Category Archives: Arts and Culture

“Holidays at Hoyt” to Benefit Those in Need (Plus a FREE Ticket Giveaway!)

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As the holidays draw nearer and nearer, I’m constantly reminded of two things. One – I am soo very blessed to have wonderful friends and family in my life. Two – I am fortunate to have a comfortable lifestyle, as there are many others who are not as fortunate as I am. As I was thinking about getting a group of family and friends together to celebrate the season and give back to those in need, I came across a local holiday event – “Holidays at Hoyt” – that does both!

“Holidays at Hoyt,” features two shows – Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas, a musical comedy, on December 19-21, and Miracle on 34th Street The Musical, the beloved holiday traditional favorite, on December 22. Not only are the performances going to be highly enjoyable and Christmas-themed, but they are also supporting those in Des Moines who are less fortunate.

About the Shows

  • Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas – Take yourself back to 1959 and celebrate the holidays with some of the wittiest church ladies you’ll ever meet. They bring together old and new memories as they plan the Sunday School Christmas Program. These ladies satisfy audiences with their funny antics, charm and holiday joy. Show times are: December 19 at 2:00 p.m., December 20 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and December 21 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Miracle on 34th Street The Musical on December 22 at 7:30 p.m. – Join a jolly, white-bearded man as he brings a miracle to 34th Street. This classic show is full of holiday magic and leaves audiences believing that holiday wishes, and even miracles, do come true!

All tickets are reserved seating and may be purchased in person at the Hoyt Sherman Place Box Office (1501 Woodland Avenue), at Ticketmaster.com, by calling (800) 745-3000 or at any Ticketmaster location.

Spread some Christmas Cheer by Giving Back
The “Holidays at Hoyt” productions will be working to raise donations for a local non-profit organization, Central Iowa Shelter & Services. Show attendees are encouraged to donate a personal item, such as: aspirin, razors, toothpaste, or band-aids (view a full list of accepted items here), when purchasing their tickets at the Hoyt Sherman Place Box Office. Attendees who donate a personal item will receive a $3 discount (one donation per ticket) on their ticket purchase to either Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas or Miracle on 34th Street The Musical!

Let’s Give Away a Pair of Tickets!
One lucky winner will have the chance to win 2 tickets to Miracle on 34th Street The Musical! Here’s how to win: Tweet to @TheDishOnDM, post on “The Dish on Des Moines” Facebook page, or comment on this blog post by 11:00 a.m. on 12/19/12 with the name of your favorite Christmas carol and you will be entered to win! The winner will be announced via Twitter, Facebook and on this blog post’s comment stream the afternoon of the 19th. Good luck and as always, thanks for reading!

‘Tis the Season: Holiday Happenings in DSM

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The holiday season is in full swing in Des Moines and there are tons of joy-filled holiday activities you can experience with your friends and family. View holiday light displays, shop locally, build a gingerbread house, craft your own holiday gifts and MORE! Here are a few of my favorite upcoming holiday happenings!

Jingle in the Junction – November 29, December 6, and December 13 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Explore the charm of Valley Junction at night when the streets are lined with over 150,000 twinkling lights and local shoppers. There will be free horse drawn carriage rides and even Santa! Play Valley Junction’s Mistletoe Bingo as you shop and you might just win a prize basket.

Gingerbread Grandeur Workshops – December 1 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Frost your way into the holiday season by creating your very own gingerbread house at Salisbury House & Gardens! For only $20 you can create and keep your very own gingerbread house. Purchase tickets here.

Nada Silent Night X – December 1 at 8:00 p.m. – Enjoy the songs of the season performed by The Nadas at the historic Hoyt Sherman Place. Admission is $22.50 (in advance) or $27.50 the day of the show, plus an unwrapped toy, which will be donated to the Marie Corps Toys for Tots. Purchase tickets here.

