By Michael Swanger michael@dmcityview.com

Supernova, Panic Channel play Wells Fargo Arena

Imagine getting the chance to go from Average Joe to rock star overnight. That’s the reality facing Lukas Rossi, winner of the CBS television competition “Rock Star Supernova,” who fronts the all-star band of veteran rockers known as Supernova on Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena.

Rossi beat out more than 25,000 entrants from 22 cities on six continents to front Supernova, which includes drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crüe), guitarist Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses) and bassist Johnny Colt (The Black Crowes). The band wraps up a month-long tour Feb. 27 but not before playing Des Moines on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $38 and $67 and can be purchased at the arena, through Dahl’s Foods by calling (866) 55-DAHLS or by visiting  HYPERLINK "http://www.dahlstickets.com"
www.dahlstickets.com.

Supernova, however, isn’t the only all-star group on the bill. The Panic Channel, which includes guitarist Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers), opens the show. The band also includes two other former members of Jane’s Addiction, drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Chris Chaney, as well as guitarist Steve Isaacs (Skycycle). The band released its debut album, “(One),” last summer.

Rock’s new vixen, Dilana, who placed second in the “Rock Star Supernova” competition, also opens the show. She released her second single “Holiday” last month and has been joined in the recording studio and on-stage by No Doubt drummer Adrian Young. Visit www.intothesupernova.com for more information.

Farm Aid helps Iowa group

Ever wonder where the money generated from Farm Aid goes? Last week, it awarded grants to 59 family farm groups across the country totaling $563,700, including one Iowa group — the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI), which received $5,000. The CCI fights against the spread of factory farms and works with lawmakers to enforce environmental regulations. “Farm Aid is proud to support so many creative efforts around the country to expand opportunities for family farmers,” says Willie Nelson, Farm Aid president, in a written statement.

Scene notes

The State of Iowa Historical Museum will screen the movie “House of the Tiger King” during its “Movies at the Museum” film series on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5. … Mars Café hosts a free art opening on Friday from 6 to 11 p.m. to showcase “This is Not a Still Life,” featuring works by Drake University students. The exhibition runs through Feb. 28. Friday’s event includes music by DJ Phase Two of the Des Moines Sound Proof Coalition. … If you like traditional blues, don’t miss two shows at Blues on Grand this week: Joe Moss (Nick Moss’ older brother) on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ($8) and Watermelon Slim & The Workers, nominated for a record six 2007 Blues Music Awards, on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ($10). … The Community Jazz Center Jam Session will be held Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Java Joes. Admission is free. Call 276-0777. … The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, which includes gypsy music and dancing, plays Stephens Auditorium in Ames on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18.50-$38.50. … Tina Haase-Findlay performs Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Botanical Center during the Botanical Blues series. Admission is $4. … The Des Moines Art Center hosts a series of films each Sunday during the month of February that focuses on medical developments in conjunction with its “Hug” and “Meet the New You” exhibitions. It kicks off this Sunday at 1 p.m. with a showing of “Freaks.” Admission is free, but fans can join discussion groups for $7. Films are intended for adult audiences. Call 271-0306. … SCOPE Productions at the University of Iowa hosts the Southern rap duo the Ying Yang Twins at the Iowa Memorial Union on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 through Ticketmaster. … Legendary crooner Bobby Vinton christens the new $60 million Prairie Meadows Ballroom with a performance Feb. 8. Vinton, known for his love ballad “Roses Are Red,” has sold more than 75 million records. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the casino. … Singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo plays The Redstone Room at the River Music Experience in Davenport on Feb. 10. … Country music rebel Marty Stuart plays The Mill in Iowa City on Feb. 16. Tickets are $15 in advance. Call (319) 351-9529. … The Alison Brown Quartet concert scheduled for Feb. 18 at Stephens Auditorium in Ames has been cancelled. Brown, pregnant with her second child, has been advised by doctors not to travel during the duration of her pregnancy. Refunds are available at the point of purchase. CV

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