Bigfoot Diaries To Go Live! Again This Sunday

Sunday night we go LIVE! again. Sitting in the studio with us will be Tom Bolan of Artworx Design and Todd Partridge of King of the Tramps. 

(Sorry mom, he's not from the Partridge Family.)

Artwork by Tom Bolan

We will be discussing all kinds of heady topics ranging from T-shirt marketing for bands, inventing logos, to being a musician in a travelling rock and roll outfit... and anything else in between.  Our panel (subject to change at any time) will be Shep, Cveckian, and I. Our bearded poet, Don Larkin will be making his Bigfoot Diaries Live! Debut. You can stream the show live right here at this website at 7:00 CST. 

We hope you will join us!

Steps Taken for Great March for Climate Action

Starting March 1, 2014, through a non-profit called Great March for Climate Action, 1,000 climate hawks will march from Santa Monica, CA, across the United States to Washington, DC. This will be the largest coast-to-coast march in American history. It is aimed at inspiring and motivating the general public and elected officials to act now to address the climate crisis.

While marchers will undergo eight months of heat, wind, mountainous terrain, and insects, it will be an incredibly rewarding, life-changing adventure to promote a cause they are passionate about. Marchers will walk 14-15 miles per day and tent camp nearly every night. Also, educational activities will be conducted along the March as a key component to teach and inspire climate action within local communities. Several people are referring to it as “the adventure of a lifetime” and “an excellent opportunity to travel our beautiful country.”

The founder, Ed Fallon, inspired by other non-violent march leaders such as Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr, decided that organizing a march would be the best way he could stimulate change. “Climate change is not the prevailing issue confronting our society – it is the prevailing crisis!” Fallon exclaims. “This needs to become the defining issue of this century.”

So far, Great March for Climate Action has enjoyed several prestigious endorsements, including but not limited to: 350.org and Bill McKibben, Iowa Representative Bruce Braley, Iowa Senator Rob Hogg, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Center for Biological Diversity. More are coming in every week.

The organization will begin taking marcher applications in July 2013. “I anticipate to receive a large influx of applications that first month,” reports Zach Heffernen, Marcher Director. “I recommend submission of the application right away to everyone who is serious about marching." Please like our Facebook page and generate additional awareness! 

For questions or to learn how to volunteer or march, contact me at zach@climatemarch.org or 513-5-WE-WALK (513-593-9255).

-Zach Heffernen

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Pertinent Links:

Great March for Climate Action website

Great March for Climate Action on Facebook

Bryan's List of Musical Happenings 6/17/13

Monday, June 17

Findlay Family Fun Fest at the Greenwood 7:00
Hessler at Gas Lamp 9:00

Tuesday, June 18

Andy Fleming at El Bait 8:00
Acousti-Beast at the Greenwood 9:00

Burnin' Down the House plays on Friday at House of Bricks

Wednesday, June 19

The High Roller Express at Hull Avenue Tavern 6:00
Lady's Brew: Loose Neutral at Zoo Brew 6:00
Jade and Company at Fire Creek, WDM 6:30
Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Zimm's 7:00
Thankful Dirt at the Raccoon River Brewery 7:00
Ben Wantland at the Greenwood 8:00
Paul Sprawl at El Bait 8:00
World Music Wednesdays at Star Bar 9:00
Gas Lamp Writer's Round at Gas Lamp 9:00

Thursday, June 20

Randy Burke and the Prisoners at Music in the Junction, WDM 5:30
The Nadas - Acoustic Duo at Jasper Winery 6:00
Rainbow Penley at Coda Lounge, Savery Hotel 6:00
Thankful Dirt at Confluence Brewing Company 7:00
The Cave Singers at Vaudeville Mews 8:00
Open jam with Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Keys at Gas Lamp 9:00
The Soul Searchers at the Greenwood 9:00

Friday, June 21

Tunes on the Terrace: the High Crest at Cafe Barrata's - State Historical Museum 11:30 AM
Work Release Party: Bob Pace & the Dangerous Band at Gas Lamp 4:30
Urbandale's Friday Fest: TRIPS at Walker Johnston Complex 5:00
Brother Trucker at Rendezvous on the Riverview 5:30
El Dorados at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 6:30
Women Writers in the Round at Ritual Cafe 7:00
Thankful Dirt at Fire Creek, WDM 7:00
Skyscraper and DJ DJ Tanner at Mars Cafe 7:30
Tallgrass at Outback at Mullets 8:30
Heath Alan Band at the Greenwood 9:00
Bright Giant w/ Red Dirty Turkeys at Gas Lamp 9:00
Burnin' Down the House at House of Bricks 9:00

Jeff Banks and his band will play at the Greenwood on Saturday night. 

Saturday, June 22

Ankeny Unplugged: Freddie Johnston w/ Savannah Smith, Dylan Boyle, Annalibera at Wagner Park, Ankeny 4:00
Pieta Brown w/ Eric Kennedy at Vaudeville Mews 6:00
Bill Matykowski at Smokey Row 7:00
Paige Harpin and the Foxholes at Mars Cafe 7:00
Patresa Hartman at the Grapevine 7:00
Rob Lumbard at the Madison County Winery 7:00
Steve Lemme and Kevin Heffernan (Broken Lizard) at Wooly's 8:00
Chad Elliott and Bonita Crowe at Raccoon River Brewery 9:00
The End (Beatles Tribute) at Gas Lamp 9:00
Parksixty3 at Star Bar 9:00
Jeff Banks Band at the Greenwood 9:00
Latin Night at the House of Bricks 9:00
Black Star Alliance, Twenty 2 Salute, istaken for halos at Underground 9:30

Sunday, June 23

Trouble No More at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 2:00
Bob Pace & the Dangerous Band at Summerset Winery, Indianola 3:00
David Zollo and Chad Elliott & Bonita Crowe at Byron's, Pomeroy 5:00
Terry Evans at House of Bricks 7:00
The Lowdown at El Bait 8:00
World Music Sundays at Star Bar 9:00

-Thank you Bryan Farland. Corrections/additions always appreciated.

