April 2010

Often imitated... the Open Jam has been a Thursday night tradition since 1992! The host band warms up the crowd from 9:30 to 10:30. Musicians, ranging from the accomplished professional to the inspired novice, are then invited to take the stage. Unrehearsed and straight from the heart, this is some real Blues guaranteed to fill the house week after week. $3 Cover

Aikido translates to “the way of harmony”. Through the innovative teachings of this Japanese martial art you will experience a new way to resolve conflict in your life. By accepting conflict as a natural occurrence, you will learn to see more opportunity for movement and resolution. Through the practice of the physical movements, you will learn patience, acceptance and a new way to communicate. In doing so, you can create a powerful existence with yourself and within the relationships in your life. Come experience for yourself, your first class is free!

It’s amazing what creative minds can make out of canned food! See yourself when CANSTRUCTION returns to SCI, March 27- April 2. These amazing pieces of art are designed and built by a team of architects, engineers and students thinking outside the box for a great cause. After the display ends, all nonperishable items are given to the Food Bank of Iowa.

IWhat’s the big deal about tiny science? Join SCI and museums across the country in exploring science, engineering and technology one-billionth of a meter small during Nano Days, March 27-April 4. We’ll gave special car demonstrations all around SCI to get hands-on with amazing nanoscale science!

A salute to homebrewers @ el Bait Shop. Every Thursday at 6pm, free beer from local brewers and homebrewers while it lasts.

EMPYREAN ROLL OUT PARTY!! Every Thursday from 5-7pm we will be sampling out new in, seasonal, and year-round beers from commercial breweries. Brewery draws are $3 all night.

Think you can spell? Doesn't matter. Grab a couple of friends and head to People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, 3rd Floor in the Court District for the 7th Annual Orchard Place Spelling Bee Benefit. This is a spelling bee like one you've never seen before. Bribery, cheating, costumes and crazy fans will be on hand to add to the fun. Teams of three will compete together and can confer with each other. Bribery is also accepted. Come cheer on your favorite team or enter with a couple friends. Cost is $300 per team. If you'd rather just be be a spectator, the fee is $5, with all proceeds benefitting Orchard Place. The fun gets underway at 5:30PM.

Sample the wines of Dimitri Wine Distributors with selections from France, Italy, Germany, Argentina and California at the Sbrocco Wine Shop, 208 Court in the Court District. The free tasting will run from 5:30 to 7:30...and that's no fooling!

Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street, hosts headliner Merlin with a show for all ages. The rock/pop/alternative concert will also include Brutus and the Psychadelic Explosions, Blutiger Fluss and The Atudes. Doors open at 5PM and the show starts at 5:30PM. Cover is $5.

Pharmacy Spirits headlines the evening entertainment for those 21+ at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Hear rok/newwave/folk and pop in the lineup that also includes Why Make Clocks, Gabe Cordova and Mason Cain. Doors open at 9:30PM and the show starts at 10PM. The cover is $5.

Take the stage for Say What! Poetry and Open Mic Night at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. The fun starts at 9:30PM and the cover is $5. For more information visit www.thehouseofbricks.com.

Celebrate the weekend every Friday at Blues on Grand's Friday Work Release Party. The party lasts from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and features music by Sumpin' Doo and food by Jesse James.

Put a little magic in your life. Magicians Garry Carson, Keith West, Maddy Peyton & Brandy Belle will amaze you with their slight of hand at the Reality Magic Show at Fourth Street Theatre, 216 4th Street in the Court District. They take the stage at 7:30PM. Tickets are 2 for $15 in advance or $10 each at the door. To reserve a ticket, call 515-288-5282.

It’s amazing what creative minds can make out of canned food! See yourself when CANSTRUCTION returns to SCI, March 27- April 2. These amazing pieces of art are designed and built by a team of architects, engineers and students thinking outside the box for a great cause. After the display ends, all nonperishable items are given to the Food Bank of Iowa.

IWhat’s the big deal about tiny science? Join SCI and museums across the country in exploring science, engineering and technology one-billionth of a meter small during Nano Days, March 27-April 4. We’ll gave special car demonstrations all around SCI to get hands-on with amazing nanoscale science!

Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway, will host "Watermelon Slim & The Workers" for an evening of entertainment by veteran blues artists. Bill "Watermelon Slim" Homans is joined by Michael Newberry on drums, Ronnie Mack on guitar and Cliff Belcher on bass when they take the stage at 9:30PM. Cover is $10.

Come for a fun night!

with Angel Taylor and Vedera

There's a full lineup of entertainment bringing indie/pop/rock to the stage at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. The show for all ages will include headliner Tribella along with The Manics, Keno, Town Talkies and Torpeedoh. Be there at 5PM. Tickets are $5.

Rock fans, Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District is the place to be! Hear Punching Betty and The Melodie Profitt Band. The show, for those 21+ starts at 10PM. Doors will open at 9:30PM. Tickets are $5 each.

Dirty Little Rabbits at a show for all ages at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue in the Court District. Entertainment starts at 5PM and tickets are priced at $12. Purchase tickets in advance at www.midwestix.com.

All Play at 615 3rd will host the Iowa Golden Gloves Championship. The action and bouts start at 7PM. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $20 for reserved seating and they are available at the door.

Kick off the season of arena football when the Iowa Barnstormers take on the Chicago Rush at Wells Fargo Arena, 730 3rd Street. Get fired up at the Official Pre-Game Street Party from 4-6;30PM on Third Street between Crocker and Center Streets with games, a DJ and inflatables for the kids. The game gets underway at 7:05PM. Game tickets are priced from $12-$75. For more information and tickets go to www.theiowabarnstormers.com.

Stevie Stone, Missouri rapper, headlines Spring Fling at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. DJ Kwickstar, The Syndicate, Young and G reedy and Fonz the Midwest Beast round out the evening of entertainment that gets underway at 9:30PM for those 21+. Cover before 10:30PM is $7, after 10:30PM it's $10. For more information visit www.thehouseofbricks.com.

Max Eubank performs at The Locust Tap, 434 East Locust in the East Village. Catch his music and wind down starting at 9PM. There's no cover.

Start your weekend off with a good cup of coffee and entertainment by John Burns at Amici Espresso, 206 Sixth Avenue in the Court District. Burns performs starting at 6PM and there's no cover.

Learn a new trick or two at Fourth Street Theatre, 216 4th Street in the Court District. Garry Carson, Keith West, Maddy Peyton & Brandy Belle will present a Reality Magic Show that will keep you guessing and asking "how did they do that?" Catch one of their performances - either 5:30PM or 7:30PM. Tickets in advance are 2 for $15 or purchase them at the door for $10 each. For advanced tickets, call 515-288-5282.

Ingrid Michaelson & Mat Kearney perform at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, Third Floor in the Court District. Joining them starting at 8PM will be Cara Salimando. For more information, or to purchase tickets at $27, visit www.iowatix.com.

Mid Iowa Rollers vs. Muddy Water Derby Dollz

IWhat’s the big deal about tiny science? Join SCI and museums across the country in exploring science, engineering and technology one-billionth of a meter small during Nano Days, March 27-April 4. We’ll gave special car demonstrations all around SCI to get hands-on with amazing nanoscale science!

Enjoy a seafood buffet and kick up your heels dancing to music by DJ B.C. at Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, 303 Locust. Splashdance Spring Fling will remake Splash into a nightclub for an evening of food and fun starting at 9PM. Cost is $25 per person. Make reservations at splashdance@splash-seafood.com or call 244-5686.

Aces Up Poker Challenge & Final Four Bash to benefit Des Moines Social Club and The fight against Cancer Registration at 11:30 am, Tournament starts at 12:30 pm Texas Hold 'Em Crash Course & practice round at 11 am - noon $50 buy-in Texas Hold 'Em rules up to 4 re-buys allowed Food and beverages available 2 free beer kegs, cash bar GRAND PRIZE: 3 day, 2 night trip to Las Vegas, NV for two, hotel (Treasure Island) and airfare provided Top 20 finishers to receive prizes approximate values between $500 - $20. Space is limited! pre-register at: http://www.midwestix.com/websales/pages/RegionalSearch.aspx?og=f730e082-7502-404b-856c-3900b646d5d3& Sponsorship opportunities available for $200. Includes 2 single buy-ins, signage at the event, e-mail marketing, majority is tax deductible The Final Four games will be shown on giant big screens for the duration

Come for a fun night!

The 2nd Annual Court District Open is a mini-golf tournament throughout 12 bars located in the Court District. Also, a portion of the proceeds will go back to the Des Moines Music Coalition to support all of their programming, including 80/35 Musical Festival this summer. Bring your putter and we'll supply the fun!

One of the premiere Chicago blues bands takes the stage at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Eddie Shaw and the Wolfgang entertain starting at 9:30PM. There's a $10 cover.

Spend your Saturday afternoon enjoying some live music and helping raise funds for Haiti at the same time. Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District, will be hosting the fundraiser for Meals From the Heartland to be sent to Haiti. All ages are invited to enjoy the entertainment that features Cashes Rivers, Decoy, Tripp Marxx, The Atudes, John Hardy, Finn Miles and Shovel Kids. Doors open at 11AM with entertainment starting at Noon. Cover is $15.

Dark Mirror, Of Avalon, Druids and Crusher of Souls will bring their metal/Therash/rock music to the stage at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street. The show, for all ages, gets underway at 5:30PM, with doors opening at 5:30PM. Cover is $5

Antumbra headlines an evening of jam/rock/blues at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Joining them will be Omega Dog. The show, geared for those 21+ gets underway at 10PM. Doors open at 9:30PM. Cover is $5

All Play at 615 3rd will host the Iowa Golden Gloves Championship. The action and bouts start at 7PM. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $20 for reserved seating and they are available at the door.

All ages can catch The Sammus Theory in concert at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. Entertainment starts at 5PM and cover is $10. Advanced tickets can be purchased at www.midwesttix.com.

