By Andrew Brink, Jim Duncan, Michael Swanger, Emily Garrett and Sean J. Miller

Music

By Michael Swanger

Summertime in Iowa brings outdoor activities like baseball, camping, family gatherings and live music…. lots of hot-fun-in-the-summertime kind of live music. So much so you can set your calendar to it. From the first springtime farmer’s market to the last week in August before school starts, live music is in full effect in Iowa as promoters and bands take advantage of seasonal weather to bring people outdoors to enjoy concerts.

Cynics might not think of Iowa as a hotbed for live music by comparison to chic destinations like Austin, Chicago, New York or Los Angeles. And, yes, it’s unfortunate that some of the bigger name acts and festival tours once again are driving through our state this summer but not stopping to play. But there are plenty of great concerts coming our way this summer and we Iowans appreciate good music regardless of how corporate radio programmers and big box retail stores present it to us — especially when it comes to supporting local bands and national artists who don’t get played on radio or television.

Live music is so much a part of everyday summer life around here that we often take it for granted. Don’t believe me? When was the last time you went to a farmer’s market, an art show, a neighborhood festival, a food or beer event, a biker rally, a winery, an end-of-the-week after-work party or a fair and didn’t hear a band? Not often, I’m guessing. It’s the one art form that organizers insist on using to not only help draw a crowd, but to add some culture and flavor to their affair.

The aforementioned events also serve as great introductions to live music for the casual fan. They afford them the opportunity to see and hear musicians play compact sets that won’t tax their attention spans or their wallets. Ask any musician why they play such gigs — shows that often are twice the work in less than ideal conditions — and they’ll tell you “it’s the exposure.” But it only works if fans follow the bands into the clubs that support live music year round.

Clubs, by the way, sometimes have a hard time competing with all of the outdoor summer music and entertainment offerings, so they’re not to be forgotten. Many of them have bulked up their calendars in an effort to compete this summer — further crowding jam-packed concerts calendars… It’s a nice problem to have if you’re a music fan.

The following is a sampling of shows, organized by venue or event that can be found throughout the state through the end of August. It is not an inclusive list, as many shows have yet to be announced. Read Cityview each week for the most comprehensive music calendar in Central Iowa, new announcements and concert previews or visit our Web site at http://http://www.dmcityview.com.

Gotta go for now. Summertime’s calling.

Summer calendar

Alive Concert Series
Simon Estes Amphitheater
http://www.aliveconcerts.com
June 8 — The Nadas
June 15 — Yonder Mountain String Band
June 22 — George Clinton and Parliament
July 14 — G. Love & Special Sauce
July 20 — Little Feat
July 27 — Los Lobos
July 28 — Blue October
Aug. 3 — The Wailers
Aug. 4 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Belin String Quartet
Des Moines. Free
May 31-July 6 — Nollen Plaza, Fridays, 12:15 p.m.
July 13 — Jazz in July, downtown library lawn
July 20 — Downtown library lawn
July 27 — Children’s concert, downtown library lawn, 10:30 a.m.

Big Country Bash
Water Works Park
http://www.bigcountrybash.com
June 23 — Jason Brown, Bomshel, Luke Bryan, Jamie O’Neal, Tracy Byrd, Clay Walker
June 24 — Sarah Buxton, Carolina Rain, Danielle Peck, Jake Owen, Billy Currington, Blake Shelton

Bike Night
Downtown Indianola
6 p.m. Free
http://www.bikedowntoitown.com
June 15 — Faculty Lounge
July 20 — Tony Bohnenkamp
Aug. 17 — Station 803

Bike Night in Baxter
O’Kelly’s Steak and Pub, Baxter, 108 Main St.
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free
(641) 227-3013
June 6 — Scarlet Runner
June 13 — Billy Lee Janey Band
June 20 — Sumpin’ Doo
June 27 — James Armstrong
July 11 — Crooked Eye
July 18 — Daniel Rangel Project
July 25 —Legacy
Aug. 1 — Gimmick
Aug. 8 — Lil’ Dave Thompson
Aug. 15 — Clay McClinton
Aug. 22 — Shawn Kellerman
Aug. 29 — Scarlet Runner

Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival
LeClaire Park, Davenport
(563) 324-7170
http://www.bixsociety.org
July 26-29 — Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band, Randy Sandke’s New York All-Stars, Creole Jazz Serenaders, Josh Duffee and His Orchestra, Titan Hot 7, more.

Blues Before Sunset
Southwest outdoor terrace of state of Iowa Historical Building
Fridays, 5:30 p.m. Free
281-4011
http://www.culturalaffairs.org
June 1 — Hot Tamale & The Red Hots
June 8 — Sumpin’ Doo
June 15 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 22 — Backstage Boogie Band
June 29 — Soul Searchers
July 6 — Blues Bureau
July 13 — The Other Brothers
July 20 — Johnny and the Rectifiers
July 27 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Horns
Aug. 3 — The Blue Band

Blues on Grand
1501 Grand Ave.
244-3092
http://www.bluesongrand.com
June 1 — Big John & The 39th Street Band
June 2 — Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat
June 6 — Ron Thompson & the Resisters
June 8 — Zac Harmon
June 15 — James Solberg
June 16 — Ross William Perry
June 20 — Curtis Salgado
June 22 — Bryan Lee
June 27 — Bruce Katz
June 28 — Watermelon Slim
June 29 — Jason Ricci
June 30 — Damon Fowler
July 6 — Candye Kane
July 13 — Michael Burks
July 14 — Duke Tomatoe
July 20 — Guitar Shorty
July 21 — Joanna Connor
July 25 — Lil’ Dave Thompson
July 27 — Sean Costello
July 31 — JW Jones Band
Aug. 1 — Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Aug. 3 — Clay McClinton
Aug. 4 — Johnny Rawls
Aug. 10 — Janiva Magness
Aug. 15 — Mighty Lester
Aug. 17 — Smokin’ Joe Kubek & B’Nois King
Aug. 19 — Paul Richell & Annie Raines
Aug. 22 — Ronnie Baker Brooks
Aug. 24 — Harper

Bowlful of Blues
Maytag Bowl, Newton
http://www.southskunkblues.org
Bowlful of Blues
July 28 — Bernard Allison, Bryan Lee, Trampled Under Foot, Joe and Vicki Price, Wounded Judy

Cityview Brewfest
200 S.W. 2nd and Market streets
Parking lot of El Bait Shop
3-8 p.m. $20
June 23 — Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, Dr. Gonzo

Clive After Five
Linnan Park, Clive
Fridays, 5 p.m. $5
http://www.cliveafterfive.com
June 1 — Towncrier
June 8 — Trip James
June 15 — Flying Silos
June 29 — Flipside
July 6 — Final Mix
July 13 — Spatterdash
July 20 — 50 Pound Rooster
July 27 — Swing Crew
Aug. 3 — Jemstate
Aug. 24 — The Nadas

Clive Festival
Clive Aquatics Center, 1801 N.W. 114th St.
Free
http://www.clivefestival.com
June 21 — Soul Searchers
June 22 — Flipside, Final Mix
June 23 — Exit 113. Comfort Zone, Tony Valdez Large Band

College Hill Arts Festival
UNI Campus, 23rd and College streets
Cedar Falls. Free
http://www.chaf.cfu.net
July 20 — The Hands of Time, Karla Ruth, Orquesta de Jazz y Salsa Alto Maiz
July 21 — Bill Shepherd Big Band, Bob and Jovita Long

Cycle’s Walnut Tap
2401 E. Walnut St.
262-1218
June 1 — Melody Proffitt Band
June 8 — River City Rockets
June 16 — Yetti Bluz Band
June 22 — 3 AM Band
June 23 — Backstage Boogie Band
June 29 — AM Radio
June 30 — Boggy Depot
July 13 — Melody Proffitt Band
June 14 — River City Rockets
June 27 — 3 AM Band
Aug. 3 — AM Radio
Aug. 10 — Hot Tamale & The Red Hots
Aug. 17 — Thunderteaz
Aug. 24 — Backstage Boogie Band

Des Moines Arts Festival
Western Gateway Park
Downtown Des Moines. Free
http://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org
June 29 — Big Wooden Radio, Iowa Blues Hall of Fame Band, DiJohn, Inner Rain, Stallions versus Unicorns, Kelly’s Clan, Hot Club of Des Moines, Party Gras Classic Jazz Band, The 34th Army Band Rhythm Majors
June 30 — The Heroes, The Trained Professionals, Bob Hillman, Forty Watt Bulb, Josh Davis, The Tyler Thompson Band, Dick Prall, Benjamin Wagner, Randy Burk and the Prisoners, Nic Arp, Las Guitarras de Mexico, Lojo Russo, Homemade Headtrip, Isiserettes, Deja Voodoo Band, Little Mojo, Blue Island Tribe, World Port
July 1 — Lady Blue, Electric Junction, The Kissers, Box Brothers Band, Gladys Kravitz, Swing Crew, Des Moines Poetry Slam, Lincoln Railmen

El Bait Shop
200 S.W. 2nd St.
284-1970
June 3 — Jumbies
June 6 — Lonesome Traveler Bluegrass Band
June 10 — Donner Thompson
June 13 — Brother Trucker
June 17 — Electric Junction
June 20 — Mike Fonda
June 23 — Cityview Brewfest, Mr. Baber’s Neighbor’s and Dr. Gonzo
June 24 — Killentime
June 27 — Brother Trucker
July 1 — Dr. Z’s Experiment
July 8 — Home Grown Tomatoes
July 11 — Brother Trucker
July 18 — Bob Pace Trio
July 22 — Andy Schneider
July 25 — Brother Trucker
July 29 — Taste of Revival
Aug. 1 — Jumbies
Aug. 4 – NUTFRY, Brother Trucker and MooseKnuckle
Aug. 8 — Brother Trucker
Aug. 12 — Dr. Gonzo
Aug. 15 — Bob Pace Trio
Aug. 19 — Mr. Baber’s Neighbors
Aug. 22 — Brother Trucker
Aug. 26 — MooseKnuckle

Englert Theater
221 E. Washington St., Iowa Cityview (319) 688-2653
http://www.englert.org
June 12 — Richard Thompson
June 15 — Edie Carey and Ben Schmidt
June 28 — Rod Pierson Big Band

Friday Fest
Walker-Johnston Sports Complex
9000 Douglas Ave., Urbandale
4:45 p.m. $6
276-3246
June 1 — Stone Thro
June 8 — Flipside
June 15 — Final Mix
June 22 — Rude Mood
June 29 — The Blue Band
July 6 — Deja Voodoo
July 13 — Standing Hampton
July 20 — Final Mix
July 27 — Heartbeats

Friday Night Concert Series
Pedestrian Plaza, downtown Iowa City
6:30 p.m. Free
(319) 337-7944
http://www.iowacitymusic.com
June 8 — The Beaker Brothers
June 15 —The Mayflies
June 22 — Burlington Street Bluegrass Band
June 29 — Iowa City Jazz Festival
July 6 — Grooveship
July 13 — Big Wooden Radio
July 20 — Mike and Amy Finders
July 27 — BF Burt and the Instigators
Aug. 3 — Kelly Pardekooper
Aug. 10 — Funkmaster Cracker/Broke Out Steppers
Aug. 17 — Orquesta Alto Maiz
Aug. 24 — Dave Moore

Fridays at the Fountain
West Glen Town Center
I-35 and Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
5 p.m. $5
223-7885
http://www.westglentowncenter.com
June 1 — Flipside
June 8 — 3AM Band
June 15 — Ranallo & Kacher
June 22 — After Hours Band
June 29 — Back in the Day
July 6 — Tony Valdez
July 13 — One Nite Stand
July 20 — Bob Pace Band
July 27 — Burnin’ Sensations

Greens and Blues Fest
Toad Valley Golf Course
6 p.m. Free
967-9575
http://www.toadvalleygolfcourse.com
June 9 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 16 — Johnny Kilowatt
June 23 — Soul Searchers
July 14 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
July 21 — Johnny & the Rectifiers
July 28 — Soul Searchers
Aug. 4 — Tony Valdez

Hairy Mary’s
2307 University Ave.
255-2456
http://www.hairymarys.com
June 8 — Brodys Militia, Cross Examination
June 12 — Superbad, Blackout

Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
288-2520
June 1 — Bob Pace Band
June 2 — Crunk Pigeon
June 8 — Mr. Baber’s Neighbors
June 9 — Stratford Rhythm Ramblers
June 15 — Obsidian’s Dream
June 22 — Dr. Gonzo
June 29 — One Night Stand
June 30 — Barry Boyce
July 6 — Anonymous Johnson
July 13 — Yetti Bluz Band
July 14 — Barefoot Becky
July 20 — Soul Searchers
July 21 — Malek’s Fisherman
July 27 — Deja Voodoo
Aug. 3 — Mr. Baber’s Neighbors
Aug. 10 — Bob Pace Band
Aug. 11 — Barefoot Becky
Aug. 17 — One Nite Stand
Aug. 25 — Malek’s Fisherman

Homegrown in Iowa Music Series
Downtown Perry
5:30 p.m. Free
(515) 465-4601
http://www.perryia.org
June 15 — Dave Zollo
July 20 — Joe and Vicki Price, Dave Moore

House of Bricks
525 E. Grand Ave.
727-4370
http://www.thehouseofbricks.com
May 31 — Windsor Drive
June 1 — Escape From Earth
June 1  — Lookout Loretta
June 2 — Reality’s Flaw
June 2 — Angry Gods of the Radio
June 3 — Screaming Mechical Brain
June 6 — With Blood Comes Cleansing
June 8 — And God Blessed Ignorance
June 9 — Deified
June 9 — Calous
June 10 — Horizontal Orange
June 11 — Miss Crazy
June 12 — Keepers of the Carpet
June 13 — Hold For Swank
June 15 — Scrue
June 16 — Facecage
June 21 — Poinsettia
June 22 — ZPS
June 22 — World Under
June 23 — Mindrite
June 25 — Blowfly
June 29 — Reality’s Flaw
June 29 — Lifeblood
June 30 — A Gun Named Hope
July 3 — The She He Hes
July 5 — Up In Arms
July 6 — Josh Alton
July 7 — Vice Grip Throttle
July 8 — The Warriors
July 13 — Emery
July 13 — Miker’s Mad
July 14 — Standing Damaged
July 21 — Deified
July 29 — Amicus
Aug. 10 — Racing Kites
Aug. 10 — Angry Gods of the Radio
Aug. 11 — Skin Kandy
Aug. 17 — The Vandon Arms
Aug. 17 — Pocket Full of Nickles

Iowa City Jazz Festival
Downtown Iowa City. Free
(319) 358-9346
http://www.icjazzfest.org
June 29 — Airto Moreira and Eyedintity, United Jazz Ensemble, Krewe Osgood, New Beat Society, Latin Jazz Ensemble
June 30 — Corey Christiansen Trio, Cuong Vu Trio, Stanton Moore Trio, Don Byron Plays Junior Walker, The Diplomats of Solid Sound, The Bobby Domsic Quartet, Chuck and the All-Nighters
July 1 — Public Property, Rebecca Martin, Ben Allison Quartet, The Derek Trucks Band, Radio Improved, The Tornadoes, 3 Page 5s, Group X

Iowa City Yacht Club
13 S. Linn St., Iowa City
(319) 337-6464
http://www.iowacitytachtclub.com
June 1 — Diplomats of Solid Sound, The Diplomettes
June 2 — Dennis McMurrin and the Demolition Band
June 7 — The Dig Angees
June 8 — Hot Johnson and the Spliff Brothers
June 9 — Ephriam Zehn
June 15 — Bad Fathers
June 28 — Dead Larry
June 29 — New Beat Society
June 30 — Hunab
July 5 — Spencenter
July 6 — Lunatix on Pogostix
July 28 — The Jumbies
Aug. 10 — The Most

Iowa Speedway
Newton
http://www.iowaspeedway.com
June 2 — Aaron Tippin
June 9 — John Waite, Kansas, Foreigner
June 10 — Jars of Clay, Superchic[k], Third Day
June 23 — Three Dog Night
July 14 — Lonestar
Aug. 4 — Dokken, Poison, Ratt, White Lion

Iowa State Fair
Iowa State Fairgrounds
(800) 545-FAIR
http://www.iowastatefair.org
Grandstand
Aug. 9 — Gary Allan, Erci Church
Aug. 10 — Alice Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult
Aug. 11 — Rock and Roll Reunion XXVIII featuring Little Anthony & the Imperials, Sam the Sham, Percy Sledge, Gary U.S. Bonds, Ben E. King
Aug. 12 — Corbin Bleu and Drake Bell, Jordan Pruitt
Aug. 14 — Dierks Bentley, Chris Cagle
Aug. 16 — Casting Crowns, TREE63
Aug. 17 — Joe Walsh
Aug. 18 — Switchfoot, Cartel
Aug. 19 — American Idols Live!

Free stages
Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage
Aug. 9-11 — The Nadas
Aug. 12 — Survivor
Aug. 13-14 — G.B. Leighton
Aug. 15-16 — Hairball: A spoof on the 80’s
Aug. 17-18 — Vocal Trash
Aug. 17-18 — The Blue Band
Aug. 19 — Vocal Trash

Riley Stage
Aug. 9-11 — Vocal Trash
Aug. 12 — Fiesta Latina featuring Grupo Fuego
Aug. 13-14 — Justin Roberts
Aug. 13-14 — Ron Diamond
Aug. 15-16 — Vocal Trash
Aug. 17 — The BoDeans
Aug. 18 — Loverboy
Aug. 19 — Don McLean

Susan Knapp Amphitheater
Aug. 9 — Jason Brown
Aug. 10 — Del McCoury Band
Aug. 11 — Steve Holy
Aug. 12-14 — Vocal Trash
Aug. 15 — Bellamy Brothers
Aug. 16 — Country Gold: Leroy VanDyke, Bobby Bare, Charlie Rich Jr., Connie Smith
Aug. 17 — Josh Gracin
Aug. 18 — Chris Young
Aug. 19 — Celebration Iowa

Terrible’s Lakeside Casino Stage
Aug. 9-11 — ABBAMANIA: The Magic and Music of ABBA
Aug. 12-14 — Stayin’ Alive: A Night of the Bee Gees
Aug. 15-16 — Travis LeDoyt: Elvis Impersonator
Aug. 17-19 — Simply the Best: Tribute to Legendary Motown Divas

Java Joe’s Coffeehouse
214 Fourth St. Free
288-5282
http://www.javajoescoffeehouse.com
June 1 — Cait Shananan
June 2 — Jeff Ray
June 3 — CJC Jazz Band
June 9 — Frankie the Poet
June 12 — Irish Jam
June 14 — Tom Feldman and the Get Rights
June 16 — Caiti Allison
June 23 — Milkwar
June 24 — Johnston Station Jazz Band
June 30 — Cell Division
July 1 — CJC Jazz Band
July 8 — Johnston Station Jazz Band
July 14 — Petrella
July 21 — Tom Vollman
July 28 — Selling September
Aug. 2 — Anna Laub
Aug. 2 — Leap Year

Johnston Bluegrass Festival
Johnston Commons
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. $5-$10
http://www.johnstonbluegrassfestival.com
Aug. 4 — Bluegrass Addiction, Coal Creek Drifters, McPunk Brothers, Corder Family, Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, Drive Time, Special Consensus

June Jam
June 1-30
Multiple bands and locations
See this week’s Scene Scribe

Keysters
3280 100th St., Urbandale
252-1403
http://www.keysters.com
June 1 — Towncrier
June 8 — Tim Mahoney
June 16 — Hello Dave
June 23 — Bound To Be
July 7 — Mighty Short Bus
July 27 — Swing Crew

The Lighthouse Coffeehouse
4501 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines Christian Church
223-1639
http://www.lighthousecoffeehouse.com
June 15 — Michael Johnson
Aug. 17 — Americana Night featuring Bill Isles, Mustards Retreat, Dave Moore

Live at the Creek
Jordan Creek Town Center, West Des Moines
Sundays, 5 p.m. Free
http://www.jordancreektowncenter.com
July 1 — Dueling Pianos
July 8 — Mr. Blotto
July 15 — Dueling Pianos
July 22 — Josh Davis Band
July 29 — Dueling Pianos
Aug. 15 — The Blue Band
Aug. 12 — Dueling Pianos
Aug. 19 — Final Mix
Aug. 26 — Dueling Pianos

The Longest Yard
122 5th St., West Des Moines
274-1710
May 31 — Brian Condon
June 7 — Mike Aceto
June 8 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 9 — Melody Proffitt Band
June 16 — Brian Allen
June 21 — Tony Bohnenkamp
June 22 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 23 — Spam
June 28 — Spam
July 12 — Mike Aceto
July 13 — Brian Allen
July 14 — Melody Proffitt Band
July 19 — Spam
July 20 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
July 26 — Tony Bohnenkamp
Aug. 2 — Spam
Aug. 9 — Mike Aceto
Aug. 10 — Brian Allen
Aug. 11 — Melody Proffitt Band
Aug. 17 — Spam

Main Street Concerts
Main Street Cultural District
Downtown Ames
Thursdays 5:30 p.m. Free
(515) 233-3472
http://www.mainstreetculturaldistrict.com
June 7 — Burning Sensations
June 14 — BeJae Fleming
June 21 — Left to Rust
June 28 — Porch Stompers
July 5 — Reggie Greenlaw
July 12 — Blue Moon Players
July 19 — Box Brothers Band
July 26 — Good Guys
Aug. 2 — Keith McCaulley

Mars Café
2318 University Ave.
369-6277
http://www.myspace.com/marscafe
June 1 — Black Lung Serenade
June 2 — She Swings, She Sways
June 6 — Chris Schultz and Steph Hayes
June 8 — Steve Robinson and the Foundation
June 15 — Tom Vollman
June 22 — Ali Harter
June 24 — Nathaniel Carroll and Christopher the Conquered
June 29 — Dave Mehling
June 30 — Big Joe and His Kin
July 8 — The Radioroots & Darren Deicide
July 13 — LVNMUZIQ
July 28 — Shay Watson
Aug. 3 — Lara Ewen

The Mill
120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City
(319) 351-9529
http://www.icmill.com
June 1 — Public Property
June 2 — Eric Straumanis farewell show
June 5 — The oftENsemble
June 6 — Texar
June 7 — Brave Combo
June 8 — The Pines
June 9 — Zibrazibra
June 14 — Awful Purdies
June 15 — No River City
June 20 — Rebirth Brass Band
June 21 — The Honeydogs
June 22 — Catfish Keith
June 23 — The Morning Pages

Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
LeClaire Park, Davenport, $15
(563) 322-5837
http://www.mvbs.org
June 29 — Damon Fowler Group, Albert Cummings, Chubby Carrier, Robert Randolph, Robert Belfour, Paul Oscher, Big Bill Morganfield, Nappy Brown, Bob Margolin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith
June 30 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts, Kelly Richey, Jason Ricci, Big James and the Chicago Playboys, Mark Hummel, James Harman, Paul Oscher, Bad Luck City, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, Alberta Adams, Ari Brown, Watermelon Slim, Trudy Lynn
July 1 — Dona Oxford, Tom Principato, Ruby Wilson, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Drink Small, Dave MacKenzie, Bruce Katz, Henry Gray

Mississippi Valley Fair
Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport
(563) 326-5338
http://www.mvfair.com
July 31 — Lonestar
Aug. 1 — Josh Turner
Aug. 2 — Gretchen Wilson
Aug. 3 — Poison
Aug. 4 — Big and Rich
Aug. 5 — Chris Cagle

Music in the Junction
Railroad Park, Valley Junction
West Des Moines
Thursdays, 6 p.m. Free
222-3642
http://www.valleyjunction.com
May 31 — Big Al’s Blues Busters
June 7 — Comfort Zone
June 14 — Johnny & the Rectifiers
June 21 — Flipside
June 28 — Vertigo
July 5 — Hold On
July 12 — Lavendar Lace
July 19 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Horns
July 26 — Blues Bureau
Aug. 2 — Comfort Zone
Aug. 9 — Freestyle
Aug. 16 — Faculty Lounge
Aug. 23 — Soul Searchers

Music Under the Stars
West Steps, Capitol Building
Sundays, 6:30 p.m. Free
June 17 — Des Moines Municipal Band (Roosevelt High School)
June 24 — Des Moines Municipal Band
July 1 — Iowa Military Veterans Band
July 8, 15, 22 — Des Moines Municipal Band
July 29 — 312th Army Band
Aug. 5 — 34th Army Band
Aug. 12 — Soya Vista Jazz Orchestra

Nitefall on the River
Simon Estes Amphitheater
Thursdays, 7 p.m. $8
June 7 — Emerson Hart, Scott Ledger
June 14 — Glengarry Bhoys
June 21 — Indigenous, Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 28 — New Monsoon, Floodplane
July 5 — Buckwheat Zydeco, Trampled Under Foot
July 12 — Roomful of Blues
July 19 — Iowa Blues and Rock Hall of Fame Night
July 26 — The Subdudes, Mooseknuckle
Aug. 2 — Authentic Records Showcase

