Music

By Michael Swanger

Each time we publish our semi-annual Arts & Entertainment Guide, we try to find new ways to encourage readers to support live music. From subtle reminders about the cool shows Greater Des Moines hosts, to beating them over the head with pleas to put the television remote down and get to a club — it seems like we’ve tried everything.

So instead of coming up with some cutesy prose to motivate you to support live music, we’re going to give it to you straight. The fact of the matter is live music is struggling everywhere, not just Des Moines, but nationwide. Concert receipts and record sales are down. Ticket prices and band fees are up. Many young fans insist on getting their music for free instead of paying for it. Some clubs are barely paying or not paying bands to perform. And some of the independent small clubs that give towns their flavor are closing, giving way to corporate chain outlets or offering less live music in favor of DJs, karaoke or sports television to keep the doors open.

In short, many clubs, promoters and musicians are struggling to pay their bills after a summer filled with outdoor competition (music and non-music) and high gas prices. It’s to the point now where we have heard from national touring bands that tell us they will stop touring if gas prices reach $4 a gallon.

Locally, we said goodbye to Hairy Mary’s last month, a stalwart of the local punk and rock scene for more than a decade. The Lighthouse Coffeehouse, a leading folk music venue will close its doors at the end of the year. And now we hear from the manager that Blues on Grand, Des Moines’ only blues bar in a town full of blues fans, might soon close.

That’s not to say that everything is gloom and doom. New venues like the Red Rock Café, Amici Espresso, Snus Hill Winery and the Sugar Grove Winery offer live music. But things could be better, which is why as a community we need to place more value on supporting live music. And the best way to do that is to frequent places that host live music and every now and then, take a chance on a band you’re not familiar with. You might be surprised what you find and how much it helps the live music scene, and you might learn something about yourself along the way.

The following is a list of shows organized by venue or event, found throughout the state from Labor Day weekend through the end of the year. It is, by no means, 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 show announcements, feature stories on local and national bands, and concert news. See you at the next show.

AK O’Connors
4050 Urbandale Ave.
277-2227
http://www.peoplesrocks.com
Sept. 2 — Will P
Sept. 9 — Jason Walsmith
Sept. 16 — Josh Davis
Sept. 23 — Ben Eaton
Sept. 30 — Jason Levassuer
Oct. 7 — Nice Peter
Oct. 14 — Josh Davis
Oct. 21 — Mike Heimbaugh
Oct. 28 — Arthur Leeland

AK O’Connors
3530 Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines
226-1717
Sept. 7 — Damon Dotson
Sept. 14 — Fat Andy
Sept. 15 — Arthur Leeland
Oct. 6 — Bound 2 Be
Oct. 20 — Pianopalooza
Nov. 2 — Damon Dotson
Nov. 9 — Tony Bohnenkamp
Dec. 15 — Pianopalooza

Amici Espresso
6th Avenue and Mulberry Street
288-1492
Sept. 7 — Spam
Sept. 12 — Mike Blackwell
Sept. 19 — Truckstop Souvenir
Sept. 26 — John Burns
Oct. 3 — Jeffrey Lind
Oct. 12 — John Burns
Oct. 17 — Heather O’Neill

Blues on Grand
1501 Grand Ave.
244-3092
http://www.bluesongrand.com
Aug. 31 — Jeff Banks Band
Sept. 1 — Trampled Under Foot
Sept. 7 — Zac Harmon
Sept. 14 — Ruthie Foster
Sept. 15 — Damon Fowler Group
Sept. 19 — Ana Popovic
Sept. 21 — Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
Sept. 22 — Corey Stevens
Sept. 26 — Debbie Davies Band
Sept. 28 — James Armstrong
Sept. 29 — The Soul Searchers
Oct. 5 — Scott Holt
Oct. 6 — Larry Garner
Oct. 10 — Little Charlie & the Nightcats
Oct. 12 — Big Mike Griffin
Oct. 19 — E.C. Scott
Nov. 2 — Bryan Lee
Nov. 3 — Jason Ricci
Nov. 10 — Candye Kane
Nov. 14 — Tinsley Ellis
Nov. 16 — Eddy Clearwater
Nov. 17 — Watermelon Slim
Nov. 23 — Duke Tomatoe
Dec. 28 — Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials

CSPS
1103 Third St. S.E., Cedar Rapids
(319) 364-1580
http://www.legionarts.org
Sept. 5 — Jeffrey Foucault, Terri Hendrix
Sept. 10 — Girlyman, Adrianne
Sept. 11 — Chocolate Drops
Sept. 13 — Jesse Harris, Swati
Sept. 14 — LenkaDusilova
Sept. 17 — The Bluerunners
Sept. 20 — Grada
Sept. 21 — Brenda Weiler
Sept. 24 — The Nadas
Sept. 25 — Beppe Gambetta
Sept. 26 — Hamell on Trial
Sept. 30 — Red Stick Ramblers
Oct. 5 — Druha Trava
Oct. 6 — Ellis Paul
Oct. 7 — Eliza Gilkyson
Oct. 9 — Joel Harrison
Oct. 14 — Jason Lindner
Oct. 21 — Karen Savoca
Oct. 23 — Uz Jsme Doma
Oct. 25 — Santa Cruz River Band
Oct. 29 — David Wilcox
Oct. 31 — Erin McKeown
Nov. 1 — Melissa Ferrick
Nov. 2 — Brave Combo
Nov. 9 — Spencer Day
Nov. 10 — Marley’s Ghost
Nov. 22 — The Asylum Street Spankers
Nov. 29 — The Wilders

Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
221 Walnut St.
246-2300
http://www.civiccenter.org
Sept. 22 — Clint Black
Sept. 29 — Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood 
Oct. 2 — Des Moines Symphony with Joshua Bell
Oct. 20-21 — Des Moines Symphony
Nov. 10-11 — Des Moines Symphony
Nov. 26 — Lorie Line
Dec. 1 — Des Moines Symphony