Giant Hungry Spider in Downtown Des Moines!!

Exclusive! Giant spider preparing to attack Des Moines! (Photos from the skywalk.)

BIgfoot Diaries Poet Don Larkin: Class Reunion

Class Reunion

I sit here spinning going faster and faster

Gravity’s pulling but it really don’t matter

Sinking in deeper way up to my chin

The ground level view comes to focus again

Some growing older while some never grow up

Still enjoying drinking potions from Satan’s cup

Look deep in my eyes, yeah way past my face

You might see something maybe a trace

Of the boy I once was or the man I’ll be

If I can avoid life’s fatal simplicity

So I sit and spin not knowing what is & isn’t sin

Hoping I’ll have time to really take it in

Needing one more harvest without one more rain

Seeking one more lover, without feeling pain 

Go on now and ask me, hope that I will tell

Stories from my grandpa ringing out like a bell

Boy to man, right here, right now, upon this sacred dirt

I was there right in the midst, but I didn’t buy a shirt

Driving blind on country gravel, seeing by memory

Turning left now and then, seeking life’s tribal mystery

Like the fields and the hills, bending yet oh so straight

Rolling patchwork cropland prettier than lace

Seeing beauty’s bounty far from every sea

Sometimes secretly wishing it was only she and me

A water pump in the kitchen and a bathroom in the yard

Grandma’s soft sweet kisses and grandpa’s hands so hard

If this is country living, I’ll be expecting country death

So fill my plate to overload, I’ll eat up every breath

Old farmer’s & John Deere tractors share a destiny

Both will rust together, bleeding on life’s final tapestry

Happy birthday Don! 

Bryan's List of Musical Happenings 6/10/13

Tuesday, June 11

Courtney Krauss at El Bait 8:00
Mason Jar at Greenwood 8:00

Wednesday, June 12

The High Roller Express at Hull Avenue Tavern 6:00
Uncorked: The Lew & Brad Band at Zoo Brew 6:00
Josh Gorman Blues Trio at Cadillac Jacks Bike Night, Baxter 6:00
Ron Burchett at Fire Creek, WDM 6:30
Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Zimm's 7:00
Jason Walsmith at Raccoon River Brewery 7:00
Bill Matykowski at Greenwood 7:30
Des Monks at El Bait 8:00
World Music Wednesdays at Star Bar 9:00
R.O.E. & the Soulvillians w/ Daggers & Gadema (of D.O.P.E.) at Gas Lamp 9:00

Thursday, June 13

Gimikk at Music in the Junction, WDM 5:30
Flipside at Jasper Winery 6:00
David Zollo at Coda Lounge, Savery Hotel 6:00
Mr. Baber's Neighbors: The Solar String Band at Confluence Brewing Co. 7:00
Open Jam w/ Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Keys at Gas Lamp 9:00
The Soul Searchers at Greenwood 9:00

Dirty River Ramblers will headline the Briar Patch's kick-off event Friday Night.

Friday, June 14

Chad Elliott and Bonita Crowe at Cafe Barratta's - State Historical Museum 11:30 AM
Work Release Party w/ Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Gas Lamp 4:30
Bella Soul at Rendezvous on Riverview 5:30
The Other Side at unWINEd: Gray's Lake 5:30
Nice Bangs at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 6:30
Hey Marseilles, Phox at Vaudeville Mews 6:30
Brother Trucker at the Grapevine 7:00
Here Come the Mummies at Nitefall on the River 7:00
TBA at Fire Creek, WDM 7:00
Briar Patch 10 Year Anniversary Bluegrass Show featuring the Dirty River Ramblers, Jon Eric, and Ira Grace and the Bible Belt Prophets Gates at 6:00 Music at 8:00 Bevington, Iowa (Camping Permitted) 
Infuzion at Out Back of Mullets 8:30
Rick Burke at Greenwood 9:00
Dustin Pittsley Band at Gas Lamp 9:00
Perranderos Latin Combo at Raccoon River Brewery 9:00
Rusty Maples, The River Monks, Diamonds For Eyes at Vaudeville Mews 9:30
Floodplane Free Show (Clips of Faith After Party) 10:00

Saturday, June 15

Rogue Valley w/ Seedlings, Marybeth Doran, Mary McAdams at Wagner Park, Ankeny 4:00
Skeletonwitch w/ Druids at Vaudeville Mews 6:00
Luke Fox at Ritual Cafe 7:00
Bill Matykowski at Smokey Row Coffee House 7:00
Rockin' Grove at Mars Cafe 7:00
Bonnie Finken w/ Jon Locker & Neil Stroffregen at the Grapevine 7:00
Lightnin' Red w/ Curry Harter at Madison County Winery 7:00
CW Smith at Chocolaterie Stam 2811 Ingersoll 7:00
Holy White Hounds w/ Dylan Sires & Neighbors (CD Release) at Gas Lamp 9:00
Max Eubank at Star Bar 9:00
A Scot Sutherland Production at Greenwood 9:00
Latin Night at House of Bricks 9:00

Sunday, June 16

Bill Martin Group at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 2:00
Hot Tamale and the Red Hots at Summerset Winery, Indianola 3:00
Robby Vee at Byron's, Pomeroy 5:00
Duke Robillard at Gas Lamp 7:00
Evergreen Grass Band at El Bait 8:00
World Music Sundays at Star Bar 9:00

-Big thank you to Bryan Farland for his relentless pursuit of local events. Additions and corrections ALWAYS appreciated. 

