Music

By Michael Swanger

Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the streets… parks, amphitheaters, wineries, fairgrounds, zoos, town squares, clubs, restaurants, ballrooms, arenas and just about any other place you can imagine that is hosting live music this summer. That’s good news if you’re a fan of live music as choices abound in central Iowa during the next three months. From country, bluegrass, blues and jazz, to rap, rock and R&B, you can find just about anything in the metro this summer.

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. But it’s a good start. Read Scene Scribe each week for breaking music news, concert previews and artist interviews (local and national). Also, be sure to check out Cityview’s calendar in print and online for the most comprehensive list of live music shows in central Iowa.
Summer Calendar

Beaverdale Live!
Between Beaver and Urbandale avenues in front of B&B and Ace Hardware
7-10 p.m. Free
http://www.beaverdale.org
June 13 — The Josh Davis Band

Behind the Barn
Living History Farms, Urbandale
278-5286
June 18 — Roxi Copland Band
July 16 — Jazz in July
Aug. 20 — Roxi Copland Band

Belin String Quartet
Fridays, 12:15 p.m. Free
Nollen Plaza or Downtown Library Lawn
280-4020
http://www.civicmusic.org
May 29-Aug. 7  

Big Country Bash
Water Works Park
$27.50 advance, $45 gate, free for children 12 and younger
331-9200
http://www.bigcountrybash.com
June 28 — Tracy Lawrence, John Michael Montgomery, Bucky Covington, Emerson Drive, Gloriana, Eli Young Band, Love & Theft, Jason Brown

Bike Down to I-Town
Downtown Indianola
6-10 p.m. Free
http://www.bikedowntoitown.com
June 19 — Faculty Lounge
July 17 — Toaster
Aug. 21 — Standing Hampton
Sept. 18 — Split Second

Bike Night in Baxter
O’Kelly’s Steakhouse and Pub, Baxter, 108 Main St.
Wednesdays, 6 – 10 p.m. Free
(641) 227-3013
June 3 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 10 — Eric Jerardi
June 17 — Scott Holt
June 24 — Craig Swalwell
July 1 — Mike McAbee
July 15 — Curly Taylor
July 29 — Bryan Lee
Aug. 5 — Joe Price
Aug. 12 — Mike McAbee
Aug. 19 — Rockin’ Jake
Aug. 26 — Eddie Turner

Blank Park Zoo
7401 S.W. 9th St.
http://www.blankparkzoo.com
June 26 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
July 1 — Toaster
July 8 — Fat Tuesday
July 10 — Exit 113
July 15 — Standing Hampton
July 22 — Monkey, Monkey, Monkey
July 29 — Pianopalooza
Aug. 21 — Freestyle

Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant
5485 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines
564-7300
http://www.bluemoonduelingpianobar.com
May 29-30 — Mark Kuiper & Paul Hoeffler
June 2 — BLB
June 3 — Thunderbird Kingsley Duo
June 4-6 — Matt Kshinka & Papi Sorellis
June 10 — Bobby Keys
June 11-13 — Don Peters & Mark King
June 17 — Guitar Town featuring Bob Pace
June 18-20 — Dave Hawke & Jeremie Malotke
June 23 — 17 Candle
June 24 — Tony Valdez
June 25-27 — John Sackett & Richard Theisen
July 1 — Guitar Town featuring Bob Pace
July 7 — 17 Candle
July 8 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
July 22 — Guitar Town featuring Bob Pace
July 28 — 17 Candle
Aug. 12 — Guitar Town featuring Bob Pace
Aug. 18 — 17 Candle

Bluegrass Tuesdays
Warren County Courthouse lawn, Indianola
6:30 p.m. Free
June 2 — Southern Reign, Highway Home
June 9 — Lonesome Traveler
June 16 — Monroe Crossing
June 23 — Sawtooth
June 30 — Martin Family
July 7 — Punches Family
July 14 — Faris Family
July 28 — Mr. Baber’s Neighbors

Blues Before Sunset
East Locust Street in front of State Historical Building
Fridays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free
281-4011
http://www.culturalaffairs.org
June 5 — Hot Tamale & the Red Hots
July 3 — Sumpin’ Doo
Aug. 7 — El Dorados
Sept. 4 — Bob Pace Band with Steve George

Blues on Grand
1501 Grand Ave.
244-3092
http://www.bluesongrand.com
May 29 — The Insomniacs
May 30 — Sean Carney
June 3 — Candye Kane
June 5 — Moreland & Arbuckle
June 6 — Everett Smithson
June 10 — Ronnie Baker Brooks
June 12 — Bryan Lee
June 13 — Andrew Jr. Boy Jones
June 16 — Ana Popovic
June 19 — Big Mike Griffen
June 20 — Joanne Shaw Taylor
June 24 — Curtis Salgado
June 26 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 27 — Sumpin’ Doo
July 17 — Lil’ Brian & the Zydeco Travelers
July 22 — Hamilton Loomis
July 24 — Joanna Connor
July 25 — The Bel Airs
July 26 — Tinsley Ellis
July 31 — Guitar Shorty
Aug. 1 — Howard and the White Boys
Aug. 8 — Lil’ Dave Thompson
Aug. 14 — Laurie Morvan
Aug. 15 — Sumpin’ Doo
Aug. 26 — Walter Trout
Aug. 28 — John Primer

Bowlful of Blues
Maytag Bowl, Newton
http://www.southskunkblues.org
June 13 — Too Slim and the Taildraggers, Michelle Malone, The Avey Brothers, Brad McCloud & His Case of the Blues, Mojo Machine

Cambridge Bike Night
Water Street Bar and Grill, 217 Water St., Cambridge
(515) 220-4328
June 27 — The El Dorados
Aug. 1 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Aug. 8 — The El Dorados

Chill on the Hill
Pleasant Hill
Fridays, 5 p.m.
http://www.pleasanthillchamber.org
June 12 — Douglas Acres
June 26 — Guitar Town
July 10 — The Final Mix Band featuring Del Saxman Jones
July 24 — The Josh Davis Band

Clive After Five
Linnan Park, Clive
Fridays, 5 p.m. $5
http://www.cliveafterfive.com
May 29 — Jason Brown
June 5 — Anchondo
June 12 — Gimmik
June 19 — Comfort Zone & Toaster
June 26 — Flipside
July 10 — Jemstate
July 17 — North of Grand
July 24 — Snafu
July 31 — Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls
Aug. 7 — Final Mix

Clive Festival
Clive Aquatics Center, 1801 N.W. 114th St.
Free
http://www.clivefestival.com
June 18 — Road Show
June 19 — Comfort Zone, Toaster
June 20 — The Jesters, Tony Valdez Large Band

Dale Valley Vineyard and Winery
Stuart, 515-523-2199
http://www.dalevallleyvineyard.com
June 6 — Backstage Boogie Band
June 20 — Cousin Eddy
July 4 — Brother Trucker
July 18 — Winestock: Dale Menning & Stardust, Cousin Eddy, Hold On, El Dorados, Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Aug. 1 — Willie Mac and Alan Smith
Aug. 8 — Gabriel Louise
Aug. 15 — ProMusica
Aug. 29 — Trouble No More

Des Moines Arts Festival
Western Gateway Park, downtown Des Moines
Free. June 26-28
http://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org
June 26
U.S. Cellular Stage — Sarah Benck, Green River Ordinance, Collective Soul, Gavin DeGraw
Jazz and Wine Pavilion — Teddy Presberg, The Hot Club of Des Moines, Bella Soul
Performing Arts Stage — Ballet Des Moines, Los Saltinos
June 27
U.S. Cellular Stage — Rob Lumbard, True North, NeuMoniker, Ashley Raines, Bonne Finken, Pictures of Then
Jazz and Wine Pavilion — Des Moines Symphony Academy, Classic Jazz, Tony Williams, Max Wellman
Performing Arts Stage — Rising Stars Youth Show Choir, Swing Des Moines, The Honeybees, Mr. Baber’s Neighbors
June 28
U.S. Cellular Stage — Joe and Vicki Price, Lojo Russo, Bella Soul
Jazz and Wine Pavilion — The Tony Valdez Group, Old School, Brazilian Sunset
Performing Arts Stage — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts, Micaela Kingslight, Pumptown

80/35 Fest
Western Gateway Park, downtown Des Moines
http://www.80-35.com
July 3 — Public Enemy, Matisyahu, Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, Tilly & The Wall, Occidental Brothers
July 4 — Ben Harper and Relentless7, G. Love & Special Sauce, Girl in a Coma, Broken Social Scene, Man Man, New Monsoon, Audrye Sessions, Miss Derringer

El Bait Shop
200 S.W. Second St.
284-1970
http://www.elbaitshop.com
June 3 — Brother Trucker
June 10 — Java Jews
June 17 — Kent Brothers
June 24 — Mooseknuckle
July 1 — Brother Trucker
July 8 — Bob Pace Trio
July 15 — Thankful Dirt

515 Alive Urban Music & Arts Festival
Downtown Des Moines
http://www.515alive.com
Aug. 8 — More than 60 acts, including DJ Icey, The Jungle Brothers, Akil the MC of Jurassic 5, Mike Czech, Evol Intent, Drumcell, Heatbox, Cleo’s Apartment and DJ Flash

Friday Fest
Walker Johnson Sports Complex
9000 Douglas Ave., Urbandale
276-3246
http://www.friday-fest.com
May 29 — Wheningroovia
June 5 — Trips
June 12 — Flipside
June 19 — Final Mix
June 26 — Stone Thro
July 10 — 17 Candles
July 17 — Comfort Zone
July 24 — Becker
July 31 — Gimmick
Aug. 7 — 35 South
Aug. 14 — BS and the Liars
Aug. 21 — Heartbeats

Friday Fest Homegrown in Iowa Music Series
Downtown Perry
5:30 p.m. Free
(515) 465-4601
http://www.perryia.org
June 12 — Joe and Vicki Price
July 17 — David Zollo and the Body Electric
Aug. 21 — Pocket Full of Nickels

Fridays at the Fountain
West Glen Town Center
I-35 and Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
5:30-8 p.m. $5
223-7885
http://www.westglentowncenter.com
May 29 — Dick Prall
June 5 — Towncrier
June 12 — Standing Hampton
June 19 — Hello Dave
June 26 — The Damnwells
July 3 — Final Mix
July 10 — Tim Mahoney
July 17 — The Heroes
July 24 — Dazy Head Mazy
July 31 — Nelo

Hawgstock
Winterset
http://www.hawgstock.com
Aug. 20-22 — The Midnight Express Band, The Slangs, Dago and Criminal History, Cold Filtered, Full Throttle, McKenzie River

Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
288-2520
http://www.hessenhaus.com
June 13 — Stratford Rhythm Ramblers
June 20 — Barefoot Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen
June 27 — Barry Boyce Band
July 11 — Bill Konclar
July 18 — Bob Malek’s Fisherman
Aug. 8 — Barry Boyce Band
Aug. 15 — Stratford Rhythm Ramblers
Aug. 29 — Bob Malek’s Fisherman

House of Bricks
525 E. Grand Ave.
727-4370
http://www.thehouseofbricks.com
May 29 — Facecage
May 29 — The Blue Island Tribe, B Foundation
May 30 — Indigo, Cat Traffic
May 30 — The Soapbox Prophets, Steve Robinson and the Foundation
May 31 — Lavendar Lace, The Meloddie Profit Band
June 3 — Drop Dead Gorgeous, He is Legend
June 4 — Straylight Run
June 5 — G.B. Leighton
June 6 — Agony of Defeat, Thru It All
June 6 — Enemy Within, Lost Nation
June 11 — Sky Eats Airplane, In Fear & Faith
June 12 — Marcato
June 13 — Awakended, ADD
June 14 — Finding the Warren
June 15 — The Nasties, Stanwood Charlie
June 19 — Ski Bunny Suicide
June 20 — Insectoid, Cirrus Minor
June 26 -— Adler’s Appetite
June 27 — Calous
June 27 — The Liarbirds
July 25 — Mindrite, Facecage

