BAND BOMBSHELL - The Mews Know-How

Another feature we will have from time to time on here. The Band Bombshell was a Des Moines music website that ran for a year and a half in 2012 and 2013. It featured interviews, reviews, and other articles of the local scene in Des Moines and Iowa. We will feature some of the articles occasionally.

Originally from the Band Bombshell website from March 21, 2012.

Photo cred: http://www.VaudevilleMews.com

Five things to know before hitting up the Mews
By: Lindsay Fullington

The Vaudeville Mews is my fav music venue in Des Moines. It’s one of those places you’ve passed a million times and probably never noticed (and trust me, if you’ve ever drunkenly wandered in the Court Ave. District, you’ve passed it). It’s the kind of place where you bump into sweat-covered band members on your way to the bar. It’s a place where music-lovers can affectionately get their ears rattled all for the price of a cheap cover charge. But most importantly, it’s a place where the normals can spot an outsider in seconds—so don’t be caught actin’ like you don’t belong.

If you’ve never been to the Mews, take progressive action before you visit. Follow these tips and you’ll be one of the cool kids in no time:

IOWA LIVE - Richard Arndt, Michael Moncada and Whisky High Band, and Josh Sinclair

This is the first of another weekly feature on Iowa Music Showcase. In case, you missed these bands on We Are Iowa and ABC WOI 5 on Thursday and Friday mornings, you'll be able to catch them here!

Lou Sipolt, Richard Ardnt, and Jackie Smillen on Iowa Live

This week we present a collection of the blues and southern rock of Richard Arndt. We don't stray much farther with the next video, the country rock of Michael Moncada and the Whiskey High Band. And sticking to bluesy, country style, we close with Josh Sinclair.

YOUR OWN PRIVATE IOWA - Episode 42: Goldblums/The Vahnevants

The Goldblums are Des Moines area shapeshifting reptilian overlords. This Iowa Music Showcase page is for their dead homie.

The Vahnevants are Criminals and about death rattling.

The first ever two band appearnce has happened! And I had a blast hanging out with both of them. We laughed, we cried, we bleed, it was long and crazy experience. Both The Vahnevants and Goldblumes played sets and we all sat down and had a goofy conversation afterwards! This was an episode I will cherish for a long time

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - Tommy Boynton and Robert Espe at Noce in Des Moines on Jan 17, 2019

Tommy Boynton

"Singing 1st tenor and playing bass, Tommy grew up in Aurora, Colorado. His musical journey began in the 3rd grade, singing in a children’s chorus, and studying piano and drums. Tommy’s love for music lead him to Phil Mattson’s prestigious School for Music Vocations in Creston, Iowa. He then graduated from the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts in 2012, where he studied with Dominique Eade and Ran Blake. Boynton continued to share his love and passion for music by returning to SMV where he taught for the three years until he joined the Freshmen. Tommy has shared the stage with several Grammy nominated musicians, including jazz pianist Fred Hersch, and critically acclaimed jazz vocalist Kate McGarry. He is an avid soccer player and cyclist and has toured across the midwest and around the Pacific Northwest on his bicycle, and believes there is no better way to explore an area or the world than on a bicycle. He currently resides in Des Moines, IA. While on the road, he misses his kitties, Alice and Little Brother, more than anything."
- from the Four Freshman website

"Robert Espe currently plays violin full-time with Des Moines Symphony as well as the wcfsymphony. He is a member of the Metro Chamber Ensemble and a regular sub with Quartet 515. He plays with several area ensembles ranging from folk and rock to klezmer and tango and is an experienced pit orchestra musician.

Robert grew up in Independence, IA and began his violin studies at the age of three with the UNI Suzuki School in Cedar Falls, IA. He was briefly concertmaster of the UNI Symphony Orchestra during his undergraduate studies, before earning a B.S. in Bioinformatics, Minor in Music in 2011.

