2025 Art on the Prairie
Music Schedule
We are so excited to showcase such wonderful Iowa musicians during Art on the Prairie.
All the music is acoustic and unplugged, located in each venue.
All the music is acoustic and unplugged, located in each venue.
About the Musicians:
Bryan Baker
ka-klick
FB: Bryan Baker
|
Bryan Baker is an American singer-songwriter from Iowa. He released his debut album, "Big Bad World," in 2007. Over the years, he has continued to build his reputation as a talented performer and songwriter, releasing several more albums and performing locally, and on the internet in Second Life and Twitch. His music blends elements of folk, rock, and Americana, and his lyrics often touch on the usual themes of love, loss, etc. but also many geekier subjects with references to many pop-culture touchstones. Werewolves howling for lost love and regret, robots enslaving and destroying humanity, lost love returning in the zombiepocalypse, warnings about charming vampires, a whole album of murder ballads and a concept album inspired by “Dead by Daylight” and most recently an album largely inspired by the “Supernatural” TV franchise called “Phan Service”. He has been Musical Guest of honor at MarsCon in Virginia and will be the first Guest of Honor at FilkConbobulated in June of 2026 in Urbandale Iowa.
|
Shannon & Cindi Bryan
Blue Stem
|
Shannon Bryan is a guitarist and vocalist from Jamaica, Iowa. His wife Cindi is a vocalist and together they form the duo "Blue Stem." They perform a wide variety of classic rock and country music songs which feature dynamic vocals and acoustic guitar. The duo met through a fellow musician in 2009 and have been making beautiful music together since then. Cindi has been the lead vocalist in several bands in and around Des Moines, and Shannon has played guitar and sung with several bands in and around Perry. They perform regularly in Perry and Des Moines, Iowa.
|
B. John Burns
B John Burns
BJohnBurnsWriter
FB: BJohnBurns
|
Since the arrival of his first original tune in September 1972, B. John Burns has written approximately 5,000 songs. He has performed them on piano and guitar in 26 states. Over 500 of them may be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and many others. His 2025 album, When Dylan Plays a Free Show, should be available in time for Art on the Prairie or very shortly afterwards.
|
Emery Case
|
Emery Case discovered his love of music at a young age, and has spent the resulting years expanding his passion at the piano. He enjoys playing modern classical songs, and has released several covers of songs by Ludovico Einaudi on his YouTube channel, Ridgeline Rambles.
|
Ruby Case
|
Ruby Case is a singer-songwriter who loves frolicking in the woods of her home in the Midwest. She aspires to spread love and joy through her music with her lyrical vocals, inviting listeners to experience a world of imagination. Her debut single, ‘Old Memories’ is available on all streaming platforms.
|
Joel DuVall
|
Joel DuVall may be new to the area but he’s not new to music. At age 3 he began playing drums and performed live for the first time at age 10. He was very active in school bands. As an adult he learned to play acoustic rhythm guitar and immediately began writing his own music. Joel has been a member of numerous bands throughout the years playing both drums and rhythm guitar along with lead and backup vocals. Now after 49 years of playing and 40 years of performing, he’s taking a break from his current band Out of Options and performing some solo shows. He’s a rocker at heart but he describes his own music style as classic americana folk rock with hints of blues and funk. It’s always been his passion to perform music.
|
Tim Earp
Facebook: Tim Earps Guitar
|
Tim is a guitarist from Des Moines. He has been playing his guitar in restaurants, art galleries, private events and Art on the Prairie (for 13 years!). He performs instrumental versions of the Beatles, Clapton, Eva Cassidy and other artists. It’s relaxing and comforting. Need to wind down? Stop by for a few minutes. |
Tina & Brandon Findlay
Andy Fleming
|
For over 20 years now Andy Fleming has fronted one of the longest running Roots-Rock Americana bands in Iowa, Brother Trucker. In 2016, Fleming started his first ever side project with Matt Cullen (The Sighs/Ware River Club/Stutter Jimmy & The Goosebumps) and journeyman Dave Dewey Ford on vocals and mandolin billed as Andy Fleming & The Sweet Nothings. AF and The Sweet Nothings are currently working on their debut album. 2018 saw Brother Trucker release their 5th album entitled “5”. Between the two different ensembles the focus remains on Fleming’s gritty stories and character’s brought to life in 3 chord cinematic miniatures. This will be Andy’s 5th appearance at Art On The Prairie.
|
Friday Night Pickers
|
For many years Wilbur and Nancy Renfrow hosted a bluegrass music jam at their home in Adel. They have passed on but the music continues. Our group right now includes Christy Hall, Jon Tesdell, Jenny Hargrove,and Chris Nichols. Chris plays the same guitar his father Doug Nichols played, and Wilbur before him. We also have a standup bass, mandolin, harmonica, and fiddle. And some singing. We look forward to playing some of these tunes that have stood the test of time.
|
Jennifer Garman
Tyler Gathercoal
|
Originally from Chicago, IL, Tyler Gathercoal grew up in Grand Junction, Iowa. He started playing drums at age 4 when his dad bought a drum set for him and his brother, and he taught himself piano in Music Theory class in high school, about 16 years ago.