Hoyt Sherman Theater
1501 Woodland Ave.
244-0507
http://www.hoytsherman.com
June 14 — All Strings Attached
June 20 — Echoes of Ireland
June 24 — Blue October
June 26 — The Avett Brothers
July 21 — Steve Earle

Iowa Speedway
Newton
(866) 787-8946
http://www.iowaspeedway.com
June 20 — Hairball
June 21 — Shannon Brown
July 10 — Douglas Acres
July 11 — Eric Church
July 31 — Kellie Pickler
Aug. 1 — James Otto

Iowa State Fair
Iowa State Fairgrounds
(800) 545-FAIR
http://www.iowastatefair.org
Grandstand
Aug. 13 — Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp
Aug. 14 — Gary Allan, Chuck Wicks
Aug. 15 — Peter Frampton, Gin Blossoms
Aug. 16 — Big & Rich, Cowboy Troy, Candy Coburn
Aug. 17 — Bret Michaels, Jackyl
Aug. 20 — Shinedown, Rev Theory
Aug. 21 — Brooks & Dunn, Jamey Johnson
Aug. 22 — Kelly Clarkson, Eric Hutchinson
Aug. 23 — Journey, Heart

Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage
Aug. 13-15 — The Nadas
Aug. 16 — Authentic Records Live
Aug. 17 — Coolio
Aug. 18 — Black Stone Cherry
Aug. 19-20 — Hairball
Aug. 21-22 — The Blue Band
Aug. 23 — Matt Nathanson

Anne and Bill Riley Stage
Aug. 13 — Drew Seeley
Aug. 14 — Sioux City Rockestra
Aug. 15-17 — Hypnotist Ron Diamond
Aug. 18-21 — Vocal Trash
Aug. 22 — Bill Riley All-Star Show
Aug. 23 — Jaci Velasquez

Budweiser Stage
Aug. 13-14 — Firefall
Aug. 15-16 — Head East
Aug. 17-18 — Pure Prairie League
Aug. 19-21 — Papa Doo Run Run
Aug. 22-23 — Richie Lee and the Fabulous Fifties

Susan Knapp Amphitheater
Aug. 13 — Trailer Choir
Aug. 14 — Jace Everett
Aug. 15 — Heidi Newfield
Aug. 16 — Randy Houser
Aug. 17-19 — Jason Brown
Aug. 19 — Jerrod Niemann
Aug. 20 — Country Gold
Aug. 21 — Lo Cash Cowboys
Aug. 22 — Lost Trailers
Aug. 23 — Julianne Hough

Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg Parkway
282-9463
http://www.jasperwinery.com
Thursdays 6-9 p.m.
May 28 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 4 — Brian Congdon
June 11 — Soul Searchers
June 18 — Brian Congdon and Brad Seidenfeld

Java Joe’s Coffeehouse
214 Fourth St. Free
288-5282
http://www.javajoescoffeehouse.com
May 29 — Chris Miller
May 30 — Jazz Big Band
May 30 — Union Pulse

Jazz in July
Various metro locations throughout the month
http://www.metroarts.org
July 1 — Fuzion, Four Mile Community Center, 6 p.m.
July 2 — Dave Camwell and the Jazz Addicts (4:30 p.m.), Tony Valdez Large Band (7 p.m.), Urbandale Lion’s Park
July 2 — Roxi Copland Band, Tankee Doodle Pops, Capitol Steps, 7 p.m.
July 7 — Ed Kaizer Jr. Group, Wesley Acres, 6:30 p.m.
July 8 — Giants of Jazz: Jim Oatts Quintet performs Freddie Hubbard, West Des Moines City Hall, 6:30 p.m.
July 10 — Giants of Jazz: Scott Davis Quartet and Friends performs Miles Davis, Greenwood Park, 6 p.m.
July 11 — Max Wellman Quartet, Waveland Park Neighborhood Association, 6:30 p.m.
July 12 — Giants of Jazz: Des Moines Tango Trio performs Pablo Ziegler (5:30 p.m.), 3x5 (7:30 p.m.), Salisbury House
July 15 — Giants of Jazz: Brazilian Sunset performs Stan Getz (5 p.m.), Ashanti (7 p.m.), Heartland Presbyterian Church
July 16 — Giants of Jazz: Old School performs Wes Montgomery (5:30 p.m.), Tina Haase Findlay (7:30 p.m.), Living History Farms
July 17 — One Nite Stand, Chautauqua Park Neighborhood Association, 6 p.m.
July 18 — Java Jews (6 p.m.), Los Saltinos (8 p.m.), Beaverdale Park
July 19 — Party Gras Classic Jazz Band, Music Under the Stars, Capitol Steps, 6:30 p.m.
July 21 — Giants of Jazz: Classic Jazz featuring Judi Ann Brown performs the Gershwin Brothers (5:30 p.m.), Ed East (7:30 p.m.), Shops at Roosevelt
July 22 — Giants of Jazz: The People’s Connection perform Grover Washington Jr. (7:30 p.m.), Dave Rezek’s Alpha State Agents (5:30 p.m.), Gray’s Lake
July 23 — The Jazz Page, 6th and Walnut, Waukee, 7 p.m.
July 24 — The Belin Quartet, Nollen Plaza, 12:15 p.m.
July 26 — The Jason Danielson Trio, Union Park Neighborhood Association, 5 p.m.
July 28 — Giants of Jazz: Mel Hrubetz performs Bix Beiderbecke and Harry James (5 p.m.), Sam Salamone Trio (7 p.m.), 1236 Oakridge Drive.
TBD — Luca Donini Quartet, Capitol Steps

Lazerfest
Indianola Balloon Fields
http://www.valairballroom.com
May 31 — Korn, Buckcherry, Corey Taylor and the Junk Beer Kidnap Band, Saving Abel, Saliva, Duff McKagan’s Loaded, Rev Theory, The Veer Union, Halestorm, Destrophy

The Longest Yard
122 Fifth St., West Des Moines
274-1710
May 30 — Matt Beigger
June 4 — Brian Callek
June 6 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 11 — Matt Beigger
June 13 — Melodie Proffitt
June 18 — Bob Pace Band
June 20 — Summercamp
June 25 — Mike Aceto
June 27 — Soul Searchers
July 9 — Matt Beigger
July 11 — Melodie Proffitt
July 16 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
July 18 — Bob Pace Band
July 23 — Mike Aceto
July 26 — Spam
July 30 — Spam
Aug. 1 — The Eldorados
Aug. 6 — Brian Calek
Aug. 8 — Melodie Proffitt
Aug. 15 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Aug. 20 — Spam
Aug. 22 — Summercamp
Aug. 27 — The Eldorados

Main Street Concerts
Tom Evans Park, downtown Ames
Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free
(515) 233-3472
http://www.mainstreetculturaldistrict.com
May 28-July 30 — Bands TBA

Mars Café
2318 University Ave.
369-6277
http://www.myspace.com/marscafe
May 28 — Spit in the Devil’s Eye
May 30 — John Burns
May 31 — Jak Locke
June 6 — Brian Waller
June 9 — Lovely Houses
June 10 — Jonathan Hape
June 13 — Dan Dan
June 16 — Saint Anyway
June 19 — Tom Vollman
June 20 — Brad Myers
June 27 — Ben Carroll
July 3 — Greg Koons
July 10 — On the Porch
July 11 — Blutiger Fluss
July 16 — Short Punks in Love
July 17 — Ben Treffer
July 18 — Michael Reed
July 25 — Brad Cunningham

Mother’s Pub
2900 West St., Ames
(515) 292-2301
http://www.motherspub.net
June 12 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
July 17 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts

Music in the Junction
Railroad Park, Valley Junction
West Des Moines
Thursdays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free
222-3642
http://www.valleyjunction.com
June 4 — Brother Trucker
June 11 — The Rod Chaffee Band
June 18 — The Retro Rockets
June 25 — The Sons of Gladys Kravitz
July 2 — Malcolm Wells & The Two Timers
July 9 — Bob’s Garage Band
July 16 — Flipside
July 23 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
July 30 — Jonny & the Rectifiers
Aug. 6 — Tony Valdez Large Band
Aug. 13 — Throwing Toast
Aug. 20 — The Echos 5
Aug. 27 — One Nite Stand

Music Under the Stars
West steps, Capitol Building
Sundays, 6:30 p.m. Free
June 14 through Aug. 2 — Ballyhoo Foxtrot Orchestra, Rob Lumbard, Des Moines Municipal Band

Nitefall on the River
Simon Estes Amphitheater, downtown Des Moines
Thursdays, 6 p.m. $12
http://www.firstfleetconcerts.com
June 11 — Eric Hutchinson
June 18 — Matthew Sweet
June 25 — Carolina Liar
July 2 — Sister Hazel
July 9 — Mat Kearney & Erin McCarley
July 30 — Rebirth Brass Band

People’s Court
216 Court Ave.
277-3727
http://www.peoplesdm.com
May 29 — Santigold
May 30 — Mooseknuckle
June 6 — Nevermind
June 19 — Amanda Overmyer
June 23 — Thriving Ivory
June 24 — King’s X
June 30 — Silverstein
July 8 — The Veronicas
July 9 — Boys Like Girls
July 19 — Rusted Root
July 22 — Gogol Bordello
July 21 — Gomez
Aug. 5 — Hatebreed

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Altoona, Interstate 80, Exit 142
(800) 325-9015
http://www.prairiemeadows.com
May 29 — Clint Black
June 19 — Grand Funk Railroad

Rib America Festival
Iowa Events Center parking lot
Free-$5. $20 for VIP seats.
http://www.iowaeventscenter.com
July 16 — Cowboy Mouth, Shannon Curfman, The Elms
July 17 — Blue Oyster Cult, Change of Heart, Healing Sixes
July 18 — Buddy Guy, Eric Sardinas, Robin Rogers, Shemekia Copeland, Brandon Scott Sellner
July 19 — Beatlemania Live, Bob Schneider, Spin Doctors

Ritual Café
13th Street between Grand and Locust
288-4872
http://www.ritualcafe.com
May 29 — Braden Land
May 30 — Big Hair Party
June 11 — Open Mic
June 12 — LVNMUSIQ
June 13 — Julie Shur
July 9 — Open Mic
July 17 — Songwriters in the Round hosted by the High Crest featuring Electric Junction
July 18 — Strong Like Bear
July 25 — Unknown Component
Aug. 7 — Chris Shuts & The Tourists with the Threes
Aug. 21 — Songwriters in the Round hosted by the High Crest featuring Kate Kennedy and Nate Logsdon

Simon Estes Amphitheater
Downtown Des Moines
http://www.firstfleetconcerts.com
June 15 — Colbie Caillat
June 19 — The Nadas
July 7 — The Black Crowes
July 10 — Gov’t Mule, Backyard Tire Fire
July 15 — Umphrey’s McGee

Snus Hill Winery
2183 320th St., Madrid
(515) 795-3535
http://www.snushillwine.com
May 29 — Pro Musica
May 31 — Bill Martin Group
June 7 — Tony Valdez
June 12 — Old School
June 14 — After Hours Band
June 19 — Living Stones
June 21 — Pro Musica
June 26 — Mid Life Crisis
June 28 — Clutterbilly Band
July 18 — Winestock: Sumpin’ Doo, Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Aug. 28 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts

Spirit Midwest Christian Music Festival
Prairie Ridge Sports Complex, Ankeny
http://www.spiritmidwest.com
June 27 — Everyday Sunday, Chad Gentry, Risen, Next Crossing, Remnant, Vance Lambert, Tim Cooper, Key to the City, Michael Reed, Wash Away

Summer Jam
Water Works Park
277-3727
http://www.kggosummerjam.com
June 27 — Ratt, Bad Company with Brian Howe, April Wine, Pat Travers Band, Great White, Cold Filtered

