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DECEMBER 2014 PULSE HIT LIST 19 BIG SCREEN RUNDOWN 14 GLEEFUL HOLIDAYS 10 LINKIN PARK 6

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Page 1: Pulse, December 2014

DECEMBER 2014PULSE HIT LIST19BIG SCREEN

RUNDOWN14GLEEFUL HOLIDAYS10LINKIN

PARK6

Page 2: Pulse, December 2014

2 PULSE

CED

AR FA

LLS

PRICING GUIDE (per entrée) | $10 $20 $30 $40+

Beck’s Sports Grill | American, Sports Bar2210 College St., Cedar Falls 319-277-2646Hours:Open daily at 11 amwww.barmuda.com

Featuring Beck's homemade microbrews, voted best burger, locally owned restaurant, sports bar and place to play pool in the Cedar Valley.

Bourbon Street | American, Cajun and Creole314 Main St., Cedar Falls319-266-5285Hours:Monday – Saturday 4 - 10 pmwww.barmuda.com

Bourbon Street is a step off of Main Street into the French Quarter featuring Certified Black Angus steaks and delicious seafood complimented by an extensive menu and great wines.

Ferrari’s Ristorante | American and Italian1521 Technology Pkwy., Cedar Falls 319-277-1385Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am - 10 pm, Saturday 4 - 10 pmwww.barmuda.com

Ferrari’s features only the finest steaks, freshest seafood and authentic Italian fare. Offering light, quick lunch options along with an extensive dinner menu and wine.

Soho Sushi Bar & Deli The Stuffed Olive | Deli, Sushi, Tapas, Martinis119 Main St.,Cedar Falls 319-266-9995Hours: Monday – Friday at 6:30 am;Saturday – Sunday at 7:00 amwww.barmuda.com

Fresh made sushi and deli sandwiches, salads and paninis combined with globally inspired tapas dishes and over 100 different martinis. Also serving homemade breakfast selections and cookies made from scratch.

Beck’s Sports Brewery SportsBar | American,Microbrewery3295 University Ave., Waterloo 319-234-4333Hours: Open daily at 11 am www.barmuda.com

Featuring Beck’s homemade microbrews and famous burgers, wings and pizza. Voted best burger (10 years running), best happy hour, best locally owned restaurant and sports bar in the Cedar Valley.

Guerilla Brewing/Lava Lounge/Beer Hall | Microbrewery and Bar2401 Falls Ave., Waterloo319-234-5686Hours:Monday – Thursday 5 pm - Midnight; Friday & Saturday4 pm - Midnight

Artisanal Nano Brewery is releasing limited run beer, producing 10 gallons of each new recipe. We produced 50 different beers in 2013. Brand new brew.

Hilton Garden InnGarden Grille Restaurant | Conference Center7213 Nordic Dr., Cedar Falls319-266-6611

New Hilton opened in 2012, elegant dining and entertaining of Hilton standards. Full service hotel with Ballroom seating up to 350 people. Garden Grille Restaurant and Bar open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as large exterior patios with firepits. Full service dining on site, Chefs with banquet menus and banquet bars available. Deposits and minimums required, full payment required prior to event. Guest room blocks available.

The Lone Wolf | Bar, Restaurant777 Isle of Capri Blvd., Waterloo 319-833-2157Hours: Monday – Friday Breakfast 7:00 am - 10:30 pmSunday – Thursday 11:30 am - 1:00 am Friday & Saturday 11:30 am - 2:00 amKaraoke – Wednesday 8:00 pm - 11:00 pmHowl Hour 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Monday – ThursdayGlass of Wine $1.50Retro Beers $1.50$2.00 off appetizers www.waterloo.isleofcapricasinos.com

Whether you feel like getting food to go or plan to stay a while, The Lone Wolf is sure to please.

Otis & Henry’s Bar and Grill. | Bar and Grill777 Isle of Capri Blvd., Waterloo 319-833-2241Hours: Tuesday – Saturday open at 5 pmClosed Sunday and Monday www.waterloo.isleofcapricasinos.com

Combines the comfort of a neighborhood bar and grill with the favorites of a steakhouse. Choose from the delicious pastas, sandwiches, salads, steaks, fish and desserts.

Rudy’s Tacos | Mexican2401 Falls Ave., Waterloo319-234-5686Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00 pmwww.rudystacos.com

Rudy’s uses local ingredients through the Northern Iowa Food and Farm Partnership’s Buy Fresh/Buy Local program.

Hurricane Grill and WingsAmerican Restaurant and Bar 2027 Crossroads, Blvd., Waterloo319-833-9464Hours: Open daily at 11:00amwww.hurricanewingsia.com

Hurricane Grill and Wings is a fun family restaurant with a tropical feel, specializing in wings that are “LIVE WITH FLAVOR” with over 30 sauces to choose from. Offering an outdoor patio with a super menu and specialty drinks.

IN GOOD

WA

TERLOO

PULSE �

In Good Tastefull bleed

issue 123

contents

22

An award-winning product of Courier Communications and Pioneer Communications

100 E. Fourth St. | Waterloo, IA 50703

shout [email protected]

LIKefacebook.com/PulseMag

tweet@CVPulse

CVPulse.Com.

Wanna know more about this awesome magazine? Get in touch.

WARtBURG tRADItIonChristmas with Wartburg features beautifully orchestrated, sell-out shows that draw audiences from all over the state.

8

Sheila Kerns319.291.1448

[email protected]

Meta Hemenway-ForbesEditor319.291.1483meta.hemenway-forbes@wcfcourier.com

eDItoRIAL stAFF

ames ankeny cedar falls cedar rapids des moines indianola iowa city waterloo

HIt Us Up

Alan SimmerAssociate Editor

319.291.1487alan.simmer@ wcfcourier.com

John MolseedStaff Writer319.291.1418john.molseed@ wcfcourier.com

Cady ColosimoStaff Writer

515.246.0402 ext. 204ccolosimo@

pioneermagazines.com

David HemenwayLead Designer319.291.1475david.hemenway@ wcfcourier.com

sALes stAFF

sponsoReD By

12.14

HoLIDAy tV tImeGrab a cup of cocoa and head for the couch for a month of holiday TV programming. You’ll shoot your eye out with our viewing list.

12

1210

14

And find out what’s going on and catch up on entertainment news 24/7 at

Meghan Keller 515.246.0402

[email protected]

Kimberly Hawn 515.246.0402

[email protected]

eAsteRn IoWA

centRAL IoWA

A GIFt GUIDe FoR GAmeRsWe cashed out our memory banks to recall the top games from the last year for your view-ing pleasure.