In addition to his work as a violinist, he is also a professional freelance saxophonist, regularly appearing with Turner Center Jazz Ensemble and the Des Moines Big Band, and is an on-call sideman for local and visiting artists at Des Moines’ jazz cabaret, Noce. He is also a semi-regular horn section member of the Colorado-based, modern funk, roots, and vintage soul band Euforquestra. He has also performed with numerous musical icons including pop superstar Katy Perry and Motown legends The Temptations. As a mandolinist, he is a founding member of Choro Moingona, Des Moines’ premier choro ensemble."
- from his entry on the Des Moines Symphony website

Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube page: "NOCE JAZZ CABARET PRESENTED A JAZZ ON THE HOUSE EVENT FEATURING TOMMY BOYNTON, PIANO AND VOCALS (MEMBER OF FOUR FRESHMAN GROUP), AND ROBERT ESPE ON TENOR SAXOPHONE IN A VARIED CONCERT OF BALLADS."

AUDIBLE FARM - Episode 18: Emery Brown

Emery Brown in the guitarist and singer for the Des Moines area band The Sleepover. We sit down and discuss his experience as a keyboardist in past bands, the music scene in Des Moines, the formation of The Sleepover, and so much more!

"The Sleepover is a post rock band out of Iowa with influences from 80s punk and 70s rock with pop perversions throughout the years."
- from The Sleepover's Facebook page

"The soundtrack to sexy underwear, painting each other's nails and pillow fights."
- from The Sleepover's Bandcamp page

CULTURE MYTH - Days 8: San Francisco

Written by Chad Taylor. Originally appeared on the Culture Myth website on March 26, 2016.

Rae Davis and Sara Routh
all pics by Chad Taylor

California gets progressively more lovely, the further north you head. In the matter of the Great Divide within the state, it is clear that I sit firmly on the NorCal side of things. The greens are greener, the hills are lovelier, and the people are -- if you'll excuse the ad hominem painting -- more chill and genuine.

Rae Davis and Sara Routh are spending their time here quartered in different locations. Davis is staying with friends in Oakland, while Routh and a couple of her friends have rented an AirBnB in The City. After splitting up to unpack at their respective host homes, everyone heads into town for a gig at the Revolution Cafe, and right into a situation that has the potential to be the biggest clusterfuck of the entire tour.

The Mission District is one of the most vibrant, vital parts of the San Francisco landscape. It is exactly what you would expect any large city's heartbeat to look like: colorful, loud, frenetic, slightly gross, beautiful, dirty, and eternally entertaining. Looking for the best cafes? The best little places to eat? The best art? This neighborhood--no matter what each city calls it--is the place to go.

The one potential drawback to that much going on in one small area, however, is the chance for overlap in events. Like, for example, today, when Routh and Davis rock up to the Revolution, and find a full-on street fair happening on the street outside. A street fair including an actual stage with musical performers, literally 10 feet from the Revolution's front door. This could be interesting.

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - Paul Bridson and Jason Danielson at The Noce Jazz Club in Des Moines on Jan 3, 2019

"Since 1994 Paul Bridson has played lead and solo jazz trombone with The Des Moines Big Band, and since 2011 he has been the business manager and lead trombonist of the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra. He is a teaching artist with Drake University, and is available for clinics, casuals, commercial and pit orchestra work anywhere within driving distance. He is also the co-founder of Synergy Jazz Foundation, which brings Aebersold clinicians to central Iowa students and provides assistance to students wishing to attend summer jazz camps.

