dsm Season Preview

Wait a sec — it’s already July? Seriously?

Good thing we’ve already rounded up some tips to squeeze the most juice out of the rest of the summer. If I were you, I’d print out this newsletter, circle your favorites and stick it on the fridge so you don’t miss out on the best concerts, festivals and other events in Central Iowa over the next few months. That way, if anyone asks you to write an essay about “What I Did This Summer,” you’ll have plenty of good material. For extra credit: Pass this email to your friends, who can subscribe for free.

Thanks for reading,
Michael Morain
dsm editor

So. Many. Ruffles. Robert Petkoff stars as Harold Zidler in the current tour of "Moulin Rouge!" (Photo: Matthew Murphy)

THEATER & DANCE

'Moulin Rouge' comes to 'Day Mwahn'

Can you believe they wrote a musical about a scandalous Parisian dance hall? Well, yes, you probably can-can.

Right after the Paris Olympics, the national tour of “Moulin Rouge!” kicks up its heels Aug. 20 through Sept. 1 at the Des Moines Civic Center, with all the gitchie-gitchie, ya-ya, razzle-dazzle that won 10 Tony Awards in 2020, including the prize for Best Musical.

Like Baz Luhrmann’s gleefully over-the-top movie from 2001, the stage show tells the tale of a young bohemian composer who falls for a cabaret singer at the turn of the 20th century and learns a thing or two about l’amour.

More Performances

“The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body”
Through Sunday. Pyramid Theatre Co.’s story about the experiences of Black middle-aged women — in body, mind and spirit — continues through this weekend at the Des Moines Civic Center’s Stoner Theater.

“El Circo”
July 10-13. A circus-themed marionette show brings a lion, tight-rope walker, weight lifter and other colorful characters for a handful of free shows at parks in Ankeny, Des Moines and West Des Moines, all presented by Des Moines Performing Arts.

“School of Rock”
July 12-28. Things get a little rowdy when a wannabe rock star lands a teaching gig at an uptight prep school in the summer musical at the Des Moines Playhouse.

“A Midsummer Night's Dream ”
July 17-21. You're not dreaming. This is real: Iowa Stage Theatre presents the classic romantic comedy of errors in this year's Shakespeare on the Lawn series at Salisbury House and Gardens. Pack a picnic and have fun!

“The Prom”
July 19-28. Four big Broadway stars visit a small-town prom to teach the locals some life lessons and — wouldn’t you know it — they learn a thing or two themselves in the next production from Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre at the Des Moines Civic Center’s Stoner Theater.

“The Wizard of Oz”
July 26-Aug. 4. Don't be surprised if road crews repave Aurora Avenue with yellow bricks. Urbandale Community Theatre presents the classic musical at Urbandale High School.

Squonk: “Brouhaha”

Aug. 9-11. Part concert, part performance art, this outdoor spectacle features the giant tuba bells of the rare “squonkcordion.” See and hear it for yourself at Cowles Commons, in six free shows presented by Des Moines Performing Arts.

“It’s Only a Play”
Sept. 6-22. At a Broadway producer’s lavish opening-night party, a handful of dramatic guests nervously await the first round of reviews in this production from Tallgrass Theatre Co. in West Des Moines.

“Jersey Boys”
Sept. 13-29. Frankie Valli may have the world’s most famous falsetto, but his scrappy rise to fame with the Four Seasons is a true story. See it play out at the Des Moines Playhouse.

Some of Ingrid Lilligren's ceramics feature messages in Braille. (Photo: Grinnell College Museum of Art)

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

In Grinnell, there's more than meets the eye

Sometimes you have to shut your eyes to see things in a new way.

Ingrid Lilligren’s “Tactile Meditations,” on display through Sept. 8 at the Grinnell College Museum of Art, examines “social, cultural and political blindness” through a collection of ceramic sculptures that spell out messages in Braille to help sighted visitors understand how it feels to be “othered.” Some of the 18 works use bumpy tiles or pegs to spell out statements, including poems by Debra Marquart, the former Iowa Poet Laureate who teaches at Iowa State University.

Lilligren also teaches at Iowa State and has exhibited her ceramic work from Los Angeles to London.

Annual Landscape Show
Through July 20. Variety abounds among this year’s landscapes at Olson-Larsen Galleries, where stark black and white photos of geometric farm fields bump up against softer paintings of light-dappled trees, meadows and clouds. For even more variety, check out the galleries “Summer Sampler,” July 26 through Sept. 21.