16

tWo tImes tHe BReWSingle Speed brewery and Backpocket Brewing Co. put their heads together in a move that’ll be the cure for what ales us all.

22

20

Page 3: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE �

In Good Tastefull bleed

issue 123

contents

22

An award-winning product of Courier Communications and Pioneer Communications

100 E. Fourth St. | Waterloo, IA 50703

shout [email protected]

LIKefacebook.com/PulseMag

tweet@CVPulse

CVPulse.Com.

Wanna know more about this awesome magazine? Get in touch.

WARtBURG tRADItIonChristmas with Wartburg features beautifully orchestrated, sell-out shows that draw audiences from all over the state.

8

Sheila Kerns319.291.1448

[email protected]

Meta Hemenway-ForbesEditor319.291.1483meta.hemenway-forbes@wcfcourier.com

eDItoRIAL stAFF

ames ankeny cedar falls cedar rapids des moines indianola iowa city waterloo

HIt Us Up

Alan SimmerAssociate Editor

319.291.1487alan.simmer@ wcfcourier.com

John MolseedStaff Writer319.291.1418john.molseed@ wcfcourier.com

Cady ColosimoStaff Writer

515.246.0402 ext. 204ccolosimo@

pioneermagazines.com

David HemenwayLead Designer319.291.1475david.hemenway@ wcfcourier.com

sALes stAFF

sponsoReD By

12.14

HoLIDAy tV tImeGrab a cup of cocoa and head for the couch for a month of holiday TV programming. You’ll shoot your eye out with our viewing list.

12

1210

14

And find out what’s going on and catch up on entertainment news 24/7 at

Meghan Keller 515.246.0402

[email protected]

Kimberly Hawn 515.246.0402

[email protected]

eAsteRn IoWA

centRAL IoWA

A GIFt GUIDe FoR GAmeRsWe cashed out our memory banks to recall the top games from the last year for your view-ing pleasure.

16

tWo tImes tHe BReWSingle Speed brewery and Backpocket Brewing Co. put their heads together in a move that’ll be the cure for what ales us all.

22

20

Page 4: Pulse, December 2014

10 PULSE

A heavenly noise, holiday humor, a few silly skits and an Ave Maria that may just “make a grown woman cry.” That’s what members of the University of Northern Iowa Varsi-

ty Men’s Glee Club says audiences can expect during their annual Christmas Variety Shows.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 on the Great Hall stage at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Perform-ing Arts Center in Cedar Falls.

“We say our shows include everything from the sublime to the ridiculous, and that’s true,” says John Wiles, assistant professor of choral conducting. He has conducted the Glee Club for five years. “We have favorites that people come back to hear year after year, and we try to put in some things that are new, too.”Several thousand area residents are expected to attend the three

concerts, which customarily sell out.“It’s exciting to sing in front of so many people and share the music that we’ve

been working so hard on,” says Zach Wright, a freshman.As sung by the 115-member Men’s Glee Club, Franz Biebel’s breath-

taking Ave Maria has thrilled audiences in performance halls throughout Iowa and the United States, as well as the finest concert halls and cathe-

drals in Europe. The candlelit First Noel is another favorite variety show audiences have come to expect.

Belly laughs share the program with the mix of serious and light-hearted music, but don’t expect any spoilers here. “The ridiculous is a closely guard-

ed secret I cannot reveal,” says Wiles, laughing. “I can say, expect to laugh as you watch 115 young men sing and act and enjoy

themselves on stage.”The 2 1/2-hour holiday show also features a

Christmas play written by the club members. “The play is a good part of the show because it’s funny and it gives people a little break in

the music, especially kids in the audience,” says sophomore Colin Hubbard.Variety acts include S.H.O.P., a quartet of UNI

students who sing barbershop harmonies, and the Swing Phonians, a group of student musicians known

for big band tunes, and comedy vignettes.The Glee Club will be joined on stage by the Panther Palms, an American Sign

Language choir that will interpret the music.Tickets are $12 per person. For tickets, call (319) 273-4849 or go to www.

gbpac.com.

MELODY PARKER | PULSE WRITER

DAVID HEMENWAY | PULSE ARTIST

Page 5: Pulse, December 2014

4 PULSE

Christmas issuch a drag!A hhhhh, Christmas. The sea-

son of family, warm fuzzies and raunchy humor sure to

sleigh you. At least that’s what you’ll get at Oy Vey in a Manger, presented by The Kinsey Sicks, America’s favorite dragapella beautyshop quartet.

The ribald, uproarious production goes down in December at the CSPS in Cedar Rapids.

In Oy Vey in a Manger, we find Ra-chel, Winnie, Trixie and Trampolina trying to sell off their manger – yes, that manger – before it’s foreclosed upon. Crises arise, secrets are re-vealed, Jewish-Gentile tensions sur-face and mayhem ensues – all in glo-rious four-part harmony.

Oy Vey boasts The Kinsey Sicks’ re-interpretations of holiday classics, such as God Bless Ye Femmy Lesbians, Sa-tan Baby and I’m Dreaming of a Betty White Christmas, plus hilarious Jewish satiric fare, including Don’t Be Happy, Worry, the Chanukah spa classic I Had a Lit-tle Facial and, of course, the requisite and new Christmas cuisine standard, Soylent Night.

The Kinsey Sicks’ award-winning a cappella singing, sharp satire and over-the-top drag have been winning audiences over since their first pub-lic performance on a street corner in San Francisco’s Castro District in 1994. An off-Broadway show, extend-ed run in Vegas, two feature films and seven albums later, The Kinsey Sicks are the longest running out-gay per-formance troupe in existence.

Though the Sicks’ content often reflects a specifically LGBTQ perspec-tive, their appeal extends to audienc-es of all sexual orientations, genders, ages and perspectives. In addition to making people laugh until their faces hurt, the Kinsey Sicks challenge audience members to think about a range of cultural and political trends deeply and critically.

‘Oy Vey in a Manger’Friday, Dec. 19 @ 8 p.m. CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids$25 advance | $30 doorlegionarts.org

Ben Schatz (Rachel) is a Harvard-trained civil rights lawyer, former Director of the national Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and one-time presidential advisor on HIV issues. Schatz created the first national Aids legal project and authored Bill Clinton’s HIV policy during the 1992 presidential campaign.