Seth Hedquist, Brooke Peters and Joel Gettys perform at The Continental, 428 East Locust in the East Village. The ntertainment runs from 9PM to midnight and there's no cover.

Doozies Bar & Grill at Embassy Suites on the River, 101 East Locust in the East Village, hosts Hold On. Enjoy some food and beverage and listen to the music from 9PM-Midnight. For more information, visit www.holdontorock.com.

The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village, hosts Aqua Marine Dream Machine for a show geared to those 21+. Joining them will be The Maw. Entertainment starts at 9:30PM and there's a $5 cover charge.

IWhat’s the big deal about tiny science? Join SCI and museums across the country in exploring science, engineering and technology one-billionth of a meter small during Nano Days, March 27-April 4. We’ll gave special car demonstrations all around SCI to get hands-on with amazing nanoscale science!

Des Moines' best local talent @ el Bait Shop 200 SW 2nd Street, Downtown Des Moines. Bands every Wednesday 8pm to 11pm, with great beer specials. Bands every Sunday night 8pm to 11pm with beer specials all night.

Spend your Sunday afternoon listening to hardcore/metal/thrash at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Geared to all ages, Born of Osiris and Oceano will perform. Doors open at 4PM and the show starts at 4:30PM. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance at www.midwesttix.com.

Enjoy an East Brunch Buffet in Downtown. BOS Restaurant in the Renaissance Savery Hotel will serve an Easter Brunch Buffet from 10:30AM-1:30PM. Children 4 and younger are free, it's $12 for those from 5-12 years of age and the price for anyone over 12 years of age is $20. Reservations are suggested. To reserve your space, call 284-1267 or e-mail cwertzberger@bosdesmoines.com.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will hold Net2Work Session at the Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive starting at 10AM. Representatives from Iowa Employment Solutions will provide updat3es on employment benefits and access to training dollars. For more information, call 286-4950 or e-mail kgarton@desmoinesmetro.com.

Join us for an informal writers' workshop. Share samples of your work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Meeting Room One. Preregister by signing up online or by calling 515-283-4152 ext. 3.

Des Moines' best local talent @ The Royal Mile, 210 4th Street, Downtown Des Moines. Solo artists and duo acts every Monday night from 8-10pm.

Americana/folk/reggae/pop will be featured in the show at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. All ages will hear The Slomski Brothers, Come Unity, The Big Tuxedos, Tessa Johnson and Zebra Named Spot. Doors open at 5PM and the entertainment starts at 5:15PM. Cover is $5.

Ladies! (sorry guys, ladies only) Find your inner goddess and connect with your movements. Class will start with slow stretching and a meditation component. Next we will work on basic belly dance movements with emphasis on isolation and strengthening your core. Expansion will take place from there.

Now that you got the bellydance basics down, we will begin to explore choreography, basic combos, varied levels and turns. The class will begin with a warm-up, then we will focus on increasing skills with combos and choreography. Email -- rglaza@desmoinessocialclub.org

Young Professionals Connection will hold a forum with local legislators discussing this year's legislative session and how young professionals will be affected. The legislative recap will be held at AllPlay, 615 3rd Street starting with networking at 5:30PM. Speakers will begin at 6PM. The program is free.

Singer/Songwriter Brian Holtz

In collaboration with the City of Des Moines, Community Services Division, Parks and Recreation Department, and the Des Moines Public Library, Teva Dawson will teach a class covering gardening basics such as germination, bed preparation, planting, diseases, and maintaining and harvesting a garden for those who are new to gardening. Meeting Room One at Central Library. Preregister by calling 515-283-4152 ext. 3, or by signing up online. Space is limited.

Get a Grip on Clutter and Chaos: Organize to Optimize Your Workday. Complexity and clutter make work harder and they’re both huge distractions. In fact, most people waste an average of an hour per day retrieving misplaced information. Pam Woods, a Certified Professional Coach, will share an easy process to streamline your files, organize your workspace, and manage your tasks and projects. The upshot is, you’ll have more focus, time, and success. Meeting Room One at Central Library. Preregister by calling 515-283-4152 ext. 3, or by signing up online.

Catch the smokin'hot blues guitar and killer rhythm section when Bob Pace and the Blues Groove perform at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Music gets underway at 9PM. There's no cover.

Catch 500 Miles to Memphis along with Monday Mourners and The Key Party at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. The show for all ages gets underway at 5PM and there's a $5 cover.

Interviews, performances, & live commercials swaddled in a blanket of funny. It may or may not be a magical evening. If you are into banality and mediocrity then this is the show for you. and... It's the one and only, longest running live talk show in Des Moines.

Hear Oscar, Tony, Emmy and Grammy award-winner Rita Moreno as she shares her thoughts on staying active at the next in the Smart Talk Series of programs at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut. Her presentation "Still Going Strong" will be given at 7:30PM. Series ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.civiccenter.org.

The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village, will host Envy on the Coast/Fall of Troy for an evening of entertainment. Joining them will be Twin Atlantic. The concert, which is for all ages, starts at 5PM. Learn more and purchase advanced tickets for $12 at www.iowatix.com.

Local birder, John Bissell, shares his skills with park visitors of all ages over the lunch hour to learn the basics of bird watching. The first session starts March 10th at the beach, ONLY if there is open water; please call 313-1298 to verify. Binoculars are encouraged.

AAA Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs

Come for a fun night!

Des Moines' best local talent @ el Bait Shop 200 SW 2nd Street, Downtown Des Moines. Bands every Wednesday 8pm to 11pm, with great beer specials. Bands every Sunday night 8pm to 11pm with beer specials all night.

From the Delta to the Hills, you'll hear a variety of great blues music from Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts. They perform at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway starting at 9PM. There's a $3 cover.

Often imitated... the Open Jam has been a Thursday night tradition since 1992! The host band warms up the crowd from 9:30 to 10:30. Musicians, ranging from the accomplished professional to the inspired novice, are then invited to take the stage. Unrehearsed and straight from the heart, this is some real Blues guaranteed to fill the house week after week. $3 Cover

Aikido translates to “the way of harmony”. Through the innovative teachings of this Japanese martial art you will experience a new way to resolve conflict in your life. By accepting conflict as a natural occurrence, you will learn to see more opportunity for movement and resolution. Through the practice of the physical movements, you will learn patience, acceptance and a new way to communicate. In doing so, you can create a powerful existence with yourself and within the relationships in your life. Come experience for yourself, your first class is free!

learn to knit a scarf from start to finish! in the first session, you will learn how to cast-on and knit a basic scarf. during the second session, learn to finish your scarf by casting off and embellishing your creation. the basics of knitting terminology and patterns will be discussed. two part class. first session: march 25th. second session: april 8th.

Rockstar Energy Drink presents: The AP Tour at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, Third Floor in the Court District. There's a full lineup of entertainment including Feat, Never Shout Never with special guests Hey Monday, The Cab, Every Avenue and The Summer Set. Catch it all starting at 7PM. More information and advanced tickets may be purchased for $15 at www.iowatix.com. Cover at the door is $17.

AAA Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs

Pulley Chiropractic will host their annual fundraiser on behalf of the Heart Connection at The Capitol Room, 315 East 5th Street in the East Village. 30 for 30 will run from 6-9PM and tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.firstgiving.com/30for30.

Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway hosts Walter Trout. Catch Trout's all shades of the blues genre in an early show that begins at 8:30PM. There's a $15 cover.

Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street in the Court District, will host Killola, a four-piece American alternative rock band from Los Angeles in a show for all ages. They bring their "Garage Pop" with punk and pop/electronica influences to the stage at 5:30PM. Doors open at 5PM. Also on the line up is Sick of Sarah, The BLB and Hold For Swank. Tickets are $8.

Hear Love is All at Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street in the Court District. The five piece group will be joined by Tyvek, Coyote Slingshot and wkndrcrds for an evening of pop/indie/punk music for those 21+. Doors open at 10PM and the show starts at 10:15PM. Cover is $10.

The Young Professionals Connection will hold social networking with drink specials and complimentary appetizers at Django, 210 10th Street in Western Gateway. Representatives from the Center on Sustainable Communities will be in attendance to discuss green initiatives and projects they are working on. The event runs from 5:30-7:30PM.

Have a beverage and draw! Head to 300 SW 5th Street, 2nd Floor for an evening of art and networking. For more information and to RSVP, e-mail cat@makebreak.us. There's a $5 fee.

Celebrate the weekend every Friday at Blues on Grand's Friday Work Release Party. The party lasts from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and features music by Sumpin' Doo and food by Jesse James.

All ages will enjoy the music at Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street in the Court District. The Morning Benders take the stage at 6PM. Advanced tickets are available for $10, along with more information about the group, at www.iowatix.com.

AAA Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs

Enjoy local artwork and benefit Childserve at the same time. Works by 13 local artists, a raffle and refreshments are all part of the Local Love Art Show and Benefit that will be held in the Teachout Building, 500 East Locust, 3rd Floor in the East Village. The event will run from 6-11PM. For more information, e-mail michellemine84@gmail.com.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host the 2010 IAICE Spring Conference at the Partnership Building, 700 Locust, Suite 100 in the Arthur Davis Conference Room. Keynote speaker will be Mary Bontrager, Executive Vice President of Workforce Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Her topic will be "Economic Outlook from the Workforce Perspective". The all day Iowa Association for Interships and Cooperative Education Conference starts at 9:30 and lunch is included. Tours of Principal Financial, Wellmark and Wells Fargo will also be part of the program. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Phil Jordan @philip-jordan@uiowa.edu or visit www.desmoinesmetro.com.

Come for a fun night!

Celebrate the repeal of prohibitiion and freedom to brew beer in America at Brew Year's Eve at Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company, 309 Court Avenue in the Court District. The evening will find beer and bourbon inspired menu selections and live music with the Soul Searchers from 9:30PM to 1:30AM. Come for dinner and stay for the entertainment. Patrons are encouraged to dress in 20's and 30's garb. Call the restaurant for reservations at 282-2739. Seating starts at 4PM.

