Here’s a look at some notable acts that have performed at 214 Fourth St. over the years.
Fall Out Boy (Aug. 12, 2003): This was the first show Wooly’s owner Sam Summers booked at the Mews. Two years later the band sold out the Val Air Ballroom.
Devandra Banhart and Joanna Newsome (June 11, 2004): If you were there, plus 50 hipster cred to you.
Of Montreal (April 26, 2004, May 1, 2005): The 2011 80/35 Music Festival headliner was the first act to sell out the Vaudeville Mews in 2005.
The National (Sept. 10, 2003): Earlier this year The National played for a Des Moines crowd of thousands with Barack Obama. Its 2003 turnout: around 20 people.
Rev. Horton Heat (Aug. 9, 2005): The first Mews show to sell out in advance. The band later complained online about the temperature in the venue, leading to the installation of more air conditioners.
The Decemberists (May 18, 2003): In high demand for festivals these days, you could have seen the band play to around 70 people.
Josh Ritter (July 8, 2009): The acclaimed singer-songwriter charmed Des Moines crowds here.
Bonnie Prince Billy (March 16, 2009): Will Oldham is an act who can play much larger spaces, but he picked the Mews for a more intimate set.
Jay Farrar (June 18-19, 2004): The Sun Volt frontman (you may have heard of his Uncle Tupelo bandmates: most of Wilco) played a two-night stint in town.
Jonathan Richman (Nov. 4, 2004, June 10, 2009): The eclectic singer-songwriter has made multiple visits to the Mews.
