Sound Notes Pick o’ The Week

Valley Junction is putting out the call for performers to liven up the mood of its “Jingle in the Junction” holiday events, which take place for three consecutive Thursdays, starting with Nov. 29. The Junction is looking for choirs, musicians and street performers to help liven up the seasonal commerce. For more information, check out www.valleyjunction.com, or call (515) 222-2642.                

Speaking of Christmas, Hoyt Sherman Place has announced its holiday shows for the coming season. First up is “Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas.” Troupe America Inc.’s musical comedy will run from Dec. 19 – 21, with tickets available through Ticketmaster, or via the Hoyt Sherman box office.                

Then, on Saturday, Dec. 22, Hoyt Sherman welcomes back “Miracle on 34th Street.” Arguably the most beloved holiday stage production of all time, “Miracle” runs at 2 p.m. and 7 30 p.m., with tickets also available through the Hoyt Sherman box office and Ticketmaster.                

In addition, if you donate a personal item to Central Iowa Shelter and Services, you’ll get $3 off each ticket to one of the shows. Plus, good karma.                

On Thursday, Nov. 8, Wooly’s is hosting the Center on Sustainable Communities annual Sustain-A-Ball (the Shindig Formerly Known as Evergreen). The event will feature free appetizers, a silent auction and plenty of information on living a greener lifestyle. 80/35 vets, The Giving Tree Band, will perform, with Iowa City’s Chasing Shade opening. Tickets for the event range from $25 – $100 and come with varying amounts of perks and access. Tickets are available through www.midwestix.com.                

House of Bricks has two shows lined up for Friday, Nov. 9. In the early slot is Deadnote and Winterset’s teen rockers Blue Haven. That show is all ages and kicks off at 5 p.m.                

Then in the evening, Half Past Dawn, Brutal Republic and In Troubled Times all play, starting at 9:30 p.m. for $5 at the door.                

On Saturday, Nov. 10, Andy Paczak, Chris Hatfield and Mike Clement perform at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar. The ivories commence being tickled at 8 p.m.                

Also on Nov. 10, Sound Notes Pick o’ the Week is at the Underground, where James Biehn performs starting at 9 p.m.                

You can get your thrash metal on, courtesy of the Vaudeville Mews, on Sunday, Nov. 11. Starting at 6 p.m., the venue hosts an all-ages show featuring Ohio-based Skeletonwitch, with Havok and Mutilation Rites opening; $14 at the door.                

El Bait Shop has Ryne Doughty performing on Tuesday, Nov. 13, starting at 8 p.m.                

Gas Lamp brings a little honky tonk to town, as Jackson Taylor and the Sinners perform there on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Show starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are $5.                

Also on Nov. 14, there’s hip-hop at the Vaudeville Mews, as Columbus, Ohio’s Blueprint performs, starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 at the door, and Mad Dukez with Fresh Kils, Steddy P and Nu Depths with Richie Daggers open. Mahalo. CV