Category Archives: Des Moines Entertainment

Devour Des Moines: Tri to eat it all

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What would happen if you mixed a competitive eating contest with a triathlon? For some it may seem crazy, and for others it may be a reality. On Saturday, August 6 at 10:00 a.m. Devour Des Moines, a mix between an eating contest and a traditional triathlon, will put Des Moines finest competitors to the test.

After watching far too many episodes of Man vs. Food, Mike Banasiak, Devour Des Moines’ event organizer, decided that it was time to bring a local competitive eating/triathlon event to Des Moines.

“Devour Des Moines has been an idea of mine for years and I finally have the opportunity to bring it to life,” said Banasiak. “It is a unique event that DSM has never seen before. Through the eating and triathlon team relay, participants will be supporting local restaurants while promoting an active lifestyle.  Plus, it is always satisfying to see a great organization like Buy Fresh, Buy Local benefit from the proceeds.”

Each team, which consists of four members, will compete in a relay format race in downtown Des Moines. Each team member will perform an individual leg of the race, and the team will come together to finish the final leg of the competition.

Here’s the twist: each leg of the race will consist of one eating and one athletic event. Whether it’s eating a breakfast burrito at Mullets and running 1.5 miles or eating an order of bacon wrapped tater tots from High Life Lounge and then biking 5 miles, these competitors will have to prove that they’ve got the athletic talent and stomach to handle the inaugural Devour Des Moines event.

Devour Des Moines is being planned with the support of the Young Professionals Connection, as well as many other local restaurants and businesses. Only 30 teams will be allowed to compete and registration is open until tomorrow (July 29, 2011). If competing in the food-friendly triathlon is not your dish, make sure you come out to see the event in action!

“It will be a fun challenge while raising money for a great cause,” said Banasiak. “Come watch the competitors and join the after party at El Bait Shop to support the event, to entertain yourself, and to just have a good time!”

Local jazz artists say “good-bye” to Des Moines with farewell concert series

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The dark, sultry voice of Roxi Copland and the Michael Buble-esk sounds of Max Wellman have come together for a final farewell series at one of Des Moines’ most intimate theaters, The Temple Theater. The “Max and Roxi: Live at the Temple” series kicked off last weekend with shows on both Friday and Saturday nights and will conclude this weekend with a series of shows on Friday (8:00 p.m.), Saturday (8:00 p.m.) and Sunday (7:00 p.m.).

“Audiences can expect new arrangements of a variety of songs ranging from standards to today’s music, as well as a number of my own tunes,” said local musician, Roxi Copland. “Max & I will be backed by a stellar 7-piece band comprised of the some of the best musicians in Iowa.”

I attend the first show of the series last Friday night and I was blown away by the luxuriously smooth sounds that Max and Roxi brought to the Temple Theater’s stage. The 7-piece band was backlit by rich blue and red lights and the jazz sounds filled the room with holistic and soulful beats. Audience members bobbed their heads to the beat, laughed along with Max and Roxi’s antics and even gave a standing ovation at the end of the night.

The show showcased each vocalist and it was obvious to the audience that both performers have a true passion for jazz music and performing for a live audience. Max and Roxi laughed back and forth sharing stories and memories (Roxi used to be Max’s piano teacher), they blended harmoniously (it gave me goose bumps), and they were quick to tout the extreme talent of their supporting band members.

Sadly, Max and Roxi’s show is labeled a “farewell series” for a reason. Shortly after this concert series, Roxi will head to Vancouver and Max will leave for Atlanta – both to further pursue their music careers and dreams. Max recently wrote on his blog:

“To my people in Des Moines, don’t fret! Things will definitely be different in the future, but I will drop in from time to time. However, this is probably the end of my active performing schedule in Des Moines for the foreseeable future. It has been a wonderful ride… I can’t thank you all enough for the support that you have thrown my way.”

Roxi plans on leaving Des Moines the week after the Temple Shows and in true Roxi fashion, she already has a full schedule ahead of herself. She plans to tour the West Coast this fall, to record a full-length acoustic album, and to get ready for a national tour the following spring.

