Maybe you heard the news last week: The Ingersoll’s long-awaited reopening got bumped from Thanksgiving weekend back to New Year’s Eve. The dsm team has been looking forward to its return since even before we published a story about it earlier this year. But if we’ve waited a decade, surely we can wait a few more weeks. In the meantime, there’s no shortage of concerts and shows at other venues around town, from Yo-Yo Ma to “Les Misérables” to the return of Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. As we do each quarter, we’ve rounded up a few of the most promising events to check out in the next few months. Thanks for reading — and keep in touch,
Michael Morain
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Aliza Nisenbaum's new painting "Butterfly, Cempasuchil, and Pegasus in Flight, Day of the Dead Committee Members" features locals who helped organize the Día de los Muertos tradition at the Des Moines Art Center. (Image: Des Moines Art Center) |
Día de los Muertos lives on at the Art Center |
For 25 years now, the Des Moines Art Center has organized an annual celebration for the Día de los Muertos, the Latin American festival that honors departed loved ones with food, music and other special gifts of remembrance.
This year’s event, set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2, will offer many of the traditions that celebrants of all ages have come to love: dance and music performances, art and food from local vendors, hands-on activities, a costume showcase and an ofrenda (altar) that honors the past 25 years and will remain on display through Nov. 16.
But this year offers something even more. The Mexican-born, New York-based artist Aliza Nisenbaum visited the 2024 festival to kick off her year as the Art Center’s Toni and Tim Urban International Artist-in-Residence. During her initial visit, she got to know several committee members who helped kick off the Día de los Muertos festival 25 years ago and painted their portraits in colorful new artwork on display through Jan. 11 in a show called “Aliza Nisenbaum: Día de los Muertos.”
A second exhibition with Mexican connections is also on display through Jan. 18. “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations,” features work by the artist (1902-2002) who is often considered the father of Mexican photography. He traveled across the country for decades shooting dramatic black-and-white photos that “capture the essence of Mexican identity,” according to the Art Center’s latest newsletter. The show highlights some of his artistic collaborations with Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Luis Bunuel and others.
Bonus: A bilingual, all-ages Día de los Muertos performance called “Sugar Skull!” is set for Nov. 8 as part of the Wellmark Family Series at the Des Moines Civic Center. |
More in Museums & Galleries |
Ben Millett: Iowa Artists 2025, through Nov. 2, Des Moines Art Center. Check out the local artist’s quilt show, a first in Art Center’s history, before it closes.
“The Female Gaze,” through Nov. 29, Olson-Larsen Galleries. A handful of leading women artists from across the Midwest display their paintings, sculptures and more.
Robert Rauschenberg: “Currents, 1970,” through Dec. 14, Des Moines Art Center. See a series of 17 prints and a related sound piece, all inspired by 1960s political turmoil and information overload.
“Preserving the Past,” through Dec. 19, Brunnier Art Museum, Ames. Iowa State University Museums celebrates its 50th anniversary with a look back at some of the artworks the staff has tracked down, recovered and restored.
Goldie’s Halloween Bash, Oct. 25, State Historical Museum of Iowa. Celebrate the holiday during a family-friendly event with Iowa’s state bird.
Jill Wells: “I am a Multitude,” Oct. 30-Dec. 19, Anderson Gallery. The prolific local artist and Drake University alumna returns to her alma mater to create a temporary site-specific installation.
“The American Revolution: History and the Military Experience,” Nov. 1, State Historical Museum of Iowa. The museum partners with Iowa PBS to screen a few clips from the forthcoming Ken Burns documentary “The American Revolution,” premiering Nov. 16, with insights from a panel of historians from the Central College, Daughters of the American Revolution and Iowa Gold Star Military Museum.
B. Robert Moore: “In Living Color
,” Nov. 1, Moberg Gallery. The local artist whose work often draws on his own experience as a Black Iowan opens a month-long solo show at the gallery on Grand Avenue.
