Nearly 40 years after its release, Sex, Lies, and Videotape will play at Varsity Cinema in Des Moines as part of the theater’s “Declarations of Independence series: Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with early films from independent filmmakers.” The film follows a sexless married couple, Ann (Andie MacDowell) and John (Peter Gallagher) — or at least, […]
Des Moines events
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: ‘There Is No Place For Us’ by Brian Goldstone — guest speaker at Drake — lays bare the structural violence behind homelessness
For many, the cost of housing is rising faster than income, as are the costs of other necessities. It’s no surprise then that homelessness is rising both in Iowa and nationally. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Brian Goldstone will speak on these issues at a free event hosted by Drake University’s Harkin Center on Tuesday, which […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: Des Moines Metro Opera stages Steinbeck, corruption in Rome and a 100-year-old ‘mysterium’ for summer season
Opera lovers braved the sweltering summer weather this past holiday weekend for some world-class productions, care of Des Moines Metro Opera. The opera company was the subject of a series of Des Moines Register articles last fall reporting allegations that crew behind the scenes were routinely overworked, underpaid and occasionally put in dangerous positions to […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: The mental health struggles of Beethoven, Vivaldi and other composers are explored in the first concert of Zenith Chamber Music Festival 2026
Zenith Chamber Music Festival offers audiences five nights of free concerts this week for their 12th annual summer series. Running Tuesday, June 9 through Saturday, June 13, these performances take place in unique venues around the Des Moines area and feature professional musicians and aspiring students. Funded entirely by donations, the festival is dedicated to making high quality chamber music accessible to everyone.
Posted inCommunity/News
Blood, sweat and jeers: Pro wrestlers with central Iowa’s 3XW open up about the thrill of the ring
Between tribute bands, themed raves and touring acts, Des Moines venue Wooly’s hosts events produced by 3XWrestling, an independent wrestling promotion company based in Central Iowa, active since 2005. I attended 3XW’s bout on Friday, March 6 for a crash course in kayfabe.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: An envelope opened and the About Time Theater Company discovered its latest show alongside the audience
On the night of Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m. CDT, myself and about 34 other people saw a production by About Time Theatre of White Rabbit Red Rabbit at the xBk Annex, as performed by Mary Bricker. It was, I imagine, a different show than what a largely different audience saw the […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Soulcage has new music to share and stages to scorch across Iowa this month
In 2023, the band now known as Soulcage was playing the basement of a Des Moines fraternity house. The crowd was expecting some frat party jams. Instead, they got a grungy slap in face that might have left those in attendance bruised and wondering what, or who, they had walked into. Unsurprisingly, Soulcage doesn’t play […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: Complexions proves ballet is as compelling as ever with performances set to Hans Zimmer, U2, ‘Ave Maria’ and more
Complexions Contemporary Ballet graced the stage this past week for the stunning conclusion to Des Moines Performing Arts’ 2025-2026 Dance Series. The program was a celebration of artistry and skill, featuring dancers of varying heights, ethnicities and cultures as well as music of differing eras and genres.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: Iowa Stage Theatre’s ‘The Seagull’ is Chekhov with a modern soundtrack — and it’s fantastic
I went into The Seagull with some dread. I’ve never been a big fan of Anton Chekhov. The Russian playwright is one of the most influential figures within his medium, likely known to even non-theater-goers by virtue of the concept of “Chekhov’s gun.” His reputation as one of the greatest playwrights of all time is […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Des Moines screenwriter Joshua Johnson on how a Hitchcock spoof he penned 10 years ago became Jason Biggs’ directorial debut
As a kid, it’s easy to see Iowa as lacking in spectacle. But I’d wager we Iowa kids have the best imaginations because of it. With fewer shiny distractions, creatives are able to devote themselves to a craft. Joshua Johnson, raised in West Des Moines, is one of those former kids. His childhood love for […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: Ballet Des Moines’ ‘Nothing Holds Still’ featured veiled dancers, intricate partner work, the Belin Quartet and a painting danced onto the canvas
Ballet Des Moines offered an evening of world premieres with their latest performance, Nothing Holds Still. The program featured works by three choreographers, each exploring themes of time, transformation and stillness through their own unique perspective. In all, music and movement communicate diverse emotions without any need for words. The program opened with a depiction […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: From passionate to jazzy to epic, the Des Moines Symphony shined with ‘Love–Romeo & Juliet’
The Des Moines Symphony offered classical music enthusiasts an ideal date night on Valentine’s weekend with Love–Romeo & Juliet, the aptly titled fourth installment of their Masterworks Series. The baton was wielded by guest conductor, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, who led a nuanced program of European masterpieces. Harth-Bedoya’s rapport with the ensemble was remarkable considering this is […]