Art Noir Holiday Art Studio – December 6 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Create your own colorful holiday wreath, paper ornament balls, transfer prints and more at the Art Noir Holiday Studio. As you’re crafting your way though the night, enjoy complimentary wine and food. RSVP by December 1 to artnoir@desmoinesartcenter.org to reserve your spot and pay your $15 material fee the night of the event.

16th Annual Holly & Ivy Tour – December 7, 8 and 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Tour a few of the most exquisitely decorated places in Des Moines – Salisbury House & Gardens, Terrace Hill, and two other personal homes – during the Holly & Ivy Tour. I have gone on the Tour for the past 4 or 5 years – and it’s such a great time! Pay online or pay upon arrival at either Salisbury House or Terrace Hill.

Jolly Holiday Lights – Crank up the Christmas tunes, turn on your heated seats and kick off the holiday with Jolly Holiday Lights at Water Works Park! Enjoy 3.5 miles of holiday light displays for only $10/car. Jolly Holiday Lights is open nightly from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. through January 1.

Blow Your Own Glass Ornaments with Studio Fuzzishu – Does Pinterest have you thinking you can make all of your holiday gifts? Well look no further than Studio Fuzzishu for some DIY holiday fun! From now until the end of December, you can blow your own glass ornaments for only $14 per ornament. I made my own ornament last year with the help of Studio Fuzzishu and it was a ton of fun. Call the studio to schedule your appointment at: (515) 402-8143.

What are your favorite holiday events or traditions in Des Moines?

October 19 – 21: What’s Up This Weekend?

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From dancing to vintage art to spooky storytelling – Des Moines is packed with some great events this weekend. Here are a few of the local events that caught my eye!

October 19, 2012 – Pollock Ball at the Des Moines Art Center. Art Noir is honoring Jackson Pollock’s Mural (which visited the Des Moines Art Center from April 4 – July 15) by theming their fourth annual Artist Ball the “Pollock Ball.” The ticket price includes: sounds of the era by DJ Eight Ten, a visual journey though Pollock’s life, hors d’oeuvres and one classic American cocktail or beer. Vintage cocktail attire or attire inspired by Pollock’s work is encouraged but not required. Purchase tickets at the door for $40 ($35 for members) and a cash bar will be available.

October 20, 2012 – Mysteries of the Castle at Salisbury House & Gardens. Are your little ghouls or goblins ready for Halloween? Salisbury House will come alive this Saturday for “Mysteries of the Castle” where attendees will enjoy science experiences with Kemin and ISU, story telling by Witch Hazel from Stam’s, face painting with artists from Sticks and even The Owl Lady (along with her bats and furry critters!). Tickets are available online for only $5!

Photo source: BalletDesMoines.org.

October 19-21, 2012 – Prelude: A Triple Bill presented by Ballet Des Moines. Take time this weekend to enjoy the ballet at its finest. The ballet performances of Prelude, which feature sleek and sophisticated choreography and many professional dancers, will take place at the beautiful Hoyt Sherman Place Theater. Tickets to Prelude are $42.50 (or $27.50 for those under 18) and are available the Hoyt Sherman Place Theater box office.

October 21, 2012 – The East Village Sunday Baazar. Take a stroll through the historic East Village this Sunday to enjoy the fall weather and to check out The East Village Sunday Baazar. The Baazar will run from 12:00 p.m – 4:00 p.m. on East 5th Street between Locust and Walnut. This street event includes: live music, food vendors, vintage clothing, art, jewelry, decor, handmade goods and more.  A great way to end the weekend!

What else do you have going on this weekend? We are planning on spending some time watching a little football, heading to Simpson College for homecoming and I will be cheering on my fiancé, Levi, who is running his first marathon – the Des Moines Marathon! It sounds like it will be another busy weekend for us, so it’s a good thing I’ve already taken care of decorating my pumpkins for Halloween this year!

Local Singer/Songwriter Bonne Finken to Showcase Talent at People’s Court 5/18

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It’s easy blend into the crowd when you’re a singer, even if you’re a talented singer. Many try and imitate their favorite artists or songs – but not local singer/songwriter Bonne Finken. Finken is clearly an original artist with a distinct sound. Finken’s voice is uniquely enticing because her vocals range from jazzy to funky with a twist of rock. She’s energetic, honest and confident.

