Des Moines’ own Scot Sutherland received the Blues Music Award in the Instrumentalist-Bass category in Memphis in May. The Blues Awards is a national honor, often dubbed the “Grammys of the Blues.” Sutherland has played bass with other musicians who have won Blues Awards in the past, including Tommy Castro,
Read More →It’s May, and Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial start of summer. It is time to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors with live music right here in the Des Moines metro. Music in the Junction is a free concert series on Thursday evenings at Valley Junction in West Des
Read More →In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines presents four hours of local jazz on April 19 at the Turner Jazz Center at Drake University’s campus. The event, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., features various jazz performances. There is a $10 suggested
Read More →Coyote Island is the musical vision of Maine-based producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike O’Hehir. He has assembled a band of brothers who have blended folk roots, reggae rhythms and psychedelic indie music. Catch the band at xBK Live on March 28. www.xbklive.com. Feeling up for some green beer and live music?
Read More →Celebrated roots sextet Clay Street Unit brings its energetic live show to xBk Live on Feb. 20. Hailing from the heart of the Rockies, Clay Street Unit is supporting it new album, “Sin & Squalor.” The album captures the spirit of the west, folk and country traditions of the south and the
Read More →The Celtic Music Association kicks off 2026 with their concert series. Concerts feature popular and traditional Irish and Scottish music. Jan. 17 is Dallahan; Runa is Feb. 28 and Tannahill Weavers on March 28. All concerts are held at the Franklin Junior High Event Center, 4801 Franklin Ave., Des Moines.
Read More →December is a month of merry-making. From holidays to ringing in the New Year, Des Moines offers numerous music options. Celebrate 1980s rock on Dec. 13 for A Very Motley KISSmas show. It features tribute bands, Red Hott (Motley Crue) and KISSinTime (KISS). Concert is at Sherwood Forest Events Center
Read More →When imagining a symphony, one might visualize violin players playing classical music. Think again. The Black Jacket Symphony is a rock band that performs classic rock albums in its entirety. They will perform AC/DC’s “Back in Black” album on Nov. 15 at Hoyt Sherman Place. Tickets start at $47. Singer,
Read More →The 2025 Iowa Blues Challenge at Lefty’s Live Music takes place Oct. 5 starting at 1 p.m. The competition decides who will represent Iowa in the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Musicians include Berdo & Jones, The Chuggaluggers Band, Weary Ramblers, The Other Brothers, The Crawling Kingsnake, Izzy Starchild
Read More →Emmy Award-winning songwriter and Iowa native Bonne Finken presents an Eras-style concert on Sept. 5 at xBk Live. She is debuting her new single, “Blood Runs Through Me.” Tickets $20. Night Moves is a four-piece band from Minneapolis that recently released an album, “Double Life.” Night Moves is often referred to as
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