It is difficult to overestimate the influence of New Wave pioneers Devo - their entire career and existence has been varied and influential to hosts of bands and artists in every medium, in particular anyone with a flair for the subversive. And to think that they're not only playing in Des Moines, but alongside the river at Simon Estes Amphitheater? This is one of those "once in a lifetime" kinds of shows...

Devo formed in the early 1970s, the product of art students at Kent State. Their name came from the idea that humans aren't actually evolving, but de-volving as time goes on. After the Kent State shootings in 1970, the band was inspired to take what started as sort of a joke much more seriously.

A big thanks to all the volunteers, bands, sponsors and attendees for making Little BIG Fest a success. Check out all the photos courtesy of Phil Thompson.

The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition's Little BIG Fest is set for Sat., Nov. 21. The fourth annual local music festival organized by the volunteers of the DMMC will move locations this year to People’s Court.

Putting talented Iowa bands at the forefront, Little BIG Fest is an alternative culture celebration featuring the best of Iowa’s roots, jam, blues, bluegrass, folk, and acoustic music. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 30 at 2 PM on IowaTix for $10 or take advantage of a special offer by signing up for DMMC front row membership for $25 by Nov. 20 and get a free 80/35 t-shirt and Little BIG Fest ticket.

October 24 marks the 7^th Annual Tribute to Johnny Cash at People’s Court in Des Moines, IA.  Doors open at 8pm and the show begins at 9pm.  Tickets can be purchased through IowaTIX at www.iowatix.com. 

The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition announces that the fourth annual Little BIG Fest will take place on November 21, 2009, at People's Court in downtown Des Moines. Band submissions are being accepted until October 8.

The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition asks local musicians, promoters, venue operators and others a series of eight questions about local music in this new feature. Ladd Askland with the Vaudeville Mews answered those questions for our third installment.

Did you know that you and your family rock? Well let’s show you exactly how! On Sunday, Sept. 27th, Employee and Family Resources, with the help of Bankers Trust, will be hosting Every Family Rocks at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines.