Sound Advice

PorchFest DSM is back for its 5th year on Sept. 13 in the Union Park area in Des Moines. This rolling festival features 20 bands playing on various porches and grassy lawns in the area. Musicians performing includes Willie Mac and the Lost Cousins, Bob Pace and Steve E. George, Velvet Trio and others. The event is free and attendees are encouraged to bring tip money and folding chairs to the event. For a map and complete line-up of musicians, visit www.porchfestdsm.org. 

Yachtley Crew, a Los Angeles-based cover band, performs in West Des Moines’ Val Air Ballroom on Sept. 23 to play all the smooth cover tunes of the 1970s and 1980s. Tickets are $46 from axs.com. 

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, Hoyt Sherman Place is offering a free concert on Sept. 13, featuring the 34th Army Band of the Iowa National Guard. Concert begins at 3 p.m. Arrive at 1 p.m. for interactive activities for all ages. 

The Beaverdale Fall Festival takes place on Sept. 18-19. This year’s free event includes more than a dozen musical acts on three stages. Bands include Stark Raving Madge, The Other Brothers, Sharane Callister and The Feel Right band, among others. For a complete schedule, visit www.fallfestival.org/schedule. ♦

Jackie Wilson has written hundreds of articles for CITYVIEW and the Iowa Living magazines. She covers ordinary people living extraordinary lives.