2017 Art on the Prairie Music
We are so excited to showcase such wonderful Iowa musicians at Art on the Prairie.
All the music is acoustic and unplugged, located in a number of Venues:
La Poste, Hotel Pattee, Carnegie Library, Citizens Bank Gallery, Security Bank Building and Peterson Designs.
All the music is acoustic and unplugged, located in a number of Venues:
La Poste, Hotel Pattee, Carnegie Library, Citizens Bank Gallery, Security Bank Building and Peterson Designs.
Saturday, November 11, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday, November 12, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
La Poste, Upstairs Mary Richards (harp) Reggie Greenlaw (hammered dulcimer)
Town Craft Laura McCord (hammered dulcimer) Mary Richards (harp)
La Poste, Upstairs Mary Richards (harp) Reggie Greenlaw (hammered dulcimer)
Town Craft Laura McCord (hammered dulcimer) Mary Richards (harp)
Bryan Baker
Saturday, November 11
Hotel Pattee 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
http://ka-klick.com/
Bryan Baker (Kaklick Martin) is a metaverse musician: A singer/songwriter performing in, and writing songs about, the virtual world known as Second Life®. Bryan’s avatar Kaklick took the stage in Second Life® for the first time back in late 2005, so he is among the longest running performers in Second Life® and was an early evangelist for the live music scene there.
Since that time he’s written several songs about or inspired by some aspect of his virtual existence with subjects ranging from virtual relationships to bugs that plague this tech dependent world. Two of these songs made it on to “Roadhouse Ranch and Saloon”; where honkey-tonk meets the metaverse. “Big Bad World” takes on more real life social commentary. Both albums were released in 2007. 2009 saw the release of Mr. Lincoln a more eclectic mix of rock idioms and themes. 2010 brought the zombiepocalypse or at least the new single "Zombie Love Song (If Anyone Eats My Brains)" a tender love song about brains. In 2012 he followed the single up with an album of his nerdiest material, including an album version of "Zombie Love Song" called "Yeah, I'm a Geek".
Bryan has been writing music since his childhood, but got serious in high school. Originally intending on a path that would have taken him to Berklee School of Music in the early 80s as a bassist, he was offered the chance to try out a musician's life straight out of high school and he hired on as a bass player in a lounge outfit of no consequence in the twin cities area. When this came to an end a few months later he returned to Iowa and joined a new-wave outfit called "The Keyz" based in Ames. They played some great shows to appreciative fans, but this didn't last either. By this time he'd started studying at Iowa State, initially in music, then migrating to theatre and eventually graduating in that field.
In 1987 he moved to California and started a full ride to the prestigious California Institute of the Arts as a composer/sound designer for theatre. He was the first MFA to graduate in that specialty in 1989. He did some freelancing in LA, at one time garnering a comparison to Brian Eno in the LA Times for his work on a play he did with the writer of the TV show "Life Goes On".
For several years he concentrated on other aspects of his life, and his career path led him to work on show control for many high profile entertainment venues, but he kept writing and playing music. In 2004 he started seriously recording and writing again and has been going full steam since.
Hotel Pattee 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
http://ka-klick.com/
Bryan Baker (Kaklick Martin) is a metaverse musician: A singer/songwriter performing in, and writing songs about, the virtual world known as Second Life®. Bryan’s avatar Kaklick took the stage in Second Life® for the first time back in late 2005, so he is among the longest running performers in Second Life® and was an early evangelist for the live music scene there.
Since that time he’s written several songs about or inspired by some aspect of his virtual existence with subjects ranging from virtual relationships to bugs that plague this tech dependent world. Two of these songs made it on to “Roadhouse Ranch and Saloon”; where honkey-tonk meets the metaverse. “Big Bad World” takes on more real life social commentary. Both albums were released in 2007. 2009 saw the release of Mr. Lincoln a more eclectic mix of rock idioms and themes. 2010 brought the zombiepocalypse or at least the new single "Zombie Love Song (If Anyone Eats My Brains)" a tender love song about brains. In 2012 he followed the single up with an album of his nerdiest material, including an album version of "Zombie Love Song" called "Yeah, I'm a Geek".
Bryan has been writing music since his childhood, but got serious in high school. Originally intending on a path that would have taken him to Berklee School of Music in the early 80s as a bassist, he was offered the chance to try out a musician's life straight out of high school and he hired on as a bass player in a lounge outfit of no consequence in the twin cities area. When this came to an end a few months later he returned to Iowa and joined a new-wave outfit called "The Keyz" based in Ames. They played some great shows to appreciative fans, but this didn't last either. By this time he'd started studying at Iowa State, initially in music, then migrating to theatre and eventually graduating in that field.
In 1987 he moved to California and started a full ride to the prestigious California Institute of the Arts as a composer/sound designer for theatre. He was the first MFA to graduate in that specialty in 1989. He did some freelancing in LA, at one time garnering a comparison to Brian Eno in the LA Times for his work on a play he did with the writer of the TV show "Life Goes On".
For several years he concentrated on other aspects of his life, and his career path led him to work on show control for many high profile entertainment venues, but he kept writing and playing music. In 2004 he started seriously recording and writing again and has been going full steam since.
John Burns
Saturday, November 11
Peterson Designs 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
http://www.bjohnburns.com
In 2011, singer/songwriter John Burns celebrates 35 years as a professional musician. Forty years ago in 2012, John wrote his first song. Since then, he has written between 3,000 and 5,000 songs, including "The Other Side of Your Heart," released in 1977 by Lisa Gossett on Network Records, "Five Small Towns," from the White Pole Road Self-Guided Tour CD, and "3000 Houses in 300 Days," performed at the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair in San Diego, California. In the mid-1970s, John toured the United States with Baby Lester and the Buggybumpers. Other bands in which he has been a member are Now and Then, Goodnight Dallas, and the Shirts. For the past five years, however, John has appeared solo, playing his original songs on piano and guitar in ten states from coast to coast.