Peoples Bar & Grill
2430 Lincoln Way, Ames
(515) 292-4501
June 11 — Jon McLaughlin, Jonny Lang

People’s Court
216 Court Ave.
June 6 — MxPx, Project 86

The Picador
309 E. Washington St., Iowa City
(319) 354-4788
http://www.thepicador.com
June 2 — Dr. Z’s Experiment
June 3 — The Skies We Built
June 4 — Black Cobra
June 5 — Ed Gray
June 8 — Tittsworth
June 9 — The Devil Wears Prada
June 10 — Time Again
June 11 — Falcon Crest
June 12 — Miss Crazy
June 13 — The Chariot
June 14 —Terror
June 16 — Liberty Leg
June 17 — Unwed Sailor
June 18 — Nomo
June 19 — The Fall Collection
June 22 — The Red Chord
June 23 — The Yolks
June 24 — Gasoline Heart
June 26 — Melt Banana
June 30 — Full Moon Freakout!
July 1 — Dead to Fall
July 3 — Page France
July 4 — Saosin
July 5 — Parts and Labor
July 12 — Battles
Aug. 1 — Neil Hamburger
Aug. 2 — Joan as Police Woman
Aug. 5 — Reverend Horton Heat
Aug. 28 — The Detroit Cobras

Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Altoona, Interstate 80, Exit 142
(800) 325-9015
http://www.prairiemeadows.com
June 2 — Westside Band
June 14 — Neil Sedaka
June 29 — Vertigo USA
July 1 — Lucy Angel
July 7 — Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Aug. 1 — Diamond Rio
Aug. 25 — Deke Dickerson & the Ecco-Fonics

The Reverb
204 Main St., Cedar Falls
(319) 277-4404
http://www.thereverb.net
June 1 — Stab Corp
June 2 — Hot Box Moses
June 7 — Audio Spaghetti
June 9 — DUI
June 15 — 3 lbs of Love
June 16 — The Diplomats of Solid Sound
June 21 — Evil Beaver
June 22 — The Goodyear Pimps
June 23 — The Beat Strings
June 30 — Black Days Down
July 3 — Cheesestock
Aug. 6 — The Reverend Horton Heat

Rib America Festival
Iowa Events Center parking lot
Free or $3
http://www.iowaeventscenter.com
July 13 — Buddy Guy, Marcia Ball
July 14 — .38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Jimmie Van Zant Band
July 15 — Big Head Todd and the Monsters, The Nadas

Ritual Café
13th Street Between Grand and Locust
288-4872
http://www.ritualcafe.com
June 1 — Amber Norgaard
June 2 — Larry Ravenswood
June 5 — Just Plain Folks Showcase
June 9 — Martine Locke
June 15 — Nic Arp
June 16 — Edie Carey
June 22 — Soapbox Prophets
June 23 — Stephen Ites
July 6 — Lonesome Dan
July 7 — Colleen Jameson
July 19 — Trina Hamlin
July 21 — Sharon Bousquet
Aug. 24 — Ortonville Circus

River Music Experience
129 Main St., Davenport
(877) 326-1333
http://www.rivermusicexperience.com
June 1 — Flynnville Train
June 2 — The Feral Kids
June 5 — Sheldon Law
June 23 — Curtis Salgado
July 6 — Railroad Earth

Sentimental Journey
Perry Event Center, Perry
(515) 465-4601
Aug. 24 — Mike and Amy Finders
Aug. 25 — Greg Brown, Pieta Brown, Bo Ramsey

Stephens Auditorium
Ames
http://www.center.iastate.edu
July 22 — Godsmack

Stir Concert Cove
Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel
One Harrah’s Blvd.
(712) 329-6000
http://www.harrahs.com
June 1 — Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson
June 9 — Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
June 14 — Ziggy Marley
June 16 — Jonny Lang
June 22 — George Thorogood & The Destroyers
June 30 — REO Speedwagon
July 3 — Robert Randolph & The Family Band
July 6 — Emmylou Harris
July 14 — Blue October
July 19 — moe.
July 21 — Bob Weir and Ratdog
July 27 — Chris Isaak
Aug. 3 — Willie Nelson
Aug. 24 — Etta James

Summerset Winery & Inn
15101 Fairfax, Indianola
Free. 961-3545
http://www.summersetwine.com
June 1 — Dave Zollo Band
June 3 — Soul Searchers
June 8 — Old School
June 10 — Ashanti
June 17 — After Hours Band
June 24 — Tony Valdez & the Retro Rockers
July 1 — Bob Pace Band
July 8 — Ashanti
July 13 — Old School
July 15 — Freestyle
July 20 — Soul Searchers
July 22 — Tony Valdez Large Band
July 29 — Soul Searchers
Aug. 5 — Bob Pace Band
Aug. 10 — Soul Searchers
Aug. 12 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Horns
Aug. 17 — Old School
Aug. 19 — Freestyle
Aug. 26 — Tony Valdez Large Band

Sugar Grove Winery
6602 Ginger Ave., Newton
(641) 787-9463
http://www.sugargrove.com
June 2 — Eight Track Band
June 9 — Ed Kaizer Trio
June 16 — Johnny and The Rectifiers
June 30 — Tony Valdez & Don Jacques
July 7 — The Likely Suspects
July 21 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
July 28 — Ashanti
Aug. 11 — Rich and Terry, Joanne Jackson and John Mattingly
Aug. 18 — Joe Price, BeJae Fleming
Aug. 25 — Flatland Frank

Surf Ballroom
460 North Shore Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-6151
http://www.surfballroom.com
June 2 — Anthony Gomes
June 8 — Miranda Lambert
June 9 — Hotel California and Elton Joel
June 13 — Johnny A
June 15 — Los Lonely Boys, Indigenous
June 16 — The Rider
June 22 — Peter Frampton, Savoy Brown
June 27 — Corpse Show Creeps
June 29 — Devon Allman & Honeytribe
July 1 — B.B. King
July 3 — Vic Ferrari Band
July 6 — Walter Trout
July 7 — Kelley Hunt, Candye Kane
July 15 — Hunter Fuerste Orchestra
July 20 — Cross Canadian Ragweed
July 28 — Styx
Aug. 3 — 20 Something White Guys
Aug. 4 — Marc Ford

Terrible’s Lakeside Casino
777 Casino Dr., Osceola
(877) 477-LAKE
http://www.terribleherbst.com
June 15-16 — Gary Muledeer
July 1 — The Gatlin Brothers
July 4 — Nashville Star Tour
July 6 — Billy Dean

Thursdays in the Park
Central Park, Grinnell
5 and 7:30 p.m. Free
(641) 236-1626
May 31 — Tropical Steel, Route 66
June 7 — The 8 Track Band, Grinnell Municipal Band
June 14 — Truckstop Souvenir, Grinnell Municipal Band
June 21 — Highway Home, Grinnell Municipal Band
June 28 — The Ants, Grinnell Municipal Band
July 5 — Tell the Audient Void
July 12 — Calle Sur’s Latin Fiesta
July 19 — The Blue Band
July 26 — Turlack Ur Pipe Band
Aug. 2 — Storm Seymour
Aug. 9 — Blue Voodoo
Aug. 16 — Burlington Street Bluegrass Band
Aug. 23 — Public Property

U.S. Cellular Center
370 First Avenue N.E., Cedar Rapids
(319) 398-5211
http://www.uscellularcenter.com
June 19 — Tool, Melt Banana
June 26 — Eleven Finger
July 13 — Alison Krauss & Union Station

Val Air Ballroom
301 Ashworth Rd., West Des Moines
223-6152
http://www.valairballroom.com
June 13 — Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace

Vaudeville Mews
212 Fourth St.
243-3270
http://www.vaudevillemews.com
June 1 — Eoto
June 2 — Black Lung Serenade
June 2 — The Rounders
June 6 — The Dig Angees
June 7 — Brother Ali
June 8 — The Prospectors
June 9 — School’s Out Show
June 10 — Julie Sokolow
June 12 — Matt and Kim
June 13 — Big Business
June 14 — Still Cry
June 15 — The Poison Control Center
June 15 — The Diplomettes
June 16 — Steve Robinson and the Foundation
June 16 — Haze the Hides
June 17 — DD Sparks
June 18 — Makeout Party
June 20 — This Story
June 21 — One Persun
June 23 — The Boggs
June 24 — Please Please Please
June 27 — John Burns
June 28 — Arms and Legs
June 29 — Particle
June 30 — Summer Heat
July 1 — Am Syndicate
July 3 — Permanent Me
July 4 — Black Tie Dynasty
July 6 — The Void
July 6 — Tell The Audient Void
July 7 — Ely Falls
July 9 — Deer Tick
July 10 — Killpact
July 11 — Coolzey
July 12 — Cornmeal
July 13 — Cartright
July 14 — Cleo’s Apartment
July 14 — Grayson Capps
July 15 — Kingdom
July 18 — Boat
July 19 — Oh My God
July 20 — A Gun Named Hope
July 21 — Finding The Warren
July 25 — Blood On The Tracks
July 25 — Alela Diane
July 26 — Head For The Hills
July 29 — Mike Mangione
Aug. 15 — Martin Devaney
Aug. 17 — Miker’s Mad
Aug. 18 — The Soul Searchers
Aug. 23 — Ezra Furman and The Harpoons
Aug. 26 — All Teeth and Knuckles

Waterstock Rock
Water Works Park, 10 a.m.
http://www.freewebtown.com/waterstockrock/index.html
June 30 — Vince Neil, Warrant, White Lion, Winger, Faster Pussycat, Seven Mary Three, Cold Filtered

Wells Fargo Arena
730 Third St.
564-8000
http://www.iowaeventscenter.com
June 18 — John Mayer
July 29 — Keith Urban

Wild West Music Fest
Festival Park at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
$15 Saturday, $10 Sunday, $20 two-day pass
Gates at 11 a.m.
June 30 — Rushlow Harris, Wayword Sons, Moonshine Runners
July 1 — Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Backporch Mary, She Swings, She Sways

Zoo Brew
Blank Park Zoo
7401 S.W. 9th St.
http://www.blankparkzoo.com
June 20 — Hotel California
July 18 — Monkey Monkey Monkey
Aug. 29 — Pianopalooza

Surf’s up

What’s a summer without a road trip to see a concert? Not much if you ask fans of live music.
There are a number of concerts to be held this summer at a variety of venues across Iowa. And though the concerts are the main attraction at these places, few offer fans the added bonus of being a destination in their own right like the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.

Best known, perhaps, for being the place where rock ‘n’ roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson performed their final concert in 1959 just hours before their plane crashed, the Surf has become a gathering place for music fans from all walks of life. Step onto the hardwood floors and gaze at the ocean-front murals and you can’t help but reminisce about the days of milk shakes and poodle skirts. But peruse the lineup on the Surf’s Web site (http://www.surfballroom.com) and you can see why the historic landmark continues to pack capacity audiences of 2,100 people into the 30,000-square-foot venue, which includes a 6,300-square-foot dance floor.

Veteran artists like Styx, B.B. King and Peter Frampton play the Surf this summer alongside newcomers like Los Lonely Boys, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Corpse Show Creeps. But when you make plans to see one of these shows don’t forget to build in an extra hour or two into your schedule to visit all the memorabilia and revisit some music history right here in Iowa. — Michael Swanger

Get your jungle love on at Zoo Brew

Morris Day sang about jungle love. So did Steve Miller. But the folks at Blank Park Zoo have created their own brand of jungle love for music fans… Zoo Brew.

Now in its fourth year, Zoo Brew has become an increasing popular outlet for music lovers — especially those with families, mortgages and careers. It’s a great way to take in a concert and monkey around at the zoo without the kids.
Each month, Blank Park Zoo hosts live music on a Wednesday night from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Beer and margaritas are on tap, as are hamburgers and sandwiches. Admission is $10 for non-zoo members and $5 for members.

“It’s time to help give adults another relaxing night of fun,” says Colleen Murphy, the zoo’s special events director. “It’s a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the zoo.”