Summerset Winery & Inn
15101 Fairfax, Indianola
$3. 961-3545
http://www.summersetwine.com
May 31 — Soul Searchers
June 7 — Rev. Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys
June 14 — Steve George, Little Joe and Big Trouble
June 21 — Tonhy Valdez and the Retro Rockets
June 28 — Freestyle
July 5 — Bobby’s Blue Band
July 12 — Tony Valdez Large Band
July 19 — Bob Pace Band
July 26 — Rev. Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys
Aug. 2 — Switchback
Aug. 9 — Ashanti
Aug. 16 — Perry Weber & the Devilles
Aug. 30 — Tony Valdez Large Band

Terrible’s Lakeside Casino
777 Casino Drive, Osceola
(877) 477-LAKE
http://www.terribleherbst.com
June 5 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
June 7 — Laos Summer Concert
June 19-20 — Riders in the Sky

Thursday in the Park
Central Park, Grinnell
5 and 7:30 p.m. Free
http://www.grinnellchamber.org
(641) 236-1626
June 4 — Gayla Drake Paul, Grinnell Community Band
June 11 — Joe and Vicki Price, Grinnell Community Band
June 18 — Java Jews, Grinnell Community Band
June 25 — Calle Sur, Grinnell Community Band
July 2 — Orquestra Alto Maiz
July 9 — Curtis Carroll & Friends, Highway Home Bluegrass
July 16 — Bob Dorr and The Blue Band
July 23 — Route 66
July 30 — The Noteables Jazz Band
Aug. 6 — Mike Gross and Coyote Band
Aug. 13 — Prairie Jewel Dixieland, Too Many Strings Band
Aug. 20 — Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen

Val Air Ballroom
301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines
223-6151
http://www.valairballroom.com
May 28 — Twista
June 2 — Third Eye Blind
June 6 — That 70s Party
June 12 — Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

Vaudeville Mews
212 Fourth St.
243-3270
http://www.vaudevillemews.com
May 28 — The Life and Times
May 28 — Shiver Shiver
May 29 — One for the Team
May 29 — Shatter
May 30 — A Locomotive
May 30 — Ephraim Zenh
May 31 — Abdicate
May 31 — The Nightmare River Band
June 2 — Jason Reeves
June 3 — Rikets
June 4 — The Envy Corps
June 5 — Laura Gibson
June 5 — Cleo’s Apartment
June 6 — Harptallica
June 6 — The Steel Chops
June 7 — Mr. Lif
June 10 — Jonathan Richman
June 12 — Carbon Leaf
June 16 — You Me and Everyone We Know
June 17 — Knights of the Abyss
June 18 — Mustard Plug
June 27 — Continent of Ash
July 8 — Josh Ritter

Wells Fargo Arena
730 Third St.
564-8000
http://www.iowaeventscenter.com
May 29 — Bill Gaither
June 12 — Coldplay
June 22 — Mormon Tabernacle Choir
June 27 — Keith Urban, Taylor Swift
July 16-19 — Rib America Fest (see separate listing)

West Towne Pub
4518 Mortensen Road, Ames
(515) 292-4555
http://www.westtownepub.com
June 5 — B.F. Burt & the Instigators
June 19 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
Aug. 21 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts. CV

Concerts on a tank of gas

Fortunately, Des Moines is no longer Dead Moines (that joke is so played) and plenty of good shows can be found right here in the metro. Nonetheless, we understand the wanderlust of youth and the need to travel the lost highway in search of that big or obscure show that you feel the need to attend so you can impress your buddies on Facebook, Twitter or MySpace the next day (if not actually during the concert). So after you’ve spent most of your money on local shows (summer is to the music industry what November and December is to retail), and if you feel the need to get out of town for a one-niter, you might consider the following events:

May 28-31 — My Waterloo Days, Waterloo
June 19 — Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake
June 19 — O.A.R. and The Wailers, River Center, Davenport
July 2-4 — Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, Davenport
July 3 — Soul Asylum, Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake
July 3-5 — Iowa City Jazz Festival
July 4 — Saturday in the Park, Sioux City
July 10 — Chris Isaak, Harrahs Casino, Council Bluffs
July 17-18 — Camp Euforia, Lone Tree
July 18 — Randy Travis, Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake
July 18 — Sheryl Crow, Harrahs Casino, Council Bluffs
July 23-26 — Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival, Davenport
July 29-Aug. 2 — Great River Days, Muscatine
Aug. 4-9 — Mississippi Valley Fair, Davenport
Aug. 20-23 — Rock Gone Wild, Algona
Aug. 21-22 — River Roots Live, Davenport
Aug. 22 — George Thorogood & Jonny Lang, Harrahs Casino, Council Bluffs
Aug. 23 — Reverend Horton Heat, The Reverb, Cedar Falls

Film

By Jared Curtis

Summertime is the right time to go to your local theater and get lost in the outlandish popcorn flicks that Hollywood unleashes once the weather warms up. Forget Oscar season with its drab period pieces and dramatic performances; summer is the time for blockbusters filled with big guns, big action and big heroes. The season started off with a bang thanks to the success of films like “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” “Star Trek” and the return of John Connor, leading the human resistance in “Terminator Salvation.”

But along with success comes failure. “Ghosts of Girlfriend’s Past” made Matthew McConaughey rethink acting with his shirt on. “Dance Flick” proved there are still audiences that love crappy genre parodies. And “Twilight” hunk Robert Pattinson, should have stayed in the dark instead of trying to imitate Salvador Dali in “Little Ashes.” But even a couple of stinkers can’t stop the momentum of this summer. There are sequels — “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “Night at the Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian;” 3-D films — “UP,” “Ice Age; Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” “G-Force” and “Final Destination: Death Trip 3-D” and two of my favorite childhood memories will be ruined with the releases of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” and “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.” Sacha Baron Cohen of “Borat” fame returns to the big screen with “Bruno,” another of his characters from “Da Ali G Show.” And director Ang Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Brokeback Mountain”) gives audiences a glimpse of the effect hippies have on a small town in “Taking Woodstock.” The following are 10 flicks I would recommend seeing this summer, followed by a complete list of movies to be released during the next three months. Try to get out and enjoy nature once September rolls around.

“Drag Me To Hell”
May 29

Directed by Sam Raimi, starring Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver and David Paymer.

Horror auteur Sam Raimi finally takes a break from the “SpiderMan” films to get back to his roots — gory, scary horror films. After creating the iconic “Evil Dead” series, he moved throughout the genres, offering up quite a few good films (“The Quick and the Dead,” “A Simple Plan,” “The Gift”). But then his “spidey sense” began tingling, and it seemed like he’d left the horror world behind. Let me be the first to say, “Welcome back Mr. Raimi.” “Drag Me To Hell” revolves around Christine (Lohman), a loan officer who is ordered to evict an old woman from her home. Unfortunately, the old woman is an evil witch and casts a curse on Christine, turning her life into a living hell. Word from early screenings is that Raimi has returned full force behind the director’s chair. “Drag Me To Hell” — along with a group of kids fighting off Nazi Zombies in “Dead Snow” — will be the goriest films of the summer.

“Land of the Lost”
June 5

Directed by Brad Silberling, starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel and Jorma Taccone.

I’ll admit it; if Will Ferrell is in a movie, I’m probably going to watch it. If Danny McBride is also in said movie, then look for me as the first person in line, as I’m excited to see the hilarity that’ll ensue as these two comic beasts play off of each other in “Land of the Lost.” Based on the classic Syd and Marty Krofft TV show, the film version has made a few changes. No longer are the main characters a family. Ferrell plays the original character Dr. Rick Marshall, but on this trip he is joined by his research assistant (Friel) and a backwoods survivalist (McBride). But don’t fear, monkey boy Chakka (Taccone), the evil lizard Sleestacks and a ticked off dinosaur still play big parts. I loved every show the Krofft brothers created, but the absurdity of “Land of the Lost” always had a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to hear the theme song, I can’t wait to see the Sleestacks and I can’t wait to laugh until I cry.

“The Hangover”
June 5

Directed by Todd Phillips, starring Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Heather Graham.

Director Todd Phillips knows how to make funny movies (“Road Trip,” Old School”). “The Hangover” has the potential to be the funniest movie this summer. Four friends (Galifianakis, Cooper, Helms and Justin Bartha) head to Las Vegas to celebrate Doug’s (Bartha) upcoming wedding. Everyone knows Vegas is the place to celebrate your last night as a free man, and Doug and his friends definitely do that. So much so, that in the morning, Doug is nowhere to be found, there is a tiger chained up in their hotel room, Helm’s character Stu has lost a tooth and there is a baby crying in a closet. Now if that doesn’t sound like a wild night, I don’t know what does. The three friends search Sin City for the groom-to-be as the audience finds out piece by piece about what happened the night before. Galifinakis is an amazing comedian and actor, and the word is that his role as Alan will elevate his career to another level as “Frank the Tank” did for Will Ferrell in “Old School.” With a scene-stealing cameo from Mike Tyson, I’ll pass on the Bloody Marys and the aspirin and enjoy the full effect of “The Hangover.”

“Away We Go”
June 5

Directed by Sam Mendes, starring John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Allison Janney.

“Away We Go” looks to be a great mixture of a romantic comedy and a road trip film. Burt (Krasinski) and Verona (Rudolph) are having a baby. After telling his parents (Jeff Daniels and Catherine O’Hara), they have big news for Burt, they are moving far away. With no real support around, the two head off on a roadtrip across the country, staying with friends and relatives, trying to decide the best place to settle down and start their family. As Jim on “The Office,” Krasinski is the man, and Rudolph was always one of my favorites during her career on “Saturday Night Live,” so I know they can both handle the comedic aspects. The cast of crazy and wacky friends includes scene-stealer Gyllenhaal, who plays a hippie mom who doesn’t use a stroller because, “I love my children. Why would I want to push them away from me?” With depth and heart, “Away We Go” isn’t a typical summer film, but that’s why it looks all the more appealing.

“Year One”
June 19

Directed by Harold Ramis, starring Jack Black, Michael Cera, Paul Rudd and Olivia Wilde.

What happens when Jack Black, one of the most physical and funniest actors working today, joins forces with Harold Ramis (“Caddyshack,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Ghostbusters”), one of the funniest writer/director/actors of the past 40 years? Duh — a comedy about the beginning of time. “Year One” tells the adventure of Zed (Black) and Oh (Cera), two banished cavemen who wander the countryside through the ancient world. They run into a number of biblical characters including Cain (David Cross) and Abel (Rudd), Abraham (Hank Azaria), Isaac (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and Adam (Ramis) and Eve (Rhoada Griffis). The two leads are the perfect mix. Black with his loud, outlandish humor and Cera with his more reserved, nerdy charm, will mesh together perfectly. “Year One” looks to be a really funny film, and with all this comedic talent, there is no reason to think otherwise.

“Public Enemies”
July 1

Directed by Michael Mann, starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard and Billy Crudup.
OK. Now this is what a summer blockbuster is supposed too be! As one of the best directors in the game, Michael Mann knows how to make a violent, yet intriguing film (“Manhunter,” “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Heat”). Johnny Depp — an acting force to be reckoned with — stars as American crime hero John Dillinger. Your second lead actor, Christian Bale — a force of his own who has never made a bad film — stars as Melvin Purvis, the FBI’s star agent who took down famous gangsters like Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd. All I can say is wow. With a tremendous cast, a smart director and the ’30s gangsters and gams attitude, “Public Enemies” could easily be the best film of the year. I wouldn’t be surprised if its name is called once Oscar time rolls around.

“(500) Days of Summer”
July 17

Directed by Marc Webb, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend and Patricia Belcher.

