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Cover Story

2016 Summer Arts and Entertainment

5/25/2016

Art

By Jeff Pitts and Julie Paulson

School’s out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take in some culture and “high society.” Throughout the summer season, high quality art is available for your enjoyment and to expand your mind. From music, to visual arts, to film or even dance, it’s easy to find something that will stretch your brain and keep you from being bored this summer.

The Metro Opera is offering its usual summer programs, along with several classic shows and educational events. The programs include delights suitable for both adults and children. Explore the world of opera and learn a bit about what goes on behind the music.

For those who like a bit of variety, the Des Moines Arts Festival offers a little something for everyone. From art booths to live music and films, everyone is bound to find something they love and something to do. ArtFest Midwest offers a wide variety of demonstrations and has over 240 artists. ae art 5-26 Krisar Untitled 5x3If you’re on a tight budget, check out Too Broke for the Arts Festival. This art alternative showcases local artists and live music for a low price. Discover a local band or artist or learn to make art of your own.

CNA - Stop HIV Iowa

Throughout the summer, the Des Moines Social Club will be offering a wide variety of classes, game nights and entertainment.

With fun and games for all ages and backgrounds, everyone will find something to enjoy while getting to know their neighbors. Hear great music, play some games, learn something new and maybe make a new friend in your community this summer.

Recurring Events and Family Attractions

 

First Friday Art Walks — This art walk happens the first Friday of each month on the Fairfield Town Square.

 

Special Events

 

Festivals

June 11-12 — Iowa Sculpture Festival. The 14th annual event celebrates the development and growth of sculpture as an art form. Every medium imaginable is on display in this fun, interactive festival. Newton DMACC Campus located at 600 N. Second Ave. W., Newton.

June 24-26 — Des Moines Arts Festival. This is widely regarded as one of the best art festivals in the world. The Des Moines Arts Festival features visual treats that are pleasing to the eye, performing arts that engage the mind, live music to fill up your ears, interactive arts and even a film festival. And if you’re hungry, there is plenty of food to go with fun for the whole family. Gateway West. www.desmoinesartsfestival.org.

June 25 — Too Broke for the Arts Festival. Local artists go to Vaudeville Mews and bring a variety of intriguing art that wows the eye. Art will be shown from 2-5 p.m., admittance is free and is followed by the Hot-N-Shreddy Music Show, featuring sleazy tunes from greasy dudes from 5-9 p.m. www.vaudevillemews.com.

June 25-26 — ArtFest Midwest. For those who want a smaller experience, the 14th annual “Other Art Show,” boasts being the “largest fine arts show in Iowa.” More than 240 artists participate in the show, with plenty of demonstrations. Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. www.artfestmidwest.com.

 

Des Moines Metro Opera Summer Festival Season is June 24 – July 17. All performances are held at the Blank Performing Arts Center, Indianola unless noted.

June 11 — Threads & Trills Costume Show and Luncheon. Come and steal a sneak peek at the costumes from this upcoming opera season. Enjoy arias and duets sung by principal artists from each show. Noon, Embassy Club West. www.desmoinesmetroopera.org.

June 16 and 18 — Peanut Butter & Puccini Family Opera Adventure. A family opera adventure includes a tour of the theater, from backstage to the costume shop, from the props department to the catwalk, a special performance of a kid-friendly opera and a peanut butter sack lunch. The Des Moines Metro Opera. www.desmoinesmetroopera.org.

June 24, 26, July 1, 9, 14, 17 — Falstaff by Verdi. This endearing comedy is Verdi’s final opera. Drawn from Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” the misadventures of Sir John Falstaff begin when he attempts to woo a beautiful woman, only for many others to come his way. It rarely fails to entertain.  The Des Moines Metro Opera. www.desmoinesmetroopera.org.

June 25, July 3, 5, 8, 16 — Manon by Massenet. Jules Massonet’s opera Manon tells the story of the title character as she falls in love with one man but is wooed away by the riches of another. Sydney Mancasola sings the title role. The Des Moines Metro Opera. www.desmoinesmetroopera.org.

July 2, 10, 12, 15 — Orphée et Eurydice by Gluck. The classic Greek story is brought to the stage as the oldest piece the opera has ever performed.  Orphée is driven by love and wracked with grief and uncertainty, then descends into the underworld on a heroic mission. The Des Moines Metro Opera. www.desmoinesmetroopera.org.

July 7, 10 — Galileo Galilei by Phillip Glass. The Des Moines Metro Opera presents this moving portrait of the life of the famous astronomer at the Science Center of Iowa. The production will be sung in English. It is presented as a one-act opera consisting of 10 scenes. Science Center of Central Iowa. www.desmoinesmetroopera.org.

July 13 — Stars of Tomorrow Concert, Sheslow Auditorium. See the opera’s rising stars take the stage and sing exciting, dramatic ensembles. They’ll be accompanied by an orchestra. 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 or $10 for students. Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University. www.desmoinesmetroopera.org.

 

Galleries

 

Des Moines Social Club

900 Mulberry St.

www.desmoinessocialclub.org/viaduct-gallery

All events are free for all ages, and open to the public. Here are the events that will be taking place in our Viaduct Gallery during those times:

June 18-20 — Plein Aire Painting Festival. Plein Aire Painitng Festival in Des Moines. “Plein Aire” is French for “open air.” This event involves 48-hours of painting throughout the community. Artists must register in advance, and can pick up their canvases in the Viaduct Gallery. Artists can use any paint and any subject they choose in their chosen location. There will be a reception and silent auction on June 20.

June 22 — Urban Visionaries Opening Reception. An exhibition of urban art. Pieces will be displayed through June 27.

June 23 — Urban Visionaries Gallery Talk. A discussion of the Urban Visionaries Exhibit.

June 29 — Americana Opening Reception. This exhibit opens at Americana at the end of July and features works from around the globe. Artists were asked to submit work reflecting “Americana.” Various mediums of artwork will be on display through July 31.

Art Galleries in Des Moines 5-26 AE

Kavanaugh Gallery

131 Fifth St., West Des Moines, 279-8682, www.kavanaughgallery.com.

Specializing in purchase estate collections, there’s no telling what you might find here.

 

Susan Noland Studio Gallery

902 42nd St., Des Moines.

The psychological properties of gems are front and center in this master goldsmith‘s repertoire.

 

Limited Engagements

 

Olson-Larsen Galleries

203 Fifth St., West Des Moines, www.olsonlarsen.com.

Through May 28. New Works by Michael Brangoccio and Mary Koenan Clausen.

June 10 – July 30. Annual Landscape Show featuring Barbara Fedeler, Bobbie McKibbin, Ellen Wagener.

Aug. 5 – Oct. 1. New Works by Anna Lambrini Moisiadis, Scott Charles Ross and Eugenie Torgerson.

 

Moberg Art Gallery

2921 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines

www.moberggallery.com.

Through May 29. Four Solos: Robert Hoerlein, Thomas C. Jackson, Pamela Staker, Rob Stephens

June 3 – July 10. Four Solos: Benjamin Gardner, John Hull, James Ochs, Lindy Smith

July 15 – Aug. 21. Jordan Weber

Aug. 26 – Oct. 9. Larissa Kabel

 

Steven Vail Fine Arts

500 E. Locust St.

www.stevenvailfinearts.com

Ongoing work at the Historic Teachout Building as well as new editions by Bernar Venet, Mike Bidlo, Carlos Cruz Diaz, Lizzi Bougatsos, Marie-Jo Lafontaine, Beverly Semmes, John Armleder and Liza Lou.

 

Heritage Art Gallery

111 Court Ave., www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org.

Through June 10. Art Force Iowa

June 20 – Aug. 11. Iowa Exhibited XXXI

 

Museum

 

Des Moines Art Center

4700 Grand Ave.

www.desmoinesartcenter.org.

Ongoing. Summer classes, day camps and family workshops – Call 515-271-0306

Through Aug. 21. Glenn Brown. Digital distortions of classic works.

June 10 – Sept. 25. Heavy, Heavy Hangs Over Your Head. This exhibition looks at various ways artists from the 16th century to our time have depicted firearms, shooters and the victims of gun violence.

June 23 – Oct. 9. Iowa Artists 2016: Alex Braidwood and Jordan Weber.

 

Ankeny Art Center

1520 S.W. Ordnance Road, www.ankenyartcenter.com.

June 14 – July 15. Week-long summer art camps.

June 1 – July 27. Gary Usovsky, “Surfaces”

June 1 – July 27. Lindsay Nickel, “Fish Lip”

Aug. 2 – Sept. 28. Iowa Art Quilters, “A Fresh Look”

 

Brunnier Museum of Art

University Museums, 290 Scheman Building, Ames, www.museums.iastate.edu.

Through July 29. Campus Beautiful: Curating a Democratic Public Art Collection for Student Learning. Christian Petersen, Sculpter: The Founding Artist of the Art on Campus Collection

Through July 31. Gathering Glass: University Museums and the Iowa Questers. From Dawn to Dusk: Paintings by Gary Bowling.        40/40+

 

Faulconer Gallery

1108 Park St., Grinnell

www.grinnell.edu/faulconergallery.

April 8 – June 19. Studio Faculty Exhibition. This year’s exhibition features work by regular and visiting faculty. View prints, paintings, sculpture, installations and video by Jeremy Chen, Mary Coats, Andrew Kaufman, Matthew Kluber, Evan McLaughlin, Andrew Orloski, Lee Emma Running and Jill Davis Schrift.

May 13 – June 19. All Hands on Deck. St. Louis artist Damon Davis created seven powerful prints in response to recent events in Ferguson, Mo. and elsewhere. The oversize prints, created at Wildwood Press, feature the raised hands of individuals old and young, black, white and brown. It will take all of us to move forward. The exhibition features these and other recent acquisitions.

July 1 – Sept. 11. Anders Krisár. The Swedish artist Anders Krisár was included in the Faulconer Gallery’s spring 2005 exhibition, Scandinavian Photography 1: Sweden. Since then, he has turned to sculpture, producing figurative pieces that are uncannily lifelike — cast primarily from members of the artist’s own family — and explore the impact of familial relationships and sociological structures on our lives as individuals.

July 1 – Sept. 11. Tim Berg and Rebekah Myers. In a global cultural exchange routinely reduced to seconds-long sound bites and rapid-fire images, we often refer to “shiny objects” as those rare things that focus or capture our attention for a moment or two longer. Tim Berg and Rebekah Myers, an artists’ collaborative in Claremont, California, explore this phenomenon in their sculpture, all high-gloss and slick-surfaced, recasting everyday objects and animals in unexpected ways that emphasize the power of packaging and presentation in stoking consumer desire.

 

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

410 Third Ave. S.E., Cedar Rapids

www.crma.org.

Through Aug. 28. Ladies of the Club: Female Portraits from the Collection.

June 4 – Sept. 11. Rodin: Portraits of a Lifetime. Selections from the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Collections

 

MacNider Art Museum

303 Second St. S.E., Mason City

www.macniderart.org.

Through June 11. Crafting Tradition: Oaxacan Wood Carvings

Through July 16. 36th Annual Cerro Gordo Photo Show

June 24 – Aug. 20. Drawn to Abstraction

July 29 – Oct. 8. MacNider @ 50: The History of the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum CV

 

 

 

 

 

Film

 

By Jeff Pitts and Julie Paulson

 

With movies featuring both Marvel and DC comic characters already released earlier this season, one might think the excitement is over for this year. But fear not. While this summer may be one that’s full of sequels, adaptations and reboots, it still has plenty of highly anticipated and already widely-discussed films on the roster. So kick back inside an air-conditioned theater, grab an ice-cold cola and enjoy the blockbuster movies as they come.

 

“X-Men: Apocalypse“

May 27

Directed by Bryan Singer, starring James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Oscar Isaacx men

This is the third in the current X-Men series, and “Apocalypse” tells of an ancient and powerful being who has been reawakened after a 1,000-year slumber. Disgusted with the world, Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) recruits Magneto (Michael Fassbender) and his team of mutants to destroy humanity and take over the world. Now it’s up to Professor X (James McAvoy) and his team to stop Apocalypse and save the world. Apocalypse is known as one of Marvel’s most powerful and dangerous villains, which makes the stakes in this film higher than they’ve ever been before.