King of the Tramps Release Wicked Mountain

Back in April Todd Partridge told me that the new King of the Tramps CD was coming along beautifully and that he couldn't wait for me to hear it. I have to admit, upon hearing that I began to tingle with excitement. At this stage in my life, it generally takes a lot to get me tingling.

Wicked Mountain: 2013 Brolester Records.  Artwork by Tom Bolan
Cover photo by Roger Feldhans

Wicked Mountain is the 2nd release for the Tramps. It follows Good People, which was released in 2011. Good People is a great album in it's own right, and I was curious to see if Todd's hype was justified or if it was self-serving hyperbole ahead of the typical sophomore curse. I knew that there was something different about this band, but I couldn't put my finger on it... They have a spark that others do not... and while it's more of an aura than an instantaneous flash, it's definitely there. It could be the way the band conducts itself, which is extremely commendable. While they aren't constantly in your face, they offer enough web presence to keep themselves interesting, and they cruise the social networks with a flair of modesty that is rare in the central Iowa music scene. Not only have the Tramps solidified their place among the major players in the state, but they do so with an uncanny charm that captures a wide audience. This audience treats these Kings as royalty, and one might be hard pressed to find an Iowa band that is more respected by it's fan base than the Tramps are.

The fan base, like everything else the Tramps are associated with is justified. Nobody else is creating the sound that the Tramps are, and with Wicked Mountain, the Tramps have outdone themselves. So much for the sophomore curse. It doesn't exist on Wicked Mountain, and to be perfectly honest, I suspected as much. What you do get is Iowa roots rock performed Tramp style, which is the purest definition available. It's the cross street where The Band meets the Rolling Stones meets Iowa BBQ picnic. What's perfect about this surprisingly natural concoction is that not one of these flavors outshine the other. In other words, your ears hear the obvious Band and Stones influence but it's the Tramps own signature sound that stamps itself above the others. The songwriting on Wicked Mountain is superb, the musicianship is outstanding, and general flow of the record is testament to the band's attention to detail. To mention one song as more of a standout than another would be frivolous, because  it's literally impossible for me to nail down a favorite. the first time I listened to the album, the song "Leaves of Grass" stepped up above the others as my personal favorite, but the next time it was "Kiss My Ass." Then it was "Death's Door" and then "Fresh Green Light of Day." And of course the title track to the album ranks right up there also.

KOTT will play the Gas Lamp in Des Moines on June 8. Peace, Love and Stuff to open.
(Original photo by Roger Feldhans)

If you buy one local album this year, or if you are a  reader of this website from out of state and you are curious as to what epitomizes the Iowa sound - pick up a copy of Wicked Mountain. Not only will it become a mainstay in your rotation, but it will prove itself as an example of why we relentlessly hype Iowa music. I'm proud of what we have done and what we are doing in this state. King of the Tramps and their latest release, Wicked Mountain validates the hype.

_________________________________________________________________________

Pertinent Links:

King of the Tramps official

King of the Tramps on Facebook

King of the Tramps on Twitter

Benefit for Teddy Reid To Be Held Thursday Night

Little Teddy Reid is just over a year and a half old. Like most boys his age, he loves to laugh and learn new things. He loves colors and shapes and he loves to play with his toys. He dreams of growing up to be a big boy.
 

Teddy posing with a picture of himself. 

But, in some ways, Teddy isn't like other boys his age. Six days after he was born, doctors discovered that he is in kidney failure. So he spends long days with doctors and nurses and he throws up a lot. Without a working kidney, the future doesn't look very bright for Teddy.

Tiffany Tice knew of Teddy through his mother Sarah, with whom she was casual friends. She heard about Teddy's plight and wondered if she could help. She had tests done, and it was discovered that she was a match to offer a replacement for his failing kidney. It was a stroke of luck, as usually it takes awhile to find a match. Suddenly, there was hope for Teddy and his family! It was as of from out of nowhere an angel appeared and came to his rescue.

Surgery was scheduled for May 9th, but on May 8th, it got postponed. "Teddy's liver enzymes are very high and the doctors need to figure out why, and try to stabilize him a bit more before the transplant can be rescheduled." says Tiffany. "So right now everything is up in the air."

Unfortunately, that means that Teddy has to spend more long days at the lab, having tests analyzed and getting poked with needles. Teddy has become a very brave little boy.

Medical bills are accumulating. Teddy and his mother went on local TV channel KCWI last month to talk about Teddy's condition and to hopefully raise awareness to their situation. By chance, the morning that Sarah and Teddy were on KCWI, it was the same day that the High Crest performed live in the studio. It was then that Kat Darling (of the High Crest) learned of Teddy's ordeal, and wondered if she could help. Little did she know that The High Crest had already been tabbed by Dan Tripp to participate in a benefit concert to raise money for Teddy's always rising medical costs.

"Teddy was instantly lovable and sweet, it was hard to imagine that this little boy's life was hanging in the balance of his family's love, doctors and procedures." Says Kat. "Dan Tripp, from (the band) New Member Charles, called me and asked if I'd be interested in helping him raise money for Teddy's kidney transplant. I was on board and we began planning."