The age-old tale of boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, boy and girl fall in love, takes an odd turn in “500 Days of Summer.” The boy, Tom (Gordon-Levitt) meets the girl, Summer (Deschanel), while working together. Summer doesn’t believe that true love exists and after dumping Tom, he recollects over the 500 days he spent in a relationship with her, trying to find out what went wrong. But while searching for the answer in his past, Tom rediscovers his true passion. Deschanel is one of those actresses you remember. You might not remember her name, but you remember her face and how she easily conveys sexiness and confidence on screen. “500 Days of Summer” will not give you an adrenaline boost or have you reenacting kung-fu moves with your friends while leaving the theater, but you will walk out with that warm and fuzzy feeling that only a love story, no matter how unorthodox, can provide.

“Funny People”
July 31

Directed by Judd Apatow, starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman.

Once again, “Funny People” had me at Apatow, as in director Judd Apatow. As I said in last year’s “Summer Arts and Entertainment” film preview, Apatow could take a crap on a plate and I would pay to see it. I enjoy his work so much that I would follow him off a cliff if he asked me to. The king of the slacker, man-child humor, Apatow returns to the director chair and brings his longtime friend and former roommate, Adam Sandler, along with him. Sandler stars as George Simmons, a famous comedian who has seen his time in the spotlight. But he soon learns he has a terminal illness and takes a younger stand-up, Ira Wright (Rogen) under his wing. While facing death, Simmons visits Laura (Leslie Mann) the one that got away and slowly tries to reconnect under the watchful eye of Laura’s man, Clarke (Eric Bana). Wright also enlists help from his friends Leo (Jonah Hill) and Mark (Jason Schwartzman). Now even though this sounds like the most grown-up thing Apatow has ever been apart of it, don’t worry. There is plenty of rude and crude humor to keep fans laughing. “Funny People” should be a big-time return for both Apatow and Sandler, and I can’t wait to see it!

“District 9”
Aug. 14

Directed by Neill Blomkamp, starring Sharlto Copley, William Allen Young, Mandla Gaduka and Robert Hobbs.

Clouded in mystery and offering up a viral campaign on the level of last year’s “Cloverfield,” “District 9” has me wrapped around its alien finger. With not much info out there, I did some searching and after reading a few theories and seeing a couple of trailers, I came to the conclusion that “District 9” is about aliens. My take on the plot is — after crashing on Earth, the government traps the alien race in a slum in South Africa called District 9. Shot faux-documentary style, humans complain that the aliens are not wanted here and that bad things have begun to happen. The aliens, on the other hand, say they crashed landed on Earth and want to leave, but our government won’t let them because of the chance to study their genetics and their advanced technologies. Web sites have popped up for both sides (http://www.d-9.com, http://www.mnuspreadslies.com), and I really enjoy when a film offers totally different marketing campaigns. Add in the fact that Peter Jackson (The “Lords of the Ring” trilogy) is producing, and I’m pumped to find out the truth about what’s really happening in “District 9.”

“Inglourious Basterds”
Aug. 21

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Samm Levine and B.J. Novak.

Welcome back Mr. Tarantino, your fans have been waiting. After directing 2007’s highly underrated “Death Proof,” his part of the “Grindhouse” double feature, there were wispers that “the king of cool” had lost his touch. Well get ready to have your face blown off in full force as he returns with “Inglourious Basterds.” A re-imagining of Enzo Castellari’s 1978 “The Inglorious Bastards,” which featured a group of U.S. war criminals (Fred Williamson, Bo Svenson) who, while on route to prison, are attacked and left to fend for themselves. They can’t go back to their base, so they fight through Nazi forces to reach their freedom. It was a great film with a great story. Tarantino’s version is split into three stories including one about a group of Jewish soldiers dropped behind enemy lines to kill and scar as many Nazis as they can. Led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Pitt), each solider is required to bring him “100 Nazi scalps” putting fear into the black heart of Hitler. The film also features Mike Myers, Diane Kruger, Cloris Leachman and has narration by Tarantino favorite, Samuel L. Jackson. Tarantino is a god among men; I have loved every film he has written/directed and have no worries about not thoroughly enjoying “The Inglourious Basterds.” What a great way to end the summer!

May 29
“The Brothers Bloom” (d. Rian Johnson; with Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo)
“Departures” (d. Yojiro Takita; with Masahiro Motoki, Ryoko Hirosue and Kimiko Yo)
“Drag Me to Hell” (d. Sam Raimi; with Alison Lohman, Justin Long and David Paymer)
“Up” (d. Pete Docter and Bob Peterson; voices of Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer and Delroy Lindo)
“Off Shore” (d. Diane Cheklich; with Diane Allemon, Neil Bhoopalam and Robert C. Bonnell)
“Pontypool” (d. Bruce McDonald; with Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle and Georgina Reilly)
“What Goes Up” (d. Jonathan Glatzer; with Steve Coogan, Hillary Duff and Josh Peck)
“The Maiden Heist” (d. Peter Hewitt; with Morgan freeman, Christopher Walken and William H. Macy)

June 5
“Away We Go” (d. Sam Mendes; with John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph and Maggie Gyllenhaal)
“Downloading Nancy” (d. Johan Renck; with Maria Bello, Jason Patrick and Amy Brenneman)
“The Hangover” (d. Todd Phillips; with Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Andy Galifianakis)
“Land of the Lost” (d. Brad Silberling; with Will Ferrell, Danny McBride and Anna Friel)
“My Life in Ruins” (d. Donald Petrie; with Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss and Rachel Dratch)
“Tennessee” (d. Aaron Woodley; with Mariah Carey, Bill Sage and Ryan Lynn)
“Seraphine” (d. Martin Provost; with Yolande Moreau, Ulrich Tukur and Anne Bennent)
“24 City” (d. Zhang Ke Jia; with Joan Chen, Jianbin Chen and Tao Zhao)
“Unbeatable Harold” (d. Ari Palitz; with Gordon Michaels, Dylan McDermott and Taryn Manning)
“The Art Of Being Straight” (d. Jesse Rosen; with Johnny Ray, Jesse Janzen and Tyler Jenich)
“Ball Don’t Lie” (d. Brin Hill; with Ludacris, Grayson “The Professor” Boucher and Rosanna Arquette)

June 12
“Imagine That” (d. Karey Kirkpatrick; with Eddie Murphy, Yara Shahidi and Thomas Haden Church)
“Moon” (d. Duncan Jones; with Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey and Matt Berry)
“The Taking of Pelham 123” (d. Tony Scott; with Denzel Washington, John Travolta and James Gandolfini)
“Tetro” (d. Francis Ford Coppola; with Vincent Gallo, Maribel Verdu and Alden Ehrenreich)
“Sex Positive” (d. Daryl Wein; with Don Adler, Susan Brown and Larry Kramer)
“Call of the Wild 3-D” (d. Richard Gabai; with Christopher Lloyd, Ariel Gade and Timothy Bottoms)
“Food Inc.” (d. Robert Kenner; with Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser)
“Doghouse” (d. Jake West; with Danny Dyer, Noel Clarke and Lee Ingleby)

June 19
“Year One” (d. Harold Ramis; with Jack Black, Michael Cera and Paul Rudd)
“Dead Snow” (d. Tommy Wirkola; with Charlotte Frogner, Orjan Garnst and Vegor Hoel)
“$9.99” (d. Tatia Rosenthal; with Joel Edgerton, Anthony LaPaglia, Geoffrey Rush)
“The Proposal” (d. Anne Fletcher; with Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds and Betty White)
“Whatever Works” (d. Woody Allen; with Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood and Patricia Clarkson)
“Under Our Skin” (d. Andy Abrahams Wilson; a documentary about the effects of Lyme Disease)
“Irene in Time” (d. Henry Jaglom; with Tanna Frederick, Karen Black and Andrea Marcovicci)

June 24
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (d. Michael Bay; with Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and Rainn Wilson)
June 26
“Cheri” (d. Stephen Frears; with Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates and Rupert Fiend)
“The Hurt Locker” (d. Kathryn Bigelow; with Jeremy Renner, Guy Pierce and Evangeline Lilly)
“My Sister’s Keeper” (d. Nicj Cassavetes; with Cameron Diaz, Abigil Breslin and Sofia Vassilieva)
“Surveillance” (d. Jennifer Chambers Lynch; with Julia Ormond, Bill Pullman and Michael Ironside)
“Life Is Hot In Cracktown” (d. Buddy Giovinazzo; with Brandon Routh, Shannyn Sossamon and Lara Flynn Boyle)
“The Stoning Of Soraya M.” (d. Cyrus Nowrasteh; with Shohreh Aghdashloo, James Caviezel and Mozhan Marno)
“Fireflies in the Garden” (d. Dennis Lee; with Ryan Reynolds, Willem Dafoe and Julia Roberts)

July 1
“Public Enemies” (d. Michael Mann; with Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Billy Crudup)
“Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” (d. Carlos Saldanha and Nike Thurmeier; with the voices of Simon Pegg, John Leguizamo and Denis Leary)

July 3
“I Hate Valentine’s Day” (d. Nia Vardalos; with Nia Vardalos, John Corbett and Judah Friedlander)
“The Girl from Monaco” (d. Anne Fontaine; with Fabrice Luchini, Gilles Cohen and Roschdy Zem)

July 10
“Bruno” (d. Larry Charles; with Sacha Baron Cohen, Richard Bey and Ron Paul)
“I Love You Beth Cooper” (d. Chris Columbus; with Hayden Panettiere, Paul Rust and Lauren London)
“Soul Power” (d. Jeffrey Levy-Hinte; with James Brown, Muhammad Ali and B.B. King)
”Humpday” (d. Lynn Shelton; with Mark Duplass, Joshua Leonard and Lynn Shelton)
“Death Defying Acts” (d. Gillian Armstrong; with Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Timothy Spall)

July 15
“Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince” (d. David Yates; with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson)

July 17
“(500) Days of Summer” (d. Marc Webb; with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel and Rachel Boston)
“All The Boys Love Mandy Lane” (d. Jonathan Levine; with Amber Heard, Whitney Able and Anson Mount)

July 24
“All Good Things” (d. Andrew Jarecki; with Kirsten Dunst, Kristen Wiig and Ryan Gosling)
“The Answer Man” (d. John Hindman; with Jeff Daniels, Lauren Graham and Lou Taylor Pucci)
“G-Force” (d. Hoyt Yeatman; with Will Arnett, Bill Nighy and the voice of Tracy Morgan)
“Orphan” (d. Jaume Collet-Serra; with Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard and CCH Pounder)
“The Ugly Truth” (d. Robert Luketic; with Gerard Butler, Katherine Heigl and Bree Turner)
“In the Loop” (d. Armando Iannucci; with James Gandolfini, Tom Hollander and Gina McKee)

July 29
“Adam” (d. Max Mayer; with Rose Byrne, Peter Gallagher and Amy Irving)

July 31
“Funny People” (d. Judd Apatow; with Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann)
“Aliens in the Attic” (d. John Schultz; with Ashley Tisdale, Doris Roberts and Kevin Nealon)
“Lorna’s Silence” (d. Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne; with Arta Dobroshi, Alban Ukja and Morgan Marinne)
“The Cove” (d. Louie Psihoyos; with Richard O’Barry)
“Death in Love” (d. Boaz Yakin; with Lukas Haas, Jacqueline Bisset and Emma Bell)

August 7
“G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” (d. Stephen Sommers; with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sienna Miller and Channing Tatum)
“Paper Heart” (d. Nicholas Jasenovec; with Charlyne Yi, Michael Cera and Seth Rogen)
“Shorts” (d. Robert Rodriguez; with William H. Macy, Jon Cryer and James Spader)
“Julie & Julia” (d. Nora Ephron; with Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Stanley Tucci)
“When in Rome” (d. Mark Steven Johnson; with Kristen Bell, Will Arnett and Jon Heder)
“Cold Souls” (d. Sophie Barthes; with Paul Giamatti, Emily Watson and Lauren Ambrose)

