This originally started out as a blog to provide more details about the music on Iowa Music Showcase.. But now it also features tags that have to do more with the individual artists and bands.
In the fall of 1972, during my junior year of high school, I sat down at the Cable-Nelson piano in the basement of my parents' house and laboriously penned my first song, "Last Airport Home." A few days later, I wrote another, and then another -- and then another. . .
I never stopped.
Then, in January, 1976 I played a borrowed Wurlitzer electric piano at the Wakonda Country Club on Des Moines' South Side with a band called Now and Then. That was my first professional gig. On Halloween Night of that year, I got a call from the legendary Baby Lester in Omaha, beckoning me to join him on the road as a member of Baby Lester and the Buggybumpers. I followed him to Odebolt, Iowa, Independence, Missouri (twice), Fayetteville, Arkansas, Worthington, Minnesota, Albuquerque, Abilene, Atchison, Kansas, Buffalo, Wyoming, Tiffin, Ohio, Pierre, South Dakota, Indianapolis, Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Green Lake, Wisconsin, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Humboldt, Iowa and, yes, Kokomo. I'd like to say I never stopped playing.
Okay, there were a few stops and starts from time to time -- but I'm playing NOW!!
And, yes, I am the brother of marathon champion Mary Burns-Prine, owner of the Women Runners Website and author of The 2008 Women Runners' DAILY JOURNAL & CALENDAR. But I'm determined to make it on the quality of my songwriting, rather than my sister's celebrity, so I pretty much try to keep it a secret. How's that, Mary?
"my feelings about these songs are best summed up by 1000 multi-colored heart emojis" -katie b. (free cake for every creature)
- from their Facebook page
Rice-a-roni. Butts. Kissing. Lesbian Poetry is hard to define because Lesbian Poetry means a little something different to everyone.
I’ve seen Elliot play more times than I can probably count. The first time I ever listened to Elliot’s music was on his couch in 2009, and he offered me some cereal and we didn’t talk at all. Later, I watched Elliot sing songs a cappella in his backyard with hunnies and fellas floating in the pool behind him. I’ve seen Elliot on a 625-acre farm in Eastern Iowa, unblinkingly rejecting the stage and sound system. With his voice out-loud and arms tied awkwardly behind his back, he stopped hearts with his even-paced drawl against the Iowa countryside. Aided by bare instrumentation, Elliot’s songs read as poems or folk tales. His songs have an amazing sense of humor and life that the listener feels like they’re chatting with an old friend or maybe even someone they kissed at a party once. And sometimes they’re profoundly sad. And that’s okay.
Many of us know and love Elliot Burke, the main brains behind the operation that is Lesbian Poetry, but he’s very earnest about involving other Iowa musicians in his musical efforts. He’s currently playing with Luke and Wesley Belknap, who are both involved in their own musical pursuits in Iowa. He toured last summer with Little Ruckus, playing solo stuff but always excited to strum along to Dom’s tunes with his acoustic guitar and sweat-power grin. In the past, he’s been so down for whatever that he picked up his trumpet and toured the country with Mumford’s. Something about Elliot’s spirit makes him a natural third or twelfth member to any band.
Please please please, listen to Elliot’s stories. There’s nothing but hits in his discography. From the oldies but goodies like “You Want to Fuck Her Again” and “Wine and Cheese” to literally any song on Lo-Fi Country for the Whole Family, you will find something – a single line or a chorus – that will resonate with you as entirely true. And if you drop him a line, Elliot will definitely play a show in your backyard or local pizza parlor or jungle gym. That’s what Lesbian Poetry is to me.
- from The Des Moines Music Coalition piece by Zoey Miller
By the Powers of Greyskull, Nuclear Rodeo formed, toured, released albums, EPs, and love to party and treat people nice.
- from their Facebook page
Lineup:
David "Bobby Thunder H-Bomb" Olson: Drums, Hollering
Campbell "Candy Corn" DeSousa: Lead Vocals, Guitar, Gut Bustin'
Jordan "Finger Party Pompom" Mayland: Bass Guitar, Background Vocal Lovehammer, Sound Wizard
Phillip "Stun Baton Technology" Young: Guitar, Party Brigade
Steven "Mcgillicuddly" Rood: Drums, Life/Band Saving
Dustin "Bad to the Bone/Nice in the Heart" Harmsen: Guitar, Aux Percussion, Keys, Vox, moves
Tim Johnson and Charlie Chesterman were in a 50s cover band know as the Flashbacks that didn't really go anywhere. They discovered this "new" British music called punk and decided to form a punk band. After going through a few member changes and a few name changes they became White Lunch. (Tim Johnson-Guitar/vocals, Charlie Chesterman-Guitar/vocals, Aaron Johnson-guitar/vocals, Eric Coleman - Drums) Played out a bit had member problems and broke up. Then became the Law. From what little information I could find this was around 79/80.
They put out a single and moved to Boston to hit the big time. Boston didn't work out and they moved back to Des Moines and split up shortly after that. Charlie Chesterman and Mac Stanfield went back to Boston and formed Scuffy the Cat. Tad Hutchinson headed off to college and on to play with the Fastbacks, Young Fresh Fellows and a number of other Seattle bands.