“A number of factors contributed to the decision – I want to spend some time touring the West Coast and it’ll be nice to be closer to family (I grew up near Seattle),” said Copland. “Vancouver has an incredibly vibrant music scene and it seems like a great place to expand into international territory.”

With all of this being said, one thing is very obvious. This is the last time that audience members will see both Max and Roxi on stage together for a while, and the last time they’ll be able to experience these phenomenal musicians in the heart of downtown Des Moines, where they’ve grown and played for the past few years.

Max and Roxi: Live at the Temple is a show you don’t want to miss or you’ll be sorry that you did. Tickets can be purchased online at CivicCenter.org, at all Ticketmaster locations, at the Civic Center Ticket office (open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by calling (800) 745-3000.

3rd Annual Wing Ding: “A cluckin’ good time”

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Wings have been a finger-friendly bar food and a staple Super Bowl party snack since the first plate of wings was served in 1964 in Buffalo, New York. This weekend wings are invading Des Moines as a part of the 3rd Annual Wing Ding on Saturday, July 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Jethro’s BBQ near Drake University. 

Wing Ding, truly a wing lovers fantasy, will offer fresh wings from local restaurants, frosty adult beverages, live local music, a wing eating contest and other prize giveaways. All proceeds from the 2011 Wing Ding will help VSA Iowa, the state organization on arts and disability, provide arts experiences in drama, dance, music, visual arts and creative writing to more than 30,000 Iowa children and adults with disabilities this year.

Eleven Central Iowa restaurants, such as: Court Ave. Brewing Co., El Bait Shop, Daytona’s, Gerri’s Bar and Grill, and Jethro’s BBQ, among other great establishments, are coming together for Wing Ding to celebrate all things wing. It’s safe to say you won’t find another experience that will allow you to sample wings from this many restaurants at one event!

Admission to the event is $15 in advance (online via Tikly or at Hy-Vee Stores) and $20 at the door. Admission includes a pound of wings, a drink ticket, and live entertainment, plus you’ll feel good knowing that you’re helping out a worthy cause.

Don a shirt you don’t mind spilling a little BBQ on and head to Wing Ding for a “cluckin’ good time.”

FREE WINGS AND BEER – What could be better?

VSA Iowa is partnering with The Dish on Des Moines to giveaway a pair of tickets to Wing Ding. Visit The Dish on Des Moines’ Facebook page between 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 22. Correctly answer the wing-themed trivia question by commenting on the status by 3:00 p.m. All correct answers will be entered into the drawing for two free tickets! The winner will be announced on Facebook around 4:00 p.m. and the tickets will be at will call the day of the event.

Dwollapalooza held thanks to Zaarly connections

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Two great things about Des Moines, the startup community and the local music scene, collided last night at Dwolla headquarters thanks to Tikly, Dwolla, Zaarly and Jason Walsmith of The Nadas.

A listing was put up on Zaarly, a website that helps you buy and sell things from the people around you, by Jason Walsmith of The Nadas offering live entertainment. Dwolla, a Des Moines-based startup company, decided to jump at the chance of a personal concert with Jason Walsmith. After a blog post by Dwolla, a few pushes on Twitter and Facebook, and only a few hours,  Dwollapalooza was born. Dwollapalooza was held yesterday from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Dwolla’s office in downtown Des Moines.

“I think Zaarly offers a very interesting way to make connections between artists and people who love music,” said Emma Peterson, communications director at Authentic Records. ”What I’m excited about is the ability to add a gig at a non-traditional show time. Or, let’s say you want to have a party on Friday and would love to have some talent present. Zaarly some live music, you never know who may have a few hours free and would be happy to play your living room. The potential for Zaarly and the music scene blows my mind.”

At Dwollapalooza Walsmith performed for an audience of 20 + people for around 45 minutes. The concert was soo personal that Walsmith interacted with the crowd, took song requests and even joked that it was his first time playing in the Midland Building, his first time playing surrounded by Dwolla’s idea-filled white boards and one of the most intimate performances that he’s ever given.