August 14
“District 9” (d. Neill Blomkamp; with Sharlto Copley, William Allen Young and David James)
“Taking Woodstock” (d. Ang Lee; with Demetri Martin, Paul Dano and Emile Hirsch)
“The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard” (d. Neal Brennan; with Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames and James Brolin)
“Bandslam” (d. Todd Graff; with Vanessa Hudgens, Gaelan Connell and Alyson Michalka)
“A Perfect Getaway” (d. David Twohy; with Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich and Marley Shelton)
“Ponyo” (d. Hayao Miyazaki; with the voices of Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett and Tina Fey)
“Pool Boys” (d. James B. Rogers; with Efren Ramirez, Matthew Lillard and Tom Arnold)
“Spread” (d. David Mackenzie; with Ashton Kutcher, Anne Heche and Margarita Levieva)
“Post Grad” (d. Vicky Jenson; with Alexis Bledel, Michael Keaton and Jane Lynch)
“The Time Traveler’s Wife” (d. Robert Schwentke; with Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana and Ron Livingston)

August 21
“Inglourious Basterds” (d. Quentin Tarantino; with Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger and Eli Roth)
“It Might Get Loud” (d. Davis Guggenheim; with Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White)
“World’s Greatest Dad” (d. Bobcat Goldthwait; with Robin Williams, Evan Martin and Alles Mist)
“Five Minutes Of Heaven” (d. Oliver Hirschbiegel; with Liam Neeson, James Nesbitt and Juliet Crawford)

August 28
“H2” (d. Rob Zombie; with Malcolm McDowell, Brad Dourif and Danielle Harris)
“Final Destination: Death Trip 3-D” (d. David R. Ellis; with Krista Allen, Nick Zano and Bobby Campo)
“The Boat That Rocked” (d. Richard Curtis; with Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy)
“Mesrine: A Film in Two Parts” (d. Jean-Francois Richet; with Vincent Cassel, Samuel Le Bihan ad Myriam Boyer) CV

(All dates subject to change)

Theater

By Jared Curtis

Just like an exhausted kid playing all day, the theater scene needs a break. Normally the summer is a slow time for theater, filled with festivals, touring shows and auditions. But with many local groups showcasing talent throughout summer, theater performances have more commonly become a yearlong event. The Civic Center hosts “Mamma Mia!” in June as well as a special on-sale event for one of the most hyped performances coming to Des Moines this fall, “Wicked.” The Des Moines Playhouse will be featuring the debut of “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid.” Theater… For A Change (CHANGE) brings back crowd favorite, “Spermalot: The Musical” for a special two night engagement as well as performing “A Winter’s Tale” at local parks for free. Even though there is not a production every weekend, the theater scene will be alive and well and if there isn’t a show that interests you, just remember, fall is around the corner and the upcoming 2009-10 line-ups will be inspiring.

Calendar

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

Through June 7 — “Girls Only.” An original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being female. With a two-woman cast and audiences full of raucous, laughing ladies, the show has found quick popularity in its unique examination of all things girly. We encourage all women to attend and bring mothers, daughters, sisters and girlfriends. We promise you’ll leave laughing, ready to dig out your old diary. Warning: This show contains feminine subject matter including teenage diaries, breast feeding, tampons, shadow puppets, pantyhose, menstrual cycles, slumber parties, menopause and maxi pads. This show is lovingly intended for female audiences. At The Civic Center’s Temple Theater.

June 10-14 — “Mamma Mia!” “Mamma Mia!” is the ultimate feel-good show that has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. Have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

June 20 — “Wicked” On Sale Event. Tickets to “Wicked,” a new musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, June 20 at 7 a.m. at the Civic Center Ticket Office. Ticket buyers are invited to special festivities that morning from 7 to 10 a.m., as tickets will only be available for purchase at the Civic Center Ticket Office. At 10 a.m., tickets will then go on sale by phone at (800) 745-3000, online at http://www.civiccenter.org and at all Ticketmaster locations. Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed by calling, 246-2320. “Wicked,” Des Moines’ most eagerly anticipated stage production will begin performances at the Civic Center on Sept. 23 for a limited engagement of four weeks through Oct. 18.

June 22 — Mormon Tabernacle Choir (At Wells Fargo Arena). The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines and Global Spectrum, operator of Wells Fargo Arena, are partnering to present the Des Moines debut of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Wells Fargo Arena. One of the oldest and largest choirs in the world, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is composed of 360 singers, ages 25-60, and has performed before presidents, sold millions of records and won scores of awards enthralling audiences in more than 28 countries.Tickets for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Wells Fargo Arena range from $25 - $75 and are on sale now at the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, Dahl’s Foods, online at http://www.dahlstickets.com or by calling 1-866-55 DAHLS.

Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd St.
277-6261 (ticket office)
974-5356 (register for classes)
http://www.dmplayhouse.com

June 12-28 — “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid.” A bestselling reminiscence by Des Moines’ own Bill Bryson, “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid” will have its world stage debut at The Playhouse. Warm, funny and ultimately universal, Bill’s story shares his youthful adventures at a simpler time in a place familiar to many — Des Moines in the 1950s and 1960s. Tickets are $20 - $35.

Special Events for “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid”

Thunderbolt Kid Premiere Gala
Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 p.m, at the Younkers Tea Room.
Taste of the Tea Room Dinner Extraordinaire, featuring Younkers’ chicken salad and sticky rolls, and an exclusive preview of “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid.” Tickets are $125 per person. Proceeds benefit Playhouse programs.

Audiences are invited to be involved in the process of creating a new theatre piece at special previews before opening. These pre-opening performances, 2 p.m. on June 7 and 7:30 p.m. on June 8-9, will give insight into how a show goes from book to stage. A brief talkback with director John Viars and actors will follow each preview. Tickets are $10 for the first performance, and $5 for the second and third night purchased, and may be purchased at The Playhouse ticket office.

On June 18, The Playhouse and Le Jardin restaurant will host Dinner With the Director. Over a three-course gourmet dinner, “Thunderbolt Kid” director and Playhouse executive director, John Viars, will discuss the play’s themes, and share backstage stories. Dinner at Le Jardin, in the Shops at Roosevelt, is at 5:30 p.m., with a performance of “The Thunderbolt Kid” at the theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Dinner With the Director, which includes the meal and show, are $50 per person and available at The Playhouse ticket office.

July 17 through Aug. 9 — “Disney’s High School Musical 2.” School’s out! Troy, Gabriella and the gang are spending the summer together, working at a country club owned by Sharpay and Ryan Evans’s dad. As Mr. Evans, who heads the college scholarship committee, befriends Troy, Sharpay also sets her sights on the basketball star. Will it mean the end of Troy and Gabriella when he agrees to sing with Sharpay in the club’s annual talent show? Tickets are $20 - $35.

Classes

The Playhouse will be offering a wide variety of classes for adults and children every week during the summer. Visit the Web site for class list and details.

StageWest
Civic Center’s Stoner Theater, 221 Walnut St.
http://www.stagewestiowa.com
309-0251

June 19-21, 24-28 — “The History Boys.” One of this decade’s most-honored plays makes its Iowa debut at StageWest  – “The History Boys” by Alan Bennett. An unruly bunch of bright, funny senior boys in a British prep school are, as such boys will be, in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at a good university — generally, in that order.  In all of their efforts, they are helped/hindered, enlightened/bemused, by a maverick English teacher who seeks to broaden their horizons in sometimes-undefined ways.  With gentle wit, “The History Boys” not only raises universal questions about the nature of history and how it is taught, but also questions about the purpose of education today. Tickets for Wednesday/Thursday performances are $18, Friday through Sunday performances are $22. Nightly performances start at 7:30 and Sunday matinees start at 3 p.m.

StageWest will be holding their monthly “Scriptease” series. The monthly reading series takes place the last Tuesday of the month at the First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Ave. Performances start at 7 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.stagewestiowa.com

June 30 —  “Fabulation”
July 28 — TBA
Aug. 25 — TBA

Theater … For A Change (CHANGE)
Grand View College Viking Theatre, 2811 E. 14th St.
http://www.theaterforachange.com

711 Theatre Project
June 5-6, 8 p.m.
Grand View University Viking Theatre, 2811 E 14th St.
http://www.711theatre.com

Shakespeare in the Park — “The Winter’s Tale”
June 18-28, times tba
Des Moines area parks — Free
http://www.theaterforachange.com
The Change Co-Operative presents: “Spermalot: The Musical”
For one weekend only, see the 2007 Iowa Fringe Festival sensation before it heads to perform at the Minnesota Fringe Festival and New York International Fringe Festival. Includes new songs, scenes and much more. July 17-18, 8 p.m. at the Hotel Kirkwood Ballroom, 4th and Walnut St.

48 Hour Film Project Events
http://www.48hourfilm.com/desmoines
Thursday, May 28, 7 p.m.
The 48 Hour Film Project
Celebrating Five Years in Des Moines
Des Moines Art Center Levitt Auditorium, Free admission
Monday, June 1
Registration Opens online at:
ww.48hourfilm.com/desmoines
Spaces are first come first serve. We’re looking for 50 teams of filmmakers.
July 24-26
Event Weekend
Kickoff — Des Moines Art Center, July 24, 7 p.m.
Drop Off — Fleur Cinema, July 26
July 29-30
Screenings of the 2009 Entries
Fleur Cinema & Cafe
Four screening groups over two days (7 and 9 p.m.)
August 13, 7 p.m.
Best of City Screening and Awards Ceremony
Fleur Cinema & Café

The Repertory Theater of Iowa
http://www.dmtheater.com

The Repertory Theater of Iowa heads to the great outdoors this summer as they team up with two of the areas most venerable institutions — Terrace Hill Mansion and Salisbury House. This unique collaboration will bring together what has been called “one of the strongest ensembles ever assembled in this region” with two of the most beautiful outdoor settings in central Iowa.

June 4-6, 11-13
“Victorian Voices”
Terrace Hill Mansion
Performances start at 7 p.m.   July 23-26
“Shakespeare On The Lawn: Featuring “Twelfth Night”
The Salisbury House,
Performances start at 7:30 p.m.

Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland Ave. 244-0507
http://www.hoytsherman.org

June 5-6 — Ballet Des Moines: “Momentum”
7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

June 20 — “Echoes of Ireland: The Musical”
7:30 p.m. Tickets $40-$45.

July 10-19 — “Six-On-Six: The Musical.” “Six-On-Six: The Musical” celebrates the tradition of six-on-six high school girls’ basketball in Iowa — its glorious history, unique rules, phenomenal popularity, colorful personalities and the controversy that ultimately resulted in the game’s demise. Featuring 17 original songs and more than 50 theatre artists from central Iowa, “Six-On-Six: The Musical: was created by playwright, composer and lyricist Robert John Ford. Tickets are $20-$25 and are available at the Hoyt Sherman box office or through Ticketmaster, 1-800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com.

The Des Moines Social Club
1408 Locust St.
http://www.desmoinessocialclub.org

Summer Calendar

Mondays
Bachata for Beginners: 8-9 p.m. (May 18 through June 8) four-week cycles (June 15 through July 6)
Money Mondays: 5:30-6:30 p.m. (weekly through June 8)
Elemental Hoop Dance: 6:30-7:30 p.m. (through July 27)
Eagle Claw Kung Fu: 12-1:30 p.m. (weekly)
Sound of Mime: 7-8 p.m. (weekly starts May 25 through June 6)
Movie Mondays: 7-11 p.m. (first Monday of every month, starts June 1)

Tuesday
Tai Chi: 12:00-1:30 p.m. (weekly)
Intro to Drawing: 6:30-9 p.m. (weekly through July 28)
Belly Dancing: 7-8:30 p.m. (weekly)
Tuesday Trivia Nights: 7 p.m. (Second Tuesday of each month)

Wednesday
Eagle Claw Kung Fu: 12-1:30 p.m. (weekly)
Intro to Paint and Color Theory: 6:30-9:30 p.m. (weekly through July 15)
Poi: 6-7 p.m. (through Sept. 4)
JG Faux Show: 8 p.m. (Bi-weekly on Wednesdays)
The Twelfth Labor: 7-9 p.m. (runs June 3-13, Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.)

