Update to August's Iowa Women's Music & Events

This is an updated list for August through the fall and into 2008. Plan ahead!

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 August. To submit events or to sign up a friend to receive this list by e-mail, please e-mail iowalisa@juno.com. To view this list on-line, with advanced notice of events though the fall, go to www.myspace.com/iowalisa or http://iowalisa.blogster.com.

If anyone has corrections for the RECURRING events list at the end of this e-mail, please let me know.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

IOWA WOMEN’S MUSIC FEST IS NEAR!: September 15 is the date for this year’s Iowa Women’s Music Festival in Iowa City. We have a stupendous line-up of performers! This is our year of heavenly vocals, from the first to the last performer! Don’t miss anyone! EMILY LOUISE, SHARON BOUSQUET, AWFUL PURDIES, JANELLE LAUER, WISHING CHAIR, SUSAN WERNER, and the phenomenal RUTHIE FOSTER, Noon-6 p.m. in Iowa City’s Upper City Park….and it’s FREE! Check our website at www.prairievoices.net for updates and more info.

GIRLS ROCK CAMP: Kimberli still has openings for the GIRLS ROCK! camp August 5-8 at Camp Hitaga in Walker, IA. The camp is open to all girls entering grades 3-12 in the fall of 2007. Primary focus will be on putting together a talent show that we'll perform for families and friends on Wednesday evening, but we'll have workshops in backstage (sound, props, lights, etc) and stage presence, singing and acting. Girls will also enjoy archery, swimming, horseback riding, crafts, nature and sports as well as a percussion workshop and demo with Kerri Collings and a girls’ self defense class taught by Timothy Pinnow (Combative Arts, New Mexico) and more! Cost is $155 per girl. Please email for registration forms or to get more information: FlyingMonkeysCR@aol.com.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WITH ETHERIDGE ON LOGO: If anyone has Dish or Direct TV, you can see this historic event. Visit the following website:
http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=Press_Room&CONTENTID=37364&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm. Human Rights Campaign Foundation and MTV Networks Logo Channel will co-present a live televised event August 9 with co-panelists Melissa Etheridge and HRC director Joe Solmonese. The forum will discuss issues of importance to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community with the leading 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, including, currently confirmed and in alphabetical order, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The one-hour event will be held on August 9 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET in Los Angeles before a studio audience and broadcast live, without commercial interruption, exclusively on Logo’s 24/7 cable television channel as well as through live streaming video at www.LOGOonline.com.

CANS FOR THE QUIRE: Audra and Steph are collecting cans and bottles, returning them, and donating the money to help Quire members go to the GALA Festival next summer in Miami, FL. They are hoping to raise $20,000 (not all from cans of course) so that they can send 30 Quire members to this special event. Spread the word and e-mail Steph if you have cans and bottles to pick up: rainrock66@yahoo.com.

MICHIGAN WOMYN’S MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP: From August 7-12, check out the coolest in women’s music and culture, including Cris Williamson, Alix Olson, Stacyann Chin, Chris Pureka, God-des and She, Dar Williams, Nedra Johnson, Wishing Chair, Erin McKeown, Laura Love, Catie Curtis, Ruthie Foster, Barbara Higbie, Teresa Trull, Vicki Randle, Ferron, B*itch, Doria Roberts, Sarah Bettens, Elvira Kurt, Melissa Ferrick, Ubaka Hill, and comedians Vickie Shaw, Sabrina Matthews, and Karen Williams. And more!!! For more info, visit www.michfest.com or www.myspace.com/michfest.

BAND OPPORTUNITY: Kelly Carrell is starting a Country/Blues/Folk band for weeknight gigs in Iowa City and weekend gigs around Iowa. Looking for the following: Drummer, Piano/keyboard player, Fiddle player, *Bass player, *Lead Guitar (must be able to play electric and acoustic). *ability to play harmonica a plus but not required. If you play another instrument that is not listed above but would complement a country/blues/folk band, let Kelly know. For auditions, contact Kelly at 319-321-5709.