“I thought Zaarly sounded cool, and seemed like another way to connect with fans in a surprising and barrier-breaking way,” said Walsmith. ”My favorite part about Dwollapalooza was the spontaneity of the whole thing. With a few key strokes we booked a gig and created a buzz that rippled through our social media circle of friends and beyond exponentially.”

With the power of social media, the talent of a great local musician, the willingness of Dwolla to provide the show and the concept of Zaarly, Dwollapalooza was a success.

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Nitefall on the River hits the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater

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From singing mummies to a past American Idol contestant, the 2011 Nitefall on the River series has music for just about everyone. From the beginning of May until the end of July a wide range of different acts will perform as a part of Nitefall on the River, a yearly concert series at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater. Nitefall on the River provides concertgoers a relaxing evening along the river, a beautiful backdrop of the Des Moines skyline and an array of talented musicians.

After going to a few different Nitefall on the River concerts last year, I’ve learned a few things about attending the shows. Here are my tips for maximizing your concert experience:

  1. Before getting to the show, check out the musical acts website, download a few of their songs and get to know the band – you’ll feel more connected and you might even find yourself humming along to the beats or requesting your favorite song.
  2. While there aren’t many “bad spots” at the Amphitheater, I’d go early and stake your claim on a nice spot. Whether you’re rocking a lawn chair or a blanket, you’ll want to have your options open.
  3. It can get pretty hot at the concerts before the sun goes down and a little chilly after the sun sets, so make sure that you wear layers and pack a sweatshirt, just in case. Bonus tip: If you’re going to enjoy an ice-cold beverage at the show pack a koozie too!
  4. Food and beverages are available at the show. Food options include: BBQ, Hot Dogs, Gyros/Pita from $3 – $6 each and beverages include: Fat Tire, Skinny Dip, Ranger, Coors Light, Mikes Hard Lemonade ($5 each) and water, Pepsi products for $2 each. Cash and major credit cards can be used to buy concert tickets at the door and drink tickets, but you’ll have to bring cash to purchase food.
  5. Even though children 10 and under are free with a paid adult, that doesn’t mean that you should invite all of the children you know. Last year I (unfortunately) sat next to a clan of small children – it didn’t seem like a good time for either the parents or the children.
  6. To save some time and a few bucks order your tickets in advance by visiting Midwestix.com or by calling (515) 244-2771. If you want to wait until the day of the show you can still purchase tickets at the door with cash or credit card.
  7. If it happens to rain the day of the show, don’t worry because there are two different rain locations available – People’s Court and the Val Air Ballroom. Check the Des Moines Register’s website and the Nitefall on the River Facebook page for these updates.
  8. Make sure you follow @nitefalldsm on Twitter and like Nitefall on the River on Facebook to get the most up-to-date information and the inside scoop on free ticket giveaways.

Take advantage of the nice weather, bring a lawn chair, blankets, bug spray, sunglasses, some cash and enjoy the 2011 Nitefall on the River concert line-up:

  • Wednesday, May 4 – Slightly Stoopid w/ The Meat Puppets
  • Thursday, May 5 – Here Come the Mummies w/ Shelly Fairchild
  • Friday, June 3 – Hairball (Doors at 7PM)
  • Thursday, June 9 – Big Head Todd w/ Toots & Maytals
  • Monday, June 20 – Natasha Bedingfield w/ Kate Voegele & Andy Grammer
  • Thursday, June 23 – Christina Perri – (Tickets on Sale: 5/6 @ 10am)
  • Friday, June 24 – The Nadas
  • Thursday, June 30 – Toad the Wet Sprocket
  • Friday, July 1 – Umphrey’s McGee (Doors at 7PM)
  • Wednesday, July 6 – Matisyahu w/ The Wailers
  • Friday, July 8 – Yonder Mountain String Band (Doors at 7:30PM)
  • Thursday, July 7 – Gin Blossoms
  • Thursday, July 21 – Lee DeWyze
  • Thursday, July 28 – Keller Williams

 

C’mon Feel the Noise with Rock of Ages

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Hair spray, rhinestones, killer guitar riffs, spandex, fog machines, strong vocals, stripper poles, and acid wash jeans. The 80’s are back in Des Moines with “Rock of Ages,” which is being performed at the Des Moines Civic Center now through Sunday, April 24.