Iowa’s Largest Arts & Craft Show, Nov. 14-16, Iowa State Fairgrounds. If it can be made by hand, you can probably find it among the 250-plus booths at the Varied Industries Building.
“The Animal Show,” Dec. 4 and 5, Olson-Larsen Galleries. Dogs, cats and other critters star in the multimedia group show at the gallery in Valley Junction. It opens with receptions during Jingle in the Junction (Dec. 4) and First Friday (Dec. 5) and continues through Jan. 31. |
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Yo-Yo Ma, pictured here during a lively moment in Portugal in 2022, plans to visit the Des Moines Civic Center on Nov. 1. (Photo: Getty Images) |
Civic Music Association hits 100 with Yo-Yo Ma |
Is there anything Yo-Yo Ma can’t do? The multilingual UN Messenger of Peace is a champion for environmental causes. He studies music’s effects on the brain. He’s popped up on “Sesame Street,” “The Simpsons,” the fictional “The West Wing” and the real deal, where President Obama gave him a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Oh — and he also plays the cello. His Nov. 1 concert at the Des Moines Civic Center will feature music he says “has shaped his thinking about art, human nature and our search for meaning.”
The concert headlines the centennial season of the Civic Music Association, which locals organized in 1925 to bring in a steady stream of elite classical soloists and ensembles. A short article in the Des Moines Register that spring heralded the imminent arrival of the concert series as “a single community course of high-class musical attractions.” It appeared on the same page as an ad for Magnavox tube radio sets, touted as “the miracle of the century.” The association was officially founded that June with 100 charter members. Its ranks quickly swelled to 1,413 by the first concert on Nov. 6, featuring the Kibalchich Russian Symphonic Choir at the Des Moines Coliseum (which burned down in 1949.) Annual dues were $5, which included admission to all concerts.
Over the years, the series has featured such icons as the pianists Sergei Rachmaninoff, Vladimir Horowitz and Van Cliburn; the violinists Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman; and singers from Marian Anderson to Simon Estes. Read more about the Civic Music Association’s history in dsm. |
All Time Low, Oct. 29, Vibrant Music Hall. The multi-platinum rock band will make a stop in Waukee during their “Everyone’s Talking!” tour.
“Twilight” in concert, Oct. 30, Des Moines Civic Center. Experience the vampiric saga in a new (moon) light as an ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians perform the film score in tandem with the movie.
Halloween with the Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra, Oct. 31, Noce. A big band ensemble performs a variety of scary movie soundtrack standouts and spooky original scores. All in costume, of course.
Jordan Messerole: Made in the Midwest, Nov. 4, Temple Theater. The local Americana singer/songwriter will perform his original songs as part of DMPA’s “Made in the Midwest” series to showcase local talent.
Astro Brat EP release party, Nov. 7, xBk. The new Des Moines-bred pop-punk duo Astro Brat will perform songs from their first EP and celebrate their newest single “Pretend.”
B.Well, Nov. 8, Wooly’s. Local hip-hop artist, activist, entrepreneur and owner of the Contrary also known as Billy Weathers steps back onto the stage for a performance. His latest album “Money Well Made,” released last summer, explores themes of perseverance, community and personal growth.
Frank Basile & Jeb Patton, Nov. 9, Caspe Terrace. The saxophonist and pianist take a quick break from the New York jazz clubs where they usually play to visit the intimate concert hall in Waukee.
Jake Minch, Nov. 10, xBk. The singer, songwriter and producer from Connecticut is touring his debut album “George,” which received praise from NPR.
Voix de Ville, Nov. 14, Noce. The “anything goes” cabaret produced by Max Wellman features instrumental arrangements spanning the last century of jazz accompanied by vaudeville-inspired drag and ballet performances.
The Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown, Nov. 15, Temple Theater. Two internationally renowned tribute bands, Abbey Road and Satisfaction - The International Rolling Stones Show, duke it out on stage with mash-ups performances from their namesakes in a boy-band extravaganza.