 

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows”

June 3

Directed by Dave Green, starring Megan Fox, Stephen Amell, Laura Linney, Will Arnett

 

turtles

Producer Michael Bay has had a long string of successes in years past, in spite of a general agreement that his films are loud explosion-fests. But the sequel to the last Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film might get a little more emotional than one would expect from an action film based on one of the silliest premises ever thought of. The Turtles return to save the world from another threat. This time, the notorious Shredder has come to destroy the earth with a concoction that turns humans into giant mutant animals. The Turtles must stop the threat while also struggling with their group dynamic and their own desires to be human and break free of the sewer. At least, that seems to be what’s happening based on the trailer since an official plot synopsis has not yet been released. Either way, it’s bound to be exciting and feed the nostalgia of anyone who grew up watching the heroes in a half-shell save the day. Plus, Megan Fox. What’s not to like?

 

“Warcraft”

June 10

Directed by Duncan Jones, starring Travis Fimmel, Toby Kebbell, Ben Foster, Paula Patton

 

warcraft

Movies based on video games are rarely expected to be anything good, but this one might break that trend. Based on the popular web-based fantasy roleplaying game, “Warcraft” tells the story of the war between the Alliance and the Horde. A dimensional portal opens in the peaceful land of Azeroth, spilling orcs fleeing their dying homeland into the country. As the orcs battle the people of Azeroth, two heroes from opposite sides of the war are on a collision course to determine the fate of the world and their peoples. Early information about the movie is limited. Will it be a Lord of the Rings-esque fantasy adventure or just another silly movie cashing in on a popular game? See it and judge for yourself.

 

“Finding Dory”

June 17

Directed by Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLaine, starring Ellen Degeneres, Albert Brooks, Diane Keaton, Kate McKinnon, Hayden Rolance

FINDING DORY. Pictured (L-R): Destiny and Dory. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

FINDING DORY. Pictured (L-R): Destiny and Dory. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

 

The long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” in the new movie, Dory (Ellen Degeneres), the forgetful blue tang fish, is living happily with Marlin (Albert Brooks) and his son Nemo (Hayden Rolance), when one day Dory suddenly remembers she has a family looking for her. With this knowledge in hand, Dory, Marlin and Nemo set off to find Dory’s missing loved ones at a California aquarium, meeting a colorful cast of characters and learning the true meaning of family along the way. And maybe Dory won’t just find her family — maybe she’ll find herself as well. “Finding Dory” should be a great film for everyone who loved the original, as well as for youngsters who will meet these characters for the very first time.

 

“Independence Day: Resurgence”

June 24

Directed by Roland Emmerich, starring Maika Monroe, Joey King, Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman

Ind Day

 

Most of the gang is back, but no Will Smith this time. That might be a deal breaker for a lot of people, but they’ll just have to wait until later in the year to see their hero back in action in “Suicide Squad,” as detailed on the next page. Meanwhile, we have a sequel to a ground-breaking movie that no one expected to get a sequel. Twenty years after aliens tried to destroy Earth, Earth has formed a new military corps to combat extraterrestrial threats, using alien technology recovered after the last war. But when aliens arrive, will this corps be prepared to fight? Or will the day be saved by a group of plucky ragtag heroes (and Jeff Goldblum)? Either way, expect to see at least one iconic landmark being destroyed, as is the staple of any Emmerich film.

 

“The Secret Life of Pets”

July 8

Directed by Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney, starring Louis C.K., Kevin Hart, Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate

 

pets

Ever wonder what your pets do while you’re at work or school all day? Wonder no longer. “The Secret Life of Pets” tells the story of Max (Eric Stonestreet), a pampered pet whose life is turned upside-down when his owner brings home an ill-mannered but good-natured mongrel named Duke (Louis C.K.). Through a series of surely hilarious misadventures, the two soon find themselves on the streets, where they meet an abandoned rabbit named Snowball (Kevin Hart). Now the two must put their differences aside to stop Snowball and his army of stray animals from carrying out their plan to ruin the lives of happy pets and pet-owners alike. Will Max and Duke defeat the army and make it home in time for dinner?

 

“Ghostbusters”

July 15

Directed by Paul Feig, starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth

 

ghostbusters

Thirty years after the first Ghostbusters movie was released and praised by many people, the franchise is being reimagined with ladies in the lead this time. This has already been hotly criticized on the Internet, but new times call for new trends, and the women in this movie are among the funniest in the world. After being laughed of academia for her postulate that ghosts are real, Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) joins with her friends Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) and Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) to form the Ghostbusters. They’re soon joined by street-wise subway worker Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones) and the cute but clueless secretary Kevin (Chris Hemsworth) to save New York from the threat of the supernatural, controlled by a villain who has the ability to possess people. Will it be as funny as the first installment? Only time will tell, but from the looks of things, this movie is bound to at least be fun.

 

“Star Trek Beyond”

July 22

Directed by Justin Lin, starring Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, Idris Elba, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban

 

star trek

The third in the current Star Trek series, the crew of the USS Enterprise returns just in time to celebrate the franchise’s 50th anniversary. We rejoin the unflappable Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and his crew as they are stranded on an alien planet during their five-year exploration mission and face a powerful alien threat. Paramount is keeping most of the details under wraps, but rumor has it that the film will be more optimistic than the last two films in the series. The absence of JJ Abrams, who directed the first two Star Trek films in the series, and the fact that Simon Pegg penned the screenplay, seems to confirm this assumption.

 

“Jason Bourne”

July 29

Directed by Paul Greengrass, starring Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander

 

borne

As if the year wasn’t already action-packed and exciting, Matt Damon returns to his iconic role. The Bourne franchise sees its fifth installment, the title character, played by Damon, reappears after his disappearance in the last Bourne film. Now remembering who he is, Bourne is on a mission to learn about his past. The film will surely please fans of the series, though it’s not clear if it will make a good jumping-on point for those who haven’t seen previous installments.

 

“Suicide Squad”

Aug. 5

Directed by David Ayer, starring Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne, Will Smith, Jared Leto, Joel Kinnaman, Ben Affleck

 

squad

A team of supervillains is recruited by a shadowy government agency to perform tasks that are considered too dangerous or morally gray for the regular superheroes to take on. The villains are offered the chance of shorter prison sentences in exchange for their help, but that’s not all that’s going on… is it? Is the shadowy government agency on the up and up? Will these villains be able to work together? Will Batman step in to stop them? Will this movie have any color in it? See it yourself and find out. One thing’s certain, though — you’ll get your fill of Will Smith.

 

“Pete’s Dragon”

Aug. 12

Directed by David Lowery, starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Oakes Fegley, Oona Laurence

 

Bryce Dallas Howard is Grace and Oakes Fegley is Pete in Disney's PETE'S DRAGON, the adventure of an orphaned boy and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon.

Bryce Dallas Howard is Grace and Oakes Fegley is Pete in Disney’s PETE’S DRAGON, the adventure of an orphaned boy and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon.

You loved it as a kid, and now you can share it with your own children in a new retelling. Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) has grown up listening to her grandfather (Robert Redford) tell stories of a dragon that lives in the forest. She doesn’t believe him until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley), a young boy living alone in the woods who claims to live with a dragon named Elliott. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), Grace sets out to learn who Pete is and if dragons really could be real. “Pete’s Dragon” has always been a tale of wonder and magic, and this new retelling is bound to carry on that tradition.

 

“Ben-Hur”

Aug. 19

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, starring Jack Huston, Gal Gadot, Morgan Freeman, Nazanin Boniadi

 

Ben Hur

A retelling of the classic story, “Ben-Hur” tells of a Jewish nobleman falsely accused of a crime and forced into slavery. Now he is on a mission to take revenge on the Roman who betrayed him. Along the way, Ben-Hur finds the way to redemption through a series of meetings with Jesus of Nazareth. This time, Jesus of Nazareth will have a larger presence throughout the story, a fact that the Pope himself has endorsed. The film deals with faith, vengeance and the Roman Empire — all things that fans of the original “Ben-Hur” love.

 

May 27

“X-Men: Apocalypse”

(d. Bryan Singer, with James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender)“Alice Through the Looking Glass” (d. James Bobin, with Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter)

 

June 3

“Me Before You”

(d. Thea Sharrock, with Emilia Clark, Sam Claflin, Charles Dance)

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” (d. Dave Green, with Megan Fox, Stephen Amell, Will Arnett)

“Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” (d. Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, with Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone)

 

June 10

“Warcraft” (d. Duncan Jones, with Paula Patton, Travis Fimmel, Ben Foster)

“Now You See Me 2” (d. Jon Chu, with Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg)

“The Conjuring 2: The Endfield Experiment” (d. James Wan, with Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Frances O’Conner)

 

June 17

“Finding Dory” (d. Andrew Stanton, with Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Diane Keaton)

“Central Intelligence” (d. Rawson Marshall Thurber, with Dwayne Johnson, Aaron Paul, Kevin Hart)

 

June 24

“Independence Day Resurgence” (d. Roland Emmerich, with Jeff Goldblum, Jessie Usher, Bill Pullman)

“Free State of Jones” (d. Gary Ross, with Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Keri Russell)

 

June 29

“The Shallows” (d. Jaume Collet-Serra, with Blake Lively, Oscar Jaenada, Sedona Legge)

 

July 1

“The Legend of Tarzan” (d. David Yates, with Alexander Skarsgard, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz)

“The BFG” (d. Steven Spielberg, with Ruby Barnhill, Mark Rylance, Rebecca Hall)

“The Purge: Election Year” (d. James DeMonaco, with Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson)

 

July 8

“The Secret Life of Pets” (d. Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney, with Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart)

“Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dresses” (d. Jake Szymanski, with Zac Efron, Aubrey Plaza, Anna Kendrick)

 

July 15

“Ghostbusters” (d. Paul Feig, with Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon)

“The Infiltrator” (d. Brad Furman, with Bryan Cranston, Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo)

 

July 22

“Star Trek Beyond” (d. Justin Lin, with Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana)

“Ice Age: Collision Course” (d. Mike Thurmeier, with John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Keke Palmer)

“Lights Out” (d. David F. Sandberg, with Teresa Palmer, Amaih Miller, Gabriel Bateman)

“Absolutely Fabulous” (d. Mandie Fletcher, with Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha)

 

July 29

“Jason Bourne” (d. Paul Greengrass, with Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Vincent Cassel)

“Bad Moms” (d. Scott Moore and Jon Lucas, with Mila Kunis, Christina Applegate, Kristen Bell)

 

Aug. 5

“Suicide Squad” (d. David Ayer, with Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Will Smith)

“Nine Lives” (d. Barry Sonnenfeld, with Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Garner, Christopher Walken)

“The Founder” (d. John Lee Hancock, with Michael Keaton, Laura Dern, Linda Cardellini)

 

Aug. 12

“Pete’s Dragon” (d. David Lowery, with Oakes Fegley, Robert Redford, Oona Laurence)

“Sausage Party” (d. Conrad Vernon, with Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig)

 

Aug. 19

“Ben Hur” (d. Timur Bekmambetov, with Morgan Freeman, Jack Huston, Gal Gadot)

“War Dogs” (d. Todd Phillips, with Miles Teller, Jonah Hill, Ana de Armas)

“The Space Between Us” (d. Peter Chelsom, with Gary Oldman, Carla Gugino, Asa Butterfield)

“Kubo and the Two Strings” (d. Travis Knight, with Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, George Takei)

 

Aug. 26

“Max Steel” (d. Stewart Hendler, with Andy Garcia, Ben Winchell, Ana Villafane)

“Mechanic: Resurrection” (d. Dennis Gansel, with Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones)

“Don’t Breathe” (d. Fede Alvarez, with Dylan Minnette, Stephan Lang, Jane Levy) CV

 

 

 

 

 

Music

 

By Jeff Pitts and Julie Paulson

 

Des Moines is blessed with a wonderful music selection throughout the greater metro area, and the sound of music will soon be wafting through our city streets. Make sure to make some time this summer to go exploring and discover a new musician, enjoy an old favorite, or better yet, maybe you should try a community concert.

The upcoming music season offers something worthwhile nearly every evening. Best of all, most shows are affordable, and many are even free.

Des Moines has so much vibrant music, fun concerts and quality shows, it would be impossible to compile them all in these pages, but in the pages ahead, you’ll find as many as we could pack in.

 

COVER 5-26 AE MUSIC TOKYO POLICE

All performances are all ages unless otherwise noted.