VOLUNTEER DAYS AT CSPS: To prep CSPS for another season of artistic mayhem, work days at CSPS are August 11, 18 and 25 at 1103 Third St SE, Cedar Rapids. Show up between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., ready to paint, clean or otherwise help. (If you've got a specific skill, like plumbing, construction or electrical work, please let CSPS know in advance.) If you can put in at least two hours, they’ll find you a task, and also feed you lunch. If you'd like to come by on a Sunday, or during the week, they'd still be happy to have your help. Let CSPS know and they'll work something out. E-mail info@legionarts.org or call 319-364-1580 for more info.

MINNESOTA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL: The fest will begin Saturday, August 18, and will continue through Sunday, September 30. Adult tickets are $15.75 and tickets for children ages 6-12 are $7.75. Children 5 and under are free. For more information about the festival, visit http://www.renaissancefest.com.

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.

SUMMER OF THE ARTS: Mark your calendars for the Friday Night Concert Series on the downtown Iowa City Ped Mall (Now-September 14) and the Saturday Night Movies Series (Now-September 15). Check out www.summerofthearts.org.

ONE-TIME EVENTS:

Now-August 18, WEST SIDE STORY at Theatre Cedar Rapids, 1st Ave and 3rd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids. I just saw this, and I was amazed! It is a FABULOUS production, with amazing local singers and dancers! Very professional! Go see it! Get tix and more info at www.theatrecr.org or call 319-366-8591.

Monday, August 6, 5-7 p.m., PTDN THIRD PLACES at Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant, 3939 Center Point Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids. PTDN is the Professional and Diversity Network. All are invited to socialize and meet others with a desire to network and understand and promote diversity in our community. For more info, e-mail russ@novotnys.info.

Wednesday, August 8, 7 p.m., THE BURLINGTON STEET BLUEGRASS BAND, at The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City. Always a non-smoking show!

Wednesday, August 8, 6:30 p.m., LINN COUNTY STONEWALL DEMOCRATS Monthly Meeting, at the Blue Strawberry, 118 2nd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids. Meet with like-minded democrats to discuss GLBT issues in politics and get involved in being an activist for GLBT rights. For more info, e-mail Greg at forgottenfreedoms@gmail.com.

Thursday, August 9, 7 p.m., ELLIS at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines. For more info, visit www.ritualcafe.com, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872. Check out www.ellis-music.com.

Thursday, August 9, 9 p.m., LIPSTICK HOMICIDE with Rusty Buckets and Wheelers, at The Mill Restaurant, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City. $5 cover. For more info, visit www.icmill.com or call 319-351-9529.

Friday, August 10, 9 p.m., BREE CLIME-WHITE with Sexual Buddha, at The Mill Restaurant, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City. $5 cover. For more info, visit www.icmill.com or call 319-351-9529.

Friday, August 10, 7-10 p.m., LYNNE ROTHROCK and Ron DeWitte at Java Creek Café, 588 Boyson Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids. Call 319-294-2401 for more info. Great food, coffee, atmosphere and music, and no cover!

August 9-11, LANDLOCKED FILM FESTIVAL at The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City. For more info, contact the Englert Theatre at 319-688-2653, info@englert.org, or www.englert.org.

Saturday, August 11, Noon-4 p.m., GLRC of Cedar Rapids PRIDE PICNIC at Pleasant Creek State Park, the North Shelter of Palo Lake. A kegger, hamburgers, and hotdogs will be provided. Bring a covered dish to share. Games, volleyball, croquet, and badminton, plus a silent auction. Donate a new or unique used item in good shape for the auction. For more info, visit www.crglrc.org.

Saturday, August 11, 9 a.m., LINN COUNTY HEART WALK at Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids. The goal this year is to raise $137,000 to fund much-needed cardiovascular and stroke research in the Linn County area. For more information, contact Heart Walk staff partners at 319-378-1763, e-mail andy.houts@heart.org, or visit http://heartwalk.kintera.org/cedarrapids.

Sunday, August 12, 3-6 p.m., BEJAE FLEMING with JACKIE BLOUNT and Pete Manesis and Jimmy Stevens, at the Prairie Moon Winery, Ames. For more info, e-mail bejaef@msn.com or visit www.bejaefleming.com.

Sunday, August 12, 7:30 p.m., GILLIAN WELCH at Hoyt Sherman Auditorium, Des Moines. For more info or tix, visit www.ticketmaster.com. For artist info, visit www.gillianwelch.com.

Thursday, August 16, 5:30 p.m., THE BURLINGTON STREET BLUEGRASS BAND at the City Park Music Series, Grinnell.