What transpired is a benefit concert set for Thursday night beginning at 5:00 which will feature over a dozen bands at two different venues, the Vaudeville Mews and the 4th Street Theater at Java Joes. There will be a raffle for prizes and money raised will help to offset the increasing pile of medical bills.

Click to enlarge. Please donate if you can. 

"He's a sweet kiddo, and always seems so happy it's hard for an outsider to tell how sick he really is." says Tiffany Tice. "I cannot even imagine how his parents are feeling right now. Everyone is hoping they have some answers soon so that Teddy can get this transplant that he needs!"

Tiffany adds that the support from the community has been amazing but there is still a long ways to go. This musical benefit provides the perfect excuse to get out and see what the Des Moines music scene is all about. It's a tight-knit bunch, and it isn't at all surprising that this event came together so nicely in support of such a great cause.

Hopefully Teddy's luck will change soon, and he will get to enjoy a normal life like other little boys his age. Please donate if you can or simply attend the benefit. 

_______________________________________________________

Pertinent Links:

Benefit Songs for Teddy Reid Facebook Page

Our Teddy Bear's Journey Blog

Tiffany Tice's Kidney Donor Blog

Bryan's List of Musical Happenings 6/3/13

Bryan says, "Is Des Moines a happenin' place or what?"

Monday, June 3

Findlay Fun Fest at Greenwood 7:00 (featuring Ricc Terranova
Bella Ruse w/ The Host Family at Gas Lamp

Tuesday, June 4

Chad Elliott at East Village Spa 5:00
Lance Harrison at El Bait 8:00
Highroller Express t Greenwood 9:00
They Might Be Giants w. Moon Hooch at Wooly's 9:00

Wednesday, June 5

The Highroller Express at Hull Avenue Tavern 6:00
Around the World feat. Bonnie Finken at Zoo Brew 6:00
Brian Congdon at Fire Creek, WDM 6:30
Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Zimm's 7:00
Don't Wake the Baby at Raccoon River Brewery 7:00
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes at Nitefall on the River, Simon Estes 7:00
Muhlbauer and Smith at Greenwood 8:00
Brother Trucker at El Bait 8:00
Pinbot at Vaudeville Mews 8:30
World Music Wednesdays at Star Bar 9:00
Lisa Mann and her Real Good Band at Gas Lamp 9:00

Thursday, June 6

Benefit for Terry Reid at 2 Venues: 

Love Songs for Silly Monsters, New Member Charles, Dark Horse Patrol, Electric Junction, Typical Males at Vaudeville Mews 5:00

The High Crest, Ben Wantland, Jim Enos, Aaron Winters, Joel and Jen Kinser at Java Joes 4th Street Theater 5:00

Brother Trucker at Music in the Junction, WDM 5:30
Pianopalooza Band at Jasper Winery 6:00
Rainbow Penley at Coda Lounge, Savery Hotel 6:00
Ryne Doughty at Confluence Brewing Co. 7:00
Iowa Public Radio 80/35 Play-In at Wooly's 7:00
Open Jam feat. Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Keys at Gas Lamp 9:00
The Soul Searchers at Greenwood 9:00
Skypiper w/ Canby at Vaudeville Mews at 9:30

Black Flag plays Wooly's on Friday Night. 

Friday, June 7

Tunes on the Terrace: David Zollo at Cafe Baratta's - State Historical Museum 11:30 AM
Work Release Party with Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Gas Lamp 4:30
Urbandale's Friday Fest: Lesson 7 at Walker Johnston Complex, Urbandale 5:00
Derek Anthony at House of Bricks 6:00
R.S.V.P. at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 6:30
Rebel Road at Rendezvous on Riverview at 5:30
Lem Genovese at Ritual Cafe 7:00
Matt Logan at Fire Creek, WDM 7:00
Black Flag w/ Good for You at Wooly's 7:00
Luke Fox, Steve Kowbel & Home Grown at Mars Cafe 7:00
The Nadas w/ Miles Nielson & the The Rusted Hearts at Nitefall on the River - Simon Estes 7:00
Redbird at 7:00, Richard Thompson Electric Trio at 9:00 at Iowa City Arts Festival
Randy Burke and the Prisoners at party in the Back at Mullets
The Heath Alan Band at Greenwood 9:00
Dick Prall feat. Mike Reeb at Gas Lamp 9:00
Justin Time w/ D-PHeKT at Underground 9:00
Dylan Sires & Neighbors w/ Twins, Captains of the Flowered Porch at Vaudeville Mews 9:30

Saturday, June 8

Hot Tamale and the Red Hots at Autism Speaks Walk, Principal Park 9:00 AM
Rocket Susie Music Festival: Chad Elliott, Bright Giant, Dick Prall, Host Country, The Trishas, Greg Brown in Spencer at 1:00
Slewgrass at 1:30, Kelly Pardekooper 5:00, Eileen Jewell at 7:00, Old '97s at 9:00 Iowa City Arts Festival
Ankeny Unplugged: Parlours w/ Dustin Smith & The Sunday Silos, H.D. Harmsen & the Electrophones, Blue-Eyed Son at Wagner Park, Ankeny 4:00
Bill Matykowski at Smokey Row Coffeehouse 7:00
Lucca Soria & Max Jury at Mars Cafe 7:30
Hot Tamale and the Red Hots at Fireman's Ball: Cadillac Jack's, Baxter 8:00
Unknown Component at Raccoon River Brewery 9:00
King of the Tramps w/ Peace, Love and Stuff at Gas Lamp 9:00
Porch Honkeys at Star Bar 9:00
Jacob County and the Damaged Goods at Greenwood 9:00
Christopher the Conquered at the PBR Bar at Vaudeville Mews 9:00
Latin Night at House of Bricks 9:00
Justin Time w/ DePHeKT at Underground 9:00 (2nd Night)
Matt Woods at Mother's Pub, Ames 9:00

