Come out to Bluesmore and get down

The blues tells a story. Every line of the blues has a meaning.
-John Lee Hooker

I’ll be the first to admit – Iowa and the blues are not synonymous.  But that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate the blues. In fact, right here in Cedar Rapids we have an annual event to show our appreciation for the blues and experience up ‘n coming as well as established blues artists.   This year’s Bluesmore will be held this Saturday, August 2, 2008 from 4:00 – 9:30 pm.

For the 14^th year in a row, Brucemore and the Linn County Blues Society have joined forces to present a concert of local and national blues artists. Blues legends have performed for thousands at the Brucemore Mansion, and young and old alike come out to get down. In addition, the Bluesmore festival also offers educational music workshops are perfect for children and families.

This year’s lineup features Bernard Allison, Nick Moss and The Fliptops and Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts

Some bring some folding chairs and get ready to enjoy a night under the stars listening to some incredible music.

posted by: heatherjoy77

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The Bix – A Quad City tradition

There are tons of walks and runs to participate in during the summer in Iowa. I recently walked in the The Bix. 2008 marks the 34th anniversary of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 – in fact it’s known as one of the United States most prestigious and challenging races.

Here’s a recap of my walk…

Of the people I know about, I brought up the rear. By a lot. About 2:18 for me. That’d be two hours and eighteen minutes to walk seven miles. My 60-year old father in law ran it in just over an hour. Small children and old folks alike giggled as they passed me by. But there’s a reason! Really!

Where I started

The Army guys…

Tinky Winky

The Chicken Man

Our inspiration

First of all, I started waaaay in the back. So I started off at a disadvantage.

I was near the Army guys in fatigues with 100lb packs on their backs. They started up Brady St. hill walking, and I kept pace. Woot!, I thought, I can keep up with these guys, and they train and like, lift weights and stuff.

Then we got to the top of the hill and they started running.

I never saw them again.

Then I got passed by Tinky Winky.

Seriously.

Then I got passed by the chicken man. But you know, he’s probably a runner in all the getup.

Then the pregnant gal breezed by me. Very pregnant. Maybe 7 months. But she was probably a runner before, so she doesn’t count.

Then the lady in the wheelchair passed me.

Then our inspirations passed me  (and his wife I presume). They were getting cheers the whole way. Truly amazing.

However, all is not lost. I did totally crush this guy in the Monty Python outfit.

So when I got home and Mallory (age 4) asked “Did you win?” of course, I said Yes!

Posted by: ericengelmann

Some unique family getaway spots await you just outside the Corridor

This weekend my family explored some of Northeast Iowa’s treasures including Spook Cave and Pike’s Peak state park.

If you’re looking for something different to do this weekend, I encourage you to travel two hours north of the Corridor and do some exploring at one of Northeast Iowa’s hidden treasures.  Spook Cave, located outside McGregor, IA , is unlike any other cave tour you’ll experience.  

I had been to Spook Cave as a child, although I don’t remember much more than the sweatshirt someone bought for me with a Casper-like ghost on it.  As we waited for our tour to start, I read up on some Spook Cave history.

We Found Fun at The Lost Island

An overcast day in the low 70s doesn’t exactly scream water activity weather, but none-the-less three carfuls of my girlfriends and our kids made our way the The Lost Island water park in Waterloo today.  Of course, when we planned the excursion last month, we expected a Friday in late July to be hot and humid.  We debated going for a moment, till I admitted I’d already bought my tickets in advance to save a couple bucks.  So, with grey skies and the threat of rain, we put on our ‘make the best of it’ mom faces and still had a pretty good time.

Free Summer Movies For the Family

Starting tomorrow, The Wehrenberg Galaxy 16 cinema is offering FREE family movies this summer.  Every Wednesday and Thursday through August 14th at 10am and again at 12 noon.

Here’s the schedule:

• July 23 & 24 Bee Movie (PG)
• July 30 & 31 Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
• Aug 6 & 7 Shrek the Third (PG)
• Aug 13 & 14 Horton Hears a Who (G)

 They run concession deals, too!