Civic Music Association
Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University
280-4020
http://www.civicmusic.org
Sept. 23 — Borealis Wind Quartet
Nov. 10 — Turtle Island Quartet

Cycle’s Walnut Tap
2401 E. Walnut St.
262-1218
Aug. 31 — 3 AM Band
Sept. 14 — Backstage Boogie Band
Sept. 21 — 3 AM Band
Sept. 28 — Axis
Oct. 5 — Midwestern Remedy
Oct. 12 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Oct. 19 — AM Radio
Oct. 26 — Axis
Nov. 2 — Backstage Boogie Band
Nov. 16 — Axis
Nov. 23 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Nov. 30 — AM Radio
Dec. 7 — Backstage Boogie Band
Dec. 14 — Axis

Drake University
2507 University Ave.
271-2011
http://www.drakeedu.com
Sept. 28 — Drake Jazz I
Sept. 29 — Jason Levasseur
Sept. 30 — Inner Urge Saxophone Quartet
Oct. 3 — Keith Anderson
Oct. 7 — Drake Choir and Chamber Choir
Oct. 28 — Drake Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 18 — Cavalcade of Choirs
Nov. 30 — Drake Wind Symphony
Dec. 4 — Drake Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 7 — Drake Jazz I
Dec. 11 — Drake Jazz II

El Bait Shop
200 S.W. 2nd St.
284-1970
Sept. 5 — Brother Trucker
Sept. 9 — Dr. Gonzo
Sept. 12 — Bob Pace Trio
Sept. 16 — Electric Junction
Sept. 19 — Brother Trucker
Sept. 23 — Andy Schneider
Sept. 26 — Sour Diesel
Sept. 30 — Mooseknuckle
Oct. 3 — Brother Trucker
Oct. 10 — Sour Diesel
Oct. 14 — Mooseknuckle
Oct. 17 — Brother Trucker
Oct. 21 — Dr. Gonzo
Oct. 24 — Sour Diesel
Oct. 28 — Mooseknuckle
Oct. 31 — Brother Trucker
Nov. 7 — Sour Diesel
Nov. 11 — Mooseknuckle
Nov. 14 — Brother Trucker
Nov. 21 — Sour Diesel
Nov. 28 — Brother Trucker
Dec. 5 — Sour Diesel
Dec. 9 — Mooseknuckle
Dec.12 — Brother Trucker
Dec. 19 — Sour Diesel
Dec. 23 — Mooseknuckle
Dec. 26 — Brother Trucker

Englert Theater
221 E. Washington St., Iowa City
(319) 688-2653
http://www.englert.org
Sept. 4 — Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars
Sept. 22 — Andrew Bird
Oct. 5 — Suzanne Vega

Oct. 11 — Todd Agnew
Oct. 18 — Drive-By Truckers

Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls
(877) 549-SHOW
http://www.gbpac.com
Sept. 7 — Clint Black
Oct. 4 — Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Oct. 26 — Yamato Drummers of Japan
Oct. 27 — Bavarian Philharmonic
Dec. 8 — Boys of the Lough: A Celtic Christmas

Gateway Blues Fest
Western Gateway Park
Downtown Des Moines
225-6638
http://www.cibs.org

Sept. 2 — James Cotton, Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers, Lil’ Brian & the Zydeco Travelers, Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts

Grinnell College
(641) 269-4000
http://www.grinnell.edu
Sept. 29 — The Blow
Oct. 12 — Dan Deacon, These Are Powers
Nov. 16 — Illinois, Menomena

Hancher Auditorium
University of Iowa, Iowa City
(800)-HANCHER
http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu
Oct. 1 — Queen Latifah
Oct. 9 — Orion String Quartet and David Krakauer
Oct. 10 — Pat Metheny Trio
Nov. 1 — Russian Patriarchate Choir
Nov. 8 — St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra
Nov. 9 — DBR and The Mission
Dec. 5 — A Rockapella Holiday
Dec. 8 — Sweet Honey in the Rock

Harrah’s Stir Grove
One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs
(712) 329-6000
Aug. 31 — The Allman Brothers Band
Sept. 2 — BoDeans
Sept. 15 — Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Kings of Leon
Sept. 21 — Alan Parsons Live Project
Sept. 28 — Peter Frampton
Oct. 6 — Live/Collective Soul
Nov. 29 — Jeremy McComb

Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
288-2520
http://www.hessenhaus.com
Aug. 31 — Deja Voodoo
Sept. 7 — Dr. Gonzo
Sept. 8 — Barry Boyce Band
Sept. 28 — Deja Voodoo
Oct. 5 — Mr. Baber’s Neighbors
Oct. 12 — Bob Pace Band
Oct. 13 — Bob Malek Fisherman Band
Oct. 19 — Yetti Bluz Band
Oct. 20 — Barefoot Becky
Nov. 2 — Deja Voodoo
Nov. 9 — One Nite Stand
Nov. 16 — The Soul Searchers
Dec. 1 — Barry Boyce Band
Dec. 7 — Bob Pace Band
Dec. 8 — Bob Malek Fisherman Band
Dec. 14 — Mr. Baber’s Neighbors
Dec. 15 — Barefoot Becky

Hilton Coliseum
Iowa State University, Ames
(877) 843-2368
http://www.center.iastate.edu
Nov. 2 — The Wiggles