The series kicked off earlier this month, but there is plenty of time to catch some sounds and sights at the zoo. On June 20, it’s “Get the Scoop” night with music by Hotel California, an Eagles tribute band. Monkey Monkey Monkey plays “the Great Brew Off” on July 18. And on Aug. 29, “Uncorked Wine,” featuring Pianopalooza wraps up the series. — Michael Swanger

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FILM

By Emily Garrett

The warm Iowa sunshine has finally roused us from our deep winter hibernation. We’ve blindly followed the light from our cave-like dwellings and stood dumbly blinking in the sunlight. But soon we remembered this strange and exciting season that is summer. The fresh air, short skirts and shirtless men awake our senses. We are hurtled into a frenzy of activity as the smells of campfires, sweat, sex and beer float about us. All this stimulation can lead to absolute exhaustion. But have no fear, there is a dark, cool place where we can shut off our minds for at least a good hour and a half.

The overwhelming theme at the box office this summer is the sequel. Even God and the arguably more powerful force of Harry Potter have sequels this summer in “Evan Almighty” and “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” With sequels and remakes counting in the double digits, we’ll be seeing many familiar faces in the theater. And though sequels are not always dramatic masterpieces, we will know what we’re getting into when we take a seat with our gallon of soda and extra large bucket of butter-soaked popcorn.

For those film gurus who are always hankering for something new and interesting, between the numbered movies there are a few innovative summer flicks to be had. “Wristcutters: A Love Story” and British film “Death at a Funeral” look promising if you crave some dark comedy to break up your bright summer days. Michael Moore continues bitching about the world, finding a new topic to rant about this summer in his film “Sicko.”

The summer is littered with both cinematic treasure and big screen crap. So without further ado, here are a few summer movies you might want to check out, and some others you’d probably rather not.

“OCEAN’S THIRTEEN”

Directed by Steven Soderbergh; starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Casey Affleck, Ellen Barkin and Al Pacino

June 8

Danny Ocean and his crew are at it again with an ingenious plan to break The Bank — a new casino. This time things get personal after casino owner Willy Bank takes out one of the original eleven. But Mr. Bank may give them a run for their money — pardon the pun. He is played by none other than former Corleone and “Scarface” star, Al Pacino. Even if “Ocean’s Thirteen” ends up unlucky this time, you won’t hear me complaining about two hours filled with magnified images of George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.

“THE FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER”

Directed by Tim Story; starring Michael Chiklis, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Ioan Gruffudd

June 15

Stretchy guy, invisible woman, human torch and the thing… what’s missing? If you said a guy covered in latex that rides a surfboard and has cosmic powers, you are going to LOVE this movie! Tim Story returns to direct the film as the Fantastic Four are faced with a new intergalactic villain, the Silver Surfer, and the surprising return of their arch nemesis Dr. Doom. For those of you who have been counting down the seconds until your superheroes — Jessica Alba included — return, have no fear! In a mere 16 days, 10 hours and 32 seconds the Four will return to save the world from destruction yet again.

“LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD”

June 27

Directed by Len Wiseman; starring Bruce Willis, Justin Long and Maggie Q

Keeping with the summer sequel theme, man’s man Bruce Willis is back proving once again that he is hard to kill. Complete with lots of bad guys, really big guns and plenty of explosions, diehard “Die Hard” fans — sorry about that one — will not likely be disappointed. As an added bonus Justin Long (also known as the Mac in the PC vs. Mac commercials) plays Willis’ loveable but less macho sidekick.

“SICKO”

June 29

Directed by and starring Michael Moore

Middle or ring finger? This is the question confronted in the first scene of “Sicko” as an uninsured man chooses which finger to reattach. A romantic at heart, he opts for the ring finger. As you may have guessed, this time Michael Moore is tackling the many inadequacies of the United States healthcare system. Like Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine” and “Fahrenheit 9/11,” this film was selected for the Cannes Film Festival. However, “Sicko” is said to be more insightful, taking a look at ours and other countries’ healthcare systems with fresh eyes. With less of Moore’s familiar accusations and name calling, this portrayal of America’s defective healthcare may leave audiences feeling a little queasy about it themselves.

“RATATOUILLE”

June 29
Directed by Brad Bird; starring Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano and Janeane Garofalo

Oh, Disney. You used to fill little girls with unattainable dreams of becoming beautiful princesses. You evolved to films starring mermaids and minorities, then lions and ants and now… your hero is a rat. But really, most people do have more in common with a filthy animal than with Sleeping Beauty or Snow White. It seems “Ratatouille” has all the ingredients for a Disney classic. It has an endearing protagonist and sidekick. It has a beautiful setting in Paris — with the added bonus of jokes about French people. And it has that American dream, rags to riches story that Disney loves — played out by a French rat.

“DEATH AT A FUNERAL”

June 29

Directed by Frank Oz; starring Mathew MacFadyen, Peter Dinklage, Alan Tudyk and Ewen Bremmer

What’s your little secret? Will you take it to your grave? In this dark comedy one man does, but barely. Chaos ensues when a dysfunctional British family learns of their deceased patriarch’s questionable past. The film’s director, Frank Oz, is a man of many talents: puppeteer partner of Jim Henson, voice of Miss Piggy, Cookie Monster and Yoda and director of numerous films including “What About Bob?” and “Bowfinger.” Oz will surely not disappoint this time with a film rich in sex, drugs and uncomfortable situations. Plus, everything is funnier in a British accent.

“HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX”
July 13

Directed by David Yates; starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint

You know you’re going to go see it. Everyone else is. Better start re-reading the book because Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and blossoming fox Hermoine Granger are back for their fifth year at Hogwarts where an adventure is brewing. This year Harry must defend his integrity as the wizarding community denies the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Since everyone and their mother have read the book I’ll spare you the minute plot details. On July 13, Harry Potter will once again make us all wish we weren’t muggles and give kids an even stronger urge to play with fireworks this summer.

“HAIRSPRAY”

July 20

Directed by Adam Shankman; starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah and Nikki Blonsky

If audiences don’t flock to the theaters simply to embrace the loveable main character Tracy Turnblad again in this remake of the 1988 classic and Tony award-winning Broadway production, they will surely come to see John Travolta… in a fat suit… in drag. It may be worth a trip to the theater to see this star-studded cast. Besides, everyone loves rooting for that big-haired, big-boned girl with big dreams.

“ROCKET SCIENCE”

August 10

Directed by Jeffrey Blitz; starring Reece Thompson, Anna Kendrick and Nicholas D’Agosto)

Nothing makes us feel better about ourselves than watching someone else stumble through puberty even more awkwardly than we did. This is the case in the charming coming-of-age tale about Hal Hefner who struggles with a disastrous st…st…stutter and also happens to fall for the captain of the debate team. Before you write this off as another mediocre attempt at warming your cold, cold heart, know that the film did earn Jeffrey Blitz the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival and is said to avoid the usual clichés found in the “gawky teenager” genre.

“WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY”

August 17

Directed by Goran Dukic; starring Patrick Fugit, Leslie Bibb and Shannyn Sossamon

After much success at the Sundance and Philadelphia Film Festivals, this morbid yet uplifting black comedy hits theaters this summer. Opening with the suicide of the brokenhearted main character, the aptly named “Wristcutters” takes place entirely in the afterlife. Audiences will get back in touch with their inner misunderstood teenager as these bright, young and dead people discover life and love after death.

JUNE 1

“Mr. Brooks” (d. Bruce A. Evans; with Kevin Costner, Demi Moore, Dane Cook and William Hurt)
“Gracie” (d. Davis Guggenheim; with Dermot Mulroney, Elisabeth Shue and Carly Schroeder)
“Pierrepoint – The Last Hangman” (d. Adrian Shergold; with Timothy Spall, Juliet Stevenson and Eddie Marsan)
“Knocked Up” (d. Judd Apatow; with Katherine Heigl, Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd)
“Day Watch” (d. Timur Bekmambetov; with Konstantin Khabensky, Maria Poroshina and Vladimir Menshov)
“Crazy Love” (d. Dan Klores; with Burt and Linda Pugach, as themselves)

JUNE 6

“12:08 East of Bucarest” (d. Corneliu Porumboiu; with Mircea Andreescu, Teo Corban and Ion Sapdaru)
“The Method” (d. Marcelo Piñeyro, Eduardo Noriega, Najwa Nimri and Eduard Fernández)

JUNE 8

“Surf’s Up” (d. Ash Brannon and Chris Buck; with Shia Labeouf, John Heder, James Woods and Mario Cantone)
“La Vie En Rosa” (d. Olivier Dahan; with Marion Cotillard, Gérard Depardieu, Sylvie Testud and Pascal Greggory)
“Hostel: Part II” (d. Eli Roth, with Lauren German, Roger Bart, Heather Matarazzo, Bijou Phillips, Richard Burgi, Jay Hernandez)
“Oceans Thirteen” (d. Steven Soderbergh, with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Al Pacino)

JUNE 15

“The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” (d. Tim Story; with Michael Chiklis, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Ioan Gruffudd)
“Nancy Drew” (d. Andrew Fleming; with Emma Roberts, Josh Flitter, Max Thieriot and Rachael Leigh Cook)
“Evening” (d. Lajos Koltai; with Claire Danes, Toni Collette and Vanessa Redgrave)
“Jhoom Barabar Jhoom” (d. Shaad Ali; with Abhisheck Bachchan, Preity Zinta and Lara Dutta)
“Fido” (d. Andrew Currie; with Carrie-Anne Moss, Billy Connolly and Tim Blake Nelson)
“Eagle vs. Shark” (d. Taika Waititi; with Loren Horsley, Jermaine Clement and Brian Sergent)

JUNE 22

“Evan Almighty” (d. Tom Shadyac; with Steve Carell, Lauren Graham and Morgan Freeman)
“DOA: Dead or Alive” (d. Corey Yuen; with Devon Aoki, Jaime Pressly and Sarah Carter)
“A Mighty Heart” (d. Michael Winterbottom; with Angelina Jolie and Dan Futterman)
“Black Sheep” (d. Jonathan King; with Nathan Meister, Peter Feeney and Danielle Mason)
“September Dawn” (d. Christopher Cain; with Jon Voight, Terence Stamp, Trent Ford and Tamara Hope)
“You Kill Me” (d. John Dahl; with Ben Kingsley, Téa Leoni, Luke Wilson and Dennis Farina)
“Klimt” (d. Raúl Ruiz; with John Malkovich, Veronica Ferres and Saffron Burrows)
“Captivity” (d. Roland Joffé; with Elisha Cuthbert and Daniel Gillies)

JUNE 27

“Live Free or Die Hard” (d. Len Wiseman; with Bruce Willis, Justin Long and Maggie Q)
“Ghosts of Cite Soleil” (d. Asger Leth and Milos Loncarevic)

JUNE 29
“Ratatouille” (d. Brad Bird; with Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano and Janeane Garofalo)
“Sicko” (d. Michael Moore; with Michael Moore)
“Vitus” (d. Fredi M. Murer; with Teo Gheorghiu, Bruno Ganz and Fabrizio Borsani)
“Mama’s Boy” (d. Tim Hamilton; with John Heder, Diane Keaton and Jeff Daniels)
“Death at a Funeral” (d. Frank Oz; with Mathew MacFadyen, Peter Dinklage, Alan Tudyk and Ewen Bremmer)

JULY 4

“Transformers” (d. Michael Bay; with Sia Labeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese and Anthony Anderson)
“License to Wed” (d. Ken Kwapis; with Robin Williams, Mandy Moore and John Krasinski)
“Rescue Dawn” (d. Werner Herzog; with Christian Bale, Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies)
“Clubland” (d. Cherie Nowlan; with Brenda Blethyn, Khan, Chittenden and Emma Booth)

JULY 6

“Joshua” (d. George Ratliff; with Sam Rockwell, Vera Farmiga and Celia Weston)

JULY 13

“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (d. David Yates; with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint)
“1408” (d. Mikael Håfström; with John Cusack Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack and Tony Shalhoub)
“Stranglers” (d. Bryan Bertino; with Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman)
“The Interview” (d. Steve Buscemi; with Sienna Miller and Steve Buscemi)
“Mon Meilleur Ami (My Best Friend)” (d. Patrice Leconte; with Daniel Auteuli and Danny Boon)
“Talk to Me” (d. Kasi Lemmons; with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Cedric The Entertainer)
“Shortcut to Happiness” (d. Alan Smithee; with Alec Baldwin, Anthony Hopkins, Kim Cattrall and Dan Aykroyd)
“Laura Smiles” (d. Jason Ruscio; with Petra Wright and Kip Pardue)

JULY 20

“I Now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry” (d. Dennis Dugan; with Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel and Steve Buscemi)
“Hairspray” (d. Adam Shankman; with John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah and Nikki Blonsky)
“Fierce People” (d. Griffin Dunne; with Diane Lane and Donald Sutherland)
“Goya’s Ghosts” (d. Milos Forman; with Javier Bardem, Natalie Portman and Randy Quaid)

