into Spring - Iowa Women's Music & Events

Howdy folks!

This is an updated list of Iowa’s live music, arts, social events and culture for, by, featuring, and of interest to women and friends for the end of February into Spring.  To submit events or to sign up a friend to receive this list by e-mail, please e-mail iowalisa@juno.com. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

UI WOMEN’S SOFTBALL SEASON: The women are looking good and the season has opened!  For a complete schedule, visit http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/w-softbl/sched/iowa-w-softbl-sched.html.  The first home games are the Hawkeye Classic on 3/22 and 3/23. 

SEEKING GLBT ARTISTS: This spring CSPS in Cedar Rapids will host a juried exhibit of GLBT artists who live and work in Iowa. If you fall in that category, create work in any visual arts medium, and would like to be considered, please send an inquiry, resume and/or work sample to info@legionarts.org.  Artists of all styles, and at all stages of their careers, are eligible.

LEARN GUITAR FROM THE MASTER, GAYLA DRAKE PAUL:  Gayla will be teaching 12-week Adult Accelerated Beginning Guitar Classes on Tuesday nights, February 19 through May 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at West Music Recital Hall in Marion.  The Accelerated Guitar Method is a new approach combining some of the most powerful, time-honored oral tradition techniques with the discipline of music theory.  By the end of the 12 weeks, you’ll know numerous chord shapes and have a guitar-based understanding of key centers and chord theory; read music, guitar tablature and fretboard diagrams; pick up any songbook and play; know how to tune and care for guitars and prevent injuries to hands and wrists.  To register, contact Amanda at 319-377-9100 or e-mail Gayla at gdrakepaul@yahoo.com.  Students will need their own guitar; learning materials provided, including Gayla’s book, The Accelerated Guitar Method: Book 1, with its companion audio CD.  Tuition $300.

HAMBURGER MARY’S GRAND OPENING: Finally, a restaurant that caters to the GLBT crowd (everyone is welcome, especially families)!  HAMBURGER MARY’S, a new bar and grille, has opened at 222 Glenbrook Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids.  Located behind Taco John’s & 2^nd Wind Exercise, open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.  Food served til 9 p.m., then Mary’s turns into a night spot.  Call 319-378-4627 for more info or directions.  Eat, drink, and be….Mary!

LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER IN DSM: The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Central Iowa is proud to announce the creation/expansion of four new programs. Family Pride Coalition will be offering a peer-led weekly group for LGBT parents. Space will be available for children to play. There will be a monthly meeting at the Center for LGBT people of color to discuss relevant issues and provide support for each other. A monthly grief-support group will be meeting at the Urbandale UCC Church.  The Central Iowa Bi Community is also organizing and will be meeting regularly. If you are interested in participating or would like more info about any of these groups, call 515-277-7884 or email director@lgbt-dsm.org.

SINGING BODY WORKSHOP: Fairfield singer-songwriter Sharon Bousquet presents a holistic singing workshop combining yoga, breathing, singing and Educational Kinesiology – movements that integrate the hemispheres of the brain – in a fun and effective routine for freeing your natural voice. Sharon has been teaching for 17 years. She will travel to teach in your town if there is interest, either in a private home, yoga center or church. Cost: $45-60 per person sliding scale, dependent upon ability to pay. For more info, visit www.sharonbousquet.com/crystalvoice.asp.  Call 512-393-4400 or e-mail vox@sharonbousquet.com to request Sharon’s class.

DIVERSITY DIALOGUE CIRCLE: Deepen your commitment to human rights by joining a Diversity Dialogue Circle.   A trained leader will engage members in dialogue about pre-set topics related to diversity.  For instance, you may be prompted to consider "What does an American look like?" or "Who makes up a family?"  Circles are a safe space for individuals to dialogue about difference across difference while increasing their cultural competence and raising their awareness of dynamics of power and privilege in American society.  Participants will be encouraged to identify ways in which they can apply knowledge and skills to their career goals, civic participation, and academic studies.  Each circle meets for 8 weeks from 6-7:30 pm on the campus of The University of Iowa.  People from the University and greater community are welcome. Visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~wrac today for more information or to join a circle.

LEARN ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BIBLE: This provocative three-part class will examine what the Bible actually does and does not say on the subject of homosexuality. It will address interpretation issues concerning the passages most commonly used in arguments. Presented by Rev. Dr. Shannon Michael Pater, Senior Pastor, Urbandale United Church of Christ at First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Ave., Des Moines, 515-244-8603, www.ucdsm.org.  Started February 13; remaining Wednesdays are February 20, and 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  This seminar is FREE and open to the public.

KRIPALU GENTLE YOGA: Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., through March 26 (no class March 5 or 19).  KRIPALU YOGADANCE (DansKinetics), new day and time: Thursdays, 5:45 p.m. through March 27 (no class March 6).  Cost is $12 per class.  Pre-registration encouraged.  To sign up, e-mail kathy@dancingwisdom.com.

