Entertainment
The Festival hosts live music on the Main Stage and Roots Stage as well as pop-up performances across the Festival site. You never know what you'll discover at the Des Moines Arts Festival...and it's all FREE!
The 502s
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Friday, June 23, 8:30 - 10 p.m.
Hailing from Orlando, Florida, The 502s are bringing the energy of Florida sunshine everywhere they go. The band formed in college when lead singer Ed Isola (banjo, guitar) bought a $100 banjo and started writing songs. Adding childhood friends Matt Tonner (Keys, guitar, vox) and Joe Capati (sax, trumpet, melodica, vox) started to round out the now distinct sound of the 502s, with Sean Froehlich (drums, vocals) and Nick Melashenko (bass, vocals) completing the lineup. Ed's brother and cousin played roles as guitar players in the band as well. A true family affair, which leads to the band name. No, it's not the area code in Louisville, but rather the street address where Isola grew up, and his friends and family would gather to hang out.
Sister Hazel
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Saturday, June 24, 8:30 - 10 p.m.
Originating from Gainesville, FL, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called "one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years" by Performing Songwriter Magazine. They have since made their Grand Ole Opry debut and shared the stages with country music superstars at The CMA Festival, Tortuga Music Festival, among others. In addition to the events and touring, the band also gives back with “Lyrics For Life.” Founded by singer Ken Block and the Band, the charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to benefit cancer research and patient-care charities.
Satsang
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Saturday, June 24, 6:45 - 8 p.m.
Recorded and self-produced with the help of bandmate and longtime collaborator Parker Brown, the record Flowers From The Fray finds the duo tucked away in a secluded cabin in Southwest Montana digging back into the foundation on which Satsang was founded on. “These songs were all so personal to me” says Drew McManus. “Whether it was really sifting through the stage of life I had found myself in which was a kind of dark night of the soul, or leaning into the love of my wife. This record is truly me bearing my heart. I needed to seclude myself to find out where these songs wanted to go, and having Parker’s musical guidance had a big hand in that.”
B2wins
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Friday, June 23, 6:45 - 8 p.m.
Having performed over 1,000 shows worldwide, this high energy entertainment group continues to captivate audiences everywhere with its unique renditions of crowd favorites and engaging, uplifting live show that targets the masses. Led by charismatic Twin brothers from Brazil, they combine a plethora of genres into a feel good performance that is equal parts rock concert, dance party, jam session and vacation for the soul.