Damon Fwler Group brings it's sizzling stage show to Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Damon will bring his six string, lap-steel, dobro and slide guitars to the stage starting at 9:30PM. The cover is $10.

All ages will enjoy the show featuring pop/indie/rock at Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street in the Court District. The young Berkeley indie pop quartet The Morning Benders take the stage with Minaiature Tigers and Cashes Rivers at 5:30PM. Doors open at 5PM and tickets are $10 each.

Nathaniel Ratelff brings his music to Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street in the Court District. Joining him for an evening of folk/rock/soul entertainment will be Dustin Smith and Jordan Mayland. The show, geared to those 21+ gets underway at 10PM, with doors opening at 9:30PM. Tickets are $8 each.

Sweatpants Rocket performs at People's Court, 216 Court, 3rd Floor in the Court District. Captain Morgan and the Morganettes will make a special appearance at the show for those 21+. Doors open at 9PM and entertainment starts at 10PM. There's no cover.

Locust Tap at 434 East Locust in the East Village, hosts an evening of entertainment by Three Legged Dog. The perform starting at 9PM.

Snafu headlines the entertainment at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. They take the stage at 9:30PM in the concert for those 21+.

Join Joseph Giunta and the Orchestra along with the renowned Magic Circle Mime Co. to assist and outwit a wolf that threatens mayhem on the Orchestra and audience. Magic Circle and the musicians will transform the hall into a LIVE! version of Prokoviev's exciting musical story. A great experience for the whole family! Pre-Concert Festival at 10am in the Lobby including the Des Moines Symphony Academy's Instrument Petting Zoo. Designed for children ages 4 to 10 and their parents and grandparents.

The “King of Country” is back! 17x CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee George Strait will kick off his arena tour soon, and he’s bringing along one very special lady –Reba McEntire. The superstar acts performed together for the first time in many years for a sold-out crowd at the Cowboy’s Stadium Inaugural event in Dallas. Selling out in less than an hour, fans and critics proclaimed the show one hot ticket! The concert was hailed by the Dallas Morning News as “an extravaganza” that “showcased Strait at the pinnacle of his musical game” and Ft. Worth Star Telegram wrote “Reba McEntire’s performance was a breathtaking master’s class in effortless brilliance.” With 57 number one hits, 33 multi-platinum albums and countless sold-out shows year after year, Strait who holds the record for the most CMA wins and a record 17 CMA Entertainer of the Year nominations, is known for giving fans exactly what they want and expect. This year will be no exception. “I can’t wait to get back out there and perform some of my new favorites from Twang along with hits the fans already love,” says Strait. “And with my friend Reba, we will make it a really spectacular night.” Strait’s recent release TWANG debuted at #1 on The Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart. This is the fourth time in Strait’s career that a new release has debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart. It has become a critically acclaimed album and received rave reviews in USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, People, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, The Boston Globe, Billboard and many more. Tickets Tickets on sale: Feb 26, 2010 (Fri) 10:00 AM $90.50 and $70.50 Tickets will be available at the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, all Dahl's Foods, online at dahlstickets.com or charge by phone 866-55-DAHLS.

AAA Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs

Come for a fun night!

Winners of the 2008 International Blues Challenge, Trampled Under Foot, brings their music to Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. You don't want to miss the three piece family blues band that boasts two left-handed guitarists and two strong vocals both male and female. They entertain beginning at 9:30PM and the cover is $10.

The 2010 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes gets underway with registration at 8AM at the Polk County Convention Complex at 5th and Grand. The 2 mile route, which takes place on the Downtown Skywalks, begins and ends at the Polk County Convention Complex.

If you're into rap and hip hop, head to Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street for a show for all ages. Tre d Crazi will be joined by Ryan Nixon & Young Chuy and Eyerishkyd. Doors open at 6PM and the show starts at 6:30PM. Cover is $5.

It's an evening of rock/punk/metal music at The Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street in the Court District. Superchief headlines the show for those 21+. Also performing will be Bloodcow and Snow Demon. The entertainment starts at 10PM, with doors opening at 9:30PM. Cover is $5.

Catch some great Iowa talent at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. Iowa's Got Rockers has a full slate of entertainment at both 5PM and 10PM. Performing will be Doomsday Crush, Lickety Split, Axis Band, Failure of Progress, Screaming Against Silence, Pain of Evolution and Sexual Undertones. Cover is $7. For more information, visit www.thehouseofbricks.com or www.iowasgottalent.net.

All ages will enjoy the Jel Battle of the Bands at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, 3rd Floor in the Court District. Headlining will be The Envy Corps. Competing will be Modern Day Satire, Graduating Summer, Thee Opening, Half Step Down and Purple Silence. Doors open at 5:30PM and the show starts at 6PM. There's a $10 cover.

Jason Brown entertains for those 21+ at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, 3rd Floor in the Court District. There will be pre and post George Strait/Reba McIntyre sets. Doors open at 10PM and the show sstarts at 10:30PM. Cover is $10.

Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust in Western Gateway, will host a reception for Iowa artist Roger Feldhans from 4 to 6PM. See his multimedia show "A Glimpse Through the Doors of My Mind" which includes tie dye, spray paint art, spin art and oil on mylar. All work will be on sale.

Bob Tyler & the Reckless Hearts entertains at Carl's Place, 1620 Woodland in Sherman Hill. Music starts at 9PM and runs until 1AM. There's no cover.

San Jose Taiko has mesmerized audiences for three decades with the powerful and propulsive sounds of the taiko drum. Inspired by traditional Japanese drumming, San Jose Taiko performers express the beauty and harmony of the human spirit though the voice of taiko.

It’s Parrot Head time in Des Moines! Beach babies, Bahama mamas and surfer dudes will feel right at home with the sailing songs, reggae, island and surf music Sunday afternoons in April at Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center. Admission is just $5.00, with light appetizers and drinks available for purchase at the Riverwalk Café. The breezy performance line-up includes: April 11: Taz and “Freight Train” Frank April 18: Jono Smith and Larry Berenguel April 25: Scott Long and Greg Sutherland

Des Moines' best local talent @ el Bait Shop 200 SW 2nd Street, Downtown Des Moines. Bands every Wednesday 8pm to 11pm, with great beer specials. Bands every Sunday night 8pm to 11pm with beer specials all night.

People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, Third Floor will host a show for all ages featuring Clutch, Danko Joes and Caverns. Doors open at 7PM and the show begins at 8PM. Tickets are $19 in advance and can be purchased at www.midwestix.com.

Spend your Sunday afternoon watching the Iowa Cubs as they round out their series with the Nashville Sounds. Game starts at 1:05PM. Ticket price varies.

Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street in the Court District, hosts Pnuma Trio with Big Gigantic for an evening of electronica/jazz/funk entertainment for those 21+. Doors open at 8PM and the show will start at 9PM. Cover is $15.

Catch some AAA baseball action as the Iowa Cubs take on the Memphis Redbirds. Ticket price varies. Game time is 6:35PM.

Hear some pop/garage/rock at Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street in the Court District. The Dum Dum Girls withLeopold and His Fiction and Brooks and Streams will entertain starting at 6:15PM. Doors open for the show for all ages, starting at 5:30PM. Cover is $10.

Catch Brother/Ghost, Deep Sleep Waltzing and Skin of Earth in a show for those 21+ at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. The show starts at 9:30PM and there's a $5 cover.

Ladies! (sorry guys, ladies only) Find your inner goddess and connect with your movements. Class will start with slow stretching and a meditation component. Next we will work on basic belly dance movements with emphasis on isolation and strengthening your core. Expansion will take place from there.

Now that you got the bellydance basics down, we will begin to explore choreography, basic combos, varied levels and turns. The class will begin with a warm-up, then we will focus on increasing skills with combos and choreography. Email -- rglaza@desmoinessocialclub.org

So you think you know trivia? Then reserve the 2nd Tuesday of each month for Tuesday Trivia Night's at Des Moines Social Club in the beautiful Sideshow Lounge! A great way to tease your brain while laughing, chatting, or exploring downtown Des Moines! 7-8pm - Trivia Team Registration 8pm - Game Start

Peter Hedges, novelist, playwright, and filmmaker, will be appearing at Hoyt Sherman Place Theater. In addition to his newest work The Heights, he wrote both the novel and the screenplay What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and is the writer-director of Pieces of April and Dan in Real Life. He co-wrote the screenplay for About a Boy and was nominated for an Academy Award. He grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, and attended Valley High School. He now lives with his wife and children in Brooklyn. This author appears as part of the tenth anuual AViD (Authors Visiting in Des Moines) Author Series presented by the Des Moines Public Library.

Catch the smokin'hot blues guitar and killer rhythm section when Bob Pace and the Blues Groove perform at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Music gets underway at 9PM. There's no cover.

Make connections that count, hear a great speaker and enjoy lunch at the Des Moines Downtown and Des Moines West joint Chamber Luncheon at the Renaissance Savery Hotel, 401 Locust. The event gets underway at 11:30AM. To RSVP, visit www.desmoinesdowntownchamber.com.

Take some time away from the office and catch some AAA baseball as the Iowa Cubs take on the Memphis Redbirds in an afternoon game. The first pitch is at 12:05PM. Tickets vary in price from $7-$25.

April is Architecture Month and to celebrate, AIA is sponsoring a lecture "Renovation as a Green Building Solution. Find out what green architecture is at the program that will be held at the AIA office in Capital Square, 400 Locust, Suite 100. The program will begin at 7PM and is free and open to the public.

See the show for all ages at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Civil Twilight headlines with Syndrome of Fire, Tyke and Pogo Force Five. Music starts at 5PM and there's a $6 cover.

Funkotron headlines the entertainment in a show for those 21+ at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Also performing will be Cirrus Minor and Ryat. Be there at 9:30PM. Cover is $5.