Friday, May 27

11:30 a.m. Ben Dunegan Tunes on the Terrace at Cafe Baratta — FREE

12:15 p.m. The Belin Quartet at Iowa Capitol West Terrace — FREE

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6 p.m. Grand Avenue Ruckus, Charlemagne at Vaudeville Mews — $5

6:30 p.m. Hot Tamale and the Red Hots at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Jacey, Kristie Stremel, Madam Jules at Lefty’s Live Music — $8; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Hotel Pattee – Dan Medeiros – FREE

7 p.m. Bonne Finken and Dan Tedesco at Des Moines Social Club — $12-$15

7 p.m. Get Off My Lawn at Penoach Winery, Adel — FREE

7 p.m. Dustin Bogue with Josh Keas and G24 at Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, St. Charles — FREE

7:30 p.m. Christopher the Conquered, Twins, Masonjixx at Wooly’s — $10-$40

8 p.m. Jeremie Malotke, Papi Sorrelis, Tod Parker at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Los Parranderos at Noce — $15-$50

9 p.m. Halfloves, SIRES, Condor, & Jaybird at Gas Lamp – $7

9 p.m. FreshenUP #TRAP515: Duffle Bag Top, Gothem, Muten BLVCK, Big G, Queen Kenzie at Des Moines Social Club — FREE

9:30 p.m. Adam Lee, Matt Woods, Randy Burk at Vaudeville Mews — $10; (21 and older)

 

Saturday, May 28

2:30 p.m. Larry Myer at Dale Valley Vineyard, Dale City — FREE; (21 and older)

5 p.m. Gross Domestic Product 2016: Green Death, Media Fresh, TIRES, Agrinex, Fetal Pig, Courtney Kraus, FOXHOLES at Wooly’s — $15-$20

5 p.m. Absolute Power, Slyde, Section Hate, Katastrophe’s Tomb at Vaudeville Mews — $6

7 p.m. Tim Earp at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. The New Standards at Noce — $20-$50

8 p.m. Hairball at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater — $20-$25

8 p.m. Joe and Vicki Price Blues, Blues, Blues at Gas Lamp — $7

8 p.m. Jeremie Malotke, Papi Sorrelis, Tod Parker at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

9:30 p.m. Best of Fools, G24 at Vaudeville Mews — $5; (21 and older)

10 p.m. Thorgy Thor at Garden Nightclub — Tickets not available; (21 and older)

COVER 5-26 AE MUSIC KANSAS

Sunday, May 29

2 p.m. Bobcats at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Randy Burk & the Prisoners at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

5 p.m. Striker, Spellcaster, Thrashole, Weresquatch at Vaudeville Mews — $10

6 p.m. Sam Moss, Liv Carrow and Extravision at Des Moines Social Club — $6

 

Monday, May 30

5 p.m. New Music Monday: Tomás Gorrio & the Travelling Gypsy, The Von Tramps, Versus at Lefty’s — FREE

8 p.m. La Dispute, Gates at Wooly’s — $16-$20

 

Tuesday, May 31

5:30 p.m. Hour 24, The Fat Turtles, Underdog Story at Vaudeville Mews — $10

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

7:30 p.m. Fruit Bats, Andrew C. Jenkins at Wooly’s — $15-$17

9:30 p.m. Gipsy Moon at Vaudeville Mews — $8; (21 and older)

Wednesday, June 1

4 p.m. Cloud Rat, False, Ferals, Test, Glass Ox, Closet Witch at Vaudeville Mews — $10

4:30 p.m. Wednesday 13 at Lefty’s Live Music — $13-$15

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: The Danny Whitson Band at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

7 p.m. The New Mexicos at Gas Lamp — FREE

7 p.m. The Tanner Taylor Trio at Noce — $10-$50

 

Thursday, June 2

5 p.m. Reflections, By the Thousands, In Search of Solace, Royal’Z at Vaudeville Mews — $10-$15

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Decoy at Valley Junction — FREE

6 p.m. Boston, Kansas, Blue Oyster Cult at Wells Fargo Arena — $36-$146

7 p.m. Wheeler Walker, Jr. at Wooly’s — $15-$17

7 p.m. Andy Fleming at Confluence Brewery — Price Unlisted

7 p.m. Studio One Live: Middle Western, MarKaus, Annalibera at Des Moines Social Club — $20-$25

8 p.m. Justin Flagg, Todd Cutshaw, Whitney Maxwell at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. The Soul Searchers at Noce — $10-$50

9 p.m. Kickstart the Month! at DG’s Tap House, Ames — FREE

9:30 p.m. Chris Koza, Space for Lease, Nowns at Vaudeville Mews — $5; (21 and older)

 

Friday, June 3

11:30 a.m. Tunes on the Terrace: Brian Congdon at Cafe Baratta — FREE

5 p.m. Live at the Creek Concert Series: Decoy at Jordan Creek Town Center Amphitheater — FREE

5:30 p.m. First Friday New Orleans Jazz Party at Des Moines Social Club — $5

6 p.m. You Knew Me When at Firetrucker Brewery, Ankeny — FREE

6:30 p.m. The Rivieras Band at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Reggie Greenlaw and John Richardson at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Christopher’s Very Happy Band at Noce — $15-$50

7:30 p.m. Karen Meat, Land of Blood and Sunshine, Pure Gut, Dana T, Odd Pets at Vaudeville Mews $7; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Justin Flagg, Todd Cutshaw, Whitney Maxwell at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Here Come the Mummies at Brenton Skating Plaza — $20-$25

9 p.m. Porter & the Bluebonnet Rattlesnakes, Beard & Co., Jeremy Pinnell at Lefty’s Live Music — $8; (21 and older)

 

Saturday, June 4

2:30 p.m. Grinning Idiots Band at Dale Valley Winery, Dale City — FREE; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Tyler the Creator at 7 Flags Event Center, Clive — $25-$75

7 p.m. Marilyn Jerome at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Gina Gedler & the Soya Vista Jazz Orchestra at Noce — $15-$50

7:30 p.m. Tokyo Police Club, We Were Promised Jetpacks at Wooly’s — $20

7:30 p.m. Druids, Growing Cold, Telekinetic Yeti at Vaudeville Mews — $8; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Rocky Raccoon at Gas Lamp — $7

8 p.m. Justin Flagg, Todd Cutshaw, Whitney Maxwell at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar J — FREE; (21 and older)

 

Sunday, June 5

2 p.m. Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Fat Tuesday at Snus Hill Winery — FREE

2:30 p.m. Mr. Baber’s Neighbors at Prairie Moon Winery — $3; (21 and older)

5 p.m. Nighttime Safari at Vaudeville Mews — $5

6 p.m. Parkapalooza at Village Park — FREE

7 p.m. The Belin Quartet at Johnston Public Library — FREE

 

Monday, June 6

8:30 p.m. Daniel Bachman, Eric Kennedy, Dylan Boyle at Vaudeville Mews — $10; (21 and older)

 

Tuesday, June 7

4 p.m. Ill Nino 15th Anniversary Tour: Ill Nino, Bobaflex, Shattered Sun, Voodoo Terror Tribe at Lefty’s Live Music — $15-$20

6 p.m. Kevin Garrett at Vaudeville Mews — $12

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

COVER 5-26 AE MUSIC AARON WATSON

Wednesday, June 8

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: Richie Lee at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

6 p.m. Jacob Whitesides, Shane Harper at Vaudeville Mews — $20

7 p.m. The New Mexicos at Gas Lamp — FREE

7 p.m. The Jason Danielson Trio at Noce — $10-$50

8 p.m. Curren$y at Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines — $25-$30

 

Thursday, June 9

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Sumpin’ Doo at Valley Junction — FREE

7 p.m. Josh Davis at Confluence Brewing Company — Price Unlisted

7:30 p.m. Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus at Temple for the Performing Arts — $20- $25

8 p.m. Eben Seaman, Jeremie Malotke at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Heath Allen at Noce — $10-$50

 

Friday, June 10

11:30 a.m. Courtney Krause at Cafe Baratta — FREE

4:30 p.m. Hell Over Iowa: Heavy Weight, Saul, At All Cost, mediumPenis at Vaudeville Mews — $15

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6:30 p.m. The Soul Searchers at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. The Nadas at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater — $15-$20

7 p.m. JJ Express at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Chad Elliott at Penoach Winery, Adel — FREE

7:30 p.m. Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus at Temple for the Performing Arts — $20- $25

8 p.m. Best of Fools, Blake Lubinus at Gas Lamp — $7

8 p.m. Eben Seaman, Jeremie Malotke at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. America at Hoyt Sherman Place — $54-$69

9 p.m. Big Freedia at Wooly’s — $20; (21 and older)

9:30 p.m. SeaSaw, Lesbian Poetry, Grandchamp at Des Moines Social Club — $6

9:30 p.m. Hell Over Iowa: Sepulcher, Ancient Elm, Cranial Decay, Quade at Vaudeville Mews — $15; (21 and older)

 

Saturday, June 11

12 p.m. Flashback to the ’80s Festival: Devil’s Deck, Achilles Last Band, Eliminator, Alice Un Chained, Faithfully, Shoot to Thrill at Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, St. Charles — $30-$40

2:30 p.m. Larry Berenguel at Dale Valley Winery, Dale City — FREE; (21 and older)

3 p.m. Fong’s Fest: Britches and Hoes, Snack Knuckle, The Jesters, Bonne Finken at Fong’s Pizza — FREE

3:30 p.m. Hell Over Iowa: Towering Abomination, Baramyu, Krotchripper, Il Da Morte, Forever Tormented at Vaudeville Mews — $15

5 p.m. Sounds of Summer: Shot Thru the Heart Bon Jovi Tribute Show at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel — FREE

7 p.m. Chad Elliott at Covered Bridges Winery, Winterset — FREE; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Lynne Rothrock at Noce — $20-$50

7 p.m. Jacey Gutknecht at Hotel Pattee — FREE

8 p.m. Continental Band, Stephen Lee at Gas Lamp — $7

8 p.m. Eben Seaman, Jeremie Malotke at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

9 p.m. Local H “As Good as Dead” Album Tour at Wooly’s — $15

9 p.m. Alex Culbreth at DG’s Tap House, Ames — $5

9:30 p.m. Hell Over Iowa: Wrath, Legion, Altered Existence, Ghostbusters at Vaudeville Mews — $15; (21 and older)

 

Sunday, June 12

2 p.m. Sons of Gladys Kravitz at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Boomerang at Snus Hill Winery — FREE

2:30 p.m. Larry Myer at Prairie Moon Winery — $3; (21 and older)

3 p.m. Workin’ Man Blues: A Tribute to Bakersfield County: David Zollo, Randy Burk, Jason Reed, Jerry Virden, Marjorie Horton-Lovett at Gas Lamp — $10

7 p.m. Des Moines Metro Concert Band, Des Moines Metro Big Band, Tina Haase Findlay at West Capitol Grounds — FREE

 

Monday, June 13

9 p.m. New Music Monday: Discount Jaw Removal, Slaughter Camp at Lefty’s Live Music — FREE; (21 and older)

 

Tuesday, June 14

6 p.m. Leyla McCalla, Abbie and the Sawyers at Des Moines Social Club — $12-$15

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

8 p.m. Dale Watson at Vaudeville Mews — $15; (21 and older)

 

Wednesday, June 15

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: The New Mexicos at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Kentucky Fried Eagle at Gas Lamp — FREE

8 p.m. Papi Sorrelis at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Cee Lo Green, Nikki’s Wives at Wooly’s — $30-$105

8 p.m. Waxahatchee, Allison Crutchfield at Vaudeville Mews — $14; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Choro Moingona at Noce — $10-$50

COVER 5-26 AE MUSIC DIERKS BENTLEY

Thursday, June 16

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Monday Mourners at Valley Junction — FREE

5:30 p.m. Cub Sport, Maids at Vaudeville Mews — $10

7:30 p.m. KT Tunstall at Wooly’s — $20

8 p.m. Papi Sorrelis, PJ Gartrell at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

 

Friday, June 17

11:30 a.m. Tunes on the Terrace: Patresa Hartman at Cafe Baratta — FREE

5 p.m. The Vahnevants, The Hex Girls, Person Whale, Retirement at Vaudeville Mews — $5

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6:30 p.m. Planet Passengers at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Los Lobos, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater — $25-$30

7 p.m. Ron Burchett at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7:30 p.m. Lyle Lovett and His Large Band at Hoyt Sherman Place — $59-$66

8 p.m. Papi Sorrelis, PJ Gartrell at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

9 p.m. Chuck Hoffman’s Birthday Show: Zuul, Nostromo, Fetal Pig at Lefty’s Live Music — $6; (21 and older)