Peterson Designs 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
http://www.bjohnburns.com
In 2011, singer/songwriter John Burns celebrates 35 years as a professional musician. Forty years ago in 2012, John wrote his first song. Since then, he has written between 3,000 and 5,000 songs, including "The Other Side of Your Heart," released in 1977 by Lisa Gossett on Network Records, "Five Small Towns," from the White Pole Road Self-Guided Tour CD, and "3000 Houses in 300 Days," performed at the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair in San Diego, California. In the mid-1970s, John toured the United States with Baby Lester and the Buggybumpers. Other bands in which he has been a member are Now and Then, Goodnight Dallas, and the Shirts. For the past five years, however, John has appeared solo, playing his original songs on piano and guitar in ten states from coast to coast.
Tim Earp
Saturday, November 11
Citizens Bank Gallery 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
https://www.facebook.com/timearpsguitar/
Tim Earp is a guitarist from Des Moines. He plays regularly at Baru 66 and Marlene's, two fine dining establishments in Des Moines. Occasionally, he can also be found at Artisan Gallery 218 in West Des Moines, annually at Art on the Prairie and private events. He performs pre-war blues and acoustic, instrumental versions of the Beatles, Eva Cassidy and other artists.
Citizens Bank Gallery 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
https://www.facebook.com/timearpsguitar/
Tim Earp is a guitarist from Des Moines. He plays regularly at Baru 66 and Marlene's, two fine dining establishments in Des Moines. Occasionally, he can also be found at Artisan Gallery 218 in West Des Moines, annually at Art on the Prairie and private events. He performs pre-war blues and acoustic, instrumental versions of the Beatles, Eva Cassidy and other artists.
Tina and Brandon Findlay
Saturday, November 11
Hotel Pattee 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Carnegie Library 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
https://www.facebook.com/bellasoulmusic/
Tina Haase Findlay wife of Brandon, mom of Dove, lover of life, worshipper of God
Follow us at the Diva and the Deacons Facebook page for our musical adventures.
Hotel Pattee 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Carnegie Library 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
https://www.facebook.com/bellasoulmusic/
Tina Haase Findlay wife of Brandon, mom of Dove, lover of life, worshipper of God
Follow us at the Diva and the Deacons Facebook page for our musical adventures.
Andy Fleming
Sunday, November 12
Carnegie Library 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Hotel Pattee 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
brotrucker.com
Andy Fleming is the singer/songwriter for Des Moines, Iowa band Brother Trucker. They've released 4 CD's - 3 on Iowa City Trailer Records. Fleming grew up in Davenport, Iowa and relocated to Des Moines in 1994. Michael Swanger of Cityview Magazine wrote "...Brother Trucker’s singer-songwriter-guitarist Andy Fleming has always had a knack for writing songs that champion the downtrodden, the forgotten and the working class heroes of society so that they remind us of the commonality of our humanity." Fleming writes about what he knows best - the hard working people of the Midwest. Andy maintains an active solo schedule in addition to Brother Trucker's touring schedule.
Carnegie Library 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Hotel Pattee 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
brotrucker.com
Andy Fleming is the singer/songwriter for Des Moines, Iowa band Brother Trucker. They've released 4 CD's - 3 on Iowa City Trailer Records. Fleming grew up in Davenport, Iowa and relocated to Des Moines in 1994. Michael Swanger of Cityview Magazine wrote "...Brother Trucker’s singer-songwriter-guitarist Andy Fleming has always had a knack for writing songs that champion the downtrodden, the forgotten and the working class heroes of society so that they remind us of the commonality of our humanity." Fleming writes about what he knows best - the hard working people of the Midwest. Andy maintains an active solo schedule in addition to Brother Trucker's touring schedule.
Lincoln Grimes
|
Saturday, November 11
Citizens Bank Gallery 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm I'm Lincoln Grimes and I'm a native Iowan, musician, and songwriter. From my early roots in rock, I discovered sustainable passion and comfort in the dynamics of musical expression. As an acoustic artist, I aim to apply texture to the melody and create balance with the vocal message. My sets are a mix of original pieces and unique versions of other songs. |
Reggie Greelaw
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Sunday, November 12
La Poste, Upstairs 11:00 am - 4:00 pm https://reggiegreenlaw.com I'm a singer/ songwriter/ musician living in Ames, Iowa. Instruments I play include guitar, hammered dulcimer, and mandolin. Performances are at eclectic venues throughout the midwest, including wineries, bars, celebrations, and Renaissance festivals. It's fun to play in different configurations! Over the years I have performed solo or with several bands including The Blue Moon Players (lots of great friends and musicians including my wife Barbi), Stranger Than Fiction, Green Oaks (with Curt Snook and Steve Huest), and performances with John Richardson. Folk, Americana, Alt-Country, Trad, Bluegrass, Original - performances don't need to be confined to one genre. They should be as original as the audiences for whom I've performed. |
Curry Harter
|
Saturday, November 11
