Midwest adult performers converge for Cirque Risque
IOWA CITY — Adult performers from Chicago and throughout the Midwest will converge Saturday on The James Theater for “Cirque Risque,” a circus-themed night of burlesque that is the latest production from Bawdy Bawdy Ha Ha. Emceed by Varla, a comedic performer originally of the IC Kings, the night’s headliner is Jezebelly, a burlesque performer originally from Chicago and now based in New Orleans. Also featured: Bawdy Bawdy Ha ha founder Catty Wompass; co-producer Anita Sativa; and from Chicago, former IC King and now burlesque performer Matt Adore, contortionist Dahlia Fatale, acrobat Tila Von Twirl, and pole dancer Diwa Oro. Additionally, the night includes burlesque performers Academix.x.x; from Omaha and Caffeyne Luv from Detroit. Tickets are $38.50; get yours here. Doors open at 7 p.m.; The James Theater is at 213 N. Gilbert St. Several performers will also offer a burlesque workshop Sunday for all age levels at the North Liberty Rec Center; email bawdybawdyhaha@gmail.com if you’re interested.
Two DIY jewelry classes this weekend at Beadology Iowa
IOWA CITY — You have not one, but two, chances to practice making your own jewelry under expert guidance this weekend at Beadology Iowa. One is a little silly, the other is kind of classy. First up Saturday is “Lamb-Work,” a chance to practice your lamp-working skills working with tiny ceramic lambs. As of press time, only two spots remained in this class taught from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by Beadology owner Karen Kubby. Registration is $120 and includes materials and use of tools; sign up here. If you’re looking to make dressier jewelry, check out Sunday’s “Pearl and Copper Wrapped Bracelet” class from noon to 4 p.m. Cheryl Weatherford of Chereal Designs will guide attendees to create a classy bracelet with an organic clasp out of freshwater pearls and copper wire. This class is $78 and also includes materials and use of tools along with instruction; sign up here. Beadology Iowa is at 355 S. Clinton St. and also features beads, gemstones and finished jewelry for sale.
Jail headed to citizen vote as debate deepens
JOHNSON COUNTY — The divisive topic of a potential new jail will now go before voters in November, following the Johnson County Board of Supervisors’ 3-2 vote Aug. 5 to hold a November referendum (KGAN). The panel voted to put the $95 million project before voters this fall after months of debate. Advocates for the new jail, including Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel, cite safety and health concerns with the 45-year-old current facility built for about 46 inmates and now routinely housing 100 (The Gazette). They say a new jail is about treating inmates humanely. Opponents to the new jail, including V. Fixmer-Oraiz, cited concerns about cost, asked if more should be done now to treat current inmates more humanely, and questioned whether a larger jail would mean more incarcerations in the future, under different supervisors, through collaborations with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). November’s referendum will ask voters to approve a 12-year bond repayment plan; approval of the bond referendum requires 60 percent of voters.
