It’s our one year anniversary, guys! It’s been 365 days of amazing music, shows, interviews, and albums and we’re so lucky to have been a part of Des Moines’ local music scene! We also got cheesy and reflected on our … Continue reading
The Mews holds a spot in the heart of every single 4th Street regular and newbie alike. Today marks their 10th birthday, and I think it’s the perfect time to show the venue some love. Ladd Askland, booker for the … Continue reading
Reported by Erika Owen and Lindsay Fullington Tomorrow night at 8 p.m., four well-loved Des Moines bands will hit the stage for a concert that will never be rivaled. The Poison Control Center, Volcano Boys, Love Songs for Lonely Monsters, … Continue reading
It’s summer time and that means more awesome music to help you make it through the city heat. Unfortunately, I won’t be trolling the Des Moines music venues until August, but the talented Lindsay Fullington is going to take over covering the local shows for me. Never fear–there’ll still be Q&As and music reviews over the next couple of months.
For the next two months, I’ll be interning with GQ magazine–half of the time working and the other half of the time will be spent drooling over the male models. I’ll be bringing you the occasional music update from the streets of Brooklyn. Until then, keep hitting up those local shows, friends.
Reported by Lindsay Fullington There are two things that I absolutely love about Des Moines: the music scene and the river. And lucky for us, some genius decided to combine the two for an epic concert series. Check out the … Continue reading
Reported by Lindsay Fullington I know, I know. Ankeny isn’t technically Des Moines, but it’s a short 20 minute drive (faster if you’re a speeder), and this summer music series features some of the best local bands in the area. … Continue reading
Reported by Lindsay Fullington
This year, 80/35 is teaming up with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Iowa Public Radio’s Studio One to give local Iowa bands an awesome opportunity to play the stage alongside Death Cab for Cutie, The Avett Brothers, Dinosaur Jr., and more.
On April 23, The Play In committee selected the eight finalists who will fight to play the big stage. Seedlings, The White Elephant, The Beat Strings, The Wire Frames, Love Songs for Lonely Monsters, Emporers Club, Ladysoal, and Holy White Hounds were chosen.
These bands will perform live on IPR’s Night Music from April 30 – May 10. Listeners can rate each performance online. The top three rankings will be guaranteed a slot in the 80/35 lineup. Those bands will perform in front of a live audience in Des Moines on June 21. A final round of voting will determine the top act that will play on the Wellmark Main Stage, and the second and third place winners will each play a set on the free stages.
Congrats, guys! And good luck. We’ll be listening.
Reported by Lindsay Fullington Everyone knows that Des Moines is the place to be at the end of April. Just a sniff of toxic paint, runners’ sweat, and stale beer will tell you that Drake Relays is here. And lucky … Continue reading
Reported by Lindsay Fullington
Usually when people think of local music, their minds don’t jump to jazz. But Des Moines has a surprising amount of super talented jazz musicians that deserve your respect and your ears. And they play in venues you’d never expect. Here’s a list of the places to scout out the scene, and since there’s no cover charge, there’s no reason not to put these performances on your to-do list.
Where: 222 4th Street
When: Every Tuesday, 10-12pm
Who: The Uplift Quartet
Drinks: Specials on Old-Fashioneds slung by the D. Smith (hey, you should drink sassy, if you’re listening classy!)
Vibes: Good vibin’ and totally chill. Younger crowd is perfect for beginner jazz ears.
Where: 428 E Locust St
When: Every Friday and Saturday, 9-12pm
Who: Varies
Drinks: Their sangria is worth the extra bucks
Vibes: Older crowd of the working type, but never gets rowdy. These people appreciate jazz.
Where: 800 Locust St
When: Every Friday at 9
Who: Varies, but regular Paige Harpin’s voice is super sweet
Drinks: Their martini list puts other bars to shame and Sherry sure knows how to shake them
Vibes: Sometimes is full of tipsy out-of-towners from the adjacent hotel, but they’re legit.
Where: 2811 Ingersoll Ave.
When: Every Wednesday, 9-12pm
Who: Varies
Drinks: Good beer selection
Vibes: Packed crowd, so get there early for a good booth and good food.
Reported by Lindsay Fullington
After a four-year hiatus, The Films of John C. Reilly will be making a triumphant return to the Vaudeville Mews this Friday night. The band, made up of Clint Curtis, Joe Horn, Daniel Smith, Lincoln Decklever, Jordan Mayland, and newcomer Pat Fleming from Poison Control Center, is opening for the Mantis Pincers at 10pm. See event details here.
Besides bringing a rockin’ show, the band will be celebrating Clint’s 40th birthday. If you don’t know Clint, you should. He’s been the coolest bartender at the Mews for the past nine years and has acted in a commercial with James Franco (baller!). Juice recently profiled Clint. See the interview here.
So, bring your friends, pack the house, and get ready for your ears to tingle!
Also at the Mews that night:
Dustin Smith & The Sunday Silos with Christopher Stelling and Kate Kennedy @ 6
Band Bombshell 