Sunday, June 9

Infuzion at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 2:00
Tony Valdez Duo at Summerset Winery, Indianola 3:00
Brothers Burn Mountain at Byron's, Pomeroy 5:00
Jefferson County Green band at El Bait 8:00
World Music Sundays at Star Bar 9:00

1983: When The Ramones Conquered Des Moines

Thirty years ago today (June 1, 1983) the Ramones rocked the revolving banquet room atop the Holiday Inn in downtown Des Moines. As one might expect, it was a concert that would be talked about years afterward, and it was the initial footprint of punk rock's influence in Des Moines.

The band was on the back end of a rigorous eight day run. Having played Omaha the night before, they stormed into Des Moines early and booked a room at the Holiday Inn on the corner of N.E. 14th Street and Euclid Avenue (now where Community State Bank sits). Ironically, it was there they stayed, several miles away from the Holiday Inn that was housing their gig. The band was just a few months out from having fired drummer Marky Ramone because of alcohol abuse. Richie Ramone  joined the group for this tour and subsequently stayed with the Ramones until 1987 when Clem Burke (Blondie) intermittently joined the band as Elvis Ramone.

After checking into the Holiday Inn, the band made an appearance at Music Circuit, a local record store that moonlighted as a concert promotion company. Hundreds of people lined up to meet these punk rock legends, and asked them to sign everything from record albums to baseballs.

A number of the people that would later shape the Des Moines underground scene were there. The following are accounts of that day from people who attended the show, including two members of Universal Will To Become, the local band that opened for the Ramones. It's interesting how starkly contrasted their experiences were.  One thing is for certain, however... After this show, punk rock finally had a foothold in Des Moines, Iowa.

Johnny and Joey Ramone 

Eric Coleman: They did a record signing at Music Circuit that afternoon. It was nice to get It's Alive signed. Mostly I remember that was when they started playing everything too fast, started to lose all definition in their songs. Richie was an OK drummer, but didn't quite have the chops to hold them together. Joey couldn't read the note on his monitor so he didn't know where he was or what the name of the records store was.

It was nice to see them, I wish I had seen them in their prime though.

Local band Universal Will To Become opened. One of the Ames punks talked about them getting booed, not realizing that he and his friends were the only people booing them.

Tim Johnson: My band's name was "Universal Will To Become". I worked for a record store called Music Circuit. The store's owner, Steve White, had a production company that brought the Ramones to Des Moines. I was honored that he allowed my band to open. We had been a 4 piece until the other guitarist quit the band unexpectedly some weeks before the gig. We had to scramble to come up with other ways to play our music with just drums, bass guitar and guitar. Maybe it wasn't that successful as we were not well received! I think that people just really wanted to see the Ramones and didn't care about the opening act. 

The sound man also treated us abominably. I couldn't hear myself in the monitors and when I asked him from the stage about it he just blew me off! Our set was short as the crowd just seemed to get ugly. The place was absolutely packed.

You have to understand: The Ramones were heroes to me. In fact I wouldn't have gotten into music if it wasn't for them. So this was quite a thrill to be given the opportunity to open for them. Unfortunately, I came away from that experience very humbled. They say never meet your heroes; well, if I had actually been able to meet the Ramones I'm sure I would have hated them. They didn't even invite us backstage or said a single word to us. But hey, they played great, at least what I can remember of the show! I hit the bar after my awful experience onstage and proceeded to get quite drunk, so my memory of the rest of the night is hazy.

In 1983 the Ramones toured in support of Subterranean Jungle
Notice Marky sitting alone isolated from rest of band.

Mark Penner: I was in Tim Johnson's (guitarist for The Law and owner of Vinyl Fetish) ever-changing band called Universal Will to Become. I played bass in the in the 3 piece rock band incarnation and Tony McKendry played drums. We opened for The Ramones at that show. Earlier in the day they did an in-store autograph session at Music Circuit. I remember they were very friendly and much larger and uglier in person. I talked with Johnny for awhile and tried to get him to go to George the Chili King with us, but he declined. I also remember that somebody brought a baseball for them to sign, which they really got a kick out of.

The show itself was a lot of fun. We didn't get a great response, but contrary to some accounts I've read, we didn't get booed. The Ramones were really on that night. I've seen them since this was easily the best of the shows I'd seen. I also remember them being very loud. The only band I'd seen up to that point that were louder was Husker Du, and I'd been in ATOY and we were definitely loud. (Big Black was the loudest I'd seen but that was a couple years later) Looking back, that show was when the scene in Des Moines changed. Before that show the "punk" scene was very small, very diverse and very tight knit. Afterwards a lot more people arrived and the scene began to splinter into cliques. At least that was how I saw it. I left Des Moines a few months later, so my impressions might not be 100% correct.

Dirk William Newton:  I almost hit Joey with my car as he walked across Euclid going to Village Inn. My wife couldn't believe how tall he was. Typical New Yorker! He dodged me and cussed. He made it to the median in like two steps. They played at Top of the Tower and stayed at the Holiday Inn on East 14th. 

