Tag Archives: Des Moines

Local + Music = Locusic

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Think Pandora, but for local music, and you have Locusic. Locusic is an Ankeny-based local music streaming service focused on local bands and musicians and plans to officially launch this weekend in Des Moines.

“I wanted to do something to help the local music scene and also local businesses,” said Jake Kerber, founder of Locusic. “I’ve seen great local bands and heard people talk about how great they are, but then they just can’t get any traction. Their music’s better than what’s on the radio, but what can you do? Ultimately I came up with a system where the two groups can help each other.”

When a listener opens Locusic they are prompted to select a genre. Based on the genre and the listener’s location, Locusic will select and stream music from local musicians based within 50 miles of the listener’s location.

“I hope Locusic can increase the general public’s awareness of the high quality and vast quantity of music being produced by artists in our area, ” said Kerber. “When someone’s looking at a list of local shows, they’ll have heard of the bands via Locusic and be able to make a more informed decision of which bands to go see – and ultimately go see more local shows.”

Attend the Locusic Launch Party: Locusic will officially launch their service this weekend in Central Iowa. On Saturday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m., Locusic will host a launch party at the Bombay Bicycle Club in Clive, with musical performances by Obsidian’s Dream, The River Monks, Angle, Faded Pearl and Only. The party is free to attend, the local musicians are sure to entertain, and it’s a great way to support Des Moines and the local music scene.

Flapjack 5K/10K: Exercise, eat pancakes and support a local cause

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Let’s face it – summer is a busy time for most people, and my schedule has been no exception. Since my last post about my goal to run five 5K’s in 2011, I’ve run race number three, the Amanda the Panda Popsicle 5K, and race number four, the Ankeny Family YMCA 5K/10K Race.

For my fifth and final race (I can’t believe I’m this close to accomplishing my goal), I’m running the Flapjack 5K/10K race benefiting Children’s Cancer Connection, a local non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life for Iowa children and families who are affected by childhood cancer. I have personally seen the respite and comfort this organization provides local families and I wanted to find a way to give back – so I’ve decided to create a team for the event!

The “Flapjack 5K/10K” will be the last race that I run and I want you to join my team – “Breakfast in Bed” – to be a part of the day and to support a great, local non-profit! The “Flapjack 5K/10K” will be held on Sunday, September 11 at 9:00 a.m. at Water Works Park in Des Moines. Following the race there will be race typical race food as well as a community pancake breakfast!

Let’s make a difference together:

  1. Register for the “Flapjack 5K/10K” – make sure you put that you’re on team “Breakfast in Bed” under team name. (If you register before September 2 – you’ll save $10.)
  2. Add a donation onto your race fee (you’ll see a field for it when you register online) – whether it’s $10, $15 or $50 – anything above and beyond the registration fee will enable you to be a part of team “Breakfast in Bed”…and let’s be serious, who doesn’t want to be a part of “Breakfast in Bed”?

I’d love to get a big group of people together to help support this race and to make a difference in the local community. Eleven people have already signed up to be part of the team, and we’re looking to add a few more. And if you’re worried that you can’t complete a 5K…believe me, if I can do it you can do it. Let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to running with you!

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab attacks East Village with killer flavor combinations

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Looking for a killer place to dine in Des Moines? Zombie Burger + Drink Lab is opening today – Tuesday, August 30 – at 300 E. Grand Avenue in the East Village. The highly anticipated grand opening is sure to bring in crowds of locals who are dying to get their hands on zombie-inspired burgers topped with homemade sauces, handmade appetizers, spiked shakes and even a few vegetarian options.

Chef George Formaro, who’s behind Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, as well as many other successful restaurants in Des Moines (Centro, Django, Gateway Market and South Union Bakery), decided to take two of his interests – burgers and horror films – and create something which would allow him to have a little more fun with his food.

“We have serious restaurants,” said Formaro. “It’s time to be playful.”

The new restaurant will offer up two types of service to deathly hungry customers: quick service, for quick meals on the go, and full-service, where customers can sit down and relax while enjoying the spooky experience of Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.

Forget the fancy, plump burgers as you enter Zombie Burger, because that’s not what you’re going to find. Zombie Burger will serve up nearly 20 different kinds of “bashed” burgers with a crispy, caramelized exterior. Formaro’s secret bend of beef and the love he’s put into the burger bun recipe will make for an insanely good combination.

“I’ve worked on this new bun recipe for years and I’m in love with it,” explains Formaro. “It’s a soft, pillowy nod to the burgers of my childhood and I haven’t been this excited about something since the coal oven at Centro.”

If you like a late-night bite, don’t worry – Zombie Burger understands that most zombies are late night eaters and their hours extend into the night: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Will you survive Zombie Burger? There’s only one way to find out…

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.

Taste of Thai spices up the East Village

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A pile of green peppers, slices of onion, sweet chunks of pineapple, fresh broccoli, coined carrot slices, tender chicken, and crunchy cashews. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is.

Even with the heat wave that we’ve had in Des Moines lately, I can’t get my mind off of a steaming plate of “Honey Cashew Chicken” from Taste of Thai located at 215 E. Walnut Street in the East Village.

Taste of Thai, the space that once housed Taste of Thailand for 23 years, and Ban Thai (which closed in 2010), has given new life to the Thai scene in the East Village. When Taste of Thai took over the space, they revamped the interior of the restaurant to create a cozy ambiance, which includes the sound of flowing water, vibrant red walls, white table coverings and comfortable booth seating.

