DSM UNPLUGGED - Chris Ranallo on Jan 6, 2016

I fully admit that I know nothing about this show. DSM Unplugged, that took place on Jan 6, 2016.

I just found a bunch of the performances on YouTube and am sharing them with you. If anyone has any information on the show, please let me know!

Chris Ranallo is a singer/songwriter whose musical talent, songwriting ability, and vocal prowess have graced a variety of stages and venues spanning the Midwest to the West Coast over the last decade. His sound has been described as a fusion of John Mayer and Maroon 5, with heartfelt ballads and a funky soulful flare.

Chris' passion for music was ignited as a child growing up in a creative, musical family in Iowa. By the time he was 9 he was composing his own material on the piano, and at 12, Chris was playing the guitar and joined his first band. As a developing artist, he was influenced by iconic performers, including the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Police and the Dave Matthews Band, as well as his musical parents’ artistry. Chris spent countless hours listening to his Dad playing the piano, and recalls being mesmerized by his mother’s “captivating” voice. He performed with rock bands all throughout high school, and went on to hone his musicality and performance skills at the University of Iowa.

After graduation, Chris moved to Chicago in 2001, and began to tour as a solo performer. He continued to pen his own material, and returned to Iowa to form a duo with Scott Kacher, a fellow singer/songwriter. Together they performed in Vail, Colorado in 2005, and collaborated on the album “Velcro Dog.”

Chris continued to light up venues as both a solo and duo performer. In 2009 he joined the band Decoy. The band developed an infectious enthusiasm among its loyal fan base. Their 2010 CD, “Nothing to Lose” has garnered well-deserved kudos for their tight harmonies and overall production in a fine first effort.

Chris recently released his solo album, “Exhale,” which features eight original tracks, and he is planning a tour in the Fall 2013. As Chris continues along his own trajectory as an artist, he will always be the kid that fell in love with acting and performing and will continue captivating audiences by sharing his stories through music and creating unforgettable moments with his fans, in the spotlight in which he truly shines.
- from his Facebook page

CULTURE MYTH - Day 1: Des Moines

Starting today, and continuing on or near the 10th and 25th of every month, we will be reprinting a post from Chad Taylor's blog, Culture Myth. Chad Taylor was the music reporter for Cityview magazine in Des Moines, although he has also written for other publications like DSM Magazine.

Written by Chad Taylor. Originally appeared on the Culture Myth website on March 18, 2016

Rae Davis' cousin came to see her play tonight.

"All this time, I didn't even know we were living in the same city," she says afterward, still in disbelief. "Then I look up from the stage, and there she is."

The Davis clan is not the only one represented in the Des Moines Social Club's Basement Bar tonight, either. For both Davis and Sara Routh, the venue is full of parents and relatives and friends and loved ones. It's full of family.

For nearly 500 years of our human history, it was customary for people at home to come to the shore and watch ships leaving the harbor. It was a chance to say a final farewell to loved ones standing on deck, and a way of wishing the vessel good luck as it pushed forth into the great unknown or, at very least, the great known but still really dangerous and unpredictable.