Bryan's List of Musical Happenings 5/27/13

Monday, May 27

Sutherland, Ankum and Thompson at Greenwood 7:00
Saint Anyway w/ Luke Fox at Gas Lamp 9:00

Tuesday, May 28

Rob Lumbard at El Bait 8:00
Dan Jones and Friends at Greenwood 8:00

Wednesday, May 29

The High Roller Express at Hull Avenue Tavern ($1 Beers too!)
Paige Harpin at Fire Creek, WDM 6:30
Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Zimm's 7:00
Chad Elliott at Raccoon River Brewery 7:00
The High Crest at Greenwood 8:00
David Zollo at El Bait 8:00
John Fulbright w/ Ruston Kelly at Vaudeville Mews 8:00
Scott Cochran, Jon Rowat, Jay Alcorn, Jon Hahn at Longest Yard, WDM 8:00
World Music Wednesdays at Star Bar 9:00
Adam Ezra Group at Gas Lamp 9:00

Thursday, May 30

Abby Normal at Music in the Junction, WDM 5:30
Decoy at Jasper Winery 6:00
Tim Stop at Coda Lounge, Savery Hotel 6:00
Don't Take the Baby at Confluence Brewing Co. 7:00
Heatbox CD Release Tour w/ Steve Pellow Trio at Wooly's 7:00
Songwriter Night: Steve Clark, Jesse Stewart, Anna Marie, Jordan Sellergren at House of Bricks 8:00
Lavonne Roberts w/ Patresa Hartman at Underground 9:00
Open Jam w/ Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Keys at Gas Lamp 9:00
The Soul Searchers at Greenwood 9:00

Pony Bucket w/ Good Co. Family Band at the Underground on Friday

Friday, May 31

Tunes on the Terrace: The High Crest at Cafe Barratas State Historical Museum 11:30 AM
Work Release Party w/ Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band at Gas Lamp 4:30
Urbandale's Friday Fest: Final Mix Show Band at Walker Johnston Complex, Urbandale 5:00
Christopher the Conquered w/ H.D. Harmsen, Lesbian Poetry, Person Whale at Vaudeville Mews 5:00
King of the Tramps w/ The Young Funk at Stone Pier, Black Hawk Lake 6:00
Wheelhouse at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 6:30
Dustin Blank w/ Emily Warren at Grapevine, Clive 7:00
David Zollo at Fire Creek, WDM 7:00
1st Annual Crittyfest in memory of Chris Nyberg with Chach at Wooly's 7:00
JJ Express at the 1st Avenue Speakeasy, Newton 8:00
Brother Trucker at Mullets (out back) 8:30
Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Keys at Greenwood 9:00
Swingin' Udders and Goddamn Gallows at Gas Lamp 9:00
Good Company Family Band, Pony Bucket at Underground 9:00

Saturday, June 1

Ankeny Unplugged: The Giving Tree Band w/ Andy Fleming, Har-di-Har, The High Crest at Wagner Park, Ankeny 4:00
Cirrus Minor CD Release (early show) w/ Superchief, Come Unity at Wooly's 5:00
Bill Matykowski at Smokey Row Coffeehouse 7:00
Eric Kennedy and Stone Mills at Mars Cafe 7:30
Des Monks at Raccoon River Brewery 9:00
Studebaker John at Gas Lamp 9:00
Rudy York at Star Bar 9:00
The High Crest at Greenwood 9:00
Cirrus Minor CD Release (late show) w/ Descent of Man, Lesson 7 at Wooly's 9:00
Night Beds with Jenny O. at Vaudeville Mews 9:00

Sunday, June 2

Old School Band at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid 2:00
Sons of Gladys Kravitz at Summerset Winery, Indianola 3:00
Mighty Short Bus at Byron's, Pomeroy 5:00
Surf Zombies at Gas Lamp 8:00
Soap at El Bait 8:00
Murder by Death, Diamonds for Eyes, Derek Lambert & the Prairie Fires at Wooly's 8:00
World Music Sundays at Star Bar 9:00 

Drasbury to Play Reunion Show at Wooly's July 27

Jeff Banks announced today that Drasbury will be playing a reunion show at Wooly's on July 27. This will be the first time the band has played in public since 2009 when they reformed for a night in July at the House of Bricks. 

In the late '80s and the early '90s, it was pretty hard to find another band that encompassed the energy that Drasbury did. Their live shows were legendary, and were prone to sell out on any night of the week. Keep in mind, this was before the internet; shows were promoted by word of mouth, posting bills on telephone poles or through the Des Moines Register's Datebook section.

(L-R) Banks, Christie (front), Lehl, Donovan, and Jansen circa 1991

"With due respect to Slipknot, Drasbury is in my opinion the greatest band to come out of Des Moines," said Ned Rood, who for many years worked at Peeple's Records. "Slipknot is a tremendous band, but Drasbury had that little something that nobody else had." 

Now, years later, one can only assume that each band member is that much better at playing his respective instruments. As veteran musicians, it will be interesting to see if their styles have evolved over time. 

Drasbury is Shannon Christy (vox), Heath Jansen (drums), Mark Donovon (bass), Benjamin Lehl (guitar), and Jeff Banks (lead). Ticket information will be forthcoming. The James Biehn Band will kick off the party.

The Twisted Strange Tale of the Van Meter Visitor

It might be safe to say that the residents of Van Meter, Iowa were not prepared for the strange events that occurred in their town in late September, 1903. But then again, it's not every day that a giant bat-like creature emerges upon a town and terrorizes it's citizens.

