In a few years, Des Moines music artist, model and writer Aniekan White went from writing stories here and there in “the comic realm” to entering the 2021 Web Toons digital comic contest. That success bloomed into one of the few Black-owned comic companies in the U.S. White is the owner and founder of Sensi’il […]
Courtney Guein
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Dr. Ellie Wolfe sets early childhood education to music in Drake University class
Ask Dr. Ellie Wolfe the value of music education, and you’ll get no offhand answer. “It’s key. It’s integral. It’s a part of the human condition,” Wolfe said. “I would say [that] for young children, but I also think that it should continue throughout life. And many people find ways to continue to interact, and […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
80/35 adds a photography fellowship this year to help young photographers bridge the experience gap
Young adults aged 16-21 have a chance to gain free experience in photography alongside established mentors while photographing the 80/35 Music Festival this year. This new fellowship offers more than just an opportunity to learn how better to work a camera. Those involved will have access to workshops, mentorship, info on how to get into […]
Posted inCommunity/News
A Des Moines furniture bank needs volunteers to continue helping families start over
Coming out of COVID, more families than ever are looking to start over and get the assistance they need to thrive. The FreeStore is a Des Moines furniture bank helping locals leaving domestic violence housing (temporary or intermediate) and other unsafe conditions. They provide furniture and other household items to help furnish a new residence […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Indie venue collective, co-founded by Des Moines’ Tobi Parks, could ‘revolutionize touring’
Rolling Stone recently recognized eight indie venue owners for their determination to support burgeoning artists and help “secure the future of live independent music.” One of the owners featured is Tobi Parks. Parks opened xBk Live, a 250-capacity venue in Des Moines’ Drake neighborhood, in 2019, and serves as the vice president of the board […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Charli XCX, Father John Misty to headline 13th 80/35, with Jamila Woods, Japanese Breakfast and more
80/35 is coming back to Des Moines for its 13th year, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has announced its 2022 headliners: English singer/songwriter Charli XCX and indie folk darling (and Fleet Foxes alum) Father John Misty. Supporting acts include Chicago songwriter and poet Jamila […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘Sex to me is a dance’: Des Moines’ Wendy Broich combines pole dancing, sex coaching and boudoir photography in one small business
Artist, sex coach and entrepreneur Wendy Broich has trouble summarizing her job. “I say ‘experience’ a lot because what I do is provide experiences. It’s hard to just tell someone what I do,” she said. “I feel like I have to take you through it, and in order for me to take you through it, […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
‘Dance does everything’: Gateway Dance Theatre celebrates 50 years in Des Moines with Black history showcase
This year marks 50 years of education, training and performance for Gateway Dance Theatre, a Des Moines company fusing African-American, Caribbean, Asian, Indian and other international music and dance traditions, in addition to drama, science, visual arts and other disciplines. Gateway will celebrate all year long, starting on Feb. 26 with a Black History showcase, […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Black creatives reframe Black stories in Des Moines speaker series at Mainframe Studios
Mainframe Studios and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) have teamed up for a four-part speaker series during Black History Month called Reframing Racial Injustice in Creative Communities. They are halfway through the series, and the next speaker — educator, advocate and polymath Abena S. Imhotep — will present on Sunday, Feb. 20 at Mainframe […]