Irwin Keller (Winnie) is a University of Chicago-trained lawyer and linguist and former director of the Aids Legal Referral Panel of the San Francisco Bay Area. Keller authored Chicago’s gay rights ordinance, passed into law in 1989.

In 2004, the Kinsey Sicks were joined by actor/singer/designer Jeff Manabat, who is responsible for Trixie’s inordinate glamour and soaring counter-tenor, as well as the entire group’s hot couture.

Spencer Brown (Trampolina) joined the Kinsey Sicks in 2008. He’s a Kansas City-based actor and singer known for his drag character Daisy Buckët (pronounced, of course, “bouquet”).

The Boyz behind the Girlz

Page 6: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 5

COURTESY PHOTO

Page 7: Pulse, December 2014

6 PULSE

Page 8: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 7

Don’t have tickets yet for Linkin Park? For heaven’s sake, what’s wrong with you???

(That’s a hypothetical question. We don’t really want to know what’s wrong with you.)

Tickets are now on sale for the Feb. 6 concert at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

The stop is part of Linkin Park’s The Hunting Party Tour, featuring special guests Rise Against and Of Mice & Men. The tour will hit several cities that haven’t seen Linkin Park in several years, if ever.

“Rock music was born in these towns, and for some reason these places tend to get overlooked much more than they should. We want our fans there to know how much they matter to us,” said lead vocalist Chester Bennington, in a press release.

Linkin Park With Rise Against and Of Mice & MenFriday, Feb. 6 @ 7 PM Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines $32.50-$79.50 dahlstickets.com

COURTESY PHOTO

FEBRUARY 6

Page 9: Pulse, December 2014

8 PULSE

MELODY PARKER | PULSE WRITER

Christmas with WartburgWhen the Saint John’s Bible went on dis-

play at Waverly’s Wartburg College last year, Lee Nelson was amazed by its ex-

quisite detail.“My reaction was simple wonder and awe. I saw

the same expression on other people’s faces as they were physically able to touch the Bible, turn the pages and look at the amazing illuminations,” Nel-son recalls.

He was inspired to use the Saint John’s Bible as theme for this year’s 67th annual Christmas with Wartburg concerts, titled Wondrous Love, Illumine Our Hearts. Performances are Dec. 5-7.

“Like this Bible, our mission is to bring to life through a new lens these ancient words, prophecies and promises and tell them in a new and relevant way for the 21st century,” explains Nelson, artistic director and conductor.

The Saint John’s Bible is the first handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedic-tine abbey in more than 500 years. Donald Jackson was commissioned to undertake the work by Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. Jackson and his team wrote the first words of the new Bible on Ash Wednesday, 2000, and the final word – “Amen” – on May 9, 2011.

The seven volumes – each 2 feet tall by 3 feet wide when open – have more than 160 illumina-tions and numerous special text treatments written with a quill on calf-skin vellum. All seven volumes of the Heritage Edition (a fine art reproduction of the original) were displayed at Wartburg earlier this

year. Two volumes — the Pentateuch and Gospels and Acts — are on campus through the end of the calendar year and will be used in the concerts.

Seven Wartburg musical groups will perform: the Wartburg Choir, Wind Ensemble, Castle Singers, Ritterchor men’s choir, the all-female St. Elizabeth Chorale, Kantorei and the Handbell Choir.

Musically, Nelson will take the audience on a journey of traditional Christmas music and new compositions that explore themes of wonder, love and illumination found in the Christmas story, told with a 21st century mindset.

Ritterchor, for example, will perform what is best described as a fusion chant. “It’s interesting how the ancient chant melody is used throughout and cre-ates all sorts of new chords with a rock and pop fu-sion sound,” Nelson explains.

The concert will feature newly commissioned works, including O Nata Lux and Love Came Down at Christmas by renowned composer René Clausen. A new setting of the hymn, Love Divine, all Loves Excel-ling, has been composed by Joshua Evanovich, a 2007 graduate.

Nelson expects audiences will be awed by the con-certs’ backdrop. There will be seven panels, includ-ing five with original artwork by mural designer Chris Knudson. The remaining two screens will serve as project screens for 10 to 12 different illumi-nations of the Saint John’s Bible.

Christmas with WartburgWondrous Love, Illumine Our Hearts Dec. 6 @ 3 and 7:30 PM; Dec. 7 @ 3 p.m., Wartburg College’s Neumann Auditorium, Waverly Dec. 5 @ 7:30 PM at Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines $16.50 for the Waverly performances; $18.50 for the Des Moines performance wartburg.edu/christmas

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO

Page 10: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 9

515.277.6261 DMPLAYHOUSE.COM515.277.6261 DMPLAYHOUSE.COMRESERVEYOUR TICKETS TODAY!

DEC. 5-28

JAN. 16-FEB. 1

JOHN MOLSEED | PULSE WRITER

Holiday inspirationI owa singer/songwriter Michael

J. Thoma is planning a series of Christmas concerts in eastern

Iowa.Thoma’s 2012 Christmas album,

Christmas in the Heartland wasn’t a gim-mick — it was his debut album.

After putting his guitar away for more than three decades, Thoma got back into playing and writing songs after his daugh-ter prompted him to play at her wedding. Thoma later went to Catamount Recording Studio in Cedar Falls to record his first song — a Christmas song called I Have No Gifts.

“I’d grown tired of the Christmas music on the radio,” Thoma said. “It’s all the same thing over and over; I wanted to weigh in.”

Thoma, from Grundy County, said he was inspired to write I Have No Gifts after he saw a young street musician playing in the cold in St. Paul.

“I think he was playing It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” Thoma said. “What was clear is that he had no money and a cheapo guitar but he had everyone mesmerized.”

That song led to his first full-length album. The show will fea-ture those songs along with familiar traditional hymns and carols.

The show includes 14 on-stage musicians and performers, includ-

ing a Grinch and a slimmed-down Santa Claus.

“It’s a family event,” Thoma said. “Our goal is to leave people with the Christmas spirit and feeling good when they leave.”

Tickets to the shows are available at the door, at the Marshalltown Hy-Vee and on the Oster-Regent website, www.osterregent.org. The Hanson Foundation and West Dela-ware Friends of Music helped un-derwrite the Manchester show.

“I love the season,” Thoma said. “I’m happiest that time of year; I know it sounds corny, but that’s the truth.”