That's exactly what reportedly happened in Van Meter shortly after the turn of the 20th Century. What makes this story so fascinating, and perhaps even more believable is the fact that the events took place downtown, right in the heart of the city in it's business district. Among the people who witnessed this strange creature were prominent members of the community; the town's  doctor, a banker (who shot at the creature through the bank window), and a couple of businessmen, one being the owner of a local hardware store. This wasn't a story that was concocted by a group of over imaginative kids from the outskirts of town... Based off the events and the people involved, it's clear that something extremely odd happened in Van Meter over a 5 night period in 1903.

But, what?

Meet authors Chad Lewis, Noah Voss and Kevin Lee Nelson. Having heard about the Van Meter "monster" while doing research on a different project, these three men became fascinated with the story. Through extensive research and from visiting with residents of Van Meter they were able to dig up enough information to write a book about the strange occurrences that happened in 1903.

The Van Meter Visitor was released on May 1st.
(This and all photos from the Van Meter Visitor Website)

The book, The Van Meter Visitor (A True & Mysterious Encounter with the Unknown), was released for publication on May 1st. It instantly received wide acclaim and has been discussed on paranormal radio shows throughout the globe. Most notably perhaps, it was talked about on Coast to Coast AM, the largest radio show of it's type in the world. It was from that conversation that I first heard about the incidents in Van Meter. Because the events happened so close to home, it was enough to jar me out of bed to do some late-night research of my own. That led me to the Van Meter Visitor Facebook page, which put me in contact with Kevin Lee Nelson. I fired some questions off to him, and he responded back right away. His answers were extremely detailed and informative, and he made it clear that he was willing to answer as many questions as I had. As a writer and a fan of the paranormal, it was a best case scenario. I am tremendously grateful  to Kevin for his friendly involvement and for taking the time to respond to me. 

The following is a transcript of our online conversation.

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How did you first hear about the Van Meter Visitor?

My co-author, Chad Lewis, came across a brief 1903 newspaper article about the incident while doing work for his book, The Iowa Road Guide to Haunted Locations.  It didn't really fit the haunted theme of his book at the time, so he filed it away to revisit later.  A few years later, while on a research-gathering road trip to Iowa, Chad pulled out the story and thought it might be a good idea to visit Van Meter to see what else we could dig up regarding the incident.  At first we didn't expect to find much, as the case was over 100 years old.  However, by the end of the trip we were amazed by how much information we had gathered.  Before long, we realized we had enough to write a book on the incident. 

In as much detail as you can muster, what happened on that fateful night in 1903?

The Van Meter incident actually happened over a series of 5 nights, from early morning Tuesday Sept 29th – October 3rd 1903.  On the first night, at about 1 am., respected businessman U.G. Griffith noticed what he thought was a spot light moving around on the rooftop of one of the downtown buildings.  At first he thought it might be a burglar, but when he approached it jumped to another rooftop across the street and disappeared.

The next night (again around 1 am.) Dr. Alcott, the town doctor, was sleeping in a room at his office when he was awoken by a bright light shining into his face through the window.  He rushed outside with gun in hand only to discover the source of the light was a tall humanoid with bat-like wings.  The blinding light came from a blunt horn in the creature’s forehead.  He fired five shots at the creature at close range.  After seeing the shots has no noticeable effect he fled.

The bank where Clarence (Peter) Dunn encountered the creature

The next night local banker, Clarence (Peter) Dunn, had an encounter with the Visitor.  After hearing about the previous night’s encounters, Mr. Dunn felt he should watch over the bank. Fearing burglars, he brought along his shotgun for the night’s watch. Around 1 am he heard a “strangling noise” outside.  Before he could investigate he was hit full in the face with a blinding beam that shone through the font window.  The light suddenly switched off and then back on again as if scanning the room, finally swinging back at him.  He could make out “some kind of great form” behind the light.  Dunn fired his shotgun at the mysterious being, right through the bank’s front window.  Then it vanished.  In the morning he noticed sets of large three-toed foot prints outside the bank and claimed to have made plaster casts of them.

By the following day the previous nights events had circulated around the town. Later that night local hardware store owner O.V. White had an encounter with the Visitor.  He was jolted awake by a metallic rasping sound outside his 2nd floor room above his hardware store on Main St.  He grabbed his gun and moved toward the window.  Outside he saw the Visitor perched close by on the crossbeam of a telephone pole.  White, a known marksman, took deliberate aim and fired at the creature.  It had no effect, and only seemed to awaken the Visitor.  The creature emitted a stupefying odor that overpowered White, knocking him unconscious. 

The shots awoke White’s neighbor Sidney Gregg, who raced outside to see what the commotion was about.  He watched in disbelief as the “monster” descended the telephone pole after the manner of a parrot, using its huge beak.  Upon reaching the ground it stood erect, and by Mr. Gregg’s estimates it was “at least eight feet high.”  Whatever it was, the light from its forehead was as “bright…as an electric headlight.” The light again darted about just as it had the nights before in a “searching” motion.  The creature paused only for a moment before taking off towards the old coal mine. 

The following night strange sounds were heard coming from the abandoned coal mine at the edge of town described by a local as “though Satan and a regiment of imps were coming forth for a battle.”  The Visitor, accompanied by a second creature, were spotted emerging from the mine and taking off into the night.  A large crowd of armed men gathered at the mine to ambush the creatures when they returned.  They were reported as having enough firepower to “have sunk the Spanish fleet”.  Shortly before dawn the creatures returned.  The crowd opened fire on the creatures.  To their bewilderment, the creatures were totally immune to their assault and only gave off the terrible odor as a response before they crawled back down into the mine.  The next day it was reported that “a force of men has been set to work to barricade the mouth of the mine” sealing the creatures inside.  The creatures were never seen again.