"Paul studied trombone at Truman State University under Dr. Roger Cody and at the University of Iowa under the incredible George Krem. While attending the U of I, he performed at the Montreaux Jazz Festival with the Johnson County Landmark band under direction of Dan Yoder. He spent four years in Austin, TX playing the Jazz chair in the Non-Ego Big Band and playing bass for numerous Texas Swing bands on famous Sixth Street. His credits include Jimmy Dorsey, Sarah Vaughn, Red Skelton, The Lawrence Welk Orchestra, Wayne Newton, The Temptations, Frankie Valli, 10,000 Maniacs and numerous touring productions."
- from Paul Bridson's profile on the Des Moines Musicians Association website

Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube page: "TROMBONIST PAUL BRIDSON AND PIANIST JASON DANIELSON COMBINED TO PRESENT A PROGRAM OF BALLADS AND JAZZ STANDARDS TO THE THURSDAY NIGHT JAZZ ON THE HOUSE SERIES AT NOCE JAZZ CABARET 1/3/19. THE VIDEO HERE IS OF THE FIRST SET OF THE EVENING."

AUDIBLE FARM - Episode 17: Cobey Murray

This is the first of a new feature we will be presenting on the Iowa Music Showcase website. It's an interview podcast where Peter Stockdale of Des Moines band, 3 Finger Betty, and Iowa band, Unity,  interviews a fellow musician.

Cobey Murray is the bassist in the Des Moines area punk band The Astro Bastards. He is also the show promoter for New Revolt Promotions. We sit down and talk about how he got started playing instruments, the formation of The Astro Bastards, tattoos, and more!

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

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - The Molly Brandt Band at Noce Jazz Cabaret in Des Moines on May 24, 2018

Photo by Meanz Chan
http://www.meanzchan.com/
https://www.facebook.com/meanzchan/

Just a little side note. This is the 900th video that Jazzman Joe has put up on his YouTube channel. To check all 900 of his videos, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/jazzmanjoe100/videos.

"Molly Brandt Band is eponymously named for its leader, Molly Brandt. You knew that though... Playing a classic mix of R&B, soul, blues, and jazz. Sources of Inspiration include the likes of Lake Street Dive, Etta James, Nancy Wilson, and Nina Simone...

"Molly Brandt lives and works in Des Moines as a jazz and R&B musician, piano educator, and arts advocate. A recent graduate of Drake University's Music Business program, Molly has found passion and fulfillment through community engagement with the arts and a deep love for the city of Des Moines.

"Since graduating, Molly has primarily worked with the Des Moines Music Coalition as the Advocacy Coordinator, with a goal of changing city ordinances to better serve music venues, musicians, and the overall city. Additionally, she has engaged in research with Drake University to help implement goals of Bravo's Regional Cultural Assessment and gauge challenges and needs for a robust creative economy in Des Moines. She currently teaches piano for all ages and levels. Molly serves on the Board of Directors for Civic Music Association and volunteers time with the 80/35 music festival. Then she sees as much live music as possible and explores the city she loves."
- from their Facebook page

Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "THE MOLLY BRANDT BAND PERFORMED AT NOCE JAZZ CABARET ON 5/24/18 BEFORE A CAPACITY AUDIENCE "ON THE HOUSE NIGHT". THE VERY TALENTED MOLLY ON VOCALS, KEYS & PIANO. SHE WAS SUPPORTED BY CHRIS WALSH ON BASS, JOSH GORMAN ON GUITAR, ANDREW GRJERSVIK ON DRUMS, TIM ZUO ON ALTO SAX, AND ERIC BROWN ON TRUMPET."

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - The CJC Big Band at Java Joe's in Des Moines on May 20, 2018

"The Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center (CJC) was founded in the 1980's with the help of many people, including Scott Davis, Dave Koberdahl, Larry Green, Cecil Stanley, and Phillis Leaverton. As a part of the CJC's outreach efforts, the CJC Big Band was formed in order to travel and perform at the IAJE festival in New Orleans in the late 1980's.

"The CJC Big Band lost a consistent presence until 1993, when Mr. Doug Bown, at the suggestion of Larry Green, worked to start the CJC Big Band up again. Doug Bown was the part time assistant band director at Hoover High School and arranged for the band to rehearse at the school and make use of Hoover High School's music library to get started. Performing a variety of music, notably arrangements of Woody Herman and Count Basie music, the CJC Big Band began rehearsing and performed for a few high school events. Notable pianist Jason Danielson was a Hoover student and with the CJC Big Band during that year or two that Doug Bown led the band.