JULY 27

“The Simpsons Movie” (d. David Silverman; with Nancy Cartwright, Dan Catellaneta and Julie Kavner)
“No Reservations” (d. Scott Hicks; with Catherine Zeta Jones and Aaron Eckhart)
“Skinwalkers” (d. James Isaac; with Jason Behr and Elias Koteas)
“This is England” (d. Shane Meadows; with Thomas Turgoose, Stephen Graham and Jo Hartley)
“Moliere” (d. Laurent Tirard; with Romain Duris and Fabrice Luchini)
“I Know Who Killed Me” (d. Chris Sivertson; with Linday Lohan and Julia Ormond)
“Who’s Your Caddy?” (d. Don Michael Paul; with Big Boi, Jeffrey Jones)

AUG. 1

“El Cantante” (d. Leon Ichaso; with Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez and John Ortiz)

AUG. 3

“The Bourne Ultimatum” (d. Paul Greengrass; with Matt Damon, David Strathairn, Julia Stiles and Joan Allen)
“Underdog” (d. Frederick Du Chau; with Jason Lee, Peter Dinklage and John Slattery)
“Charlie Bartlett” (d. Jon poll; with Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey Jr. and Hope Davis)
“Hot Rod” (d. Akiva Shaffer; with Adam Samberg, Ian McShane, Sissy Spacek, Jorma Taccone)
“Becoming Jane” (d. Julian Jarrold; with Anne Hathaway and Joe Anderson)
“The Ten” (d. David Wain; with Jessica Alba, Adam Brody and Amanda Peet)

AUG. 10

“Rush Hour 3” (d. Brett Ratner; with Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker Max Von Sydow and Noemie Lenoir)
“Bratz: The Movie” (d. Sean McNamara; with Paula Abdul and Ian Nelson)
“Stardust” (d. Mathew Vaughn; with Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Claire Danes)
“Daddy Day Camp” (d. Fred Savage; with Eddie Murphy and Cuba Gooding Jr.)
“Rocket Science” (d. Jeffrey Blitz; with Reece Thompson, Anna Kendrick and Nicholas D’Agosto)
“Chak de India” (d. Shimit Amin; with Shah Rukh Khan and Vidya Malavade)
“Cronica de una Fuga” (d. Adrián Caitano; with Rodrigo de la Serna and Nazareno Casero)
“2 Days in Paris” (d. Julie Delpy; with Julie Delpy and Adam Goldberg)

AUG. 17

“The Invasion” (d. Oliver Hirschbiegel; with Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig)
“Super Bad” (d. Greg Mottola; with Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen and Michael Cera)
“Penelope” (d. Mark Malansky; with Christina Ricci and Reese Witherspoon)
“Wedding Daze” (d. Michale Ian Black; with Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher)
“Wristcutters: A Love Story” (d. Goran Dukic; with Patrick Fugit and Shannyn Sossamon)
“King of Kong” (d. Seth Lewis Gordon)
“Fanboys” (d. Kyle Newman; with Kristen Bell and Sam Huntington)

AUG. 22

“Out of the Blue” (d. Robert Sarkies and Steven Sarkies; with Karl Urban and Mathew Sunderland)

AUG. 24

“Good Luck Chuck” (d. Mark Helfrich; with Jessica Alba, Dane Cook and Dan Fogler)
“The Last Legion” (d. Doug Lefler, with Colin Firth and Ben Kingsley)
“The Hottest State” (d. Ethan Hawke; with Mark Webber, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ethan Hawke and Laura Linney)
“Resurrecting the Champ” (d. Rod Lurie; with Teri Hatcher, Josh Hartnett and Samuel L. Jackson)
“Mr. Bean’s Holiday” (d. Steve Bendelack; with Rowan Atkinson and Emma de Caunes)
“Illegal Tender” (d. Franc Reyes; with Rick Gonzalez and Wanda de Jesus)

AUG. 31

“Halloween” (d. Rob Zombie; with Malcolm McDowell and Tyler Mane)
“Death Sentence” (d. James Wan; with Kevin Bacon and Kelly Preston)
“Bordertown” (d. Gregory Nava; with Jennifer Lopez, Antonio Banderas and Martin Sheen)
“Ladron que roba a ladron” (d. Joe Menendez; with Fernando Colunga and Saul Lisazo)
“Balls of Fury” (d. Ben Garant; with Dan Fogler, Christopher Walken and George Lopez)

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Theater

By Andrew Brink

Once upon a time, theaters spent their summers in silence. The months between spring and fall were a time for marquees to go dark and stages to collect dust while actors, directors and producers geared up for the fall season. But for Des Moines’ theater scene, the hottest months offer no rest for the wicked (and the wickedly talented).

This summer, Edith Warton’s New Yorkers will be strolling the south lawn of Terrace Hill, Tony Award-winning Knights of the Round Table (of the Monty Python variety) will be searching for the Holy Grail at the Civic Center and troupes from around the country and Europe will descend on downtown Des Moines for the four-day Iowa Fringe Festival.

Meanwhile, local theater companies and artists, such as Tallgrass Theatre Company, The Comedy XPeriment, Theater… For a Change and The Comedy Co-Operative, will debut original works while children study to become pirates at The Des Moines Playhouse.

In harmony with our instincts to shed our inhibitions (and long sleeves) and soak up the sun, the summer theater calendar, listed below, encourages acting up and experimentation. Audition for a play at StageWest. Expand your hip hop repertoire at the Gateway Dance Company. Watch artists from Los Angeles, Orlando and San Francisco after sunbathing in Western Gateway Park.

Stretch your legs, play outside and encounter something new without ever leaving the theater.

Calendar

Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
221 Walnut St.
(515) 246-2300
http://www.civiccenter.org

July 17-22 — “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical. Performances: Tues.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. with additional performances at 2 p.m. on Sat. and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sun. Tickets: $27.50-$62.50.

Comedy Co-Operative
http://www.myspace.com/comedycoopdm

June 7, 14, 21, 28 — “Comedy Karaoke’s Comic Showdown” at Billy Joes Pitcher Show, a stand up comedy competition. Call Lewis at 210-0888 for details.

July 19-22 — “Spermalot: The Musical,” an original musical co-created with Theater… For a Change, debuting at the Iowa Fringe Festival. Location and times to be determined. Visit http://www.iowafringe.com for more information.

July 19-22 — “Jesus, Death and Golf,” a collection of short films created by the Comedy Co-Op debuting at the Iowa Fringe Festival. Location and times to be determined. Visit http://www.iowafringe.com for more information.

Comedy XPeriment
http://www.comedyxp.tv

July 19-22 — “Sword Swallowing and Its Side Effects,” debuting at the Iowa Fringe Festival. Location and performance times to be determined. Visit http://www.iowafringe.com for updated information.

Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street
277-6261 (Ticket Office)
974-5356 (To register for classes)
http://www.dmplayhouse.com

Theater

June 1-24 — “Hank Williams: Lost Highway,” the off-Broadway hit tracing Hank Williams’ rise and untimely end and featuring his legendary music performed live. Performances: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: $19-$32.

July 13-Aug. 5 — “Disney’s High School Musical,” based on the Disney Channel’s original movie that has garnered a cult following. Performances: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: $24-$34.

Youth Classes

Below is a sampling of youth classes offered by The Playhouse. Visit their Web site for a complete list of summer offerings.

June 4-8 — Kettlecorn Players-Grades 1-2, a theatre class involving role playing and dramatic games, sessions from 9 a.m. - noon, $70-$80.

June 18-22 — Shiver Me Timbers! Pirates!, for grades 2-6, a class where kids can build pirate ships, make treasure chests, write pirate stories and learn stage combat, sessions from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $140-$160.

July 2-3 — One Play in Just Two Days, Section One: Fairy Tales, for grades 2-6, audition, rehearse, create a set and perform all in two days, sessions from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $80-$90.

Adult Classes

June 26-July 31 — Beginning Ballroom Dance, a six-week dance instruction course, couples and singles welcome, sessions from 7-7:45 p.m., $50-$60.

June 26-July 31 — Intermediate Tap, a course for those comfortable with the basics of tap or who have studied for one year, sessions from 8-8:45 p.m., $50-$60.

July 9-Aug. 8 — Studio Performance Series: Mainstage Audition Prep, become familiar with the scripts for the 2007-08 season by working on scenes with other area performers, course does not guarantee a role in any play, sessions from 6:30-9:30 p.m., $70-$80.

Drama Workshop
243-7669
http://www.dramaworkshop.org

July 19-22 — The Drama Workshop will present six plays written by Iowa playwrights at the 2007 Iowa Fringe Festival. Visit http://www.iowafringe.com for performance times and venue information.

Fourth Street Theatre
216 4th Street
http://www.dmfst.com

June 15-16 — “Something New,” a staged reading of an original musical dramedy. Performances: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. and Sun. at 5 p.m. Tickets: $12-$15.

July 19-22 — venue for the Third Annual Iowa Fringe Festival.

Gateway Dance Theatre
315 E. 5th, Ste. 12
283-8383
http://www.gatewaydance.org

June 9 — Gateway Dance Theatre (GDT) presents International Day at the Botanical Center, featuring the GDT Children’s Ensemble performing at 1 p.m. followed by a reception at 2 p.m. Tickets: $2-$4, free for children under 5 and Botanical Center members.

June 9 — Graduation recital at the Ames City Auditorium, 515 Clark St. beginning at 4 p.m. Free.

June 23 — Hip hop workshop by choreographer/dancer Kenan Peters, for children and adults. Early registration recommended due to limited space. Call for details.

July 6-8 — Mohini Attam workshop (classical dance from Kerala, India) by Dr. Kalamandalam Radhika at the GDT Studio. Classes for children and adults. Early registration is recommended due to limited space. Call for further details.

July 9-13 — African and Haitian dance workshop with Christian and Celia Bambara. Classes for children and adults. Early registration is recommended due to limited space. Call for further details.

July 26-29 — India folk dance workshop by Sarmistha Sarkar. Classes for children and adults. Early registration is recommended due to limited space. Call for further details.

July 30-Aug. 3 — Nritya School of Dance and Music workshop featuring guest artists Penny and Lee Furgeson. Early registration is recommended due to limited space. Call for further details.

Iowa Fringe Festival
http://www.iowafringe.com

July 19-22 — From award-winning mimes to magic, puppetry and improv, the third annual Iowa Fringe Festival brings artists from around the country (and one from Europe — the Second Skin Theatre Co., from Paris and London) and uses downtown Des Moines as a stage for four days of offbeat, cutting edge and simply entertaining theater. Visit the Iowa Fringe Festival Web site (http://www.iowafringe.com) for updated schedules and venue information. Tickets range from $10 for individual tickets to $100 for a full festival pass.

Newton Community Theatre
1701 S. 8th Ave. E.
Newton
(641) 792-1230
http://www.newtontheatre.com

June 15-16, 21-23 — “Morning’s at Seven,” a comedy described as a love letter to “just plain folks.” Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $8.

Pella Shakespeare Festival
http://pmscasting.com/festival.html

“Twelfth Night,” all performances are free.
June 9 — Howell Station Campground, Pella, 7 p.m.
June 12-13 — West Market Park, Pella, 7 p.m.
June 14 — Central Park, Pella, 6 p.m.
June 15 — West Market Park, Pella, 7 p.m.
June 16 — Howell Station Campground, Pella, 7 p.m.

Salisbury House
4025 Tonawanda Dr.
274-1777
http://www.salisburyhouse.org

July 27-31 — Shakespeare on the Lawn, featuring “Much Ado About Nothing.” Performances begin at 8 p.m. For updated details, visit the Salisbury House Web site or call 274-1777.

StageWest
309-0251
http://www.stagewestiowa.com

StageWest will be holding auditions for its 2007-08 season this summer.

July 8-9 — Auditions for the following two musicals at the Fitch Building, 15th and Walnut Streets, beginning at 7 p.m.:
“The Great American Trailer Park Musical,” playing Sept. 21-Oct. 7. Needed: five women and two men.
“Jerry Springer — The Opera,” playing Jan. 25-Feb. 10. Needed: a total of 20-25 people of various ages, including two non-singing roles and a number of featured roles for men and women.