A Motown Christmas, Nov. 16, Hoyt Sherman Place. Past and present members of Motown’s most legendary groups get together for a little doo-wop fa-la-la.
Des Moines Symphony Masterworks, Nov. 22, Des Moines Civic Center. Guest violinist Stefan Jackiw joins the orchestra for Bruch’s “Scottish Fantasy” before Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony.
Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, Dec. 5-6, St. John’s Lutheran Church. The choir that now includes singers of all stripes celebrates its silver anniversary with a “Silver Bells” holiday program, with handbells, a harpsichord and a few festive surprises.
Taylor Fest, Dec. 6, Wooly’s. Gather all your showgirls, the Swiftie sing-a-long party returns to Wooly’s.
Dessa, Dec. 12, Wooly’s. The hip-hop artist, poet, author, science geek, podcaster and a "national treasure," according to NPR, returns to Iowa for an all-ages show.
Andrew Hoyt: Made in the Midwest, Dec. 13, Temple Theater. Local touring musician Andrew Hoyt brings his newest folk-pop EP home for a performance as part of the “Made in the Midwest” series from Des Moines Performing Arts.
Tonic Sol-Fa: The Final Holiday Tour, Dec. 20, Hoyt Sherman Place. Emmy-winning a cappella quartet stops in Des Moines on their “Wrap It Up” holiday tour, part of the group's final shows that will celebrate their 30 years of music and performances.
Des Moines Symphony’s Holiday Brass, Dec. 20-21, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Hark! The Des Moines Symphony brass section heralds the season as only they can in a program for all ages.
New Year’s Eve at the Ingersoll, Dec. 31, The Ingersoll. The local singer Napoleon Douglas and his jazz orchestra take the stage at 2 p.m. to reopen the Ingersoll, followed by an evening show with the Grand Marquis from Kansas City.
Des Moines Symphony’s NYE Pops: Cirque, Dec. 31, Des Moines Civic Center. Aerialists, contortionists and other physics-defying performers from Troupe Vertigo join the symphony on stage to ring and swing in the new year. |
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Anjelah Johnson-Reyes visits Hoyt Sherman Place on Nov. 8. |
Hoyt Sherman Place spotlights women in comedy |
Ready for a few laughs? Hoyt Sherman Place is closing out the year with a lineup of women who bring serious comedic chops to the stage. The historic Des Moines venue will host several standout performers over the next couple of months, each redefining what it means to own the mic and get the crowd roaring.
First up is Paula Poundstone (Nov. 7), known for her quick wit and sharp observations about the absurdities of everyday life. A trailblazer in stand-up, she was the first woman to host the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and was featured in Time magazine’s “best of” issue in 2020.
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes takes the stage the following night (Nov. 8). With six comedy specials under her belt, she continues to prove why she’s one of the most beloved voices in stand-up. Her stop in Des Moines is part of her global “Family Reunion” tour.
Two newer names round out the lineup: Heather McMahan (Nov. 21), who turns her celebrity encounters into comedy gold, and Hannah Berner (Dec. 5), whose quick-fire humor and viral TikTok interviews have earned her a devoted following.
Together, they bring a mix of experience, energy and originality to Hoyt Sherman Place, a fitting finale for a year that could always use a few more laughs. |
More Theater, Comedy & Dance |
BodyTraffic, Nov. 3, Des Moines Civic Center. The renowned contemporary Los Angeles dance company performs innovative routines that are filled with technique and power.
“The Boxcar Children,” Nov. 7-23, Tallgrass Theatre. The classic story of four precocious orphans finding their way in a small New England town is part of the West Des Moines company’s Seedlings series for kids.
"Sugar Skull! A Día de los Muertos Musical Adventure," Nov. 8, Des Moines Civic Center. For families to enjoy, this bicultural musical celebrates Mexican tradition and educates on the meaning of Día de Muertos.
“Les Misérables,” Nov. 12-16, Des Moines Civic Center. A timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit, the musical set in early 1800s France returns with memorable songs like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “One Day More.”
