On the street

Friday Night Concert Series

Nicole

This year marks my sixth summer in Iowa City, and I must say that the people I interviewed tonight about "What's best about summer in Iowa City?" were right on the mark.

You can read their answers in Monday's paper, but here's a sneak peek:

They told me they love the free cultural events, like the Friday Night Concert Series. Tonight, a huge crowd showed up to hear the Iowa City band Euforquestra's eclectic "Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk" music. The band caught everyone's attention by marching in through the Ped Mall, dressed completely in white, playing percussion instruments. For a second, I thought they were chefs making music with pots and pans. 

The crowd was a wonderful melting pot of students, families, senior citizens, people with disabilities and people of various ethnic backgrounds. Some grooved in front of the Sheraton Hotel on the "Weatherdance Fountain" (which was turned off, of course). Others parked on benches or stairs, or let their kids burn off energy on the playground equipment by the library.

As I took it all in, I thought, 'How lucky are we to have an event like this every Friday night in the summer - especially when it's FREE?' (There's no admission, although I must say it's tempting to drop a few bucks to enjoy the music from the outdoor seating of one at one of the many downtown restaurants, or at least to buy tasty snack, like a George's Gyro, a Marco's Grilled Cheese or a Pop's Italian Beef, from the vendors.)

Another popular answer about what's great about Iowa City summers: the calmness. I'm thrilled to live in a college town (or near it, as I do now) that's packed with educated professionals, talent, fresh ideas and vibrant young people. The university makes the town tick. But summer's a nice break from the frenzy. Iowa City doesn't shut down, but it's a different place. Parking spots are easier to come by. Bars and restaurants are less crowded. You notice more "locals" out and about.

Speaking of out and about, I'll be in Iowa City again next weekend at the Saturday Night Free Movie Series. The movie: "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl." Hope to see you there!

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