Michael J. ThomaDec. 13, 7 p.m. Hanson Auditorium, Manchester Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Marshalltown Community Theater, Marshalltown Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Oster Regent Theatre, Cedar Falls $15

Mannheim Steamroller ChristmasThis year marks the 30th Anniversary of the

Christmas Tour and release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album that revolutionized the Holiday Season music category. It’s also the 40th Anniversary of Grammy Award winner Chip Davis’ first album in his Fresh Aire series, which pioneered the New Age music category.

Davis will direct and co-produce tour performanc-es, including a stop at the U.S. Cellular Center in Ce-

dar Rapids. The show features classic Christmas hits from Mannheim Steamroller and multimedia effects in an intimate setting.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis Saturday, Dec. 6 @ 8 pm U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids $73, $60, $50, $35 ticketmaster.com

COURTESY PHOTO

Page 11: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 11

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DAVE MASON’S TRAFFIC JAM3/6

TheCivilWar was also the first conflict to beextensively documented by photography. Thepublic had never before seen such powerfulimages of human devastation and thedestructive impact of war. Inspired by the 150thanniversary of theCivilWar, theCedar RapidsMuseumofArt presents this focused collectiondeveloped in recent years byWashingtonD.C.collector Julia “Judy”Norrell.

Shadows of Historywas first exhibited at theCorcoranGallery of Art,Washington, D.C.,before traveling to theMorrisMuseumofArt, Augusta, Georgia, and theOgdenMuseumof SouthernArt, NewOrleans, Louisiana. The exhibition was organizedfor travel by theMorrisMuseumofArt, Augusta, Georgia. Local support for theexhibition and its extensive programming has been provided byUFG, theMcIntyreFoundation, andDeeAnnMcIntyre.

410Third Avenue SECedar Rapids, IA 52401

319.366.7503www.crma.org

MathewBrady’s studio,AWinter Encampmentwith Cabins and CoveredWagons, ca. 1863-1864.Albumen silver print, 4 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches.Collection of Julia J. Norrell. IL2013.19.25

October 11 – January 18

Ugly Sweater RunCold weather is ruff! Even more

rough is warming up in the confines of a sweater so ugly, the dog below looks cute. but you can make it pret-ty at Des Moines’ Ugly Sweater Run. Registration includes a knit hat, all the hot chocolate you can drink, and a seasonal beer of your choos-

ing. You can donate to charity while you’re at it.

Saturday, Dec. 6 @ 11 AMPrincipal Park, Des Moines $30-40 theuglysweaterrun.com

Hallelujah!Let your voice be heard at Sing-Along Selections from Handel’s Mes-

siah at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The Metropolitan Chorale and Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony mark their respective 60th and 85th anniversaries with this annual event. Singing isn’t required, but we’re pretty sure you won’t be able to help yourself at this perfect holiday outing for music lovers.

In the spirit of community embodied by both organizations, all tickets to this concert are offered at just $5.

Sing-along selections from Handel’s MessiahSaturday, Dec. 13 @ 4 PM Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center Cedar Falls wcfsymphony.org

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO

Page 12: Pulse, December 2014

12 PULSE

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META HEMENWAY-FORBES | PULSE EDITOR

Baby, it’s cold outside. So if you want to hole up in your candy cane PJs and watch heartwarming holiday TV shows for all of December, that’s nobody’s business but your own.

Because we’re enablers like that, here’s a rundown of Christmas TV goodness you can find this holiday season. It’s not a complete list (ain’t nobody got time for that), and because nobody but Santa can commit to anything these days, program times are subject to change.

Frosty the Snowman

CBS, Dec. 13 @ 8 PM

Frosty Returns, CBS, Dec. 13

@ 8:30 PM Frosty’s Winter

Wonderland, ABCFAM, Dec. 9

@ 4 PM

ABC, CBS, NBC, SHUTTERSTOCK, COURTESY PHOTOS

Yule tubeYule tube

Page 13: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 13

A Charlie Brown Christmas, ABC, Dec. 2 @ 7:30 PM

A Christmas Carol (1938), TCM, Dec. 18 @ 7 PM

Christmas in Rockefeller Center, NBC, Dec. 3 @ 7 PM

A Christmas Story marathon, TBS, Dec. 24 @ 7 PM

CMA Country Christmas, ABC, Dec. 20 @ 8 PM

Disney’s A Christmas Carol, ABCFAM, Dec. 4 @ 8 PM, Dec. 5 @ 5 PM, Dec. 14 @ 8:30 AM, Dec. 17 @ 12 PM

Elf, ABCFAM, Dec. 2 @ 5 PM, Dec. 8 @ 5 PM, Dec. 19 @ 7 PM, Dec. 20 @ 5 PM, Dec. 24 @ 8 PM, Dec. 25 @ 6 PM

Home Alone, ABCFAM, Dec. 17 @ 5:30 PM, Dec. 19 @ 5 PM, Dec. 20 @ 1 & 9:30 PM, Dec. 21 @ 6:30 PM, Dec. 23 @ 6 PM, Dec. 24 @ 4 PM, Dec. 25 @ 8 PM

I Love Lucy Christmas Special, CBS, Dec. 7 @ 7 PM

Jack Frost, ABCFAM, Dec. 1 @ 3 & 7 PM, Dec. 7 @ 12:30 PM, Dec. 11 @ 4 PM, Dec. 12 @ 3:30 PM, Dec. 14 @ 10:30 AM

The Little Drummer Boy, ABCFAM, Dec. 7 @ 8 AM, Dec. 21 @ 12 PM

Mickey’s Christmas Carol, ABCFAM, Dec. 13 @ 4:30 & 10 PM

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, ABCFAM, Dec. 1 @ 5 PM, Dec. 10 @ 8 PM, Dec. 11 @ 6 PM, Dec. 13 @ 7 PM, Dec. 14 @ 3 PM, Dec. 19 @ 9 PM, Dec. 20 @ 3 PM, Dec. 24 @ 6 PM, Dec. 25 @ 4 PM

The Polar Express, ABCFAM, Dec. 3 @ 8 PM, Dec. 4 @ 6 PM, Dec. 15 @ 8 PM, Dec. 16 @ 5:30 PM, Dec. 21 @ 9 PM, Dec. 23 @ 8 PM, Dec. 24 @ 2 PM

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, ABCFAM, Dec. 1 @ 4 & 11 PM, Dec. 5 @ 9:30 PM, Dec. 8 @ 9 PM, Dec. 9 @ 7 PM, Dec. 13 @ 9 PM, Dec. 17 @ 4:30 PM, Dec. 21 @ 2 PM, Dec. 22 @ 5:30 PM