The food, which includes a variety of curries, noodle dishes, stir-fries and more, comes out within minutes, piping hot. I’ve tried a number of the dishes at Taste of Thai, including a few appetizers, and I’ve never had a meal that I haven’t enjoyed. My favorite is the Honey Cashew Chicken, which is the perfect marriage of fresh vegetables and chicken with the added sweetness of pineapple. With all Thai restaurants, you’ll let your server know how hot you’d like the dish. While I prefer no heat at all, a few of my friends have tried Taste of Thai’s hottest option and have left with clear sinuses.

Meal prices differ depending on when you visit, but they are comparable to other Thai restaurants in the area (from $8-$12 on average). If you’re looking for a super cheap lunch option, you might not find it here, but you will get quality food and you’ll be in and out with time to spare over the lunch hour. The lunch portion is sized down appropriately for the cost, and the dinner portion is larger. (I typically have enough left over for lunch the next day!)

When I go out to eat I tend to ask a lot of questions about the restaurant itself and about the menu items. The waiters and waitresses that I’ve had at Taste of Thai have been informative and helpful. They are quick to refill beverages and remove empty plates.

Bottom line: Don’t be scared by the bright yellow and red exterior of Taste of Thai. The restaurant dishes up some of the best Thai food that I’ve had in Des Moines! You can try it for yourself Mondays through Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for lunch and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dinner.

Dam to Dam takes Des Moines: Race #2

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It was nearly 85 degrees, we started 20 minutes late and I was surrounded by thousands of other nervous runners, but running the Dam to Dam 5K was an experience that I’ll never forget. Dam to Dam is the largest 20 kilometer race in the nation and the largest 5 kilometer race in Iowa, and it was held this past Saturday, June 4 in Des Moines.

With nearly 12,000 runners, 10,000 spectators, 260 portable toilets, 6,000 gallons of water, 1,000 gallons of beer, 10 bands, and 140 school buses, Dam to Dam is a race that represents the solid running community in Des Moines and in Iowa.

As one of the 5K runners I ran in the streets of downtown Des Moines, through the East Village, by the Botanical Center, alongside the river and back towards Nolan Plaza. The race route was a Des Moines-lovers dream, and the community I became a part of by running Dam to Dam was an experience in itself.

Sometimes it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about finishing something that you’ve set out to do. And with Dam to Dam, it was exactly that for me. Dam to Dam helped me inch closer toward my 2011 New Year’s goal of running five 5K’s in 2011, as it was the second local race that I have run. After 3.1 miles in the 80-some degree weather, I was happy to cross the finish line as a participant in this classic Des Moines race.

What goals have you set out to accomplish this year?

(A special thanks to Danny Rothschild for supplying the photos in this post.)

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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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?

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?

 

VineMe lauches today, aspires to be “the timeline for the world”

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What do you get when you mix a world champion speed skater, the top dog at Dwolla, an exuberant ginger with social media prowess, and an eloquent communicator with programming talent? The answer: VineMe, a Des Moines-based photo-sharing and archiving website with the goal of being the “timeline for the world.”

VineMe is a new social platform that allows users to upload photos and sort them by time, location, tags and people. Each search word brings up its own vine and showcases content on a timeline, which allows a visual archive of time. So, what makes VineMe different from the other photo sharing platforms?

“VineMe lets users define what’s good content,” said Josh Fleming, one of VineMe’s founders. “For example, with VineMe users can define what the word ‘beauty’ means. Because the users are able to control these definitions, it gives real meaning to the words and photo tags.”

VineMe was founded by Josh Fleming, interactive marketing director at Lessing-Flynn, Tony Muse, a Des Moines Remax agent, and Chris Taulborg, director of business development at Global Reach.  Founder and CEO of Dwolla, Ben Milne, serves VineMe as an outside advisor.

Where’d the idea come from?

While fishing through boxes of disorganized family photos Muse had the idea of creating a site that would put photos on a timeline. As Muse thought more and more about his idea, he knew that this was an idea that he had share. Over breakfast at La Mie, Muse explained his idea (what would become VineMe) to Fleming. Immediately, both of the men knew they had hit gold. Over time and a lot of coffee at Mars Cafe, Muse and Fleming began hashing out their idea with the help of Milne. The trio sought out Taulborg for their programming and web development needs and before they knew it, their ideas for VineMe came to life.

“We originally wanted to name the site Timeliner.com, but of course that was taken,” said Fleming. “The naming process was difficult, but eventually we landed on VineMe. We really embraced the idea of how a vine grows and how a healthy vine can go on forever. Personally, I like that the name can be used as a catch phrase – ‘Dude, I’m totally vining right now,’ or ‘Let’s put those pictures up on the vine.’”

A picture from my DSM: SUSHIBOMB vine on www.VineMe.com.

Chances are these four men may never have had the opportunity to work with each other, but because of their varied skill sets, an amazing idea and the drive to create an exceptional product – they’re launching VineMe today.

“VineMe is beyond ready,” said Fleming. “It’s a really bold initiative, but if I was going to spend a lot of time on something I wanted it to be bigger than myself. How can I make people think? What will challenge them to take a look at things differently?”

The best way to learn about VineMe is by registering for the site (it’s free to use), by uploading your own photos to a vine, and by sharing them with the world. Search through people’s vines for inspiration, learn about the history of Des Moines, create tags of your own and jar some memories from the past – it’s all possible on VineMe.

You can also find VineMe on these social platforms:
Twitter – @Vine_Me
Facebook – facebook.com/VineMe
YouTube – youtube.com/TheVineMe