House of Bricks
525 E. Grand Ave.
727-4370
http://www.thehouseofbricks.com
Aug. 31 — World Under, Di-Fi
Sept. 1 — Sordid, Speedfinger
Sept. 4 — Andy Zipf, Christopher the Conquered
Sept. 7 — Angry Gods of the Radio, ICK
Sept. 8 — Reality’s Flaw, Burning the Broken
Sept. 12 — Gemstate
Sept. 14 — Mindrite, Destrophy
Sept. 15 — Mindrite, The Boston Hellmask
Sept. 16 — Niksorak and the Dead Wait
Sept. 21 — Dannie T., Mike James
Sept. 22 — Fatal Fall, Caustic Vision
Sept. 22 — Only, Calous
Sept. 27 — Fixer, Cruciful
Sept. 28 — The Vandon Arms
Oct. 6 — Concert of Hope: BeJae Fleming, Dennis Warner, Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Oct. 10 — Gloria
Oct. 11 — Goldrush
Oct. 12 — Mushroom Cloud Records Showcase
Oct. 18 — Racing Kites
Oct. 19 — Only, Deified
Oct. 20 — Cruciful
Oct. 27 — Destrophy
Nov. 3 — Twistid, Ill Bill
Nov. 11 — Mankind is Obsolete

Hoyt Sherman Place Theater
1501 Woodland Ave.
244-0199
http://www.hoytsherman.org
Sept. 28 — Jeff Dunham
Oct. 26 — Nickel Creek

Iowa City Yacht Club
13 S. Linn St., Iowa City
(319) 337-6464
http://www.iowacityyachtclub.com
Sept. 6 — Cornmeal
Sept. 7 — Euforquestra, Fresh Heir
Sept. 8 — Evenflow, Nevermind
Sept. 15 — Hunab
Sept. 29 — YAWO
Oct. 4 — U-Melt
Oct. 6 — Dennis McMurrin
Dec. 31 — Public Property

Iowa Memorial Union/SCOPE
University of Iowa, Iowa City
(319) 335-3395
http://www.scopeproductions.org
Sept. 17 — Kings of Leon, The Features
Sept. 18 — They Might Be Giants, Oppenheimer
Sept. 28 — Ben Kweller and Three Dog Night
Oct. 1 — Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
Oct. 18 — Drive-By Truckers
Nov. 4 — Bright Eyes

Iowa Speedway
Newton
http://www.iowaspeedway.com
Sept. 22 — Craig Morgan
Sept. 29 — Randy Travis, Lorrie Morgan, Ronnie Milsap, Joe Diffie
Sept. 30 — Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Darryl Worley, Cowboy Crush

Iowa Women’s Music Festival
Upper City Park, Iowa City
(319) 335-1486
http://www.prairievoices.net
Sept. 15 — Ruthie Foster, Susan Werner, Wishing Chair, Janelle Lauer, Awful Purdies, Sharon Bousquet, Emily Louise

Java Joes Coffeehouse
214 Fourth St.
288-5282
http://www.javajoescoffeehouse.com
Sept. 1 — Thea Ennen & Adrienne Schwartz
Sept. 8 — Union Pulse
Sept. 9 — Johnston Station Jazz Band
Sept. 10 — Calhoun with Smile Smile
Sept. 15 — Grey Winkler
Sept. 23 — Johnston Station Jazz Band
Sept. 29 — Leap Year
Oct. 13 — Ben Bedford
Oct. 20 — Davis Jones
Oct. 27 — Caiti Allison
Oct. 28 — Johnston Station Jazz Band
Nov. 10 — Dan Vaillencourt

KUNI Fall Blues Blowout
Electric Park Ballroom, Waterloo
(319) 273-3497
http://www.kuniradio.org
Nov. 17 — Eddy Clearwater, Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts

Lighthouse Coffeehouse
4501 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines
http://www.lighthousecoffeeehouse.com
Sept. 16 — The House Band
Oct. 19 — Steve Seskin
Nov. 18 — Iowa Night: Tina Haase-Findley, Joel Kinser, Paul Storm, Mary McAdams
Dec. 7 — Wishing Chair
Dec. 16 — Lighthouse Christmas Show Farewell

Live at the Creek
Jordan Creek Town Center, West Des Moines
Sundays, 5 p.m. Free
http://www.jordancreektowncenter.com
Sept. 2 — Tim Mahoney
Sept. 9 — Dueling Pianos
Sept. 16 — Hello Dave
Sept. 23 — Dueling Pianos
Sept. 30 — Flipside

The Longest Yard
122 5th St., West Des Moines
274-1710
Aug. 31 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Sept. 6 — Spam
Sept. 7 — Matt Biegger
Sept. 8 — Melody Proffitt
Sept. 13 — Mike Aceto
Sept. 20 — Curtis James
Sept. 22 — James Biehn
Sept. 27 — Mike Aceto
Sept. 29 — Spam
Oct. 13 — Melody Proffitt
Oct. 20 — James Biehn
Oct. 27 — Spam
Nov. 3 — Mike Aceto
Nov. 10 — Melody Proffitt
Nov. 17 — James Biehn
Dec. 8 — Melody Proffitt
Dec. 15 — James Biehn

The Maintenance Shop
Iowa State University Memorial Union
2229 Lincoln Way, Ames
(515) 294-2969
http://www.m-shop.com
Aug. 31 — Eric Hutchinson
Sept. 3 — Limbeck, Reuben’s Accomplice
Sept. 12 — Jesse Harris, Swati
Sept. 14 — The Besnard Lakes, Starvin Hungry
Sept. 20 — Valencia, Just Surrender
Sept. 22 — Poison Control Center, One For the Team
Sept. 27 — Horse Feathers, Johanna Kunin
Oct. 6 — Oh My God
Oct. 10 — Seepeoples, Bockman
Oct. 19 — Lucy Kaplansky
Nov. 2 — Casper & the Cookies, The Icicles

