By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
The Des Moines Tango Trio, which includes pianist Bruce Martin, bandoneone player Norman Sue and cellist Patrick Riley, performs the seductive music of Astor Piazzola for a Chamber Music concert entitled “The Tango & More” on Friday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Salisbury House. Tickets are $25. Call 274-1777.
In celebration of what would have been Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday, “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists Tour” plays Friday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. at Stephens Auditorium in Ames. The multi-media show includes Elvis impersonators who portray the King during the four stages of his career. Tickets are $25 and $36 through Ticketmaster. … Elvis fans might also enjoy the “Elvis Birthday Bash,” featuring Micky King, Bobby Simkins and The Hold On Band on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. at the House of Bricks. Admission is $8.
Iowa singer-songwriters Chad Elliott and Mary McAdams, both of whom have recently released new albums, will spend the evening trading songs during the “One Hot January Night” concert on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at People’s Court. Tickets are $40 for VIP seating, which includes a bottle of wine, or $10 for general admission. Call 314-4472 for VIP tickets.
Local jazz-pop singer Roxi Copland is hosting the first installment of her new Calliope Concert Series at the Des Moines Social Club on Saturday, Jan. 16. Each concert features a performance by Copland and another female performer, including Rae Fehring (Jan. 16), Coles Whalen (Feb. 26), Shannon Curtis (March 25) and Bonne Finken (April 17). Admission is $5. Copland tells Cityview that the series was inspired by the fact that according to the last census only 34 percent of professional musicians are women. “When I saw this data I was kind of appalled and wanted to see what I could do to help promote talented regional and national women artists,” she said. “Calliope is a Greek muse, a mythical creature who inspires creativity in art and music. I thought she seemed a fitting symbol for a concert series designed both to raise awareness of women’s music and empower the younger generation of great women musicians right here in central Iowa.”
Two shows of note at the Vaudeville Mews this week: The first, “Asklandaganza III,” in honor of the club’s booking agent Ladd Askland, features performances by The Poison Control Center, The Autumn Project and others at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16. … Then on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m., the Waka Winter Classic returns as The Workshy, Cirrus Minor, The Uniphonics and Omega Dog battle in a regional showcase for the opportunity to perform at this year’s Wakarusa Music Festival. Admission to each show is $5.
The Drake University Community Chorus is looking for a few good singers. The chorus, a non-audition ensemble, is open to all adults and will rehearse each Tuesday in preparation for its April 18 concert. Call 271-2841.
Jemina Pearl, former Be Your Own Pet frontwoman, performs Feb. 5 at the Vaudeville Mews. Tickets are $10 through IowaTix.
Pop-rock band A Sunny Day in Glasgow plays March 4 at the Vaudeville Mews. Tickets are $10 through IowaTix. Wolves in the Attic and Asteroid Marian open.
According to Pollstar, Huey Lewis and The News will perform April 22 at Prairie Meadows. CV