Interviews, performances, & live commercials swaddled in a blanket of funny. It may or may not be a magical evening. If you are into banality and mediocrity then this is the show for you. and... It's the one and only, longest running live talk show in Des Moines.

Local birder, John Bissell, shares his skills with park visitors of all ages over the lunch hour to learn the basics of bird watching. The first session starts March 10th at the beach, ONLY if there is open water; please call 313-1298 to verify. Binoculars are encouraged.

Camille T. Dungy, author of Suck on the Marrow and What to Eat, What to Drink, What to Leave for Poison, a finalist for the PEN Center USA 2007 Literary Award, and the Library of Virginia 2007 Literary Award, will appear at Des Moines Central Library. She is editor of Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry and co-editor of From the Fishouse: An Anthology of Poems that Sing, Rhyme, Resound, Syncopate, Alliterate, and Just Plain Sound Great. Dungy has received fellowships from organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Cave Canem, the Dana Award, and Bread Loaf. She is currently an associate professor in the Creative Writing Department at San Francisco State University. Dungy graduated from Stanford University and the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, where she earned her MFA. She teaches at San Francisco State University and lives in San Francisco, California. This author appears as part of the tenth anuual AViD (Authors Visiting in Des Moines) Author Series presented by the Des Moines Public Library.

Come for a fun night!

From the Delta to the Hills, you'll hear a variety of great blues music from Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts. They perform at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway starting at 9PM. There's a $3 cover.

The Royal Mile with Chef Andrew Meek will present a dinner with Glenlivet featuring food pairings with select Scotch samples. Seats are limited, please call The Royal Mile for Reservations.

Do you have a student interested in learning more about job interviewing? Plan to attend the Connect 2 Business Career Preparatory Academy at the Des Moines Botanical Center in the East Village. The program will include development of business etiquette, resumes and interviewing skills for high school students. The workshop will be led by business leaders and professional career coaches. College volunteers will also be on hand to assist students in breakout sessions to further develop these essential job skills. The session will run from 2 to 5PM and is free. For more information, contact Chelsy Croson at 286-4922 or e-mail ccroson@desmoinesmetro.com.

Hear some New Orleans rock n roll when Cowboy Mouth takes the stage for a show at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. The music, for those 21+ gets underway at 8PM, with doors opening at 7PM. Tickets are $15 each.

Often imitated... the Open Jam has been a Thursday night tradition since 1992! The host band warms up the crowd from 9:30 to 10:30. Musicians, ranging from the accomplished professional to the inspired novice, are then invited to take the stage. Unrehearsed and straight from the heart, this is some real Blues guaranteed to fill the house week after week. $3 Cover

Aikido translates to “the way of harmony”. Through the innovative teachings of this Japanese martial art you will experience a new way to resolve conflict in your life. By accepting conflict as a natural occurrence, you will learn to see more opportunity for movement and resolution. Through the practice of the physical movements, you will learn patience, acceptance and a new way to communicate. In doing so, you can create a powerful existence with yourself and within the relationships in your life. Come experience for yourself, your first class is free!

Laura Berkson, Cantorial Soloist at Temple B'nai Jeshurun, the Reform Jewish congregation in Des Moines, presents Song of the Soul: The Psalms in Jewish Liturgy.

Friends of Friends will have a slight twang to it this year, a sound that belongs to “one of country music's most promising up-and-comers.” We've lined up country music singer Jason Brown to headline our 8th annual fundraiser! So please join us, Thursday, April 15, at People's on Court Avenue. Doors open at 6 p.m., we'll have some great food and a special acoustic performance by Jason from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Jason is joined by his band at 9, and you'll hear some great music—he’s a rising act in the country music ranks with five singles that have made the top 100. Get a concert preview here: http://jasonbrowncountry.com/

Catch some AAA baseball action as the Iowa Cubs take on the Memphis Redbirds. Ticket price varies. Game time is 6:35PM.

Take some time away from the office and catch some AAA baseball as the Iowa Cubs take on the Memphis Redbirds in an afternoon game. The first pitch is at 12:05PM. Tickets vary in price from $7-$25.

A salute to homebrewers @ el Bait Shop. Every Thursday at 6pm, free beer from local brewers and homebrewers while it lasts.

Featuring Mike Gauthier from Court Avenue Brewing Company. Every Thursday from 5-7pm we will be sampling out new in, seasonal, and year-round beers from commercial breweries. Brewery draws are $3 all night.

Laura Berkson, talented singer, composer, and musician and cantorial soloist at Temple B'nai Jeshurun, presents Songs of the Soul: Psalms in Jewish Liturgy as part of the Cathedral's Quiet Garden Third Thursday program.

Hear folk/pop/rock music at a show for all ages at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street. A Weather headlines the concert. Joining them will be Dustin Smith, Sudden and Subtle and Paddle Captain. Doors open at 5PM and the show starts at 5:30PM. Tickets re $7.

Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway, hosts Des Moines' second preliminary round of the Iowa Blues Society's Iowa Blues Challenge. Catch Cousins of the Blues, Willie Mac's Blues Attack, The Barons of Blues, Stoney Ground and Trouble No More as they vie for the finals. Finals will be held at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott Hotel on May 22nd at 8PM. Two bands from this round will advance to the finals. Music starts at 8PM and tickets are priced from $6-$10 each.

Learn more about your immigrant ancestors by exploring the path they took to citizenship. Find out where to look and how to interpret the information you find. The class will run from 6-8PM at the Iowa Geneological Society, 628 East Grand in the East Village and reservations are required. For more information, visit www.iowageneology.org.

Celebrate the weekend every Friday at Blues on Grand's Friday Work Release Party. The party lasts from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and features music by Sumpin' Doo and food by Jesse James.

Make a suggestion and Comedy Xperiment will bring its improvisational skills to the stage to entertain. The troupe that's been performing in the area for more than four years, bases their performances on audience suggestions, so no two shows are alike. Join in the fun and be prepared to laugh starting at 7:30PM. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased at www.civiccenter.org.

Elton John is to appear live in Des Moines for the first time in decades. This marks the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s first performance in Des Moines in over 35 years! Elton and his band will perform their ‘Rocket Man –the Greatest Hits Live’ concert, featuring number one chart hits and classic album tracks from throughout Elton’s incredible five-decade career. Elton’s band comprises Davey Johnstone on guitar, Bob Birch on bass, John Mahon on percussion, Nigel Olsson on drums and Kim Bullard on keyboards. One of the most successful live acts on the road today, Elton and his band put on the kind of show you never forget: the entire audience standing, dancing and singing along with much-loved classic songs such as “Your Song”, “Daniel”, “Rocket Man”, “Bennie and the Jets” and many, many more Tickets Tickets on sale: Mar 12, 2010 (Fri) 10:00 AM $95, $65, $35 Tickets are available at the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, all Dahl's Foods, online at dahlstickets.com or by phone 866-55-DAHLS. Ticket limit is 6 per person.

Come for a fun night!

Described as a master of the classic Chicago sound, Nick Moss & the Fliptops perform at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. They take the stage beginning at 9:30PM and there's a $10 cover.

Area favorites The Nadas will be in town for a show for those 21+ at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, Third Floor. Joining them will be special guest G.B.Leighton. Doors will open at 8PM and the music starts at 9PM. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.midwestix.com

Fast on the heels of the most exciting, action packed event to date, Midwest Cage Championship returns to Hy-Vee Hall for MCC 26: “Triple Crown.” The night will feature three five-round title fights and nine additional bouts highlighting some of the top up and coming mixed martial artists. Andy “Danger Zone” Branson vs. Chad “The Grinder” Reiner Paul “The Gingabread Man” Bird vs. Josh “Bam Bam” Henry Bryce Teager vs. Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle Tickets are available on-line at the Wells Fargo Arena Ticket Office, all Dahl's Foods Locations, online at www.dahlstickets.com, www.MidwestCageChampionship.com or by phone at 515-229-8566.

The Curse of Hail headlines the show at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Also performing at the show for all ages, will be A Threat From Within; Death By Democracy and Screaming Against Silence. The show featuring metal/hardcore/thrash gets underway at 5:30PM. Doors open at 5PM and the cover is $7.

Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District, hosts an evening of jam/funk/psychedelic when headliner Cosmic Railroad with The Workshy take the stage. The show for those 21+, gets underway at 10PM. Doors open at 9:30PM. Cover is $8.

Catch the dueling pianos at Grand Piano Bistro, 506 East Grand in the East Village. Andy Anderson and Mike Leeds perform starting at 8:30PM. There's a $5 cover charge.

Help the Iowa Geneological Society celebrate the completion of the renovation of their library at their open house. The event will be held at 628 East Grand in the East Village from 1 to 7PM and is free and open to the public.

Head to the East Village and Locust Tap at 434 East Locust. James Biehn will entertain starting at 9PM. No cover.

Hessen Haus, 101 Fourth Street in the Court District, hosts FreeStyle for an evening of live music. They take the stage at 9PM and there's no cover charge.

Love is in the air when the Des Moines Symphony celebrates the Bard in Words and Music, with professional actors from the renowned Guthrie Theatre. Hear some of the most evocative and soaring themes ever composed, inspired by Shakespeare's immortal romantic story.

The Calliope Concert Series is a celebration of women in music. Come see Des Moines’ own Roxi Copland as she teams up with other talented female artists from across the US. The concerts will take place once a month for four months, starting in January and continuing through April, and each concert will feature both Roxi and a guest artist. Calliope concerts’ cover charge is only $5, so feel free to bring your friends to experience a great night of music!

Make a suggestion and Comedy Xperiment will bring its improvisational skills to the stage to entertain. The troupe that's been performing in the area for more than four years, bases their performances on audience suggestions, so no two shows are alike. Join in the fun and be prepared to laugh starting at 7:30PM. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased at www.civiccenter.org.

