Cityview | Central Iowa's Independent Weekly

‘Well done’

Despite challenging economic times and early questions, Wells Fargo Arena operates beyond projections

It was Oct. 26, 2005, when more than 14,000 screaming fans packed Wells Fargo Arena to hear the rhythmic rock of former Beatles turned soloist Paul McCartney. The seats were filled, the aisles were alive with music and McCartney had downtown Des Moines rocking. Five years later, “The Well” has become the Des Moines area’s primary venue for concerts, along with sporting and family events. With big-name acts already gracing the stage and more to come, will “The Well” ever run dry?...Read More>>

Is Frew leaving? Donald Kaul and other names from the past

First the political news, if it is news: Culver’s chief aide John Frew is telling friends, who are telling Skinny, that he is leaving late this spring. He’s going to Texas, they say, the home state of his wife — who wasn’t ecstatic last year when he told her they were moving to Iowa from Colorado. And, once again, the rumors are that Culver influential campaign consultant Teresa Vilmain will be leaving after the primary. But that rumor crops up every few months. The revolving door moves faster and faster....Read More>>

Hanwell’s paradox and evolution charms indie-rock fans

The paradox that is Hanwell intrigues. Listening to the Des Moines-based indie-rock band’s new EP, “Friends in Fair Weather,” most people would find it hard to believe that it was recorded, mixed and mastered by a group of teenagers in their basements and bedrooms.

Then consider the musical cohesiveness of heady songs like “Berlew,” “Not On Your Own” and “Provo” (think Kurt Cobain meets Aimee Mann meets The Shins) and it defies the geographical spread of the band, not to mention its recent changes in lineup and sound.

And when was the last time you heard of an indie-rock band in touch with its “faith,” yet win the popular vote in a band contest, like the one that landed them a gig at last year’s 80/35 festival?...Read More>>

New places serve ingenuity

New restaurants aren’t what they used to be. Before 2008, a new joint was opening in the metro about every 10 days. Many were heavily leveraged, stand-alone stores with corporate brand names.

After the federal banking bailout, loan officers lost interest in restaurants of almost any kind — Smashburger and Jimmy John’s seem to be exceptions. Opening a new place today requires more ingenuity and personal risk. We checked out a few that have adapted creatively to the new economy. . ..Read More>>”