Aug. 28-29 — Auditions for the following three plays at the Fitch Building, 15th and Walnut Streets, beginning at 7 p.m.:
“Take Me Out,” playing Nov. 2-11. Needed: 11 men, including Asian, Hispanic and African-Americans.
“Miss Witherspoon,” playing April 4-14. Needed: Four women (age range: 20-50), including one from the country of India and one African-American; one man (age: between 20 and 50).
“The Lieutenant of Inishmore,” playing May 2-11. Needed: Seven men, ages 17-45; one woman, capable of playing a street-wise, 16-year-old; Irish dialect is a must for all roles. Actors should be comfortable with some very physical scenes, including one male role that must hang upside down for the majority of his scene. This is a dark comedy, so some comedic theatrical experience would be helpful.

Tallgrass Theatre Company
http://www.tallgrasstheatre.org

July 19-22 — “Third World Planet: A Musical,” an original musical debuting at the 2007 Iowa Fringe Festival. Performance times and ticket prices to be determined. Call for details.

Terrace Hill
2300 Grand Ave.
281-3604
http://www.terracehill.org

June 8-10, 15-18 — “The Age of Innocence,” an adaptation of Edith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama staged on Terrace Hill’s south lawn. Performances: Fri.-Sun at 7 p.m. and Mon. at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $50, reservations required.

Theatre… For a Change
The theatre company in residence at
Grand View College’s Viking Theatre
2811 E. 14th St.
288-9512
http://www.theaterforachange.com

June 14-17 — “The Taming of the Shrew,” performed at Viking Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10 (June 17 performance begins at 3 p.m.)

June 21-22 — “The Taming of the Shrew,” performed at West Market Park, Pella, 7 p.m.

June 23 — “The Taming of the Shrew,” performed at Howell Station, Pella, 7 p.m.

June 24 — “The Taming of the Shrew,” performed at Viking Theatre at 3 p.m.

July 19-22 — “Spermalot: The Musical,” an original musical co-created with The Comedy Co-Operative, debuting at the Iowa Fringe Festival. Location and times to be determined. Visit http://www.iowafringe.com for more information.

Urbandale Community Theatre
278-2556
http://www.urbandaletheatre.org

July 13-15, 20-22 — “Oliver!,” performed at the Urbandale Performing Arts Center, 7111 Aurora Ave. Performances: Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Tickets: $10.

Life on the fringe

Hy-Vee credits its sweaty, Bionic Woman-friendly triathlon with bringing the world to Des Moines this summer. But the same can be said of the 2007 Iowa Fringe Festival, which requires theatergoers to complete an equally Herculean task: see as many of the 50-plus theater troupes as they can during the festival’s four-day run.

When the festival was born in 2005, it provided 20 theater troupes with the opportunity to showcase their offbeat and edgy ingenuity in downtown Des Moines (and ranked fourth among national fringe festivals in per capita income and attendance). In 2006, the number of troupes participating grew by one (to 21 troupes, for those not willing to do the math), but increased its attendance by 40 percent. This year, the Iowa Fringe Festival has doubled in size and features troupes from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Chicago, London and Los Angeles performing improv, magic, puppetry, swordplay and more.

“This is the first year where audiences will really have to make some choices about what they want to see,” says festival director John Busbee. “But there will still be the element of spontaneity that you don’t get with traditional theater. People will still discuss what they saw, ‘hey, did you see the show with the naked guy in it,’ and circulate all the street buzz that makes the festival such an experience.”

Start devising your plan of attack now by visiting the Iowa Fringe Festival’s Web site at http://www.iowafringe.com, where can learn more about the schedule, venues and ticket prices. — Andrew Brink

Summer at The Playhouse

The Playhouse’s mainstage will be filled with music this summer, beginning with “Hank Williams: Lost Highway” playing June 1-24. “Lost Highway” makes its Des Moines debut under the direction of Ron Ziegler, who promises that audiences will leave the show with toes tapping.

“Lost Highway,” tells the story of Hank Williams, the prolific songwriter and musician who died an untimely death at the age of 29. “The show is a retrospective of his life told through his music and flashbacks, from his time as a kid learning what music is all about to the time he died tragically of acute alcoholism,” Ziegler says. “What was later discovered was that Williams suffered from undiagnosed spinal bifida. He was a tortured soul anyway, like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix who had personalities causing them to flame out early.”

Actor Joseph Parrish (seen in Playhouse productions of “The Graduate” and “Of Mice and Men”) brings the late Williams to life. “Hank, he’s got two sides. A lighter side and a very chemical dependant side,” Parrish says. “You see both in this show.”

Parrish calls himself a basement guitar player who has had only months to learn to play the instrument with the same grace as Williams did. “I have permanent indentations in my fingers from practicing that no amount of lotion will take care of.”

Joining Parrish are local musicians, including Ben Lehl (of Drasbury and The Ben Lehl Band) and Andrew Musgrove (a member of the Drake University Symphony), performing Williams’s greatest hits, such as “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “I Saw the Light.”

The Playhouse begins its 2007-08 mainstage season with the phenomenon known as “Disney’s High School Musical,” playing July 13-Aug. 5. It’s already made Playhouse history.

“The on-sale day, May 14, was the biggest one-day sale in our history, with nearly 1,000 tickets sold and $20,000 on sales,” says Lee Ann Bakros, marketing and public relations director for The Playhouse. “Our previous one-day record holder was ‘Chicago,’ with $12,000 in sales. Of course, the most important part is that there are still tickets available for virtually every performance. The best seats available are for performances on Aug. 1-5.” — Andrew Brink

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ART

By Jim Duncan

Picasso defined artists as children who never grow up, a metaphor encouraged by the school-like calendar on which the traditional arts keep time. As if oblivious to the invention of air conditioning, the art world still closes shop and heads for the hills and beaches as soon as the weather turns hot. So, for centuries, summer arts festivals have been held almost exclusively in resorts from Salzburg to Spoleto, and Newport to Carmel. In Des Moines, however, national reputations have been built against these winds of tradition.

By sheer force of their personalities, the late Mo Dana and Maestro Robert Larsen created two summer festivals of national repute in Central Iowa. Somehow Dana and Larsen persuaded itinerant artists to pitch their tents in the heat and humidity of corn belt summer. Then they convinced the locals to support these gypsy artists with endearing enthusiasm. Together they have transformed the very image of Iowa summer, while inspiring other festivals.

Like a state fair for shoppers, the Des Moines Arts Festival (DMAF) now fills the city’s hotels and restaurants with visitors from near and far. Under Dana’s relentless patronage, DMAF morphed from a sleepy day in Greenwood Park to downtown’s biggest weekend, a three day, 180 vendor, two stage, pyrotechnically enhanced carnival completed by the flattery of its alternative imitator — ArtFest Midwest.

Like corn itself, Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) thrives in heat and humidity, drawing the tassel of star singers, on summer break from the cultural capitols of the world, to the silk womb of Indianola. This year DMMO’s festival detours its traditional annual program of one grand tragedy, one grand comedy and one modern opera. The 2007 season slips that mold with two classic “the slut must die” tragedies (“Carmen” and “Otello”) and a rare light-hearted, melodic modern opera (“A Midsummer Night‘s Dream”). The latter also introduces a rare and precious vocal range to Des Moines in the person of Randall Scotting. This young Colorado counter-tenor will sing Oberon to DMMO audience favorite Jane Redding’s Titania, in a fairy-blessed series of duets so lovely they have changed the way people think about 20th century opera. Also new to Iowa, Texan Alan Glassman brings a rangy tenor to Verdi’s tragic “Otello,” who will be fooled again by dastardly Iago, sung by Todd Thomas, last year’s much-loved Rigoletto. Former DMMO apprentice Dana Beth Miller returns to sing Desdamona’s drop dead (literally) beautiful “Willow Song” and “Ave Maria.”

These festivals have even inspired brick and mortar arts institutions to bump up their summer programs. Des Moines Art Center is riding a hot streak of nearly two years of non-stop record-breaking exhibitions. The downtown DMAC holds its always-popular Iowa Artists Exhibit through early August, with three artists of Asian inspiration. The Grand Avenue DMAC offers a rare glimpse into the artistic process, with Tom Sachs’ interactive workshop-like “Logjam,” through Aug. 26.

Des Moines’ gallery scene has grown exponentially since Art Fest began. Only Kavanaugh and Olson-Larsen galleries are still around from those days. The latter provides a balancing lightness to the opera’s heavy season, with its annual Summer Landscape show (June 1 - July 14) showcasing the venerable Genie Patrick, plus Gary Bowling, Dave Gordinier, Bobbie McKibbin and Betsy Margolius. If that isn’t enough Midwestern fields and streams for your taste, the gallery follows it up with an exhibition of new works by John Preston (July 20 – Aug. 25) the ultimate painter of bucolic Iowa.

To showcase a recent run of good fortune, the youthful Moberg Gallery is introducing New Artists (through July), ranging from Davenport’s storied painter Leslie Bell to the recently graduated, multi-talented Noah Doely. Wayne Norton, an old fashioned Ansel Adams type photographer with an eye for Iowana, and graphic pop artist Jeffrey Thompson, join them. Iowa icons Richard Kelley, Bill Luchsinger and Karen Strohbeen do, too, though their participation will be unofficial. Moberg finishes a strong summer with a sculpture show, including T.J. Moberg and three artists normally associated with two dimensional painting: Chris Vance, Tobey Penney and John Phillip Davis. Moberg Gallery concludes a firecracker summer schedule with new work by its resident folk-country western crossover star Frank Hansen. Hansen openings are always happenings.

Fort Dodge is the star attraction of this season’s short art road trips. The city hosts two exquisite exhibitions through July 6: a revival of a legendary New York City exhibit from 1947, which amounts to Alfred Stieglitz’s greatest hits; plus an exhibit from the Mitchell collection modestly titled “Cassatt to Wyeth; American Masterworks.” Cedar Falls gets our road trip runner-up nod for a thoughtful show by young Iowan Scott Robert Hudson. His “Echoes and Apparitions” at the UNI Museum bridges archeology and ecology with the bone-sculpting sensibilities of a Native American holy man. Elsewhere the inimitable painter of dark wonder, Mary Kline-Misol, opens a retrospective at Ames Octagon Center for the Arts in August. Dubuque Museum of Art frees one of the best-kept secrets in Iowa art history — Iowa landscape painter Joseph Walter (1865-1946). The Figge in Davenport hosts appropriate summer diversions — an exhibit of comic book art and another of Japanese woodblocks. Likewise, the National Czech & Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids stages its delightfully popular original show “Puppetry! Suspended Imagination” through September.

Elsewhere the summer season is slow. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is holding over its long running Grant Wood and Marvin Cone show through Labor Day. Anyone who hasn’t overdosed on Grant Wood can also enjoy an installation of his Corn Room Mural, in the Sioux City Museum of Art. After blockbuster summers a few years back, the Faulconer aestivates in the hot months this year, with only a new Turkish textiles show. The University of Iowa Museum of Art shows Plains Indian drawings, early medieval manuscripts and a show of art by incarcerated mothers. Where else would you expect any of that?

Festivals

Western Gateway Park
Last year the Des Moines Arts Festival (DMAF) won our prestigious distinction of Best Art Show and has been named one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2007 by the American Bus Association (ABA). This year marks DMAF’s 10th anniversary and big plans are under way. In addition to more than 150 artists, art activities, delectable food, and live music, DMAF will also have special anniversary activities including a free performance of the Joffrey Ballet on Friday night. DMAF has quickly become one of Des Moines’ prized cultural events, which will be made clear for the 10th time this year as more than 200,000 art lovers flock to our downtown and embrace the arts June 29- July1.

Varied Industries Building, State Fairgrounds
The self-proclaimed “Other Art Show,” Art Fest Midwest is held the same weekend as DMAF. Art Fest brings in Iowa and regional artists and touts more affordable artwork. Shuttle buses will be provided between the fair grounds and downtown. June 30- July 1.

Maytag Park, Newton
The fifth annual Iowa Sculpture Festival attracts artists from near and far who come to showcase their work and celebrate sculpture as an art form. Maytag Park in Newton has become the annual site for the festival and also houses educational programs on sculpture throughout the year. Eyes and ears will both be pleased, as performing arts shows will also take place in the park. Adults $2, children $1, June 9-10.

GALLERIES

Olsen-Larsen Galleries, 203 5th St., West Des Moines
http://www.olsonlarsen.com
Since 1979 the Olson-Larsen Galleries (OLG), named for its founding mothers, Marlene Olson and Anne Larsen, helps spread the beauty of our fair state by representing 70 full-time professional artists. OLG displays a diverse variety of paintings, photography, sculpture, and a variety of other types of art and this summer the gallery will continue in its rich tradition of superb artwork.

John Preston returns this summer with an exhibit that portrays the natural Iowa beauty that many take for granted. From July 20 through Aug. 25, Preston’s art will help Iowans remember the splendor of summer.