The Santa Clause, ABCFAM, Dec. 1 @ 9 PM, Dec. 2 @ 7 PM, Dec. 12 @ 6:30 PM, Dec. 13 @ 5 PM, Dec. 17 @ 8 PM, Dec. 23 @ 3:30 PM

Scrooge (1935), TCM, Dec. 18 @ 10:15 PM

Scrooge (1970), TCM, Dec. 18 @ 8:15 PM

Scrooged, ABCFAM, Dec. 11 @ 8 PM, Dec. 12 @ 4:30 PM, Dec. 19 @ 11 PM. Dec. 24 @ 11 PM

Shrek the Halls, ABC, Dec. 23 @ 7 PM

The Year Without a Santa Claus, ABCFAM, Dec. 4 @ 5 PM, Dec. 10 @ 5 PM, Dec. 15 @ 7 PM, Dec. 22 @ 6:30 PM

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole ChristmasABCFAM, Dec. 5 @ 7 PM, Dec. 6 @ 3 PM, Dec. 14 @ 5 & 8 PM, Dec. 20 @ 7 PM, Dec. 21 @ 4 PM

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Special , ABC, Dec. 25 @ 7 PM Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, ABC, Dec. 25 @ 7:30 PM

Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerCBS, Dec. 9 @ 7 PM

Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, ABCFAM, Dec. 4 @ 4 PM, Dec. 9 @ 9 PM, Dec. 22 @ 4:30 PM

It’s a Wonderful LifeNBC, Dec. 6 @ 7 PM, Dec. 24 @ 7 PM

’TIS THE SEASON TV

Page 14: Pulse, December 2014

DECEMBER MOVIES

The Pyramid I assume there’s a course all archaeologists have to take alerting them to the various curses and

monsters in ancient ruins so they know what they’re in for. Therefore: NO SYMPATHY.

Wild Reese Witherspoon goes on a walk to clear her head. A really long walk. A 115-minute walk.

Pioneer Like Silkwood, but this time an oil company may be covering up an ’80s diving accident. For shame!

Comet Emmy Rossum and Justin Long have a complicated relationship and a videographer who may be trippin’.

Life Partners A lesbian and her co-dependent straight best friend deal with life after a man enters the picture. The best part is that this stars spouses Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, and she plays the lesbian.

Dying of the Light Nicolas Cage. That is all.

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 12

STARRING: Joaquin Phoenix,

Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson,

Reese Witherspoon

Phoenix talks to half of Hollywood

trying to unravel the mystery of

a billionaire, his wife and her

boyfriend in a Paul Thomas

Anderson adaptation of a

Thomas Pynchon novel.

Whew.

Top Five I’ve watched a trailer, seen a commercial and read a synopsis, and I can safely say I have no idea what this movie is about. But if you like Chris Rock, it might be your jam, I guess!

Free the Nipple Pro tip: Don’t watch the trailer for this at work. (That advice ironically runs counter to the message of the movie. But still don’t.)

After the Fall Wes Bentley might rob you to keep his house from foreclosure. So run if you see him.

ALAN SIMMER | PULSE WRITER

STARRING: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson

I guess if the objects at the museum stopped creepily coming to life at night, that would be bad? So it’s off to London.

DECEMBER 19

20TH CENTURY FOX, WARNER BROS. PHOTOS14 PULSE

Page 15: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 15

STARRING: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Orlando Bloom, Benedict Cumberbatch

Watson fights Sherlock with the help of Magneto, Will Turner and Dracula. I think I just pitched an awesome new movie. Someone get my agent on the phone!

DECEMBER 17

DECEMBER 19

DECEMBER 24

Annie If you have a thing against redheads, hey, there’s a version of Annie just for you! Also Cameron Diaz. Cameron Diaz is for everyone.

The Gambler On a warm summer’s eve, on a train bound for nowhere, I met up with Mark Wahlberg; we were both too tired to sleep. So he did a Transformers movie; we began to watch it. Boredom overtook us, and he began to weep.

Mr. Turner A British period piece about painter J.M.W. Turner. There are two kinds of people: Those for whom that description is exciting, and those for whom it is not.

Goodbye to All That After a man’s marriage falls apart, he finds comfort in the arms of another woman. Or two. Or three.

Two Days, One Night Marion Cotillard has to convince her co-workers to give up a bonus so she can keep her job. Be warned: There be subtitles.

DECEMBER 25Into the Woods The Stephen Sondheim musical comes to the big screen with Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, Anna Kendrick and Johnny Depp. Oh, and Meryl Streep. As a witch.

Unbroken Angelina Jolie directs a Coen brothers script about an Olympic runner captured by the Japanese during World War II. Bring tissues.

The Interview Hey, remember that movie that was gonna make North Korea blow us all to kingdom come? It’s this reteaming of Seth Rogen and James Franco. (I’d like to see them try, by the way.)

Big Eyes British painter last week, American painter this week! Amy Adams plays Margaret Keane, whose husband took credit for her big-eyed paintings in the ’60s. They’re sort of cute, sort of creepy.

American Sniper Bradley Cooper is: American Sniper. Brought to you by Clint Eastwood and the letter Q.

DECEMBER 12E X O D U SGODS AND KINGS

STARRING: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley, Sigourney Weaver

Ridley Scott, the man behind Gladiator, remakes The Ten Commandments. With Charlton Heston’s zombie!!!! Just kidding. Or am I???

Page 16: Pulse, December 2014

16 PULSE

Persona Q

ALAN SIMMER | PULSE WRITER

SQUARE ENIX, MICROSOFT, EA, ACTIVISION, POPCAP, BETHESDA, KONAMI, NINTENDO, CAPCOM, WAY FORWARD, YACHT CLUB, INTROVERSION, SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGES

Titanfall

Call of Duty: Advanced

Warfare

Far Cry 4

Hyrule Warriors

Sunset Overdrive

Fantasy Life

The Sims 4

Destiny

Super Smash Bros.

Professor Layton vs.

