Joe's music blog

Concert series at DMSC, People's

Joe Lawler — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:15 GMT

I got an email from Roxi Copland on Friday saying she is starting the Calliope Concert Series at the Des Moines Social Club in January. The concerts will be headlined by female performers, and Copland said the series was inspired by the fact that despite women making up more than half the population they account for only 34% of professional musicians.

Each concert will be $5, with Copland opening. The schedule is:

Jan. 16: Rae Fehring (Iowa City)

Feb. 26: Coles Whalen (Nashville)

March 25: Shannon Curtis (Los Angeles)

April 17: Bonne Finken (Des Moines)

2010 marks the 20th anniversary of People's, and owner Tom Zmolek is planning a concert series featuring performers from the venue's past. The shows will have cabaret seating. Three acts have been announced so far, and more may join the line-up.

Jan. 23: Martin Zellar

Jan. 30: The Twilight Hours

March 5: Tina Schlieske

Tickets to each show are $10-$20 are available through Iowatix.

Electric Six returns, 10K Lakes on hiatus

Joe Lawler — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:14:02 GMT

I had a blog post written up earlier this week about Electric Six returning to town, but right before I hit "Save" my browser crashed and I abandoned the news for a few days. Assuming it doesn't crash when I try again, I'm happy to report that the band will be playing at the Vaudeville Mews March 31.

Tyborn Jig is opening the show and tickets will be $12 in advance, $15 day of show. They go on sale Dec. 28 through Iowatix.

This next bit isn't Iowa related, but the 10,000 Lakes Festival in Minnesota is going on hiatus next year. According to founder Randy Levy the festival lost money last year, and he says Rothbury and Mile High did as well.

His mention of Rothbury is interesting, since 80/35 has signed acts that were traveling to our from Rothbury the last two years. Hopefully this hiatus isn't part of a trend, because a scaled back or absent Rothbury would likely hurt 80/35's ability to draw acts.

It's also interesting that the busiest day of 10K Lakes was the Dave Matthews headlined day, which attracted 15,000 fans. Matthews got a bigger crowd than that in Des Moines.

The Used at Val Air Ballroom

Joe Lawler — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:14:06 GMT

Back in May Utah rockers drew good size crowd to People's Court, so in February they're returning to town, this time at the Val Air on Feb. 3.

Since its last visit, The Used has released a new album, "Artwork" and its cover of the Talking Heads "Burning Down the House" was used in "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen."

Atreyu will open the show. No word yet on ticket prices, but they will go on sale Friday through Ticketmaster.

Date set for Cross Canadian Ragweed make-up show

Joe Lawler — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:13:10 GMT

Cross Canadian Ragweed fans who were bummed about weather canceling the band's show at the Val Air Ballroom on Friday didn't have to wait long for word of a make-up date. According to Ticketmaster the show has been rescheduled for April 16.

Original tickets will be honored, and ticket prices remain $17.50 if you don't have one yet. Ticketmaster is also saying that Ha Ha Tonka will still be the opening act. If you can't make the new date, refunds are available at point of purchase.

Win Black Eyed Peas tickets

Joe Lawler — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:49:09 GMT

This month Metromix is giving away tickets to the March 25 Black Eyed Peas show at Wells Fargo Arena. You can enter here. You need to enter your favorite song lyric from the group, so I thought I would throw out of some of my favorites.

The rhyming of "Mazal Tov" and "Take it off" in "I Got a Feeling."

Pretty much all of "My Humps," especially the thought that lumps and humps are sexy, and not invoking the imagery of a cancerous hunchback.

But I think my favorite is the chorus to "Shut Up," the song that put the Black Eyed Peas back on my radar with a video that made me say "Why is Wyclef Jean singing with this Birtney wannabe?"

"Shut up
Just shut up
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut it up, just shut up
Shut up
Just shut up
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut it up, just shut up"

I know it sounds like I'm ripping on the group, but I have to admit that everyone one of these songs has been stuck in my head multiple times. The Black Eyed Peas know how to make a catchy song.

Cross Canadian Ragweed show canceled

Joe Lawler — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:13:05 GMT

On Cross Canadian Ragweed's site the band has posted saying tonight's show at the Val Air Ballroom has been canceled due to weather.

"Today's show (12/10/09) at the Picador in Iowa City and tomorrow's show (12/11/09) at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines are postponed/cancelled due to bad weather. For the safety of the band and fans traveling to the show we will reschedule for a later date. Please contact your place of purchase for ticket refunds. Thank you, Cross Canadian Ragweed."

Opening act Ha Ha Tonka also posted about the cancellation on the band's Facebook page:

"Well folks, we just can't catch a break...just heard from the promoter in Des Moines and they're pulling the plug on that show as well. We do apologize and will definitely get back to Iowa as quick as possible."

