One of the best things about Gross Domestic Product is the eclectic nature of its lineup. The festival consistently serves as a snapshot of the year in Iowa music. It seamlessly books artists from all genres throughout the state alongside one another in a way that speaks to the liveliness of Iowa culture moreso than any specific genre it may include.

On a smaller scale, Vaj of Courage does the same thing as a band. Their music morphs from song to song, often shapeless in genre but for the nods to Soul and R&B underpinned in various folk instrumentation. On top of that, the band’s multi-instrumentalist cast shifts between instruments throughout their live set, giving the band itself a certain undefinable quality.

In that regard, Vaj of Courage may just be the eclectic torchbearer of this year’s GDP festival, even with more experimental acts like Bob Bucko Jr. and Alex Body in the mix.

– By Trey Reis of DSM Shows

Click here to read all of DSM Shows’ GDP previews

 

See Vaj of Courage at Gross Domestic Product on Saturday, May 28 at The Blazing Saddle (416 E. 5th) at 10:30pm. Click here to purchase advance discount tickets.

Learn more about VaJ of Courage on their Facebook page.

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Get all the details on Gross Domestic Product 2016 here

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Check out the Locusic playlist for Gross Domestic Product

GDP is organized by the nonprofit the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC). Gross Domestic Product 2016 is made possible with the support of Traveler Beer CompanyTallgrass Brewing CompanyGreater Des Moines PartnershipBravo Greater Des MoinesGuitar CenterHy-VeeThe Blazing SaddleSaturday Mfg.VolunteerLocalWooly’sDSM Shows, and KFMG 98.9 FM.

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Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an all Iowa music festival held every spring, featuring musical artists from Greater Des Moines and the rest of Iowa. The 11th annual Gross Domestic Product will take place on May 28th, 2016 at venues around the East Village in Des Moines, Iowa! See the full line-up and details here. Gross Domestic Product highlights some of the original songwriters, performers, and recording artists in our community who make Iowa proud! GDP focuses primarily on young, new artists, those who are taking their first steps into creative self-expression through music and doing so in a positive, collaborative way. Each year we highlight a selection of new artists that our community has to offer, along with a few established groups that have had success building careers while living and working in the state we call home.

Established in spring 2006, GDP has featured over 100 musical acts, including House of Large Sizes, The Envy Corps, The Poison Control Center, Christopher the Conquered, Mumford’s, Facecage, and many more.

Click here for the most recent news about Gross Domestic Product