Mars Café
2318 University Ave.
369-6277
http://www.myspace.com/marscafe
Aug. 31 — Brendan Flynn
Sept. 1 — Mars Café Spinfest
Sept. 3 — Josh Davis
Sept. 4 — Built by Association
Sept. 8 — Ryan Knorr
Sept. 10 — Cleos Apartment
Sept. 11 — Horse in the Sea & Daniel Ellsworth
Sept. 13 — Dan Tedesco
Sept. 14 — Larry Ravenswood
Sept. 16 — Max Williams, Robert Taylor, Katie Chappel
Sept. 17 — Tyler Thompson
Sept. 22 — Sedalia, Jacob Tyler Wolfgang, Christian Krieg
Sept. 24 — The Tanks
Sept. 28 — JoAnna James, Sean Walsh
Oct. 1 — Brother Trucker
Oct. 4 — Modernstate, Why Make Clocks
Oct. 11 — Tim Williams
Oct. 13 — Central Standard Time
Oct. 20 — Loudray

The Mill Restaurant
120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City
(319) 351-59529
http://www.icmill.com
Aug. 31 — Harvey Sid Fisher
Sept. 1 — Deathships, Pine Box Rhythm Review
Sept. 6 — Great Lakes Music, Jesse Witheral
Sept. 7 — The Beaker Bros.
Sept. 8 — Tony Furtado
Sept. 12 — Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk
Sept. 14 — Lame
Sept. 15 — Wylde Nept
Sept. 18 — B&S Quartet
Sept. 22 — David Zollo
Sept. 23 — The Sleeping Planes
Sept. 27 — Public Property
Sept. 28 — The Gglitch
Oct. 24 — Burlington St. Bluegrass Band
Nov. 13 — Cass Brass

Music in the Junction
Railroad Park, Valley Junction
West Des Moines
Thursdays, 6 p.m. Free.
http://www.valleyjunction.com
Aug. 30 — The Heartbeats
Sept. 6 — Flipside
Sept. 13 — Final Mix
Sept. 20 — The Likely Suspects
Sept. 27 — Black Diamond

Music on Stage at the Art Center
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave.
277-4405
http://www.desmoinesartcenter.org
Sept. 15 — Mozaiques Chamber Ensemble
Oct. 13 — The Jacques Thibaud String Trio
Nov. 30 — Daedalus Quartet with Awadagin Pratt

Paramount Theatre
123 Third Ave. S.E., Cedar Rapids
(319) 398-5211
http://www.uscellularcenter.com
Sept. 8— Aaron Lewis
Sept. 26 — The Pink Floyd Experience

People’s Court
216 Court Ave.
Aug. 31 — Bound 2 Be
Sept. 1 — Kentucky Fried Mullet
Sept. 5 — G.B. Leighton
Sept. 6 — Public Property
Sept. 7 — Damon Dotson
Sept. 14 — Junior Brown
Sept. 15 — Hello Dave
Sept. 19 — Sound Tribe Sector 9
Sept. 21 — Glengharry Boyz
Sept. 28 — Brian Congdon
Oct. 6 — Pat McGee Band, Josh Kelly
Oct. 12 — Pomeroy
Oct. 26 — Damon Dotson Band
Nov. 3 — The Nadas
Nov. 7 — Cracker, Jason Isbell
Nov. 17 — The Confidentials
Nov. 24 — Public Property
Dec. 4 — Particle
Dec. 29 — House of Large Sizes

The Picador
309 E. Washington St., Iowa City
(319) 354-4788
http://www.thepicador.com
Aug. 31 — Houston Calls
Sept. 1 — Duhka
Sept. 2 — Paleo
Sept. 4 — The Format
Sept. 5 — Jason Boland & The Stragglers
Sept. 6 — Coyote Blood
Sept. 7 — The Teddy Boys
Sept. 8 — Hopesfall, Pink Reason
Sept. 10 — The Static Age
Sept. 11 — Smile Smile
Sept. 12 — OM
Sept. 13 — The Results
Sept. 15 — Okkervil River
Sept. 18 — Rocky Votolato
Sept. 21 — Eyedea & Abilities
Sept. 22 — David Bazan
Sept. 24 — Mouthus
Sept. 25 — Jack Rose
Sept. 26 — The Good Life
Sept. 27 — Two Gallants
Sept. 29 — Brian Troester Band
Oct. 2 — Count Bass D
Oct. 3 — Old Time Relijun
Oct. 6 — Girl Talk
Oct. 16 — Paradise Island
Oct. 18 — The Jack and Jim Show
Oct. 19 — Lucky Boys Confusion
Oct. 20 — Between the Buried and Me
Oct. 21 — Evergreen Terrace
Oct. 24 — Appleseed Cast

Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Altoona. Free
(800) 325-9015
http://www.prairiemeadows.com
Sept. 8 — Songs From the Man in Black with Tommy Cash, The Tennessee Three, The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Randy Burk & the Prisoners
Sept. 15 — Lucy Angel
Sept. 16 — Nashville Star
Oct. 5 — REO Speedwagon
Oct. 13 — Vertigo USA Tribute to U2
Nov. 16 — Bellydance Superstars
Dec. 14 — Michael McDonald

Raccoon River Brewing Co.
200 10th St.
362-5222
http://www.raccoonbrew.com
Aug. 31 — Brian Congdon
Sept. 7 — The Jumbies
Sept. 14 — Mooseknuckle
Sept. 21 — James Biehn
Sept. 28 — T. Albert Lloyd
Oct. 5 — Mooseknuckle
Oct. 12 — Tim Sanders
Oct. 26 — Floodplane
Nov. 2 — One Nite Stand
Nov. 9 — Tim Sanders