“Iowa Exhibited”
Through Aug. 15. Local textile artist Ben Millett curated the annual group show at the Polk County Heritage Gallery in downtown’s beautiful old post office, which this year features work in various media by more than 50 artists from across the state.

“Talking to Mother Clay: Pueblo Pottery from GCMoA Collection”
Through Sept. 8. This exhibition at the Grinnell College Museum of Art features Indigenous pottery from the American Southwest, with a special emphasis on designs inspired by birds.

“Coexist”
Through Sept. 15. The Des Moines Art Center digs into its print archives to offer a look at how humans and nature have lived together, and how artists have portrayed that relationship, over the last couple of centuries.

“Hurricane Season”
Through Sept. 22. Six contemporary Caribbean artists explore the effects of an increasingly long annual hurricane season in the current multimedia show at the Des Moines Art Center. Related events include dance performances (July 12 and 19), a gallery talk (Aug. 8) and a film screening (Sept. 8).

b. Robert Moore: “In Loving Memory”
Through Oct. 20. This year’s Iowa Artist Show at the Des Moines Art Center features Moore’s paintings, plus two installations, that examine themes of family, social justice and Black identity. Related events include a sold-out talk with Moore, artist Jordan Weber and the Pulitzer-winning journalist Nikole-Hannah Jones on July 28.

“Hurricane Season”
Through Sept. 22. Six contemporary Caribbean artists explore the effects of an increasingly long annual hurricane season in the current multimedia show at the Des Moines Art Center. Related events include dance performances (July 12 and 19), a gallery talk (Aug. 8) and a film screening (Sept. 8).

b. Robert Moore: “In Loving Memory”
Through Oct. 20. This year’s Iowa Artist Show at the Des Moines Art Center features Moore’s paintings, plus two installations, that examine themes of family, social justice and Black identity. Related events include a sold-out talk with Moore, artist Jordan Weber and the Pulitzer-winning journalist Nikole-Hannah Jones on July 28.

Her royal Midwest highness Chappell Roan plays Hinterland on Aug. 4. (Photo: Ryan Clemens)

MUSIC

All hail the Midwest Princess at Hinterland

This summer's Hinterland lineup caused quite a stir when it was announced a few months ago, with TikTok users buzzing about making cross-country trips to the usually quiet town of St. Charles for the Aug. 2-4 weekend. Headliners Hozier, Vampire Weekend and Noah Kahan fueled the excitement, as did the potential for various surprise collaborations, for which the festival is known.

But amid all the big names, we're especially stoked for the return of Chappell Roan, the "Midwest Princess" herself. The pop singer toured Iowa back in March, when she invited local drag queens as openers before she sang the house down to the first sold-out crowd at the newly remodeled Val Air Ballroom. For the uninitiated, her chart hit “Good Luck, Babe!” represents her music well; it’s a careful balance of ’80s synthesizers, soaring vocals and poignant lyrics about unrequited love that make you want to dance and cry all at the same time. Roan brings her glitter-covered glory to the Hinterland stage on Sunday, Aug. 4.

Noce
If you like free jazz, you’ll love the weekly “Jazz on the House” concerts from Max Wellman on Thursday nights. Ticketed shows on the summer roster include Pyramid Theatre Co.’s multitalented artistic director Napoleon Douglas, salsa nights with the Son Peruchos fusion band and others.

Music Under the Stars
July 7. The Des Moines Metro Concert Band & Big Band performs with guest vocalist Napoleon Douglas at Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Pam Tillis
July 11. The singer-songwriter whose bluesy rock style stems from her country roots takes the stage at Hoyt Sherman Place.

80-35
July 12-13. The city’s free music festival makes its debut at Water Works Park with a lineup of indie artists and a few bigger names like OK GO and Killer Mike. See nonstop free performances across three stages, or purchase tickets for access to the Hy-Vee Main Stage action. New this year are camping options for music lovers who want to do more than just (OK) go.

Celebration in Brass
July 14. The annual drum and bugle corps showdown features six teams from Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin that will duke it out for glory as the sun sets over Ankeny Stadium.

Ludacris
July 14. The hip-hop star behind hits like "Stand Up," "Get Back" and "Southern Hospitality" takes a turn in the Field Daze series at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, in between country stars Brantley Gilbert (July 11) and Jamey Johnson (Aug. 23).

Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival
July 20. The free festival showcases local bluegrass groups under the Allen Hazen Water Tower. Beer tents and food trucks will be on site to satisfy your cravings. BYOLC: Bring your own lawn chair.