"Phillis Leaverton, who at the time oversaw the student jam sessions at Java Joes, arranged to have the CJC Big Band play on the third Sundays at the downtown location of Java Joe's. At the time, there was no Fourth Street Theater so the band had to squeeze onto the little stage in the coffee shop. Doug Bown assembled and directed the band for a year or two and then handed it over to Chris Paulson who played drums and directed band at East High School at the time.

"Since the mid 90's the group has been led by a number of musicians, including: Doug Bown, John Kendeigh, Frank IacovazziI, Bob Start, etc."
- from the CJC Big Band home page

Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "THE CJC BIG BAND, WITH VOCALISTS AMBER DUIMSTRA, CRAIG IRVIN, AND BOB SIMMONS, PRESENTED THEIR SPRING FINALE PERFORMANCE TILL NEXT FALL BEFORE AN ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE OF FANS....NINETEEN SONGS WERE ON THE PLAYLIST."

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - NOLA Jazz Band at Noce in Des Moines on Apr 27, 2018

"The NOLA Jazz Band began playing together for an initial gig at The Basement of The Des Moines Social Club March, 2015. It became so popular it is now an ongoing event. Since then band has taken the midwest by storm in a little over a years time.

"The bands monthly 'New Orleans Jazz Party' occurs every First Friday of the month at 'The Basement' playing to packed and many times sold out shows. Starting in 2017 the band will also be playing regularly at "NOCE" Des Moines new jazz and blues club. All band members have a common love for the sound and 'feel' of both traditional and current New Orleans based music – real, gutsy, raw, heartfelt, and entertaining.

"The NOLA Jazz Band has played alongside a number of well-known traditional jazz and music groups including Davina & The Vagabonds from Minneapolis, Sony recording artist Bria Skonberg from New York City, and Dom Flemons of The Carolina Chocolate Drops.

"Individual band members have shared the stage with Vincent Gardner, Maynard Ferguson, Benny Goodman, Kurt Elling, and many other well know jazz artists. NOLA Jazz Band members have also been inducted into the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."
- from their home page

Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "THE NOLA JAZZ BAND PERFORMED  AT NOCE JAZZ CABARET THIS EVENING ON 4/27/18 BEFORE AN ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE. ABBIE SAWYER DELIVERED HER SMOOTH VOCALS TO THE DELIGHT OF EVERYONE IN ATTENDENCE."

YOUR OWN PRIVATE IOWA - Episode 29: Christopher The Conquered

"Christopher the Conquered and his piano have traveled North America and Europe for over 10 years, sharing his self-proclaimed 'Interstellar Soul' with anyone who will listen.

"His 2016 album I'm Giving Up On Rock & Roll has received over 500,000 listens online and has garnered positive reviews, with the songwriter Ryan Adams proclaiming it 'crazy & incredible' and Alternative Press labeling it a 'raw, emotional' record. ABC News declares his music 'compelling, interesting, and funny'.

"Christopher developed his songwriting while growing up in Iowa, but he now calls Colorado home. He has spent time on stage supporting a wide array of magnificent artists, including Leon Russell, Andrew Bird, Sturgill Simpson, The Mountain Goats, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and Julien Baker.

"If you've never listened to Christopher the Conquered, then take the advice of Paste Magazine and 'Listen now.'"
- from his home page

Christopher developed his songwriting while growing up in Iowa, but he now calls Colorado home. He has spent time on stage supporting a wide array "Last week Christopher The Conquered stopped by the studio. He was in town briefely working on a pretty sweet project, the Iowa Music 4x10 that we talk about in great detail on the show! Chris is one of the biggest names to come out of the Des Moines Music scene and is making a name for himself across the globe! We really dive into his music in the interview which is accompanied by Pre Recorded tracks off thr most recent album, a single, and an unreleased track*

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - Tina Haase Findlay sing Ella Fitzgerald at Noce in Des Moines on Apr 21. 2018

"More than thirty local and reigonal musicians have joined Tina and Brandon (Findlay) on their musical journey over the last four-plus years, including international award-winning bassist Scot Sutherland, renowed artist-educator Dr. Damani Phillips, percussionist/clinician Paul Thompson, and many more close friends.

