Sound Advice

The Botanical Blues is back! Held at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on Sundays, concert times have changed to limit capacity. Choose from two concert times by the same band — either 12:30 p.m. or 2:45 p.m. Advanced registration is required, and walk-ins are not allowed. Botanical Garden members get in free; non-member tickets cost $10. On Feb. 7, Ducharme-Jones; Feb. 14, The Drama Kings; Feb. 21, Major Blues & the Mugshots.

The Iowa State Fair lineup was announced early this year — cross your fingers — and if live concerts return, there’s a whole lotta country. If
you purchased box office tickets last year, the fair will honor the tickets for the rescheduled show. Grandstand acts include: Blake Shelton with Matt Stell, Keith Urban with Russell Dickerson, Chris Stapleton with Nikki Lane, Sam Hunt with Kip Moore, The Beach Boys with Hanson and Styx with Tesla.

Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, so you have the whole weekend to cozy up with your sweetie. Choose from three free concerts on Feb. 12, including Sister Sara at Kenny’s Garage; Bitter Sweet Live & Loud at Hawk Heaven in Altoona and Recoil at Down Under Lounge. Or splurge at Wooly’s to hear the Pork Tornadoes on Feb.13, with general admission tickets starting at $20. ♦