Phoenix Wright

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Assassin’s Creed Unity

Sonic Boom

Skylanders Trap Team

World of Warcraft:

Warlords of Draenor

Pokemon Omega Ruby

and Alpha Sapphire

Disney Fantasia:

Music Unleashed

Just Dance 2015

Wolfenstein: The New Order

Tales of Xillia 2

Yoshi’s New Island

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

Diablo III: Reaper of

Souls

Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm

Reborn

Kingdom Hearts

1.5 / 2.5 HD ReMix

Tales of Symphonia Chronicles

Bravely Default

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The Last of Us

Remastered

The Walking

Dead: Season Two

Phoenix Wright: Ace

Attorney Trilogy

Lightning Returns: Final

Fantasy XIII

The Evil Within

Contagion

Donkey Kong

Country: Tropical Freeze

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare

Pokemon Battle Trozei

Goat Simulator

Disney Magical

World

Shovel Knight

Pokemon Art Academy

Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley

TOP H

ATS

Professor Layton and the Azran

Legacy

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

PUZZLES

PLATFORMIN

G

G L I T C HE

S

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy:

Curtain Call

CUTENESS

RHYTHM

DRAGONS

Bayonetta 2

FISTS NAZIS

Tomodachi Life

LIFE SIMS

SWORDS

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dark Souls II

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

SHOVELS

Halo: The Master Chief

Collection

SPACE

WARFARE

GUNS

Child of Light

VEHICLES

STRATEGY

ZOMBIES

CATCH ’EM ALLBOXES

RPGS

FINAL FANTASY

REMAKES

Page 17: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 17

Inazuma Eleven

A s surely as death, taxes and bitter complaining about bitter weather is an annual Call of Duty installment. Last year saw

a serious chink in the series’ armor in the form of Ghosts, the weakest entry yet. It wasn’t a disaster, but the quality was an ominous sign: Did the Call of Duty games have battle fatigue?

Fortunately, Sledgehammer Games’ Advanced Warfare whips the series back into fighting trim. While still stopping short of reaching the high-water mark of Treyarch’s Black Ops II, Advanced Warfare signals that Ghosts was a misstep instead of a new normal.

Set more than a century ahead of the series’ many World War II titles, Advanced Warfare injects more sci-fi tech into the proceedings than ever before in the form of exosuits, military armor that can jump huge heights and distances on the battlefield. Players can not only safely leap several stories but can cloak, wield laser cannons and pilot hulking bipedal tanks. While embracing the future carries the risk of losing sight of what made the games so popular in the first place, Sledgehammer thrillingly skips several generations ahead just as Infinity Ward did with 2007’s Modern Warfare.

The single-player campaign presents us a future in which the massive Atlas Corporation, headed by power-mad CEO Jonathan Irons (Kevin Spacey, lending both voice and appearance), has become the world’s dominant military force. Atlas contractor and former U.S. Marine Jack

Mitchell (Troy Baker) decides Irons must be stopped. Spacey channels

the serpentine energy of his House of Cards character Frank Underwood, though his appearance ultimately feels more like a marketing stunt than clever casting.

The single-player thrives more as a tutorial on the game’s futuristic weaponry and as an outlet for exhilarating set pieces, such as a speeding car chase through a Nigerian city or an ambitious assault on an Atlas jet flying over Antarctica. While the linear story lacks the philosophical kick of Modern Warfare 2 or the

emotional oomph of Black Ops II, it’s a very enjoyable ride while it lasts, though this does mark the third game in a row to feature a battle on the deck of an American aircraft carrier. (We’ve had enough of that, thanks.)

However, everybody knows these games make billions for the communal experience of blowing away friends and strangers the world over. Here we see a resumption of the series’ multiplayer greatness, with the bold new game mechanics mixing with well-designed maps and tried-and-true modes.

What’s important here is that there’s enough new to strike that sweet spot where the familiar is made fresh. The graphics manage to make the future look far away yet palpable.

Tons of new weapons and abilities take the gameplay in new directions, even as the addictive rush of wiping out enemies and hearing the rewarding sound of congratulatory level-up chimes reminds us why this series got so paramount to gamer culture in the first place.

After Ghosts, I’d hoped the next entry would be worthy of the latest hardware and the name that makes Call of Duty an event. Mission accomplished.

JAMES FRAZIER | PULSE WRITER

Mission accomplished

PROS: Excellent new game mechanics.

CONS: Good single player, not great.

For: PC, PS3, PS4, X360, XB1 Price: $59.99 | Rated: Mature

SQUARE ENIX, MICROSOFT, EA, ACTIVISION, POPCAP, BETHESDA, KONAMI, NINTENDO, CAPCOM, WAY FORWARD, YACHT CLUB, INTROVERSION, SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGES

Kinect Sports Rivals

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDEWhat do you get the gamer who has everything? More games, of course. (You can

never have too many games. You just might not have time to play them all.) For gift ideas, check out this massive Venn diagram full of games released this year — OK,

and maybe a few older ones, both because they’re still awesome and because you try coming up with three 2014 games involving shovels. Find your gift recipient’s interests,

see where they intersect and cross one more name off your shopping list.

Xenonauts

Sid Meier’s Civilization:

Beyond Earth

Prison Architect

Star Wars: TIE Fighter

Mario Kart 8

Kirby Triple Deluxe

Don’t Starve

Mario Golf: World Tour

Papers, Please

Always Sometimes

Monsters

Cooking Mama 5: Bon

Appetit!

MLB 14: The Show

1001 Spikes

Shovel Knight

NHL ’15

Driveclub

NBA 2K15

Murdered: Soul Suspect

Pac-Man and the Ghostly

Adventures 2

F1 2014

Shantae and the Pirate’s

CurseTeenage Mutant

Ninja Turtles: Danger of the

Ooze

Tropico 5

Watch_Dogs

inFamous: Second Son

SHOVELS

SPACE

WARFARE

GHOSTS

EATING

GUNS

SPORT

S

TURTLE

S

VEHICLES

STUFF THAT DIDN’T FIT A

NYWH

ERE

ELSE

IND

IESSTRATEG

Y

Page 18: Pulse, December 2014

18 PULSE

And the award for longest album title goes to Soria. The five-song sampler

is a collection of one-takes all done on a Sony tape recorder with no additional production. Quick and dirty, just the way I like it.

The recording method, and Soria’s singing style, ultimately results in an old-school sound. Was this recorded in the 1930s alongside Lead Belly, or yesterday?

Having followed Soria’s career closely over the years, it’s fun to watch him settle into his own unique style. It’s equal parts Americana, folk and blues coming together in a heart-wrenching way. Soria sings in a voice that sounds so pained.

Musically, he evokes so much emotion. With titles like He Was a Friend of Mine and On a Rainy Afternoon, there is a definite sense of longing and sorrow. But not all his songs are this way; the pace picks up on the title song and Long John, where the vibe is more upbeat.

Soria is a master of emotion with his guitar and lyrics. In just five songs I went from sad, to happy, to mellow, to melancholy. It’s the mark of a quality musician, and listening is a full-on experience.