Security Bank Building 11:00 am - 12:50 pm http://www.heartlandentertainment.com/ Curry is a seasoned pro, playing blues and gospel across the continent for over 40 years. VENUES: Los Angeles Music Awards ~ B. B. King’s House of Blues, Universal City, CA ~ The Mint, LA, CA ~ Babe’s and Ricky’s ~ Angel’s Roadhouse ~ Green Fest ~ The Vault ~ The Boiler Room ~ Blue Guitar ~ The Ponderosa ~ Crossroads ~ British Bulldog ~ Stell’s ~ Gram’s ~ Pride Festival, L.A. ~ Orange Fest, Riverside ~ Walk For Life, San Bernardino ~ Apple Valley ~ The Open Door, Sonrise, Westminster House, Vancouver, BC ~ Save Me Concert, Davao City, Philippines ~ and many others…. PLAYED WITH OR OPENED FOR: Marcia Ball, Spider John Koerner, Finis Tasby, Kal David, Mobetta Loretta, Kent Burnside and The New Generation, Lightning Red, Spiro Nicolopoulos, The Greg Stein Group, Hobo Jazz, Mike Taylor, Bob Pace, Rob Lumbard, Matt Woods, Kelly McGuire, Brian Price, Stanly Butler, Oso Rey, Matt Coleman, Alain Emmanuel, Brian Holtz, Olga Tapia, King’s Men, Big Dave Little, Cliff Vermillion, Testimony, Reassigned, Mustard, Marianne Keith, Chad Patrick, Big Papa & the TCB, Mia Mercado, Jacob Calderon, Ben Rombouts, The Other Side, All Marbles, Phoenix, Bucksworth, Jacob Calderon, Taylor, Crystal Marie, and many others…. STUDIO RECORDINGS: Fender, Norco, CA ~ Green Door, Riverside, CA ~ Grapevine, Vancouver, BC ~ Topanga Canyon Analog, CA ~ Living Sound, Des Moines, IA ~ and others…. FILMS: Peace Love 2 Hours ~ Ecoheartland CD-ALBUMS: Peace for Life ~ Master’s Eyes ~ Natural Blue ~ The Spirit of Christmas ~ The Duke Michaels Project ~ Baby Rock Me, Ken Jones ~ Blue Bird, Mia Mercado ~ Heartwing, Gary Banta ~ Avery, Brian Holtz ~ and others…. |
Steffen Heins
Sunday, November 12
Peterson Designs 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
http://www.iowarecords.com
Steffen Heins plays and creates down home music from a country boy still longing for those carefree, easy days of living in great outdoor spaces. But don't expect the music to be all 'twang. Be ready for some popular folk, acoustic blues, hints of bluegrass, and an occasional gospel. This is American roots music.. Americana... and truly, acoustic music from the heartland. Steffen has been performing live since 1992 in coffeehouses, festivals, fairs and other public appearances throughout the state of Iowa; including a 6 month music adventure to Portland, Oregon in 1995. In 1994, Steffen released his first album, On & On, featuring the songs "Little Love of Mine", "Spiders Web", and "Lady November". In 1997, the Jenni Rain album was released featuring the hit title track "Jenni Rain", "Too Poor To Be Famous", and "Who was the King". Currently, Steffen continues to perform both solo and with an Iowa local-favorite band, the Home Grown Tomatoes.
Peterson Designs 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
http://www.iowarecords.com
Steffen Heins plays and creates down home music from a country boy still longing for those carefree, easy days of living in great outdoor spaces. But don't expect the music to be all 'twang. Be ready for some popular folk, acoustic blues, hints of bluegrass, and an occasional gospel. This is American roots music.. Americana... and truly, acoustic music from the heartland. Steffen has been performing live since 1992 in coffeehouses, festivals, fairs and other public appearances throughout the state of Iowa; including a 6 month music adventure to Portland, Oregon in 1995. In 1994, Steffen released his first album, On & On, featuring the songs "Little Love of Mine", "Spiders Web", and "Lady November". In 1997, the Jenni Rain album was released featuring the hit title track "Jenni Rain", "Too Poor To Be Famous", and "Who was the King". Currently, Steffen continues to perform both solo and with an Iowa local-favorite band, the Home Grown Tomatoes.
William Jacobsen
Sunday, November 12
Citizens Bank Gallery 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Peterson Designs 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
From Miles Davis to Steely Dan, Anita Baker to the Dave Matthew's band, William Jacobsen's influences stretch across the earth and back again.
Some of his hobbies include: Reaching deep into raw passions. Pulling strings in the metaphysical and tangable realms for the enjoyment of the listener. Feeding off of energies in the now.
Playing now for about 10 years, he hopes that he and his talented friends transport you on a journey through space and time all while understanding just how much they love playing music for the sake of playing music.
So blessed to have someone as avid and experienced as this man, the Cecil White, to by my side this AOTP!!
Citizens Bank Gallery 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Peterson Designs 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
From Miles Davis to Steely Dan, Anita Baker to the Dave Matthew's band, William Jacobsen's influences stretch across the earth and back again.
Some of his hobbies include: Reaching deep into raw passions. Pulling strings in the metaphysical and tangable realms for the enjoyment of the listener. Feeding off of energies in the now.
Playing now for about 10 years, he hopes that he and his talented friends transport you on a journey through space and time all while understanding just how much they love playing music for the sake of playing music.
So blessed to have someone as avid and experienced as this man, the Cecil White, to by my side this AOTP!!
Marilyn Jerome
Sunday, November 12
Security Bank Building 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Carnegie Library 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
Marilyn enjoys singing an eclectic mix of tunes and gets a kick out of “flipping” an old tune into a more contemporary version. Her style is a fusion of blues, folk, country, and old rock and roll. She covers Tom Petty, Nora Jones, The Who, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, the Marshall Tucker Band, and many others. She enjoys playing at Farmer’s Markets around the Des Moines metro area, coffee houses, small house parties, wineries, and a few larger venues, as well. She has been in a trio that performed for the Christmas Tree Lighting at the DM Science Center, the Corn Dog Kick-off at the Fairgrounds, and this year had the privilege of entertaining thousand of bikers as they passed through Minburn, IA for RAGBRAI. She solos at Palmer's Deli and played for the Tallgrass Theatre this year in her first-ever play. Her favorite “gig” is a weekly show at area nursing homes. She lives in Urbandale with her husband, four children, and several pets.
