Garth Brooks may never leave Des Moines. The country music legend has added a stunning five shows to his initial stay in town, and the six total events have combined to sell nearly 80,000 tickets.

Salisbury House has announced the spring lineup for its appropriately named “Music Series at Salisbury House.” Performances include the Wartburg College Faculty on April 14 and The Chiara String Quartet on April 28. For tickets and times, check out www.salisburyhouse.org.

Additionally, the Civic Music Association brings the Bria Skonberg Quartet to Drake’s Sheslow Auditorium on March 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20 – $50 and can be purchased via Midwestix or by calling the Civic Music Association at 280-4020.

This week’s Pick o’ the Week is at the Basement Bar in the Des Moines Social Club on March 25 when you can catch the newest edition of Freshen Up, a series devoted to “new and established Des Moines Hip Hop.” This month’s performers include Lame Nation, LottoBandz the Rapper, Queen Kinzie, Vi Damon$ta and DJ DM Wright. Tickets are $8, and the event kicks off at 9 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.