I’m in Australia! That does not mean all that much to you, except that while I am here, I will be hitting up a few local Aussie shows and relating any good musical finds I come across. At the same time, I am doing my level best to educate Oz on the finer points of the Iowa sound, because what is the point of travel if not to spread the best bits of ourselves around?

Locally, tickets to the Wellmark Family Series went on sale Nov 2. Shows in this year’s family-friendly music and entertainment series include “Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny,” “Peter and the Wolf,” “The Cat in the Hat,” “Egg” and “San Jose Taiko.” Hit up www.desmoinesperformingarts.org for more details, a full schedule and ticket info.

This week’s Pick o’ the Week is Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Permanent Letter Collection Studio at 520 E. Sixth St. Get there at 7 p.m. and check out Sara Routh and Patresa Hartman. Tickets will run you $10, and everyone who pre-orders gets a one-of-a-kind gift from The Permanent Collection to boot. Tickets can be found at tikly.co. Mahalo. CV

Chad Taylor is an award-winning news journalist and music writer from Des Moines who would love to take his talents abroad if the rent were not so much more affordable in Des Moines.