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

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Emily Beckmann

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.”

Roxi Copland to Return to Des Moines

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Emily Beckmann

I’ve always liked Roxi Copland. Her sultry voice, smooth style and witty commentary has always caught my eye and when she moved away from Des Moines – well, that was a sad day for our city. But, I’m happy to announce that Roxi Copland will be making her way back to Des Moines this summer!

Copland has a new solo acoustic album entitled “Pretty Lies” coming out on May 1, 2012 and she’s heading back to Des Moines as a part of a month-long tour releasing the album. The tour wraps up in Des Moines with the official “Pretty Lies” album release concert at the Temple Theatre on June 1, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.

“It’s a homecoming,” said Copland. “I lived in Des Moines longer than anywhere other than where I grew up, and some of my favorite people in the world live there – friends, family and fans. I’ve got a lot of great memories from Des Moines and I plan to return as often as I can – it’ll always be a stop on my tours.”

According to Copland’s website, “Copland’s latest effort, ‘Pretty Lies,’ takes her music in a slightly new direction, peppering her jazz/pop stylings with hints of roots rock and Americana.” I had the opportunity to listen to the album this week and the album drew me in with it’s cool jazzy notes and contrasting rhythms. If you haven’t had the chance to hear Copland, join her fan list and get a free download of “Perfect for Me” – one of my favorite songs of hers!

So, what can fans expect of Copland’s upcoming show in Des Moines?

“We’re planning on playing down the new ‘Pretty Lies’ album,” said Copland. “Then for good measure we’ll throw in a few old favorites and a new tune I just put the finishing touches on in April. For those who haven’t heard Pretty Lies’ yet, I take the music on the album in a slightly different direction, combining jazz/pop with hints of roots rock and Americana. While the album is a solo acoustic effort, I’ll be joined on stage at the Temple performance by my younger brother and bassist Ian Copland. And of course I plan to bite the head off a bat. Just kidding. I like bats.”

Tickets are currently on sale for her Des Moines concert via Ticketmaster. Prices range from $15 for general admission to $32.50 for the VIP table seats.

Bess Rogers and Allison Weiss Hit Des Moines

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

Des Moines is increasingly becoming a popular stop for many artists on their tours. For Bess Rogers and Allison Weiss it seemed like a natural fit with the rest of their tour appearances, and luckily, there was an opening at the Vaudeville Mews. As Rogers put it, “The rest was history.”

Rogers and Weiss will perform today, Sunday, October 23 at 10:00 p.m. at the Vaudeville Mews and tickets to the show can be purchased for only $5 through Tikly.

Rogers’ musical accomplishments include touring as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for Ingrid Michaelson and her song, “We believe in you,” landed a leading spot in a national Mott’s for Tots TV commercial.

“Touring with Ingrid has and is wonderful,” said Rogers. “We’re all sort of a big family, and so it’s always a great time. I love her music, and I’ve learned a lot about touring and the music industry from my experiences playing with her. It’s definitely made me a more skilled musician.”

Alongside Rogers will be Weiss, a 24-year-old passionate guitarist and singer who is highly influenced by her feelings and past experiences in life. Did I mention that she has thousands and thousands of hits on her music on YouTube and she loves pizza?

While Rogers is most looking forward to playing the show in Des Moines, she’s open to suggestions as to what else she should experience while in Des Moines.

“I don’t know much about Des Moines,” said Rogers. “If any locals out there have suggestions of where to eat or what to see while we’re here, tweet at me – @bessrogers!”

If you can’t make it to the show, make sure you check out their cheeky tour website filled with quirky ways to support these artistic ladies while they’re on tour. Otherwise, as Bess said, “I hope to see all of Des Moines at the show!”

Follow the fun: @bessrogers and @allisonweiss.