Friday, August 17, SCOTT & MICHELLE DALZIEL at The Fireside Winery in Marengo. For more info, e-mail scottandmichelle@dalziel.net.

Friday, August 17, 8:30 p.m., EMBRYO, jazz and blues acoustic trio featuring Tina Haas-Findlay, at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines. For more info, visit www.ritualcafe.com, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872. Check out www.myspace.com/ladyblueband. Suggested donation.

Friday, August 17, 5-9 p.m., STARVING ARTIST PICNIC, an annual picnic for CSPS/Legion Arts, at Red Cedar Lodge, Squaw Creek Park, Marion. Free, donations accepted. This is a great chance to connect with the artists, volunteers, audience members, fans, Legion Arts board and staff (past and present), friends and neighbors of every sort, plus some possible surprise musical guests. CSPS will announce the artists coming to CSPS this coming season. Family members of all ages are welcome, as are pets. Bring something to grill, something to share and, if you're so inclined, a musical instrument. Legion Arts will be providing tableware and beverages. RSVP to info@legionarts.org. (Reservations not required to attend.) Rain or shine (lodge is available). Directions to Squaw Creek Park, located at the intersection of Highway 13 and Highway 100, can be found at: http://www.linncountyparks.com/ParkSummary.asp?ParkID=9.

Saturday, August 18, 9 p.m.-midnight, JODIE FOSTER CONNECTION (80’s almost-all-girl ROCK), Mugs N Jugs, 2665 Edgewood Parkway #104 (Between Panera and Sushi House), Cedar Rapids.

Saturday, August 18, 6:45 p.m., JENNIFER DANIELSON plays before the Saturday Night Free Movie (Spirited Away, Rated PG) on the UI Pentacrest, outside the Old Capitol building, downtown Iowa City. For more info, visit www.summerofthearts.org.

Saturday, August 18, 6-9 p.m., BEJAE FLEMING, JACKIE BLOUNT, and JOE & VICKIE PRICE, at Sugar Grove Winery, Newton. For more info, e-mail bejaef@msn.com or visit www.bejaefleming.com.

Monday, August 20, 5-7 p.m., THIRD PLACES at Café Z, 1705 S. 1st Ave, Iowa City (across Lower Muscatine from Sycamore Mall). Cafe Z is a French and Italian restaurant. PTDN (Professional and Technical Diversity Network) “Third Places” events are generally scheduled for the 1st Monday of the month in Cedar Rapids, and the 3rd Monday of the month in Iowa City, starting at 5:00 p.m. There generally will be no formal program, just a chance to “unwind” after work and visit with other people of like interests and an interest in promoting diversity. For more info, e-mail russ@novotnys.info.

Wednesday, August 22, 7 p.m., THE BURLINGTON STREET BLUEGRASS BAND at The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City.

Friday, August 24, 8:30 p.m., MARA LEVI at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines. For more info, visit www.ritualcafe.com, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872. Check out www.maralevi.com. Suggested donation.

Friday, August 24, 5:30-9:30 p.m., MIKE AND AMY FINDERS at the Homegrown in Iowa Music Series, downtown Perry. Call 515-465-2518 for more info.

Saturday, August 25, 9 p.m., JODIE FOSTER CONNECTION (80’s almost-all-girl ROCK), at the Mill Restaurant, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City. This is a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. $5 minimum donation. For more info, call 319-351-9529 or visit www.icmill.com.

Tuesday, August 28, 7-10 p.m., OPEN MIC hosted by Kimberli, at The Blue Strawberry, 118 2nd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids. Great food, great coffee, great atmosphere, great music. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. to perform. For more info, e-mail flyingmonkeyscr@aol.com.

Friday, August 31, Noon, GAYLA DRAKE PAUL live from the Java House, downtown Iowa City, on Washington St. between the Englert Theatre and the Ped Mall, or hear it on the radio on Iowa Public Radio’s “Java Blend” on WSUI, AM 910 and KSUI, 91.7 FM. Visit http://wsui.uiowa.edu/events.htm for more info.

Saturday, September 1, 3 p.m.-2 a.m., NEW BOHEMIA MUSIC FESTIVAL, on 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids. The street will be closed from 10th to 12th Ave. for the festival! This is right outside CSPS. Come for 7 stages of entertainment with 100 artists, children’s events, an art tent, vendors, and 1000 new friends! For more info, visit www.newbohemiamusicfestival.com.