Since things aren't so horrible here now, I'm guessing that the band having to travel is a big factor here. This comes on the heels of the Val Air and Lazer 103.3 announcing a special deal for fans who couldn't make Tuesday's Breaking Benjamin show.

'Mad Men' theme composer in Grinnell

Joe Lawler — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:54:01 GMT

RJD2, a DJ whose song "A Beautiful Mine" is the theme song to "Mad Men," performs Feb. 19 at Grinnell College's Harris Center. Most Grinnell concerts are free, though sometimes you need a ticket to get in. As I find out more info I'll update.

RJD2 played the Vaudeville Mews in 2006 as part of Soul Position, his collaboration with Cleveland rapper Blueprint.

Jason Aldean at Hilton

Joe Lawler — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:29:52 GMT

Country singer Jason Aldean has been rising through the ranks of venues here in central Iowa. In 2007 he opened for Rascall Flats at Wells Fargo Arena, then returned to headline his own show at the Val Air in 2008. On March 10 he returns, headlining a show at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

No ticket info yet. Luke Bryan, who played People's Court in July, headlines the show.

Second chance for Breaking Benjamin ticket holders

Joe Lawler — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:34:26 GMT

If you couldn't make it to Tuesday night's Breaking Benjamin show at the Val Air but had a ticket, all is not lost. Lazer 103.3 and Cardani Productions are hoping to honor the tickets at some point in the future, though when and where has not been specified.

The official statement is:

"Due to the weather that hit Iowa, many people were unable to make the Breaking Benjamin/Sick Puppies show. While the show did happen, and majority of people attended, we realize many were unable to attend due to the weather. Because of standard operating procedure in the concert industry and the bands’ schedules, shows are rarely postponed and/or cancelled once the band is in town. Both Lazer and Cardani Productions value the faithful listeners that make these shows the success they are. Please hold on to your unused tickets, as we are hoping to put something together where you can use them in the future. Expect more information in the next couple of days and stay tuned to Lazer 103.3 for more details."

Backstage Ball postponed

Joe Lawler — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:06:09 GMT

The Des Moines Music Coalition's Backstage Ball, scheduled for tonight at People's Court, has been postponed to an unspecified date after Jan. 1.

If you hear any other music-related cancelations or delays due to weather, please let me know @ joe@dmjuice.com.

The Pink Floyd Experience at Hoyt Sherman

Joe Lawler — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:24:11 GMT

Opportunities to see Pink Floyd live are rare, but The Pink Floyd Experience attempts to replicate that with "interpretive videos, plane crashes, flying pig (and a) helicopter."

If you're into that, they'll be at Hoyt Sherman Place Feb. 10. Tickets are $30-$35 through Ticketmaster and go on sale Friday through Ticketmaster.

Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin, Winter Jam and more

Joe Lawler — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:33:19 GMT

If you can't make it to tonight's (Not So) Silent Night at the Val Air Ballroom, you'll have another chance to catch them next month when they co-headline a show with Three Days Grace Jan. 27 at the US Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids.

Tickets go on sale Saturday through Ticketmaster. Flyleaf opens the show.

Check out my interview with Breaking Benjamin's Ben Burnley here.

The Winer Jam Christian rock tour returns to Des Moines Jan. 24 for a stop at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Third Day, Newsboys, Newsong, Tenth Avenue North, Fireflight and a bunch of other acts perform. Tickets are $10 and available at the door only. For more info check out jamtour.com.

Vocal group Naturally 7 plays Stephens Auditorium in Ames March 4. Tickets are $35 through Ticketmaster.

UPDATE: LMFAO opens for Black Eyed Peas, ticket prices

Joe Lawler — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:38:24 GMT

After selling out People's Court last month, LMFAO returns to Des Moines as the opening act for the Black Eyed Peas March 25 Wells Fargo Arena date.

Tickets will be $39.50, $60.50 and $80.50, but if you're an American Express cardholder you can buy your tickets starting at 10 a.m. Thursday through Dahlstickets. Otherwise you have to wait until noon Saturday.

Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd at Val Air

Joe Lawler — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:49:49 GMT

Hard rock bands Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd and Skillet play the Val Air Ballroom Feb. 12. Shinedown played the Iowa State Fair this summer, and I'm drawing a blank when POM last played the area, but I know they were scheduled to be part of the Rock Gone Wild Festival which failed to launch in the late summer.

Tickets are $30 and on sale now through Ticketmaster.

The Envy Corps playing DMSC

Joe Lawler — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:04:00 GMT

Last month The Envy Corps were set to play the New Year's Eve Bash at the Des Moines Social Club, but ended up dropping out with the promise of a make-up date. That new date has been set, with the Des Moines favorites playing the DMSC Jan. 30.

No word yet on opening acts, but tickets will be $10 in advance through Iowatix, $15 day of show and go on sale Monday morning through Iowatix.