Security Bank Building 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Carnegie Library 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
Marilyn enjoys singing an eclectic mix of tunes and gets a kick out of “flipping” an old tune into a more contemporary version. Her style is a fusion of blues, folk, country, and old rock and roll. She covers Tom Petty, Nora Jones, The Who, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, the Marshall Tucker Band, and many others. She enjoys playing at Farmer’s Markets around the Des Moines metro area, coffee houses, small house parties, wineries, and a few larger venues, as well. She has been in a trio that performed for the Christmas Tree Lighting at the DM Science Center, the Corn Dog Kick-off at the Fairgrounds, and this year had the privilege of entertaining thousand of bikers as they passed through Minburn, IA for RAGBRAI. She solos at Palmer's Deli and played for the Tallgrass Theatre this year in her first-ever play. Her favorite “gig” is a weekly show at area nursing homes. She lives in Urbandale with her husband, four children, and several pets.
Dan Jones
Saturday, November 11
Peterson Designs 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Dan Jones is a local singer/songwriter that also covers great singer/songwriters and bands such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams Sr., Simon & Garfunkel, Old Crow Medicine Show, etc. I play guitar, 6 & 12 string, and harmonica. He has been performing for more than 20 years, solo and in bands.
Peterson Designs 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Dan Jones is a local singer/songwriter that also covers great singer/songwriters and bands such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams Sr., Simon & Garfunkel, Old Crow Medicine Show, etc. I play guitar, 6 & 12 string, and harmonica. He has been performing for more than 20 years, solo and in bands.
Just Cause
Saturday, November 11
La Poste, Cellar 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Peterson Designs 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
Sunday, November 12
Hotel Pattee 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
JUST CAUSE is the casual collaboration of Mia Hegarty-Roach (vocals), Scott Buchanan,(guitar, harmonica, vocals), and Todd Herbst-Ulmer (vocals, guitar, mandolin and penny whistle) who perform a wide variety of traditional to contemporary roots and Americana song styles that feature acoustic guitar and vocal harmony, including songs by John Prine, Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson, Doc Watson, The Band, Gregg Brown, Civil Wars, Eva Cassidy, Allison Krauss and many many others.
JUST CAUSE plays just cause we enjoy it. We especially enjoy playing for any worthy just cause as well. So if anyone’s up for some fun or needs to raise some consciousness, just give us a shout.
La Poste, Cellar 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Peterson Designs 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
Sunday, November 12
Hotel Pattee 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
JUST CAUSE is the casual collaboration of Mia Hegarty-Roach (vocals), Scott Buchanan,(guitar, harmonica, vocals), and Todd Herbst-Ulmer (vocals, guitar, mandolin and penny whistle) who perform a wide variety of traditional to contemporary roots and Americana song styles that feature acoustic guitar and vocal harmony, including songs by John Prine, Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson, Doc Watson, The Band, Gregg Brown, Civil Wars, Eva Cassidy, Allison Krauss and many many others.
JUST CAUSE plays just cause we enjoy it. We especially enjoy playing for any worthy just cause as well. So if anyone’s up for some fun or needs to raise some consciousness, just give us a shout.
Dennis Kain
Saturday, November 11
Security Bank Building 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Dennis Kain, singer/songwriter based in central Iowa, a 2012 Mountain stage new song contestant with 40 years professional music experience.
Release of CD professionally produced by Jerry Yester (Lovin' Spoonful) who has produced Tom Waits, Tim Buckley, Association etc. coming out this fall. Recently finished Rocky Mountain Song school in Lyons Colorado. All original material is very diverse and covers a wide spectrum and very provocative.
Security Bank Building 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Dennis Kain, singer/songwriter based in central Iowa, a 2012 Mountain stage new song contestant with 40 years professional music experience.
Release of CD professionally produced by Jerry Yester (Lovin' Spoonful) who has produced Tom Waits, Tim Buckley, Association etc. coming out this fall. Recently finished Rocky Mountain Song school in Lyons Colorado. All original material is very diverse and covers a wide spectrum and very provocative.
Rob Lumbard
Saturday, November 11
Citizens Bank Gallery 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Security Bank Building 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
http://roblumbard.com
I got my early musical education sitting in with musicians in the bars up on Forest Avenue and Harding Road here in Des Moines. Rose Marie Webster, Luther Allison, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee were some of the people I bugged till they let me play harp or a little guitar with them. I gigged around as a solo act until I joined The Wapsie River Band in 1980. I barn stormed the Midwest with them for ten years. Quite a few of the songs I’ve written were inspired by those times of playing biker bars and dives. In 1990 I went back to playing solo, opening up for Lyle Lovett, The Band, The Austin Lounge Lizards, Dan Hicks, Jerry Jeff Walker, Norman Blake, Steve Forbert, Leon Redbone, and countless Blues acts that came through Iowa. This coupled with a weekly gig at Flanagan’s, enabled me to record a couple of cds on the Hot Fudge label. I was also a part of the trio Two Bobs and a Babe which included Hot Fudge label-mates Bob Dorr and Molly Nova. My music is Blues/Folk based but depending where I’m playing, you might find me covering a Jazz standard, Robert Johnson, Lyle Lovett or doing a set of my own tunes. My finger-picking guitar style can be traced back to my high school years of listening to Hot Tuna, Doc Watson and all the Blues, and Bluegrass albums I could get my hands on. Myslide playing was influenced by Johnny Winter, Lowell George and Ry Cooder. For slide I use a ’29 National and for most of my regular guitar work I use a ’35 Epiphone archtop. Mysongwriting has been heavily influenced by the Texas songwriters and tends towards self-deprecating humor. This year I’ll be playing festivals, bar rooms, restaurants, churches, private parties from here to Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. Mostly I’m still a solo act but I also play guitar for The CJC Big Band, and The Party Gras Classic Jazz Band. My songs can be heard on KUNI and KFMG radio. My music has appeared in several Public Television projects, which have received EMMY, and other awards. I’ve been a member of the Central Iowa Blues Society and have participated in their Blues in the Schools program. I also take on a limited number of guitar students.