Saturday, September 1, LOJO RUSSO performs at the Bier Stube in the East Village, 2228 E. 11th St., Davenport. For more info, visit www.lojorusso.com or www.bier-stube.com.

Friday, September 7, KRISTIE STREMEL at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines. For more info, visit www.ritualcafe.com, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872. Check out www.kristiestremel.com.

Saturday, September 8, 7:30 p.m., JAMIE ANDERSON, hosted by the Women’s Cultural Collective of Des Moines, at the Friend’s Meeting House, 42nd St. and Grand Ave., Des Moines. For more info, e-mail wcc@iowawcc.org. Mary McAdams opens. $15 suggested donation, more if you can, less if you can’t. Refreshments provided. Jamie’s got a brand new CD and lots of great new songs! Check out www.jamieanderson.com.

Monday, September 10, 7 p.m., JAMIE ANDERSON on KUNI Live From Studio One, at the Communication Arts Building on the campus of U. of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. Be in the studio audience for $3 donation, or listen on 90.9 FM in most of Eastern Iowa. For more info, visit www.kuniradio.org.

Wednesday, September 12, 6:30 p.m., LINN COUNTY STONEWALL DEMOCRATS Monthly Meeting, at the Blue Strawberry, 118 2nd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids. Meet with like-minded democrats to discuss GLBT issues in politics and get involved in being an activist for GLBT rights. For more info, e-mail Greg at forgottenfreedoms@gmail.com.

Thursday, September 13, 7 p.m., SECOND CITY (comedy troupe), 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, September 14, EMBRYO at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines. For more info, visit www.ritualcafe.com, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872. Check out www.myspace.com/ladyblueband.

Saturday, September 15, Noon – 6 p.m., 14th ANNUAL IOWA WOMEN’S MUSIC FESTIVAL, in Upper City Park, Iowa City. The tradition continues, and this year will be fantastic with a line-up of tremendous talent, including RUTHIE FOSTER, SUSAN WERNER, WISHING CHAIR, JANELLE LAUER, AWFUL PURDIES, SHARON BOUSQUET, and EMILY LOUISE. The event will be free to attend and open to the public, as always. Bring lawn chairs for grass seating and some spending money so you can shop in our marketplace and eat some festie food. For more info, visit www.prairievoices.net, e-mail festival@prairievoices.net, or call 319-335-1486. Anyone who wishes to volunteer for this great event, to donate to keep this festival affordable, or to become a vendor to keep our marketplace thriving, please let us know! We sure can use every bit of help!

Saturday, September 15, 6-10 p.m., BLACK SHEEP at Unity Center, 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids. This concert will be held outdoors, so bring lawn chairs, no coolers. A picnic dinner is available for purchase. Gates open at 6; concert opens at 7 with the Unity Spirit Choir followed by Black Sheep. A silent auction will also be held. For more info, call Nancy Dearborn at 319-573-5877.

[TENTATIVE] Saturday, September 15, JODIE FOSTER CONNECTION at Gus’s in Coralville.

Tuesday, September 18, 7:30 p.m., EVITA, the Broadway musical on tour, at The Paramount Theatre, on 3rd Ave. SE in downtown Cedar Rapids. For more info, call 319-398-0223 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Tuesday, September 18, ANI DIFRANCO with MELISSA FERRICK at Hancher Auditorium, on the campus of the U. of Iowa, Iowa City. This is three days after the Iowa Women’s Music Festival, so Iowa City will continue to rock with great women in music! Get tix on the Ticketmaster website, at www.ticketmaster.com. This show is presented by SCOPE.

Wednesday, September 19, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., DIVERSE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, “Diverse Paths-Shared Destinies,” hosted by Diversity Focus, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 350 1st Ave., downtown Cedar Rapids. This conference will address a range of critically important themes relating to the ever changing cultural climate in the Cedar Rapids - Iowa City Corridor. The conference will provide educational and professional tools related to creating welcoming business and community environments in the Cedar Rapids – Iowa City Corridor. Opening keynote speaker - Mr. Clay Jones, Chairman, President, and CEO of Rockwell Collins. Luncheon keynote speaker is Mr. Stedman Graham, Bestselling Author, Educator, and Entrepreneur. Cost is $79 for the conference and luncheon / $29 for the luncheon only. Register: www.kirkwood.edu/ce, or call 319-398-1022 or 1-800-332-8833.