“Rock of Ages” is set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, CA. The story unfolds as your typical love story – small town girl meets big city boy (and rocker) and they fall in love. While the story line isn’t anything new or unique, what really steals the show are the silly one-liners, tenacious vocals and well-casted crew of rock stars. Each character has a large personality and collectively they provoke audiences to tap their toes, clap wildly, wave fake lighters (and cell phones) and even hoot and holler at the racy action on stage.

From the soothing power ballads to the high pitched screams – this cast is by far one of the strongest set of singers that I’ve seen on the Civic Center stage. Of course each show has its star, but this cast is strong vocally all the way around. From “American Idol” finalist, Constantine Maroulis, to Elicia MacKenzie, who plays leading lady Sherrie, to Teresa Stanley, who plays Justice/Mother – these people know how to sing! But honestly, what’s not to love about all of the classics from Journey, Styx, Poison, Twister Sister, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and more?

If you haven’t made it to “Rock of Ages” yet – get your ticket NOW! This rock ‘n roll love story is sexy, witty and totally 80’s. “Rock of Ages” will rock your face off, make you laugh hysterically (especially Patrick Lewallen who plays the narrator, Lonny) and you’ll leave singing classic 80’s hits all the way home.

Have you seen “Rock of Ages”? What did you think?

 

Des Moines couple adopts from Nigeria, support needed from the local community

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Jonny and Kayla Craig met in high school, in a theatre arts class to be exact, and they’ve been high school sweethearts ever since. They are strong believers in their Christian faith, they live in Beaverdale, and they drink a lot of coffee. Jonny and Kayla might seem like your average young professional couple in Des Moines but if you take a deeper look, you’ll quickly notice that they are a little different from most.

Jonny and Kayla knew they were called to do something, so they followed their calling. A little over a year ago Jonny and Kayla made the decision to expand their family.

“Everywhere I looked someone was blogging or tweeting about the orphan crisis,” said Kayla Craig. “I knew that the orphan crisis was something that was weighing on my heart. It was actually kind of crazy because one night Jonny told me that he’d watched a video in school about political unrest and genocide in developing countries, which made him think about all of the children in those countries. We looked at each other and we knew that God was calling us to adopt.”

Kayla and Jonny had done all of their homework about the adoption process. They’d read countless blogs, websites and searched online, but they were still a little lost in the process. After running into Eric Idehen, who founded Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage in 2006, their path became clearer. With Eric’s help, the couple began the adoption process. They completed all of the necessary paperwork and they were eventually matched with their 8-month-old son, Joseph.

Joseph was born in Benin City, which is located in southern Nigeria, Africa. Nigeria is a little more than twice the size of California and there are many children there who are in need of the basic necessities of life. In February, the Craig’s traveled to Nigeria and they were able to meet their son Joseph for the first time. They were able to feed him, change his diaper, and love him as any parents would, but leaving him behind was especially hard for the couple to do.

“The hardest part of the process was having to leave him,” said Kayla Craig. “It’s just heartbreaking leaving your son. It’s also hard knowing that you don’t have a lot of control. It’s been a good life lesson. Even if you think you have things planned out, life never works out that way.”

As you can imagine, the adoption process has been filled with a lot of paperwork, has taken nearly a year, and has become quite an expensive endeavor. When all is said and done, the Craig’s will have spent between $23,000 and $25,000 to adopt Joseph.

“Part of this process has been us learning to lay down our pride and asking others to come along side us,” said Craig. “We’ve paid the large majority of the costs already by working second jobs and saving everything, but we still need a little extra help.”