"Blues, rock and soul meets jazz, jam and gospel- with theatre, jingles, ragtime and whatever the heck we feel like throwing in!"
- from the Diva and the Deacons Facebook page

"Tina is a local blues and jazz vocalist legend, and she brings her signature stage presence and swag..." - from Cady Colosimo on the DMMC (Des Moines Music Coaliton) website

Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "TINA HAASE FINDLAY PERFORMED HER TRIBUTE TO ELLA FITZGERALD COMEMORATING ELLA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY AT NOCE JAZZ CABARET BEFORE A NEAR CAPACITY AUDIENCE.SUPPORTED BY HER BAND WHICH INCLUDED HUSBAND BRANDON FINDLAY ON GUITAR."

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble at the Union Park United Methodist Church in Des Moines on Apr 12, 2018

"The Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble keeps audiences entertained with a variety of swingin' tunes! The ensemble consists of 16 amazing musicians that perform at several venues throughout the year in Central Iowa including coffee shops, farmer's markets, retirement communities, corporate events, fundraisers and more."
- from an old event listed on Tockify.com

Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: BEAVER CREEK JAZZ ENSEMBLE PRESENTED THEIR SPRING CONCERT AT UNION PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON 4/12/18. DENI BASH HOFFMAN WAS THE FEATURED VOCALIST. JAZZ STANDARDS FROM GOODMAN, ELLINGTON, & SHAW WERE HIGHLIGHTED."

Photo by Robert Bees

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS: Foxtrot Hot Shots at Noce Jazz Club in Des Moines on Mar 3, 2018

"Founded in 2005, the BALLYHOO FOXTROT ORCHESTRA is a vintage ensemble dedicated to recreating the jazz and popular music of the 1910s and 1920s. The eight-piece ensemble employs an instrumentation that enables the group to perform a wide variety of musical genres from the period, including foxtrots, Dixieland jazz, blues, novelty songs, waltzes, tangos, cabaret, patriotic songs, and light classical music. So whether the occasion calls for the Art Deco elegance of the Great Gatsby or the zany exuberance of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, the BALLYHOO FOXTROT ORCHESTRA can supply just the right music."
- from their home page

Jazzman Joe for the videos' YouTube pages: "THE FOXTROT HOT SHOTS qt NOCE JAZZ CABARET on 3/30/18. THIS PREMIER NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS THE FINEST MUSICIANS IN AN INTIMATE SETTING WITH ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCES. Musicians include John Benoit, leader on piano; Scott Davis on cornet; Seth Hedquist on banjo: Mike Short on tuba, and Drew Selim on drums. Gina Gedler handled vocals. SWING DANCERS from WWW.STEPINTOSWING.COM."

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - Singers Summit with The Community Jazz Center Big Band at Java Joe's in Des Moines on Mar 18, 2018

"The (Community Jazz Center) was formed by Willie Thomas, a nationally known trumpet player, in March of 1988. It's mission was to provide young musicians an opportunity to interact and share their gifted talents with area students. Since the departure of Mr. Thomas, the CJC has thrived under the leadership of Phyllis Leaverton. Long-time volunteer, Abe Goldstien took over the reins of the CJC in August 2017 and has many new and exciting plans for the future of CJC!

"The main objective of the CJC is to provide young musicians an opportunity to develop their talents and enjoy music in a non-competitive environment. The structured monthly jam sessions are beneficial in this way - to both student musicians and professional musicians alike."
- from The Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center website

Jazzman Joe from the video's YouTube page: "JAVA JOE'S COFFEEHOUSE, 214 FOURTH STREET IN DES MOINES, IOWA, WAS THE SITE FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL SINGERS SUMMIT. VARIOUS VOCALIST FROM THE METRO ENTERTAINED, ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMUNITY JAZZ CENTER BIG BAND."