Thursday, September 20, 7 p.m., BRENDA WEILER at Being There Coffeehouse, 110 1st Ave. N, Altoona (near Des Moines). $10 cover, all ages. Check out www.brendaweiler.com.

Thursday, September 20, PLACE YOUR BETS ON TCR, a benefit for Theatre Cedar Rapids, at the Elmcrest Country Club, Cedar Rapids. Enjoy the "Speak Easy" feel of gaming tables (black jack, poker, roulette, video horse racing) and a piano man. For more info, e-mail Casey at casey@theatrecr.org or call 319-366-8592.

Thursday-Friday, September 20-21, LAYING CLAIM TO OUR SPIRIT: Iowa African American Women’s Leadership Conference, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 350 1st Ave, downtown Cedar Rapids. Sponsored by the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa, this is an uplifting exploration of the legacy of African American women past, present, and future, with specific emphasis on Iowa. All who are interested in this legacy are welcome to attend. Complete conference program and registration form are now available on www.blackiowa.org. Thursday evening, Sept. 20, the Museum will honor four African American women at the Iowa African American Women History Makers Gala. Gateway Dance Theatre of Des Moines will also perform. Keynoting Laying Claim to Our Spirit are Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Julia J. Cleckley, the first minority woman general in the Army National Guard; Cedar Rapids native Anne Harris Carter, diversity expert; R. Lucia Riddle, Vice President—Federal Government Relations with Principal Financial Group, who will speak on public engagement; and Dr. Paula Mahone of Des Moines, who will speak on African American women’s mental health. The registration fee is $99 by September 7. Gala tickets are $25 for conference registrants, $45 for non-registrants. Student rates are available. For more information, to register or to sponsor, visit www.blackiowa.org or call 319-862-2101 ext. 14.

Friday, September 21, 10 a.m., BRENDA WEILER, interview and live performance, on Iowa Public Radio, “The Exchange” with Ben Kieffer, on WSUI AM 910.

Friday, September 21, 8 p.m., BRENDA WEILER at CSPS, 1103 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids. For more info or tix, call 319-364-1580, e-mail info@legionarts.org, or visit www.legionarts.org. This is a CD release show for Brenda’s new CD “end the rain.” Check out www.brendaweiler.com.

Friday, September 21, STEPH TAYLOR at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines. For more info, visit www.ritualcafe.com, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872. Check out www.stephtaylor.com.

Friday-Sunday, September 21-23, FOUR KINGDOMS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL, Rock Island, IL. Lojo Russo performs. For more info, visit www.fourkingdoms.com.

Saturday, September 22, HITAGA FOLK AND ARTS FESTIVAL, at Camp Hitaga, Walker. For more info, e-mail flyingmonkeyscr@aol.com.

Saturday, September 22, BRENDA WEILER at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines. For more info, visit www.ritualcafe.com, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872. Check out www.brendaweiler.com.

Sunday, September 23, 2 and 7:30 p.m., EVITA (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.

Tuesday, September 25, 7-10 p.m., OPEN MIC hosted by Kimberli, at The Blue Strawberry, 118 2nd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids. Great food, great coffee, great atmosphere, great music. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. to perform. For more info, e-mail flyingmonkeyscr@aol.com.

Thursday, September 27, 9 p.m., PUBLIC PROPERTY, smooth roots rock reggae sounds, playing to benefit Iowa City’s Independent Living, at The Mill Restaurant, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City. For more info, visit www.icmill.com or call 319-351-9529. $5 minimum donation. Check out http://www.publicprop.com/.

Friday, September 28, BETH AMSEL with JENNY GOODSPEED at Ritual Café, 1301 E. Locust St., downtown Des Moines. For more info, visit www.ritualcafe.com, e-mail ritualcafe@aol.com or call 515-288-4872. Check out www.bethamsel.com.

Saturday, September 29, 8 p.m., SHARON BOUSQUET at Café Paradiso, 607 W. Broadway, Fairfield (in the Broadway Bldg.). For more info, call 641-472-0856 or visit www.cafeparadiso.net. Duo show! Very nice songwriter venue, best coffee you can find anywhere. Great music to boot! Visit www.sharonbousquet.com.

