By Michael Swanger michael@dmcityview.com

Local bands to ‘Rock the House’ for Mosaic

The average business might not look to musicians for help raising money, but there’s nothing average about Mosaic, or the people they serve, or musicians, for that matter.

On Sept. 8, seven local bands, ranging from hard rock to acoustic rock, will share their talents and the stage at 7 Flags Events Center in Clive for “Rock the House” to advocate and support Mosaic’s clients. The faith-based organization provides services to more than 170 metro residents with severe mental and physical disabilities in more than 40 neighborhoods. In addition to home and apartment settings, Mosaic provides vocational assistance and job training, as well as hourly and 24-hour support to its clients.

Mosaic, a private non-profit group, relies mostly on Medicaid and Title 19 payments to maintain its annual operational budget of $15 million in Des Moines. But like any organization that relies on government assistance and faces potential budget cuts, it seeks private funding when it can to help make ends meet. Carol Mau, executive director, says she hopes “Rock the House” will raise $10,000.

“It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this, so we’re not sure what to expect,” Mau says. “Whatever money we raise will benefit our clients.”

Mau credits Aaron Peltz, a supportive living coordinator at Mosaic and member of the hard rock band On A Pale Horse, for developing the idea to host a benefit concert and helping to coordinate it. She says “Rock the House” is a blend of “his two passions,” adding, “we couldn’t have done it without his knowledge and contacts.”

“Music is a universal language and because so many of the people we support don’t use words to communicate, we thought music was an appropriate way to bring everyone together,” Mau says. “It’s been amazing how the bands were so eager to get on board. We couldn’t believe the compassion the musicians have to help.”

In addition to On A Pale Horse, participating acts include Facecage, Onesidezero, Marcato, Only, Ephraim Zehn and God Blessed Ignorance. The show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance through Mosaic or at the door. Those who purchase advance tickets will be eligible for free giveaways such as CDs, T-shirts and posters from the bands.

“It’s a great lineup for a great cause,” says Karen Jackson, Mosaic’s community relations manager.

To purchase tickets, call Jackson at 246-1840.

Scene notes

Engine Room Recordings, an independent record label based in New York, will hold a listening party for its new compilation CD, “Guilt By Association,” at Mars Café on Tuesday. The CD includes some of the biggest names in the indie scene, like Superchunk and Will Oldham, covering their guilty pleasure songs by acts like Journey and Cher. The event will include free prizes, too. Visit www.myspace.com/guiltbyassociation. … The State Historical Museum announced its 2007-2008 “Movies at the Museum” film series begins Sept. 6, with a 7 p.m. showing of “Mississippi Blues,” a documentary that explores the origins of the blues. The series runs through May 2008, and the lineup can be found at www.culturalaffairs.org. Admission is $5 through IowaTix.com or at the door. “Mississippi Blues” will also be shown Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. and will be followed by a discussion of Des Moines’ storied Center Street scene, which years ago was home to several jazz and blues clubs. Members of the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame including George Davis, Mel Harper, Ron McClain and Harlan Thomas will perform afterwards. Hobart DePatton, whose father operated a printing business in Des Moines that created posters for jazz and blues shows, will join the discussion led by blues musician Tom Gary. Also on Sept. 6, and 8, donations to the Jimmy Pryor Music Scholarship Fund will be collected at the museum. … The newly founded non-profit Historic Court District Association is partnering with the Des Moines Music Coalition to host an annual pub-crawl Sept. 7 to raise money for the Central Iowa Shelter Services. The event starts at 10 p.m. and includes music by bands and DJs at participating venues including Court Avenue Brewery Co. (Josh Davis Band), Vaudeville Mews (Funks G, Horseshoe Spatulas), Johnny’s (Soulever), El Bait Shop (Mooseknuckle), Buzzard Billy’s (Snafu), Royal Mile (DJ Johnny Utah), People’s Court (Tyler Thompson Band), Liars Club (DJ Retro P) and The Lift (DJ John Huffman). Wristbands are $5. Call 282-2739. … The Longest Yard in Valley Junction is hosting local bands immediately following every Iowa Hawkeye football game starting Sept. 8, with a performance by the Melody Proffitt Band. The Hawkeye bar will also show games on a big screen television on its patio under a tent and will offer a number of drink specials for Hawkeye fans. … Chevelle, with openers Fair to Midland and Tyler Read, play the Val Air Ballroom Sept. 18. Tickets, $22.50, are on sale now through the box office and Ticketmaster. … Kidz Bop World Tour, the first rock concert for kids and makers of the popular children’s audio series of the same name, plays Wells Fargo Arena on Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. Tickets, $20, $27 and $35, go on sale Sept. 8, through Dahl’s Foods and the arena. Call (866) 553-2457 or visit www.dahlstickets.com. … Iowa Public Radio announced a new statewide classical network that launches Sept. 10. Music hosts and arts producers from IPR’s three stations — KSUI, KHKE and WOI-FM — will work together to provide programming that will stream 24 hours a day. Officials say most of the music will be classical, but will also include non-classical genres. Visit www.iowapublicradio.org. … If you’ve ever wanted to name a band or liked a band but thought their name was lame, you might want to head over to Mickey’s Irish Pub in Clive on Sept. 12. That’s where a new local cover band led by William Fix Brown II will perform at 8 p.m. and will accept ideas from fans on what to name their group. The winner will receive prizes from Mickey’s and Budweiser. Plus you get to brag to your friends that you got to name a band. … Guitar Center is hosting Drum-Off 2007, the world’s largest drum competition for the 19th year, which allows undiscovered timekeepers the opportunity to compete for more than $45,000 in prizes, including a Toyota FJ Cruiser and drum equipment. Drummers can sign up now at the Guitar Center in West Des Moines. Store-level competitions, at which drummers showcase their talent by performing a three-minute drum solo, begin Sept. 12. Participants 16 years of age and older are judged on originality, skills/technique, style, stage presence and overall performance. The finals will be held in December. Visit www.guitarcenter.com. … Iowa artists, arts organizations, schools and other community groups applying for major grant funding from the Iowa Arts Council have until Oct. 1 to submit applications and support materials. Last spring, the IAC awarded 23 major arts and organizational grants totaling $150,000. Call Linda Lee at 242-6194 or visit www.iowaartscouncil.org for details. … Local jazz guitarist Rob Ankum is auditioning drummers and bass players for his upcoming solo project. Call 277-7238 or email
willcproductions@yahoo.com for details. CV

Comment on this story | Return to top