"Triple Espresso,” Nov. 18-Dec. 7, Temple Theater. The comedy about three men and their fall from grace returns to the place where it set the record as the longest-running show in the history of Des Moines Performing Arts. "A Drag Queen Christmas," Nov. 25, Des Moines Civic Center. Witness comedy, music, dancing and everything in between in a holiday extravaganza full of "RuPaul’s Drag Race" icons.
Cirque Musica: "Holiday Wonderland," Nov. 26, Iowa State University’s Stephens Auditorium. The touring production blends holiday music with world-class circus artistry, including high-flying acrobatics and aerial performances.
“The Notebook,” Dec. 2-7, Des Moines Civics Center. The classic romance novel turned cinematic tearjerker is now a musical.
“A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 5-21, Des Moines Civic Center. Iowa Stage Theatre revives the beloved Dickens fable for another staging at the Stoner Theater.
“Frozen,” Dec. 5-27, Des Moines Playhouse. The famous Disney movie featuring magic sisters and the magic of sisterhood takes the stage in a local production.
“The Nutcracker,” Dec. 11-14, Hoyt Sherman Place. Ballet Des Moines stages one of several local productions of the classic fairy tale about a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream, with thoughtful updates for the 21st century.
Dolly Parton’s “Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol,” Dec. 15, Stephens Auditorium. Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains, this musical reimagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the stingy owner of a coal mine. |
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Final Farmers' Market, Oct. 25. The final downtown market of the regular season sells its last pumpkins and pupusas.
YWRC Book Sale, Nov. 6-9, Iowa State Fairgrounds. Iowa’s Biggest Booksale has teamed up with the Young Women’s Resource Center to resurrect the tradition that Planned Parenthood started 60 years ago. Browse more than 150,000 books, records, CDs, DVDs, games, puzzles and artwork inside the Elwell Family Food Center.
Des Moines Holiday Boutique, Nov. 7-9, EMC Expo Center. More than 200 vendors sell jewelry, children's items, gourmet foods and more at this festive shopping weekend.
Living History Farms Race, Nov. 8. The annual cross-country stampede through 300 years of history, plus a few fields and muddy streams, offers one more chance to wear your Halloween costume.
Des Moines Tweed Ride, Nov. 9. Don your old-time duds and grab your oldest bicycle for a leisurely Sunday ride around downtown, with a few pub stops along the way.
Iowa’s Largest Arts & Craft Show, Nov. 14-16, Iowa State Fairgrounds. If it can be made by hand, you can probably find it among the 250-plus booths at the Varied Industries Building.
Jingle in the Junction, Nov. 20-Dec. 18, Historic Valley Junction. Stay up late on Thursdays with extended hours at shops and galleries, live music and more than 125,000 lights over Fifth Street in West Des Moines.
Downtown Winter Farmers' Market, Nov. 21-23, EMC Expo Center. Stock the root cellar and jump-start your holiday shopping at the indoor market, with late-season produce, baked goods and hand-crafted products from local makers.
Festival of Trees & Lights, Nov. 28-30. The 42nd annual pop-up forest takes temporary root at the Iowa Events Center to raise funds for Blank Children’s Hospital.
Christkindlmarket, Dec. 4-7 and 11-14, Principal Park. The outdoor holiday market brings Old World charm to the plaza outside Principal Park, where you’ll find hand-crafted gifts, European-style goodies and traditional music.
Holly & Ivy, Dec. 6-7, Salisbury House & Gardens. Tour the grand old Salisbury House, where local designers, florists, home stagers and other creative types will deck the halls with holiday splendor.
The Peppermint Trail, Dec. 13. Catch a free trolley ride along The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand and the Shops at Roosevelt to enjoy the festivities (and deals) at area shops and restaurants.
Noon Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, Science Center of Iowa. Well, it’s midnight somewhere, right? Ring in the year early with family-friendly activities — and then get a good night’s sleep. |
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