So, did you hear about the snow? Just kidding. It’s pretty frigid in Iowa City these days, as the first snow of the year really made it’s presence felt over the last couple of days. That shouldn’t keep you from braving the cold this weekend to take in some great events in our area. Things have been slowing down around here for us as we gear up for some year end coverage, but we’ll be keeping our eye on the goings on this holiday season, even as the town clears out for winter break. Before everyone begins their finals freak out, we’ve got three great events going on this weekend that ought to get you out into the Arctic temperatures. Dress warm and drink whiskey and you ought to be totally fine.

Thursday
Birth Rites with Coyote Slingshot, Grand Tetons / Mill / 9pm / $3
This is going to be the final Birth Rites show for some time (ever?), so we highly recommend that you are there. Over the two years ago, these guys have become one of our favorite local bands, so much so that we even put out their debut record. This fall they’ve played sporadically, but have continued to write new and awesome songs. They will be missed.

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Download: Birth Rites – We Put the “Fun” in Funeral

Friday
DMX with Mike Page / Coralville Marriott / 7pm / $35
Kudos go to the dudes over at Amaza Show for getting DMX to appear in Iowa. I mean, that’s the DMX. I’m told he is the 5th highest selling rapper of all time, though I’ve been unable to determine who 1-4 are. I’m guessing it’s got to be Eminem, Tupac, Jay-Z, and OutKast, and none of those folks are stopping by Iowa in any of our lifetimes as far as I can tell. So good work guys – DMX doesn’t have half the lyrical chops of any of those dudes, and at times approaches “novelty act” status, but as far as a marquee name goes, you got it. Plus it’s for a good cause, so why not? Proceeds go to U of I Children’s Cancer Unit, which is fantastic. Dude has done some time for various crimes, so it’s good to see him giving back.

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Download: DMX – Party Up

Saturday
Skye and Cuddle Magic / Mill / 9pm / $6
Spend the afternoon perusing the annual What a Load of Craft fair, this year at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, and then spend the night at the Mill with Skye Carrasco and her friends in Cuddle Magic. It couldn’t be cozier than if there was a fireplace and warm cocoa. Sounds pretty good right now, doesn’t it?

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Download: Cuddle Magic – Expectations