If Soria’s music doesn’t make you feel something, then you are surely dead inside.

HEARD THATF ollowing a three-track release on

Bandcamp, Cedar Falls rock trio Peas and Carrot released a five-track EP,

Big Girl Shoes, at the end of October.

The album has a polished, balanced sound but keeps just enough ambient energy and noise in moments of pauses and false endings to give it a raw feel essential to the sound and appeal of the group.

Songwriter Audrey Robinson’s singing, with her smooth, distinct voice, gives the group its characteristic sound and soul. (Yes, those are her shoes on the cover.) Her guitar playing ranges from hammering, distorted chords (Short and Sweet), echoing reverb

(Summer 2010) to acoustic, up-the-fret picking (Jackson Soul).

The other unifying factor for Peas and Carrot’s sound is that their lyrics and arrangements establish a contagious cadence that they tweak for emphasis and impact, much like a rock ’n’ roll beat poetry session.

Walt Goodknight and Nathan Lantz catch and lead these changes seamlessly. Those changes in rhythm punctuate the vivid lyrics. Robinson sounds like she’s leading, not following, the percussion, which makes her singing sound more like a poetic call and response than an accompaniment.

While her songwriting is complex, it’s not dense. Some of the endings are satisfyingly unexpected, and anyone wishing to analyze her lyrics (and maybe catch a nod to Bob Dylan) will enjoy deciphering Jackson Soul. You won’t have 10 minutes of obtuse lyrics to sift through — the song is brisk at under two minutes.

With steadily increasing attendance at shows at a growing variety of venues and a live radio appearance under their belt, the band is poised to sell something to fans. For old school music fans, this album is great rock, songwriting and composition. If you grab a hard copy CD, it should be left in the player for a long time.

PEAS AND CARROTBIG GIRL SHOES

You never get a second chance at a first impression. In their self-titled debut

album, Des Moines band Volcano Boys makes a fantastic one. It’s a strong, solid assemblage of songs that sounds like the work of veteran rockers.

There is something distinctly Rooney-sounding about the album, and I can’t get enough of it. The music is also very Strokes/Weezer-esque.

Jordan Mayland’s voice is warm and somehow familiar. It’s like I’ve been listening to him for years and it reminds me of happy memories.

This is early 2000s rock at its 2014 finest, just flat out rock ’n’ roll with plenty of big guitars and melodic hooks. It’s hard to pick a favorite track because they all bleed into one awesome fiery spitball of rock. If I had to, it’s The One for its fast-paced guitar binges that make me want to go crazy. I could use that description for many of the songs, as it captures the vibe of the whole album. My other favorites are My Love, the Destroyer, because it slows things down, and Blast Your Face Off for Mayland’s plea to not break up.

For the record, I don’t plan on breaking off my love affair for this band anytime soon.

VOLCANO BOYSVOLCANO BOYS

SORIAYOU REALLY GOT ME DRAGGED BUT YOU’LL NEVER GET ME DOWN

— Cady Colosimo, Pulse

— Cady Colosimo, Pulse

E ast Iowa synth-infused rock band John June Year has grown a following

and grown musically. Even BuzzFeed has taken notice of JJY, listing the band as one of Iowa’s best unheard-of indie bands. With Pop Sucker, a new three-track EP, JJY has a new recording to go with their expanding resume.

The album starts with fuzzy, synth-filled Best Dressed Mess. Paired with Greg Heysinger’s flat, modulated delivery and the resonant ringing bass line, the song has a chill sound but anthem-like drive.

JJY shows their diverse rock sound with bright, walking guitar licks in Wish to Sell. The two styles come together in the final track, Hollywood. It will prompt many to smack the repeat button because the album leaves the listener wanting more.

The group has a talent for performance, arrangement and songwriting. Pop Sucker shows that and will deliver their energy and talent to a wider audience.

JOHN JUNE YEARPOP SUCKER

— John Molseed, Pulse

JOHN MOLSEED | PULSE WRITER

Page 19: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 19

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10 after 10late nighthappy hour specials

10 after 10late nighthappy hour specials

I Wish It Was Christmas Today by Sanz, Fallon, Kattan and MorganOriginally performed on SNL by Horatio Sanz, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kat-tan and Tracy Morgan, the song stands on its own as a classic.

— Doug H.

Who Comes This Night? by James Taylor This song is made even more amazing by James’ soothing voice and magical arrangement. It makes my Grinch heart grow three sizes larger.

— David H.

Jesus Christ by Big StarBorn on the fringe of ’70s popdom, this Nativity pop ditty shines with quirky charm.

— Wes T.

Donna and Blitzen by Badly Drawn BoyThis cathartic orchestral song from a British god of cathartic orchestral songs is so good you can treat your ears with it all year round.

— Christinia C.

The Little Road to Bethlehem by Katherine JenkinsThis isn’t a song I was familiar with until Jenkins’ version, but her sweet voice and the beautiful arrangement combine perfectly.

— Alan S.

So This Is Christmas by John LennonA simple song with a simple message in what can be a chaotic season.

— Holly H.

Mary, Did You Know? by Cee Lo GreenThis song’s been recorded by 400 artists, but Cee Lo Green’s version is a tearjerker for every mother who’s seen promise in her newborn’s face.

— Meta H.

7 O’Clock News/Silent Night by Simon and GarfunkelA gentle folk hymn meets a not-so-gentle newscast to create 1960s political commentary.

— Wes T.

(Christmas) Baby, Please Come Home by Death Cab for CutieBen Gibbard’s plaintive voice is a perfect fit for this blue Christmas carol.

— Doug H.

The Little Drummer Boy by The Harry Simeone ChoraleFor me, it’s not Christmas without this song. I remember helping my mom wrap presents upstairs in her bedroom with this on the stereo.

— Holly H.

Song for a Winter’s Night by Sarah McLachlanThough not truly a Christmas song, it’s hauntingly beautiful. Turn up the fireplace, grab a hot cider and sing it to your loved one.

— David H.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy GarlandDon’t let anyone sell you on that “shining star” malarky; the lyrics from this original version add a bittersweet gut-punch to this game.

— Alan S.