Citizens Bank Gallery 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Security Bank Building 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
http://roblumbard.com
I got my early musical education sitting in with musicians in the bars up on Forest Avenue and Harding Road here in Des Moines. Rose Marie Webster, Luther Allison, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee were some of the people I bugged till they let me play harp or a little guitar with them. I gigged around as a solo act until I joined The Wapsie River Band in 1980. I barn stormed the Midwest with them for ten years. Quite a few of the songs I’ve written were inspired by those times of playing biker bars and dives. In 1990 I went back to playing solo, opening up for Lyle Lovett, The Band, The Austin Lounge Lizards, Dan Hicks, Jerry Jeff Walker, Norman Blake, Steve Forbert, Leon Redbone, and countless Blues acts that came through Iowa. This coupled with a weekly gig at Flanagan’s, enabled me to record a couple of cds on the Hot Fudge label. I was also a part of the trio Two Bobs and a Babe which included Hot Fudge label-mates Bob Dorr and Molly Nova. My music is Blues/Folk based but depending where I’m playing, you might find me covering a Jazz standard, Robert Johnson, Lyle Lovett or doing a set of my own tunes. My finger-picking guitar style can be traced back to my high school years of listening to Hot Tuna, Doc Watson and all the Blues, and Bluegrass albums I could get my hands on. Myslide playing was influenced by Johnny Winter, Lowell George and Ry Cooder. For slide I use a ’29 National and for most of my regular guitar work I use a ’35 Epiphone archtop. Mysongwriting has been heavily influenced by the Texas songwriters and tends towards self-deprecating humor. This year I’ll be playing festivals, bar rooms, restaurants, churches, private parties from here to Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. Mostly I’m still a solo act but I also play guitar for The CJC Big Band, and The Party Gras Classic Jazz Band. My songs can be heard on KUNI and KFMG radio. My music has appeared in several Public Television projects, which have received EMMY, and other awards. I’ve been a member of the Central Iowa Blues Society and have participated in their Blues in the Schools program. I also take on a limited number of guitar students.
Mary McAdams
Sunday, November 12
La Poste, Cellar 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
http://www.marymcadams.com
Mary was a Regional Finalist in the Mountain Stage “NewSong” songwriting contest in August 2010 and won 2nd place in the 14th Annual Susanne Millsaps Songwriter Showcase at the Snowbird Mountain Music Festival in July 2010. Mary was a Regional finalist in the Lilith Fair Local Talent Search in July 2010 and was a Finalist in the Big Top Chautauqua Songwriting Contest in Bayfield, WI in August 2010. Mary is a Des Moines-based singer, songwriter and educator. Her music is a mix of folk and Americana blended with the blues. She performs at Music Festivals, Art Festivals, coffeehouses, community groups and schools. Mary performed at an Official Showcase for the 2010 Sundance Film Festival with the 2010 Access Film-Music Showcase in Park City, UT. In late 2009 she showcased at the Crossroads Entertainment Conference in Des Moines, IA. She was a finalist in the Minnesota Folk Festival “New Folk Songwriting Contest” in 2002 and 2005. Mary runs Ritual Café’s evening Open mic, which provides space for new songwriters and performers to develop their skills. Mary has been on the IAC Performing Artist Roster since 2005 and is an active teaching artist with Metro Arts Alliance. Mary is a member of Nashville Songwriters Association International and has received commissions to write songs for a local organization. She is a teaching artist and teaches songwriting in the schools to grades K-8 with an emphasis on working in schools with under served populations and schools that have lost their arts programming. Mary annually attends the Planet Bluegrass Song School in Colorado to study with the nations top songwriters. Mary performs solo, duo and with her band. Mary’s artistic mission includes building a strong and acclaimed songwriting community in Des Moines, IA. Mary received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin. Go Badgers. Press Quote: “Mary McAdams brings a mother’s love and a lover’s passion to the 10 original compositions on this Iowa-based release. Mary can serve up slow and saucy roadhouse blues, earnest Americana roots rockin’ or a lullabye ballad with equal authenticity. From the funky piano fills of “Greed” to the simple guitar picking of “Fourth of July” – you’ll fall in love with the subjects in Mary’s songs.”
