I definitely realized, at some point around 10:00 last night, that I indeed had totally forgotten to write our usual weekend column. Oops…hope everyone out there enjoyed Melt Banana last night. Since we already told you about a great cause for going to Rock Island on Saturday, I’m going to give a brief run down of the many events taking place tonight in Iowa City.

Java House
The Savage Young Taterbug with Old Scratch Revival Singers / 8pm / FREE
Kudos have to be given out to Drew Fischels of the Western Front for taking over the booking at Java House and turning the Friday night music into a series of interesting, up-and-coming artists as opposed to just music that whoever happened to be at Java House wouldn’t mind hearing. And while the tape loop pop of Taterbug might make some Friday night studiers get out of their seats and take off for Capanna, when the fuck are you ever going to see Taterbug play Java House again? It’s free, and organic drip coffee costs $1 this week. Baller.

The Mill
Liberty Leg CD Release Show with Sarah Cram and the Derelicts / 9pm / $6
Liberty Leg’s celebrating the release of their fine new album, Ginger Lee. I’m still taking it in myself, but I think they’ve really developed that dirty sound of theirs, equal parts blues stomp and riff rock, and I’d expect them to bring their A-game tonight. Buy their album!

The Picador
The New Bodies, the Half Hearts, Brooks Strause / 9pm / $5
Three great artists at a low price tonight at the Picador. Any chance to see Brooks Strause at this point should be capitalized on, before the man starts blowing up. He’s got a little bit of Will Whitmore in him, and should not be missed.

Public Space ONE
Gallery Opening for Mariah Dekkenga / 7pm / FREE
Marriah Dekkenga is presenting this month’s installation at PS1. Not totally sure what’s going to be going down, but I know that video projections are involved, as are “screen savers.” Remember those? The reception will be followed by Anthology Reading Series at 8:30pm.