CAPITOL CITY PRIDE IS GEARING UP: If you are interested in being involved in Capitol City Pride, visit the CCP website (www.capitalcitypride.org) or myspace (www.myspace.com/capitalcitypridedesmoines) to find out about the planned events or to sign up to volunteer. If you don't have time to volunteer, you can also donate to CCP through PayPal to help put on a great celebration.

CAPITOL CITY PRIDE RIDE: The LGBT Community Center of Central Iowa is beginning to plan their annual Pride Ride which will be Saturday, June 7 this year. CCP is partnering with the Center in hosting this event as part of our community celebration. If you are interested in being involved and enjoy biking, this is an event that can use many volunteers to make it even better than past years. Please contact Myke Selha, Executive Director of the LGBT at 515-277-7884 or email at director@lgbt-dsm.org.

GAYLA DRAKE PAUL’S NEW BOOK, CD & ARTICLES: The Accelerated Guitar Method: Book 1 is $15, available currently from Gayla by e-mailing gdrakepaul@yahoo.com.  Gayla has written several articles for the national magazine Premiere Guitar.  Search for articles by Gayla at http://magazine.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Article_Search.aspx and type “Gayla Drake Paul” in the Author search field.  Gayla’s new CD, "Pour Me" is now up on CDBaby and is available for purchase via mail order or download. Go to www.cdbaby.com/gdp16. 

SCHOOL FOR MORAL COURAGE: Check out the School for Moral Courage’s Community Calendar at http://www.schoolformoralcourage.com/september.html.

JOIN THE IOWA CITY PRIDE COMMITTEE 2008!:  The Planning Committee will be meeting monthly to plan next summer's Pride festivities.  They are looking for people with energy and vision to help with fundraising and planning.  It's a fun group and a great way to serve the community.  Meetings are the third Sunday of each month at the Iowa City Public Library at 3 p.m.  For more information, contact Bridget Malone at malone.bridget@gmail.com.  If you don’t want to serve on a committee, you can still send ideas for events at www.queerconnections.org/pride.

DO YOU GET LC?  Lesbian Connection is the free worldwide forum of news, ideas, and information for, by, and about lesbians, with info on festivals, travel, conferences, retirement communities, books, and much more.  Ambitious Amazons have been publishing since 1974, and they mail issues out every other month in plain brown envelopes.  If you’d like to start receiving LC for free, all you need to do is email elsiepub@aol.com with your full name and mailing address.  It’s a great grassroots magazine with the scoop on everything “L”!

SAVE THESE FESTIVAL DATES!:  The National Women’s Music Festival is being held June 19-22 at Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. Watch for updates on the Women in the Arts website: www.WIAonline.org.  For all you campers, Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival will be held August 5-10, 2008.  Check out www.michfest.com for updates!  The Iowa Women’s Music Festival will be held September 19-20 in 2008!  Plan to be there for our big 15^th Anniversary!  Watch www.prairievoices.net for updates in the spring.

WEBSITE FOR MIDWESTERN EVENTS: If you want to know what’s going on in neighboring states for women, check out Kai Phillipi’s website www.lambdabuzz.com.

IOWA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: The U of Iowa women’s basketball team is doing great and there are only a few home games left.  Carver Hawkeye Arena is a great place to watch the games!  There is one last home game in their schedule for 2008, on 2/28 vs. Northwestern.  Check for time at www.hawkeyesports.com.

DANCE CIRCLE: The Dances of Universal Peace are simple circle dances set to chants and songs from different spiritual traditions.  All dances are taught beforehand.  The dances are healing and inspiring for those who dance and help to bring more peaceful energy into our community and world.  All are welcome! The Iowa City dance circle meets every second Sunday through May at: Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City, 10 South Gilbert St.  Dances led by Sophia Virginia Melroy.  For more info, call 319-338-1778.

LOOKING FOR CD’S TO REVIEW: Art Scene, Iowa’s only publication for the arts, is in need of Iowa and Midwest music to review in their monthly publication.  Send music to review to: Art Scene, 8657 Douglas Ave., #136, Urbandale Iowa, 50322.  For more info, call 515-210-7066, visit www.artsceneiowa.com, or e-mail roderick@artsceneiowa.com.

CONNECTIONS, the Iowa City organization that provides social and networking opportunities for GLBT folks and friends with a range of interests, is in full swing.  Connections offers it all (a nature group, a spiritual group, a chess group, a movie night group, a cooking group, and a sewing group, just to name a few), and what it doesn’t offer can be arranged!  Check out the Connections website at www.queerconnections.org. For more info, e-mail queerconnections@yahoo.com.

