dsmWeekly: January 28, 2020

Jazzmeia Horn performs in West Des Moines Friday, Jan. 31.

CIVIC MUSIC ASSOCIATION PRESENTS A RISING STAR

Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Jazzmeia Horn will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, in the Staplin Performing Arts Center at Valley High School.

Still in her 20s, Horn has been hailed by the New York Times as "the most talked-about jazz vocalist to emerge since Cécile McLorin Salvant and Gregory Porter." Since winning the Thelonious Monk Competition in 2015, the Texan’s star continues to rise, along with her reputation as an artist with an assured maturity and a vocal confidence far beyond her years. She has appeared at prestigious jazz festivals and legendary jazz clubs such as the Apollo, the Blue Note and Birdland.

Her performance is presented by the Civic Music Association, which has tickets available here. Prices range from $30 to $75.

Versatile Mainframe's spaces range from hardworking studios to fun-loving reception halls.

A VALENTINE'S DAY TREAT FOR ONE AND ALL

By Wini Moranville

Mainframe Studios, the downtown event venue and workspace for artists, will open its doors for something a little off the beaten path this Valentine’s Day. The irresistibly titled Come Pho Love (+ Beer) gathering will offer food, beer and art all in one space.

Each of the six food stations will showcase a food specialty along with a 3-ounce beer pairing from Peace Tree Brewing Co. (Additional beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase.) Food will come by way of the Tangerine Food Co., the Des Moines caterer that also operates the Des Moines Art Center Restaurant. Options include curry-spiced popcorn (paired with Orange Gose), Iowa banh mi (with Mile-Long Lager), pork-butt pho (with Blond Fatale) and a cheese and charcuterie station (with East Village IPA).

For dessert? Warm chocolate-chip cookies served with an ice-cream float made with Peace Tree Cold Brew Coffee Stout.

It gets even better: Peace Tree owner Megan McKay will be available to talk about her beers. Artist studios will be open, with some artists offering add-on art activity options, including Valentine painting with Claire Sedovic, felting with Gretchen Bohling, glass etching with Jess Quin and monoprint making with Molly Spain. Sign up in advance for these mini-workshops—some will require a separate purchased ticket.

According to Tangerine owner Susan Madorsky, while couples are welcome and will enjoy the event, it is by design not couples-centric. "We wanted to offer something that people who weren’t in a couple might like to go to — something that wasn’t the usual dinner out at a restaurant," Madorsky says. "This will be an event you can come to with a group a friends, with kids, your mom, whomever."

The event will be this Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14; doors open at 5 p.m., with food stations open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mainframe Studios is at 900 Keosauqua Way. Tickets cost $36 in advance, $45 at the door. Event tickets and tickets for individual workshops are available on this Come Pho Love (+Beer) Facebook page.

Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm magazine and dsmWeekly. Follow her on Facebook at All Things Food–DSM.

Longtime comedian Lisa Lampanelli presents her show "Losin' It! in a three-week run at the Temple Theater.

TRUE-TO-LIFE COMEDY COMING TO TEMPLE THEATER

Lisa Lampanelli and friends present a comic collection of observations and experiences in the show "Losin’ It!," Feb. 4-23 at the Temple Theater.

It’s a departure from the sharp "insult comedy" that has been a hallmark of Lampanelli’s career. "I decided stand-up comedy really wasn’t for me anymore," she says. "It wasn’t making my heart happy. So I created 'Losin’ It!,' a show using comedy to talk about weight and body issues, which are things I’ve struggled with for years. This is so much more fulfilling."

Admission is $32-45; tickets and more information are available here.

Elise Quagliata stars in "The Human Voice," a one-woman show presented by Des Moines Metro Opera.

ONE-ACT OPERA GLORIFIES A SINGLE VOICE

Des Moines Metro Opera extends its innovative Second Stages Series with a performance of Francis Poulenc’s "The Human Voice," a one-woman show playing Jan. 31 and Feb. 2 at Grand View University’s Viking Theater.

The one-act opera (sung in English) stars acclaimed mezzo-soprano Elise Quagliata, a DMMO audience favorite, who portrays a young woman on a phone call with her lover. When she finds out he’s leaving her, she tries to win him back through tactics ranging from tender pleading to threats of suicide and fits of violence.

The opera explores the struggle of maintaining meaningful relationships in an age when digital devices serve as the primary way people communicate—or don’t communicate, says Michael Egel, DMMO’s general and artistic director. He adds that the production "is the first time we’ve staged a one-woman show in Des Moines. This is special for us."

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and 2 p.m. Feb. 2. Tickets are $30-$50, available here.