AC/DC’s Black Ice World Tour, which was set to hit Wells Fargo Arena on October 10th, has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 17th at 7:30pm. All previously purchased tickets for the October 10th performance will be honored at the new date Saturday, April 17th. Tickets Buy Tickets Tickets on sale now! $90.50 Tickets are available at the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, all Dahl's Foods, online at dahlstickets.com, or charge by phone 866-55-DAHLS Additional Information WILL CALL INFORMATION: Tickets purchased in the following sections MUST be picked up DAY OF SHOW only at Wells Fargo Arena - all floor seats, Sections 102-104, and 116-118

Folk rock singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco & her band return to Hoyt Sherman Place for one night only on Saturday, April 17. Ani DiFranco has written hundreds of songs, played thousands of shows, captured the imaginations of legions of followers, and jammed with folkies, orchestras, rappers, rock and roll hall-of-famers, jazz musicians, poets, pop superstars, storytellers and a martial arts legend. You won't want to miss this show!

Iowa Bonsai Association Spring Show and Sale in the Botanical Center Lobby and Show House.

Our indie craft fair is free and features a variety of the finest handmade items including bags and purses, home decor goods, bath and beauty, clothing, accessories, baby and kids, original art and more! Visit our website for a peek at vendors and more info!

Come for a fun night!

eden is having a party Saturday, April 17th 9am-noon (yes we are opening an hour early!) This is our official launch party for Caldrea's newest fragrance, Sandalwood Riceflower. It's soft, creamy, and not so much flowery with notes of sandalwood, patchouli and amber that we find completely irresistible. Please join us for yummy "rice inspired" treats, Gong Fu Tea, and champagne. Meet Monica Nassif, founder of Caldrea and get a gift valued at $19 with a $50 Caldrea purchase. (while supplies last). One lucky duck will go home with a Caldrea bucket of goodies worth over $70.00! We look forward to seeing you!

The House of Blues said "Eric Jerardi has exploded onto the national scene as one of this country's foremost blistering blues/rock players". See him perfrom at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway, starting at 9:30PM. Cover is $8.

This beer education and tasting for women will feature German beers paired with select food pairings for only $15. Seats are limited, please email elbaitshop@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.

What is Slow Art? Run by volunteer hosts around the world, Slow Art is a global grassroots movement aimed at helping people see art in a new way. Our mission is to reach people who are *not* regular museumgoers (and include those who are). We want to create the context for Slow Art participants to have a better experience visiting their local museums. In Slow Art, we slow the experience down. We encourage people to spend 5 or 10 minutes or more looking at a piece of art. The result is that the participants get "inspired, not tired" and want to return again and again. Host: Kerty Levy

Second to Last Saturday Jazz Series: Totally Inappropriate, with Dave Altemeier, Rob Ankum, Jason Danielson, Mike Woods, Damani Phillips, and Dave Rezek. A spicy hot pot of jazz, funk, and soul gumbo, mixing originals and covers.

All ages will enjoy the pop/rock/pop music at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Taking the stage will be headliner Talking Mountain. Also performing will be Christopher The Conquered and The Naked Station. Doors will open at 5:30PM and show will start at 6PM. Tickets are $5.

Catch the dueling pianos at Grand Piano Bistro, 506 East Grand in the East Village. Andy Anderson and Mike Leeds perform starting at 8:30PM. There's a $5 cover charge.

The Young Women's Resource Center will hold their 11th Annual Sit On It! fundraising event at the Polk County Convention Complex, 501 Grand. The event, which features functional art crafted by local artists, will begin with a reception and silent auction starting at 6PM. Dinner will be served at 7:30PM with a program and a live auction starts at 8PM. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to assisting young women in the Des Moines area. Tickets are $75 each and may be ordered by calling 244-4901.

Ritual Cafe, located on 13th Street between Grand and Locust in Western Gateway, will host an evening of entertainment by Coyote Grace. Music starts at 7PM and cover is to be determined.

Meet Sarah Oltrogge, author of "East Village" at Village Bean, 400 East Locust in the East Village. Oltrogge will do a book signing from 10AM to Noon. There's no charge to attend.

Catch the ADAI Annual Professional Design Exhibition at West End Architectural Salvage at 22 SW 9th Street. The event opens at 6PM and the cost is $20 for members, members spouse/guest and $35 for non-members. For more information, visit www.artdirectorsiowa.org.

Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District, will celebrate Dick's Birthday Bash with a full line up of entertainment for those 21+. DJ Blocko, C-Minus, Yella Boi and Phillip Groves perform starting at 9:30PM. Cover is $5.

FreeStyle provides an evening of entertainment with no cover charge, at Hessen Haus, 101 Fourth Street. Enjoy your favorite food and beverage and stick around to hear the music from 9PM-1AM.

The Continental, 428 East Locust in the East Village, will host Nick Leo, Pete VanDeRiet and Joel Gettys for an evening of entertainment. They perform from 9PM to Midnight and there's no cover charge.

Bright Giant headlines at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. Also set to perform at 9:30 for the show for those 21+, is The Teddy Boys. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.midwestix.com

Love is in the air when the Des Moines Symphony celebrates the Bard in Words and Music, with professional actors from the renowned Guthrie Theatre. Hear some of the most evocative and soaring themes ever composed, inspired by Shakespeare's immortal romantic story.

It’s Parrot Head time in Des Moines! Beach babies, Bahama mamas and surfer dudes will feel right at home with the sailing songs, reggae, island and surf music Sunday afternoons in April at Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center. Admission is just $5.00, with light appetizers and drinks available for purchase at the Riverwalk Café. The breezy performance line-up includes: April 11: Taz and “Freight Train” Frank April 18: Jono Smith and Larry Berenguel April 25: Scott Long and Greg Sutherland

Iowa Bonsai Association Spring Show and Sale in the Botanical Center Lobby and Show House.

Iowa Dance Theatre will host its first ever International Dance Festival. Local youth dance groups representing different cultures and traditions in dance are being invited to present their works on stage at Hoyt Sherman Place. The dancers of Iowa Dance Theatre will be presenting works that represent the indigenous American dance forms of Tap, Lyrical Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Ballet.

Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District, will host Catmilk with the Chatty Cathys, Lesbian Poetry and Jet Citi in a show for all ages. Entertainment starts at 5PM and the cover is $5. For more information, visit www.vaudevillemews.com.

Hear some great jazz big band music at Java Joes Coffeehouse, 214 Fourth Street in the Court District. The CJC Jazz Big Band performs in the Fourth Street Theater next to Java Joes from 2 to 4PM and there's no cover.

We are excited to be coming to the USA in April. We are going to some cities that we have never been to before like Boston, Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Des Moines as well as some places we love, Austin, San Antonio and Chicago. We are also involved in 2 conferences - BattleCry in New Jersey and All Access conference in Baton Rouge. We can't wait to get there! Tickets Buy Tickets Tickets on sale now! $26 Floor Seating is General Admission 100 and 200 level seating is Reserved Tickets are available at the Wells Fargo Arena box office, all Dahl's Foods locations, online at dahlstickets.com, or charge by phone 866-55-DAHLS.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will hold Net2Work Session at the Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive starting at 10AM. Representatives from Iowa Employment Solutions will provide updat3es on employment benefits and access to training dollars. For more information, call 286-4950 or e-mail kgarton@desmoinesmetro.com.

Des Moines' best local talent @ The Royal Mile, 210 4th Street, Downtown Des Moines. Solo artists and duo acts every Monday night from 8-10pm.

Nollen Plaza will be the site of the 2010 Drake Beautiful Bulldog Contest. Grab your lunch and watch as a bevy of beautiful dogs parade for the judges for the title of Drake's Most Beautiful Bulldog. Whether they are deemed the best dressed or have the best personality or wear the Drake crown for the next year, you can be there to watch it all. Judging is from 11AM to 1PM and there's no charge to attend. This is the kickoff to Drake Relays in Downtown Des Moines.

Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District will host headliner international ESPIONAGE for a show for all ages. Also performing will be The Nutleys, Mason Cain, Shadyview Blfd and Muskrats. They take the stage at 5PM and the cover is $5.

Catch the smokin'hot blues guitar and killer rhythm section when Bob Pace and the Blues Groove perform at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Music gets underway at 9PM. There's no cover.

Grab your tennis shoes and join in the first Grand Blue Mile community street run for all ages and abilities as part of the annual Drake Relays! Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton and Steve Scott will be on hand for the 5,280 foot course starting at west 17th and Locust and proceeding to just short of west 3rd. From kids age 10 to adults over 65, there's a race for fitness for everyone. A non-competitive Iowa Kidstrong 1/4 mile race starts at 5:30PM. There will be a wheelchair/handcycle division race at 5:45PM, a community/recreation division race for all ages who can finish a mile under 15 minutes starting at 6PM, followed by a women's open and competitive run at 6:15PM, a men's open and competitive race at 6:30PM (both the men's and women's races are for those who can do a mile in under 9 minutes)and the women's invitational championship at 6:45PM and men's invitational championship at 7PM. Over $6,500 in prizes will be awarded courtesy of Scheels. To register, visit www.grandbluemile.com. Or just be on hand to cheer on your favorite local runners and see some elite atheletes compete.

Iowa Workforce will hold a Job Expo-Green Initiative Forum at the Polk County Convention Complex, 501 Grand. There will be in person networking preceding the Job Expo from 10 to Noon in the lower level of the Plex. Business attire and resumes are welcome and encouraged. Job seekers will have the opportunity to apply for full and part time work. There is no charge to attend.

People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, 3rd Floor in the Court District, will host the Annual 420 Show for thos 21+. Doors open at 8PM and the show starts at 9PM. Set to perform are Omega Dog, Floodplane, The Uniphonics and Jon Wayne & The Pain. Cover is $10.

All ages can enjoy the line up of entertainment at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Set to perform will be headliner Cattle Decapitation with Gaza, Upon Deaths Arrival and From Citizen To Soldier. Music starts at 5PM and the cover is $12.