9 p.m. Harper & the Midwest Kind at Gas Lamp — $10

9 p.m. Dave Camwell at Noce — $15-$50

9:30 p.m. The Native, Shameless Pursuit at Vaudeville Mews — $5; (21 and older)

9:30 p.m. Dusty Heart, Rod Picott, Chad Elliott at Des Moines Social Club — $7

 

Saturday, June 18

2:30 p.m. Mason Jar at Dale Valley Winery, Dale City — FREE; (21 and older)

5:30 p.m. Oddity, Grandchamp, Dead King Chuck at Vaudeville Mews — $5

6 p.m. Camp Euforia Battle of the Bands at Wooly’s — $5

6 p.m. Bob Malek’s Fisherman Band at Hessen Haus — FREE; (21 and older)

7 p.m. In This Moment, Hellyeah, Shaman’s Harvest and Sunflower Dead at 7 Flags Event Center, Clive — $29.50

7 p.m. Dan Jones at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Elaine Dame at Noce — $20-$50

8 p.m. Papi Sorrelis, PJ Gartrell at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

9 p.m. Luke Redfield, Mississippi Jake, Dang Felton at Lefty’s Live Music — $8; (21 and older)

9 p.m. Good Night Gold Dust, Hi-Fi Cali, Madison Ray at Gas Lamp — $7

9:30 p.m. New Member Charles, The Vahnevants, Gloom Balloon at Vaudeville Mews — $5; (21 and older)

COVER 5-26 AE MUSIC HARPER

Sunday, June 19

2 p.m. Planet Passengers at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15, FREE for Dads

2 p.m. Brick Immerman at Penoach Winery, Adel — FREE

2 p.m. Get Off My Lawn at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

6 p.m. The Crane Wives, Vein Reys, Pink Neighbor at Des Moines Social Club — $7

7 p.m. Brandi Carlile, Greg Holden at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater — $35-$40

7 p.m. Des Moines Metro Concert Band, Des Moines Metro Big Band, Jackie Schmillen at West Capitol Grounds — FREE

8:30 p.m. Lowdown Brass Band at Vaudeville Mews — $10; (21 and older)

 

Monday, June 20

7 p.m. New Music Monday: The Dafneys, Drowning in the Wake at Lefty’s Live Music — FREE (21-plus after 9 p.m.)

 

Tuesday, June 21

5 p.m. Pro-Pain, Absolute Power, Pain of Evolution at Vaudeville Mews — $13-$15

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

 

Wednesday, June 22

5 p.m. Apothesary at Lefty’s Live Music — $8

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: Riddle Me This at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Kentucky Fried Eagle at Gas Lamp — FREE

7 p.m. Scott Davis’s Drama Kings at Noce — $10-$50

7:30 p.m. Justin Bieber at Wells Fargo Arena — $50.50-$116

8 p.m. Papi Sorrelis at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8:30 p.m. Joe Firstman at Vaudeville Mews — $10; (21 and older)

COVER 5-26 AE MUSIC NAS

Thursday, June 23

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Tony Valdez Large Band at Valley Junction — FREE

7 p.m. Unturned at The Record Mill, Ames — FREE, $5 suggested donation

8 p.m. Dave Hawk, Jeremie Malotke, Papi Sorrelis at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Tina Haase Findlay at Noce — $10-$50

9 p.m. Snail Mate, Men of Science & Faith, Kickstart the Sun at Lefty’s Live Music — $7 (21 and older)

 

Friday, June 24

11:30 a.m. Tunes on the Terrace: The Fritters at Cafe Baratta — FREE

4 p.m. DSME, The Fine Constant, Aenimus at Lefty’s Live Music — $8-$10

5:15 p.m. American Head Charge, Motograter, Apathy Syndrome, Katastrophe’s Tomb at Vaudeville Mews — $16

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6 p.m. Sounds on the Square: Plastic Apartment at Polk City — FREE

6:30 p.m. Vinyl Vagabonds at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Aaron Watson at Brenton Skating Plaza — $20-$25

7 p.m. Dan Medeiros at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Abby Normal at Penaoch Winery, Adel — FREE

8 p.m. Michael Franti & Spearhead, Chali 2na & The Funk Hunters at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater — $34-$39

8 p.m. Dust Radio, The Glovebox Whiskey, The Other Brothers at Gas Lamp — $7

8 p.m. Dave Hawk, Jeremie Malotke, Papi Sorrelis at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Los Parranderos at Noce — $15-$50

9:30 p.m. Lady and the Gentlemen, Weekends with Forrest at Vaudeville Mews — $5; (21 and older)

 

Saturday, June 25

5 p.m. Hot-n-Shreddy Show: Traffic Death, ThorHammer, Reign, SpeedRun at Vaudeville Mews — $5

6 p.m. Bill Koncar at Hessen Haus — FREE; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Ray and Jane at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Crosswind at Covered Bridges Winery, Winterset — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Dave Hawke, Jeremy Malotke, Papi Sorrelis at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Collective Soul at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater — $30-$35

8 p.m. Mike Munson, Sara Routh, Adam Bruce at Gas Lamp — $7

8 p.m. Ben Goldberg at Noce — $20-$50

9 p.m. Hazer, Caducus, 8founDead at Lefty’s Live Music — Tickets not yet on sale; (21 and older)

9:30 p.m. James McCartney at Vaudeville Mews — $15; (21 and older)

 

Sunday, June 26

2 p.m. Abby Normal at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Brian Holtz Band at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Des Moines Metro Concert Band, Des Moines Metro Big Band, Gina Gedler at West Capitol Grounds — FREE

7:30 p.m. Indigo Girls at Hoyt Sherman Place — $39.50-$49.50

8:30 p.m. Curta, AWTHNTKTS, Aeon Grey, MarKaus, Ryan Nixon at Vaudeville Mews — $10; (21 and older)

 

Monday, June 27

5:30 p.m. New Music Monday: Joshua Powell & the Great Train Robbery, Swamp Rat at Lefty’s Live Music — FREE (21 and older after 9 p.m.)

 

Tuesday, June 28

5 p.m. Castle, Skin of Earth, Nostromo at Vaudeville Mews — $8

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

 

Wednesday, June 29

5 p.m. Pale Dian, Honeycreeper, Nowns at Vaudeville Mews — $5

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: Round-a-Bout at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

7 p.m. The New Mexicos at Gas Lamp — FREE

7 p.m. The Sue Oatts Trio at Noce — $10-$50

7:30 p.m. Umphrey’s McGee at Brenton Skating Plaza — $25-$30

8 p.m. The Jayhawks, Folk Uke at Wooly’s — $35

9:30 p.m. Chachi on Acid, Captain Three Leg, Rabble Rouser, Ghostbusters at Vaudeville Mews — $5; (21 and older)

 

Thursday, June 30

5 p.m. Infinite Me, Stars Hollow, Meet Me in Montauk, Casual, Pity Party at Lefty’s Live Music — $10

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Brother Trucker at Valley Junction — FREE

6 p.m. The Maytags at Jasper Winery — FREE

8 p.m. PJ Gartrell at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. The Steve E. George Band at Noce — $10-$50

8:30 p.m. The Hooten Hallers, Dead Soldiers, Matthew James at Vaudeville Mews — $7; (21 and older)

9 p.m. NE-HI, Twins at Des Moines Social Club — $7-$10

 

Friday, July 1

11:30 a.m. Tunes on the Terrace: Jacey Gutknecht at Cafe Baratta — FREE

5 p.m. Muzik Therapy at Vaudeville Mews — $10 (patrons under 21 will be asked to leave at 9:30 p.m.)

5:30 p.m. First Friday New Orlean’s Jazz Party at Des Moines Social Club — $5

6:30 p.m. iNFUZiON at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Rural Acoustic Cooperative at Hotel Pattee — FREE

8 p.m. PJ Gartrell at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Towncrier at Gas Lamp — $7

 

Saturday, July 2

5 p.m. Sounds of Summer: American Country at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel — FREE

5:30 p.m. Conrad Bascom & the Legal Tender, Ben Baumbach, Lesbian Poetry at Vaudeville Mews — FREE

6 p.m. Bob Malek’s Fisherman Band at Hessen Haus — FREE; (21 and older)

6:30 p.m. Josh Garrels at Brenton Skating Plaza — $20-$35

7 p.m. Tim Earp at Hotel Pattee — FREE

8 p.m. PJ Gartrell at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Brian Fallon & the Crowes, Chris Farren at Wooly’s — $22-$25

8 p.m. Cole Porter Band, Alex Culbreth at Gas Lamp — $8-$10

9:30 p.m. Conrad Bascom & the Legal Tender, Baby Birds Don’t Drink Milk, DJ DJ Penis at Vaudeville Mews — FREE; (21 and older)

 

Sunday, July 3

2 p.m. Heath Alan Band at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Burnin’ Sensations at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

5 p.m. ’68, Switchblade Saturdays, Manhattan Blockade at Vaudeville Mews — $12

5 p.m. Sounds of Summer: The Dweebs at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel — FREE

6 p.m. King of the Tramps, J. Jeffery Messerole at Des Moines Social Club — $6

7 p.m. Des Moines Metro Concert Band, Des Moines Metro Big Band at West Capitol Grounds — FREE

 

Monday, July 4

5 p.m. Independence Day Punk Picnic: Bitch’N’Dudes at Lefty’s Live Music — Tickets not yet available

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Soya Vista Jazz Orchestra at Lion’s Park, Urbandale — FREE

 

Tuesday, July 5

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

 

Wednesday, July 6

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: Jimmy the Weasel at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Electric Six, In the Whale at Vaudeville Mews — $15; (21 and older)

 

Thursday, July 7

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Comfort Zone at Valley Junction — FREE

6 p.m. Duelling Guitars ft. Brian Congdon at Jasper Winery — FREE

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Tanner Taylor Trio at Principal Park — FREE

7 p.m. Studio One Live at Des Moines Social Club — Price Unlisted

 

Friday, July 8

11:30 a.m. Tunes on the Terrace: Vanessa Ellsbury at Cafe Baratta — FREE

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: The Jazz Page at Bondurant Trailhead, Bondurant — FREE

6:30 p.m. Opus Taylor at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Reggie Greenlaw and John Richardson at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Planet Passengers at Penoach Winery, Adel — FREE

10:30 p.m. Mantis Pincers at Vaudeville Mews — FREE; (21 and older)

All day 80/35 Festival at Western Gateway Park –– $42-$65

 

Saturday, July 9

2:30 p.m. Madam Jules at Dale Valley Winery, Dale City — FREE; (21 and older)

5 p.m. Kutt Calhoun, Whitney Peyton, Sincerely Collins at Lefty’s Live Music — $15-$20

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Jeff Miguel Quartet at Evelyn K. Davis Park — FREE

7 p.m. Marilyn Jerome at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Park Sixy3 at Covered Bridges Winery, Winterset — FREE; (21 and older)

9 p.m. Secret Colours, Knubby at Lefty’s Live Music — $6; (21 and older)

11 p.m. Colleen Green, Karen Meat at Vaudeville Mews — FREE; (21 and older)

All day 80/35 Festival at Western Gateway Park –– $42-$65

Sunday, July 10

2 p.m. Slipstream at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Fat Tuesday at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

5 p.m. The Maension, Face the Ghost, 6 Prong Paw at Lefty’s Live Music — $5

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Blake Shaw Quintet at City Park, Norwalk — FREE

7 p.m. Metro Dixieland Combo, Max Wellman at West Capitol Grounds — FREE

 

Monday, July 11

7:30 p.m. Tears for Fears at Hoyt Sherman Auditorium — $42-$96

 

Tuesday, July 12

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

7:30 p.m. Otherwise, Sons of Texas, Shallow Side at Wooly’s — $15-$17

 

Wednesday, July 13

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: Toaster at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

Thursday, July 14

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Bob Dorr & the Blue Band at Valley Junction — FREE

6 p.m. Dazy Head Mazy at Jasper Winery — FREE

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: John Morgan Orchestra at Wesley Acres — FREE

7 p.m. Cage the Elephant at 7 Flags Event Center, Clive — $35

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Friday, July 15

11:30 a.m. Tunes on the Terrace: Jason Walsmith at Cafe Baratta — FREE

5:30 p.m. Punched by Proxy, Hazer, Franklin’s Basement at Vaudeville Mews — $5

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Parranderos Latin Combo at La Placita, East Grand and East 15th St. — FREE

6:30 p.m. Old School at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Big Joel Kinser at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7:30 p.m. Peter Frampton at Hoyt Sherman Auditorium — $42-$96

