Sound Advice

Summer is a great time to enjoy live music in the beautiful outdoors. Can we get a happy dance, woop-woop? May is when the calendar starts filling up with must-see music events. Visit Valley Junction in West Des Moines for the Festival Cinco de Mayo on May 6 including live music by Guitarras ATM, Trio de Colores and Grupo 515. If you can’t make it for the festival, you can always stop by for Music in the Junction every Thursday evening until the end of September. May 4 kicks off the first concert with music by the Unfortunate Sons; May 11 is Molly Nova & the Hawks.

The Field Daze Music series at Lauridsen Amphitheater hosts a series of concerts starting in May. Bike there for easy parking and access. On May 6, the Pork Tornadoes for a 1980s, 1990s and 2000s dance party, with the opening band HYPE, a 1980s glam rock experience. For more info, visit www.firstfleetconcerts.com/first-fleet-venues/lauridsen. ♦