The Reverb
204 Main St., Cedar Falls
(319) 277-4404
http://www.thereverb.net
Aug. 31 — Sudden Change
Sept. 1 — Project Sock Monkey
Sept. 5 — Something Underground
Sept. 6 — Stereoside
Sept. 7 — Brother Trucker
Sept. 8 — The Beat Strings
Sept. 11 — Modern Life is War
Sept. 12 — Kittie
Sept. 14 — Powermann 5000
Sept. 15 — Anchondo
Sept. 20 — Psychosaga
Sept. 21 — Neutral Red
Sept. 22 — The Goodyear Pimps
Sept. 25 — Those Guys
Sept. 26 — Brian Troester
Sept. 28 — Beaker Brothers
Sept. 29 — The Mittens
Oct. 2 — Cynergy 67
Oct. 5 — The Salsa Band
Oct. 6 — Duhka
Oct. 12 — After Forever
Oct. 16 — Overkill
Oct. 20 — Primer 55
Oct. 25-26 — Back to Back Pomeroy
Oct. 27 — Party Like A Rock Star
Nov. 2 — The Blue Band
Nov. 5 — Prong
Dec. 31 — House of Large Sizes, The Beat Strings

Ritual Café
13th Street between Grand and Locust
288-4872
http://www.ritualcafe.com
Sept. 7 — Kristie Stremel
Sept. 8 — Patchwork
Sept. 14 — Embryo
Sept. 15 — Epiphany
Sept. 21 — Steph Taylor
Sept. 22 — Brenda Weiler
Sept. 28 — Beth Amsel, Jenny Goodpseed
Sept. 29 — Patchouli
Oct. 5 — Nikki Lunden
Oct. 6 — Rosalee Motor Revival
Oct. 12 — Jeff Ray
Oct. 19 — Chris Schultz
Oct. 20 — Namoli Brennet
Oct. 26 — Karla Ruth
Oct. 27 — 2nd Avenue Jazz Band

Simpson College
701 North C St., Indianola
961-6251
http://www.simpson.edu
Sept. 14 — Jeff Allen
Sept. 28 — Jason Levasseur, Raining Jane
Oct. 12 — PBM

Snus Hill Winery
2183 320th St., Madrid
(515) 795-3535
http://www.snushillwine.com
Aug. 31 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Horns
Sept. 7 — Billy Club
Sept. 9 — Pro Musica
Sept. 14 — Flying Silos
Sept. 16 — Scott Davis Quartet
Sept. 21 — Andy Schneider
Sept. 23 — The Soul Searchers
Sept. 28 — Billy Club
Sept. 30 — Ashanti
Oct. 5 — Pro Musica Trio
Oct. 7 — Clutterbilly Band
Oct. 12 — Bill Martin Group
Oct. 14 — The Soul Searchers
Oct. 21 — Bill Martin Group
Nov. 2 — Billy Club
Nov. 4 — Scott Davis Quartet
Nov. 11 — The Rivieras
Nov. 16 — Pro Musica
Nov. 18 — Bill Martin Group
Nov. 30 — Bill Martin Group
Dec. 2 — Scott Davis Quintet
Dec. 7 — Billy Club

Stephens Auditorium
Iowa State Center, Ames
(877) 843-2368
http://www.center.iastate.edu
Sept. 29 — Rachael Price
Oct. 5 — Mannheim Steamroller
Oct. 16 — Blue October, Lovedrug, Shiny Toy Guns
Oct. 17 — Widespread Panic
Nov. 18 — Lorie Line

Summerset Winery & Inn
15101 Fairfax, Indianola
961-3545
http://www.summersetwine.com
Aug. 31 — Lady Blue Band
Sept. 2 — Ashanti
Sept. 7 — WorldPort
Sept. 9 — Soul Searchers
Sept. 14 — Stu Calhoun Trio
Sept. 16 — Tony Valdez & the Retro Rockets
Sept. 21 — Rod Chaffee Band
Sept. 23 — Freestyle
Sept. 28 — Old School
Sept. 30 — Freestyle
Oct. 7 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Horns
Oct. 14 — Tony Valdez
Oct. 21 — Ashanti
Oct. 28 — Soul Searchers
Nov. 4 — Sabrosa
Nov. 11 — Tony Valdez
Nov. 18 — Freestyle
Nov. 25 — Soul Searchers
Dec. 2 — Ashanti
Dec. 9 — Tony Valdez
Dec. 16 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Horns
Dec. 23 — Soul Searchers
Dec. 30 — Freestyle

Sugar Grove Winery
6602 Ginger Ave., Newton
(641) 787-9463
http://www.sugargrove.com
Sept. 1 — Ashanti
Sept. 8 — The Blue Band
Sept. 15 — World Port
Sept. 29 — Mike and Amy Finders
Oct. 6 — David Zollo

Surf Ballroom
460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake
(641) 357-6151
http://www.surfballroom.com
Sept. 8 — Joe Bonamassa
Sept. 21 — The Nadas
Sept. 22 — A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
Oct. 6 — Shooter Jennings
Oct. 19 — Gear Daddies
Oct. 21 — John Mayall & the Blues Breakers, Dave Mason
Nov. 3 — Think Floyd
Dec. 29 — Lamont Cranston Band, Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys

Terrible’s Lakeside Casino Resort
777 Casino Drive, Osceola
(877) 477-5253
Aug. 31 — Joe Diffie
Sept. 7-8 — B.J. Thomas, Billy Joe Royal
Oct. 18-20 — Cowboy Crush
Dec. 7-8 — John Anderson

U.S. Cellular Center
370 First Ave. N.E., Cedar Rapids
(319) 398-5211
http://www.uscellularcenter.com
Oct. 5 — Newsboys, Kutless & Newworldson
Oct. 12 — Sugarland, Little Big Town
Oct. 24 — Kidz Bop World Tour