In addition to numerous awards as a solo musician, Tyler founded a rock/metal band called Through the Darkness, which has played around 100 shows, opened for over 25 nationally touring bands, and performed alongside nearly 50 local artists. In 2014, Through the Darkness reached the Final Four of Lazerfest’s Battle of the Bands and then won in 2015, leading to an opening slot at the last Lazerfest at 7 Flags Event Center. Through the Darkness has also released 14 music videos, 5 nominated at Iowa film festivals. Their music has been streamed and viewed over 2 million times on various platforms. |
Joe Gittins
|
I live on a small wooded acreage with my wife Beth and our four daughters. When I am not splitting firewood for our evening fires, I am often writing lyrics, adjusting chords, capturing voice memos or recording in my basement studio.
During the week my pickup cab acts as an editing room while in between places. I love to play music wherever I can and enjoy playing a mix of my own songs and covers. |
Reggie Greenlaw
Reggie Greenlaw
|
I’m a singer/ songwriter/ musician from Ames, Iowa. I’m also a retired teacher, having taught 38 years in special and regular education in Ames. |
Lincoln Grimes
|
My musical journey began very early as my dad was a professional saxaphone player. I grew up with a healthy appreciation for how special music and performance can be for people.
Now in my early fifties, I can look back on many cherished memories writing and performing songs in bands and as a solo artist. Today, as it has been in the past, music is always a new opportunity to connect and unify people. My solo set is pretty mellow and consists of my own songs along with some rare and recognizable covers. I live in Johnston IA. You can catch me with Stark Raving Madge and solo when I’m lucky enough to perform. |
Isaiah Hartog
Steffen Heins
|
Just a songwriter, looking for the next song! 10 new songs to be debuted at Art On The Prairie!
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. |
Laura Helm
|
Laura is an Iowa native who studied music therapy at The University of Iowa. She practiced as a music therapist mainly with hospice patients and individuals with memory care needs before going back to school to become a registered nurse. She is currently the Director of Marketing and Admissions Nurse at Arbor Springs, a dementia care facility in West Des Moines. She lives in Minburn with her husband, Chris, newborn daughter, Camille, and their two dogs and cat.
|
Marilyn Jerome & Hannah JonesShe can be reached at [email protected] for booking.
|
Marilyn Jerome was the lead vocalist in a Top-40 band in Kansas City for eight years before moving to the great state of Iowa. She currently fronts a local band, “Saints and Sinners” with vocals and guitar; she plays solo for house-parties, weddings, outdoor concerts, wineries, farmer’s markets, country clubs, and several local charities in the Des Moines metro area. Since 2012, she has had the privilege to perform at the annual Corndog Kick-off (the primary fund-raiser for the Iowa State Fair), RAGRAI stops, the Science Center’s Holiday Tree Lighting event, and Art on the Prairie, and other venues. Her band will be playing at Revelton (Osceola) a few times a year in 2023-24.
She holds a master’s degree in counseling and currently teaches college courses in psychology. Marilyn lives in Urbandale with her husband. If you enjoy folk music, old country, and a twist on an old favorite rock tune, you’ll enjoy listening to the music Marilyn creates. |
Hannah Jerome Jones is a wife, an army veteran, and an avid lover of music. She’s been singing since she’s had a voice and been playing the drums ever since her parents made the
mistake of buying her a drum set at a young age. By day, she is a Producer for a Catholic film company in Chicago, and by night she jams with the Des Moines band, Saints and Sinners. This is her first year playing at Art on the Prairie. She’s brought her electric ukulele for the special
occasion.
mistake of buying her a drum set at a young age. By day, she is a Producer for a Catholic film company in Chicago, and by night she jams with the Des Moines band, Saints and Sinners. This is her first year playing at Art on the Prairie. She’s brought her electric ukulele for the special
occasion.
