Slipknot announced its first Des Moines show in seven years. They’ll be playing Wells Fargo Arena on Aug. 5, along with Marilyn Manson and Of Mice and Men. Tickets went on sale Friday, March 4 at www.hy-veetix.com and start at $45.

The Iowa Blues Challenge Society is now accepting applications for the 2016 Iowa Blues Challenge. Applications must be received by April 8, and full information can be found at www.cibs.org.

Acts for this year’s Nitefall on the River series have been announced and include Hairball, Here Come the Mummies, The Nadas, Los Lobos, Brandi Carlile, Michael Franti, Josh Garrels and Slightly Stoopid. Full information and tickets can be found at www.nitefalldsm.com.

This week’s Pick o’ the Week can be found at Vaudeville Mews on Wednesday, March 16. Get there for the early show, and check out Nate Logsdon, playing with Trouble Lights and H.D. & Hannah Harmsen. The show is free, all-ages, and it kicks off at 5:30 p.m. 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.