Val Air Ballroom
301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines
223-6152
http://www.valairballroom.com
Sept. 6 — The Academy Is…
Sept. 9 — Aaron Lewis
Sept. 18 — Chevelle
Oct. 13 — Paolo Nutini, Serena Ryder, Sara Bareilles
Oct. 21 — Toby Mac, Thousand Foot Krutch
Nov. 7 — Puddle of Mudd, Saliva

Vaudeville Mews
212 Fourth St.
243-3270
http://www.vaudevillemews.com
Aug. 31 — ATOY
Sept. 1 — Wild Rose (early show) The Chris Ranallo Project (late)
Sept. 2 — Under The Mic (early) Nick Amodeo (late)
Sept. 3 — Membership (early) Wreckage Of The Modern City (late)
Sept. 4 — The Goddamn Gallows
Sept. 5 — Merciless Death
Sept. 6 — Dude The Bagman
Sept. 7 — Court Avenue Cares
Sept. 8 — The Soul Searchers
Sept. 9 — Under The Mic (early) Haggis (late)
Sept. 10 — Jon McLaughlin
Sept. 11 — Jesse Harris
Sept. 12 — Machine Go Boom
Sept. 13 — Haste The Day (early) Bedroom Walls (late)
Sept. 14 — Bear Colony (early) The Gunshy (late)
Sept. 15 — Drinking Liberally National Convention
Sept. 16 — Under The Mic (early) Jus Allah (late)
Sept. 17 — Via Audio
Sept. 18 — Maserati
Sept. 19 — Sixer (early) Hot Buttered Rum (late)
Sept. 20 — Salt and Samovar
Sept. 21 — Wisely (early) Golden Shoulders (late)
Sept. 22 — A Whisper In The Noise (early) Mannequin Men (late)
Sept. 23 — Under The Mic
Sept. 24 — Hamell On Trial
Sept. 25 — Charlie Hunter
Sept. 27 — Murdervan
Sept. 29 — Jay Reatard
Sept. 30 — Under The Mic
Oct. 1 — Coin Laundry Loser
Oct. 2 — Max Wellman
Oct. 3 — Stuporhero
Oct. 5 — Theodore
Oct. 6 — Low
Oct. 7 — Under The Mic
Oct. 9 — Tim Williams
Oct. 11 — Sleeping In The Aviary
Oct. 13 — Kasey Anderson
Oct. 14 — Under The Mic
Oct. 15 — Aaron Berg
Oct. 17 — Shannon Curtis
Oct. 18 — Owen Pye (early) Seymore Saves The World (late)
Oct. 19 — Public Property
Oct. 21 — Under The Mic
Oct. 25 — Tom Feldmann and The Get Rite Boys
Oct. 26 — Electric Junction
Oct. 27 — FortyTwenty
Oct. 28 — Under The Mic
Nov. 4 — Casper and The Cookies
Nov. 7 — Northeast Engine
Nov. 10 — Cornmeal
Nov. 11 — Under The Mic (early) Flaming Fire (late)
Nov. 17 — Samarah

Wells Fargo Arena
730 Third St.
564-8000
http://www.iowaeventscenter.com
Sept. 21 — Bill Gaither and the Homecoming Friends Tour
Oct. 19 — Andre Rieu
Dec. 13 — Trans-Siberian Orchestra

West Towne Pub
4518 Mortensen Road, Ames
(515) 292-4555
http://www.westtownepub.com
Sept. 7 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Sept. 21 — The Soul Searchers
Oct. 5 — Backstage Boogie Band
Oct. 19 — Vivace Band
Nov. 2 — BF Burt and the Instigators

Rockin’ block party set for Court Avenue

The Historic Court Avenue District has been the site of many large outdoor concerts over the years, and it will come alive once again this holiday weekend with a show featuring national and local bands as organizers hope to draw music lovers downtown in their continued efforts to revitalize Court Avenue’s music scene.

Starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, the Court Avenue Block Party kicks off with performances by Des Moines rockers and disc-jockeys, including The Horseshoe Spatulas, The Vandon Arms and Radio Moscow, as well as DJs Retro P and Ritchie Daggers. Reel Big Fish, popular indie rockers of the last decade or so, headline the shindig at 10 p.m., which includes special guests the Suicide Girls’ “Zoli” and “Lovely.” Reel Big Fish is on tour supporting its new CD/DVD, “Monkeys for Nothing and the Chimps for Free.”

Tickets to the all-ages event the day of the show are $10 for those 21 years and older and $15 for those under 21. A variety of food and retail vendors will be on-hand to sell their wares. —Michael Swanger

Gateway Blues Festival debuts downtown

For years, blues fans have congregated at Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines during the Labor Day weekend to see local and national blues bands. But this year, they’ll be hanging out at the Western Gateway Park, where the Central Iowa Blues Society hosts its first-ever Gateway Blues Festival on Sunday in place of its longstanding Court Avenue pub-crawl.

The one-day festival features local openers Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts (3 p.m.), followed by three national acts including Lil’ Brian & the Zydeco Travelers (4 p.m.), Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers (6 p.m.) and James Cotton (8-9:30 p.m.). Vendors will also be on site and patrons can bring chairs, but no umbrellas, coolers or pets.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Kids 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. Gates open at 2 p.m. Call 225-6638 or visit http://www.cibs.org.

In addition to the festival, two other blues activities will be held across the street at Blues on Grand. At 3 p.m., the finals of the third annual Solo/Duo Iowa Blues Challenge will be held. Boris & Tony, Raccoon River Blues Boy, This & That and Willie McKnight & Alan Smith will compete for the top prize. At 9:30 p.m., the Jeff Banks Band will host a jam. — Michael Swanger

Return to top

Theatre

By Jared Curtis

Though the dog days of summer have come and gone, the fall is the time for drama. The Greater Des Moines theater scene is alive and kicking, and there is an array of upcoming performances to enjoy. Throughout the season you’ll be able to visit with three sisters, remember your childhood memories, learn lessons from a spider, sing trailer park songs and hear the most crude and obnoxious puppets this side of “Sesame Street.”