IOWA PRIDE NETWORK: If you are interested in getting more involved and active in Iowa's GLBTQ community, focusing on safe schools and LGBT student leadership and development, check out the Iowa Pride Network's new website http://www.iowapridenetwork.org. Register at http://www.iowapridenetwork.org/jointhenetwork.htm to join this LGBT and Allied network of students and supporters.

WOMEN’S CULTURAL COLLECTIVE: Check out the happenings in Des Moines and the surrounding areas that are sponsored or supported by the Women’s Cultural Collective (WCC) at www.iowawcc.org.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD: Kelly Carrell has created a new community bulletin board for events of interest to LGBT people and advocates.  To view or post events, go to http://www.kellycarrell.com/bb.

NEW FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE IN IOWA CITY: Watch for a new monthly magazine to be hitting the free newsstands in Iowa City: Creative Crossroads.  Creative Crossroads is a free, 16-page monthly publication targeting 22 to 55 year old Iowa City/Coralville and surrounding area inhabitants attracted to interesting, relevant, and meaningful content.  Creative Crossroads touches on an array of local, regional, national, and global topics of discussion.   Content ranges from music to business, art to science, political to humanitarian issues, and more--all of which have a profound effect on our lives. 

NEW GREEN SEARCH ENGINE: There is a new green website called http://www.ecoseek.net, the internet's first green product search engine.  Its mission is to make it easier to find, research and buy eco-friendly products from all over the world.  Businesses, orgs, or individuals can list their eco-friendly products, services or CSA in EcoSeek’s directory for free. E-mail comments, suggestions or questions to info@ecoseek.net.

ONE-TIME EVENTS:

Monday, February 18, 7:30 p.m., TOSCA (the opera), performed by Teatro Lirico D’Europa, at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, on the campus of UNI, 8201 Dakota St., Cedar Falls.  For more info or tix, visit www.uni.edu/gbpac.

Monday, February 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m., PTDN THIRD PLACES at Eggy’s Sports Bar, 1295 Jordan Village, North Liberty.  PTDN is Professional and Technical Diversity Network.  PTDN organizes “Third Places” events at interesting gathering places throughout the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Corridor where people interested in understanding and promoting diversity can gather and visit.  Everyone is welcome! To get on the PTDN list, e-mail russ@novotnys.info.  

Thursday, February 21, 2008 GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE ON LGBT YOUTH in Des Moines.  Former NBA star John Amaechi and Lt. Governor Patty Judge will keynote this event. Amaechi is best known for being the first openly gay NBA player in history when he came out in February 2007. In October 2007 he was a featured guest on Oprah to promote his book, Man in the Middle, which details being LGBT and playing in professional sports. Conference workshops range from Big Tobacco targeting the LGBT community, legal information on the Safe Schools Law, LGBT health issues, and information on Gay-Straight Alliances. A diverse panel of LGBT students from across Iowa will discuss harassment and bullying during the lunch hour.  For more info and to register, visit http://www.lgbtgovernorsconference.org/.

Thursday, February 21, 7 p.m., GIRLYMAN with Patrick Bloom and Bob Hillman, at the Englert Civic Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City.  For more info or tickets, call 319-688-2653 or visit http://www.englert.org.

Thursday, February 21, 7 p.m., OPEN MIC with MARY MCADAMS (www.marymcadams.com), at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  This is a women-owned coffeehouse, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872.  Free and open to the public.

Friday, February 22, 7:30 p.m., RUBY HINDS in “See There in the Distance,” a one-woman tribute to contralto and civil rights pioneer, Marian Anderson, at Drake U’s Sheslow Auditorium, 25th and Carpenter Ave., Des Moines.  For more info or tix, visit www.iowatix.com or call 515-280-4020.

Saturday, February 23, 7:30 p.m., PABLO ZIEGLER and CLAUDIA ACUNA (Chilean vocalist), at Hancher Auditorium, on the campus of U. of Iowa, Iowa City.  Visit www.hancher.uiowa.edu.

Saturday, February 23, 7:30 p.m., MCC ENTERTAINMENT SERIES, “Black Performing Arts,” at the Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities (MCCQC), 3019 Harrison St., Davenport.  This event is free, but donations at the door are welcomed and will go directly to MCCQC. Concessions will also be available.  For more info, contact producer Mona Ritemon at m.ritemon@yahoo.com.

Saturday, February 23, 8 p.m., OUT OF BOUNDS, CSPS’s Open Mic event, at 1103 3^rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info or to sign up to perform (must sign up in advance), call 319-364-1580, e-mail info@legionarts.org, or visit www.legionarts.org/events/Oob02.htm.

Saturday-Sunday, February 23-24, SUSAN WERNER at Threshold Arts Festival, Des Moines.  For more info, call 515-288-8883.