Dan Jones
|
I’ve been playing professionally since 1991 with bands including POW, Homegrown, Midnight Dogs, Dan Jones & Friends, Sugar Valley and the High Trestle Rovers. I’ve always done shows as a solo performer also. Along with a few original songs my set list is heavily influenced by singer/songwriters such as Neil Young, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Tyler Childers, John Hiatt, Jason Isbell and many more.
|
Dennis Kain
|
Singer/songwriter who now resides in Polk City but spends winters on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Performs with a couple bands in central Iowa too. Plays all kinds of music and loves to get children to sing. |
Randy McCaulley
|
Doc’s background in professional music dates him, having performed keyboards, back-up vocals, and some lead vocals for several week-end rock bands in the 1970’s. While pursuing a 33 year career in education, he did perform as a solo musician for community events, church services, weddings, and funerals. He also performed in a praise band for three years in the early 2000’s.
Now retired, God has led him to pursue a Christian Music Ministry. Since April of 2017, Doc has taken his Christian Music Ministry to more than 30 churches and other venues. Doc also continues to perform popular music from the 1960’s and 1970’s at many community events, such as “Art on the Prairie”. |
Laura McCord
|
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. |
Asher Palagummi
YouTube: AMP Piano & Strings
|
Asher is a freshman in high school in the Des Moines area. He has been playing piano since he was 3. He also plays violin and viola. He plays viola in the Des Moines Youth Symphony and accompanies singing on piano in church. He loves to create and improvise with his instruments. He also enjoys traveling, sports and linguistics. He isn't yet sure what he wants to pursue professionally but music is sure to stay a big part of his life
|
Steve & Sean Parnell
|
While music has been a lifelong pursuit in the Parnell home, Sean joined Steve onstage for the first time in February, 2017 at Jukebox at Perry High School in a memorable performance of Grandma’s Feather Bed. Sean has been unstoppable since!
This year marks the duo’s 7 th appearance together at Art on the Prairie; Steve has performed either alone or as part of a duo all but one year at the annual event. Sean and Steve will be sharing the music they love; old time gospel, Americana, folk, and even a few original tunes. The same music they share at nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the year. Sean is known for engaging the audience by sharing his instruments with audience members and encouraging them to clap and sing along. He may be non-verbal, but he communicates well in other ways! They also are part of the worship team at their local church. |
Mia Prosperi
|
Mia Prosperi is a Singer-Songwriter who has been part of Iowa’s music scene since she was 11. In May 2022, her band Plumero debuted their EP, “Prune Juice” which gained over 67k streams. She has played at festivals such as 80/35, GDP, Des Moines Arts Festival, Capital City Pride Festival, and Iowa State Fair, and venues such as XbK, Noce, Lefty’s, and many more. And she recently graduated from “The School for Music Vocations” in Creston, Iowa. Mia’s songwriting style is Indie music with inspiration from Folk, Alt, Pop, and Rock. Her songs carry you along through the journey of finding herself and the barriers along the way. Mia Prosperi’s music expresses everything you’re (over)thinking in an energetic and danceable way!
|
Pullin' Strings
Mary Richards
Sara Routh
|
Sara is an energetic, Iowa born musician who traveled the world playing in and out of incredible traditional and non-traditional venues.
In 2005, Routh’s song, “Sitting On My Window” had its T.V. debut on WB’s hit show, Everwood. The same song also earned her a win for Best Folk Artist for the Southern California Music Awards in 2006. In 2006 her song “You’re Never Gone” was placed on the compilation album, Sounds of Superman which was released internationally. Sara called Shanghai, China her home in 2008 where she regularly performed at some of the top venues in the city. While in Shanghai, she wrote/composed & directed the children’s musical, “The Circus McGurkus,” which was based off the Dr. Seuss book, “If I Ran The Circus.” After four years in China, Sara returned to Los Angeles to continue her professional music career. June of 2013, Sara’s debut album “Road(s)” was proudly released internationally. She was nominated for Best Pop Album and Best Female Artist for the Los Angeles Music Critic Awards in November 2014. September 2015, Sara released her sophomore record, the E.P. “Black Sheep,” earning her the Los Angeles Music Critic Award for Best Female EP. Routh returned to her home state of Iowa in the spring of 2015, where she took a job as a teaching artist with the Des Moines-based non-profit, City Voices. Sara is also the Director of Programming for the non-profit organization Girls Rock Des Moines. Sara continues to jump into new educational musical adventures whenever they come her way. All while maintaining a positive gigging life and taking time to write new material. |
Rural Accoustic Cooperative
Facebook: Rural Acoustic Coop
|
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.
|
Joel Wernimont
|
Joel Wernimont was born and raised in Western Iowa and studied Music Composition at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Minnesota. While primarily focusing on writing and recording music for Tv advertisement in the Twin Cities he made the transition to Nashville to write for other artists and define his own sound. His story and lyric driven Country and Americana music is rooted in personal experience and tribulations of his Midwestern upbringing. He's currently working on his debut album "Tales From The Heartland" that will showcase music reminiscent of Jason Isbell, Turnpike Troubadours and Bob Dylan.
|