This is the time theaters throw out their big guns. The Des Moines Playhouse will be full of felines as “Cats” comes to town Sept. 7–30. “This is the first time the show’s rights have been made available to community theatres,” says Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse marketing and public relations director. “The technical department is creating a junkyard that is reminiscent of the Broadway set, yet unique to our stage.” The Playhouse is also featuring “Charlotte’s Web,” “Tuesdays with Morrie,” “Tuck Everlasting” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

The Greater Des Moines theater scene has a great mix of shows and venues. You can enjoy Broadway productions as well as small, intimate plays. You will also find professional actors and actresses to wide-eyed drama students trying to make their mark. So get out and enjoy some of these great performances before it’s too late.

Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd St.
277-6261
http://www.dmplayhouse.com
Sept. 7-30 — “Cats”
Sept. 28 - Oct. 14 — “Charlotte’s Web”
Oct. 19-Nov. 4 —“Tuesday’s With Morrie”
Nov. 9 – 25 — “Tuck Everlasting”
Dec. 7 – 23 — “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

Stage West
At the Civic Center’s Stoner Theatre
309-0251
http://www.stagewestiowa.com
Sept. 21 – Oct. 7 — “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”
Nov. 2 – 11 — “Take Me Out”

Tallgrass Theatre Company
http://www.tallgrasstheatre.org
Oct. 5 – 20 — “How I Learned to Drive”

Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland Ave.
244-0507
http://www.hoytsherman.org
Dec. 7 – 9 — Ballet Des Moines Presents “The Nutcracker”

Iowa State University
Theatre Department
http://www.theatre.iastate.edu
Oct. 5 – 7, 13, 20 — “We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!”
Oct. 12, 14, 19, 21 — “Three Sisters”
Nov. 9 – 11, 30, Dec. 1 – 2 — “Quilters”

Iowa State Center
Season at Stephens Auditorium
(515) 294-3347
http://www.center.iastate.edu
Sept. 21 -22 — “Wonder Bread Years”
Sept. 27 — “Evita”
Oct. 30 — “Hairspray”
Nov. 8 — “Annie”

Theater… for a change
At the Viking Theatre
Grand View College
2811 E. 14th St.
http://www.thatcherwilliams.com/theater
Sept. 13 – 16, 20 – 23 — “Three Tall Women”
Dec. 6 – 9, 13 – 16 — “The Dead Guy”

Simpson College
Theatre Simpson
http://www.simpson.edu/artsforum/theatre
Oct. 5 – 7 — “Antigone: Speaking Truth”
Nov. 16 – 18 — “Pride and Prejudice”

Actors, Inc
120 Abraham Drive, Ames
(515) 292-2073
http://www.actorsinc.org
Sept. 28 – Oct. 21 — “Disney’s High School Musical”
Nov. 23 – Dec. 9 — “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol”

Pella Opera House Theatre
611 Franklin St., Pella
(800) 720-6327
http://www.pellaoperahouse.org
Sept. 12 — “War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II”

Drake University
Theatre Department
271-3841
http://www.drake.edu/artsci/theatre/DrakeTheatreHomePage.html
Sept. 27 – 30 — “Autobahn”
Nov. 8 – 11 — “Company”
Dec. 6 – 9 — “Art”

Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center & Strayer-Wood Theatre
University of Northern Iowa
Theatre Department, Cedar Falls
(319) 273-7469
(319) 273-6381
http://www.gbpac.com
Sept. 23 — “Evita”
Oct. 19 – Nov. 3 — “Cloud 9”
Oct. 25 – Nov. 24 — “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Nov. 11 – 12 — “Annie”

Grinnell College
Theatre Department
http://www.grinnell.edu/academic/theatre/events
Oct. 11 – 14 — “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead”
Nov. 15 – 18 — “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Nov. 29 – Dec. 2 — “Fall Forward”

Ballet Des Moines
502 East Locust St.
440-1177
http://www.balletdesmoines.org
Dec. 7 – 9 — “The Nutcracker”(at Hoyt Sherman Place)

Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
221 Walnut St.
243-1888
http://www.civiccenter.org
Oct. 13 — “Hubbard Street Dance Chicago”
Oct. 23 – 28 — “Camelot”
Nov. 13 -18 — “Avenue Q”
Dec. 6 – 30 — “Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Radio City Rockettes to kick their heels up in Des Moines

Audiences will be able to kick up their heels during the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the World-Famous Radio City Rockettes, which headlines the ’07-’08 Betts Broadway Series. For the first time in Iowa, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is making its debut at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.

The beloved holiday production will play Dec. 6–30, with 46 dazzling performances. The Christmas Spectacular is exactly that — a spectacular. A cast and crew of nearly 100 people deliver a holiday show experience like never before, filled with dazzling scenery, extraordinary costumes and lighting. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular will give audiences holiday memories to last a lifetime. Children of all ages will be enchanted by live holiday entertainment as teddy bears dance, snowmen shimmy, wooden soldiers come to life, reindeer fly, elves rap and the Radio City Rockettes perform their fancy footwork.

Famous for their eye-high kicks and precision dancing, the Rockettes have strutted their way into the hearts of millions and continue to be a beloved family holiday tradition.

Time Magazine calls the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, “One of the Grandest Holiday Traditions in the U.S. ...Bring the Whole Family!”

—Jared Curtis

StageWest hosts ‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical’

One of the most highly outrageous and entertaining musicals of the season makes a stop at the Civic Center’s Stoner Theater as part of the StageWest Theater Company. “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” begins its 17-day run on Sept. 21. Written by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso and directed by Todd Buchacker, the musical tells the story of a new tenant who moved to Armadillo Acres and the havoc she has wreaked all over Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. Liz Smith, a syndicated columnist with the N.Y. Post, describes the play as “a delicious new musical. The joint is jammed and jumping with raucous laughter. It’s like ‘The Honeymooners’ meets ‘The Best little Whorehouse’ in ‘Urinetown.’”

