On Monday, a federal judge in Des Moines issued a temporary restraining order stopping the Des Moines Art Center from dismantling and removing a work of public art that has been part of the city’s Greenwood Park for 36 years. “Greenwood Pond: Double Site” was created by renowned New York-based land artist Mary Miss for […]
Central Iowa
Posted inCentral Iowa Community/News
Photos: DSM Trans Lives Festival
In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility, the First Unitarian Church in Des Moines held the fourth annual Trans Lives Festival on Saturday, March 30. The all-ages event showcased the creative work of transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming adults and youth from around Iowa.
Posted inCentral Iowa Arts & Entertainment
Photo Gallery: Benefit for Iowa Abortion Access Fund
The Benefit for Iowa Abortion Access Fund presented by Ryan O’Rein, unfolded on Saturday, March 23 at xBk in Des Moines. The event showcased a diverse lineup of local bands, including The Other Brothers, Dickie, Munk Rivers, Allegra Hernandez, Mr. Softheart, and The Deeves, all rallying behind the cause. Attendees contributed through free-will donations, knowing […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Photo Gallery: Chappell Roan at Val Air Ballroom
Photos from Chappell Roan at Val Air Ballroom on Sunday, March 17. Roan is currently on tour with Olivia Rodrigo and made a solo stop in Des Moines. The LA-based singer, songwriter and performer hit the stage to perform to an enthusiastic sold-out crowd. Five Midwest drag performers opened the show, and fans were decked […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Mississippi politician who smashed the Satanic Temple display at the Iowa Capitol seeks to have hate crime charge dismissed
The Mississippi politician who traveled to Des Moines in December to destroy the holiday display set up by the Satanic Temple (TST) in the rotunda of the Iowa State Capitol is seeking to have the hate crime charge for his actions dismissed. On Friday, the attorney for Michael Cassidy filed a motion in Polk County […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘Our joy is resistance’: Des Moines church to host fourth Trans Lives Festival on March 30
Within the first weeks of 2024 and the current Iowa legislative session, dozens of bills were introduced posing threats to the safety, healthcare access and legal recognition of transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming children and adults. As the fight against these bills continues to rage inside the State Capitol, the First Unitarian Church of Des […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Legendary pro skater, punk rocker and Des Moines local Mike Vallely is living his teenage dream
Growing up in New Jersey in the 1970s and ’80s, Mike Vallely was, of course, aware of skateboarding. But it didn’t seem approachable. Popular culture presented it as something made for Californians with nice tans and well-built bodies who wanted to show off and do handstands on their boards. So Vallely didn’t pay it much […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Drake University recommends cutting academic programs, positions
Four percent of Drake University students could see their degree programs eliminated under cost-cutting measures recommended by the college to help recoup budget deficits. Drake University Provost Sue Mattison announced that a faculty program review, launched in November, has recommended the discontinuance of 13 undergraduate majors, minors and certificates. In an email to faculty sent […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Joe Tripp on his trio of Des Moines restaurants, (accidentally) making gluten-free fried chicken and where the next Basic Bird may roost
If you Google “best restaurants in Des Moines,” you’ll be hard-pressed to find a list that doesn’t include Harbinger. The vegetable-forward, small-plate restaurant co-owned by husband-and-wife duo Joe and Alex Tripp has been a fine dining destination since it opened in 2017. In 2022, the duo opened Windsor Heights’ Little Brother, a breakfast-centric joint with […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Expect ‘all hits,’ cool outfits and ‘epic cardboard hearts’ at Cupid’s Lounge, a Valentine’s show from Ramona & the Sometimes, the Lovin’ Forkful
Cupid’s Lounge: Songs About Love by Talented Locals xBk Live, Des Moines, Saturday, Feb. 10 at 8:30 p.m., $13-18 Des Moines rock outfit Ramona & the Sometimes wants to sweep you off your feet — or at least rock your socks off — at their Valentine’s takeover of xBk Live, Cupid’s Lounge: Songs About Love by […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Contact Buzz: Creative activism helps all voices be heard, from the stage to the canvas
Jill Wells is a Des Moines-based multimedia artist whose murals confronting issues of race, history, accessibility and human experience have been seen—and felt—by thousands. She creates 3D, tactile murals designed with the disability community in mind.
Posted inCentral Iowa, Recreation
Descend into Yellow Banks Park, 576 acres of ancient history
Tucked along a panoramic stretch of the Des Moines River in southeast Polk County is a park that feels many miles away from the state’s largest metro area. Buffered from the usual traffic sounds by dense woods and isolated stretches of natural landscape, Yellow Banks Park exudes an almost zen-like allure, with 150-foot high yellow-colored […]
