Jess' top events August 14-21

Music, film, a "fiery" fundraiser, a downtown walking tour and more this week. Here's the scoop:

Gaelic Storm

Wednesday: Celtic musicians Gaelic Storm will fiddle their way onto Wooly’s stage for an energetic take on traditional Irish and Scottish music. While the Titanic sank in 1997 (well, in the movie), Gaelic Storm rose to the top and found great touring success after their song, “An Irish Party in Third Class,” became an instant hit (because who wouldn’t want to dance like Leo and Kate in the underbelly of a ship?). Their latest album, “Chicken Boxer,” was released just a couple weeks ago, on July 31. Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale at ticketfly.com. $20-$25. Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St. Go to woolysdm.com.

48 Hour Film Festival - Final 2012 screening

Thursday: Watch the top films from the Des Moines 48 Hour Film Festival at the “best of” screening at Fleur Cinema. Walk the red carpet, then watch the best films of 2012, all produced and created by teams from the Des Moines area in just 48 hours. Jason Garnett hosts the event, which will be followed by a reception with food in the lobby. 7 p.m. Tickets are $17.50. Fleur Cinema & Cafe, 4545 Fleur Drive. Go to 48hourfilm.com/desmoines.

Thursday: See downtown Des Moines through new eyes on a downtown walking tour. Choose from four routes. Each begins at the Iowa Architectural Foundation Office, 400 Locust St., Suite 100. The routes are: North (learn about Des Moines’ more contemporary architecture, as well as a few famous architects who have left their mark on the city), South (walk through the historic Court Avenue and warehouse districts to learn the history of downtown’s entertainment and living area), East (stroll through the East Village and learn the background of the City Beautiful monument, the World Food Prize Building and the Riverwalk’s public buildings), and West (a showcase of Des Moines’ older, more stately buildings and significant skyscrapers). All tours begin at 5:30 p.m. $10 per person. Go to iowaarchfoundation.org.

Fireball

Thursday and Friday: Performers will play with fire at Fireball, a production of acrobatic feats of fire with performances by Flam Chen, Pyrotechniq and others. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at
8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per day or $50 for single-day VIP tickets which include VIP seating, two drink tickets and a meet-and-great with the stars of the show. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at Midwestix.com. Simon Estes Amphitheater, 71 E. Locust St.

Andrew Bird