Sure, the neighborhood’s doublewide divas have survived everything from kidnapping, no-good men and bad perms. But when Pippi, a “stripper on the run,” comes between agoraphobic housewife Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband, a song-and-dance storm begins to brew, threatening to shake the manufactured homes down to their mobile foundations. The New York Sun describes the play as “‘South Park’ meets ‘Desperate Housewives.’”

This outrageous musical contains tacky outfits, big hair, crude language, adultery, road kill, electrocution and spray cheese — everything a musical should be.

— Jared Curtis

Return to top

OUTDOORS

By Sean J. Miller

Seasons might change, but Cityview will always be there with a guide to help you navigate the Central Iowa events waiting for your participation. This fall there’s a bountiful harvest of outdoor activities. Some involve eating, some involve drinking, some involve both eating and drinking, and every one of them involves getting out and enjoying the crisp weather.

No more complaining about the heat. These months offer the last opportunities we have to enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery. Winter will be here before we know it. So don’t rue the missed opportunities when the snow starts to fall. Pull on your sweater and head down to any of the events we’ve listed. You can relive the memories when the mercury hits 10 F.

CONSERVATION
Polk County Conservation Department
323-5300
http://www.eadingyououtdoors.com

Sept. 9 — The Pelican Festival events will include a program by Richard Leopold, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and raptor releases by Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR). The day runs from 1 to 6 p.m. in Jester Park, Camp Area Two, and will conclude with live music by singer, songwriter, and educator Ron Cisar starting at 5 p.m. Admission is free; refreshments and merchandise for purchase.

Sept. 13 — Fancy yourself a flathead or channel cat fisherman? This hands-on class, which meets at the Yellow Banks Park boat ramp from 6 to 9 p.m., teaches students about catfish biology and how to catch them. Bait, hooks, sinkers will be provided. Bring fishing pole if you have one, bug spray, chair or bucket to sit on, and flashlight or lantern. Participants 16 years and older must have a valid fishing license. All ages. Registration is $5, the deadline is Sept. 9.

Sept. 22 — Celebrate Native American history at Yellow Banks Park from 1 to 4 p.m. The scenic bluffs that overlook the Des Moines River were enjoyed for thousands of years by the Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, and Oneota Indian tribes. Learn more about these tribes, their cultures, and the numerous artifacts that have been found in and around the park. Participate in activities such as flint knapping, Indian mound hikes and educational programs. All ages.

Oct. 6 — Night Hike, from 7 to 8 p.m. go on a guided night hike in Brown’s Woods to catch all the wild nightlife. All ages.

Oct. 13 — Jester Park Equestrian Center wagon rides. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride through Jester Park from 6-8 p.m. A naturalist will hop on board to share information about the park during the one-hour wagon tour. Afterward, riders will gather around a campfire to make s’mores and listen to stories and songs. Registration is $15, and the deadline is Oct. 5. Children ages 5 and under are free.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Saturdays — Bird Watching Hike. The Des Moines Audubon Society sponsors a morning bird watching hike at a different location the second Saturday of each month. Call Jane, 223-5047.

Sept. 8 — Monarch Mania at the Greenwood Park Amphitheater, 45th Street and Grand Avenue. Learn about the mythical monarch butterfly, while catching and tagging the migratory bugs. The tagging session goes from 1 to 2:30 p.m. There will be an information session at 7:30 p.m. followed by a showing of the movie “Ants” at Gray’s Lake Peninsula, north entrance. All ages.

Sept. 8 — Prairie Awakening, a Native American celebration that includes intertribal songs and dancing, traditional drumming and much more. At Kuehn Conservation Area, north of Earlham from 1 to 9 p.m. Call Chris Adkins, 465-3577 or visit http://www.co.dallas.ia.us.

Sept. 23 — Bike Ride Fundraiser. Meet at the Hy-Vee parking lot off MLK Parkway, just south of Euclid Avenue, at 1 p.m. Ride the beautiful Neal Smith Bike Trail about 10 miles (20 miles total) along the scenic Des Moines River. Moderate difficulty. Some refreshments will be provided. A $10 donation for the Sierra Club would be appreciated. Contact Phyllis at 274-4319 or goodmanph@mchsi.com.

Sept. 29-30 — Loess Hills backpacking trip. Depart Des Moines at 9 a.m. and drive to Loess Hills. Two-day hike and camping, chance for observing hawk migration and star gazing. Moderate difficulty. Beginners welcome. The $20 registration fee includes camping fees and food for four meals and is due by Sept. 22. Contact Doug at 277-1263 or
aupperle_douglas@email.com.

Sept. 30 — Lose the family in a 14-acre prairie maze. A walk through this prairie grass maze will not only challenge your navigation and problem-solving skills, but will educate you about our natural heritage as well. Free canoe floats, nature hikes and hayrack tours will happen throughout the day. Food will also be available for purchase. At Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, noon- 6 p.m. All ages are welcome.

Oct. 17 — The Sierra Club’s annual fall silent auction and fundraiser is at 6:30 p.m. at Jester Park Lodge. The public is invited to enjoy beverages and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on valuable items donated by local merchants and cultural organizations. Contact Ginger at 253-0232 or soelbergv@dwx.com.

Oct. 23 — Tricky tracks, come learn how to identify common Iowa mammals by their tracks. Make tracks, play games and feel furs during this hands-on program. All ages welcome. This program is co-sponsored by Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Four Mile Community Center, 3711 Easton Blvd., 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 — Hike the Clive Greenbelt,