Thursday
Aikido: 6-7:30 p.m. (weekly)
Tai Chi: 12-1:30 p.m. (weekly)
Acting Fundamentals: 7-10 p.m. (weekly through July 16)
Intro to Wine Class: 6:30-8:30 p.m. (starts May 28, last Thursday of every month)
Intro to Film and Video: 7-9 p.m. (Every other Thursday through June 4th, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Improv Classes: 7:30-10:30 p.m. (weekly from June 25 to July 30)
Elwanger Unveiling: 7-11 p.m. (July 2)
Open Mic Night: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. (weekly)

Friday
Syncopate: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Third Friday of every month)
Eagle Claw Kung Fu: 12-1:30 p.m. (starts May 29, weekly)
Spring Clean your Life: 5:30-7:30 p.m. (May 29)
Mirco: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. (May 29)
The Listener Project and the Fienix: 9 p.m. (June 5)
80s Dance Party: 8 p.m. (June 19)
3XWrestling: 6 to 9 p.m. (June 24, July 17 and Aug. 21)

Saturday
New York Actor: 10 a.m. to noon (weekly)
Yoga: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (weekly)
Circus Saturdays: 2-6 p.m. (weekly)
Ashtanga Yoga: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (weekly)
Max Wellman CD Release Party: 8-11 p.m. (May 30)
Big Hair Ball After Party: 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. (May 30)
Flying Pig Barn Dance: 8 p.m. (June 6)
Subjective Vaudeville: 8 p.m. (June 27, July 25 and Aug. 29)
PRINT! BOMB! SHOW ME YOUR MUNNY! — Instinct Gallery Opening Reception, 7-11 p.m. (June 13)
Bad Guys in Suits: 7-9 p.m. (June 20)
Roots and Wings — Instinct Gallery Opening Reception, 7-11 p.m. (July 11)
Animal Nature — Instinct Gallery Opening Reception, 7-11 p.m. (Aug. 1)

Sunday
Sunday Funday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weekly)
Aikido: 10:30 a.m. to noon (weekly)
Adam Robert Houg & Carl Weather Collective: 7 p.m. (June 14)
Bad Guys in Suits: 7-9 p.m. (June 21)
Tallgrass Theatre Company
Rex Mathews Theatre, 1401 Vine St., West Des Moines
http://www.tallgrasstheatre.org

No shows scheduled for summer, but visit the Web site for the 2009-10 season announcement and updated audition lists.

DMACC Huff Theatre
2006 South Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny

July 16-17
“Lydia Pinkham”
At the DMACC Huff Theatre, Ankeny Campus; Building #6
Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 1 and 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $1.00

July 24-26
“Lydia Pinkham”
At the Des Moines Civic Center
Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Admission: $2.50

Urbandale Community Theatre
Urbandale Performing Arts Center, 7111 Aurora Ave., Urbandale
http://www.urbandaletheatre.org

June 17-19, 24-26 — “Hello Dolly!” We’re off on a whirlwind race around New York at the turn of the century as we follow the adventures of America’s most beloved matchmaker, Dolly Levi, played by veteran performer Preshia Paulding. The show is full of memorable songs including “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Elegance,” “Hello, Dolly,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and “So Long, Dearie.” Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee performances are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 and available at the door or in advance at Rieman Music and the Urbandale Hy-Vee.

Theatre Simpson
Blank Performing Arts Center, Simpson College
701 North C St.
http://www.simpson.edu/theatre
(515) 961-1647

Simpson College is offering two exciting workshop options for youth during the summer of 2008. The institute is designed to give high school and elementary students time to concentrate on the process of creating theater. Simpson faculty and theater professionals teach all of the institute classes and workshops. For information on tuition and fees go to the Theatre Department homepage on the Simpson College Web site, http://www.simpson.edu/theatre.

July 26-31 — A weeklong residential camp for high school students (starting 10th grade and above in the fall of 2009) offers the opportunity to explore projects like: work on and perform a monologue to use at future auditions, learn to explore your imagination through improvisation, develop your body as an instrument through vocal exercises, creative movement and relaxation exercises and show your stuff at evening Cabarets. Acting tools is not the only thing students will, they will also experience the design and technical aspects of learning important elements in the creation of scenery, current lighting techniques and develop a design project. $450 before June 4, then the price increases to $490.

Aug. 3-7 — A weeklong day camp for youth entering fourth through sixth grades.
This day camp will focus on rehearsing, designing and presenting a play for an audience of family and friends on the last day of class. Find out what producing a play is all about (subject to space limits). $75 includes all activities and supplies.
ACTORS (Ames Community Theater)
120 Abraham Drive, Ames
http://www.actorsinc.org

June 12-13, 19-21, 26-28 — “California Suite.” “California Suite” features four scenes, each giving a glimpse of various guests at the Beverly Hills Hilton. A couple working through a difficult custody battle, a man who wakes up with an unconscious hooker in his bed while his wife is on her way up to the room, an eccentric British actress up for an Academy Award and her husband who is up for just about anything, and two young couples who are the best of friends until they go on an extended vacation together. This bittersweet, adult comedy is sure to be a delight. Shows start at 7:30 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets: $15, students/seniors $13, doors open 30 minutes before show.

Story Theater Company
Ames City Auditorium, 520 6th Street.
http://www.storytheatercompany.org

June 19-21 — “Gooney Bird Greene and her True Life Adventures.” When Gooney Bird Greene bursts through the door of Watertower School, the classroom is never the same again. With her outrageous outfits and outlandish tales, Gooney Bird awakens the students’ dormant imaginations. This is a comedy sure to please all ages. Performances are at 7 p.m. on June 19-20; matinees on June 20 at 10 a.m. and June 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5

Classes
For information on the different classes, visit http://www.storytheatercompany.org.

Session I
Beginning Acting: Jack and the Three Sillies by Michael Goodman.
Based on European and American folk tales.
July 6-10, Ages 8-11.

Session II
Intermediate Acting: Lockers by Jeremy Kruse.
Explore the ups and downs of life in middle school.
July 13-17, Ages 10-14.

Session III
Teen Camp: High School for Dummies by Bradley Hayward.
Finally, an instruction manual for surviving high school.
July 20-24, Ages 13-18. CV

“Six-On-Six: The Musical”

After being critically praised for “Caucus The Musical,” Robert John Ford knew he needed to create a show that would not only entertain, but also inform. He created that with “Six-On-Six: The Musical”

“The stage is the ideal place for six-on-six to be resurrected. Its fascinating history, rich traditions, colorful characters, pageantry, music and its drama both on and off the court, were all elements that make for great theater,” said Ford, who not only wrote the script and the music, but is also directing the show. “My goal was to create an entertaining theater piece that conveys and celebrates the true essence of the game, gives the audience an opportunity to actually experience it with all the senses and introduces it to the current generation and preserves it for future generations.”

“Six-On-Six: The Musical” celebrates the tradition — its glorious history, unique rules, phenomenal popularity, colorful personalities and the controversy that ultimately resulted in the game’s demise — of six-on-six girls’ high school basketball in Iowa. It’s a must-see for fans of the game, especially the thousands of Iowa women who actually played the game and wish to share a piece of their history with their children and grandchildren.

“When I began to consider it as a theatrical piece, I knew I would have to do far more than simply attempt to duplicate on stage all that I had personally experienced and all that I had discovered through extensive research,” Ford said. “As any playwright must do, I had to face the challenge of making the subject more symbolically “universal” and creating interesting characters, compelling situations and plausible dramatic conflict. I concluded that my story had to be fictional, but still it would be heavily inspired by real people, real situations and real events.”

With a show about basketball, you’d expect a bevy of performers to grace the stage at once, and Ford doesn’t disappoint. The show features a cast of 40 and is in the vein of a big, fun, old-fashioned musical comedy for the entire family.

“In order to capture the true energy and magnitude of the game, I felt it was essential to have a large cast, and Hoyt Sherman is the perfect venue for such a production of this scale,” Ford said. “Very few new musicals with large casts are being produced these days. But to me, the best musicals are the really big ones — the spectacles — and that’s what we’re creating for Des Moines audiences. From a budget and personnel standpoint, this will be one of the largest, if not the largest, new musical to be ever produced in Des Moines.”

In conjunction with the production, the Granny Basketball League of Iowa will be hosting a six-on-six exhibition game at noon on July 18, at the AIB College of Business Activities Center, 2500 Fleur Drive. This fundraiser for local charities will feature numerous all-state players and coaches from the six-on-six era.

“It’s a really wonderful show about a subject that all Iowans can relate to,” Ford said. “We are also very committed to making this production affordable for the entire family. It’s the perfect recession-escaping entertainment event of the summer.”

For more information, visit the show’s Web site http://www.sixonsix.com.

Art

By Jim Duncan

Picasso defined artists as children who never grow up, a metaphor encouraged by the school-like calendar upon 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 at the first signs of hot weather. 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 such 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 the corn belt summer. Then they convinced the locals to support these gypsy artists with endearing enthusiasm. Together they 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 patronage, DMAF morphed from a sleepy day in Greenwood Park to downtown’s biggest weekend, a three day, 180 vendor, multi-stage, pyrotechnically enhanced carnival flattered 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 recipe of one tragedy, one comedy and one modern opera with a season of relentless romance in which larger than life harmonies tell three classical tales of love, jealousy and fate. Soprano Carter Scott makes her Iowa debut as the tragic Tosca while DMMO favorites Jane Redding, John Osborn and Jeffrey Springer return in other starring roles.

Those two gypsy 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 four years of non-stop record-breaking exhibitions. This summer, they bring back Tara Donovan whose eye-stopping sculptures dazzled in earlier group shows. Donovan’s first solo exhibition is so big it will take over both the Grand Avenue and Downtown DMAC museums, the first time that’s ever happened.

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 its annual Summer Landscape show showcasing popular Gary Bowling, Dave Gordinier and Bobbie McKibbon. If midwestern fields and streams don’t quench your thirst, the gallery follows it up with an exhibition of textile art from Central America.

Reflecting a recent run of good fortune, the youthful Moberg Gallery is introducing back gallery shows of “New Artists” and “Small Works” by not so new artists. Those play supporting roles to Ignatius Widiapradja’s meditations on metaphysics, memory and transcendence and to the return of prodigal son Anthony Pontius, back from New York City with his classical takes on similarly deep subjects.

The Cedar River Valley art scene enters post-flood stage this spring when Cedar Rapids Museum of Art reopens some shows postponed from last year simultaneously with new shows. Elsewhere, Grinnell’s Faulconer Museum takes a contemporary look at artistic reflections on the prairie while Decorah’s Vesterheim takes an historic approach to the same subject.

Calendar (*APT* indicates a special Art Pimp tout)

Recurring Events and Family Attractions

Thursday Night Art Walks in downtown Newton

First Friday Art Walks, Fairfield Town Square

Special Events

Festivals

Des Moines Metro Opera Festival (Simpson College, Indianola, http://www.desmoinesmetroopera.org)

May 29
Cabernet Night Live
An evening of standards and show tunes mixed with musical favorites from Broadway and American opera presented by DMMO’s talented Apprentice Artists. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks round out this evening of great entertainment at the Temple for Performing Arts. $50 ( 50 percent reduction)

June 10
Threads & Trills Costume Show and Luncheon 12 p.m. Holiday Inn & Suites, Jordan Creek
A sneak peek at the costumes from the upcoming season’s operas while enjoying arias and duets sung by principal artists from each show. Lunch is included with the purchase of a $40 ticket.

June 11 & 13
Peanut Butter & Puccini Family Opera Adventure
Kids and adults take backstage tour of the opera. Learn about wig and makeup application, lighting, etc. $10 includes lunch. *APT*

June 19 - Ju1y 12
The 2008 Season *APT*

“Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini (June 19, 26, July 1 & 4, plus matinees on June 21 & July 12)
In love with the young painter Cavaradossi but desired by the ruthless Chief of Police the beautiful and tempestuous Floria Tosca finds herself caught in a web of jealousy and intrigue.

