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