The Des Moines music landscape has been running a bit gun shy during the past couple months as a number of venues — House of Bricks, Hull Ave. Tavern and El Bait Shop — have either closed or dramatically cut back on their music. Those jitters have been given new ammunition this past week, as the future of two more venues were put into question.

First, there was the announcement last Tuesday that Raccoon River Brewery was closing its doors this spring after 18 years of operation. Their building was recently sold, and the new owners have their own, yet undisclosed, plans for the space. The next day it was announced that Kum & Go had purchased the building housing Gas Lamp, putting the fate of music in the Western Gateway area in potential jeopardy. For now, details on both locations are slim, but we will let you know more as facts come to light.

Pick o’ the Week: Speaking of Hull Ave., in a spot of good news, the establishment is re-opening under new ownership and kicking things off on Saturday, Feb. 21, with a show featuring Ressurection Mary, Nest of Snakes and Wicked Inquisition. There’s no cover at the door, and the party kicks off at 9 p.m. Mahalo. CV