OUR CHRISTMAS PICKS, YOUR CLICKS

FOLLOW US ON SPOTIFY AT CVPULSE

Page 20: Pulse, December 2014

20 PULSE

CADY COLOSIMO | PULSE WRITER

MusingsI t’s a fitting name for an artist, Ramona Muse, and it’s her real

name too. Now it’s Ramona Muse Lambert, after marrying fellow Leslie and the LY’s band mate Derek Lambert in Sep-

tember.“We’ve toured the country together multiple times, with four

other women, so he’s a keeper,” she said.Being in a band is just one of the many creative endeavors Ra-

mona is involved in. She’s also a painter, illustrator, scarf maker and art teacher. “Some of us are just creative to the point it is al-most is a disability,” she says with a smile. She smiles often.

With so much going on it’s hard for her to pick a favorite.“I really like to work on one really hard and then get burnt out

and do the next thing,” she laughs.But if she had to choose she concedes it would be illustrations.“It’s the most carefree thing I do, as in I just draw,” she said.Her quirky work has slowly begun to creep into the Des

Moines art scene. She does illustrations for Exile Brewing Com-pany and had her work displayed at the Des Moines Social Club as part of the PedalArt show this past summer. She also had a solo show, “Complex Centers,” at The Lift, in which all the pieces were black light sensitive.

“They were based on the physicality of the human body and how it’s essentially impossible to focus,” she said.

Currently she’s teaching a fashion-themed course at the Des Moines Art Center, in honor of the Halston and Warhol exhibit.

“It’s been lots of fifth-grade girls and they’re comically rowdy,” she said.

When she’s not molding young minds she’s tending to her chickens. Nestled in the backyard of her house in Des Moines are four that flock to her like a mama hen. She got them back in May as a 30th birthday present from Leslie (Yes, Ly’s Les-lie).

“I’m in love with them,” she said.The rest of 2014 and 2015 will continue to be a busy time for her.“My brain is everywhere all the time. I have so many ideas I just

don’t have time for them,” she said.But some of those ideas will come to fruition soon. She’ll be

having a craft show at the Vaudeville Mews on Dec. 13 and plans to release a new solo album in 2015.

“It’s pretty lo-fi. Just a girl with a microphone and some key-board beats,” she said.

ramonamuse.comramonamuse.bandcamp.com

Photo by CADY COLOSIMO

COURTESY IMAGES

Page 21: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 21

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22 PULSE

JOHN MOLSEED | PULSE WRITER

Two heads are better than oneE ver since Cedar Falls nanobrewery

Single Speed opened in December 2012, the only place to get its brews

has been in its downtown tap room.This winter, people can find bottles of a

limited batch of brew made up at Single Speed along with Coralville microbrew-ery Backpocket Brewing Co. on retail shelves.

If there’s anything craft brewers like as much as making and tasting craft beer, it’s collaborating with other brewers.

“I like working with other brewers,” said Matt Scholbrock, brewer at Back-pocket. “Making beer is secondary.”

Single Speed brewer and owner Dave Morgan was glad to get the attention of the larger, growing neighboring brewer.

“It was obviously exciting for us, as

small as we are,” Morgan said.From Backpocket’s point of view, small

is beneficial. The large tanks at Backpock-et’s riverside facility in Coralville don’t ac-commodate experimentation. If a batch doesn’t work out, that’s a lot of ingredi-ents down the drain.

“This allows us to work on a smaller scale,” said Scholbrock.

Batches of beer are measured in bar-rels. There are 31 gallons to a barrel. Back-pocket has a capacity to brew up to 25,000 barrels per year. Each batch Single Speed produces is a little less than 3 barrels.

But as brewers from the two operations worked together, it wasn’t the size of the batch that mattered. Two brewers from each brewery worked to make a new, unique beer.

The four decided to make an American they referred to as an India Pale Lager. A bock is a malty, German-style beer, while India pale ales are light on malt and heav-ily hopped. So what’s an IPL?

“Good question,” Scholbrock said.“We’ll tell you when we find out,” Mor-

gan added.Morgan said it will be dry-hopped at the

end to add a citrus flavor.“It will be huge with citrus,” Morgan

said.“Which will be good with the malt,”

Scholbrock added.Once finished, the collaboration will

be bottled by Backpocket and sold at se-lect retailers. With only about 90 gallons brewed, distributors don’t expect the batch to last long. Ben Dall of Waterloo-

based Fahr Beverage said he thinks it’s the first Iowa-only craft beer collaboration to be sold retail. It won’t be the last, Dall added.

“We hope they’ll build on the relation-ship,” he said, adding he expects other breweries to follow their example.

Scholbrock said Iowa breweries are growing in number and gaining a follow-ing.

“It seems like at this time Iowa is getting a good footing,” he said.

Scholbrock worked at a brewery in Col-orado before moving to Iowa. He said he sees potential for Iowa’s craft beer scene to thrive the same way it does in other Mid-west states like Michigan and Wisconsin.

“I wanted to see if I could help make that happen,” he said.

For 20 years, Mushroomhead has crushed stages across the world. And they’ll crush it again in December at Spicoli’s Grill and Reverb Rockgar-den in Waterloo.

In case the masks don’t clue in the Mushroomhead uninitiated as to their signature sound, their album catalog includes 2010’s Beautiful Songs for Ugly Children. Yeah, these dudes are hardcore metal.

Mushroomhead released its eighth studio album, The Righteous and the But-terfly, in May. The album’s title is a dedication to original guitarist, J.J.

Righteous, who died in 2010, and the band’s former photographer Vanessa Solowiow, who died last year.

The band is comprised of drummers Skinny, Robert Diablo and Stitch; vo-calists J Mann, Jeffery Nothing and Waylon; guitarist Church; keyboard-ist Schmotz; and bassist Dr. F.

MushroomheadFriday, Dec. 12 @ 7 PM Spicoli’s Grill and Reverb Rockgarden Waterloo $20 | spicolis.net

Men of mayhem

David Morgan scoops out the spent grain from his Imperial IPL at Single Speed.

MATTHEW PUTNEY | PULSE PHOTOGRAPHER

COURTESY PHOTO

Backpocket Brewing’s Matt Scholbrock, left, adds hops to the Imperial IPL collaboration brew as Mike Wing looks on.

Page 23: Pulse, December 2014

PULSE 23

Cedar Falls Downtown~Explore Discover Indulge

CALENDAR OF EVENTSDecember 4 - Jingle & MingleDecember 6 - Breakfast at the North PoleDecember 11 - Hoopla CheerDecember 13 - Santa’s Snow ShuffleDecember 18 - Baby, It’s Cold OutsideDecember 20 - Movie Magic: Santa Buddies

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Page 24: Pulse, December 2014

24 PULSE