“I really believe ‘Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow,’” said Finken. “I’m not afraid of trying something and failing.  I’m only afraid of not trying.  That’s a lot of why I venture into all types of music genres and enjoy different types of shows in all different types of venues with all different types of audiences.  I never want to get too comfortable.”

Recently, I had the pleasure of listening to Finken’s new album “Bonne Finken: Live from the Loft.” The stripped, live music is enthusiastic and filled with passion. You won’t fall asleep listening to this ablum – it definitely keeps your attention with its contrasting rhythms and unexpected riffs. In my opinion, Finken’s voice is refreshing because of its unique character and vocal timbre.

“I wanted to capture both a stripped down version of some of these songs as well as capture some of the energy and magic that happens at live performances that can’t be captured in a studio setting,” said Finken. “You can perform as a band in a studio, but there’s a different level of energy that comes with a live performance in front of an audience.  These songs are very raw: no editing, one take taken – just had levels adjusted and they went on the album.”

You’re in luck. Bonne Finken + The Collective have a live show this Friday!

Check out Bonne Finken + The Collective at the “Live from the Loft” Release Party on Friday, May 18 at People’s Court. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  Singer/Songwriter Chad Elliott opens the show at 8:00 p.m. followed by Bonne Finken + The Collective.

“The main feature of this show is to highlight the original music and the release of ‘Live from the Loft’,” said Finken. “But one of the very special features is the choreographed dances by Jennifer Kees and her Kees Camp Dance Crew.  It was collaborative – they took some of my music and put dances to my songs.  We took some of the songs they already have routines to, and will perform the songs live for them.”

Admission is only $10 in advance and $15 at the door. If you’re purchasing your ticket in advance via Tikly, do yourself a favor and spend $5 more and snag yourself a ticket and a signed “Live from the Loft” CD. Purchase tickets via Tikly by clicking here. 

“This is the type of show that I wanted to do back in 2008 when I first released ‘Soul on Display’,” said Finken. “It has just taken me all this time to get to a point in my career where I was able to actually pull it all off.  It took some time to get the music where I wanted it.  It took some time to establish ‘who I am’ as an artist and songwriter.  I feel like I’ve accomplished that to some degree.  So now, I’m starting to peel back some of the layers.”

World Food Festival to celebrate Iowa’s diverse culinary traditions

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The World Food Festival will add a dash of flavor and culture to Des Moines this weekend when it rolls into the East Village with live music, cooking demonstrations, local and international wine and beer, Cultural Cafés, a marketplace, interactive non-profit activities, and much more.

For the seventh year, the World Food Festival will “reign as Des Moines’ premier taste and entertainment event” on October 7 – 9, 2011. The Festival will be held on the streets of the East Village between East 4th Street and East 6th Street on East Locust Street and on East 5th Street. The hours for the Festival are: Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Festival is free to attend and many different international foods and beverages will be available for purchase. For only $1 the Cultural Cafés will offer samples of their unique dishes and for only $5 attendees will be able to go for the full-plate option for $5 or less. With over 30 different vendors showcasing their foods from Turkey, Ethiopia, Greece, Morocco, Russia, Mesopotamia, Hawaii and more, attendees will be able to find many different options to enjoy. For a sneak peak at what will be offered, click here to check out the menu items before you attend the Festival.

Free parking will be available in the State of Iowa Parking Ramp (corner of E. Grand and Penn) as well as a free bike valet at the corner of E. 4th and E. Locust Street.

Last year the event had a record number of attendee’s at 75,000, and with the gorgeous fall weather that’s in the forecast for the weekend, I’m sure many curious food enthusiasts will come out to enjoy the food, beverages, live entertainment and diverse culture which is uniquely Des Moines.