Interviews, performances, & live commercials swaddled in a blanket of funny. It may or may not be a magical evening. If you are into banality and mediocrity then this is the show for you. and... It's the one and only, longest running live talk show in Des Moines.

Local birder, John Bissell, shares his skills with park visitors of all ages over the lunch hour to learn the basics of bird watching. The first session starts March 10th at the beach, ONLY if there is open water; please call 313-1298 to verify. Binoculars are encouraged.

Join other Des Moines Downtown Chamber members to interact - business to business - at the monthly Sun Up With Downtown session at Amici Expresso, 206 6th Avenue, Suite 110 in the Court District. Make connections that count from 7:30-8:30AM.

Come for a fun night!

Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway, will host an evening of blues with Shawn Pittman. Blues Bytes says "Shawn plays with the energy of a rebel rock n' roller, and the depth and soulfulness of a seasoned bluesman". Catch his performance at an early show starting at 8PM. Cover is $10.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host an Exporters Roundtable discussing technical and research assistance and the free services benefitting stratups to Fortune 500 companies. Breakfast will be served from 8:30-9AM with the program starting at 9AM. Cost is $10 and includes breakfast. For more information or to register, contact Steve Ferguson at 286-4917 by April 19th.

Celebrate Drake Relays Week with some fun at the Fake Relays. The relay races feature "spoof" track and field events where corporate and organization's teams compete against each other in fun races. Head to Court Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets to have lunch and cheer on your favorite team from noon to 1PM. There's no charge.

Des Moines' best local talent @ el Bait Shop 200 SW 2nd Street, Downtown Des Moines. Bands every Wednesday and Sunday from 8pm to 11pm, with great beer specials.

Enjoy an educational lunch hour at the State Historical Museum, 600 East Grand in the East Village. The next in the series of Historic Discovery Sessions will be held from 11:45AM-1PM and is titled "Pieces of Home, History and Art". Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. The session is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Susan Jellinger at 281-6897 or e-mail susan.jellinger@iowa.gov.

Enjoy an educational lunch hour at the State Historical Museum, 600 East Grand in the East Village. The next in the series of Historic Discovery Sessions will be held from 11:45AM-1PM and is titled "Pieces of Home, History and Art". Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. The session is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Susan Jellinger at 281-6897 or e-mail susan.jellinger@iowa.gov.

Shirley Poertner, trainer and coach, will present a program on how to influence those outside your organization, such as investors, collaborators and prospective buyers at The Biz Luncheon. Poertner will show participants how to create rapid, sustainable andinevitable change in her presentation, "The Influencer: The Power to Change Anything". The presentation will take place at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, 700 Locust, Suite 100 in the Arthur Davis Conference Room. For more information, visit www.bizci.org. To register for the luncheon, contact Cathy Spenceri at events@bizci.com.

Lyrical Front with Hatchet Monkey, Tre D Crazi, Wicked Wisconsin, The O.N.E. and Grewsum and Kombine make up the entertainment at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. The show, geared to all ages, starts at 5PM and there's a $6 cover.

The annual Court Avenue Block Party will take place from 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. Hellogoodbye will perform on the outdoor stage between 3rd and 4th street on Court Ave. There will be free busing from University Ave in front of Aliber to the block party. The concert is sponsored by the Releays Committee of the Students Activity Board.

Earth Day matters in downtown Des Moines. On Thursday, April 22, downtown corporations and organizations will team up for the Earth Day Trash Bash – a spring clean-up event organized by Operation Downtown, Des Moines Parks and Recreation, and Young Professionals Connection. Volunteer teams will work from 2 – 4:30 p.m. to clear away litter that has accumulated on our streetscapes and trails over the winter months. After a thorough sweep of their assigned territories, teams will gather at Simon Estes Amphitheater for refreshments, music and awards. This fun event will allow for some friendly corporate competition – all to benefit and beautify our downtown.

Often imitated... the Open Jam has been a Thursday night tradition since 1992! The host band warms up the crowd from 9:30 to 10:30. Musicians, ranging from the accomplished professional to the inspired novice, are then invited to take the stage. Unrehearsed and straight from the heart, this is some real Blues guaranteed to fill the house week after week. $3 Cover

Aikido translates to “the way of harmony”. Through the innovative teachings of this Japanese martial art you will experience a new way to resolve conflict in your life. By accepting conflict as a natural occurrence, you will learn to see more opportunity for movement and resolution. Through the practice of the physical movements, you will learn patience, acceptance and a new way to communicate. In doing so, you can create a powerful existence with yourself and within the relationships in your life. Come experience for yourself, your first class is free!

Enjoy free admission to the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center on Earth Day - Wednesday, April 22, 2010.

A salute to homebrewers @ el Bait Shop. Every Thursday at 6pm, free beer from local brewers and homebrewers while it lasts.

Join us at el Bait Shop for a preview of Anchor Brewing Company's Humming Ale, to be released in August. Free samples of this interesting new American Pale Ale with Anchor draws at $3 all night.

Miles Nielsen headlines at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District at a show for those 21+. Brother Trucker and Monday Mourners will also perform. Entertainment starts at 8:30PM and the cover is $5.

Put on your dancing shoes and head to the Fourth Street Theater, 216 4th Street next to Java Joes in the Court District for an evening of swing dancing. Whether you want to dance, learn a new move or two, or just watch, there'll be plenty of fun in store. Be there starting at 8PM. There's no cover charge.

Golfers, grab your old, used or new and unwanted golf equipment and head to the Cub Club at Principal Park, One Line Drive in the Court District. It's your chance to try to recycle(sell)it to other golfers. Enjoy a beverage, see the latest equipment from Titlist, Cobra and FootJoy and maybe even update your gear. It will be delivered directly to your home. The event runs from 4 to 7PM and it's free to attend.

Celebrate the weekend every Friday at Blues on Grand's Friday Work Release Party. The party lasts from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and features music by Sumpin' Doo and food by Jesse James.

Come for a fun night!

Catch Smokin' Joe Kubek featuring Bnois King at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Kubek brings his arsenal of instruments, effects and technique to the stage with the tempered accompaniment of B'nois King's jazz influenced guitar for an evening of blues with a one-two punch. The show gets underway at 9:30PM and the cover is $10.

Don’t miss a moment of this romantic, and at times provocative, evening of ballet. Contemporary and classical ballet will presented with the evening highlight of Giselle, Act Two — the ballet fan’s favorite tragic, but oh-so-passionate classical ballet. Learn more about Ballet Des Moines’ Romantic Expressions. Tickets available through Ticketmaster & Hoyt Sherman Box Office.

Celebrate Drake Relays in the Court District at the Court Avenue Tent Party. Rain or shine, enjoy music by the Renegades of Sound, DJ Starscreen and DJ Phase2 and headliners Hellowgoodbye in an outdoor, tent-covered concert. Head to Court Avenue between 3rd and 4th Street for the fun for all ages starting at 7PM. Start the evening with some food at one of the many Court District restaurants then headoutside for the music. There's no charge for the outdoor concert that runs until midnight.

Becca Dougherty takes on Peter Hemet in dueling pianos at The Grand Piano Bistro, 506 East Grand in the East Village. Hear the music starting at 8:30PM. Cover is $5.

All ages will enjoy Julian Casablancas when he entertains at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, 3rd Floor, in the Court District. He takes the stage at 8PM. Doors open at 7PM. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased in advance for $25 at www.midwestix.com.

Guerilla Hustle, Kyser and Markaus will perform a show for all ages at Vaudeville Mws, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. The music geared for all ages gets underway at 6PM and the cover is $5.

Head to the East Village to hear Max Eubank. Locust Tap at 434 East Locust hosts the entertainer. Music starts at 9PM and there's no cover charge.

Carl's Place, 1620 Woodland in Sherman Hill, will host 3 Generations of Blues for an evening of entertainment. They take the stage at 7:30PM and there's no cover charge.

Doozie's Bar & Grill in Embassy Suites on the River at 101 East Locust in the East Village, will host area favorite Flipside for a night of entertainment. Enjoy a beverage and some food and stick around for the music that starts at 9PM. No cover.

The annual Court Avenue Block Party will take place from 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. Hellogoodbye will perform on the outdoor stage between 3rd and 4th street on Court Ave. There will be free busing from University Ave in front of Aliber to the block party. The concert is sponsored by the Releays Committee of the Students Activity Board.

All ages will enjoy the show at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. Headlining will be The Vintage Burning. They'll take the stage, with Heroes End starting at 5PM. Cover is TBD.

If you're 21+ and need a laugh, head to The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. The Underground Comedy Showcase is on tap with Ben Houk, Ben Herman, Josh Fitkin and Jim Ramsey. Following the laughs, Hold for Swank will provide a musical performance. It all gets underway at 9:30PM and there's a $7 cover.

Kick off and celebrate Drake Relays weekend at Vaudeville Mews, 221 Fourth Street in the Court District with an Old Skool Dance Party for those 21+. There will be R&B and funk music starting at 10PM. Cover is $10.

Local band, Lesson7 brings its cross of genres in a performance at a Drake Relays party at All Play, 615 Third Street. Opening the show will be Tripp Marxx and Yella Boi. Music starts at 9PM and tickets are $5 each.

Check out some local art at the Studio 402 Spring Open Studio event at the Fitch Building, 394 15th Street in Western Gateway. The open house will run from 6 to 9PM and there's no charge to attend.

Liars Club is throwing a third in a series of events - WRATH... Rage Out for Multiple Scleroses - fundraiser. On Friday April 23, 2010 Liars Club will be changed into a rave for MS Society. UPDATE: $99 Bottle of SKYY VODKA - Portion of the table proceeds to go to the MS Society. Call 515-321-9138 for information on Bottle Service. Come rave out in support of the MS Society.