The Craig’s, along with the help of a few others, have put together an event, “Networking for a Cause: An Evening for Joseph,” to raise the last few funds needed to bring their son Joseph home to Des Moines. The event will take place on Thursday, April 14 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Badowers on Ingersoll Avenue. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

But keep in mind, this isn’t your typical networking event. Of course there will be drinks, entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and great people to mingle with, but this event is driven by a cause and directly supports Kayla, Jonny and Joseph in their journey of starting their new family in Des Moines. If you cannot attend the event but you’d still like to donate, you may do so by visiting Kayla and Jonny’s website.

“We were looking to give something to the community and to also raise a few funds to go towards Joseph’s fees,” said Craig. “We are hoping to have professionals come out to support the event. We have some really cool things planned, the silent auction items are great and we’ll even have some chair massages and music. It’s been really great to see people in the community, people that we don’t even know, coming together to be generous without an agenda.”

St. Patrick’s Day in Des Moines: Plenty O’Fun

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Don your RAYGUN “Kiss me, I’m Iowish” t-shirt and get out in Des Moines on Thursday, March 17 as the city will be painted green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’ve got the whole day off, part of the day off or your joining the festivities after 5:00 p.m., there are enough Irish activities for lots o’fun throughout the day.

Start your day off by going to one of these local Irish-themed bars that are serving up breakfast and a plethora of green beer in the wee hours of the morning:

AK O’Connors - 4050 Urbandale Ave. in Des Moines
AK’s will kick off the day at 6:00 a.m. with green eggs and ham. At 2:00 p.m. a few bagpipers will visit the bar, followed by Brian Congdon at 3:00 p.m. and Tony Bohnenkamp from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. Other Irish fare, such as corned beef and cabbage, will be served from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Flanagan’s Irish Pub – 2120 Ingersoll Ave. in Des Moines
Start your day off at 7:00 a.m. with a $5 breakfast at Flanagan’s featuring: green eggs and ham, roasted red peppers and toast until 11:00 a.m. If you can’t make it for breakfast, the tent will open and serve barbecue pork, bake beans, corned beef, cabbage and potatoes until 8:00 p.m. From 6:30 – 11:30 p.m. enjoy the musical musings of Last Chance.

Sully’s Irish Pub – 110 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines
Hit up Sully’s from 6:00 – 9:00 a.m. to indulge in green eggs and ham for only $1.02. After breakfast stick around to enjoy the heated tents, broadcasted music from Star 102.5, and food items catered by Hy-Vee. Bonus: This tent party has been around for 34 years… you’ll receive your green beer in a plastic souvenir cup!

After you’ve had your fill of green eggs and ham,
head on down to the Des Moines Social Club (DMSC) for a pre-parade brew. The Sideshow Lounge, located just inside the DMSC’s front door, will open at 8:00 a.m. and will serve up green beer and the Irish sounds of McKenzie Islanders Pipes & Drums. Sideshow Lounge’s drink specials will include: $4 Guinness, $2 draws of green beer and $6 Irish Car Bombs.

A little before noon, make sure you secure a spot along the annual Friendly Sons of St. Patrick‘s parade route.  Since 1976, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick have put on their annual St. Patrick’s Day parade for all of Des Moines to see and 2011 will be no different. Parade goers and parade participants will dress in their best Irish garb and pack the streets of downtown Des Moines. This year, the parade will feature WHO-TV’s Erin Kiernan as the Grand Marshall. The parade starts at noon on 15th and Locust and will head east on Locust ending at the Embassy Suites, 101 E. Locust Street, where a public reception will be held from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

If you’d like to add some culture into your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, head to the 3rd annual “Irish Fest” at the State Historical Building (600 East Locust) from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Activities include: Irish and Scottish music from Four Shillings Short and the MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums, a traditional Irish Dance performed by the students from the Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance, and a Ceili dancing lesson with Janice Baker. There will also be Irish arts and crafts for children, body art by Leanne Otting, and the Weavers and Spinners Guild of Des Moines spinning and speaking about the fabrics of Ireland. To round out the event, you can learn about your Irish roots, listen to a presentation about the archaeological sites in Ireland, and take a look at the “Iowa & the Irish” historical exhibit.