La Poste, Cellar 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
http://www.marymcadams.com
Mary was a Regional Finalist in the Mountain Stage “NewSong” songwriting contest in August 2010 and won 2nd place in the 14th Annual Susanne Millsaps Songwriter Showcase at the Snowbird Mountain Music Festival in July 2010. Mary was a Regional finalist in the Lilith Fair Local Talent Search in July 2010 and was a Finalist in the Big Top Chautauqua Songwriting Contest in Bayfield, WI in August 2010. Mary is a Des Moines-based singer, songwriter and educator. Her music is a mix of folk and Americana blended with the blues. She performs at Music Festivals, Art Festivals, coffeehouses, community groups and schools. Mary performed at an Official Showcase for the 2010 Sundance Film Festival with the 2010 Access Film-Music Showcase in Park City, UT. In late 2009 she showcased at the Crossroads Entertainment Conference in Des Moines, IA. She was a finalist in the Minnesota Folk Festival “New Folk Songwriting Contest” in 2002 and 2005. Mary runs Ritual Café’s evening Open mic, which provides space for new songwriters and performers to develop their skills. Mary has been on the IAC Performing Artist Roster since 2005 and is an active teaching artist with Metro Arts Alliance. Mary is a member of Nashville Songwriters Association International and has received commissions to write songs for a local organization. She is a teaching artist and teaches songwriting in the schools to grades K-8 with an emphasis on working in schools with under served populations and schools that have lost their arts programming. Mary annually attends the Planet Bluegrass Song School in Colorado to study with the nations top songwriters. Mary performs solo, duo and with her band. Mary’s artistic mission includes building a strong and acclaimed songwriting community in Des Moines, IA. Mary received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin. Go Badgers. Press Quote: “Mary McAdams brings a mother’s love and a lover’s passion to the 10 original compositions on this Iowa-based release. Mary can serve up slow and saucy roadhouse blues, earnest Americana roots rockin’ or a lullabye ballad with equal authenticity. From the funky piano fills of “Greed” to the simple guitar picking of “Fourth of July” – you’ll fall in love with the subjects in Mary’s songs.”
Laura McCord
Saturday, November 12
Town Craft 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Playing my hammered dulcimer for others is a source of tremendous joy for me. I first heard the dulcimer at Silver Dollar City when my children were young, and I was determined to figure out how to play that instrument. There were excellent instructors at Augusta in Elkins, West Virginia. During several summer sessions at Augusta, I learned Irish, Appalachian, and worship music. I've enjoyed playing at festivals, in churches, and with groups of friends. Most recently I became a master gardener. The garden has become a great place to play music for backyard weddings.
Town Craft 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Playing my hammered dulcimer for others is a source of tremendous joy for me. I first heard the dulcimer at Silver Dollar City when my children were young, and I was determined to figure out how to play that instrument. There were excellent instructors at Augusta in Elkins, West Virginia. During several summer sessions at Augusta, I learned Irish, Appalachian, and worship music. I've enjoyed playing at festivals, in churches, and with groups of friends. Most recently I became a master gardener. The garden has become a great place to play music for backyard weddings.
Paul Micich
Saturday, November 11
La Poste, Cellar 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Sunday, November 12
La Poste, Cellar 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
paul@worldportband.com
www.worldportband.com
The seeds of WORLD PORT's original style immigrated here from countless villages, coffeehouses, dance-halls and celebrations around the globe. Those influences came with folks who carry their music in their gestures and the way they speak, in how they cook their food and what they wear, on the soles of their shoes and in their bones, to make a vast gumbo of endless possibilities and variation that inspire WORLD PORT's music.
You taste that gumbo with "Silk" or "No te Olvidare" and you feel the Flamenco pulse of centuries of hands on guitars and heels on wooden floors; or with "The Green" and "Traveler's Rest," you've been to the pub and shared an irreverent story with friends you met on the path to town; or with "Harmonica Blues," you travel a river that has flowed from Africa, through New Orleans, up through St. Louis and out through Chicago to the whole world, tasting of sweat and pain and barbecue and sweet hope.
Like the accents of languages we don't understand, the aroma of foods we first encounter and the rhythm of someone new walking down the street, the music of WORLD PORT tells us stories that transcend words, stories that take the heart to hear and the hands of the musicians to go deep into the pulse they share.
Paul Micich says, "World music is an endless source of inspiration for what I write, each style bringing a rich storytelling language to help lift the music up for our audiences."
But the origins, the history, the back-story is never enough with music. It only really happens in the now, one heartbeat to the next, a lifetime of craft and the imagination of the moment come together to breathe life into the grooves, set fire to the sound and tell the wordless stories audiences come to hear from WORLD PORT. Stories driven by the spirit of a jazz jam, always fresh, never the same.
You might find WORLD PORT in a concert setting, or playing for a special event, but it's the street-level gigs that have shaped the character of the band the most. The day-crowds, out for the sun and something new; at night, lights from every direction reflecting off people's faces; the street vendors with flowers and scarves and paintings and sculptures; and the smell of food from around the world, from enchiladas to barbecue, from falafel to flatbread, from kabobs to spring rolls.
Micich says, "When folks come by for the first time at street level, they usually have no idea who we are. There's no hype or story setup, just us playing. We're there to make the music happen, to make them come along with us, to feel it like we do. It's a pretty simple and clear connection we make when they gather to listen and maybe take some of the experience home with them in a CD."
La Poste, Cellar 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Sunday, November 12
La Poste, Cellar 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
paul@worldportband.com
www.worldportband.com
The seeds of WORLD PORT's original style immigrated here from countless villages, coffeehouses, dance-halls and celebrations around the globe. Those influences came with folks who carry their music in their gestures and the way they speak, in how they cook their food and what they wear, on the soles of their shoes and in their bones, to make a vast gumbo of endless possibilities and variation that inspire WORLD PORT's music.
You taste that gumbo with "Silk" or "No te Olvidare" and you feel the Flamenco pulse of centuries of hands on guitars and heels on wooden floors; or with "The Green" and "Traveler's Rest," you've been to the pub and shared an irreverent story with friends you met on the path to town; or with "Harmonica Blues," you travel a river that has flowed from Africa, through New Orleans, up through St. Louis and out through Chicago to the whole world, tasting of sweat and pain and barbecue and sweet hope.
Like the accents of languages we don't understand, the aroma of foods we first encounter and the rhythm of someone new walking down the street, the music of WORLD PORT tells us stories that transcend words, stories that take the heart to hear and the hands of the musicians to go deep into the pulse they share.
Paul Micich says, "World music is an endless source of inspiration for what I write, each style bringing a rich storytelling language to help lift the music up for our audiences."