8 p.m. The Missing Letters, Kick, Eagle Trace at Gas Lamp — $7

8 p.m. Equitis Media Two Year Anniversary Show: LT Mentality, B. Well, Corey Island at Wooly’s — $5

8 p.m. Sounds on the Square: Standing Hampton at Polk City — FREE

9:30 p.m. Gallows Bound, WhiskeyDick at Vaudeville Mews — $10; (21 and older)

 

Saturday, July 16

2:30 p.m. Jessie & King Rhythm Band at Dale Valley Winery, Dale City — FREE; (21 and older)

5 p.m. Sounds on the Square: Sister Sara at Polk City — FREE

6 p.m. Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen at Hessen Haus — FREE; (21 and older)

6:30 p.m. Stuart Davis at Vaudeville Mews — $15

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Rose Colella “Cocktail” at Waveband Golf Course — FREE

7 p.m. Paul Pfau at 1511 N.W. 102nd St., Clive — $13.28

7 p.m. Jacey Gutknicht at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. iNFUZiON at Covered Bridges Winery, Winterset — FREE; (21 and older)

8 p.m. John D. Hale Band, Stewart Ray at Gas Lamp — $8-$10

8 p.m. Sounds on the Square: Becker at Polk City — FREE

9:30 p.m. CR Dicks at Vaudeville Mews — $5; (21 and older)

 

Sunday, July 17

2 p.m. Flipside at Summerset Winery, Indianola — FREE; (21 and older)

2 p.m. Dan Jones at Penoach Winery, Adel — FREE

2 p.m. Riddle Me This at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

4:30 p.m. In Dying Arms, It Lies Within, Sea of Treachery at Vaudeville Mews — $13

5 p.m. Mushroomhead, Evolution, Sinister Theory, Katastrophe’s Tomb at Lefty’s Live Music — $17-$20

6:30 p.m. Warren G. at Wooly’s — $20-$25

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Freddy Gazzo Band at Des Moines Public Library — FREE

7 p.m. Iowa Military Veterans Band at West Capitol Grounds — FREE

7:30 p.m. Lyle Lovett and His Large Band at Hoyt Sherman Auditorium — $56-$63

 

Tuesday, July 19

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

Wednesday, July 20

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: Chasing Chaos at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

 

 

Thursday, July 21

5 p.m. Sirens, Imperium, EXOMEN at Lefty’s Live Music — $8-$10

5:30 p.m. Abby Normal at Historic Valley Junction — FREE

6 p.m. Pianopalooza Band at Jasper Winery — FREE

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Christopher’s Very Happy Band at DMACC West Campus — FREE

7 p.m. Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, Civil Twilight at Wooly’s — $25.50- $31

7:30 p.m. Diana Ross at Des Moines Civic Center — $70.50-$130.50

 

Friday, July 22

11:30 a.m. Tunes on the Terrace: Luke Fox at Cafe Baratta — FREE

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6:30 p.m. Bethany Jo Johnson at Vaudeville Mews — $5

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Bryan Shumacker Quartet at Jester Park, Granger — FREE

6:30 p.m. Code Blue at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

6:30 p.m. Des Moines Symphony 22nd Annual Yankee Doodle Pops at West Terrace, Iowa Capitol City — FREE

7 p.m. Shakey Graves, Streets of Loredo at Wooly’s — $20-$25

7 p.m. Ron Burchett at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Brother Trucker at Penoach Winery, Adel — FREE

9:30 p.m. Twins, Devin Frank’s Vanishing Blues Band, The Blendours at Vaudeville Mews — $7; (21 and older)

 

Friday, July 22-Saturday, July 23

All Day 515 Alive Music Festival 2016 at Western Gateway Park — $39.54- $97.19

 

Saturday, July 23

5 p.m. Rockin’ for Youths Benefit: Bands TBD at Lefty’s Live Music — $10

5 p.m. Sounds of Summer: The Spazmatics at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel — FREE

6 p.m. Bill Koncar at Hessen Haus — FREE; (21 and older)

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: The Tighten Up at 6th Ave. and Washington — FREE

7 p.m. Dan Jones at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Chad Elliott at Covered Bridges Winery, Winterset — FREE; (21 and older)

9:30 p.m. Alice Sweet Alice, Pets with Human Names, The Native at Vaudeville Mews — $5; (21 and older)

 

Sunday, July 24

2 p.m. Tony Valdez & the Retro Rockets at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. According to Hoyle at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

2:30 p.m. Colt Walkers at Prairie Moon Winery — $3; (21 and older)

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Damani Phillips with Strings at Johnston Commons, Johnston — FREE

 

Monday, July 25

5:30 p.m. The Devil Wears Prada, Words Like Daggers, avoid., The Point Past Insanity at Vaudeville Mews — $15

 

Tuesday, July 26

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

7:30 p.m. Indigo Girls and Great Caesar at Hoyt Sherman Place — $36.50-$46.50

 

Wednesday, July 27

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: The Sheet at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

7:30 p.m. Saint Motel, Muna at Wooly’s — $17

 

Thursday, July 28

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Final Mix at Valley Junction — FREE

6 p.m. Flipside at Jasper Winery — FREE

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: Tina Haase Findlay with the Alex Murphy Jazz Trio of Chicago at Copper Creek Lake Park, Pleasant Hill — FREE

7 p.m. Sinai Vessel at The Record Mill, Ames — $5

 

Friday, July 29

11:30 a.m. Tunes on the Terrace: The High Crest at Cafe Baratta — FREE

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6:30 p.m. Jazz in July: High Society Big Band at Grand View University — FREE

6:30 p.m. Tony Valdez Duo at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Dan Medeiros at Hotel Pattee — FREE

 

Saturday, July 30

2:30 p.m. Larry Berenguel at Dale Valley Winery, Dale City — FREE; (21 and older)

5 p.m. Conveyer, Prophets, High Hopes, RIG TIME!, Street Thieves at Lefty’s Live Music — $10-$12

6 p.m. Jazz in July Season Finale: Whitney Marchelle, The Nola Jazz Band at Railroad Park, Valley Junction — FREE

6 p.m. Dale Dahman and the Beats at Hessen Haus — FREE; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Ray and Jane at Hotel Pattee — FREE

 

Sunday, July 31

2 p.m. Sister Sara at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Hot Tamale and the Red Hots at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

 

Tuesday, Aug. 2

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

Wednesday, Aug. 3

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: Jake McVey at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

6:30 p.m. Slightly Stoopid, SOJA, The Grouch & Eligh at Brenton Skating Plaza — $15.55-$99

 

Thursday, Aug. 4

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Randy Burk & the Prisoners at Valley Junction — FREE

6 p.m. Final Mix at Jasper Winery —- FREE

7 p.m. Studio One Live at Des Moines Social Club — Price Unlisted

 

Friday, Aug. 5

5:30 p.m. First Friday New Orleans Jazz Party at Des Moines Social Club — $5

6:30 p.m. The Soul Searchers at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Slipknot at Wells Fargo Arena — $45-$75

7 p.m. Reggie Greenlaw and John Richardson at Hotel Pattee — FREE

Friday, Aug. 5 – Saturday, Aug. 6

3:30 p.m. Hinterland Music Festival: Willie Nelson, Ray LaMontagne, Cold War Kids, Grace Potter, Lake Street Dive, Shovels and Rope, Houndmouth, The Turnpike Troubadours, Hayes Carll, Pokey LaFarge, William Elliott Whitmore, San Fermin, Field Division at Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, St. Charles — $49-$95

 

Saturday, Aug. 6

5 p.m. Sounds of Summer: Lost Highway at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel — FREE

6 p.m. Bob Malek’s Fisherman Band at Hessen Haus — FREE; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Marilyn Jerome at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Hot Tamale and the Red Hots at Covered Bridges Winery, Winterset — FREE; (21 and older)

 

Sunday, Aug. 7

2 p.m. Sons of Gladys Kravitz at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

7 p.m. Doobie Brothers and Journey at Wells Fargo Arena — $29.50-$99.50

 

Tuesday, Aug. 9

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

 

Wednesday, Aug. 10

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: Burnin’ Sensations at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Blue Traveler at Brenton Skating Plaza — $25-$30

 

Thursday, Aug. 11

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Flipside at Valley Junction — FREE

8 p.m. Newsboys and Francesca Battistelli at Iowa State Fairgrounds — $30-$45

 

Friday, Aug. 12

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6:30 p.m. Brian Holtz Band at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. The High Crest at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Abby Normal at Penoach Winery, Adel — FREE

8 p.m. Meghan Trainor and Common Kings at Iowa State Fairgrounds — $45- $60

8 p.m. Electric Rag Band at Gas Lamp — $7

 

Saturday, Aug. 13

2:30 p.m. Chad Elliott at Dale Valley Winery, Dale City — FREE; (21 and older)

6 p.m. Bill Koncar at Hessen Haus — FREE; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Jacey Gutknicht at Hotel Pattee — FREE

8 p.m. Brett Eldredge at Iowa State Fair — $32-$47

8 p.m. The Other Brothers, Stutterin’ Jimmy and the Goosebumps, Origami Animals at Gas Lamp — $7

 

Sunday, Aug. 14

1 p.m. DigiTour Summer at Wooly’s — $117.03-$231.49

2 p.m. Final Mix at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Tropical Steel at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

2:30 p.m. Jesse and the King Rhythm at Prairie Moon Winery — $3; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Jason Derulo at Iowa State Fair — $35-$47

 

Monday, Aug. 15

7 p.m. The Melvins at Wooly’s — $15-$17

8 p.m. Dierks Bentley and Tucker Beathard at Iowa State Fairgrounds — $57

 

Tuesday, Aug. 16

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

8 p.m. Cheap Trick, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Heart at Iowa State Fairgrounds — $32-$52

 

Wednesday, Aug. 17

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: DJ at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Deftones at 7 Flags Event Center, Clive — $43.75

Thursday, Aug. 18

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Gimikk at Valley Junction — FREE

 

Friday, Aug. 19

3 p.m. Fresh Fest Music Festival at Des Moines Social Club — Price Unlisted

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6:30 p.m. Hold On at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Ron Burchett at Hotel Pattee — FREE

8 p.m. KISS at Iowa State Fair — $50-$85

 

Saturday, Aug. 20

7 p.m. Dan Jones at Hotel Pattee — FREE

8 p.m. Steven Tyler and The Loving Mary Band at Iowa State Fair — $45-$65

 

Sunday, Aug. 21

2 p.m. Brian Holtz Band at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Freestyle at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

2:30 p.m. Chad Elliott at Prairie Moon Winery — $3; (21 and older)

8 p.m. Lady Antebellum at Iowa State Fair — $40-$65

 

Tuesday, Aug. 23

7 p.m. Gov’t Mule, Blackberry Smoke at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater — $35-$40

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

 

Wednesday, Aug. 24

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew: Standing Hampton at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

 

Thursday, Aug. 25

5:30 p.m. Music in the Junction: Plastic Apartment at Valley Junction — FREE

 

Friday, Aug. 26

5:30 p.m. Jazz Happy Hour at Des Moines Social Club — FREE ($6 suggested donation)

6:30 p.m. The Rivieras Band at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

7 p.m. Dan Medeiros at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7 p.m. Back Stage Boogie Band at Penoach Winery, Adel — FREE

8 p.m. Freakabout, The Rumours, Kait Berreckman Music at Gas Lamp — $8

 

Saturday, Aug. 27

2 p.m. Sounds on the Square: Storm Warning at Polk City — FREE

7 p.m. Barry Boyce Band at Hessen Haus — FREE; (21 and older)

7 p.m. Ray and Jane at Hotel Pattee — FREE

7:30 p.m. 10 Years & Finger 11, Evan Stone at Wooly’s — $25-$30

8 p.m. Crooked Mile at Gas Lamp — $7

 

Sunday, Aug. 28

2 p.m. Tony Valdez & the Large Band at Summerset Winery, Indianola — $5-$15

2 p.m. Boomerang at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid — FREE

5 p.m. Walker Trout at Lefty’s Live Music — $15-$20

 

Tuesday, Aug. 30

7 p.m. Jazz on the House at Noce — FREE

 

Wednesday, Aug. 31

5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew Season Finale: Pianopalooza at Blank Park Zoo — $13; (21 and older)

8 p.m. O.A.R at Stephens Auditorium, Iowa State Center, Ames — $25.57- $46.25 CV

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoors

 

By Jeff Pitts and Julie Paulson

 

It’s finally summer, and it’s high time you get outside and enjoy yourself. Des Moines offers many opportunities to breathe fresh air, enjoy some exercise and to be active.