- from their Underground Archives page
This song is from a punk rock benefit album, Punk the Hall, where 100% of the proceeds go to the Starlight Children's Foundation. You can order the album at https://punkthehalls.bandcamp.com/.
Lipstick Homicide emerged from the womb when 15 year old Rachel Feldmann met 16 year old Kate Kane and decided to form a band with 2 other ladies from their high school . When “The Whoopsie Daisies” didn’t work out as planned, they decided to join forces with Luke Ferguson from the extremely popular Iowa City band the Sequels. Feldmann and Kane share the songwriting duties, with a heavy focus on writing the catchiest songs possible, whether or not the lyrics make any sense. At least they’re good at pretending to make sense. We’re just 3 bff’s having fun, being as loud as we want, talking in 3rd person for biographical purposes, and not cleaning up our spilt pop.
- from their Last.fm page
Lineup:
Rachel Feldmann - vocals, guitars
Kate Kane - bass, backing vocals
Luke Ferguson - drums
Thanks to North of Grand for letting me play this unreleased demo.
A Farewell To Rockets, the fifth album from Iowa’s North of Grand, marks the end of an era and the beginning of another. The band’s Brolester Records debut is a tribute of sorts to the Rocket Transfer Warehouse, the brick building NOG called home for a decade before being booted - so the structure in downtown Des Moines could be converted into condos. Rockets is also NOG’s first recording as a quartet. The addition of lead guitarist Matt Wellendorf has transformed the band from a somewhat simple, punk-pop trio into a fully-realized rock n roll machine...
Rockets displays North of Grand's knack for writing catchy, guitar-driven rock n roll, littered with powerful hooks and memorable lyrics. The nine songs, clocking in under 28 minutes, feature fist-in-the-air choruses, blistering solos and Thin Lizzyesque dualing guitars backed by a straight forward, hard-hitting rhythm section.
- from their Facebook page
Hello! My name is Enny Owl and I'm a British indie pop/folk singer songwriter living in the U.S.
- from her Facebook page
Hi, I'm Enny Owl, an indie pop/folk artist based in Sioux City, Iowa. I'm balancing studying mass communications during the day and gigging by night. It's hard to pinpoint that defining moment when I decided to pursue a career in music, it's like it's been embedded forever. My music combines cute and quirky lyrics with acoustics and occasional whistling. I imagine my songs one day playing for a cereal or orange juice advert.
- from her home page
In a perfect alternative universe, Jason Hennesy is the King of Pop, only without the jesus juice, unattended minor boys, pet chimp and hyperbaric chamber.
- from a Little Village album review by Kent Williams
Well, I could gush on about Kate again like I have before. But she's a part of the Iowa City music scene. Currently running Bloated Kat Records. Until recently, she hosted and organized Underground Open Mic at the Iowa City Yacht Club. Plus, she's the guitarist and a singer, as well as occasional songwriter, for Lipstick Homicide. And she still keeps a solo career going, featuring songs about witches, cats, as well as nerdy stuff like Buffy and Xena!
Thanks to Tina for getting me this tune before the album came out!
Blues, rock and soul meets jazz, jam and gospel- with theatre, jingles, ragtime and whatever the heck we feel like throwing in!
- from "Tina, fearless leader" on Facebook
Lineup:
Tina Haase Findlay - vocals
Bryan Martens - piano
Bryan Baker (Kaklick Martin) is a metaverse musician: A singer/songwriter performing in, and writing songs about, the virtual world known as Second Life®. Bryan’s avatar Kaklick took the stage in Second Life® for the first time back in late 2005, so he is among the longest running performers in Second Life® and was an early evangelist for the live music scene there.
Since that time he’s written several songs about or inspired by some aspect of his virtual existence with subjects ranging from virtual relationships to bugs that plague this tech dependent world. Two of these songs made it on to “Roadhouse Ranch and Saloon”; where honkey-tonk meets the metaverse. “Big Bad World” takes on more real life social commentary. Both albums were released in 2007. 2009 saw the release of Mr. Lincoln a more eclectic mix of rock idioms and themes. 2010 brought the zombiepocalypse or at least the new single "Zombie Love Song (If Anyone Eats My Brains)" a tender love song about brains. In 2012 he followed the single up with an album of his nerdiest material, including an album version of "Zombie Love Song" called "Yeah, I'm a Geek".
Bryan has been writing music since his childhood, but got serious in high school. Originally intending on a path that would have taken him to Berklee School of Music in the early 80s as a bassist, he was offered the chance to try out a musician's life straight out of high school and he hired on as a bass player in a lounge outfit of no consequence in the twin cities area. When this came to an end a few months later he returned to Iowa and joined a new-wave outfit called "The Keyz" based in Ames. They played some great shows to appreciative fans, but this didn't last either. By this time he'd started studying at Iowa State, initially in music, then migrating to theatre and eventually graduating in that field.