But the origins, the history, the back-story is never enough with music. It only really happens in the now, one heartbeat to the next, a lifetime of craft and the imagination of the moment come together to breathe life into the grooves, set fire to the sound and tell the wordless stories audiences come to hear from WORLD PORT. Stories driven by the spirit of a jazz jam, always fresh, never the same.
You might find WORLD PORT in a concert setting, or playing for a special event, but it's the street-level gigs that have shaped the character of the band the most. The day-crowds, out for the sun and something new; at night, lights from every direction reflecting off people's faces; the street vendors with flowers and scarves and paintings and sculptures; and the smell of food from around the world, from enchiladas to barbecue, from falafel to flatbread, from kabobs to spring rolls.
Micich says, "When folks come by for the first time at street level, they usually have no idea who we are. There's no hype or story setup, just us playing. We're there to make the music happen, to make them come along with us, to feel it like we do. It's a pretty simple and clear connection we make when they gather to listen and maybe take some of the experience home with them in a CD."
Nichols and Kiefer
Saturday, November 11
La Poste, Cellar 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
Chris Nichols, Doug Nichols and Brad Kiefer- Brad's musical journey began as a child, listening to Wilbur and Nancy Renfrow's bluegrass band play at the Fall Festival in Dallas Center. Too young to stay up late and listen to them jam in the park across the street, he listened through his bedroom window, falling asleep before they were done. Later in life when Brad ran into Wilbur at a bluegrass festival in Newton, Wilbur invited him over for their long-standing tradition of Friday night picking. Doug's love of music carried over to his sons, Chris and Ben. With a trap set in their kitchen, and guitars and banjos at the ready, the three jammed together throughout the years and eventually formed the band, Pocketful of Nickels. Now they get together with friends to play music. Doug joins Brad for Renfrow's Friday night picking.
La Poste, Cellar 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
Chris Nichols, Doug Nichols and Brad Kiefer- Brad's musical journey began as a child, listening to Wilbur and Nancy Renfrow's bluegrass band play at the Fall Festival in Dallas Center. Too young to stay up late and listen to them jam in the park across the street, he listened through his bedroom window, falling asleep before they were done. Later in life when Brad ran into Wilbur at a bluegrass festival in Newton, Wilbur invited him over for their long-standing tradition of Friday night picking. Doug's love of music carried over to his sons, Chris and Ben. With a trap set in their kitchen, and guitars and banjos at the ready, the three jammed together throughout the years and eventually formed the band, Pocketful of Nickels. Now they get together with friends to play music. Doug joins Brad for Renfrow's Friday night picking.
Steve Parnell
Saturday, November 11
Carnegie Library 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Sunday, November 12
Security Bank Building 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
Steve began playing guitar in 1968, and started writing music the following year.
He has been in many performance groups over the years, most recently performing with Nate Nelson. Steve is one of the founding members of the State Street Band.
Steve has also been a worship leader for more than 20 years, and sang barbershop style music for nearly 30 years.
He owns BRG Music of Perry with his wife, Liz. They have fostered around 50 children and are in the process of adopting Brailyn, their 7th adoption.
We hope you enjoy Steve's unique blend of gospel, contemporary and original music.
Contact: brgmusicofperry@gmail.com Phone: 515.210.8880
Carnegie Library 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Sunday, November 12
Security Bank Building 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
Steve began playing guitar in 1968, and started writing music the following year.
He has been in many performance groups over the years, most recently performing with Nate Nelson. Steve is one of the founding members of the State Street Band.
Steve has also been a worship leader for more than 20 years, and sang barbershop style music for nearly 30 years.
He owns BRG Music of Perry with his wife, Liz. They have fostered around 50 children and are in the process of adopting Brailyn, their 7th adoption.
We hope you enjoy Steve's unique blend of gospel, contemporary and original music.
Contact: brgmusicofperry@gmail.com Phone: 515.210.8880
Mary Richards
Saturday, November 11
La Poste, Upstairs 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday, November 12
Town Craft 11:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mary Richards has been an Iowan since 1969. She has always been active in various aspects of the music community in and around Ames and Story County both as an enthusiastic participant and an avid listener. She says that if she had to give up every activity but one, the “keeper” would be music. She plays her lever harp with the Blue Moon Players of Ames, and has appeared at Art on the Prairie twice previously.
La Poste, Upstairs 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday, November 12
Town Craft 11:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mary Richards has been an Iowan since 1969. She has always been active in various aspects of the music community in and around Ames and Story County both as an enthusiastic participant and an avid listener. She says that if she had to give up every activity but one, the “keeper” would be music. She plays her lever harp with the Blue Moon Players of Ames, and has appeared at Art on the Prairie twice previously.
Rural Acoustic Cooperative
Sunday, November 12
Citizens Bank Gallery 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
https://www.facebook.com/ruralacousticcoop
Formed in 2013, the Rural Acoustic Cooperative or R.A.C., features the vocal prowess and inimitable presence of Dave Miller and guitar acrobatics of Pat1ent Zero guitarist Ben Christopher. Their unique approach draws from a vast American musical heritage ranging from blues, country, rock, jazz, and anything else the dynamic duo chooses to play.
Citizens Bank Gallery 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
https://www.facebook.com/ruralacousticcoop
Formed in 2013, the Rural Acoustic Cooperative or R.A.C., features the vocal prowess and inimitable presence of Dave Miller and guitar acrobatics of Pat1ent Zero guitarist Ben Christopher. Their unique approach draws from a vast American musical heritage ranging from blues, country, rock, jazz, and anything else the dynamic duo chooses to play.
