Sound Notes Pick o’ the Week

Local music on the airwaves has been in a state of upheaval of late. First, “Iowa Unsigned” host Benny Black left Ames’ FM-105.1 for a morning show in Chicago. Now, Channel Q’s other local stalwart, Tony Tarbox is putting an end to his local career, heading in the other direction on I-80 to Colorado. Tarbox and Black both put their hearts and souls into promoting, supporting and advancing local music, and they leave behind a couple of big spots to fill. Best of luck in the Rockies, Tony. You’re a class act and a good friend to Iowa music.

We’ll get things started this week at Vaudeville Mews. On Thursday, May 23, Andrew W.K. brings his party to the Mews stage for an all-ages show starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available through www.ticketfly.com. Little Ruckus and PURE GUT also perform.

Also on May 23, The Lowdown performs at The Underground starting at 9 p.m. There’s no cover for that one.

SoundNotes Pick o’ the Week: On Friday, May 24, Wooly’s plays host to Mindrite’s final show. The venerable Des Moines rockers take the stage one final time starting at 6:30 p.m. and have a who’s-who of local metal and hard rock helping send them off, including Index Case, Marcato, As For You, DJ Jesse Jamz and Dead Horse Trauma. Tickets to the show are $10 in advance through www.woolysdm.com or $12 at the door. The event is 16 and older.

Also on May 24, the Hull Ave Tavern has Alchemist performing at 9 p.m. No cover.

Then on Saturday, May 25, The Val Air Ballroom has Buckcherry, performing with Red Line Chemistry, Devour the Day and Black Star Alliance. That show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets range from $28 to $65 available at www.valairballroom.com.

Also on May 25, the Hector Del Curto Tango Trio performs at the Temple for the Performing Arts. The all-ages show kicks off at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $25 available at the Civic Center box office or through Ticketmaster.

On Sunday, May 26, Gas Lamp has two shows lined up for your entertainment. In the early slot is Rumble Seat Riot, unleashing some top-flight rockabilly starting at 3 p.m. with no cover at the door.

Later that evening, Saint Anyways performs along with Luke Fox. That show starts at 9 p.m. and is $5 at the door.

Also on May 26, House of Bricks has Bobaflex, Mars on Fire, Numbered Existence and Dueling at Dawn all performing in an all-ages show starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be bought in advance through www.ticketfly.com.

Then on Tuesday, May 28, head on up to Euclid Avenue and check out Untapped Market at The Underground Rock Shop. That show starts at 7 p.m. and is all ages.

Finally, on Wednesday, May 29, The Standard has Geoff Jr. performing during happy hour. The music starts at 5 p.m. and comes with drink specials to get you through the hump day. Mahalo. CV