Bryan Mehmen

3/5/2025

If you’re a musician in a band or attend live music in the Des Moines metro, you have likely encountered Bryan Mehmen.

Mehmen is “that guy” — a bandana-clad rocker, often dressed in a black T-shirt located in front of the stage, dancing and singing to the driving beat. Booze doesn’t give him courage to put on his dancing shoes; rather, it’s simply a love of music.  

Not only does Mehmen go the distance to support live music, he has also got the miles to prove it. 

Last year, he drove 40,250 miles from his hometown near Clarksville to live music venues in the Des Moines metro. In 2023, he drove 39,400 miles just to listen to his favorite bands. 

Most times, he attends two to three shows on weekends, making the 260-mile roundtrip both Friday and Saturday nights. One evening, he made it to five gigs. He maps out who is playing by consulting online Wednesday’s Notes or the List – Live Music in DSM by Bryan Farland.

He attends concerts he has not seen recently. 

“I put them on a rotating basis,” he says.

His musical journey began in 2008 when he saw Standing Hampton play in Charles City, close to his home. He followed the band to various gigs, making friends with band members.

Then, Standing Hampton member Devon Miller played a gig with the Abby Normal band, where he met musicians Jana and Tim West. As he attended gigs, it ballooned, where he met other musicians from Sons of Gladys Kravitz and the Dick Danger Band, who suggested he come to their concerts.

Friends ask, why make the five-hour, 260-mile roundtrip to Des Moines just to see a band? Why not see musicians closer to home? He explains that, where he lives, the music scene is not as stellar as the Des Moines area. 

In addition, the money he spends on gas isn’t significant, since he doesn’t drink alcohol.

“I can truly justify the fuel in my tank because I don’t drink,” he reflects. “I’ve been sober 25 years. I never would have made the trip each weekend if I’d been drinking.” 

He spends about $120 on gas each weekend — money he may have spent on booze. 

“I replaced an alcohol passion for a music passion,” Mehmen explains. 

Mehmen discovers new bands, which means more concerts to attend. He has followed bands to Cedar Falls and venues in Wisconsin. He’s traveled to see the Bitter Sweet band when they played in Davenport.

Band members are generous with praise. He has attended musicians’ weddings, and band members point out Mehmen in the crowd or invite him onstage. 

“Kathryn Fox had the biggest smile on her face when I walked in,” he says.

Jana West, who plays in RetroSpect, says, when Mehmen strolls into the room, the mood instantly improves. 

“He is famous for priming a dance floor, radiating love and spreading kindness to everyone in his path,” West says. “His devotion and enthusiastic support is valued by local musicians, and I consider myself very fortunate to call him my friend.”

The band After Shock planned a birthday party for him. 

“I was blown away. Every person in every band showed up who wasn’t playing that night,” he says.

Mehmen refrains from naming any favorite musicians. 

“I love everybody equally. Truly, from my heart, I enjoy different kinds of music,” he says. “I want to thank the bands for their hospitality and tell them to keep on rocking!” ♦