Sunday, February 24, 12-5 p.m., University of Iowa’s 19^th ANNUAL CULTURAL DIVERSITY FESTIVAL, at the U of Iowa Field House, Iowa City.  The free festival, which annually attracts 3,000 to 5,000 visitors, represents more than 100 domestic and international cultures by showcasing foods, arts, crafts, dance performances, the spoken word, martial arts and children's activities. The goal of the festival is to provide a fun, unique opportunity where people can learn about each other's customs, traditions and perspectives.

Sunday, February 24, 2 p.m., AXISTheater COMPANY, The Number 14, satirical, silly, and quirky slice of urban life; theater on a bus!  Great for families!  Hancher Auditorium, on the campus of U. of Iowa, Iowa City.  Visit www.hancher.uiowa.edu.

Tuesday, February 26, 7-10 p.m., KIMBERLI’S OPEN MIC at The Blue Strawberry, 118 2^nd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids.  Great food, coffee, music, and atmosphere; beer and wine too.  You can’t go wrong.  Sign up to play beginning at 6:30 p.m.  For more info, e-mail flyingmonkeyscr@aol.com.

Thursday, February 28, 11:30 a.m., PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK FEBRUARY EVENT: Lisa Van Allen, “POWER Filled Living: Fulfilling Life’s Purpose."  A POWER-Filled Life is one of purpose and passion, one of success and achievement, one that isn’t limited by clouded thinking but has clear direction, motivation, and measurable results. Dr. Lisa Van Allen is a personal and executive coach with over twenty years of experience helping individuals and organizations find and fulfill life's purpose. Lisa's personal mission is to motivate, challenge and encourage others to fulfill their God-given purpose.  Lunch is included.  Held at Elmcrest Country Club, 1 Zach Johnson Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids.  Full registration and payment requested by February 25 for advanced prices: $15 members, $17 guests.  After February 25, members $17, guests $19.  Register at www.pwn.org.

Thursday, February 28, 7-9 p.m., OTHER TRUCKERS with BEJAE FLEMING and Andy Fleming (Brother Trucker) on vocals and guitar, with Lyle Hogue (Brother Trucker) on bass and Dave Ford on vocals, mandolin and harmonica, at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  This is a women-owned coffeehouse, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872. 

Friday, February 29, 7:30 p.m., BEJAE FLEMING & JACKIE BLOUT at the Maintenance Shop, on the campus of Iowa State U., Ames.  This will be a celebration of Sandy Dyas’ new book, “Down to the River: Portraits of Iowa Musicians.”  This event features music, a reception, and a book signing.  More performers will be on tap.  Check www.m-shop.com for more details.

Friday, February 29, 8 p.m., STEPH HAYES and Chris Schutz, at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  This is a women-owned coffeehouse, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872.  Suggested donation appreciated.  Visit www.thetouristsmusic.com and www.goodproblems.com.

Friday, February 29, 7 p.m., LOJO RUSSO at Cibo Fusion Restaurant and Lounge, 685 Marion Blvd, Marion.  Come for the great atmosphere, terrific people, incredible food, and awesome music!  For more info, call Cibo Fusion at 319-447-1414.  Visit http://www.cibofusion.com/.

Friday, February 29, 6-8 p.m., WINE TASTING: THE OLD WORLD WINES OF EUROPE at Vineria Wine Shop, 264 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE.  Taste wines from some of the most exciting wine regions in Europe.  Experience how the wines are influenced by terroir.  16 wines will be sampled.  Please make your reservation in advance!  Cost is $20.00, with $5.00 back on your purchase of 3 or more bottles. Call 319-373-6141 to make reservations.  Visit www.vineriawineshop.com.

Friday-Saturday, February 29 and March 1, 7 p.m., HERSONG – Quad Cities Women’s Chorus, in a joint venture concert with Unitarian Church Coffee House, 3707 Eastern Ave., Davenport.  Admission $10.

Thursday-Saturday, February 29-March 1, DIVAPALOOZA II: Rippin’ the Roof Off, featuring divas Jane Pini, Lynne Rothrock, and Janelle Lauer, at Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 3^rd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids.  Coproduced by SPT Theatre and Theatre Cedar Rapids.   Tickets are $25 and are available at the TCR Box Office, by calling 319-366-8591, or online at www.theatrecr.org.

Saturday, March 1, 8:30 p.m., LAURA TSAGGARIS (www.lauratsaggaris.com) and BRIANNA LANE (www.briannalanemusic.com) at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  This is a women-owned coffeehouse, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872.  Suggested donation appreciated.

Saturday, March 1, 8-10 p.m., IT’S STARTING TO LOOK A LITTLE GREEN, show at Club Universe, to benefit the CR GLRC PrideFest fund, at 616 2^nd Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids.  Featuring Princess Royale for Reign 15 Brandi Marie Powers and His Grace Jesse St. Trevino, along with The Imperial Court of Iowa.  No cover from 8-10 p.m.  Visit www.clubuniversecr.com or www.myspace.com/clubuniverseia.