Friday, October 5, 8 p.m., SUZANNE VEGA at the Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., downtown Iowa City. For tickets or more info, e-mail info@englert.org, visit www.englert.org, call 319-688-2653, or stop in at the box office M-F, 1-6 p.m.

Friday, October 12, 7:30 p.m., HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO, at Hancher Auditorium on the campus of the U. of Iowa, Iowa City. For tix and info, visit www.hancher.uiowa.edu.

Saturday, October 13, 7:30 p.m., OFF THE WALL, an annual fundraiser for CSPS/Legion Arts, at 1103 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets go on sale September 5. Get this one on your calendar now. It's a fabulous, annual fall fundraiser and art auction. You'll enjoy a great party, provide invaluable support for Legion Arts, and get the perfect piece of art for your home or office. Watch www.legionarts.org for further details.

Sunday, October 14, 8 p.m., BRENDA WEILER at The Mill Restaurant, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City. For more info, visit www.icmill.com, call 319-351-9529 or check out www.myspace.com/bweiler. $8 cover. Non-smoking.

Tuesday-Saturday, October 16-20, SONiA and disappear fear are artists in residence at CSPS, 1103 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Call 319-364-1580, e-mail info@legionarts.org, or visit www.legionarts.org for a full schedule of SONiA’s appearances.

Friday, October 19, 7:30 p.m., SHAKTI DANCE COMPANY, 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.

Thursday, October 25, 8 p.m., SARAH VOWELL, American author, journalist, humorist, and commentator – “The Madonna of the Americana,” at The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City. For tickets or more info, e-mail info@englert.org, visit www.englert.org, call 319-688-2653, or stop in at the box office M-F, 1-6 p.m.

Friday-Sunday, October 26-28, SUSTAINABLE LIVING CONFERENCE: Renewable Resources and the Future of Iowa, in the New Bohemia District, Cedar Rapids. The conference will be held at CSPS (1103 3rd St. SE), the Matyk Building (1029 3rd St. SE), the African American Museum (55 12th Ave. SE), and at the P-3 Union Hall (116 14th Ave. SE).

Wednesday, October 31, 7:30 p.m., HAIRSPRAY, the Broadway musical on tour, at The Paramount Theatre, on 3rd Ave. SE in downtown Cedar Rapids. For more info, call 319-398-0223 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Thursday, November 1, LAURA LOVE at Ames Public Library.

Sunday, November 11, 3 and 8 p.m., Monday, November 12, 7:30 p.m., ANNIE (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.

Friday-Sunday, November 16-18, THE NUTCRACKER, 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, December 7, WISHING CHAIR at Lighthouse Coffeehouse, West Des Moines.

Saturday, December 8, 7:30 p.m., SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City. Visit www.hancher.uiowa.edu.

Wednesday-Saturday, December 12-15, MY FAIR LADY, Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City. Visit www.hancher.uiowa.edu.

Monday, January 7, EASILY AMUSED at Drake University, Des Moines.

Friday, January 11, 7:30 p.m., PAULA POUNDSTONE 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, 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.

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.

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.

February 29, March 1, DIVAPALOOZA 2 at Theatre Cedar Rapids, 1st Ave. SE and 3rd St. SE, downtown Cedar Rapids. For tix or more info, call 319-366-8591.

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.

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, 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.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Every Friday, 6-9 p.m., the incomparable singer-songwriter-guitarist GAYLA DRAKE PAUL plays 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. Eric Douglas will be joining Gayla on several Fridays.

Last Tuesday of every month, 7-10 p.m., KIMBERLI hosts an open mic at the Blue Strawberry Coffee Company, 118 2nd 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 2nd 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 20th 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 20th 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 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 1st 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, 3rd St. SE and 11th Ave., next to CSPS, Cedar Rapids. First book: The End of Poverty, by Jeffrey Sachs (order from Barnes and Noble, $16). For more info, e-mail khall479@aol.com.

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 3rd 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, 35th 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 1st SATURDAY POTLUCK BRUNCH, Plaza Office Bldg., 1705 2nd Ave., Ste. 508, Rock Island, IL. QCAD is Quad Citians Affirming Diversity. This is a monthly (1st 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 2nd and 4th 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.

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