Free food, wine and live music to kick off Civic Music Association’s 2011-2012 season

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Civic Music Association will kick off their 87th season with a bash at Jasper Winery on September 7, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The free happy hour-style event will feature live music by the Belin Quartet and the Ian Copland Trio, food from Proof and wine/beer from Jasper Winery.

Guests will be able to preview the Civic Music Association’s upcoming season, network, learn more about the Civic Music Association and participate in a raffle, which will include the opportunity to eat at La Mie with season artist, Karrin Allyson, two season subscriptions to Civic Music Association and gifts from Jasper Winery.

After the season is “kicked off” at Jasper Winery, the 2011-2012 concert series will begin with a jazzy season opener on September 23 featuring the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans.

“In addition to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, our season will feature the world-renowned Emerson String Quartet, the Oasis Quartet, Jazz Singer Karrin Allyson, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Latin Jazz wonder, Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band,” said Carrie Clogg, Executive Director with the Civic Music Association.

Belin Quartet.

Since its inception in 1925, the Civic Music Association has been an asset to the arts and culture scene in Des Moines. The Civic Music Association is not only building awareness, understanding and respect for classical, world and jazz artistry, but they’re bringing world-class musical experiences to Des Moines.

“We have a fabulous concert going experience,” said Clogg. “All of our concerts are held in the intimate atmosphere of Drake University‘s Sheslow Auditorium guaranteeing each patron an up close and personal view of the concert.  In addition, we offer complimentary coffee from Zanzibar’s at intermission and many of our concerts have “Meet the Artist” receptions after the concert with complimentary food, wine and music!”

If you’d like to get more involved with the Civic Music Association, check out their new website, purchase tickets to their upcoming season, attend the “Kick-Off Party,” like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Iowa State Fair celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Butter Cow

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Butter is a cooking and baking staple, but year after year it has proven to be an important part of the Iowa State Fair. Each year, thousands of fair goers wait to get a glimpse of the well-known Butter Cow, and other sculptures, that are created from butter.

This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Butter Cow, which is something to celebrate! It’s only appropriate to share of few facts about the yearly Iowa State Fair tradition:

  • The Butter Cow first appeared at the Iowa State Fair in 1911 (hence the 100 Year Anniversary).
  • 600 pounds of low moisture, pure cream Iowa butter goes into making the Butter Cow each year – which is enough butter to butter 19,200 slices of toast!
  • Each year, much of the butter from the Butter Cow is stored, recycled and reused (to create the butter sculptures) for up to 10 years.
  • Norma “Duffy” Lyon, who was the fourth person and first women to sculpt the Butter Cow, passed away this year. Norma had sculpted the Butter Cow since 1960 and she was known throughout the city as “The Butter Cow Lady.”
  • This year Sarah Pratt, who is the current Butter Cow sculptor (and who apprenticed with Norma Lyon), led the Iowa State Fair Parade as the Parade Marshall.
  • The Butter Cow is housed in a 40-degree cooler room and measures about 5-1/2-ft high and 8-ft long when complete.

The Iowa State Fair is August 11 – 21 this year, which gives you 7 more days to stop by the Agriculture Building at the Iowa State Fair to see the Butter Cow and the other butter sculptures!

“Nothing Compares” to the Iowa State Fair

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The Iowa State Fair has drawn in hundreds of thousands of visitors year after year and is the single largest annual event in Iowa. The Iowa State Fair has been named the #2 choice for summer fun in America (in 2004 by USA Weekend) and made it into the New York Times best-selling travel book “1000 Places to See Before You Die,” which comes by no surprise to most native Iowans.