As the weather increasingly gets warmer, and the sun stays out longer, make a plan to catch a concert in the park or to observe some outdoor art. If you have the chance, go watch your favorite sports team.

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On the Fourth of July, celebrate the birth of this great nation by checking out the many parades, festivals and fireworks happening near you.

Attend one of the community cookouts going on throughout the summer season, and pick up the best produce in the country at a farmer’s market to take along with you, after all, this is Iowa, and food is one thing we do cheaper and better than anywhere else.

With so much going on in such a beautiful place, you’ll never want to spend the day indoors.

 

Revved Up

Mechanized events, shows, cruises and rides

 

The Bad Boyz Mustang Club. All through the summer, people who love cars, bikes or anything with wheels will have an event to attend. The Bad Boyz Mustang Club caters to them all and runs plenty of car shows and cruise races all season long. www.badboyzmustangclub.com/e107/news.php.

Through Aug. 27 — Lucas Oil Knoxville Championship Cup Series. Knoxville Raceway. Events are scheduled through the entire season, including National Sprint League races and Marion County Fair entertainment such as live bands and rodeos. Fun and excitement for everyone. www.knoxvilleraceway.com.

Through Aug. 27 — Figure 8 Races. Head out to the track every other Saturday this summer to experience Figure 8 Races with special theme nights including Red/White/Blue Night, Candy Toss Night and Bike Giveaway Night at the Dallas County Fairgrounds at 28057 Fairgrounds Road in Adel at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $3-$8. www.dallascountyfair.com/racing.

June 5 — Mustang Car Show. The Historic Valley Junction will host its 37th annual car show open to all Ford-powered vehicles from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Both MCA-judges and popular vote events will be available so everyone can walk away happy. There will also be a swap meet and a pony corral at the event. www.valleyjunction.com/event/mustang-car-show.

June 19 — Nationwide Powersports Showcase. Any sort of vehicle imaginable will be on display at Nationwide Insurance starting at 10 a.m. Visitors can vote for their favorite bike and favorite scooters, ride the Harley Davidson, ATV, snowmobile and other simulators as they participate in various tailgate activities. www.downtowndesmoines.com/events/2447?event_date_id=4238.

June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16 — Bike Down to I Town. From now until September, on the third Friday of each month, Indianola hosts one of the biggest ongoing bike night events of the summer, complete with motorcycles and other motor vehicles. The celebrations also include live music, food vendors and more fun. www.bikedowntoitown.com.

 

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July 10 — Iowa Corn 300. The INDYCAR Series will offer a 300-lap race on July 10 beginning at 4:15 p.m. Tickets range from $20-$70. The race will also be broadcast on NBCSN. www.iowaspeedway.com.

July 30 — U.S. Cellular 250. The NASCAR XFINITY Series will have a 250-lap race beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20-$70. The race will be broadcast on NBCSN and on MRN radio. www.iowaspeedway.com.

Aug. 14 — American Iron Car Show. The Pleasant Hill Parks & Recreation Department presents an upbeat 1980s American Iron Car Show featuring the classics. It will offer fun music, food and entertainment from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is free. www.shopdowntownpleasanthill.com/events.

 

In Tune

Outdoor live music and movies

 

Outdoor Movies:

Ankeny’s Movies Under The Stars. 410 W. First St., Ankeny, June 3-29, 8:30 p.m. (515) 963-3570. Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite snack! Movies are free and begin at dusk. www.ankenyiowa.gov

Friday, June 3: “Inside Out” (PG)

Friday, June 10: “Toy Story” (G)

Wednesday, July 15: “The Good Dinosaur” (PG)

Friday, June 17: “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” (PG)

Wednesday, July 22: “Hotel Transylvania 2” (PG)

Friday, June 24: “Minions” (PG)

Wednesday, July 29: “Elf” (PG)

Cinema Under the Stars. 5465 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. It’s movie night under the stars, and best of all, it’s free. Bring the family and your picnic basket, chairs and blankets. Live music begins at 7 p.m., and the movie starts at 9 p.m.

Friday, June 10 — Music: King of the Tramps; Movie: “The Help”

Friday, June 24 — Music : Ryne Doughty; Movie: “Sunset Boulevard”

Friday, July 8 — Music: Chad Elliott; Movie: “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”

Friday, July 22 — Music: Chad Elliott Blues Show; Movie: “Rear Window”

Friday, Aug. 12 — Music: The Pale Moons; Movie: “Juno”

Friday, Aug. 26 — Music: Chad Elliott with Tommy Lewis; Movie: “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”

Movies in the Park. Colby Park, 6900 School St. in Windsor Heights from 7-9 p.m. Free. If it’s Friday night, it’s “Family Movie Night.” Come early, bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and enjoy quality time with your family in the beautiful park. Movies begin at dusk.

Friday, June 17: “Minions”

Friday, June 24: “Hook”

Friday, July 8: “Singin’ In the Rain”

Friday, July 15: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”

Friday, July 22: “Inside Out”

Friday, July 29: “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

Friday, Aug. 5: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

Iowa’s Cinematic Heritage. 1918 to 2016 – Franklin Avenue Library 5000 Franklin Ave., Des Moines, June 21, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Free. One of the foremost experts on Iowa’s film history is coming to the Franklin Avenue Library. Marty S. Knepper, co-author of “The Book of Iowa Films,” will be delivering a multimedia program on Tuesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. From films shot in Iowa (“Twister,” “Children of the Corn”), to films set in Iowa (“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “Sleeping with the Enemy”), to films that fit both categories (“Field of Dreams,” “Bridges of Madison County”), Iowa has a rich history in Hollywood. Knepper will trace Iowa’s movie history through clips and anecdotes of several films. www.dmpl.org.

 

Outdoor Concerts:

Through Aug. 6 — Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series. Jasper Winery continues to bring local music to the community with this series every Thursday, including tastings from Jasper Winery, Madhouse Brewing Co. beer and Gusto Pizza. 2400 George Flagg Parkway, 6-9 p.m. www.jasperwinery.com.

Through Oct. 1 — Music in the Junction. What’s a farmers market without live music? Visitors can enjoy both every Thursday night at the Historic Valley Junction, with the market from 4-8 p.m. and music from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Admission is free. www.valleyjunction.com/events.

Through June 24 — Chill on the Hill. Every Friday night from 6-9 p.m., Pleasant Hill will once again hold its annual “Chill on the Hill” event at Copper Creek Lake Park. Each event is sponsored by a different local business, and admission is $8 and includes two drink tickets.

Through June 24 — Ames on the Half Shell. This annual live concert series is sponsored by the Ames Jaycees and is held on Friday nights from 5-8 p.m. at the Durham Bandshell Park. Admission is $4 for ages 12 and older. This year’s lineup includes Danny Grause (June 3),   Burnin’ Sensations (June 10),  The Box Brothers (June 17),
Salty Views Acoustic Review (June 24),  King of the Tramps (July 1).

Through July 24 — Belin Quartet. The Belin Quartet is back with its outdoor music series featuring free noontime concerts in Downtown Des Moines.

Through September — Summer on the Hill. Presented by the Des Moines Art Center, visitors can enjoy free movies on the lawn on the first Thursday of each month and live music for $5 or free for members on the first Fridays. www.desmoinesartcenter.org/events/summer-on-the-hill-2016.

June 3-29 — Rendezvous on Riverview. Continuing with the family-friendly fun, free concerts will be held each Friday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Rendezvous on Riverview Concerts has a new location for 2016. This year the shows will be on Riverview Island located at the end of Corning Avenue, or west off of Sixth Avenue. Families are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Pets are allowed on leashes and alcohol will be sold at the site, but no food or coolers will be allowed. www.riverviewparkdsm.com/2015june.

July 4-30 — Metro Arts Jazz in July. This annual month-long jazz festival is the longest-running concert series in Des Moines and is packed with a schedule of jazz artists performing at various locations across the metro. Admission is free. www.jazzinjuly.org.

July 8-9 — 80/35 Music Festival. Each year, the Des Moines Music Coalition brings in a wide range of acts to fill three stages for this massive event. Tickets prices vary, but there are also free activities outside the stage areas. www.desmoinesmc.com/events/80-35/.

July 22-23 — 515 Alive Music Festival. 515 Alive continues with a two-day festival with dozens of national and regional acts on multiple stages, along with live art, food and merchandise vendors at Western Gateway Park. Ticket prices vary. www.515alivefestival.com.

Aug. 8 — Ankeny Unplugged. Instead of its weekly Saturday night shows, Ankeny Unplugged has taken its series and combined it into one all-day live music event at Wagner Park. Join in the fun either as a guest or as a volunteer.

 

Tasty Treats

Food and drink events

 

July 16 — Cityview Brewfest. Expert brewers will be in attendance to share their best brews and even better advice, and guests will have the opportunity to taste dozens of craft beers and several food vendors at Des Moines’ original beer festival. Look for details at www.brewfest.dmcityview.com.

May 28 — National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, Thursday Night Wine & Small Plates. Grab your friends or make it a date night! Enjoy a glass of Tassel Ridge wine with your favorites from the evening’s Small Plates Menu at Tassel Ridge Winery, 1681 220th St., Leighton. The event will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. Price varies depending on menu selection. No reservations required. www.tasselridge.com/events-calendar.

June 2 — Des Moines Vintage Bike Night’s British Night. Please join us for the 2016 Des Moines Vintage Bike Night: British Night, hosted by Baxter Cycle. DSMVBN Motorcycle Parking will be on Fifth Street between Walnut and Elm. Bike Night takes place from 6-8 p.m. with closed street parking available 4-8:30 p.m. The event includes a free concert, farmer’s market, beer garden and food for purchase.

June 3-5 — Greek Food Fair. The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George will host its 38th annual Greek Food Fair from June 3-5. The fair will feature Greek and Siberian food. Admission is free, but advance tickets cost $15 and are good for $16 worth of food. They can be picked up at various locations throughout Des Moines. Tickets will also be available at the door. www.stgeorge.ia.goarch.org.

June 4 — SWINE Festival. Oink. Here comes the ninth annual SWINE Festival at the DMACC Ankeny Campus. Ten local Iowa wineries and 15 of Iowa’s best chefs pair up for a taste explosion. Chefs will prepare samples of gourmet pork offerings while wineries will pour samples and offer wine for sale. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door if any tickets remain. Proceeds benefit the viticulture and enology program at DMACC’s Iowa Culinary Institute. www.swinefestival.com.

June 4 — Celebrate Waukee. Celebrate Waukee at Waukee’s newest annual festival at Centennial Park from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. This family-friendly event will kick off with Saturday morning festivities beginning in the historic Waukee Triangle with a pancake breakfast and a 6K run. Activities will continue with a parade that will take the fun from Triangle Park to Centennial Park, where attendees will find a wide range of activities for all ages, including inflatables, food, drinks, live music, fireworks and much more. www.waukee.org/celebratewaukee.

June 4-11 — Winefest Des Moines. Since 2003, Winefest has been part of the metro area, celebrating fine food and wine while bettering the community. www.winefestdesmoines.com/events/.

June 17 — Altoona’s Wine & Craft Beer Fest. For five years, this festival has brought both Iowa and California wines to one celebrated event at the Altoona Enabling Garden. In recent years it has added craft beer, and admission includes both wine and beer samples, gourmet cheeses and crudités, as well as entertainment. $15 in advance, $25 on the night of the event. www.altoonachamber.org.

June 18 — Iowa Craft Brew Festival. More than 45 Iowa breweries will be attendance at the sixth annual Craft Brew Festival, in addition to several regional and national craft breweries. In addition to the many fine beers, the festival will feature food, seminars, human foosball and street shenanigans from Josh Peters’ Dangerous Fun Show. www.iowabeer.org/iowa-craft-brew-festival.

Aug. 19-28 — Des Moines Restaurant Week. Restaurants in the Greater Des Moines area show off their skills for the low price of $28 for two lunches or a three-course dinner. For a list of participating restaurants, go to www.desmoinesrestaurantweek.com.

Let Freedom Ring:

On the Fourth

Fourth of July events and other patriotic celebrations

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Decoration Day — Living History Farms. Celebrate Memorial Day on the Saturday before (May 28) with a procession to the town cemetery with a pageant honoring fallen heroes followed by a 1870s-style baseball game. Guests can see one of America’s early Memorial Day traditions in action. www.lhf.org.