“Der Freischütz” by Carl Maria von Weber (performances June 20, July 3, 7 & 11 plus a matinee on June 28)
From its famous overture to its stunning conclusion, music plays harmony in this classical fantasy that married the devil and birthed German opera.

“The Barber of Seville” by Gioacchino Rossini (performances June 27, 30, July 8 & 10 plus a matinee on July 5)
DMMO favorites coloratura Jane Redding and tenor John Osborn return to reprise the misadventures of the world’s most famous barber.

July 9
“Stars of Tomorrow” Concert, (Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University).
DMMO’s Apprentice Artists perform arias and ensembles at Sheslow Auditorium. $20 and $10. *APT*

May 31, June 3, 6, 11, 13, 20, 24, 27, July 2, 4, 7, 9
“Apprentice Artist Program Performances,” times vary (Lekberg Hall, Des Moines Social Club, Sheslow Auditorium)
The troupe performs scenes and entire acts from both popular operas and rarely seen works. Most performances are free.

June 13-14
Iowa Sculpture Festival (Maytag Park, Newton, http://www.iowasculpturefestival.org)

The seventh annual event brings big bronze and steel art to Maytag Park for a hands-on experience of meeting artists, picnicking, swimming and watching comedians, magicians, balloon animal makers, etc. $1 and $2.

Des Moines Arts Festival (Gateway West, http://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org)
June 26 - 28
The only festival grand enough to inspire copycats, critics and loyalists, plus national rankings. We’re Number 5! And, yes, someone does actually rank art festivals, according to sales. The three day, free event brings national artists of all media to the river banks of downtown Des Moines, with all the food and music that a festival needs to turn shopping into a mega-event and source of civic pride.

ArtFest Midwest (Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, http://www.artfestmidwest.com)
June 27 - 28
Piggybacking on the big shoulders of DMAF, the sixth annual “Other Art Show,” boasts lots of demonstrations ( glassblowing, pastel portraits, lampwork jewelry, pottery etc.) free parking and regional chauvinism. Over 225 artists will be showing, with approximately 40 percent from Iowa and 90 percent from the Midwest. The fest is now calling itself the “largest fine art show in Iowa.”

Art Stop
Sept. 11-12
The third annual shuttle bus tour of central Iowa’s art galleries, studios and museums.

Galleries

Ongoing

Art Dive (1417 Walnut St., http://www.artdive.com)
Des Moines alternative gallery plans alternative exhibitions. Be surprised.

2AU (200 Fifth, West Des Moines)
Beach boys of Ipanema and mermaids of Tahiti mix it up with Tanzanian gems this summer.

June 25 - July 18 — Green Weavers: Three Unique Weaving Styles by Three Innovative Artists featuring Barbara Wright, Jan Friedman and Dan Bell. Opening Reception, June 25, 4-7 p.m.

July 24 — Art Wear: New Work by Ann Au. Opening Reception, July 24, 5-8 p.m.

Des Moines Social Club (1408 Locust, Ave. http://www.desmoinesocialclub.org)
Circus, wrestling, tai chi, akido, theater, belly dancing and other acts of sociability make the club’s Instinct Gallery the most non traditional in town.

Susan Noland Studio Gallery (902 42nd St.)
The psychological properties of gems are front and center in this master goldsmith‘s repertoire.

Limited Engagements

Olson-Larsen Galleries (203 Fifth, West Des Moines, http://www.olsonlarsen.com)

Through June 20
“Landscape Show”
New works by the gallery’s big picture stars Gary Bowling, David Gordiner and Bobbie McKibbon. *APT*
“From the Earth”
New works by Michael Brangoccio, Wendy Rolfe, Betsy Margolius and Priscilla Steele.

June 25 - July 18, reception June 25
“Textiles of Guatemala: Tapestries & Rugs by Mary Zicafoose”

Moberg Art Gallery (2921 Ingersoll Ave., http://www.moberggallery.com)

Through June 19 - Aug. 1 (reception June 19)
“All Is Vanity -Ignatius Widiapradja”
Articulation on multidimensional reality, faith and memory by Des Moines’ existential artist. *APT*

“Small Works Exhibit” by various gallery artists
Aug. 7 - Sept. 19 (reception Aug. 7)
“Anthony Pontius”
New York painter returns to Iowa.

“New Artist Exhibit”

Heritage Art Gallery (111 Court Ave., http://www.heritagegallery.org)
June 7 - July 30
“Iowa Exhibited 24”
The best of an annual statewide arts competition.

Des Moines Art Center (4700 Grand Ave., http://www.desmoinesartcenter.org)

May 30
'Big Hair Ball: The Glamour of Illusion' APT
The Des Moines Biennial Celebration of kitsch in its frizzled, wigged out, bouffant glory.

June 9 - Aug. 14
Summer classes. Day camps and family workshops. Call 271-0306.

?June 19 Ð Sept. 13, reception and preview party June 18
ÒTara DonovanÓ
Sculptor Tara Donovan starred in a previous group show at DMAC and returns for her first solo exhibition of eye-fooling installations that transform large quantities of mass-produces itemsÑtoothpicks, adhesive tape, drinking straws, buttons, straight pins, plastic drinking cups, and MylarÑinto stunning spectacles that defy expectations. Gallery talks on July 9 (Grand Avenue), 16 (downtown). *APT*

July 19
ÒArt Inside OutÓ (noon - 4 p.m.)
International celebrations of all things arty.

?Through Sept. 6
ÒBefore AnimeÓ
Prints from the Japanese imagination.

DMAC Downtown (8th and Walnut St.)

June 19 - Sept. 13, reception and preview party June 18
ÒTara DonovanÓ
The first show so big and mind boggling it requires both DMAC buildings to hold it.

Ankeny Art Center (1520 S.W. Ordnance Rd. http://www.ankenyartcenter.com)
June-August in Main Gallery?ÒVirginia OckenÓ

June in Side Gallery
ÒArt MartinezÓ

August in Main Gallery
ÒKemlyn Tam BappeÓ
The Peranakan-American returns to Central Iowa with paintings of faith and inspiration.

Brunnier Museum of Art (University Museums, 290 Scheman Bldg., Ames, 515.294.3342, http://www.museums.iastate.edu)

Through Aug. 2010
ÒExquisite Balance: Sculptures by Bill BarrettÓ
Minimalist modernism.

Through Aug. 9
ÒN. C. Wyeth: America in the MakingÓ
Beloved Saturday Evening Post illustrator from the golden era of that medium.

The Vesterheim (523 W. Water St., Decorah, http://www.vesterheim.org)

Through July 5
ÒAugustus F. Sherman: Ellis Island Portraits, 1905-1920Ó?
Photographs of immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island from all over the world.?

Through Spring 2010
ÒSamiÓ?
Artifacts and images from the Sami people.?

July 12 - October 11
ÒKnitting along the Viking TrailÓ?
Knitwear designed by Elsebeth Lavold with intertwining and runic motifs from the Viking Age.?

July 23 - August 31
ÒFlashback: Norwegian Landscapes in RetrospectÓ?
Photographs comparing historic and comtemporary Norwegian landscapes.

July 18-25
ÒNational Exhibition of Folk Art in the Norwegian TraditionÓ?
A competition and sale of works by contemporary artists in the Norwegian tradition.

Faulconer Gallery (Grinnell College, http://www.grinnell.edu/faulconergallery)

June 12 - Sept. 6
ÒBelow the Surface: A 21st-Century Look at the PrairieÓ?
Contemporary views of our place in the world and its natural history, infused with overtones of the cultures that now live on this former sea of grass.

June 12 - August 28
ÒSmall ExpressionsÓ?
Annual exhibition of small scale works is limited to fiber techniques such as weaving, spinning, basketry, felting, beading, and papermaking.

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (410 Third Avenue S.E., Cedar Rapids), http://www.crma.org

May 30 - August 16
ÒJohn Buck: IconographyÓ?
An overview of the Iowa-born, Montana-based, John BuckÕs 40-year career in printmaking and sculpture.

June 20 - August 16
ÒUnder the Big TopÓ
In celebration of IowaÕs importance in the development of the circus (the Ringling brothers were from McGregor, Iowa), the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art will install two galleries of circus imagery from its own collection.

Re-opening May 30 till further notice
ÒMalvina Hoffman: RodinÕs Last StudentÓ
In 1985 and 1986, the CRMA received a large number of plaster and bronze works by Malvina Hoffman. In 2003, HoffmanÕs magnificent Bacchanale Frieze was permanently installed in the MuseumÕs Carnegie Wing. A substantial exhibition of her work, however, hasnÕt happened for some time.

ÒMauricio Lasansky Master
PrintmakerÓ
Lasansky combines a spectrum of graphic techniques including etching, drypoint, aquatint and engraving.

ÒArt in Roman LifeÓ
More than 50 works, including 21 Roman portrait busts.

University Museum (3219 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls), http://www.uni.edu/museum

June 8 - August 15
ÒSlow Food to Fast FoodÓ *APT*
The way America ate and eats. CV

Outdoors

By Matt Miller

Nearly halfway through the year, there have been plenty of local topics to talk about — Swine Flu, Iowa’s budget deficit and the legality of same-sex marriages. But all that will be placed on the back-burner as central Iowans have something else on their minds this time of year: summer. Once again, the season has plenty of outdoor opportunities to view or participate in throughout the metro. While this is not a complete list of everything that is happening, it is a good start. Get ready for full-steam ahead because this summer will be hot.

Spectator Sports

Des Moines Menace
Home games are played at 7:30 p.m. at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines unless otherwise noted. For ticket information, visit http://www.menacesoccer.com.

May 30 — vs. St. Louis Lions
June 6 — vs. Winnipeg
June 20 — vs. Kansas City Brass
June 27 — vs. Springfield Demize
July 4 — vs. Thunder Bay Chili
July 11 — vs. Springfield Demize
July 18 — vs. St. Louis Lions

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.

May 28 – vs. Sacramento
June 6-9 — vs. Round Rock (1:05 p.m. on June 7 and 12:05 p.m. on June 9)
June 11-14 — vs. Omaha (1:05 p.m. on June 14)
June 18-21 — vs. Memphis (1:05 p.m. on June 21)
June 23-26 — vs. New Orleans (12:05 p.m. on June 24)
July 1-3 — vs. Oklahoma City
July 16-23 — vs. Nashville (1:05 p.m. on July 19 and 12:05 p.m. on July 21)
Aug. 5-8 — vs. Reno
Aug. 9 — vs. Las Vegas (1:05 p.m. at Wrigley Field)
Aug. 10-12 — vs. Las Vegas (12:05 p.m. on Aug. 12)
Aug. 22-25 — vs. New Orleans (1:05 on Aug. 23 and 6:35 p.m. on Aug. 24 and 25)
Aug. 26-30 — vs. Oklahoma City (6:35 p.m. on Aug. 26 and 27; 1:05 p.m. on Aug. 30)
Sept. 4-7 — vs. Albuquerque (1:05 p.m. on Sept. 6 and 7)

Mid Iowa Rollers
Bouts are at Buccaneer Arena, 7201 Hickman Road, other than May 30 at Skate South, 10494 Country Line Road.
May 30 — vs. Big Mouth Mickeys (Skate South)
June 27 — vs. Springfield Roller Girls
July 25 — vs. ICT Roller Girl Air Sirens
Aug. 22 — vs. Quad City Rollers

Iowa Crush
June 6 — vs. Minnesota Vixen, 3 p.m. at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines.

May 28 to June 1 — The Principal Charity Classic will be held at Glen Oaks Country Club, 1401 Glen Oaks Drive in West Des Moines. Reigning champion Jay Haas looks to defend his title from other golf greats such as Nick Price, Fred Funk and Mark O’Meara. Tickets are $15 for one day, a three-pack of tickets for $40 and a 10-pack of tickets are $100. A champions club single day pass is $150. For more information, visit http://www.principalcharityclassic.com.