Stars of Tomorrow
July 20. Hear some of the most famous arias in opera history, sung by the three dozen artists in the Des Moines Metro Opera's Apprentice Artist Program. To celebrate the program's 50th anniversary, this year's concert is free, but you should register in advance.

Barry Manilow
Aug. 1. The legendary singer and songwriter behind “Mandy,” “Copacabana” and a dozen catchy ad jingles like State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbor” (whose celebrity singers now include Caitlin Clark) is still going strong at 81. Catch him at “The Last Des Moines Concert” at Wells Fargo Arena.

Joss Stone
Aug. 6. The British soul singer who’s sung with everyone from James Brown to Mick Jagger visits Hoyt Sherman Place, with opener Nik West.

Ben Folds
Aug. 11. The prolific singer-songwriter brings his “Paper Airplane Request Tour” to Hoyt Sherman Place, with special guest Lindsey Kraft.

Luke Bryan
Aug. 24. The country star brings his "Mind of a Country Boy" tour to Wells Fargo Arena, with special guests George Birge, Tucker Wetmore and Chayce Beckham.

Symphony in the Park
Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Broadway star Michael Cavanaugh sings from the Billy Joel songbook in a free concert with the Des Moines Symphony at the Lauridsen Amphitheater in Water Works Park. The following night, singers Jason Forbach and Scarlett Stratton jump in for a program called “Dance Away with Me.”

Kurt Elling and Joey Calderazzo
Sept. 6. The Civic Music Association kicks off its 99th season with Elling, the Grammy-winning baritone spans four octaves, and pianist Calderazzo at Drake University’s Sheslow Auditorium.

Together Through Sound
Sept. 8. All kinds of music, art and food converge in this diverse community celebration at Riverview Park.

Porchfest
Sept. 8. Local musicians perform on volunteer hosts’ front porches in Union Park; maps are available online and at the merch tent. Wear comfortable shoes to walk to each “venue.”

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Sept. 13. After six decades, the Grammy-winning country and roots band behind “Mr. Bojangles,” “Fishin’ in the Dark” and “An American Dream” is on a farewell tour, with a stop at Hoyt Sherman Place.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender”
Sept. 13. A live orchestra plays Jeremy Zuckerman’s score during a special screening of highlights from the popular animated series at the Des Moines Civic Center.

Blues Traveler
Sept. 14. The bluesy, harmonica-forward rockers from New Jersey bring their "30 Years of Four" to the Val Air Ballroom.

National Balloon Classic
July 26-Aug. 3. The nine-day festival in and above Indianola draws balloon pilots and enthusiasts from around the world for morning competitions, late afternoon exhibitions and evenings full of live music, fireworks and the Nite Glow, when dozens of tethered balloons light up like giant lanterns.

Iowa State Fair
Aug. 8-18. This year’s grandstand lineup features rockers like Foreigner with Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 9) and Motley Crue (Aug. 14), country balladeers Brett Young (Aug. 12) and Thomas Rhett (Aug. 13) and the R&B star Ne-Yo (Aug. 17). But we’re most eager to hear The Avett Brothers (Aug. 16), who blend bluegrass, folk, honky-tonk, country and vintage rock ‘n’ roll.

World Food & Music Festival
Aug. 23-25. Take a cultural tour through Western Gateway Park during the 20th annual World Food & Music Festival, where you’ll find food and entertainment from more than two dozen countries.

Fall Renaissance Faire
Aug. 31-Sept. 15. The freewheeling festival returns to Sleepy Hollow for three weekends of music, feasting and general merriment — joust in time for fall.

Savannah Bananas
Sept. 6. America’s favorite wackadoodle baseball team returns for some rule-bending fun at Principal Park.

Movies in the Park
Sept. 6. Round up the kids for a free screening of “Trolls” at Colby Park in Windsor Heights. Head back Oct. 4 for “Hocus Pocus.”

Concours d’Elegance
Sept. 8. Classic cars — sculptures on wheels — roll into town for the annual spectacle of style and engineering around the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Applefest & Medicine Shows
Sept. 14. If an apple a day can’t keep the doctor away, try one of Dr. Savage’s old-timey elixirs at Living History Farms. You’ll find everything to stem your seedy, hardcore cravings.

I-Cubs Season Closer
Sept. 15. Kids can run the bases after the season’s last home game at Principal Park, against the Louisville Cardinals.

Beaverdale Fall Festival
Sept. 20-21. The neighborhood goes all out for its annual autumnal shindig with a carnival, parade, food stands and live music.

Latino Heritage Festival
Sept. 21-22. Savor sights, sounds and flavors from Central and South America during the two-day fiesta in Western Gateway Park.