Yankee Doodle Pops. Celebrate Independence Day at the 23rd annual Yankee Doodle Pops, which features an all-day event with live music by the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, food vendors and an amazing fireworks display on the West Terrace of the Iowa State Capitol. www.dmsymphony.org/events.

Urbandale. The Urbandale Fourth of July celebration is one of the largest in the area. This year’s event will include street dances, carnival rides, a pancake feed, a parade, games, a car show and fireworks. The celebration will be at Lions Park and Walker Johnson Park. July 2-4, with a rain date for fireworks set on July 5. www.uniquelyurbandale.com.

Pleasant Hill. The 40th annual “Independence Day the Pleasant Hill Way” will feature a parade, food vendors, dinner, a petting zoo and a spectacular fireworks show. www.phjuly4.com.

West Des Moines.  West Des Moines will celebrate the holiday all day, starting with a horseshoe competition at 9 a.m. After that, head over to the Aquatics Center for special low prices before going up to the Coneflower Shelters at Raccoon River Park for the community band concert at 7 p.m. And at 8:45 p.m., stick around to enjoy the fireworks.

 

It’s Party Time

Fairs, festivals and other celebratory events

 

May 27-28 — CelebrAsian. For the 14th year, central Iowa will celebrate Asian cultures with authentic food, dance, fashion, games, demonstrations and more. Join thousands as they share cultural experiences at Western Gateway park from noon to 9 p.m. on May 27, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 28. www.iowaasianalliance.com.

June 9-11 — Governors Days. Held in the Governors District in the heart of Grimes, this annual celebration offers fun summer festivities such as crafts, food, parades, live entertainment, fun and games for the whole family. This “funtastic” event is organized by volunteers and the Grimes Chamber & Economic Development. www.governorsdays.com.

June 10-12 — PrideFest. Join thousands of LGBT supporters in the East Village as they come together to celebrate pride with an annual street party that features a festival, parade and concerts by many local and national musicians. www.capitalcitypride.org/.

June 12 — Summer Antique Jamboree. This is one of the largest outdoor antique shows in the Midwest. More than 100 antique dealers spread out over the six-block area selling furniture, clothing, jewelry and much more. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fifth Street area of Wes Des Moines’ Historical Valley Junction. Free admission. www.valleyjunction.com.

June 16-19 — Johnston Green Days. Johnston’s annual community celebration was created in 1996 by the Chamber in conjunction with the city’s nursery and greenhouse operations, local garden clubs and other groups and has expanded into one of the area’s leading festivals. It has grown throughout the years to include a parade, carnival, kids activities, entertainment and a beverage garden. www.johnstongreendays.org.

June 24-26 — Des Moines Arts Festival. One of the best festivals in the world, the Des Moines Arts Festival will feature visual arts, performing arts, live music, interactive arts and a film festival, along with plenty of food and good fun for the whole family. Western Gateway Park. www.desmoinesartsfestival.org.

June 27-28 — ArtFest Midwest. The 14th annual “Other Art Show,” touts itself as being the “largest fine arts show in Iowa.” Local artists and talent from around the country participate in the show, with plenty of demonstrations. Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. www.artfestmidwest.com.

July 3 — All Iowa Bash. Held in the Historic Valley Junction, the All Iowa Bash celebrates all things American and Iowan, with local food and arts, live music and fun for the whole family. The event will happen at Railroad Park and the 100 block of Fifth Street after the completion of West Des Moines’ Independence Day Parade. www.valleyjunction.com.

July 6-10 — Dallas County Fair. It seems like it doesn’t get more “country” than a good old county fair. Art, livestock, live music and carnival rides are just a few aspects that make the Dallas County Fair an experience that can’t be missed. www.dallascountyfair.com.

July 22-30 — Shakespeare Under the Stars. The Iowa Shakespeare Experience presents the theater event “Shakespeare Under the Stars,” along with free outdoor ballet and opera at the new home of the Iowa Shakespeare Experience, the Rose Garden of Terrace Hill. The event is free and includes four evenings of “Legends, Love and Laughter,” featuring the original adaptation “Romeo and Juliet: Thrice Told Tales.” Two picnic-friendly evenings will be held on the Great Lawn of the Governor’s Mansion, and two additional shows travel Waukee’s shady park on July 22 and the historic Randleman House front lawn in Carlisle on July 23. www.iowashakespeare.org.

July 7-10 — Ankeny SummerFest. The Ankeny Summerfest celebrates its 50th year with the theme “Fifty Years of Peace, Love and Rock ’n’Roll.” The event will be held at 1010 Prairie Ridge Drive near Prairie Ridge Middle School and will include parades, art and the Miss 16 pageant. www.ankenysummerfest.org.

July 15-21 — Jasper County Fair. The theme for this year’s fair is “Sew It, Grow It, Show It,” encouraging the creative and industrious nature of the Iowa people. Visitors can participate in livestock showings, games, a carnival, a parade and so much more. www.jaspercofair.com.

July 20-25 — Polk County Fair. Held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the Polk County Fair offers a wide variety of activities from livestock and pet showings to a fashion show and a teen dance. www.polkcountyfairiowa.com.

July 21-23 — Clive Festival. The Clive Festival has been running for more than 40 years and will continue this year at the Clive Aquatic Center at 114th Street between University Avenue and Hickman Road. This year’s schedule includes the Mayor’s Bike Ride, a kids’ corner, a Slip ‘n’ Slide, fireworks and more. www.clivefestival.com.

July 22-24 — 48-Hour Film Project. Filmmakers from the Des Moines area will try to make the best short film in only 48 hours, and the winning film will go up against other films from around the world in the Filmapalooza 2017 contest for a chance to screen their film at the Cannes Film Festival 2017. www.48hourfilm.com/en/desmoines.

July 23 —  Adventure Days Festival. Visit the Blank Park Zoo, located at 7401 S.W. Ninth St., for different activities suitable for all ages. This year’s theme for Adventure Days is Holidays in July and will begin at 10 a.m. The event will feature a live show, an arts and crafts marketplace, opportunity to chat with zookeepers and more. Free for Zoo Members. www.blankparkzoo.com.

July 27-Aug. 1 — Warren County Fair. For more than 150 years, the Warren County Fair has brought old-fashioned farm fun to Indianola with its county fair. This year’s theme is “A Reunion of Memories”. The fair will include livestock showings, live music and plenty of fun for the whole family. www.warrencofair.com.

July 29-30 — Italian American Heritage Festival. Leave the gun. Take the cannoli. This annual celebration of Italian culture will continue with authentic food, live music, contests, bocce games and more at the Italian American Heritage Festival. www.italianfestivalofiowa.com.

July 29 – Aug. 6 — National Balloon Classic. Enjoy nine days full of parades, food, kids activities, balloon shows and races and fireworks at the National Balloon Classic Launch Field on 1601 N. Jefferson Way in Indianola. Admission varies. www.nationalballoonclassic.com.

July 23-27 — Story County Fair. Future Farmers of America and 4H students will fill the fairgrounds at this annual agricultural fair, which showcases everything from flowers to animals. www.sc-fair.com.

Aug. 11-21 — Iowa State Fair. Our state fair is a great state fair. Ten full days of excitement will once again be presented in the state’s most famous tradition, with livestock shows, entertainment, contests, rides, food and more. www.iowastatefair.org.

August 12-13 — The Adel Sweet Corn Festival. This is the 30th year for this Adel event. It’s your opportunity to eat sweet corn to your heart’s content. The event kicks off Friday night with its annual Friday night for corn shucking, and the fun keeps on keeping on through Saturday night. When it’s all said and done, seven tons of sweet corn will have been consumed. www.discoveradel.com/annual-events.

 

Let’s get Physically Fit

Participatory competitions, games and sports

Through September 24 — Yoga in the Park. Beginners and experts alike can come out for community yoga every Saturday morning at The Band Shell on 410 W. First St. in Ankeny from 8-9 p.m. 515-250-8743. www.ci.ankeny.ia.us.

May – June 29 — Yoga at The Hub Spot. Local yoga instructors will teach sessions during lunch every Wednesday in May and June for a relaxing break in the day at the Hub Spot on 215 Water St. from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. www.dmgov.org.

June 1 — Yoga + Gallery Talk. Join the Des Moines Art Center all summer on the first of each month for this free event. Bring your own yoga mats because you’re invited to produce positive energy. This takes place in the lobby of the Art Center with Good Vibes instructor Ben Spellman from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. A unique gallery talk will follow at 10 a.m. Reservations can be made online at www.desmoinesartcenter.org.

June 4 — Dam to Dam, Iowa’s Distance Classic. Make a run for the 37th year of the Dam to Dam. These races will be open to all ages. The half-marathon spans the distance from Saylorville Dam to downtown Des Moines. www.damtodam.com.

June 4 — Celebrate Waukee Amazing Race. Unlock your competitive spirit by participating in the first ever Celebrate Waukee Amazing Race. It will challenge you mentally and physically as you solve riddles, complete challenges and navigate your way through Waukee over a 10-mile bicycle route. The event will take place from 2-4 p.m. in Triangle Park.

June 5 — Bike for Life. Central Iowa Relay for Life is hosting this 26-mile fundraising event starting and finishing at Caboose Park in Perry. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. and the ride will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch provided. www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/trail-events.

June 8-12 — Iowa Senior Games. The Iowa Senior Games celebrates its 30th anniversary with over 100 athletes and 30 different sports. The event is for men and women ages 50 and older who want to remain active and have fun. www.iowaseniorgames.org.

June 11 — Tour de Cure. The American Diabetes Association celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Tour de Cure starting at Life Time Athletic Des Moines, 11911 Hickman Road in Urbandale. The ride will have options for 25-, 50- and 75-mile rides. There is a $25 registration fee.

June 11 — Stand Up Paddleboarding Lessons. Learning to Stand Up Paddleboard is something the whole family can enjoy this summer. A Warren County Conservation naturalist will provide the instruction and equipment at Annett Nature Center on 15565 118th Ave. in Indianola. Lessons are held twice a month. www.warrenccb.org.

June 11 — Clive Running Festival. Join the fun for several different races including a 5K, 10K and one-mile run at the Clive Aquatic Center on 1801 N.W. 114th St. starting at 8 a.m. Admission rates vary. www.fitnesssports.com.

June 11-12 — Tour the Raccoon. The eighth annual bicycle ride will be a full weekend event. Details are still being worked out, so check the website for details. www.DMCycleClub.com.

June 17-18 — BACooN Ride. They’re calling it “BACooN RIDE TR3s.” The event will begin on Friday night with live music and games before the 71-mile ride on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which loops from Waukee through Redfield, Panora, Jamaica, Perry and back to Waukee. The ride starts at 7 a.m. Admission is $50 and up. www.bacoonride.com.

June 18 — Mud Run. The Mile Mud Run takes place in the heart of Des Moines on a trail carved through a grassy and wooded stretch along the Des Moines River. The event will be held at the James W. Cownie Soccer Park on 2600 E. Hartford. Racers age 6 and older can take part in the long run, and kids age 5 or older can participate in the short run. Plus, a Little Muddy Buddy Trot will be open to kids age 5 and under, plus their parents. www.iowagames.org/Events/mudrun.

June 23 — Archery Lessons. Are you ready to be like Robinhood? Polk County Conservation offers the opportunity to learn on June 23 from 6-7:30 p.m., where archery practice will be taking place. The event will be held in Jester Park in Granger and is only for children ages 10-16. Participants are instructed to meet at Shelter No. 6. The event costs $10 and is limited to the first 20 people who sign up, so hurry.

June 25 — C.H. Robinson Iowa Ride. More than 300 riders choose to take the C.H Robinson Iowa Ride every year to help the cause of multiple sclerosis. Then the cyclists celebrate their with a post-ride party at Firetrucker Brewery in Ankeny. The ride will be from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration is $30; the fundraising minimum is $100.

July 2-Aug. 27 — Summer Sampler Tai Chi. Come find out what Tai Chi is for free on Saturday mornings in July and August from 10:30-11:15 a.m. This is a new and different wellness opportunity. All sessions will be taught by local instructors.

July 9 — Color Run. The Color Run is also known as the Happiest 5k on the planet. It is a unique paint race celebrating healthiness, happiness and individuality. It’s now the single largest event series in the world, The Color Run has exploded since our debut event. Tickets are now available from $39.99-$59.99.

