By Michael Swanger michael@dmcityview.com

Iowa Public Radio scores two new classical programs

The Des Moines Symphony is one of several Iowa symphonies and orchestras featured on Iowa Public Radio’s new “Symphonies of Iowa” series. The Symphony’s next performance is “Midori in Concert — Classical Three,” to be held Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 3 at 2:30 p.m., and features guest violinist Midori. Visit www.dmsymphony.org for details.

Iowa Public Radio continues to beef up its classical music offerings with the start of two new programs.

“Symphonies of Iowa,” a 28-week series showcasing the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Waterloo-Cedar Falls symphonies, made its debut Jan. 7. The show airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on IPR stations like WOI-FM 90.1 in Ames, KUNI-KHKE in Cedar Falls and KSUI in Iowa City. Repeat airings of the shows will be broadcast the following Saturdays at 10 a.m. or Fridays at 8 p.m.

“This series illustrates the very best of what Iowa Public Radio can do as a statewide network,” said IPR Executive Director Cindy Browne in a press release. “No matter which corner of the state we live in, we can all now hear the thrilling work of the great orchestras who are our valued partners in this project. We’re so grateful to them for helping us make this possible and we look forward to inviting additional symphony partners in seasons yet to come.”

The series premiere featured the Des Moines Symphony gala concert, celebrating the symphony’s 70th anniversary and a guest performance by Joshua Bell. Other shows will include notable guest artists, too, like cellist Matt Haimovitz with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, flutist Jeffrey Khaner with the Cedar Rapids Symphony and violinist Mark O’Connor with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. A tribute to the late conductor James Dixon featuring current and former members of the Quad Cities Orchestra will also be aired.

“Symphonies of Iowa” is just one of two new ideas launched by IPR’s new Classical Network. Another involves IPR teaming up with the Metropolitan Opera and movie theaters in West Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Falls and Iowa City to merge film and live opera. The Met has produced a series of high-definition performance transmissions to movie theaters around the world that has enjoyed some box office success attracting more than 325,000 viewers last year. In its second season, The Met will transmit eight concerts to movie theaters in Iowa and across the globe. [Fans can also listen to the Met Opera radio broadcasts on IPR stations on Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.] Participating movie theaters include Jordan Creek 20 in West Des Moines and Movies 12 in Ames. Fans can attend Saturday night showings, which stream live from the Met or catch replays on Sundays.

“It’s been a big hit,” said Joan Kjaer, deputy director of IPR, KSUI station manager and host of “Know the Score.” “People 35 and under are showing up in high numbers. It’s a wonderful way to get into opera.”

IPR is offering discounted ticket vouchers for admission to theaters for $10. Tickets normally cost $22. A limited amount of vouchers are also available at participating movie theaters. For more information, visit www.iowapublicradio.rog.

M-Shop releases spring lineup

The Maintenance Shop, located in the Iowa State Memorial Union on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, has announced its eclectic spring lineup. Coordinator Steven Satterlee said more shows would be announced. All shows are at 8 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Tickets for all shows went on sale Monday. Call (515) 294-8349 or visit www.m-shop.com.

• Jan. 24 — Mason Proper, Via Audio
• Jan. 25 — On A Pale Horse, Only, Caligra, 9 p.m.
• Jan. 26 — Chris Koza, Why Make Clocks, 9 p.m.
• Jan. 31 — Poetry Slam with Murray Wolfe, E.G. Bailey, Kate Kennedy
• Feb. 2 — Susan Werner
• Feb. 6 — Golden
• Feb. 7 — Tea Leaf Green, Moonalice
• Feb. 8 — Comedy Night with Evan Wecksell, 9 p.m.
• Feb. 9 — Damon Dotson Band, SNAFU, 9 p.m.
• Feb. 10 — Joseph Israel
• Feb. 13 — Redwalls, Catfish Haven
• Feb. 15 — Ryan Horne, 9 p.m.
• Feb. 16 — Willy Porter, 9 p.m.
• Feb. 17 — Limbeck, Jon Ralston
• Feb. 19 — Matt Costa, Delta Spirit
• Feb. 21 — Carrie Rodriguez, The Pines
• Feb. 24 — The A-Sides, Division Day
• Feb. 27 — Five Times August
• Feb. 29 — David Zollo Band, Radoslav Lorkovic, BeJae Fleming, 7:30 p.m.
• March 7 — Lulu Fever
• March 8 — Cloud Cult, Hallelujah the Hills, 9 p.m.
• March 13 — Xiu Xiu
• April 1 — Tristan Prettyman
• April 4 — Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group
• April 5 — Kyler England, 9 p.m.

Scene notes
Billy Joel plays Wells Fargo Arena April 15. Tickets go on sale Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. through the arena and Dahl’s. Pre-sale $96 tickets are available now. … The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition is seeking Iowa bands to play its third annual Gross Domestic Product concert on March 29. Previous participants have included The Envy Corps, Poison Control Center and General Sherman. Bands can send electronic press kits to info@desmoinesmc.com or mail kits and demos to DMMC, P.O. Box 41490, Des Moines, 50311. … The DMMC reports that East Village Books at East 6th and Locust streets, is establishing a large local music section. Email andy@eastvillagebooks.com for details to sell your wares. … Longtime marketing director of the Des Moines Radio Group, Scott Allen (Gojkovich), has been named program director for Star 102.5 FM and Lite 104.1 FM and operations manager of the Des Moines Radio Group. Allen has worked for Saga Communications and Des Moines Radio for 12 years. He replaces Jim Schafer who left last November. … Look for a new single soon from local rockers Johnny Reeferseed who have teamed up with veteran dirty rapper Afroman. The band has recorded a new album at The Sound Farm, and plans to release it April 20. … Bluegrass and country music husband-wife duo Mike and Amy Finders bring their band to the Anchor Coffee House located at Westminster Presbyterian Church, corner of Beaver and Franklin avenues, on Saturday for a performance at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Coffee, desserts and free child care available. Call 274-1534. … Bill and Kate Isles, from Duluth, Minn., who played the former Lighthouse Coffeehouse, return to central Iowa for a performance on Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Café Diem in Ankeny, 2005 S. Ankeny Blvd. Admission is free. Tips are accepted. … Fans of classical music won’t want to miss The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London when it plays Stephens Auditorium in Ames on Sunday at 3 p.m. The orchestra is under the direction of acclaimed violinist and conductor Pinchas Zukerman. Tickets are $20-$62.50 through Ticketmaster. A post-concert dinner and auction will be held at the adjacent Scheman Building. Tickets are $40. Call (515) 249-2749 for reservations. … Waka Winter Classic will invade the Vaudeville Mews on Tuesday at 9 p.m. The show is one of 20 tour stops by sponsored by Wakarusa Music in which local bands compete for the chance to play the 2008 Wakarusa Festival in Lawrence, Kan. This year’s local contestants include Public Property, Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, Obsidian’s Dream, Neumoniker and Floodplane. Cheer on your favorite band. Admission is $5. … A party previewing artist Matthew Buckingham’s “Play the Story” exhibition at the Des Moines Art Center will be held Jan. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. and includes music by Brownian Motion Duo. Admission is $5. CV

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