Aaron Short
Saturday, November 11
Carnegie Library 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
Carnegie Library 11:00 am - 12:50 pm
CW Smith
Saturday, November 11
Hotel Pattee 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
http://www.cwsmith.fm/CW_Smith/Home.html
From the time I could walk, say the folks closest to me, I’ve been singing. I’d entertain the family at picnics from the age of three. My cousin Leanne and I formed our first “band” -- The Flowerbuds --- when I was seven. I wrote my first song when I was ten, performed with the Indianola High School swing choir when I was eleven, and had choral and non-singing roles with the Des Moines Metro Opera when I was twelve and thirteen.
My first formal music lessons were on piano and trombone when I was 10 years old, but I never really stuck with either of them: I never had the lung power for trombone or the patience for piano. I taught myself guitar when I was 15, bass when I was 18, and drums when I was 19. During my time working at Trifecta Studio, I learned mandolin and harmonica, and got much better at the drums. I’ve since taken up baritone guitar, upright bass, ukuleles (soprano, tenor and baritone), banjo, bajo sexto and sitar. Piano still spooks me for some reason, though.
I joke that I have a musical attention deficit, and just can’t manage to stick with one instrument. But it was actually a valuable skill in the studio: if a client needed a particular instrument on a recording, it was just about as easy for me to learn a part as to go through my list of instrumentalists’ phone numbers. Usually in the time it took just to get a response on the phone, I could learn a part and we could finish the recording. In my current recordings and with my current bands, I bounce back and forth between guitar, bass, mandolin and drums to fill whatever void we hear in the arrangement.
My first “real” band was put together after a girl asked me to prom my junior year, 1986. I put together two guitarists, a bass player, a drummer and a sound engineer from friends I had in two other bands. The high school band director loaned us the band room for rehearsal space and even offered to play keyboards. “For Sherry” was recorded in three takes (two of which were complete) on the morning before prom, and I presented it to Sherry that evening. (The original 1986 recording of “For Sherry” can be heard on my Sound+Video page.)
After some retooling, I put together a more permanent band called Sound System, and we played and recorded together in different lineups from 1986 to 1989. My acoustic duo project, the audubon society, followed: Rob Straughn and I have performed, composed and recorded together since 1988. We now call ourselves Smith & Straughn.
In 1993, my friends James Haddox, Dave Graham, Tom Jirkovsky and I assembled Mystic East, the first of my bands to make a foray into the Des Moines club scene. We played several times at Safari Club and other Drake University area venues before we disbanded in late 1994.
From 2009 to 2012 I was one of the core members of dUUdes, the house band at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. Always the utility man, I moved around playing guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, banjo, percussion and vocal as was necessary for any given song. It was a great way to bring my love of music together with the principles I try to live by.
My solo recording career began with the breakup of Sound System in 1989, and continues to this day. I’m working and playing now with a band (The Grape Ape Trust) and three duet projects (TMI, The Word Green and Smith & Straughn) and feeling more motivated now than ever before to get my my music recorded and performed out in front of an audience.
Hotel Pattee 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm
http://www.cwsmith.fm/CW_Smith/Home.html
From the time I could walk, say the folks closest to me, I’ve been singing. I’d entertain the family at picnics from the age of three. My cousin Leanne and I formed our first “band” -- The Flowerbuds --- when I was seven. I wrote my first song when I was ten, performed with the Indianola High School swing choir when I was eleven, and had choral and non-singing roles with the Des Moines Metro Opera when I was twelve and thirteen.
My first formal music lessons were on piano and trombone when I was 10 years old, but I never really stuck with either of them: I never had the lung power for trombone or the patience for piano. I taught myself guitar when I was 15, bass when I was 18, and drums when I was 19. During my time working at Trifecta Studio, I learned mandolin and harmonica, and got much better at the drums. I’ve since taken up baritone guitar, upright bass, ukuleles (soprano, tenor and baritone), banjo, bajo sexto and sitar. Piano still spooks me for some reason, though.
I joke that I have a musical attention deficit, and just can’t manage to stick with one instrument. But it was actually a valuable skill in the studio: if a client needed a particular instrument on a recording, it was just about as easy for me to learn a part as to go through my list of instrumentalists’ phone numbers. Usually in the time it took just to get a response on the phone, I could learn a part and we could finish the recording. In my current recordings and with my current bands, I bounce back and forth between guitar, bass, mandolin and drums to fill whatever void we hear in the arrangement.
My first “real” band was put together after a girl asked me to prom my junior year, 1986. I put together two guitarists, a bass player, a drummer and a sound engineer from friends I had in two other bands. The high school band director loaned us the band room for rehearsal space and even offered to play keyboards. “For Sherry” was recorded in three takes (two of which were complete) on the morning before prom, and I presented it to Sherry that evening. (The original 1986 recording of “For Sherry” can be heard on my Sound+Video page.)
After some retooling, I put together a more permanent band called Sound System, and we played and recorded together in different lineups from 1986 to 1989. My acoustic duo project, the audubon society, followed: Rob Straughn and I have performed, composed and recorded together since 1988. We now call ourselves Smith & Straughn.
In 1993, my friends James Haddox, Dave Graham, Tom Jirkovsky and I assembled Mystic East, the first of my bands to make a foray into the Des Moines club scene. We played several times at Safari Club and other Drake University area venues before we disbanded in late 1994.
From 2009 to 2012 I was one of the core members of dUUdes, the house band at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. Always the utility man, I moved around playing guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, banjo, percussion and vocal as was necessary for any given song. It was a great way to bring my love of music together with the principles I try to live by.
My solo recording career began with the breakup of Sound System in 1989, and continues to this day. I’m working and playing now with a band (The Grape Ape Trust) and three duet projects (TMI, The Word Green and Smith & Straughn) and feeling more motivated now than ever before to get my my music recorded and performed out in front of an audience.