In conjunction with the classic tale of Charlotte's Web on display in the Dome, the Botanical Center will host a Blue Ribbon Fair from 11AM-3PM on Saturday, April 24th. With your regular paid admission, enjoy free games with prizes, live music, live animals for people to see (donkey, cow, chickens, rabbits, ducklings). Food, snow cones, corn dogs, drinks, popcorn, cotton candy and more, will be available for purchase for an additional cost.

Come for a fun night!

Hear the eclectic style of Roots-Rock, Americana and Blues from Tim "Too Slim" Langford and his band the Taildraggers at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Entertainment starts at 9:30PM and the cover is $10.

Sample over 100 wines and nibble on appetizers from Chef Meek's kitchen at the Sbrocco Spring Wine Show, 208 Court Avenue. The show runs from 11AM to 4PM and all wines at the show will be available for purchase with a 10% discount with a purchase of 12 or more bottles of wine. There's a $5 fee to attend.

Mark your calendars and make sure you don't miss the most sought after salsa dance and music event of each month. Join Salsa Des Moines once again at the Des Moines Embassy Club on Saturday, APRIL 24th for an unforgetable evening of dancing to salsa, bachata, chacha, and merengue. This month the SALSA VIBES ORCHESTRA is back to bring us live latin vibes as only live music can bring. Dance to their contagious latin rhythms all night. So do it up, look your best, and dance your best. "Salsa with the Stars" is fast becoming one of the top monthly social events in Des Moines. Don't miss out on this great and fun evening. We look forward to seeing you and sharing another great evening of music, dancing, and making great friends in one of the best entertainment and dining venues in the Midwest. With warm wishes, Luisito CABRERA and Melanie RIVERA Artistic Directors Salsa Des Moines

Don’t miss a moment of this romantic, and at times provocative, evening of ballet. Contemporary and classical ballet will presented with the evening highlight of Giselle, Act Two — the ballet fan’s favorite tragic, but oh-so-passionate classical ballet. Learn more about Ballet Des Moines’ Romantic Expressions. Tickets available through Ticketmaster & Hoyt Sherman Box Office.

Take your family out to the ballgame. The Iowa Cubs meet the Round Rock Express starting at 6:35PM. Tickets vary in price from $7-$25.

Becca Dougherty takes on Peter Hemet in dueling pianos at The Grand Piano Bistro, 506 East Grand in the East Village. Hear the music starting at 8:30PM. Cover is $5.

Catch Gabrielle Louise at Ritual Cafe, located on 13th Street between Grand and Locust. She entertains starting at 7PM. Cover is to be determined.

People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, 3rd Floor in the Court District, will host Trippin Billlies, in a show for those 21+. The tribute to the Dave Matthews Band will start at 9PM, with doors opening at 8PM. Tickets are $10.

The Iowa Barnstormers storm back to Wells Fargo Arena to take on the Oklahoma City Dawgs in arena football. Catch all the action starting at 8:05PM. Ticket price varies. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com or call 515-633-2255.

Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District, hosts headliner Garrison Star with Jay Nash in a show for all ages. Hear them beginning at 6PM. Cover is $10.

The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village has a full show lined up for all ages. Danger is My Middle Name headlines, with Made Avail, The Last Call Casualties and All the Right Moves. Entertainment gets underway at 5PM and the cover is $10.

Catch the action as the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz come to Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third Street, to take on the Iowa Barnstormers in an Arena Football League game. Kick off time is 8:05PM and ticket price varies from $12 to $75. To order tickets or for more information, call 564-8000 or visit www.iowaeventscenter.com.

The second annual Cochon 555 takes place at the Hotel Ft. Des Moines, 1000 Walnut in Western Gateway. Five chefs will each prepare a 125 pount hog from head to toe for the competition. Five winemakers will showcase their wines, as well. Participating chefs come from Mt. Vernon, Kansas City and Des Moines. A special VIP gathering will include an early wine and cheese reception, brew sampling and a meet and greet with the chefs and judges. The event will run from 5 to 8PM and tickets are priced at $100 and $150 each. For more information visit www.cochon555.com or www.hotelfortdesmoines.com.

Grab a friend and head to Fourth Street Theater, 216 Fourth Street, next to Java Joes in the Court District. Las Vegas hypnotist Terry Stokes will be on hand for some fun starting at 8PM. Cover price varies. For more information, visit www.javajoescoffeehouse.com.

Mr. Baber's Neighbors performs at the Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District, in a show for those 21+. The Shouthpaw Bluegrass Band will join them starting at 9:30PM. Cover is $5.

Have some clothes you'd like to swap...or find out how to modify and update what you've got? Learn how to be creative with your clothes or swap what you've got with others at the Swap-O-Rama-Rama at Impromptu Studio, 300 SW 5th in the Court District. Experts will be on hand to teach workshops and show you how to be creative in terms of your clothing from 11AM to 4PM. Bring any size bag of clothes to swap or use with some creative updates. There's a $10 fee to participate.

Dec 4, 2010 (Sat) 7:30 PM Wells Fargo Arena Fans and critics alike give high praise to Underwood for her incredible vocals as well as the dynamite tour production on her “Play On Tour.” The Albany Times Union said, “When she let loose with a long high note, it just filled the huge arena and raised a million goose-bumps...Underwood understands how to connect with her audience, and her songs of love lost and won resonate with more resolve. And her voice, it’s just a gift from God.” “For nearly two hours, Underwood put on a veritable vocal clinic, nailing every note of her demanding set list,” claimed the Boston Herald. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review shared, “Her energy, charisma and talent are boundless, and hearing her belt out her hits with such passion is captivating….Underwood’s voice alone could make for a great concert, but the backing props, lighting and electronic effects also were spectacular.” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explained, “You quickly realize she’s one of those rare singers who sounds even better live. Numerous times throughout the set, her vocals grew gasps and screams from the packed house.” And Reading, PA’s Leigh Valley Music shared, “And when it's all said and done and the lights go off, the stage stops shifting and the streamers and confetti are swept from the floor, Underwood's voice is still the most special effect of all.” The “Play On Tour,” under the direction of Raj Kapoor, brought in renowned set designer Michael Cotten, perhaps best known as Michael Jackson’s production designer for “This Is It,” as well as Emmy Award winning costume designer, Soyon An, who created one of a kind costumes for Underwood. Tickets on sale: Apr 24, 2010 (Sat) 10:00 AM $55.50, $45.50, $35.50 Tickets are available at the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, all Dahl's Foods, online at dahlstickets.com or charge by phone at 866-55-DAHLS.

It’s Parrot Head time in Des Moines! Beach babies, Bahama mamas and surfer dudes will feel right at home with the sailing songs, reggae, island and surf music Sunday afternoons in April at Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center. Admission is just $5.00, with light appetizers and drinks available for purchase at the Riverwalk Café. The breezy performance line-up includes: April 11: Taz and “Freight Train” Frank April 18: Jono Smith and Larry Berenguel April 25: Scott Long and Greg Sutherland

Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street in the Court District, hosts a full lineup of music for all ages. Headlining will be Set Your Goals. Joining them will be Comeback Kid, Title Fight and The Wonder Years. It all gets underway at 4PM. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.iowatix.com. Cover at the door is $15.

Peanuts, popcorn and crackerjack...and great baseball! Head to Principal Park for a Sunday afternoon of AAA baseball as the Iowa Cubs host Round Rock Express. Game time is 1:05PM and tickets are priced from $7-$25.

Des Moines' best local talent @ el Bait Shop 200 SW 2nd Street, Downtown Des Moines. Bands every Wednesday and Sunday from 8pm to 11pm, with great beer specials.

Music in the East Village Concert featuring Emily Grundstad, soprano.

Catch Thrice & Mancher Orchestra at a show for all ages at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, 3rd Floor in the Court District. Joining them will be O'Brother. Doors open at 7PM and the show is at 8PM. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at www.midwestix.com.

Nashville Pussy, Green Jelly, Psychostick, Cirrus Minor and Caustic Vision will take the stage for a show for those 21+ at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. Music starts at 5PM and tickets are priced from $15-$20. Purchase advanced tickets at www.midwestix.com.

The Fourth Street Theater, 216 Fourth Street next to Java Joes in the Court District, hosts an afternoon of modern Dixieland music. The Johnston Station Jazz Band takes the stage at 2PM and the concert is free.

St. John's Lutheran Church, 600 6th Avenue, will host a concert by the Gustavus Adolphus College Choir from St. Peter, Minnesota. They will perform at 4PM and a freewill offering will be taken.

Hear David Lipsky discuss his new biography, Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace. Lipsky is a contributing editor at Rolling Stone magazine. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's Magazine, The Best American Short Stories, The Best American Magazine Writing, The New York Times, The New York Times Book Review, and many other publications. He's the author of the novel, The Art Fair; a collection of stories, Three Thousand Dollars; and the bestselling nonfiction book, Absolutely American, which was a Time magazine Best Book of the Year, and was purchased by Touchstone/ABC TV. In the mid-nineties, Lipsky began an association with Miramax, working on the films The Pallbearer and Last of the High Kings. He has appeared on the Today show, Charlie Rose, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, American Public Radio's This American Life, and is a frequent contributor to NPR's All Things Considered. He has taught at Deerfield and Johns Hopkins, is the recipient of a Lambert Fellowship, a Media Award from GLAAD, a Henfield/Transatlantic Review award, a Henry Hoyns Fellowship, and a National Magazine Award. This author appears as part of the tenth anuual AViD (Authors Visiting in Des Moines) Author Series presented by the Des Moines Public Library.

Take your family out to the ballgame. The Iowa Cubs meet the Round Rock Express starting at 6:35PM. Tickets vary in price from $7-$25.

Des Moines' best local talent @ The Royal Mile, 210 4th Street, Downtown Des Moines. Solo artists and duo acts every Monday night from 8-10pm.

Spend your lunch hour at the LiveWell Lunch and Learn at Iowa Methodist Hospital, 1415 Woodland in Sherman Hill. The program, "Weaving Creativity into the Fabric of Healthcare" will be presented from 11:45-1PM at the Kelley Conference Room, Education and Research Center.