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS - Kelly's Clan at Snus Hill Winery near Madrid on Mar 17, 2018

"Formed in 2005 and currently a favorite for Irish pub music at many festivals and pubs in Central Iowa.

"Kelly's Clan revels in the traditional melodies and acoustic instrumentation of the Celtic music genre. The fun-loving trio channels the communal feel of an Irish pub on raucous sing-alongs, and delivers the mellow richly beautiful ballads and stirring rebel songs of the 'auld sod.'

"With guitars/mandolin/percussion/horns the Clan's infectious tunes infuse roots/blues/world music influences, along with the jigs and reels of Ireland, into each performance.

"Based in the Des Moines area, Kelly's Clan is available to add a Celtic musical touch from Eire to inspire 'Ol, ceol agus craic' (a good pint, great music and wonderful entertainment) at any event."
- from their Facebook page

Jazzman Joe from the video's YouTube page: "IN CELEBRATION OF ST PATRICK'S DAY, SNUS HILL WINERY PRESENTED THE LOCAL IRISH GROUP, KELLY'S CLAN, TO ENTERTAIN THE PATRONS OF THIS POPULAR WINERY LOCATED JUST EAST OF MADRID, IOWA. LED BY ED KELLY, ON GUITAR & VOCALS, THE BAND INCLUDED JOHN MYERS, GUITAR & VOCALS, & JERRY PEOPLES, MULTI TALENTED MUSICIAN ON FLUTE, TENOR, SOPRANO SAX, BONGO'S & VOCALS."

YOUR OWN PRIVATE IOWA - Episode 21: SpaceCamp

After a long strange 30 minutes of technical difficulties, SpaceCamp finally made it on the airwaves last thursday. It was one of the most interesting and downright fun shows I have had doing this podcast, its all about the Reuban.

This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm All Recordings done in the Studio at [88.5 KURE Ames Alternative]

YOUR OWN PRIVATE IOWA is a podcast produced and hosted by Richard Sutton. We feature any new episodes the Wednesday after they were recorded.

(This week's episode featured a band from Minneapolis, so it will NOT be on IOWA Music Showcase. But you can still listen to it on Your Own Private Iowa's Bandcamp page. So instead you get a previous episode with SpaceCamp.)

JAZZMAN JOE VIDEOS: Freestyle at The Des Moines Social Club on Mar 7, 2018

"FREESTYLE is an energetic quintet of talented professional musicians from the Des Moines area. Each member's experience contributes to the group's broad musical background performing in dance and night club groups, cabaret jazz, show bands and appearing in shows with national concert artists from Dionne Warwick to country's Sawyer Brown to rock legends Bobby Vee & Little Richard...we've done it all!

"Our SHOWMANSHIP and VERSATILITY has been on display at hundreds of weddings, conventions, corporate and private parties, festivals and school events in the Midwest for over 25 years.

"PRIDE as a professional comes from knowing you have met the needs of the customer. Our pride is the versatility in musical styles we can present to your listening and dancing audience, aged 9 to 90. We tailor music to your needs!"
- from their home page

Jazzman Joe from the video's YouTube page: "THE ROCK & ROLL BAND "FREESTYLE" PERFORMED AT THE DES MOINES SOCIAL CLUB BASEMENT VENUE THIS EVENING, 3/7/18, IN A FUNDRAISER FOR THE CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK. LED BY ED KELLY GUITAR & VOCALS. OTHER MUSICIANS INCLUDED DAVE KING, GTR & VOCALS, JERRY PEOPLES TENOR SAX, SOPRANO SAX, & VOCALS, GARY MERRILL DRUMS & VOCALS, & SCOTT DAVIS,TRUMPET, PFLUGELHORN, HARMONICA & KEYBOARD."