The 2011 Iowa State Fair will be held from August 11 – 21 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds located at East 30th and East University Avenue in Des Moines. I have attended the Fair for the past 20 + years, and there are a few things that I look forward to each year at the Fair:

  • Free entertainment: This year the Iowa State Fair has more than $400,000 worth of FREE entertainment, which includes: The Nadas, Tonic Sol-fa, The Band Perry and even the Ying Yang Twins (I didn’t know that they still existed!).
  • Food on-a-stick: While you might only have the stomach (and budget) to try a few of the items on-a-stick at the Iowa State Fair the new one’s you’ll see this year are: Chocolate Covered Fried Ice Cream on a Stick, Peanut Butter and Jelly on a Stick, Fried Cheesecake on a Stick and the most artery clogging of them all – Fried Butter on a Stick (is it conscience that it’s the 100th Anniversary of the Butter Cow?). Foodie side note: Keep in mind that there are a few healthy options at the Fair as well as a few options under $2.00 each!
  • Contests: Each year the Iowa State Fair hosts dozens of unique contests, which are open to the public. A few of my personal favorites include: the Mullet Contest, the Twin Contest (I know a set of twins that have won), the Yo-Yo Contest, the Beard Growing Contest, the Ladies’ Husband Calling Contest and the Mr. Legs Contest. Make sure you check out the contest schedules for the day(s) that you attend the Fair so you can see some of these contests in action!
  • Animals: While I’ve lived in the city for my entire life, there’s something strangely intriguing about going through all of the animals barns and looking at the prize-winning animals. And of course, it’s always mind-blowing to look at the “Big Boar” and other large animals. Tip: be mindful of where you step!

The Iowa State Fair offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Recently, I discovered a great resource on their website called “Plan Your Itinerary.” This resource helps you plan your day(s) at the Iowa State Fair, since there are soo many things to do and see. It’s simple, just visit the Daily Program to plan and organize your very own, personalized Fair itinerary. This feature is perfect for overly planned people like me or for people who want to make the most out of their fair experience!

Honestly…where else can you see a Mullet Contest, Outhouse Races, the Budweiser Clydesdale’s and eat more than 50 different foods on a stick? You’d be hard-pressed to find another venue that offers agriculture, food, entertainment, art and soo much more, all in one place! Make sure you visit the 2011 Iowa State Fair because truly, “Nothing Compares.”

Vote for Des Moines Social Club’s $50K idea via Pepsi Refresh

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Des Moines Social Club (DMSC), a non-profit organization that “uses arts as a catalyst to create unprecedented community engagement,” has been selected as a part of the Pepsi Refresh Project.

The Pepsi Refresh Project’s goal is to award $20 million in grants to support local businesses, non-profit organizations and even individuals who have ideas that are creating a positive impact on the world. These organizations submit their community-changing ideas, and Pepsi chooses a select few that are voted upon. The projects with the most votes at the end of the voting period wins. Each month, up to $1.125 million in grants can be awarded, and the Des Moines Social Club is in the running to receive $50,000 of the grant money.

What would the $50,000 grant support?
The $50,000 would support the organization’s weekly programming (which fosters the art, culture and theater scenes in Des Moines) and the necessary funding to create a permanent residence for the Club.

How does the Des Moines Social Club win the $50,000?
By getting a large number of votes during the month of May. Here’s how to vote:

  1. Log on to the Pepsi Refresh website.
  2. Create an account (they’ll ask for your name, e-mail, and birth date) or login using your Facebook account.
  3. Vote! During the month of May you can vote once per day for the DMSC.
  4. Bonus points: Vote and share your experience on your social media networks – Facebook, Twitter, ect.!

It’s that simple!

So, why should I vote for the Des Moines Social Club?
“We do a lot,” said Jessica Miller Director of Marketing for the Des Moines Social Club. “Where else can you watch a play, drink a beer, buy local art, compete in trivia, perform, play ping pong, see a live talk show, take a class, laugh at improv, hear a concert, and network — all under one roof? We are not a real club. Everyone is welcome. We definitely filled a void in the community. We gave people a space and it organically became a success.”

A vote for the Des Moines Social Club is a vote for Des Moines. To Miller, it’s a no-brainer why someone should vote.

“Number one, it’s easy. Number two, none of your pocket is required and number three, every vote matters.”

Have you voted to refresh Des Moines yet?