Live music abounds with local venues
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Ever since the days of R.E.M. and Sonic Youth, college rock has become a staple of the American music scene. Years later, the genre has expanded to include music of all styles. As one of the quintessential college towns, Iowa City boasts an impressive set of music venues.
The Mill
120 E. Burlington St.
Open since 1962, the Mill is one of Iowa City’s most established music joints and is recognized for the roster of folk and bluegrass acts that have played on its stage. But booking agent Andre Perry said the establishment is expanding its scope.
“In the past four years, our music has opened up,” he said. “There have been indie rock and experimental rock bands here. We have really wide tastes, and we’re happy to have jazz and rock ’n’ roll.”
Perry said the Mill’s cozy setting, with a heavily wood interior and seating close to the stage, make the venue appealing to both bands and audiences.
“The Mill has a lot of character; it adds a special touch,” he said. “There’s an intimate relationship between the audience and the band.”
Local artists Greg Brown, Bo Ramsey, and William Elliott Whitmore have been regulars. In recent years, the Mill has also hosted Mountain Goats, Cursive, and Tilly and the Wall.
The Industry
211 Iowa Ave.
The Industry is still a newborn on the Iowa City music scene, after opening in April 2008. In a different setup from other local venues, the club features two stages with a combined capacity of roughly 600. Joe Scarpellino, assistant for booking and promotions at the Industry, said the space allows it to host diverse groups, from rock to rap and even salsa.
Scarpellino said the Industry’s biggest show took place on New Year’s Eve 2008, when bands including Euforquestra, Dead Larry, and Public Property played both the upstairs and downstairs stages. The group River and the Tributaries is also a frequent act.
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The Picador
330 E. Washington St.
Long known as Gabe’s, the venue was sold roughly three years ago and became the Picador. But having a different name does not mean the location has stopped snaring big acts.
“We’re classically known as a blues bar, only because we don’t have much jazz or acoustic bands,” said the Picador’s production manager, Kevin Koppes. “But we’ve had big hip-hop and metal groups come here, too. Whatever people want to see, we’ll book it.”
One reason bands and audiences are drawn to the Picador’s cavernous stage is its superior audio quality, he said.
“Our sound system can’t be touched,” he said. “Some heavier bands require more mike work and set up. That’s why bands come here.”
The Picador has recently hosted Converge, Dinosaur Jr., Buckethead, the Academy Is, the Hold Steady, and Girl Talk.
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