Sunday, March 2, 7 p.m., PIETA BROWN with Bo Ramsey, at The Mill Restaurant, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City.  Non-smoking show.  $10 cover.  For more info, call 319-351-9529 or visit www.icmill.com.   Check out www.pietabrown.com.

Sunday, March 2, 10 a.m., SHARON BOUSQUET sings special music at Unity Center, 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info, call Nancy at 319-573-5877.

Sunday, March 2, 7 p.m., Three songwriters: BROOKE WAGGONER, Christopher Denny, and Jeremy Fisher, at CSPS/LEGION ARTS, 1103 3^rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info or tix, call 319-364-1580, e-mail info@legionarts.org, or visit www.legionarts.org.

Monday, March 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m., PTDN THIRD PLACES at Nikki’s BBQ, 2727 6^th St. SW, Cedar Rapids.  PTDN is Professional and Technical Diversity Network.  PTDN organizes “Third Places” events at interesting gathering places throughout the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Corridor where people interested in understanding and promoting diversity can gather and visit.  Everyone is welcome!  To get on the PTDN list, e-mail russ@novotnys.info.

Friday, March 7, 7:30 p.m., ANGELIQUE KIDJO, Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City.  For tix and info, visit www.hancher.uiowa.edu.

Friday, March 7, 7:30 p.m., AXIS DANCE COMPANY (merging the dance of dancers with and without disabilities), at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, on the campus of UNI, 8201 Dakota St., Cedar Falls.  For more info or tix, visit www.uni.edu/gbpac.

Friday, March 7, 8-10 p.m., BEJAE FLEMING with LAURIE HAAG on drums, at the Java House, 211 ½ E. Washington St., Iowa City.

Friday, March 7, 8 p.m., NIKKI LUNDEN with Sam Knutson at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  This is a women-owned coffeehouse, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872.  Suggested donation at the door.

Saturday, March 8, 2-4 p.m., BLACK SHEEP, Waubeek Trackers, and Glenn Lonsdale at Faith United Methodist Church, 1000 30^th St. NE, Cedar Rapids.  Suggested donation at the door.

Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m., DIANE REININGA sings special music at Unity Center, 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info, call Nancy at 319-573-5877.

Sunday, March 9, 3 p.m., Cedar Rapids GLRC annual membership meeting and election of the board at the Red Cross building, 6300 Rockwell Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, 319-366-2055.  Refreshments will be served.  All are welcome to find out about the GLRC and ask questions.

Wednesday, March 12, 9:30 a.m., CIVICS DAY AT THE CAPITOL, Des Moines.  Registration/Training: Iowa State Historical Building.  Hosted by: ACLU of Iowa, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund, Iowa Planned Parenthood Affiliate League, LGBT Community Center of Central Iowa, and One Iowa.  Lobby Day begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Iowa State Historical Building with an update and training session with an experienced legislative advocate. The session will be followed by a trip to the Capitol to meet with your legislators during the late morning and early afternoon (lunch is on your own). The day will end with a late afternoon celebratory reception at 4:00 p.m. (location TBD).  If you cannot make the whole day - no problem! Register for Civics Day and join us when you can! If you have any questions, please contact Brad Clark at 515-783-5950 or brad@one-iowa.org.  Resister at http://eqfed.org/oneiowa/events/civicsday/details.tcl.

Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m., OPEN MIC with MARY MCADAMS (www.marymcadams.com), at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  This is a women-owned coffeehouse, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872.  Free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m., SHARON BOUSQUET at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  This is a women-owned coffeehouse, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872.  Suggested donation at the door.

Sunday-Monday, March 16-17, both at 7 p.m., traditional Irish band CARA at CSPS, 1103 3^rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info or tix, call 319-364-1580, e-mail info@legionarts.org, or visit www.legionarts.org.  This band is Germany’s leading and award winning traditional Irish band, and they are not to be missed! 

Monday, March 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m., PTDN THIRD PLACES at Bob’s Your Uncle – Westside (Pizza Café), 749 Mormon Trek Blvd, Iowa City.  PTDN is Professional and Technical Diversity Network.  PTDN organizes “Third Places” events at interesting gathering places throughout the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Corridor where people interested in understanding and promoting diversity can gather and visit.  Everyone is welcome!  To get on the PTDN list, e-mail russ@novotnys.info.

Tuesday-Wednesday, March 18-19, BEYOND RUBIES: A Women’s Conference at Kirkwood Community College. Topics appeal to both personal and professional development, and the keynote speakers and workshops are valuable to women from all walks of life.  For more information on Beyond Rubies, visit www.kirkwood.edu/rubies or call 319-398-1022.

Thursday, March 20, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., OPEN FOR BUSINESS EXPO.  The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce presents the area's largest and most visited business-to-business marketing event of each year. The Open For Business Expo 2008 will be held at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Cedar Rapids.

