DES MOINES’ MOST FUN FUNDRAISER IS COMING BACK IN A BIG WAY: UNMASKING THE SINGER 2026 TO BE HELD AT VAL AIR BALLROOM

DES MOINES, Iowa. (February 3, 2026) – Recently featured in DSM Magazine as one of Des Moines’ “Fun Fundraisers,” The Salvation Army’s Unmasking the Singer, sponsored by KDSM FOX 17 and Prairie Meadows, is already ramping up the excitement for 2026.

This year, the event will be held on March 28, and there will be several audience-friendly changes to its format.  The event is moving to the iconic Val Air Ballroom (301 Ashworth Rd in West Des Moines) and will feature round-table seating for the main area — offering a more sociable atmosphere for the audience.  Val Air also has a main stage as well as the old side stage, allowing for a set-up more similar to that of The Masked Singer on FOX.

“There are some big changes this year which I think people are really going to like and which will bring the event to the next level,” said Tamyra Harrison, Development Coordinator for The Salvation Army Capital Area Command. “The biggest change is that we’re starting the voting before the show with our Singer Mentors.  Singers can’t reveal themselves, so it’s hard to promote themselves and get votes.  Mayor Russ Trimble came up with the idea of matching new contestants with previous contestants and having them promote the singers’ characters prior to the show.  This helps to get them votes early — and hopefully gets more people to attend and support their favorite character.  Our mentors this year include Sharane Calister, Katherine Harrington, Rep. David Young, and Jason Sydejko.”

Lou Sipolt is returning as the show’s host, and the show’s judges are 2025 Unmasking the Singer winner “Bluey” (a.k.a. West Des Moines Mayor Russ Trimble), local country music sensation Jason Brown, Danger and Lindsay from NASH FM 97.3, and Jack Emerson from 95 KGGO.  As an additional treat for the audience, Iowa Rock Hall of Fame inductees The Flying Marsupials will perform both at intermission and at the end of the show.  Funds raised by the show will go to support Salvation Army programs and services that help those in need around the Des Moines metro area. 

“Hope you’ll come out and join me in supporting The Salvation Army for a night to remember with Des Moines’ classic rock and a classic rock band, the Flying Marsupials!” said Jack Emerson of 95 KGGO.

Tables of 8 start at $250 and up.  Individual table seats are $50 and general admission is $35.  Light snacks will be provided, and beverages will be available for purchase.  For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.bit.ly/UMTS2026.