In 1987 he moved to California and started a full ride to the prestigious California Institute of the Arts as a composer/sound designer for theatre. He was the first MFA to graduate in that specialty in 1989. He did some freelancing in LA, at one time garnering a comparison to Brian Eno in the LA Times for his work on a play he did with the writer of the TV show "Life Goes On".
For several years he concentrated on other aspects of his life, and his career path led him to work on show control for many high profile entertainment venues, but he kept writing and playing music. In 2004 he started seriously recording and writing again and has been going full steam since.
- from his home page
This isn't really a holiday song, but it is about winter, sorta. And somebody - I forgot to write their name down, being the professional that I am - but somebody requested it. so here it is!
Jinnouchi Power is the brainchild of Patrick MacCready, and a musical interpretation of his soul. The spectrum of sound travels from Folk and Blues to Rock and Psychedelic.
This whole thing started in High School, during the summer of my Freshman year. The world was in turmoil as Hell had risen upward and consumed most of the of the town I called home. My dear friend Gage Fisk had decided to quit playing in metal bands and began to experiment with acoustic guitars. It was then, as I was watching him play simple chord progressions that I decided it was time for me to learn simple chord progressions, and before I knew it I was practicing almost 5 hours a day, the other 19 hours spent chivalrously saving damsels from demon sacrifices and ritualistic murders. Several Memorial Building shows later, we had a few good jams under our belt and destroyed the music underworld as the dynamic folk duo We're Just Humans. Soon afterwards, at the height of our screaming success, we both fell in love with the same woman. In a world controlled by chaos we were so used to, we had finally found something strong enough to tear us apart. It was then, when I sat down on the worn out couch in the living room next to Gage, and told him that I had kissed his girl, that the entire fabric of reality split.
It was then that we fought to the death.
After flying through parallel universes much different than our own, beating each other with all the power and knowledge that we had so carefully gained up to that point, we had finally reached the end. In a universe that I still to this day can not quite describe, filled only with hatred and a feeling in your gut like all your dreams had been stolen from you, and surrounded by the screams of 1000 helpless cries, Gage Fisk had his sword aimed at my throat. This was certainly the end. I could not bear to think that this had all been the result of my lust, and the pain of losing my best friend in the process was to much to even conceive.
It was then I let out what I thought to be my final words. I said, "Gage, I know what I have done, and I know how much I hurt you, but I did it out of love, not jealousy or hatred, but love. I know this will not right the wrongs that I did but know this, I am sorry, and it is truly you that I love. Thank you." A long pause came over him after this, followed only by, "I forgive you. But you can't be in the band anymore." The power of his forgiveness was enough not only to bring us back to Earth, but also close the portal behind us, also, trapping within the Hellfires that had ravaged our small Iowa town that previous year.
Peace had finally come back to Pella, Iowa.
After that, everything was good again, and best friends remained best friends through thick and thin crust. I was on my own, so after meeting a great man who appeared to me as a "saint," and changed my life for the better, I dubbed the name of my solo music project "St. George."
Gage still lives in Pella, and still makes music under the title We're Just Humans. The whole story is true. Look it up.
- from their Facebook page
Lineup:
Carolyn Thorn - Backup Vocals, Thundertube, Designated Papers-haver
Sean Bremhorst - Lead Guitar, Noodles, Harmonica
Reed Iverson - Drums, Positive Vibes, Regular Vibes, Vibes
Forest Cochran - Bass Guitar, Childlike Karate Noises, Beard
Patrick MacCready - Never Knowing What's Going On, Rhythm Baby Making
Cameron Van Berkum of Noremac McCarth - Drums
Jonny Lipford is an award-winning instrumentalist who specializes in music produced with the Native American style flute and various world flutes crafted using wood and bamboo. His movements and melodies on the wooden flutes are done with such grace and agility; one can’t help but be engaged in his music.
He started playing the wooden flute at age 13 and is widely known for adding a contemporary and invigorating flare to a music scene consisting of mostly traditional and relaxing music. His debut album, Transitions, created a trend for his artistry and his second release, Cross Roads, put him on the map as a musician to carefully watch. Since then, Lipford has released several more albums; each gaining popularity amongst the public and music industry professionals. He's a well-decorated artist for being one of the youngest in his industry - truly a versatile flutist and can adapt to any genre of music with an ease that’s unique. However, he is also a musician that knows his heart and artistry to which his artistry remains true.
Lipford is currently working on new music, touring the United States and Canada, teaching the art of playing the Native American style flute to students of all levels and continuing to build his fan base across the globe.
The future for Jonny Lipford, his music and his fans looks very promising. Lipford is a very hard-working individual whose passion lights the way for future projects, fan engagement, touring and producing music. Keep your eyes on this multi-talented artist; great things are happening.
- - from his home page
I am a native of Cleveland,Ohio now living in Omaha,NE . I am also the former lead singer of the r&b group The Dazzband .I am currently a singer songwriter and producer as well as a live performing entertainer . I have a top 40 show of r&b/pop music.