Saturday, March 22, 8 p.m., OUT OF BOUNDS, CSPS’s Open Mic event, at 1103 3^rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info or to sign up to perform (must sign up in advance), call 319-364-1580, e-mail info@legionarts.org, or visit www.legionarts.org/events/Oob02.htm. 

Thursday, March 27, 11:30 a.m., PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK COLLEAGUE EVENT, Crowne Plaza Hotel, downtown Cedar Rapids.  Kathi Seifert will be the keynote speaker this year, presenting on “The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get.” Ms. Seifert retired as Executive Vice President for the Kimberly-Clark Corporation after 26 years at the company. Most recently, Kathi led the team that develops and manages global plans for branding and product positioning, R& D programs, and capital investment for personal care products.
Recently named to Fortune magazine’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business, Kathi also was named to Forbes.com’s annual “America’s Top Businesswomen” list.  To register, visit www.pwn.org or contact Shelley Woods at 319-981-9887 or pwn@pwn.org.

Friday, March 28, COWBOY JUNKIES at The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City.  For tix, call 319-688-2653, stop by the box office, or order online at www.englert.org.

Friday, March 28, 8 p.m., EDIE CAREY with special guest ELANA ARIAN, at Ritual Café, 1301 Locust St., Des Moines. For more info, call 515-288-4872 or visit www.ritualcafe.com.  $10 suggested donation.  Check out www.ediecarey.com and www.elanaarian.com.  

Saturday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., THE 5 BROWNS (5 brothers and sisters who are virtuoso classical pianists), at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, on the campus of UNI, 8201 Dakota St., Cedar Falls.  For more info or tix, visit www.uni.edu/gbpac.

Saturday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., MCC ENTERTAINMENT SERIES, “Powerful Women,” at the Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities (MCCQC), 3019 Harrison St., Davenport.  This event is free, but donations at the door are welcomed and will go directly to MCCQC. Concessions will also be available.  For more info, contact producer Mona Ritemon at m.ritemon@yahoo.com.

Saturday, March 29, 8 p.m., MARTINE LOCKE at Ritual Café, 1301 Locust St., Des Moines. For more info, call 515-288-4872 or visit www.ritualcafe.com.  Suggested donation at the door.  Check out www.martinelocke.com.

Sunday, March 30, 10 a.m., KIMBERLI MALOY sings special music at Unity Center, 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info, call Nancy at 319-573-5877.

Wednesday-Saturday, April 2-5, THIRD ANNUAL MISSION CREEK MIDWEST MUSIC FESTIVAL at various locations around Iowa City.   Featured artists at the Mill include Cursive, PIETA BROWN and Bo Ramsey, Headlights, These United States, Capgun Coup, a one of a kind all day author reading and many more. Stay tuned for ticket prices and specific performance dates.  Web site: http://www.missionfreak.com.

Saturday, April 5, 7:30 p.m., AHN TRIO at the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield.  For tix or more info, call 641-472-2787, e-mail boxoffice@sondheimcenter.com, or visit www.fairfieldacc.com.

Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m., CAROL MONTAG at Musser Public Library, 304 Iowa Ave., Muscatine.   For more info, call 563-263-3065.

Saturday, April 12, 8 p.m., SUSAN WERNER with Mason Greve, at CSPS, 1103 3^rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info or tix, call 319-364-1580, e-mail info@legionarts.org, or visit www.legionarts.org. 

Saturday, April 12, 7:30 p.m., CHERRYHOLMES (award-winning bluegrass family), at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, on the campus of UNI, 8201 Dakota St., Cedar Falls.  For more info or tix, visit www.uni.edu/gbpac.

Sunday, April 13, 2 and 7 p.m., GYPSY (touring Broadway production) at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, on the campus of UNI, 8201 Dakota St., Cedar Falls.  For more info or tix, visit www.uni.edu/gbpac.

Sunday, April 13, 10 a.m., NINA SWANSON sings special music at Unity Center, 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info, call Nancy at 319-573-5877.

Sunday, April 27, 10 a.m., SHARON BOUSQUET sings special music at Unity Center, 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info, call Nancy at 319-573-5877.

Wednesday, May 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Catherine McAuley Center’s ANNUAL ADULT SPELLING BEE, at Xavier High School, Cedar Rapids.  Fee for spectators is a canned good or free-will donation.  The spelling bee has three-person teams from the community, businesses, civic groups, and organizations.  Spectators are encouraged to attend to cheer on the teams.  The team sponsorship fee is $350 and registration deadline is March 31.  Call Amy at 319-363-4993 for more details.  To register, visit www.catherinemcauleycenter.com.

Sunday, May 11, 10 a.m., KATE BARLOON AND DAUGHTERS sing special music at Unity Center, 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info, call Nancy at 319-573-5877.

