If you are still reeling from this week’s shows (Dinosaur Jr’s tower of power might still be ringing in your ears if not for last night’s Mission Freak pop fest) there is no rest for the weary. And lest you thought this town would slow down for finals, we’ve got three hot events this weekend to prove you otherwise. So get your studying done, because you’ve got no reason not to hit up at least one of these this weekend.
Also, our year-end coverage starts tomorrow with a countdown of the year’s best concerts, followed by the year’s best albums.
Thursday
Pukers w/ Wet Hair, Secret Abuse+Evan Miller, Nimby, F(fractals) / Hall Mall - 9:55pm
Another killer Thursday night Hall Mall show with Los Angeles noise-act Pukers, who once called Iowa City home. They’ll be joined by a slew of avant garde locals that includes members of Raccoo-oo-oon, some hot local DJ shit, and who knows what else.
Friday
Gilded Bats w/ Evan Miller, The Mike and Amy Finders Band / 9pm - The Mill - $7
For as much time as we spend getting down on what’s freshest in Iowa City, it’s nights like these that remind us that for as vibrant as our avant scene is, the old-time music scene is just as present and necessary. Evan Miller’s virtuoso solo guitar work kicks the night off, followed by the Finders Band and Gilded Bats keeping the flame of local bluegrass and string music alive.
Download: The Mike and Amy Finders Band - Sayin’ No
Download: Evan Miller - Track 1
Saturday
MFA Directors One-Act Festival / Theatre Building - 8pm - $6 ($4 students, youth, senior citizens)
This is the final night of a two-weekend run of the festival, which takes place every three years. Four first-year directors have each taken on a contemporary play. This weekend features Sam Shepard’s “Chicago” (directed by Brandon Bruce) and “Walkin’ Backwards” by Brian Silberman, directed by Anthony Nelson.