- from his Facebook page
Lineup:
Juan Lively - vocals
Alfonzo Lee Jones - vocals
Jim McDonough began selling his distinctive brand of soothing piano music in gift shops near his hometown of Monticello in eastern Iowa just six years ago. Today, his fourteen CDs are available in nearly 1000 stores across the country and via his Web site, www.PianoFavorites.com. His Christmas concert tour -- complete with a 14-piece orchestra, a cast of singers and dancers, and an on-stage snowfall -- has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families across the Midwest, and his music has caught the attention of fans from coast to coast. Through his independent record label, Jim McDonough Productions, Inc., the International Steinway Concert & Recording Artist has already sold more than 200,000 CDs...
- from his Facebook page
The youngest of four children, Jim McDonough was born in Monticello, Iowa (population: 3,600). When Jim was seven years old, his mother grew too busy to continue taking piano lessons, so Jim stepped in to fill the spot. And he discovered a talent and love for music that propelled him into a career as a professional musician.
The night before Jim left for college, a friend who dabbled in recording asked if Jim would let him record a few songs. Jim pushed aside his suitcases and sat at the piano, plinking out a few favorite tunes.
He didn't think of the impromptu recording session again - until his family visited him at school with the news that his tape was being sold all over his hometown of Monticello. Jim parlayed the success of that first tape into a second, holiday-themed tape.
Jim graduated from Wartburg College in Iowa with a degree in Music Education, and he took a job as band director for the senior high school in Waukon, Iowa. After a year, he was offered a position at a larger school in LaPorte City, Iowa, and found himself directing two concert bands, two jazz bands, and offering private lessons.
Thrilled to be involved with music, but unimpressed with the politics of teaching, Jim decided to pursue a non-musical career -- as long as he could continue playing piano as a hobby.
Far from home -- and from his beloved Steinway -- Jim found himself spending his off-hours lingering at piano stores, pretending to be considering a purchase and playing as much as he could. "Music was what defined me, and I had given it up," Jim says. "It was who I was, and it had almost entirely vanished from my life."
In the summer of 2000, Jim was contacted about a job playing piano on a cruise ship. He auditioned -- over the phone! -- and was offered a two-week fill-in gig. The only catch: they needed someone immediately. Could he be on a plane at 6:30 the next morning? He decided that it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up, so he used his vacation from the air traffic center to give it a try. He loved every minute of it, and was quickly offered a full-time job on the largest cruise ship in the world.
So, after two years as an air traffic controller, Jim decided to dive headfirst into playing piano professionally. For more than two years, he performed on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in piano lounges, during cocktail hours, and in an 1,800-seat dining room. "I went from the most stressful job in the world -- literally -- to the least stressful job in the world," he says.
On break from the cruise line, Jim recorded his first CD, Requests, which he sold to passengers when he returned to the ship. Dry land eventually beckoned, and in 2002, he moved back to Monticello to concentrate on producing and distributing his music. In Fall 2003, he released his second album, a collection of holiday favorites called Home for Christmas.
Since then, Jim has produced fifteen more CDs...
- from his home page
I can't put this on the podcast because I can't get the rights from the composer, but I like it, so I'm putting it on the blog at least!
Jazz vocalist Max Wellman is enticing music lovers across the country by evoking his own fusion of the vintage stylings of legends Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald with the modern twists of Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Buble. His latest endeavor, You Must Believe in Spring (December 2013), brings these influences to a new level with a unique collaboration featuring a string quartet led by the talented arrangements of renowned composer Sam Wells. The album showcases a refreshing mix of jazz with the romantic and classical musical traditions of the Great American Songbook.
This young showman from Des Moines doesn’t balk at you calling him an “old soul.” And, he didn’t become the polished performer he is overnight. In fact, it’s the Renaissance Man aspect of Wellman – elbow grease and a thirst for knowledge in spades – that makes him a sound and sight to behold. He’s a vocalist. An arranger. A writer. An entrepreneur. His musicianship is a vehicle for the entire package.
- from his home page
A group of friends who really, really like playing music together. We plan on doing whatever we can to bring you something pleasant. Harmonies? Got 'em. Banjo? Done. Love you? Forever.
- from their Bandcamp page
We think that playing music is one thing we can do together and share with the world.
Playing Music for 15 years, Fixing guitars for five years, and teaching music theory and guitar playing for three years.
- from his Facebook page
I'm Billy Catone. I've been playing guitars for over 15 years, and I've always maintained a variety of musical styles, everything from guitar interpretations of classical pieces such as Moonlight Sonata and Silent Night, to classic rock like ZZ Top and George Thorogood, up to 80's thrash such as Metallica and Slayer, all the way to modern metal like Bullet For My Valentine and Lamb of God.
- from his business page
The Dennis Wayne Gang not only brings the great cover music you want in a premium live band but also brings the balance of talent and a social media awareness. The energetic Southern Rock Country band that keeps you actively moving and celebrating while creating the atmosphere for good times. Find the latest in modern and classical country rock, plus rock & roll performances that keep the temp going, slow song ballads for dancing and overall music and fun.
