2023 Entertainment
The Festival hosts live music on the Hy-Vee 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!
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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.
Penny Peach
Buffalo Nichols
Roots Stage
Friday, June 23, 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Since his earliest infatuations with guitar, Buffalo Nichols has asked himself the same question: How can I bring the blues of the past into the future? After cutting his teeth between a Baptist church and bars in Milwaukee, it was a globetrotting trip through West Africa and Europe during a creative down period that began to reveal the answer.
Joshua Ray Walker
Roots Stage
Saturday, June 24, 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
A working musician since the age of 13, Walker first began honing his lyrical talents after the death of his beloved grandfather. Raised on bluegrass, he lists Texas legends like Guy Clark and Billy Joe Shaver among his essential inspirations, but also notes the undeniable influence of country superstars like Alan Jackson and George Strait. With the arrival of Wish You Were Here,
Walker won lavish praise from outlets like NPR Music and began opening for such artists as Colter Wall and Charley Crockett, in addition to headlining tours in the U.S. and Europe.
Molly Nova and The Hawks
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Friday, June 23, 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.
Molly Nova and the Hawks have many years of performances playing all kinds of music, resulting in a style of music that is all their own – original timeless music with ballads, rockers and grooves not limited to any genre. It’s just Sweet Rockin’ Roots & Blues!
This band brings together several professional musicians from Eastern Iowa - Molly Nova (Violin, Bass, Vocals), Turk E. Krause (Drums, Vocals), Evan Stock (Guitar, Vocals), Russ Moore (Keyboards) and Vinny Benyshek (Guitar, Bass, Vocals)
Heath Alan Band
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Saturday, June 24, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
Heath Alan is an Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist from Des Moines, Iowa. Heath's band is made up of some of the top musicians in the Des Moines area.
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Saturday, June 24, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Iowa City scuzz rock. Garage, doom, psych, dirty, nasty, stanky, SILLY.
Penny Peach
Annie Kemble
Roots Stage
Friday, June 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Annie Kemble is a multi talented musician who creates irresistible music with a unique jazz sound out of Des Moines, Iowa. Her captivating vocals paired with equally strong instrumentals can be heard on her latest single “Cherries” off of her 2023 EP Dive Bar.
Stringfield
Roots Stage
Friday, June 23, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Stringfield is a Bluegrass style jam band from Des Moines, IA. Ryan Moffitt (guitar), Bob Rice (bass), Paul Perkins (banjo), Corey Wurst (mandolin).
River City Opry
Roots Stage
Saturday, June 24, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
River City Opry Band, bringing the honky tonk to the Midwest! RCO was formed around the love of a Nashville style honky tonk. Covering artists from Johnny Cash to Chris Stapleton, we are your good time, dancing band!
Jordan Messerole
Roots Stage
Saturday, June 24, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
From the depths of his Iowa roots, multi-award-winning songwriter Jordan Jeffrey Messerole writes songs that vary as greatly as the wildflowers in the native tall grass. Messerole does frequently write about that flora, as well as the fauna of the region. Not to mention all of its wild life. Messerole masterfully blends the sounds of his guitar with thoughtful lyrics, an engaging stage presence, and often rack harmonica to tell gritty American tales that are bound to evoke emotion from all of his listeners.
Sunday Afternoon with Monday Night Live!
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Sunday, June 25, 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
Started in January of 2017, Monday Night Live is a weekly musical venture showcasing the very talented singers, songwriters, composers and musicians from across the state of Iowa. MNL I an unique event as in the artists and musicians don't normally perform together; therefore, lending itself to be a very special occasion for all involved. MNL also provides an interview segment during the show to better acquaint the audience with the artists. The set is about community where artists, musicians, and audience come together to enjoy one another in that community and for the love of music. Musicians to be announced soon!
The Finesse
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Sunday, June 25, 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
Soulful sounds from The Heartland, fronted by Des Moines mainstay Madison Ray, this regional R&B powerhouse bring a fresh style to a classic sound. Get ready to dance, sing along, and love life as The Finesse returns to Des Moines after their tour of Japan, celebrating the release of their latest album "Abraham"
Des Moines Music Coalition Showcase
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Saturday, June 24, 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Kelsie James is a sixteen-year-old singer/songwriter from Urbandale, Iowa. She has spent her whole life writing, performing, and being entirely consumed in the world of music. In February 2023, Kelsie has released her first EP Songs About Daisies. James’ music is vulnerable, emotional, and raw, as well as inspired by music of the 70s. Like her favorite artists, such as Taylor Swift, she does not like to be defined as one genre or style. Kelsie James wants her music to speak for itself.