Friday-Saturday, May 16-17, RELAY FOR LIFE of Cornell College, at the Small Multisports Center, Mt. Vernon.  Opening ceremony 8 p.m. Friday.  Survivors’ victory lap and liminaria ceremony immediately following.  For more info, contact j-sombert@cornellcollege.edu.

Friday-Saturday, June 13-14, RELAY FOR LIFE of Linn County, at Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids.  Opening ceremony 7 p.m. Friday; luminaria ceremony at dusk on Friday.  Survivor activities on Saturday: breakfast 7:30-9 a.m., victory lap 9 a.m.  For more info, contact mary.ingram-chittick@genmills.com.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Every Friday and Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m., live music at Cibo Fusion, 685 Marion Blvd, Marion.  Come for the great atmosphere, terrific people, incredible food, and awesome music!  For more info, call Cibo Fusion at 319-447-1414. Sharon Bousquet performs the 2^nd Friday and 4^th Saturday of every month.

Last Tuesday of every month, 7-10 p.m., KIMBERLI hosts an open mic at the Blue Strawberry Coffee Company, 118 2^nd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids.  Great atmosphere, coffee, music, food, beer, and wine.  To get on the play list, contact Kimberli at flyingmonkeyscr@aol.com.

Second Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m., STONEWALL DEMOCRATS, the GLBT Caucus of the Democratic Party, meets at The Blue Strawberry Coffeeshop, 118 2^nd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids.  For more info, contact Greg Williams, President of the Linn Co. Chapter, at linnstonewall@mchsi.com or call 319-389-0093.

Every Friday, 8-10 p.m., Uptown Bill's Small Mall, 401 S. Gilbert St., in Iowa City hosts an OPEN MIC.  Everyone and all genres of performance are welcome.

First, third, and fifth Thursdays of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., EVENINGS FOR SPIRIT, women gathering at SpiritHill to share our spiritual experiences, visions and longings.  The evenings include time for sharing and time for silence.  Laughter, tears and singing are often shared as well.  No specific spiritual practice is followed.  This event is always open to newcomers.  SpiritHill Retreat, 604 Cedar Valley Road, West Branch, 319-643-2613, spirit-hill@earthlink.net.

First Tuesday of every month, "CONNECTIONS," an organization of individuals and families that comes together to form, build and sustain queer community in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area, meets and has many specific-interest groups that hold meetings throughout the month.  For more information about Connections and upcoming events, e-mail karen-haslett@uiowa.edu or contact Carlton Blackburn at carltonbburn@yahoo.com or 319-341-0195. Sign up for the Connections listserv at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/connections-news/ or e-mail connections-news-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.  Free.  If you want to start a group, e-mail your ideas to connections-news@yahoogroups.com.   E-mail the general Connections e-mail address at queerconnections@yahoo.com and visit their new website at www.queerconnections.org.

Every Sunday – SUNDAY NIGHT BLUES JAM at the Yacht Club in Iowa City, hosted and coordinated by NIKKI LUNDEN. 8 p.m.-midnight.  Food and drink specials.  For more info, e-mail sticklunden@yahoo.com.

Last Saturday of every month, Augie’s at 313 20^th St. in Rock Island, IL hosts KARAOKE NIGHT, which owner Rick Goulet says is heavily attended by the women’s community.  Call 309-788-7389 for more info.

Every Thursday, 5-7 p.m., Augie’s at 313 20^th St. in Rock Island, IL hosts an evening HOME-COOKED DINNER, benefiting Aids Project Quad Cities.  For $5, get a great meal and donate to a great cause. Call 309-788-7389 for more info. Get on Augie’s e-mail list to receive weekly updates with the ever-changing dinner menu by e-mailing r.goulet@mchsi.com.

Second Tuesday of every month, 5:30-7 p.m., EQUALITY IOWA’S HAPPY HOUR is held at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  Come get to know what EqIA has to offer you and how you can get involved with changing the lives of the LGBT community in Iowa.  Equality Iowa is working tirelessly in Des Moines and around the state to improve the civil rights of LGBT people through lobbying, education, and public policy work.  For more info about Equality Iowa, contact Sandy Vopalka at PoliticInIA@aol.com or 515-537-3126 or visit www.equalityiowa.org.  Ritual Cafe is a women-owned establishment, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info about Ritual Cafe, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872.  

Every Tuesday night, 8 p.m., DRUM LESSONS with Rusty Ekland, in the West African tradition, at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  The cafe is a women-owned establishment, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872.  Cover TBA at event.

Every Friday night, 6-7:30 p.m., “WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW” HAPPY HOUR at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines.  Come join us "down the rabbit hole" and redefine happy hour as we meet weekly to explore science and spirituality. Weekly event.  No cover.  This is a women-owned establishment, smoke-free, with a great atmosphere.  For more info, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872.