- from their Facebook page
The Dennis Wayne Gang is unique mix of musicians that play both cover and original music that spans from the most recent popular rock to some high paced country. Adding in 15 yr old Savannah Jane DeGroote creates yet another dimension to the groups broad flavor for the fans of DWG.
- from their ReverbNation page
Lineup:
Dennis Halverson - lead vocals, guitar
Elvin Johnson - lead guitar, vocals
Brandon Mills - bass, vocals
Mike Linsey - drums
Savannah Jane DeGroote - guest vocals
Five years ago, Martin could hardly play his acoustic guitar. Recently he began to focus on songwriting and improving his guitar playing and singing.
“I used to play open mic. nights at the late, lamented Boheme — now Mother’s — in Ames. I met like-minded people there and started jamming with them,” Martin said. “It was a whole new world compared to the stay-at-home-and-play-to-the-cats-in-your-basement mode. Then I found students in my landscape architecture department who shared my interests, and we began playing ‘guerrilla gigs’ last fall in the atrium of the Design building. Eventually, Cup of Tea was formed, which is me and three [landscape architecture] students. I’m the old man of the band by far.”...
Encouraging students to play music and sing is one of his unique teaching qualities.
“I think it’s important because it gives everyone a chance to do something they wouldn’t normally be able to do in other places. It gives them a place to express themselves. When Boheme closed, I had to find somewhere else to do that,” Martin said.
Martin said he never gets bored with his everyday life.
“With teaching, things never get old. There are new projects and new people all of the time. With music, it’s constantly changing and growing and getting developed further, too,” Martin said.
Despite having a busy work schedule, Martin never forgets about his ultimate passion: songwriting and playing music.
“I love music whole-heartedly and also really love the design of things,” Martin said. “I just get lost in it. But it’s a more solitary endeavor, like songwriting. There’s really no parallel in the act of designing with that synergy that sometimes occurs while playing or singing with others. When that synergy makes something happen that never existed before … it’s the greatest thing in the universe.”
- from an Iowa State Daly article by John Lonsdale
Lineup:
Michael Martin - 2 guitars, mandolin, tambourine
Dylan Boyle's existence manifests as a giant ball of negativity, covered by too much hair, slowly receding into the inevitable skullet.
Drawing inspiration from early blues, surrealist film and existential philosophy, Dylan is a solo blues artist, guitarist, writer and curator of what has been called "the worst Instagram account on the internet."
Dylan has released two solo full-length albums, "648 19th St." and "N.F.7.D.", and the full-length "Too Lonesome to Cry," with Peace, Love and Stuff.
Born and raised in Burlington, Iowa, Dylan stepped into music playing saxophone - which he was pretty terrible at - before starting to play guitar in middle school. Dylan played guitar in the Burlington High School Jazz Ensemble - which he was pretty terrible at - until moving to Ames, Iowa after graduation to pursue a degree and career in journalism - which he was pretty terrible at, but won a few student media awards for, which is more than he can say about his saxophone career.
After moving to Ames in the fall of 2007, Dylan formed Max Power and the Freeman Threemen with people on his dorm floor, which spawned the blues act The Most Handsome Duo in the World, with David Smit. MHD went on to win the 2010 Iowa Blues Challenge and perform in the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. During that time, David and Dylan joined the rockabilly-pop group Peace, Love and Stuff, which Dylan still plays guitar with. Shortly after graduating Iowa State University with a pretty unpromising journalism degree, Dylan joined Mumford's as its touring guitarist for two national tours alongside Fairfield's Utopia Park. Dylan returned to Ames and fronted the blues band Risky Revival, while recording Peace, Love and Stuff's first full-length album "Too Lonesome to Cry."
Risky Revival slowed down shows in 2013, and in 2014, Dylan and Adam Brimeyer formed Electric Jury, with the sole intent of stealing The Night Owls - Caleb Swank and Vedran Surlan - from Holly Figueroa, but not really because they still play with her too, but their exceptional abilities as a rhythm section were too powerful to contain in just one act. Although founded as a blues act, Electric Jury quickly redirected its sound to a progressive band, drawing on inspirations from Swans, Pink Floyd and King Crimson. Electric Jury is currently putting finishing touches on an EP, due out in fall of 2015, and a full-length album, expected for late 2015 or early 2016, with producer Phil Young.
In 2015, Dylan also joined Mumford's as their lead guitarist.
Over the last few years, Dylan has also worked as a sell sword backing songwriters like Dan Tedesco, Courtney Krause and Damon Dotson, as well as working as a studio musician.
After moving to Des Moines, Dylan began working with improviser Betsy Soukup to create improvised scores to silent films, curated by Blake Fisher, of the Center for Image and Spatial Politics. Inspired by Alejandro Jodorowsky, Dominic Rabalais and Chris Burden, Dylan developed an interest in video art and started making Instagrams - which he is pretty terrible at.
- from his Facebook page
Lineup:
Dylan Boyle - guitar
Stolen from sound effects records by Dan OlderMusicGeek - bells
Joe Lawler was, until recently, the music reporter for The Des Moines Register. He is also the co-host with Chad Taylor of the Critical Mass radio show on KFMG and a blogger of music, comics, and family life at Live Local Man.