This year’s annual “Summer Landscape Show” featuring Gary Bowling, Betsy Margoulius, Genie Patrick, Dave Gordinier and Bobbie McKibbin will run from June 1 until July 14. A dreary day this summer would be well spent perusing these artists’ magnificent depictions of more picturesque days gone by.

Finally, running simultaneously with the “Summer Landscape Show,” the Olsen-Larsen Galleries will be housing an intriguing exhibit called “The Oxford Project,” photographs by Peter Feldstein and text by Stephen G. Bloom. Many featured pieces contain two very different black and white photos of an individual and a short first person narrative about them. Feldstein’s exhibit contrasts the usual summer landscapes and highlights one of the Midwest’s best assets, its people.

Moberg Art Gallery, 2921 Ingersoll Ave.
http://www.moberggallery.com
Topping the agenda this summer at Des Moines’ refreshing Moberg Art Gallery is their New Artists Exhibit. It will be displayed from May 29 through July 7, with an artists’ reception on June 1 and will feature four artists with four very distinct styles.

Leslie Bell’s powerful abstract work will be featured as well as Jeffrey Thompson’s whimsical pieces that often include childhood toys like G.I. Joes and Mr. Potato Head. Panoramic photographs by Wayne Norton will make any Iowa native sigh and Noah Doely uses sculptures and various settings to create fascinating narrative photographs. Together these four artists are sure to catch the eye of modern art enthusiasts.

Also this summer from July 10 until Aug. 28, Moberg Art Gallery will be displaying a Contemporary Art Exhibit with a reception on July 13.

From Our Hands, 400 E. Locust St.
http://www.fromourhands.com
From Our Hands is the perfect place to satisfy your creative side after satisfying your palate at the Farmers Market on Saturdays this summer. Paintings, pottery, blown glass, colorful jewelry and imaginative furniture can all be found at this downtown gallery. Whether you’re looking to buy or just looking, From Our Hands guarantees an enjoyable afternoon.

Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Ave., Ames
http://www.octagonarts.org
Ames’ grass-roots gallery will be housing a Community Quilt Show featuring works by quilters throughout the area. It will be held from June 1 through July 22. Also showing this summer are exhibits featuring botanical and landscape paintings by Mary Kline-Misol and photographs from around the globe by Chuck and Motoko Oulman. Both shows will be kicking off at the beginning of August and running through October.

MUSEUMS

Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave.
http://www.desmoinesartcenter.org
DMAC will not disappoint this summer, as it already has several enticing exhibits on display. “Prints & People: Celebrating Twenty-five Years of Print Club” features many prints given to DMAC by the Print Club. Prints from six centuries can be seen including prints of world-renowned artists like Leonard Baskin, Pierre Bonnard and Anna Gaskell. The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 23.
A less conventional sculpture exhibit, “Tom Sachs: Logjam,” is also available for viewing at DMAC until Aug. 26.

DMAC Downtown, Wells Fargo Financial building at 800 Walnut St.
http://www.desmoinesartcenter.org
DMAC Downtown is presently home to the 57th installment of the “Iowa Artists” series. “Iowa Artists 2007” is featuring work by three Iowa artists. Charlotte Cain of Fairfield’s small delicate paintings will run along side art by Susan Chrysler White of Iowa City who is known for her large, brightly colored and almost hypnotizing acrylic and enamel paintings. The third artist, George Lowe of Decorah, produces simple and beautiful ceramic pottery. This show of Iowa talent can be seen until August 3.

Brunnier Art Museum, 290 Scheman Building, Iowa State University
http://www.museums.iastate.edu
Iowa State’s art museum is showing diverse and worldly art in their “Symbolism and Iconography in World Religions” exhibit which includes arts and icons representing most major world religions. The “American Historical Glass from the Iowa Quester Glass Collection” can also be found in the gallery. The chosen glass works represent influential events and times in glassmaking history. Finally, the big theme for most of the year at the Brunnier Art Museum is the concept of legacy. This changing exhibit, showing until December, is in honor of the sesquicentennial of Iowa State University. Commemorative works will recognize the contributions of George Washington Carver, Carrie Chapman, Aldo Leopold and Grant Wood to name a few. Legacies can take many forms, but these ones are especially easy on the eye.

Faulconer Gallery, Grinnell College
http://www.grinnell.edu/faulconergallery
Paper works and ceramics by Jill Schrift will be shown until June 3. Turkish felts and weavings from Keith Achepohl’s collection will also be exhibited. June 22- Aug. 19.

University of Iowa Museum of Art, 150 North Riverside Dr.
http://www.uiowa.edu/uima
University of Iowa could hardly have chosen a stranger combination of exhibits for this summer if they had made that their goal. There is something for everyone to appreciate at the museum this year. First, “Plains Indian Drawings: The Gerald and Hope Solomons Collection” is showing until Sept. 30. The exhibit includes scenes drawn by Native Americans from many tribes dating from 1865 to 1910. Starting June 23, the exhibit entitled “Monks to Masters: The Medieval Manuscript and the Early Printed Book” will display over 100 various printings from medieval times. Lastly, from August 4 through September 23 the traveling public art exhibit entitled “Interrupted Life: Incarcerated Mothers in the United States” can be seen at the museum. This impassioned art show depicts the lives of incarcerated mothers and their loved ones and will round out the U of I’s unusual trio of summer exhibits.

Figge Art Museum, 225 W. Second St., Davenport
http://www.figgeartmuseum.org
Until July 1, images of Japanese life will be shown in “The Floating World: Japanese Woodblock Prints from the Collection.” Overlapping the antique Japanese exhibit will be “Comic, Heroes, and American Visual Culture” which displays the important role cartoons and caricatures have played in history. The exhibit will run from June 16 through Sept. 9. Running simultaneously starting on June 16 is “Iowa Pastimes — Politics and State Fairs” by Thomas C. Jackson. Jackson’s art compares two famous Iowa pastimes, politics and state fairs

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. S.E.
http://www.crma.org
Stan Wiederspan’s “Box Chapel” exhibit includes innovative paintings of ordinary cardboard boxes, but some intense lighting turns ordinary into extraordinary in these rather mystical paintings that can be seen through Aug. 5. “Midwestern Visions: Grant Wood, Marvin Cone and Beyond” — a sure crowd pleaser — will be featuring local and regional artists until Sept. 2. “About Face: Portraiture from the Collection” will run through October 28 and “Art in Roman Life” is an ongoing exhibition.

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 16 Ave S.W., Cedar Rapids
http://www.ncsml.org
Let your inner child be captivated by “Puppetry! Suspended Imagination” this summer as a collection of antique puppets travels to Cedar Rapids from the Czech Republic. Learn the terrific tales of famous puppets, not just Pinocchio. Guests can even have a go at putting on their own marionette show. The exhibit will run until Sept. 30.

MacNider Art Museum, 303 Second St. S.E., Mason City
http://www.macniderart.org
“Sorelle: Sisters” is an exhibit shared between Mason City and its sister city Montegrotto Terme, Italy. The two cities have swapped photos depicting the spirit of life in the two towns. Photographs from Italy can be seen until June 17.

Opera

Des Moines Metro Opera
Performances held at the Blank Performing Arts Center
Simpson College campus, Indianola
(515) 961-6221
http://www.dmmo.org

Unless otherwise noted, please visit the DMMO’s Web site for season and individual ticket prices.

June 2 — Cabaret Night Life, an evening of standards, showtunes, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets: $75.

June 13 — Threads and Thrills, a luncheon previewing costumes from the summer season and featuring arias and duets at the Wakonda Club. Call 226-1208 for tickets and details.

June 22 — “Carmen,” 7:30 p.m.

June 23 — “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 7:30 p.m.

June 24 — “Carmen,” 2 p.m.

June 29 — “Carmen,” 7:30 p.m.

June 30 — “Otello” opening night gala, 7:30 p.m.

July 1 — “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 2 p.m.

July 3 — “Otello,” 7:30 p.m.

July 6 — “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 7:30 p.m.

July 7 — “Carmen,” 7:30 p.m.

July 8 — “Otello,” 2 p.m.

July 10 — “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 7:30 p.m.

July 11 — “Otello,” 7:30 p.m.

July 12 — “Carmen,” 7:30 p.m.

July 13 — “Otello,” 7:30 p.m.

July 14 — “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 7:30 p.m.

July 15 — “Carmen,” 7:30 p.m.

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OUTDOORS

By Sean J. Miller

Freedom from the elements is part of Iowa’s summer constitution. We’ve endured months of having our car doors sprayed by salt trucks, our sunshine cutoff by the late afternoon and our trails impassable to anything other than snowmobiles. It’s time to get outside and remember why we enjoy living here. Beyond the restaurant and cafe patios, there are an infinite number of outdoor activities waiting to be seized every day. Whether it’s the competition of the Dam-to-Dam Distance Classic or the familiarity of the Adel Sweet Corn festival, there’s something for everyone in our guide. We’ve compiled as many outdoors events as we could get our hands on. Some are familiar favorites, but others might be news to even the most active Central Iowan. We hope to see you out there.

SPECTATOR SPORTS

Des Moines Menace Soccer

Home games are at 7:30 p.m. at Waukee Stadium, unless otherwise noted. Tickets are 9$ for adults and $7 for youth, call 226-9890.

June 9 — St. Louis Lions
June 10 — Boulder Rapids Reserve (5 p.m.)
June 22— Thunder Bay Chill
June 23 — Thunder Bay Chill
June 30 — Sioux Falls Spitfire
July 7 — Kansas City Brass
July 13 — Springfield Demize
July 14 — Springfield Demize

Iowa Cubs

Home games are played at Principal Park in Des Moines and start at 7:05 p.m., unless otherwise noted. For tickets, call (800) GO-ICUBS.

June 7-10 — New Orleans Zephyrs (1:05 p.m. on 6/10)
June 11-14 — Omaha Royals
June 15-18 — Memphis Redbirds (12:05 p.m. on 6/18)
June 23-26 — Albuquerque Isotopes
June 27-29 — Oklahoma Redhawks
July 4-8 — New Orleans Zephyrs (1:05 p.m. on 7/8)
July 16-19 — Round Rock Express
July 20-22 — Nashville Sounds (1:05 p.m. on 7/22)
Aug. 1-4 — Tucson Sidewinders
Aug. 5-8 — Las Vegas 51s (1:05 p.m. on 8/5 and 12:05 p.m. on 8/8)
Aug. 18-21 — Memphis Redbirds (1:05 p.m. on 9/19 and 12:05 p.m. on 8/21)
Aug. 31 — Omaha Royals
Sept. 1-3 — Omaha Royals (1:05 p.m. on 9/2 and 9/3)

PARTICIPATORY SPORTS

June 2 — Dam to Dam Distance Classic, from Nollen Plaza in Des Moines, email Lisa Kilian at kilianlm@msn.com.

June 2 — Dam to Dam Bike Ride & Breakfast, 5:30 a.m. meet at Des Moines City Hall (East Second and Grand Avenue), http://www.dmcycleclub.com

June 2 — Mountain Bike, 8 a.m.-noon, Summerset State Park, visit http://www.bikeiowa.com or email ryan@hanser.com

June 3 — Mary’s Wine and Cheese Ride, 5 p.m. meet at 325 E. 5th St. in Des Moines. Sample wines and cheeses before leaving for a leisurely ride on trails. Picnic destination. Easy riding, email mkmoore47@netzero.net

June 3 — Greenbelt Run, 8 a.m. at Clive Trail and 86th Street, out-and-back course, 6-miles. Call Denny Wheeler, 779-3196

June 3 — Wheel Des Moines Scavenger Hunt, 1 p.m. at Liberty Bell, east of the Capitol. Teams of three-five; bring digital cameras to record your findings. $10 entry fee per team. Email Tim Lane, tlane@idph.state.ia.us.

June 3 — Pride Ride, noon-3 p.m. meet at 201 George Flagg Prkwy., Des Moines. The ride is a fundraiser for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Central Iowa. Leisurely, registration is $20. Email Myke Selha, director@lgbt-dsm.com.

June 15 — Field to Food Run, 5K, Johnston, at 6 p.m. Entry is $18 for adults, $20 after June 9. Call Roxi Beck at 278-5727.

June 15-17 — Outdoor Wellness Adventure, state Capitol complex. Test out the latest in sports and fitness equipment, and take part in wellness seminars and demonstrations. Free. Call Amy Eaton, 286-4906.