Every Saturday, noon to 1 p.m., WOMEN FOR PEACE IOWA host Weekly Street Corner Vigils for peace, rain or shine.  Meet at the corner of 1^st Ave. and Collins Rd. SE (in front of Granite City Brewery), Cedar Rapids.  Show your support for our troops by calling for their return from Iraq.  For more info, e-mail khall479@aol.com.

Fourth Tuesday of every month, WOMEN FOR PEACE IOWA book discussion group, 7:00 p.m. at The Peace Center, 1029 3^rd St., next to CSPS, Cedar Rapids.  For more info, e-mail khall479@aol.com or call 319-393-2508.

Second Tuesday of every month, WOMEN FOR PEACE KNITTERS meet for knitting, crocheting, and discussion, 9:30-11 a.m. at Prairiewoods, 120 E. Boyson Rd., Hiawatha.  For more info, call 319-377-3252 or go to www.womenforpeace-iowa.org.

Fourth Tuesday of every month, WOMEN FOR PEACE KNITTERS meet for knitting, crocheting, and discussion (yes, a second day of the month!), 7-8:30 p.m. at the Marion Public Library, 1095 6^th Ave., Marion.  For more info, call 319-377-3252 or go to www.womenforpeace-iowa.org.

Every Tuesday evening, 7:30-9:30 p.m., ARGENTINE TANGO practice and open dance, at the Wesley Center, 120 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City.  A donation of $1-2 per person is requested for use of the Wesley Center.  For more info, contact Karen Jackson at 319-447-1445 or e-mail kljedgewood@msn.com.

Every Saturday, 3:30 p.m., SALSA LESSONS taught by Gloria Zmolek, at CSPS, 1103 3^rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids.  No experience or partner necessary.  Lessons are free; donations accepted.  For more info, contact Gloria at 319-365-9611 or visit www.bailelatino.org.

Every Thursday, 7 p.m., COUNTRY LINE DANCING, taught by members of the Women’s Cultural Collective, at the Thoreau Center, 35^th and Kingman Blvd., Des Moines.  Cost is $5.00 per person per night.  You will need to bring your own beverages.  For more info, e-mail Billie Dyer at chachacha1@excite.com.

Every Friday, 6 p.m., GAY FRIDAY, Greater Des Moines all-inclusive dinner group, sharing issues affecting the GLBT Community @ allies.  Meet for food, fellowship & films at the Friends Meeting House, 42nd and Grand, Des Moines (enter from 42nd Street).  For more info, contact gay_friday_dm@yahoo.com.  Gay Friday is open to everyone interested in GLBT issues, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability, nationality, religious or political affiliation.

First Saturday of every month, 11 a.m., QCAD 1^st SATURDAY POTLUCK BRUNCH, Plaza Office Bldg., 1705 2^nd Ave., Ste. 508, Rock Island, IL.  QCAD is Quad Citians Affirming Diversity.  This is a monthly (1^st Saturday) social and brunch event for all.  Bring a dish to share.  Please RSVP at 309-786-2580 with the number of people attending.

Last Friday of every month, 7 p.m., QCAD LESBIAN MOVIE NIGHT, Plaza Office Bldg., 1705 2^nd Ave., Ste. 508, Rock Island, IL.  QCAD is Quad Citians Affirming Diversity.  For more info, call 309-786-2580.

Every Monday, 4-5 p.m., TUTORING AT OSADA: Join Women for Peace Iowa at 905 3^rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, in Apartment 110, to tutor elementary-age African refugee children.   No teaching experience required, just a willingness to give a little TLC to some beautiful children.  For more info, e-mail khall479@aol.com.

First Friday of the month, FAIRFIELD ART WALK.  For more info, visit www.FairfieldArtWalk.com.

Every Thursday, SCOTT AND MICHELLE DALZIEL host an open mic at Grape Harbor in Dubuque from 8 - 11 p.m.  Visit www.grapeharbor.com and www.dalziel.net.

Every 2^nd and 4^th Friday of the each month at 7 p.m., a DRUMMING CIRCLE meets at the Unity Center of Cedar Rapids, 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids.  For more info, call 319-393-5422.  Hosted by Sheri Mealhouse.

Every Thursday, OPEN MIC at GRIZZLY'S, 8:00 p.m.-midnight. Location: Grizzly's South Side Pub, 1210 Highland Ct., Iowa City.  They are also seeking standup comedians as well as musicians.  Thursday also happens to be Free Pool night!  For more info, contact Rick Vornbrock at RVock1@mchsi.com.  

Every 2^nd and 4^th Friday nights, 7-9 p.m., DRUMMING in the Native American tradition at Unity Center of Cedar Rapids, 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE.  For more info, call Sheri at 319-431-7550.

Thanks for supporting live music, your community, and women in the arts!

Lisa