July 15-17 — Iowa Games. The Iowa Games began in August of 1987 as a weekend event, featuring only 16 sports. Now more than 60 sports are offered during the Summer Games. All Iowans are eligible. The Iowa Games mission is to provide sports and recreation opportunities through Olympic-style festivals, events and programs. This year, the opening ceremony will take place on July 15 in Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under, and free for athletes and coaches. All proceeds will go to the Iowa Food Bank Association.

July 16 — Altoona Tune-Up Ride. Altoona Road Riders will be hosting the 6th annual tune-up ride on July 16. Multiple distances are available. The ride starts and ends at Brewhouse 25, and registration is at 7:30 a.m. The ride begins at 8:30 a.m. Ride at your own pace, then relax afterwards at the Brewhouse while you enjoy a free lunch from the grill. Go to www.altoonatuneup.com for registration and more information.

 

Go Team!

Spectator sporting events

Blaze Football

 

May 27 — IHYC Golf Classic. Formerly known as the “Stand Up Guys Golf Classic,” this annual tournament has been supporting Iowa Homeless Youth Centers for more than a decade. What more do you need to know? It’s held at the Copper Creek Golf Club and Events Center, and it’s a four-person best shot. Lunch is provided and served between sessions from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch and prizes. The event will take place at the Copper Creek Golf Course at 4825 Copper Creek Drive in Pleasant Hill.

May 31-June 5 — Principal Charity Classic. The Principal Charity Classic is a family-friendly event that makes a huge impact on the economic well-being of the area. Pro golfers from around the nation come to the event every year. The Classic is also a great way to raise money for local nonprofits benefitting kids, with more than $7.7 million being donated to children’s charities in recent years. www.principalcharityclassic.com.

June 10 — Iowa Pro Wretling Expo. Come see your favorite pro wrestlers from WWE Impact, NXT, New Japan, ECW and Lucha Underground as they duke it out in the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$30.

July 15 — Polo on the Green. One of Des Moines’ more unique events, Polo on the Green is a fun celebration for the whole family that includes a polo match, face painting, pony rides, hay rack rides, a bounce house and more. www.varietyiowa.com.

 

Iowa Cubs

Principal Park

www.IowaCubs.com

All home games begin at 7:08 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Friday night games end with fireworks. Tickets are available for purchase at www.milb.com or at the door.

May 27-28 — vs. Albuquerque (7:08 p.m.)

May 29 — vs. Albuquerque (1:08 p.m.)

May 30 — vs. Albuquerque (12:08 p.m.)

June 4, 6 — vs. Memphis (7:08 p.m.)

June 5 — vs. Memphis (1:08 p.m.)

June 7 — vs. Memphis (12:08 p.m.)

June 9-11 — vs. Round Rock (7:08 p.m.)

June 12 — vs. Round Rock (1:08 p.m.)

June 21 — vs. Nashville (7:08 p.m.)

June 22 — vs. Nashville (12:08 p.m.)

June 23-24 — vs. Nashville (7:08 p.m.)

July 4-5 — vs. Omaha (7:08 p.m.)

July 6 — vs. Omaha (12:08 p.m.)

July 14-16 — vs. Las Vegas (7:08 p.m.)

July 17 — vs. Las Vegas (1:08 p.m.)

July 18, 20 — vs. Salt Lake (7:08 p.m.)

July 19, 21 — vs. Salt Lake (12:08 p.m.)

Aug. 3-6 — vs. New Orleans (7:08 p.m.)

Aug. 7 — vs. Oklahoma City (4:08 p.m.)

Aug. 8-9 — vs. Oklahoma City (7:08 p.m.)

Aug. 10 — vs. Oklahoma City (12:08 p.m.)

Aug. 20 — vs. Memphis (7:08 p.m.)

Aug. 21 — vs. Memphis (1:08 p.m.)

Aug. 22 — vs. Memphis (6:38 p.m.)

Aug. 23 — vs. Memphis (12:08 p.m.)

Aug. 25 — vs. Omaha (6:38 p.m.)

Aug. 26-27 — vs. Omaha (7:08 p.m.)

Aug 28 — vs. Omaha (1:08 p.m.)

 

Des Moines Blaze

www.desmoinesblaze.com

All games start at 7 p.m.

May 28 — vs. Omaha Stockmen — Valley Stadium

June 11 — vs. Kansas City Bulldogs— Valley Stadium

June 25 — vs. North Iowa Knights — Spring Creek Sports Complex

 

Des Moines Menace

www.menacesoccer.com

All games start at 7:30 p.m. at Valley Stadium

June 4 — vs. Kokomo Mantis FC

June 18 — vs. St. Louis Lions

June 24 — vs. WSA Winnipeg

June 25 — vs. WSA Winnipeg

July 9 — vs. Thunder Bay Chill

July 15 — vs. Toledo United FC

July 16 — vs. St. Louis Lions

 

Women Menace

June 4 — vs. Kansas City Courage, 4:30 p.m.

June 24 — vs. WSA Winnipeg, 4:30 p.m.

June 25 — vs. WSA Winnipeg, 4:30 p.m.

July 9 — vs. Quad City Eagles, 4:30 p.m.

July 16 — vs. Chicago Red Stars Reserves, 4:30 p.m.

July 17 — vs. Minnesota TwinStars, 4:30 p.m.

 

Iowa Barnstormers Home Schedule

www.theiowabarnstormers.com

May 27 — vs. Sioux Falls 7:05 p.m.

June 4 — vs. Cedar Falls 7:05 p.m.                        June 18 — vs. Wichita Falls 7:05 p.m.

June 25 — vs. Cedar Rapids 7:05 p.m. CV

 

 

Theater

By Julie Paulson and Jeff Pitts

CV 5-29 AE ARTS DES MOINES METRO OPERA Cory Weaver-_MG_4871

To theater, or not to theater… Is it really a question?

There’s nothing like a live performance on stage to expand your mind and test your heart. This summer you can hear great musical numbers and see talented people tell a story. Whether it’s your community theater with the faces you know or a professional troupe with people you’ve always loved from afar, you’re bound to find a show you’ll enjoy.

Want an old-fashioned comedy? Try “You Can’t Take It With You” or “The Trouble with Cats.” Add some music and you’ll love “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Rock of Ages.” Learn about different family dynamics and drama with “Mothers and Sons” or “King Lear.” Take the kids to see “A Tree with Arms,” then take the grown-ups for “The Naked Magic Show.” See one of the oldest love stories in the world with “Shakuntala,” or at the Iowa Shakespeare Festival with “Romeo and Juliet.”

Love, laughs, tears, music, drama and more, it’s all around central Iowa.

June 3-19 — “You Can’t Take It with You”

Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St., 515-277-6261

www.dmplayhouse.com

Meet the Sycamores, the original “Modern Family.” The eccentric Sycamore family allows each member to pursue his or her own ambition at home, from dance and the xylophone to the manufacturing of fireworks. But their routine is disrupted when Alice brings her fiancé and his proper Wall Street family to dinner and that’s when the hilarity begins. Tickets start at $25.

 

June 10-19 — “Mothers and Sons”

StageWest Theatre Company, Ninth and Cherry St., 515-309-0251

stagewestiowa.com

The Iowa premiere of “Mothers and Sons” tells a story of a woman who pays an unexpected visit to the New York apartment of her late son’s partner, who is now married to another man and has a young son. Challenged to face how society has changed around her, generations collide as she revisits the past and begins to see the life her son might have led. Tickets start at $15.

 

June 10-26 — “A Tree with Arms”

Ankeny Community Theatre, 1932 S.W. Third St., 515-964-5007

www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com

Corky’s tree house is nestled peacefully in the back of his suburban yard. One morning, he discovers that a bigger, fancier tree house has been constructed next door by his enemy, Joel. War is declared and tensions mount as each enlists the help of his friends in an epic struggle to outdo each other.  As things escalate, emotions flair and things get a little out of control, but members of both teams work together to bring an end to the conflict. $10-$15.

 

June 10-26 — “Kiss Me, Kate”

Ames Community Theater, 120 Abraham Drive, Ames, 515-292-2073

www.actorsinc.org

You’re in for a treat while watching this show within a show. The domineering actor and director, Fred, and his difficult movie star ex-wife, Lilli, stage a production of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” But Shakespeare would have never foreseen the upcoming hilarity as his story comes to life on and off the stage. And, where did the gangsters come from, and who knew they could sing and dance? It’s a wonderful comedy set to the classic music of Cole Porter. Tickets start at $20.

 

June 16-19 — “King Lear”

Salisbury House and Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Drive, 515-274-1777

http://salisburyhouse.org

The annual Shakespeare on the Lawn event will continue this year with “King Lear,” performed by the Repertory Theater of Iowa. This show is held in the gardens of Salisbury on the south terrace. “King Lear” is one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, exploring the madness of the title character as he gives his kingdom to two of his three daughters not based on their merit, but on their flattery of their father. $15-$25.

 

June 17-26 — “Shakuntala”

Viking Theatre, Grand View University, 2411 E. 14th St., 515-283-8383

www.gatewaydance.org

“Shakuntala” tells one of the most enduring love stories the world has ever seen. Hold on to your seat as the Viking Theater brings it to life. Featuring a diverse cast and a mixing of theater styles, “Shakuntala” is the first Indian play to be translated for the western world to enjoy en masse. The story is of a young woman who meets a king in the forest and falls in love with him. How could it go wrong? $10-$20.

June 18-20 — Plein Aire Painting Festival

The Second Annual Plein Aire Painitng Festival in Des Moines. “Plein Aire” is French for “open air.” This event involves 48 hours of painting throughout the community. Artists must register in advance and can pick up their canvases in the Viaduct Gallery. Artists can use any paint and any subject they choose in their chosen location. Afterward, there will be a reception on June 20, where the pieces will be displayed and sold via silent auction. Registration is $25.

June 22-27 — Urban Visionaries Opening Reception

The Visionary art collection focuses on urban and street artists who have created iconic imagery on walls around the world. Urban and street art is unique in its context to location, time frame and medium. Many of the pieces in the collection started as street images that made their way into print production after the artist gained a following. This art will be shown at the Viaduct Gallery from 6:30-10 p.m. On June 23, there will be a Q&A discussion of the Urban Visionaries Exhibit. Free admission.

June 29 – July 31 — Americana Opening Reception

This opening night of the July exhibit is a juried exhibit featuring works from artists worldwide. Artists were asked to submit a piece that reflected what “Americana” means to them. This exhibit will feature various mediums of artwork.
July 15-16 — “The Naked Magic Show”

Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St.,

515-288-4700

www.templeforperformingarts.com

Cover your eyes, or don’t. Following sold out shows and rave reviews in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the U.S.A., the world’s bold and cheeky “The Naked Magic Show” is coming to Des Moines. This boisterous R-rated magic show strips away the top hats and capes and promises full-frontal illusions. This show proves that great magicians don’t need sleeves or pants. This show includes coarse language, sexual references and nudity and is recommended for ages 18-plus. Tickets start at $36.

 

July 15 – Aug. 7 — “Rock of Ages”

Des Moines Community Playhouse,

831 42nd St., 515-277-6261

www.dmplayhouse.com

Drew is a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit. Sherrie is a small-town girl. Both head to L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big on the silver screen. But the rock ‘n’ roll fairy-tale is about to end when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Sunset Strip into a strip mall. Can Drew, Sherri and the rest of the gang save the Strip – and themselves – before it’s too late? Only the music of hit ’80s bands can unleash the answer. Tickets are not yet available.

 

July 22-30 — The Iowa Shakespeare Experience “Shakesperience Festival: Shakespeare Under the Stars at Terrace Hill”

The Great Lawn at Terrace Hill

www.iowashakespeare.org

The Iowa Shakespeare Experience Festival will offer three shows at their week-long event this year. The theme is “Legends, Love and Laughter” and the three shows that will be playing are “Romeo and Juliet: Thrice Told Tales”, “Tales from Eden” and “Amuse-Bouche.” The shows are free and open to the public. The festival will also include operatic and ballet arts to celebrate classic theater.

 

Aug. 5-21 — “The Trouble with Cats”

Ankeny Community Theatre,

1932 S.W. Third St., 515-964-5007

www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com

A homeowner intentionally books her lake front home to two couples to ensure that she can escape from life’s demands for the month.  When the housesitting couples meet, there is an immediate clash. Personalities collide even more as chaos grows, then the cranky next door neighbors and a trio of sisters who are remodeling the master suite are added to the mix. There is no relaxation for anyone, except maybe the elusive cat which the house sitters can’t seem to find. Tickets are $10-$15. CV

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