If you’re still psyched about St. Patrick’s Day after the parade and Irish Fest, there are many other local Irish bars around the Des Moines area where you can get your last few green drinks:

  • Mickey’s Irish Pub – 1800 N.W. 86th St. – Clive
  • Paddy’s Irish Pub – 8675 Douglas Ave. – Urbandale
  • The Dublin – 2307 University Ave. – Des Moines
  • Mickey’s Irish Pub (downtown) – 206 Third St. – Des Moines
  • Mickey’s – 50 S.E. Laurel St. – Waukee
  • Mickey Finn’s – 7020 Douglas Ave. – Urbandale

Whether you’re truly Irish or you choose to be Irish “for the day,” there are plenty o’things to do in Des Moines on St. Patrick’s Day.

Impress your friends: The tradition of pinching someone who isn’t clad in green was started in the early 1700s, but it’s an entirely American tradition (no surprise there!). The legend goes: people thought that wearing green made you invisible to leprechauns - who would pinch anyone they could see. So, people started pinching those who didn’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day as a reminder that the leprechauns could see them.

Mayhem! Pancakes! Beer!

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Forget IHOP and head to Saturday Mfg. for “Mayhem in the Maple” on Tuesday, March 8 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in honor of Worldwide Flapjack Day. Saturday Mfg., located at 1717 Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines, is serving up breakfast with a side of creativity to anyone who attends their breakfast bash.

“Fans showing up for the shortstack showdown will get a plate of made-from-scratch pancakes and their choice of two Olde Main brews, as well as juice or milk,” said Brian Sauer, Forman at Saturday Mtg. “Danny Duff [from Melt Dessert Bar and Bakery] is cooking up some traditional favorites like blueberry and chocolate cakes, and some new and daring pancakes for those with more adventurous palates. Attendees will be expected to mingle throughout the factory and enjoy the mayhem.”

This isn’t Saturday Mfg.’s first run in with fresh pancakes. Ever since the beginning, the local marketing and advertising company has always been a fan of flapjacks.

“When we started Saturday Mfg., we wanted clients to know that meeting with your agency should be something you look forward to—like a warm plate of flapjacks on Saturday morning,” said Sauer. “So, we always add fun bits about flapjacks into our marketing pieces.”

Once the Saturday Mfg. team found out about Worldwide Flapjack Day, it only seemed natural to transition the pancakes in the company’s marketing materials to a full out pancake-themed get-together.

“When a friend of ours, Danny Duff from Melt Dessert and Bakery, pointed out that there’s a international holiday called Pancake Day it took us all of two seconds to agree to celebrate,” said Sauer. “It’s a happy coincidence that it also marks our two-year anniversary in the business.”

Help Sauer and the rest of the crew at Saturday Mtg. celebrate their second anniversary at “Mayhem in the Maple” by RSVP’ing to the Facebook invite and by showing up to mix your typical happy hour with breakfast – possibly one the best ideas ever.

A little something extra: Not only does Sauer love a good old-fashioned buttermilk pancake but he’s a huge fan of the changes that are happening around Des Moines.

“It feels like Des Moines has made tons of improvements in the past few years,” said Sauer. “More music venues with good shows. More restaurants with different choices. A larger, more vocal art community. It’s good to see the city building more creative energy.”

“Tapas at Trostel’s” recap and event photos

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Thank you to all those who attended “Tapas at Trostel’s” last night and to Trostel’s Dish for hosting the event! I appreciate everyone who came together to make this event a success and to support a great local restaurant – Trostel’s Dish.

Over 60 people came to the event to meet new people and to share a few delicious tapas. We even had two people who were celebrating their birthdays! Attendees enjoyed a $20 gift card giveaway, free food, 1/2 price drinks, coupons for a later visit and a Dwolla t-shirts raffle. Take a look at the photos below from last night’s event and make sure you stop into Trostel’s Dish soon to enjoy a few tapas in Des Moines!