"I feel like whenever I walk around the East Village I run into Jimi, and whenever I would stop into House of Bricks I would get drawn into a conversation with him. He's just a genuinely nice guy and it's impossible to walk away from encounter with him without a smile on your face. You're going to kick cancer's ass, man!"
- for this podcast/blog
"Music fans around Des Moines have been hearing Stella Katsoudas' music for years, even if they don't know her by that name. In the late '90s the Chicago musician made frequent visits to Des Moines, performing under the name Sister Soleil at Dotfest, and her song, "Red," got heavy airplay on the now defunct KKDM.
"You might remember her brief turn as a pop star under the name Stella Soleil (though she would prefer you didn't). She even had a top 40 hit with the song "Kiss Kiss."
"Most recently she was the singer of Shawn Crahan's Dirty Little Rabbits, even living in Des Moines for a time...
"After Dirty Little Rabbits broke up, Katsoudas briefly moved to Omaha, then back to Chicago. It had been nearly 17 years since she had lived in the city and had lost touch with most of the city's music scene. She was set up on a date with her now husband, a DJ, and he suggested she give EDM a try.
"'I didn't really know what to do, should I start a new band?' Katsoudas said. 'He said "You could totally do this on your own, I'll write the beats."'
"Katsoudas said Dub Witch's sound is a combination of dubstep and the more occult-themed witch house genre. She said she's essentially writing music for horror films, like she did with her song 'Killer & a Queen' for the 2012 film 'Underworld: Awakening.'"
- from Joe Lawler in Juice magazine
"Madam Jules is the journey of addiction, depression, bad choices and lessons learned. Reflective material written by Julia Mahlstadt out of Des Moines, Iowa. Teamed up with hometown musician/producer, Donnie Mengwasser (660 Records), they took Madam Jules' original music, written with a guitar and her voice, and created the feeling and emotion Madam Jules is conveying in her conviction. Enjoy, reflect, relate, connect.
UPDATE: Madam Jules is proud to announce that we now have a full live band with the music. Playing local shows in Iowa for now with hopes to go on a midwest tour. Thank you and hope to see you at the next show!"
- from their ReverbNation page
"To say that Madam Jules is the best new band you haven?t heard yet can’t be quite accurate, considering that the group has played all over the metro and is currently ranked as one of the very top bands of Des Moines on ReverbNation. So let’s just say that if you aren’t listening yet, you should be.
"Whether Madam Jules is an old favorite or a pleasant new-to-you surprise, it is indisputable that lead singer and songwriter, Julia Mahlstadt, is a star on the rise. With her poetic lyrics and earthy voice, Mahlstadt is the heart and soul of Madam Jules."
- from Alissa Sheldon on the Iowa Music Buzz website
Lineup:
Julia Mahlstadt - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Cody Smith - Drums, Percussion
Jared Williams - Bass Guitar
Blake Brennan - Lead Guitar
Jayson Kempf - Guitar
"Jimi is the epitome of the iowa music scene.. He was my, and many others, 1st sound guy (@ the old House of Bricks on Merle Hay) And a lot of people's friend and family member. We are a family on this scene, and he is definitely a huge part of making this family whole."
- from Brian Ickowitz for this podcast/blog
"Formed and based out of Des Moines, Iowa, As For You is all about passion and drive. Composed of five dedicated musicians, this band delivers powerful driving riffs ranging from acoustic to heavy sound and grounded by a solid rythym section. Tenacious and driven, these eclectic artists employ a strong work ethic and vigorous determination to deliver high powered performances to their fans. Ceaseless in their endeavor to bring fresh sound and raw emotion to each and every song, As For You are guarenteed to pack a punch that will leave you begging for more."
- from their Facebook page
Lineup:
Josh Baumunk - Vocals
Harold Waits - Guitar
Harlan "Harpo" Dunaway - Bass
Brian Ickowitz - Drums
Jeremiah Johnson - Guitar
"Jimi is a stellar guy. He was there one of the first times I ever played in DSM. Running sound at the old house of bricks. He has always been super supportive of music that I have been involved in and I wish nothing but health and happiness for the future."
- from Danny Wolf for this podcast/blog
"So..there was this Dudeman, and he was in a band with some other Dudemans.
"THEN...some of the Dudemans wanted to make some changes, so the Dudeman band Disbanded!
"This made Dudeman verrry sad.... he then excepted a dead end job, and started playing shows all by his lonesome.
"THEN LOW AND BEHOLD!! A MIRACLE!!! In the form of a virgin child.
"This child appeared to him in the vestabule of WAL-MART!!
"and the child said..."so....you wanna jam some time"
"they did.... and the lord saw that it was good, and granted them a bass player. the likes of wich they had never seen.
"Their powers combined and they began, WRESTLING WITH WOLVES!!"
