CONCERT REVIEW
by Jared Curtis
Little Big Fest
People’s Court, Nov. 21
People’s Court provided space for the fourth annual Little Big Fest (LBF). The festival’s former home, Hotel Fort Des Moines (currently being renovated), offered a better sound and stage set-up, but the festival powered forward and offered fans a terrific night of music. Ten bands (and St. Vitus & The Taxi Dancers) — Omega Dog, Pennyhawk, The Workshy, Thankful Dirt, Jefferson County Green Band, Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, Brother Trucker, Maximilian Eubank, Johnny On Point and Floodplane — played the Main Stage and the Back Stage. Having never seen them before, Omega Dog was a nice surprise to open the show. The Workshy brought some funk to the crowd, getting them on their feet and moving. The Jefferson County Green Band kept the crowd moving with harmonica player Kevin Riley and sax player Ed Raines leading the charge. Closing the stage was Floodplane, doing what they have done for many years — playing a loaded set of energetic tunes. First up on the Back Stage was Pennyhawk, talented musicians with pretty songs. But, unfortunately, the Main Stage overpowered their soft sound. Mr. Baber’s Neighbors took the stage, and the room filled up quickly as the LBF veterans got the crowd’s knees slapping and hands clapping. Although numerous acts put on solid sets, it was Thankful Dirt that made LBF a success. The duo, Darren and Molly Matthews, soared through a tremendous set of singer/songwriter gold. Darren plays a mean guitar while Molly projects a giant voice from her tiny frame. A late cover of Gram Parson’s “Sin City” solidified this duo’s set. CV — Jared Curtis
 Jefferson County Green Band at Little Big Fest Photo by Katy Jo Kimbley |
 Nekromantix at Val Air Ballroom Photo by Todd Rullestad |
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