Posted December 04, 2024in Sound Circuit
Classic holiday albums sung by Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey and Elvis Presley stand the test of time. Yet one band, Mannheim Steamroller, took it a step further and created its own genre of music. Mannheim Steamroller’s “Christmas” album debuted in 1984 with music the band referred to as 18th century
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Posted November 06, 2024in Sound Circuit
Guitarist and blues singer Joe Bonamassa recently surpassed yet another blues record — this one for having the most No. 1 Billboard Blues albums. He’s amassed 28 No. 1 rankings throughout his career, more than any blues musicians in the history of Billboard Music. And the musician’s record he surpassed?
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Posted October 02, 2024in Sound Circuit
Performed thousands of concerts. Recorded and wrote for 300-plus albums. Taught hundreds of student music lessons. Played in dozens of bands, including a local favorite, Standing Hampton. Add it all together for an outstanding accomplishment for Doug Dixon — an Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Posted September 04, 2024in Sound Circuit
Two diverse musicians discovered each other’s talents during the pandemic. As they collaborated on a project, both realized they shared the same songwriting passion — along with singing and performing with their musical instruments. The duo, Weary Ramblers, consists of Kathryn Severing Fox and Chad Elliott. Each musician offers unique
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Posted July 31, 2024in Sound Circuit
A classic rock and roll/Southern rock band, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, formed in 1971 and continue to entertain concert goers — at least until the end of 2025. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils announced their “When it Shines” farewell tour and make a stop in Des Moines at Hoyt Sherman Place
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Posted July 03, 2024in Sound Circuit
“Ain’t looking for nothing, but a good time and it don’t get better than this.” The lyrics from a Poison song surge from Sam Johnson’s mouth. Jumping up and down to the beat, band members chime in with guitars and drums — mimicking the real band. A Van Halen song
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Posted June 05, 2024in Sound Circuit
The 80/35 Music Festival returns for its 15th year, sponsored by the Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC). One significant change (besides offering new musicians) is the location. This year, the 80/35 event takes place July 12-13 at Water Works Park. Previously, it was held downtown Des Moines close to the
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Posted May 01, 2024in Sound Circuit
The Grammy Awards showcase the “best of the best” up-and-coming musicians in a variety of genres. For the Best New Artist award, the majority of musicians have been pop singers, such as Billie Eilish, Adele, Zac Brown Band and Chance the Rapper. But for Samara Joy, who, at age
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Posted April 03, 2024in Sound Circuit
Local music lovers and concertgoers enthusiastically embraced the newly remodeled Val Air Ballroom, which re-opened for its first concert on Feb. 29. The Val Air, an 80-year-old iconic ballroom, located at 301 Ashworth in West Des Moines, recently completed a $15 million renovation. As I had attended concerts at the
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Posted March 06, 2024in Sound Circuit
Des Moines may not be a hotbed of jazz compared to New Orleans or New York City, but music lovers can still celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month locally in April. Jazz month recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz. Abe Goldstien, who is the director of the Community
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