In related news, The Envy Corps' drummer, Scott Yoshimura plays Mars Cafe with his solo project Menlo for the "Deck the Mars with Necks of Turtle" holiday party Dec. 18. Finn Miles and the Good ol' Fashion are also performing.

The Sounds of Loudness: Slipknot on Rock Band

Joe Lawler — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:17:00 GMT

Next week Rock Band will release Slipknot (and Simon & Garfunkel) downloadable content for Xbox 360, Wii and Playstation 3.

"Duality," "Psychosocial" and "Sulfur" are the Slipknot songs. They'll be $1.99 each or $5.49 for all three and whatever the hell that translates into in Microsoft and Wii points.

The songs won't work for Lego Rock Band, which isn't really a surprise since that game focuses on "family friendly" tunes.

"I Am a Rock" and "The Sounds of Silence" are the S&G songs. I want "The Boxer," and "Hazy Shade of Winter" seems like a good fit for the game. Maybe next time.

'Biggest Loser' contestant at Jason Brown show

Joe Lawler — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:23:22 GMT

Friday's Jason Brown show at the Val Air Ballroom just added a new act: Dan Evans of NBC's "The Biggest Loser."

Evans lost 136 pounds on the shows fourth season. His debut album, "Goin' All Out," was released earlier this year.

Tickets for the show are $10 in advance, $15 at the door with money going to Variety of Iowa. An after party will be held at Uncle Buck's with Brown, Evans and Steve Hoy posing for photos and signing autographs.

Black Eyed Peas is official

Joe Lawler — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:47:48 GMT

The Iowa Events Center just sent out a release about the Black Eyed Peas' March 25 stop at Wells Fargo Arena. The ticket on-sale date is Dec. 12 through Dahlstickets, but no prices have been announced.

The released did stay "Ticket prices will carry reasonable value and will be accessible to all fans."

The Peas played the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls in 2004 for about 2,500 fans. It's safe to say they'll draw a larger crowd on this visit.

Norah Jones at Des Moines Civic Center

Joe Lawler — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:03:48 GMT

"Don't Know Why" singer Norah Jones comes to the Civic Center March 9 in support of her album "The Fall," which was released Nov. 17. The tour kicks off March 5.

This week Jones is premiering several remixes from "The Fall," including versions done by Adrock and Mike D of the Beastie Boys, Santigold and Snotty and Beck.

Tickets won't go on sale until Jan. 22. No details yet on prices.

Des Moines Music Collectors Show

Joe Lawler — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:11:27 GMT

The ZZZ Records-run Des Moines Music Collectors Show will be held Dec. 6 at the Downtown Holiday Inn, 1050 Sixth Ave. Around 20 dealers will be selling CDs, records, DVDs, posters and other memorabilia.

Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., admission is $1. For more info call 284-1401 or visit the website.

AC/DC finally reschedules Des Moines concert

Kyle Munson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:15:45 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving: AC/DC's "Black Ice" tour stop at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, postponed from its original Oct. 10 date, has been rescheduled for April 17, the band and the Iowa Events Center announced today.

All previously purchased tickets will be honored.

Des Moines Music Coalition Backstage Ball

Joe Lawler — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:44:55 GMT

The Des Moines Music Coalition is currently in fundraising mode, hosting Backstage Ball Dec. 9 at People's Court. The event features music by Maximillian Eubank and hors d 'oeuvres. G. David Hurd of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation and Harry & Pam Bass Bookey are hosting the event.

Tickets are $75, which includes a one year membership with the DMMC. $100 gets you in, the membership and a Backstage Ball t-shirt. $250 gets you the membership and an 80/35 2010 VIP pass.

For more info check out the DMMC's site.

Tim McGraw ticket prices announced

Joe Lawler — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:09:46 GMT

Tickets for Tim McGraw's Feb. 13 "Southern Voice Tour" stop at Wells Fargo Arena will go on sale Dec. 5 through Dahlstickets. It's yet another affordable show (rock bands take note, I'm liking this trend) with tickets starting at $24.75 (also $39.75 and $55.75).

Lady Antebellum and the Lost Trailers open the show.

Poison Control Center in, The Envy Corps out for NYE show

Joe Lawler — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:30:16 GMT

Poison Control Center is taking the place of The Envy Corps at The Bash, the Des Moines Social Club's New Year's Eve event. Leslie & The Lys, Colourmusic, Christopher the Conquered, the St. Vitus Taxi Dancers and Champagne Showers are also performing.

Tickets are $25 through Iowatix. Zachary Mannheimmer said The Envy Corps will make up the date sometime in January.

Lee Ann Womack added to George Strait show

Joe Lawler — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:22:45 GMT

"I Hope You Dance" singer Lee Ann Womack has been added to the April 10 George Strait/Reba McEntire show at Wells Fargo Arena. Womack recently released the single "There Is a God," which will be included on an upcoming 2010 album.

Ticket prices and an onsale date for the show are still TBA.