Barbershops have long served as social and cultural hubs for Black Americans, and Harlan’s Barbershop, open for half a century in Des Moines’ Woodland Heights neighborhood, was no exception. Harlan’s opened in 1968; that same year, construction finished on I-235, which had displaced thriving Black businesses, churches and communities in the Center Street district, not […]
Central Iowa Arts & Entertainment
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A new, free Des Moines music festival unites six genres: Afrobeats, blues, classical, hip hop, jazz and Latino
Central Iowa’s freshest music festival is already bigger than its creators first imagined. Billy Weathers, better known as the hip-hop artist B. Well, and Ashley Eidbo, a double bass player in the Des Moines Symphony (DMS), first connected backstage during DMS’s Yankee Doodle Pops concert last summer. (Weathers was invited to the event to sing […]
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Eat food from 25 countries at the Des Moines World Food & Music Festival this month
Des Moines World Food & Music Festival is coming early this year, as the 2023 celebration moves from its usual September spot to an August appointment. The festival kicks off Friday, Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. with a naturalization ceremony — during which 100 individuals will gain U.S. citizenship — and from there offers more […]
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Q&A: Satomi Hofmann, member of final ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ cast performing in Winterset this weekend
This weekend, veteran The Phantom of the Opera actor Satomi Hofmann is singing the music of the night at the Iowa Theater in Winterset. Visiting with her are Beth Mullaney and Elizabeth Welch, the latter of whom is also an alum of The Phantom of the Opera have played Christine Daaé both on Broadway and […]
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Weekender in Central Iowa!
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly editor-curated arts compendium Have you been anticipating being engulfed by by sunflowers? Your time is coming at Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch starting 11 a.m. on July 29. Later on that day, enjoy live music, performance previews and a silent auction at the Moberg Gallery […]
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Midwest rapper Nur-D uses his powers for good, drawing wisdom from Fred Hampton, D&D and body positivity
After spending the past five years leveling up in Minneapolis, Matt Allen is rolling for initiative. “The Rolling Initiative Tour is my first ever me-headlining, like, I’m-the-guy tour,” said Allen, a hip-hop artist hailing from Minnesota who performs as Nur-D, a month before his debut tour kicked off. Back in 2019, Allen toured with fellow […]
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Weekender Central Iowa! Butter Sculpting | Fireflies at the Arbretum | Broadway Karaoke
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly editor-curated arts compendium Need a reason to enjoy the outdooors this weekend? There are many: Here you go! Get ready for next month’s Iowa State Fair and learn how to sculpt butter with Sarah Pratt and the Central Library. Catch a floating light at Family […]
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Weekender Central Iowa! Field Daze Music Series | FINEST Fest | Little Shop of Horrors
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly editor-curated arts compendium This weekend has a variety of events to attend from volunteering to help cleanup Birdland Park, taking in a drive-in movie at Frisbie Park, grooving to the music with Brian Congdon at 300 Craft & Rooftop. There’s also the Field Daze Music […]
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The Gas Lamp goes out after 12 years serving the Des Moines music scene
On the penultimate night of the Gas Lamp’s existence, the music venue filled with couples dancing hand in hand, smiles stretched from ear to ear, the energy of the music from Bob Pace & the Dangerous Band practically palpable. Since 2011, the Gas Lamp has given the community a space to unwind after the work […]
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Weekender Central Iowa! 80/35 Festival | Pupchella | David Cross
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly editor-curated arts compendium Des Moines Music Coalition’s 80/35 festival is taking over Western Gateway park with more than 50 artists keeping the music going across four stages. You have Friday and Saturday to visit free and paid stages to support all genres of music and […]
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Weekender Central Iowa! Drunk Book Club | Carmen | Ain’t Too Proud
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly editor-curated arts compendium Summer has started to settle in across central Iowa. Though a not-insignificant amount of smog has accompanied the start of the season, plenty of events have rolled into town as well. Check out recurring events like Music in the Garden at the […]
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Weekender Central Iowa! Art Festival | Charley Crockett | Spielgarden
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly editor-curated arts compendium The Art Festival is here all weekend after a week of events featuring amazing artists with art like you’ve never seen before! Don’t miss b. Robert Moore sharing his Out the Mud again at the Moberg Gallery Saturday evening. Something else that’s new […]