June 19 to 21 — The Corn Indy 250 Presented by Pioneer on June 21 highlights the Iowa Corn Indy Series weekend at the Iowa Speedway in Newton. Hairball, an “80’s Rock” impersonation act will be in concert on June 20 at 9:15 p.m. Spirit Lake native Shannon Brown will play on June 21 at 3 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.iowaspeedway.com or http://www.tickets@iowaspeedway.com.

June 19 — Pro wrestlers Triple H, John Cena, The Big Show and Randi Orton come to Des Moines as World Wrestling Entertainment presents RAW LIVE at Wells Fargo Arena. Tickets are $61, $41, $31, $21 and $16. Tickets are available at Wells Fargo Arena ticket office and at all Dahl’s Food outlets. For more information, visit http://www.iowaeventscenter.com.

June 26 — Midwest Cage Championships invades Veterans Memorial Auditorium as 11 action-packed mixed martial arts bouts are scheduled. The main event of the evening is Chris Mickle vs. Erik Koch for the featherweight championship. Doors open at 6:30 and fights begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50, $40, $35 and $25. For more information, visit http://www.iowaeventscenter.com or http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com.

July 24-26 — The 2009 U.S. Classic, the last qualifying event for the women’s gymnastics for the 2009 Championships, will be held at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $50, $35, $25 and $20. For more information, visit http://www.iowaeventscenter.com or http://www.usa-gymnastics.org.

July 24-Aug. 1 — The 2009 Iowa High School Baseball Tournament will be held at Principal Park featuring the state’s best teams in 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A. For more information, visit http://www.iahsaa.org.

July 26 — West Des Moines native and Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson returns to Des Moines to participate in “Shawn Johnson and Friends: An evening of Music, Dance and Shawn” at Wells Fargo Arena. Johnson, winner of this season’s “Dancing With the Stars” on ABC, will be joined by her partner Mark Ballas and other pro and celebrity dancers including Ty Murry and Derek Hough. Tickets are $32 to $62 and are available at http://www.dahlstickets.com, all Dahl’s Food outlets or at the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office.

Participatory Sports

May 30 — The 30th anniversary of Dam to Dam will be run from Saylorville Dam to downtown Des Moines. Races include a 20K, 5K and youth races. For more information, visit http://www.damtodam.com.

June 6 — Pride Ride 2009 will take place in the Cherry Glen Picnic Area of Saylorville Lake. The event includes a 2-mile, 20-mile and 40-mile bike ride, with proceeds benefiting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Central Iowa and One Iowa. For more information, call 288-4019.

June 7 — Cityview in partnership with the Livestrong Army of Des Moines presents the 2009 Unite Against Cancer Ride. Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt, one general admission ticket to the June 7 I-Cubs’ game, breakfast at Water Works Park and concessions at Principal Park. For more information and to register, visit http://www.bikeiowa.com.

June 11-14 — The Iowa Senior Olympics will feature sports such as basketball, track and field, tennis, golf, softball, bowling and many others for anyone age 50 and above. The fifth annual Granny Basketball tournament will also be played at Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave., on June 14 and 15. For more information, visit http://www.iowaseniorolympics.com.

June 13-14 — The Des Moines Cycle Club will host the 2009 Tour the Raccoon from Des Moines to Jefferson and back. Cyclist of all levels may participate. For more information, visit http://www.dmcycleclub.com.

June 20 — The 2008 Pieathlon, a walk, swim, run or bike event, will take place in Adel to benefit the fight against cancer. More than 165 people attended last year’s event. For more information, visit http://www.pieathlon.com

June 27-28 — Athletes will be tested both physically and mentally as the 2009 Hy-Vee Triathlon kicks off at the Raccoon River Complex in West Des Moines. Online registration closes June 23. For more information, visit http://www.hy-veetriathlon.com.

July 10-12, 16-19, 24-26 — More than 153,000 athletes participated in last year’s Iowa Summer Games that also showcase more than 50 sports. The Games’ main weekend, July 16 to 19, feature basketball, cycling, fencing, wrestling, swimming and many other sports. For more information, visit http://www.iowagames.org.

Outdoor Events and Festivals

June 6 — The 31st annual Greek Food Fair will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, 35th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.stgeorge.ia.goarch.org or call 277-0780.

June 11-13 — Winefest Des Moines will take place in Nollen Plaza with events such as the Prima Dinners (June 11; 6:30-10 p.m.), Sips and the City (June 12; 6-9 p.m.) and The Grand Tasting (June 13; 6 to 9 p.m.) For more information, visit http://www.winefestdesmoines.com.

June 11-13 — Come celebrate was City of Grimes has to offer during its annual Funtastic Days. Events include a Lions Club breakfast, parade, 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run, ice cream social and fireworks. For more information, visit http://www.grimesiowa.com.

June 18-20 — The Clive Festival is a three-day event with activities for children and adults of all ages. Events include the Mayor 50K Bike Ride and new events include Hog Night and Taste of Clive. The 12th annual Light the Night for Sight will be held in conjunction with the Clive Festival. For more information, visit http://www.clivefestival.com.

June 18-21 — Johnston Green Days will feature a parade, pancake breakfast, carnival, class car show, street dance, bike race and Bill Riley Talent Search. For more information, visit http://www.johnstongreendays.org.

June 20 — SWINE, Iowa’s premier pork and wine event will take place at the Des Moines Area Community College’s Ankeny Campus. Patrons will have the opportunity to sample wine and pork dishes, as well as live music. Advance tickets are $30 at http://www.iowatix.com or the Hy-Vee store in Ankeny. Tickets are $35 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.swinefestival.com.

June 26-28 — The Des Moines Arts Festival will held in Western Gateway Park, Locust and 15th Streets. The Festival and all performances are free to attend. For more information, visit http://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org.

June 27-28 — ArtFest Midwest ‘The Other Art Show’ will feature local and regional artists at the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.artfestmidwest.com.

July 8-12 — The Dallas County Fair in Adel features Figure 8 races, tractor pulling/pick-up pull and demolition derby. For more information, visit http://www.dallascountyfair.com.

July 9-12 — The Ankeny Summerfest features live entertainment, fireworks, a Miss 16 contest and parade. For more information, http://www.ankenysummerfest.org.

July 11 — The third-annual Des Moines’ Cityview Brewfest will take place at Principal Park from 3 to 7 p.m. Patrons can taste an unlimited beer samples from 280 varieties. Admission is $28. Visit http://www.dmcityview.com/brewfest.

July 16-19 — The third-annual Rib America Festival takes place in the Iowa Events Center parking lot and will showcase six of the best award-winning barbeque teams in the nation. Live performances by Buddy Guy, Spin Doctors, Blue Oyster Cult and many more. For more information, visit http://www.iowaeventscenter.com or http://www.ribamerica.com/desmoines.html.

July 18 — The Pleasant Hill Summerfest annual festival will include a water ski show, pet show, parade, the Marfan Syndrome walk/run, classic car show and many other activities. For more information, visit http://www.pleasanthillchamber.org.

Aug. 7-8 — Adel’s annual Sweet Corn Festival will be held in downtown Adel. The two-day celebration begins on Friday with the tradition of shucking more than seven tons of sweet corn. Saturday’s event includes a 5K run, parade, car show, Adel Fire Department water fights, and of course, sweet corn. For more information, visit http://partners.adeliowa.org/default.page.

Aug. 13-23 — “State Fair Time” is this year’s theme at the Iowa State Fair, the state’s largest single tourism event. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the gate and a $5 special Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.iowastatefair.org.

Aug. 28-29 —Waukee Fest will feature local bands, a 3K and 5K run/walk, car show, bike ride and much more. For more information, visit http://www.waukee.org.

Aug. 30-31, Sept. 6-7, 20-21 — Known as the “Age of Enlightment,” the Des Moines Renaissance Faire will be a celebration of European festivities. The Faire takes place at Festival Park, 45011 Dean Ave., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.dmrenfaire.com.

Farmers’ markets

Ames Farmers’ Market — May-October, Thursday 2-7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Downtown Main Street Station. (515) 292-1936.

Capitol Parks Farmers’ Market — May – August, Tuesday 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 800 E. 12th St.

Downtown Farmers’ Market — May 2 – Oct. 31, Saturday 7 a.m. – noon. Court Avenue District. 286-4928.

Drake Neighborhood Farmers’ Market — June 3 – Sept. 30 (closed July 4), Wednesday s 4-7 p.m. First Christian Church, 25th Street and University Avenue. 277-6951.

Eastside Farmers’ Market — June 2 – Sept. 29, Tuesday 3-6 p.m. 3200 Delaware Ave. 261-4550.

Indianola Farmers’ Market — June 6 – Oct. 31, Saturday 8 a.m. – noon and Wednesday July 1 – Sept. 30 2 to 6 p.m. Highway 92 at fairgrounds west gate. 961-7031.

Johnston Farmers’ Market — May 26 – Oct. 6, Tuesday 3-7 p.m. Johnston City Hall lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road. 278-0939.

Madison County Farmers’ Market — May – October, Wednesday 2-6 p.m. and Saturday 7:30-11:30 a.m. Town Square. 462-3894.

North Grand Farmers’ Market — May – October, Wednesday 3-6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – noon. North Grand Mall parking lot, Ames. 232-3679.

Uptown Ankeny Farmers’ Market — May – September, Saturday 8 a.m. – noon. Corner of S.W. 3rd and S.W. Maple streets. 963-1897.

Urbandale Farmers’ Market — June 1 – Oct. 12, Monday 4-7 p.m. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road. 278-1038.

Valley Junction Farmers’ Market — May 7 – Oct. 1, Thursday 4-8 p.m. Fifth Street, Valley Junction, West Des Moines, 222-3642.

Waukee Farmers’ Market — June 3 – Sept. 20, Wednesday 4-7 p.m. Triangle Park, Sixth Street and Ashworth Drive. 987-1552.

West Glen Farmers’ Market — May 16 – Oct. 3, Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Avenue of the Arts (one street north of Mills Civic Parkway). CV

Ear by ear

By Matt Miller

The mixture of heat and humidity can make for a long summer, but Iowans know these weather conditions are necessary to produce one of the state’s favorite summertime foods — sweet corn. Boiled and then slathered with butter and salt and pepper, thousands of ears of sweet corn will be demolished during the 30th annual Adel Sweet Corn Festival in downtown Adel.

“This being the 30th anniversary, we’re expecting quite a few people in town to celebrate the festival,” said Julie Bailey, program director of the Adel Chamber of Commerce. “It’s shaping up to be another great event.”

Slated for Aug. 7 and 8, the Adel Sweet Corn Festival attracts thousands of visitors from throughout Iowa. In 2007, more than 10,000 people attended, while Bailey indicates that last year had the highest attendance to date. Organizers believe this year will be even bigger because the Festival does not conflict with the Iowa State Fair. The Festival begins on Friday night with the traditional activity of shucking nearly 15,000 ears of corn. While some may believe the shucking takes a long time, Bailey says that approximately 300 volunteers help which results in only about two hours of work.

“It’s amazing how many people help out to make this event run smoothly,” Bailey said. “People love the corn and are willing to help out so this two-day event can happen.”

If sweet corn isn’t exactly your forte, the festival has plenty of other opportunities to take in fun, too. More than 90 vendors will be hand, along with a number of activities to participate in including, 12th annual car show, a parade and the Adel Fire Department water fights. The two-day celebration is also home the annual Adel Sweet Corn Festival 5K run, which began in 2003 by Dave Schwartz, a Des Moines insurance executive. Schwartz founded the race as a way of commemorating the life of his sister-in-law, Danielle Hutzell, who died from cancer in 2000.

“The Adel Sweet Corn Festival is a way to celebrate that Iowa has such tremendous produce,” Bailey said. “Corn is an Iowa icon. People who visit Adel leave understanding that the town has a historic charm to it. Plus, its Iowa and its August — that means sweet corn.” CV

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