Entertainment

I recently watched the Amy Winehouse biopic 'Back to Black.' The writers gives a nod to the singer's musical influences early on in the film, including Sarah Vaughan, Lauryn Hill and Massive Attack. As a big fan of these artists, as well as Winehouse, I was hooked. Winehouse fans are sure to love actress Marisa Abela's performance; her embodiment of the look, style and swagger of Winehouse is uncanny.

Iowa Scenic Views by Foot with Tyler SullivanJoin us on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, for a presentation from Tyler Sullivan. Tyler is an Iowa native who has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout Iowa. He runs at least one mile in each of the cities he visits and writes a poem about each county. His presentation includes a slide show about his journey and showcases the beauty of Iowa.

Switchback, featuring the dynamic musical duo of Marty McCormack and Brian FitzGerald returns to Garrison with their unique blend of American Roots and Celtic Soul music. Join us for a Sunday afternoon, May 18 from 2-4:30 p.m. of music, fun and food (by the Garrison Library). An experience you will remember! Hope to see you there!https://www.youtube.

Sixty-two films were screened at the 2025 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, April 4-6, 2025 at the Collins Road Theatres, 1462 Twixt Town Road, Marion, Iowa. Awards were handed out at the Saturday night Eddy Awards Ceremony, presented by Farmers State Bank, as well as following the Student Cinema Sunday screenings.Professional Narrative FeatureGold – 5683, by Brittany Benedict, Kevin Shepherd and Michael Huntington (Newhall, Iowa)Silver – Remote, by Matthew Tribble and Marc Bauer (Cedar Rapids, Des Moines)  ---Eddy Award Winners   Student FreestyleGold – EDM is Plastic?, by Than San, Loras College (Dubuque, Iowa)Silver – Unwritten, by Hunter Jones, Loras CollegeStudent Narrative Short Form FilmGold – Brothers: A Civil War Story, by Casey Schaffer, Matthew Donley and Zachary Gutherman, De Sales University (Waterloo, Iowa and Westminster Colorado)Silver – Eighteen Years, by Libby Perry and Emily Surma, Loras CollegeStudent DocumentaryGold – I went on the adventure of my dreams by Jack McCarthy, North Scott High School (Eldridge, Iowa)Silver – Jayden Upton: Give it Your All!, by Dylan Ervin, Kevin Franks and Nolan Swartz, Loras CollegeStudent Narrative Long-Form FilmGold – 50mm, by Dillon Jacobson, University of Iowa (Iowa City)Silver – Exaltation, by Will Schwartz, University of IowaHobbyist Short FormGold – Inheritance, by Allanah Swenka and Benjamin Schmidt (Coralville)Silver – Chase, by Lilah Pearl Skaar, Anthony Syracuse, Jme Lee and James Brown (Denver, Iowa)Hobbyist DocumentaryGold – Good Tough Kid, by Michael James McDonald, Seth Stoltenow and Joshua Cole (Wyoming, Michigan)Silver – Tinker by Ryan Adams (Independence, Iowa)Hobbyist FeatureGold – The Gates, by Tiffany A.

The Matchsellers are a rollicking American Stringband from Kansas City. Join us for a Sunday afternoon of lively bluegrass, old-time music and storytelling from a truly unique band! Their shows are a lot of fun! Click here for video of the group that you can enjoy!“…a twisted sense of lyrical humor paired with energetic Americana music” – Norman Transcript, OklahomaRefreshments will be provided by Garrison Library for a donation.

I never encourage you to leave town, especially to watch a movie, because we have the best theatre right here in Vinton! However, I thought this event might be something some might enjoy knowing about!---Sixty-two films from across the country, all with an Iowa connection, will take center stage at the 2025 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival (CRIFF), running April 4-6 at Collins Road Theatres in Marion.

Celebrate St Patrick's Day with some lively Irish and Bluegrass music from Bob Black & Banjoy, with Joy Ward on the fiddle! This is always a great show! Hope to see you there!Refreshments are provided by the Garrison Library for a freewill donation. The concert will be on Sunday, March 16th from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm with admission of $12 except for children who can enjoy the music free!Join us at:Farmers Mercantile Hall100 W Main St.

Join us for our 2nd Annual Red Carpet Party at the library! We will be watching the celebrity red-carpet arrivals in Hollywood for the Academy Awards! Our night includes Oscar-themed trivia games, beverages, appetizers, and more! Formal dress is encouraged but not required. Thanks to a generous donation from Express Limousine of North Liberty, we are also holding a raffle for a 2-hour limo ride prior to the event.

By Marcy HorstBob Dylan, “A Complete Unknown,” was joined by four guitars, a harmonica, and a mandolin at the Palace last weekend to raise more than $1,000 toward our Light Up the Palace 25th Anniversary Project. Thanks so much to musicians Phil Thomas, Jay Cherry, Todd Frank, and Jim Magdefrau who graced our stage for the Dylan tribute and gave of their time and immense talent.

Join us for our 2nd Annual Red Carpet Party at the library! We will be watching the celebrity red-carpet arrivals in Hollywood for the Academy Awards. Our night includes Oscar-themed trivia games, beverages, appetizers, and more! Formal dress is encouraged but not required. Thanks to a generous donation from Express Limousine of North Liberty, we are also holding a raffle for a 2-hour limo ride prior to the event.