What about the mine? Is there currently any trace of it left in town?

The mine was an enormous operation.  It was was 257 ft deep and big enough to have stables underground for mules.  Sadly there is almost no visible trace of the mine today.  We stood at the site of the mine’s opening.  All that remains is a bowl shaped depression in the ground.  Who knows what remains underground.  It’s been sealed for over a century.  There are a few crumbling remains of the Brick and Tile factory next to the mine.   We include a few photos of these buildings in the book.  It’s a very haunting location and has more than its own share of ghost tales.

Van Meter, Iowa as it looked in 1903

What evidence, if any still exists in Van Meter?

Some of the locations and buildings still exist, like the remains of the Brick and Tile factory next to the old mine.  According to the original reports, a plaster case was made of the Visitor's footprint, described as being large and three-toed.  Unfortunately, it is unknown whether or not the plaster cast survived.  We're hoping that it has been stashed in someone's attic somewhere and that eventually someone will come forward with it.

Talking about it on Coast to Coast AM, John B. Wells sort of eluded to the fact that the creature might have been a UFO... More of a machine than an animal. He based this theory on the fact that while several people took shots at it, the "creature" seemed unaffected by the bullets. What do YOU think this "creature" was?

Artist's rendition

That's the big question: what was the Van Meter Visitor?  In the book we explore a wide variety of theories, from the mundane hoax, to mass hysteria, to more exotic ones, like a possible ultraterrestrial.  The odd part about the Van Meter Visitor is that it exhibited a number of bizarre and unearthly traits: a horn that projected a bright light beam, metallic sounds, and immunity to gunfire.  I can't speak for my co-authors, but I tend to put it in the ultraterrestrial category much like Mothman due to its seemingly paraphyscial nature.  In fact, the features of the Van Meter case are so similar to events of the Mothman case that one could consider it a proto-Mothman event, as it happened 60 years before the events in Point Pleasant.  The overpowering sulfur-like odor is also a a common trait associated with alleged ultraterrestrials, like Florida’s Skunk-ape, which got its name from its terrible smell.

Like John Keel and Jacques Vallee, one of our working theories is that many paranormal events and encounters may all fall under the umbrella of ultraterrestrial phenomena (a.k.a. hyperterrestrials, metaterrestrials, etc.), as it appears to be potential “unified theory” of paranormal phenomena.

Have you come across similar stories from elsewhere that reflect the events in Iowa in 1903?

While researching this case we immediately noticed that the Visitor’s description was similar in many ways to other mysterious flying creatures cases, like the Jersey Devil, the Baltimore Snallygaster, and of course Mothman.  This kind of phenomena has been going on for a long time; one only has to look at legends, folklore, and oral traditions to see similar stories going back hundreds of years.  For example the Ioway Tribe that once lived in the region of Van Meter, had tales of humanoid Thunderbirds that would shoot “lightning” from their eyes.


You mentioned that you were amazed at the amount of info that you were able to gather. May I ask how it was gathered? Are there accounts of it in a local museum, or were you able to talk with locals who had heard the stories passed down through the generations? Are there any historical markers etc?

We were able to dig up a decent amount of info at the Van Meter library, especially in regards to the town’s history. Jolena Welker, the Van Meter Public Library Director, was a great help too.  We hunted through town records and found a fair amount of useful background information.  Their archives were an essential resource.  It shows that with obscure cases like this one really has to get out into the field.  The internet is a great tool, but it’s only useful to a point; a lot of research still has to be done the old fashion way, that is, by hitting the road, visiting archives and sifting through old files, and interviewing people.  The three of us regularly go on research road-trips in order to uncover hidden stories, explore local legends, and investigate anomalous events.

Kevin Lee Nelson

I really have to give my co-author Chad Lewis credit on the historical info part in particular.  He was the point man in uncovering biographical information about the key witnesses.  As you can imagine, finding personal information about folks who lived over 100 years ago in a small Iowa town is a daunting task, to say the least.  I should also note that my other co-author, Noah Voss, did a wonderful job putting together a timeline of each encounter with the Visitor, which assisted in creating a full and clear narrative of what happened over those five nights.

As for local tales, we discovered that people in Van Meter had mostly forgotten about the incident.  A few people knew about here and there, but most were unfamiliar with the tale.  We were able to talk with the current landowners of where the mine once stood.  They were aware of strange stories associated with the site.  However, in general the tale was mostly forgotten in town.  We’re not entirely sure if the story was intentionally hushed up or what. Perhaps the townsfolk feared ridicule and quickly tried to put the strange events behind them.  This is another reason why we felt the need to write a book about it, as we didn’t want such a unique story to be forgotten.  There are no historical markers currently, but perhaps that will change.  I’m sure if Van Meter erected a statue of the Visitor, like Point Pleasant did with Mothman, it would become quite a draw.

How would you describe the "attitude" of the town's residents today in terms of the strange events that happened in 1903? Were people willing to talk about it? Would you say most brushed it off as fiction, or do you think that most think something actually happened?

We’ve encountered a tremendous amount of support from the people of Van Meter.  We held a presentation there a few weeks ago, and over 100 people showed up to hear the story about the Visitor.  Most had never heard the tale before, so they were very curious to find out about a hidden chapter of their town’s history.  People had a lot of questions, and many shared a number of odd stories about the area with us.  I got the impression that most believe something happened; they’re just not sure what exactly it was.

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Pertinent Links:

Buy the Book

The Van Meter Visitor Official

The Van Meter Visitor on Facebook

Another website operated by the authors: Back Roads Lore