DB STAx, Kyree & O'Shija Moore are all participants of the Des Moines Music Coalition Hip Hop Summer Camps and have been working on their music, craft, style, and songwriting within DMMC programming for multiple years now. They have performed at 80/35 Music Festival, Riverview Music Festival, Captain Roy's, xBk Live, and look forward to bringing their original music to the Arts Festival stage.
Central Iowa Music Lab All-Stars
Roots Stage
Sunday, June 25, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Central Iowa Music Lab is a music school in the greater Des Moines area, home to over 400 students. Our staff of 22 instructors teach various instruments including guitar, drums, piano, voice, woodwind/brass, and many others. We teach both group and private lessons and can teach in-person or virtually. For more information on lessons and classes, please visit www.centraliowamusiclab.com.
Emmett Phillips & Friends
Roots Stage
Saturday, June 24, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Emmett Phillips and Friends Community Showcase will be an action packed hour of highlighting youth voice, celebrating fresh local talent, and building community co-hosted by Emmett And Nya! Join us for some positive vibes and powerful performances!
Stutterin' Jimmy and
the Goosebumps
Roots Stage
Sunday, June 25, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Hailing from Des Moines, Stutterin' Jimmy and the Goosebumps have been sharing their Swamp Soul sound with audiences since 2010. With Jimmy Enos behind the mic, whose debilitating stutter disappears when he sings, guitar player Matt Cullen, drummer Brian Parizek and bass player Grady Stein, the band will take you on an emotional journey leaving your heart pumping, your feet tapping and your soul yearning for more.
Day's Live Music
Roots Stage
Saturday, June 24, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Day is an up-and-coming artist who enjoys featuring her Tennessee roots and storytelling through rich and expressive vocals. Her set is made of upbeat hits in the classic rock, country, and pop genres!
Brad & Kate
Roots Stage
Saturday, June 24, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
SHORT BIO
“Brad & Kate” is a pop-folk group lead by husband and wife duo, Kate Myers and Brad Myers. Charming and dynamic, the duo have grown an organic following around Iowa and the Midwest in a few short years. Their first full-length album, released May 2022, boasts a variety of sounds from their newly released pop single, “You Right Next to Me” to indie-folk-rock, “Better on My Own” to a reflective, “Dreams Change.”
Des Moines Arts Festival
Drag Show
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Sunday, June 25, 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Des Moines Arts Festival Drag Show features the Midwest's Best drag entertainers; Nikki Love, Mae Banks, Tyona Diamond, Peaches Diamond, Jacob Sanchez-Principle, and Synitha DeMornay Sanchez.
This is a family friendly event.
Join us for an exclusive brunch before the show starts! Tickets to brunch are available for purchase.
Des Moines Breakerz
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Saturday, June 24, 3:25 - 3:35 p.m.
Des Moines Breakerz is the premiere Breakdance company in the Des Moines Metro Area that provides a safe environment for kids to learn the art of breakdancing.
Des Moines Playhouse
Little Shop of Horrors
Hy-Vee Main Stage
Saturday, June 24, 12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
Meek floral shop assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names after his coworker crush. Audrey II, a foul-mouthed, R&B-singing, carnivore succulent promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Seymour, as long as he’s getting BLOOD. Seymour soon discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origin and intent toward global domination! A devious, delicious Broadway and Hollywood musical smash, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatregoers for over 30 years. At The Des Moines Playhouse, July 14-30.
Bill Robison
Strolling Entertainment
Friday, June 23 - Sunday, June 25
Bill Robison's uproariously funny blend of masterful physical comedy, mimic and audience improvisation has made him a hands-down favorite wherever he goes! Working entirely within the crowd, Bill creates "Living Caricatures" of unsuspecting fairgoers. Bill's specialty is highly spontaneous audience interactions. He lights
up the crowd with an infinite variety of delightfully hilarious (and slightly mischievous) antics. His high energy and physical mastery has thrilled crowds in numerous venues across the country.
Roberto the Magnificent
Strolling Entertainment
Friday, June 23 - Sunday, June 25
Roberto the Magnificent is one of the most entertaining and sought-after strolling acts in the country. His interactive display of different characters on a 6 foot unicycle is guaranteed to create smiles and laughter everywhere he goes. With over 10 different whacky personalities on his unicycle, he likes to refer to his presentation as ‘Wheely Fun Entertainment’.
Roberto began his professional performing career in 1980 at age 11 and within four years won a Silver Medal at the World Juggling Championships in Las Vegas. He has traveled around the world performing in dozens of countries and in 46 of the 50 states in the USA. His television credits include America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, Good Morning America, NBA’s Inside Stuff and ESPN’s Top 10 Plays of the Night.