June 17 — Hy-Vee Triathlon World Cup, Grey’s Lake, Des Moines, 6 a.m. start. Call 267-2857 or 454-6561.

July 4 — Carlisle Fourth of July Run/Walk, 5K, call 989-3508.

July 11 — Ankeny Road Races, 5K or 10 K, Hawkeye Park/Ankeny, call 965-8800.

July 11 — Midnight Madness run, 5K or 10K, Ames, (515) 292-0133 or (515) 294-1069.

Aug. 12 — Sweet Corn Festival 5K, starts at 8 a.m. at Adel-Desoto-Minburn High School, Adel. Registration is $15 before Aug. 4, $20 after and $25 day-of. Visit http://www.sweetcorn5k.net.

ENVIRONMENTAL

June 1-3 — Loess Hills Prairie Seminar, weekend exploring and seminars on a wide variety of environmental topics, plus walks. Primitive camping at the seminar site or stay in nearby motels. Meals available for $25, registration is $10. Call (712) 274-6080; or 253-0232 for questions or carpooling.

June 16-23 — Project AWARE 07, volunteers can spend from one day to an entire week canoeing, cleaning trash from the river and learning about water quality and other nature topics. Catered meals available. Canoes and shuttles can be arranged. Visit http://www.iowaprojectaware.com to register; deadline is June 1.

July 28 — Raccoon River Snapshot, volunteer water quality monitoring hosted by the Raccoon River Watershed Association, contact Steve Witmer switmer@ci.johnston.ia.us.

Aug. 18 — River Run Trash Grab, Des Moines River, starting at 9 a.m. at the trails adjacent to Saylorville Dam and Birdland Marina. Volunteers with boats are invited to collect trash from the shoreline and sandbars, and volunteers on foot will collect trash from the trails. Contact John Wenck at wencks@netins.net or Robin Fortney at rbfortney@msn.com.

Iowa Sierra Club events, for more information call 277-8868, or visit http://www.iowa.sierraclub.org

Throughout June — Habitat restoration. The target this month is removal of garlic mustard from woodland areas. No prior experience needed. Call Jo, 276-6359.

Tuesday evenings in June: — Hikes, 6 p.m., various locations. Contact Jackie at jackpo@earthlink.net

Throughout July and August — Prairie Seed Collecting, help collect native seed for use in prairie restorations, contact Jo at 276-6359 or johudson@qwest.net.

July 7 — Bison Ranch Visit, a day trip to Bob Jackson’s Tall Grass Bison Ranch near Promise City in southern Iowa.  Contact Jane at jrclark@radiks.net or 223-5047 for time and meeting place.

Aug. 12 — Trestle to Trestle Trail Bike Ride, meet at 9:30 a.m. at 5915 Merle Hay Rd., in Johnston. Contact Ginger at 253-0232.

OUTDOOR EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Fridays — Sunset at Summerset, live music from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Summerset Winery in Indianola, picnic baskets welcome. Call 961-3545.

Sundays — Live music from 3–6 p.m. at Summerset Winery in Indianola, picnic baskets welcome. Free. Call 961-3545.

May 31-June 2 — Big as a Barn Garage and Bake Sale, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Living History Farms, Urbandale. Call 278-5286.

June 2-3 — Drake Historic Home Tour, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., hosted by the Drake Neighborhood Association. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day-of. Call Carole Venhaus, 277-1833.

June 2-4 — Greek Food Fair, from 5-10 p.m. Saturday and11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George at 35th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. Tickets for the meal are $12 in advance or $14 at the door. Call 277-0780.

June 4-10 — The Principal Charity Classic, West Oaks Country Club, West Des Moines. Tickets are $15-$40. Call 279-4653.

June 8 — Dancing Under the Stars, 7-10 p.m. at the Reiman Gardens in Ames. Admission is $10 per person or $16 per couple, free to members. An optional buffet dinner is from 5:30 to 7 p.m., $18 per person. Call 294-2710.

June 9 — Lamb Lover’s Feast at 6 p.m. at the Dallas County Fairgrounds, Adel. Admission is $20 per person. Call (712) 736-2109.

June 9-10 — Annual Sheep and Wool Festival, at the Dallas County Fairgrounds, Adel. $5 gate fee, free parking. Visit iowasheep.com/festival.html.

June 14-17 — Johnston Green Days, next the Public Library in Johnston. Free. Call 276-9064.

June 17 — Father’s Day and 1875 Baseball Game. A spring training baseball skills practice at 2 p.m. and game with 1870s-rules, at Living History Farms, Urbandale. Call 278-5286.

June 21-23 — Clive Festival, Clive Aquatic Center Park, beer garden, food vendors, classic car show, live entertainment. Email clivefestival@msn.com.

July 8 — Garden Art Fair, Reiman Gardens, Ames. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free, call (515) 294-8981.

July 14-15 —Ames Garden Club Flower Show, Reiman Gardens, 9a.m-4:30 p.m. Call (515) 294-8981.

July 23 — Des Moines Golf Classic for Arthritis, 1 p.m. shotgun start at Wakonda Club 3915 Fleur Dr., Des Moines. Packages start at $250. Call 278-0636.

Aug. 4-5 — Plows and Premiums: An 1875 County Fair, at Living History Farms, Urbandale. Call 278-5286

Aug. 8-19 — Iowa State Fair, call (800) 545-3247.

Aug. 11 — 28th Annual Adel Sweet Corn Festival, Adel. Call 993-5472.

Aug. 28 — BLT Festival at Living History Farms, Urbandale. Sample locally grown tomatoes, locally raised or processed bacon and locally baked bread. Call 278-5286.

ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS

June 4-Aug.10 — Summer Safari Day Camps, Blank Park Zoo, ages 3-12. Call 323-8330.

June 4-Aug. 3 — Summer Fundaze Day Camps at Sportsplex West, Waukee, grades k-6, M-F from 9 a.m.-noon. Registration is $110. Call 987-0806.

June 7-Aug. 23 — Kids Open Play Program at Sportsplex West, Waukee, Thursday. Entry is $8 per child. Call 987-0806.

June 9 — Kayaking Basics, in the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, from 10 a.m.–noon and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Ages 10 and up, registration is $10. Call 323-5300 or visit http://www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

June 7-28 — Nature Tots, Thursdays only, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. at various Polk County parks. Ages 3 and up. Registration for the four sessions is $25. Call 323-5300.

June 9 — Teddy Bear Clinic at Blank Park Zoo, children can mend their stuffed bears, also featuring the Bernstein Bears. Admission is $7.95 for adults and $4.95 for children. Call 323-8390.

July 14 — Animal Rescue League at the Blank Park Zoo, zookeepers will be doing special keeper chats about animal enrichment and the many things that we do for our animals. Clifford the Big Red Dog will guest star. Admission is $7.95 for adults and $4.95 for children. Call 323-8390.

June 12-Aug. 9 — Summer riding camps, Jester Park Equestrian Center, 9 a.m.-noon. Registration is $125 per child; ages 8 and up. Call (515) 999-2818.

June 12-Sept. 25 — Pint Size Science at the Science Center of Iowa, kids 3-6 can discover the wonders of science with a parent. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members, and includes both parent and child. Call 274–6868 Ext. 222.

June-July — Family Fun Night, Saturdays only, Sportsplex West, Waukee, 6-9 p.m. $25 per family. Call 987-0806.

FARMERS MARKETS

MONDAYS
Grimes, Grimes Farmers Market, TrueValue Hardware parking lot, corner of James & Hwy 44, 4-7 p.m., May 21-end of September. Call 986-4926.

Urbandale, Urbandale Farmers Market, Merle Hay Mall south lot, 4-7 p.m., June 4-Oct. 15. Call 278-1038.

TUESDAYS
Adel, Farmers Market, parking Lot of Sugars Super Value, 4:30-7:00 p.m., May 31 to Sept. 6. Call 993-4057.

Johnston, Johnston Farmers Market, City Hall parking lot, corner of N.W. 62nd Ave & Merle Hay Road, 3-7 p.m., May 29-Oct. 2. Call 278-0939.

Des Moines, Capitol Hill Farmers Market, 800 E. 12th St., 5:30-7:30 p.m., May 29 - Aug 28. Call 262-2024.

Des Moines, Eastside Farmers Market, 3200 Delaware Ave., 3-6 p.m., June 5 - Sept. 25. Call 261-4550.

WEDNESDAYS
Des Moines, Drake Neighborhood Farmers Market, 25th Street & University Avenue, 4-7 p.m., June 6-Sept. 26, closed July 4. Call 277-6951.

THURSDAYS
West Des Moines, Valley Junction Farmers Market, Fifth Street, 4-8 p.m., May 10 - Sept. 27. Call 222-3642.

Des Moines, Parks Neighborhood Market, 147 E. Euclid Ave., 3-6 p.m., June 7-Sept. 27. Call 250-9560.

FRIDAYS
Altoona, Altoona Farmers Market at Haines Park, 6th St. Pl. S.E., north of Haines Park, 4-7 p.m.; June 1 - Sept. 28. Call 967-3394.

SATURDAYS
Ankeny, Uptown Ankeny Farmers Market, corner of S.W. 3rd and S.W. Maple streets, 8 a.m.-noon, May 19 - Sept. 21. Call 963-1897.

Des Moines, Downtown Farmers Market, Court Avenue & 4th Street, 7 a.m.-noon, May 12-Oct. 27. Call 286-4928.

Winterset, Farmers Market, courthouse lawn, 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Call 462-1185.

Size it up: How to find the right bicycle

Cycling is quickly becoming one of the most popular leisure sports in Central Iowa. Cycling clubs are forming, trails are getting paved and bike lanes are beginning to expand. In the next few weeks many riders — if they haven’t already — will dust off their old bikes and hit the trails, while newcomers to the sport will begin shopping for the perfect bike. Donny Quixote, a self-described shop-lackey at Rasmussen Bike Shop in West Des Moines, offers some advice for novice riders.

Getting your bike ready can be as simple as lubing the chain, checking the tire pressure and ensuring all the bolts are secure, he says. “But if you haven’t had it tuned up in a while, bring it into a local shop.” Professionals can check the shifters, derailers and brake wires. Those looking to buy a new bike need to decide what they want out of the bike, and then decide how much they’re willing to spend.

A comfort or hybrid bike, which can get you down to the farmer’s market and around Grey’s Lake, can cost between $300-$500, he says. A flatbar bike, the intermediate model, can cost between $500-$700. A fully-equipped road bike can cost from $600-$10,000. Whatever the bike, it needs to be sized correctly for the rider.

Most good bike shops will take a rider’s measurements and match them to “the geometry” of a bike. The top sign you’ve got the wrong-sized bike? “Pain in you body,” such as your knee, he says.

If you’re not looking to spend a couple hundred dollars, but still want to bike this summer, consider buying a used bike. “The first step to finding a used bike is telling everyone you know you’re looking for one,” Quixote says. “One of your friends is bound to pipe up.” But just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. Make sure the bike is in good working order by checking the frame for rust or bends; check the tires and the shifters and look for fraying in the cables, he says. “Make sure the bike is a fit.” Once that happens, you’re free to ride. — Sean J. Miller

Beat the heat

The same way it snows in Iowa and people forget their winter driving skills, when summer hits fast many people forget about taking precautions against the heat. “This is the time of year people really need to worry about the damage sun can do to their bodies,” says Rick Kozin, a spokesman for the Polk County Health Department.

On days when the mercury rises above 80 F and the humidity is high, everyone working or playing in the outdoors has a risk of sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Sunburn can happen in as little as 15 minutes, Kozin says, adding the county recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Heat cramps are felt in the joints or abdomen and are some of the first signs of more serious heat-related conditions. Heat exhaustion is more severe, Kozin says. “A person really needs to try to get to a cool place and lay down.” Heat stroke “is life threatening. The body’s internal air conditioning shuts down.” Symptoms include a body temperature of 103 F and a rapid pulse. “With those symptoms, you really need to call 911,” he says.

Anyone being active on warm days should drink 16-20 ounces of fluids before going outside, and continue to sip water while involved in activity, he says. “The important factor with all heat is to make sure your body has plenty of fluids.”
The highest risk of heat-related illness is when there’s a sustained period of hot weather, Kozin says. Normally, “the body can effectively cool itself off. It’s over time that there’s a cumulative effect.” During periods when temperatures remain above 80 F, fans alone won’t be enough, he says. People will need to spend at least a couple hours in air-conditioned rooms. The bottom line for active Iowans this summer, Kozin says, is to “minimize the amount of time you spend outside when it’s very hot and try to stay hydrated and cool.” — Sean J. Miller

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