It is a slow time of the year, thanks to the holidays and the cold weather. As an added bonus, this is the first time since I’ve began writing for Cityview that an issue will drop on the start of a new year. Given that, I thought I’d take a moment to thank everyone who picks up a Cityview over the course of the year to find out what’s happening in the local music scene. Additionally, a deep feeling of gratitude goes out to all of the venue owners, promoters, bookers who continue to give local music homes to play in and stages to play on. Finally, the biggest thank you of all goes to the musicians. From metal to punk, rockabilly to jazz, country to indie to rock and all the glorious stuff in between, Des Moines is full of some talented, passionate and amazing people. It has been a fun, life-changing three years getting to know them all, and I wish you all a healthy and happy 2015.

The fist Pick o the Week for 2015 is at Vaudeville Mews on Friday, Jan. 2. Head down there at 9:30 p.m. to check out Brazilian 2wins, playing along with Aquamarine Dream Machine and Mars Meusic. Cover is $8 at the door. Mahalo.