Music University

Music University is an annual conference and showcase presented by the DMMC for musicians and music industry workers in Iowa. The goals of Music University are to mobilize the growing music industry in Des Moines, both performers and behind the scenes roles; bring in national experts to help our local community gain new perspectives and knowledge; and highlight the economic impact of music on our city.

The event is cohosted by DMMC and xBk Live and will feature industry panels around touring, building fanbases, artist incubators, career paths for non-musicians, and how to make the DSM music scene stronger.

The day will end with a ticketed show from the musical duo, Cactus Blossoms out of Minneapolis, which is open to the public. Attendees will have the chance to see the Drake neighborhood and experience the music film, Stop Making Sense, at the Varsity Theatre, in addition to the many eateries in the area.

Music University is free to attend, thanks to Community Choice Credit Union for supporting this year’s event.

Music University is set for January 20, 2024 at xBk Live!

When: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, 12:30-5:00pm

Where: xBk Live, 1159 24th St., DSM, IA

 Meet the 2024 Panelists

I’m Doing Well Here, Now What? A discussion on touring and building a fanbase

Meghan Kreidler, actor and musician, Kiss the Tiger

Zeke Whetstone, booking coordinator and promoter, First Fleet Concerts

Antonio Rodgriguez, booking agent, Atomic Music Group

Dick Prall, musician, Dickie Music

Artist Incubators: A new path forward

Tobi Parks, musician, entertainment attorney, owner of xBk Live

Jessie Hartke, independent music advocate and entrepreneur, Midtopia

Adam Hartke, independent music advocate and entrepreneur, Midtopia

Mari Crisler, artist, Social Cinema & Uh Oh

I Want To Be In The Music Business, But I Don’t Play An Instrument: Career paths for non-musicians in the music industry

Allison Fegley Johnson, chief operating officer, Hoyt Sherman Place

Kate Lichter, marketing manager and graphic designer, First Fleet Concerts

Lindsey Moon, editor and executive producer, IPR Studio One’s All Access

Anthony Scanga, touring photographer and videographer

Thomas Kutz, attorney at Kutz Legal, Drake University faculty

How To Make Des Moines’ Music Scene Stronger? A community discussion on where we are and what we need to do

Diana Weishaar, musician and marketer, The Host Country

Emmett Phillips, artist and activist

Allegra Hernandez, artist, music director at School of Rock

Rachel Gulick, executive director, Girls Rock DSM

Lani, artist

Connie Boesen, Mayor of Des Moines

Phil Young, head engineer, Trilix Studio


Experience the Drake neighborhood after Music University!

Music + Film experience at The Varsity Cinema: The Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense

The Varsity Cinema is hosting a special film in collaboration with Music University. The Talking Heads’ music film, Stop Making Sense is a newly restored version of their 1983 concert footage. Tickets $12.

Show at 5:30 pm | Run time: 88 minutes

Tickets here!

Live Show with The Cactus Blossoms and EleanorGrace

Following Music University, the day will end with a live show at xBk featuring Minneapolis duo, The Cactus Blossoms with Iowa-based EleanorGrace. Tickets $20-25.

Doors open at 7pm | Show starts at 8pm

Tickets here!

Thank you to our sponsor