- from their Facebook page
"Like the snarls and ferocity of it's namesake, Des Moines band Wrestling With Wolves tear through their unique brand of emotional rock and roll with a vengeance. Emerging from the garages of rural Iowa, WWW have begun to garner a well deserved following in and around the Des Moines metro, opening for such notable acts as Cloud Cult and Filter. Known for their explosive live show, Wolves capture the whiskey grit of rock and roll with the emotional candor of songwriting greats. The band also features Jonathan Rowl on guitar, Tyler Meinders on drums, and recently adding Gregg Cupp to the roster on bass. Their first full length album, 'The Cast of Shadows' was recorded and produced by the band's singer/songwriter Danny Wolf, and released on his independent label 'The Market of The Beast.''Cast' is a journey into the depths of Wolf's mind and soul. The singer's lyrics are intricate and personal, drawing on the ghosts of his past. These songs tend to leave one with questions about their own existence, but a surprising optimism towards the future. Tracks like, 'The Places That Made Me So' take you on an imagery packed journey through Wolf's religious upbringing with lines like, 'That deacon, he's no beacon, just another scheming demon', with Wolf later admitting 'I wont say that the son of God was fraudulent, because I believe it is possible.' While songs like, 'The Perks of Being A Small Flower' and 'The Boy in The Red Jammies' give incredible depth and insight into the wordsmith's childhood and family life. For a truly unique rock and roll experience, check out Wrestling With Wolves at a venue near you. This is a band you won't regret seeing."
- from their ReverbNation page
Lineup:
Danny Wolf - vocals
John Rowl - guitars
Mercury Hendrix - bass
Tyler Meinders - drums
Greg Cupp - bass
"I've never seen anyone do as much with as little to work with as Jimi does in the Streetcar 209 kitchen. He's a great person, a heck of a cook, and a genuine staple in the Des Moines music scene. I know plenty of people who have their gripes about the scene, or Des Moines in general, or even Streetcar in particular. But nobody has a bad word for Jimi. There aren't many people around who are universally liked, and the fact that Jimi is one of them is really all you need to know about him."
- for this podcast/blog
"Odium is an eclectic 4 piece hailing from the heartland. Odium began as a band of brothers, each a talented musician of unknown quantity. Although they had previously toured with other musicians creating highly inspired original sounds, the bonds they found together as two sets of brothers formed a new family and an exceedingly unrivaled sound.
"Since their inception, the brothers of Odium have continually evolved as artists, intellectuals, and members of the human race. Evidence of their constant change and growth can be heard in their imaginative and progressive music.
"Whether listening to the album or one of their mind-blowing live performances, audiences find themselves mesmerized by the intricacies. Odium's music is a cathartic whirlwind of radical rhythmic melody and relentless yet savvy soothing guitars."
- from their Number One Music page
Often called the best kept secret in the Midwest, Odium took a different approach to music and the scene. The songs came first and shows were limited. The first self-titled album, commonly referred to as the 'Black Album', was recorded at Catamount Studios and released in 2004. Over 6000 copies were sold with no support from Des Moines radio or press.
Odium spent the next 2 years writing and performing all over the Midwest and began to make a name for itself. Odium began concentrating on bringing regional acts to Des Moines as well as finding locals who deserved exposure. Leaning heavily on the awesomeness of JC and Nancy Wilson of the House Of Bricks, Odium began using elaborate stage shows and shenanigans to showcase what a live show could be...
Jim Corigliano on the band's shows: 'As for the shows, we really wanted to set ourselves apart. People were complaining that all local shows were becoming more expensive and all the bands did was stand there. So we decided to reduce the cost of our shows and put on something that they didn't get to see very often and that they wouldn't readily forget. We also made it a point of pride never to keep any money from our shows... that always went to the other bands.'
Jim further explains: 'We purchased an elaborate lighting system. We would fog the crap out of the venue so all you could see was shadows. We made sandwiches for the audience. We had 'garage sales' during the shows where I would haggle prices while in the middle of shows. There were so many odd things we did I honestly can't remember. I think the thing that set the shows apart were that no one else was doing it. Even the touring bands that came through didn't have the crew or equipment that we had.'
- from their The Nameless Project page
Lineup:
Jim Corigliano - Vocals
Eric Mesenbrink - Guitars
John Mesenbrink - Bass
Jay Corigliano - Drums
"I joined Calous in '03. Soon after, we started playing The House Of Bricks when it was on Merle Hay.
"Jimi was the soundman at that time. The band and him hit it off instantly. Who knew it only took a shot of Jager? He quickly became Calous' 6th man. Or 8th man since we had 7 (soon to be 5) in the band at the time.
"He's been a loyal fan and a good friend ever since. He even owns a coveted, and very limited edition, personalized Calous hockey jersey for being that fan and friend. Calous and I love Jimi and will do anything for that guy!"
- from Joe Corigliano for this podcast/blog
"Calous is a high energy rock band from Des Moines, Iowa. Their focus is drive. Their drive is passion. Uncompromising passion is the focus of this band and undying will is the foundation.
"Always seemingly unaware of the trends and avoiding the prosaic trappings of the times, Calous is a seasoned band of 10 years with tour experience and hundreds of shows under their belt. Calous is a band who appeals to hard rock, metal, and alternative rock fans world wide. Calous has put in the time, and are ready to take their brand of rock to the next level."
- from their Facebook page
"Midwest based and Jagermeisters’ own, Calous is a seasoned metal machine with 10 plus years of tour experience, and hundreds of shows under their belt. The Calous sound appeals to hard rock, metal, and alt rock fans worldwide. With catchy vocals and bruising rhythms, these guys are set for continual professional expansion."
- from their ReverbNation page
Lineup:
Harold Waits - Guitar
Ryan Thornton - Guitar
Norm Miller - Vocals
Joe Corigliano - Drums
Harlan Harpo Dunaway - Bass
"I have known Jimmy since he was running sound at the original House of Bricks on Merle Hay. To those who didn't know him, he may have seemed at times like a foulmouthed, grumpy crumudgeon... but those of us lucky enough to know him know that is a facade... Jimmy has a heart of gold beneath that gruff exterior.
"He has always been someone that is there for his friends. Always someone you can talk to. Always one of the few people with enough guts and honesty to tell you his real thought on stuff, even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear.
"Jimmy has been a staple of the live music scene in Des Moines for at least 15 years. Every local musician knows him. And if someone dislikes Jimmy, it is more a reflection on that person than on Jim.
"All of us in Cirrus Minor have mad love and respect for the guy - he has been there through good times and bad and always stayed supportive. And so, now that he has fallen on tough times, we're there for him!"
- from Aaron Lea of Cirrus Minor for this podcast/blog
"Cirrus Minor is an eclectic musical artistic endeavor, producing a unique brand of alternative rock unbound by stylistic restrictions. From funky dancable jams to face-melting, intense progressive rock, their music twists through numerous genres, much like an iPod on shuffle. Dishing up unique takes on blues, funk, raggae, folk, disco and more is all a part of the founding philosophy of the band - a group of high caliber musicians from very different backgrounds enabling each other to have the freedom to fully artistically express themselves with no limits.
This highly creative and diversity-driven approach to songwriting has gotten Cirrus Minor invited to share bills with jammers (Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee, Blues Traveler, etc…), experimental psychedelic acts (Primus, Zappa Plays Zappa, Fishbone, etc…), rockers (Snot, Green Jello, Hed(pe), etc...), rappers (Wiz Khalifa, De La Sol, etc…), and many other eclectic acts (Yonder Mountain String Band, Huey Lewis, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Bassnectar, STS9, Disco Biscuits, Slightly Stoopid, moe., Girl Talk, Bruce Hornsby, Spearhead and many more), while their energetic live shows help them win over every audience. Cirrus Minor has spent the past seven years touring festivals and venues in 9 states (including Wakarusa, Harvest Fest, Summer Camp, 80-35, dates with Primus and Wookiefoot, etc…)."
- from their Facebook page
Lineup:
Aaron Lea - Bass
Mike Ruby - Guitar
Joe Corbin - Drums
Rich Cantrell - Keyboard
Julia Mahlstadt is the lead singer and songwriter of Des Moines band, Madam Jules.
Jimi is a staple. A staple of the local music and restaurant community of Des Moines.
He may come off rude, well, he is rude, at first. Maybe blunt is a better term, but you get the point. After he's hazed you enough and you keep coming back, he will one day show his vagina tattoos on his back to you. I think that's the moment that you are his friend.
He opens his heart and anything he can do for you after that. He will give you his hoodie to smoke and I one time lost his hoodie and he will never let me live it down. Reminding me I owe him a hoodie! Anyway, he's bought a cab home for me when a super creep was trying to split a cab with me.
He'll tell you about all the red headed women in his life. Stories of the Navy. Recipes. He will play his air guitar and air bass, because there is a difference.
He is Jimi and there is no one like him. He has lived fearlessly. He uses that same fearlessness and hardworking attitude when it has came to fighting cancer. Jimi knows what to do when it needs to be done.
I love Jimi and he has taken this in stride. He's taken hits in life and knows how to fight and keep his ground. Jimi, you old man, you fucking asshole, I love you and can't wait to see what comes next!
Jimi “Strychnine” Scribner is the kitchen manager at House of Bricks, 525 E. Grand Ave. Hold for Swank, The New Bodies, Wrestling with Wolves and others play the Jimi Strychnine Birthday show at 5 p.m. Saturday at House of Bricks.
Q: How long have you been working at House of Bricks?
Thirteen years. I started out on sound, but I was getting kind of burned out on that when they opened the kitchen. When I was in the military I got my chef degree and they asked me to run it. It worked out for both of us.
Q:Can you hear the music when you’re in the kitchen?
Yeah, I think I can probably hear better in the kitchen. There’s no outside noise or conversation; I’m just hearing the music. It’s pretty good. You can tell when a band is really on, and when they need to get back in the basement and practice more.
Q: What do you like to listen to?
I listen to a lot of oldies radio. When I close down at night, it’s Clutch. There’s something about Clutch that makes it go so much easier. Clutch or Motorhead.