Ladies! (sorry guys, ladies only) Find your inner goddess and connect with your movements. Class will start with slow stretching and a meditation component. Next we will work on basic belly dance movements with emphasis on isolation and strengthening your core. Expansion will take place from there.

Now that you got the bellydance basics down, we will begin to explore choreography, basic combos, varied levels and turns. The class will begin with a warm-up, then we will focus on increasing skills with combos and choreography. Email -- rglaza@desmoinessocialclub.org

So you think you know trivia? Then reserve the 2nd Tuesday of each month for Tuesday Trivia Night's at Des Moines Social Club in the beautiful Sideshow Lounge! A great way to tease your brain while laughing, chatting, or exploring downtown Des Moines! 7-8pm - Trivia Team Registration 8pm - Game Start

Enjoy a story with a garden theme, music and movement. Accompanied by an adult caregiver, children ages 1-3 are invited to dance, sing, and play, as they enjoy the company of children their own age. This very special morning always ends with a treasure hunt in the dome. Children 1-3 are $1.00, regular admission rates apply for other children and adults.

Catch the smokin'hot blues guitar and killer rhythm section when Bob Pace and the Blues Groove perform at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Music gets underway at 9PM. There's no cover.

Grab a hot dog and spend your lunch hour and a little more at Principal Park. The Iowa Cubs take on Round Rock Express in an afternoon game starting at 12:05PM. Ticket price varies.

Tuesday, April 27th House of Bricks will host World Under with Mood Beside, and Stella, From Vancouver. All Ages show. $5.00 cover

Interviews, performances, & live commercials swaddled in a blanket of funny. It may or may not be a magical evening. If you are into banality and mediocrity then this is the show for you. and... It's the one and only, longest running live talk show in Des Moines.

Find out how you survive when life as you know it changes in an instant from Lee Woodruff, author, journalist and contributing editor for Good Morning America, as she shares the dramatic turn her life took when her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq. Her presentation, "Life Changes in an Instant", part of the Smart Talk Series of programs, will be given at 7:30PM at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut. Series ticket price varies. For more information, visit www.civiccenter.org.

Local birder, John Bissell, shares his skills with park visitors of all ages over the lunch hour to learn the basics of bird watching. The first session starts March 10th at the beach, ONLY if there is open water; please call 313-1298 to verify. Binoculars are encouraged.

Come for a fun night!

Selected dancers from the Pointe Academy perform a mixed repertory program of ballet based dance. Show will include: "Madcap Mazurkas," "Short & Suite," "Bluebird Pas de Deux from Sleeping Beauty," "Sadako," and a ballet choreographed to rock and roll music. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10.00. Call for more information: 515-279-0742.

Chicago native Ronnie Baker Brooks entertains at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Son of legndary bluesman Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie delivers a funky blues/rock hybrid with soul. Catch his performance at an early show, starting at 8PM. There's a $12 cover.

Grand Piano Bistro, 506 East Grand in the East Village, will host SpaTini Night. The event will feature $5 martinis and mini spa servies from East Village Spa (massages, manicures and more, all $15 or under.) SpaTini Night will run from 5 to 7:30PM and there's no cover charge.

Des Moines' best local talent @ el Bait Shop 200 SW 2nd Street, Downtown Des Moines. Bands every Wednesday and Sunday from 8pm to 11pm, with great beer specials.

Breaking Laces headlines the musical line up at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District in a show for those 21+. Music starts at 8:30PM and the cover is $10.

Lee Woodruff, author, journalist and contributing editor to "Good Morning America" will present the next in the Smart Talk series. She'll talk about her life and how it was transformed when her husband suffered a brain injury in Iraq. Her program will be presented at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut in the Court District starting at 7:30PM. Ticket price varies. For more information, visit www.civiccenter.org or www.smarttalkwomen.com. Reservations are required.

Meet at the Central Library to practice playing bridge on Wednesday evenings in April and May. Cafe Gallery. Preregister by signing up online. Call Laura at 515-283-4957 for more details.

Often imitated... the Open Jam has been a Thursday night tradition since 1992! The host band warms up the crowd from 9:30 to 10:30. Musicians, ranging from the accomplished professional to the inspired novice, are then invited to take the stage. Unrehearsed and straight from the heart, this is some real Blues guaranteed to fill the house week after week. $3 Cover

Aikido translates to “the way of harmony”. Through the innovative teachings of this Japanese martial art you will experience a new way to resolve conflict in your life. By accepting conflict as a natural occurrence, you will learn to see more opportunity for movement and resolution. Through the practice of the physical movements, you will learn patience, acceptance and a new way to communicate. In doing so, you can create a powerful existence with yourself and within the relationships in your life. Come experience for yourself, your first class is free!

Join Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie and Parks & Recreation Director Don Tripp as they report on the city’s efforts to save energy and improve the environment! Learn about urban forestry and planning, energy improvements in municipal buildings, LEED initiatives, environmentally-oriented and enhanced landscape design, as well as green building and park maintenance. Homeowners will also take home tips on having a greener yard!

Featuring American Amber, Vanilla Honey Blonde, & Obsidian Stout. A salute to homebrewers @ el Bait Shop. Every Thursday at 6pm, free beer from local brewers and homebrewers while it lasts.

Featuring Boulevard Maibock. Every Thursday from 5-7pm we will be sampling out new in, seasonal, and year-round beers from commercial breweries. Brewery draws are $3 all night.

Celebrate the weekend every Friday at Blues on Grand's Friday Work Release Party. The party lasts from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and features music by Sumpin' Doo and food by Jesse James.

The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) are heading to the Midwest for stop no. 18 on the elite 2010 Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) tour. The top tier event will be held at Wells Fargo Arena on Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st. The event will feature the top 40 bull riders in the world as they go head to head against the toughest bulls that the PBR has to offer! Don’t miss this world-class production that is jam packed with thrills and spills, pyrotechnics, and rock & roll music as the superstars of the PBR are all riding to win the coveted event title. These top athletes are competing week in and week out; each striving for the $1,000,000 PBR World Championship title.

A tag sale full of beautiful art, dishes, furniture, etc. to benefit the Des Moines Art Center

Apr 30, 2010 (Fri) 7:00 PM May 1, 2010 (Sat) 9:30 AM May 1, 2010 (Sat) 2:30 PM May 1, 2010 (Sat) 7:00 PM May 2, 2010 (Sun) 1:00 PM May 2, 2010 (Sun) 5:00 PM Veterans Memorial Auditorium It's circus time! This is the fifth year Hamid Circus International brings six performances to Veterans Memorial Auditorium. This annual event is one of the largest fundraisers sponsored by Shriners across the country, with proceeds going to a great cause — the good work of Shriners in our community! Ferocious felines, aerial artistry, performing pachyderms, prancing ponies, chimps, clowns, and more! Don't miss the music, magic, and fun of the Shrine Circus! Shriners belong to an international fraternity of approximately 450,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama. Founded in 1872, the Shrine is best known for its unique parades, its distinctive red fez, and its official philanthropy, children's hospitals.

Come for a fun night!

If you like jazz-tinged, blues-soaked guitar with deep, warm vocals, head to Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Chris Cain takes the stage at 9:30PM. Cover is $10.

The Omaha Royals come to Des Moines to face the Iowa Cubs in AAA baseball at Principal Park in the Court District. Catch all the action! Friday and Saturday the games start at 6:35PM and on Sunday enjoy an afternoon game at 1:05PM. And stick around Friday night. The tradition of fireworks following the game continues! Ticket prices vary from $7-$25

The Grand Piano Bistro, 506 East Grand in the East Village, hosts pianists Tony Baragona and Brian Herrin in an evening of dueling pianos. Music starts at 8:30PM and there's a $5 cover charge.

Author of "East Village", Sarah Oltrogge, will do a book signing at a wine and cheese reception at Plain Talk Books, 600 East Grand in the East Village. The event, which is free and open to the public, will run from 4:30-7PM.

Death Becomes Us headlines at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. Joining them in the concert for all ages, will be Pain of Evolution, and Screaming Against Violence. Entertainment gets underway at 5PM and cover is TBD.

Hear the sounds of Bella Sol at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. Entertainment for those 21+ starts at 9:30PM and cover is TBD.

Two hot local bands, both packing a stompin’ good beat, will present wildly different versions of old-time fiddle and banjo music at The Des Moines Social Club across from the Pappajohn Sculpture Garden. Admission is free, tips are encouraged. FLYING PIG FIDDLE & BANJO, Dave Losure and Mary Schaeffer-Losure, will serve up old-time southern Appalachian string band music unleashed and untamed, and infused with a dash of the dreaded dijeridu. Instrumentation will be fiddles, fretless banjo, mando-banjo, fiddlesticks, pitchfork, washtub, washboard, limberjack, mouthbow, dijeridu, percussive dance, and more. Audience participation will be invited: try the washtub, learn some “hambone”, and do some old-time dancing! GHOST TOWN BUCKET BANDITS, “515 Bucket Punks”, will play banjo, fiddle, bucket-bass, potato fork, bones, jug, kazoos and vocals. Plus their audiences often sing along so be ready with your pipes warmed up! Expect a grand finale fusion collaboration of Flying Pigs and Bucket Bandits featuring screaming fiddles, battling banjos, dueling buckets and five tine manure fork vs. four tine potato fork! The tineyness will be huge!

Be on hand for Poison Control Center's Record Release Party for all ages at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Also performing will be Christopher The Conquered, The Mynabirds, Wolves in The Attic and Derek Lambert. The party starts at 6:30PM and there's a $5 cover.

Rainbow Penley with Matt Wellendorf performs at Locust Tap, 434 East Locust in the East Village. Music starts at 9PM and there's no cover.

Enjoy the largest cosmopolitan in Des Moines and hear music by the Scott Davis Quartet at Cosmopolitan Lounge at Suites of 800 Locust. Entertainment starts at 8PM and there's no cover charge.