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
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
Thank you to our sponsor
