WINTER CONCERT PREVIEW

Winter, as we know, is already here. It's usually a quieter time for live music in central Iowa, or so I found out last year-- my first Des Moines winter (this one has been much better so far, knock on wood, fingers crossed, etc.). But anyway, there's still a fair amount of fun show-going to look forward to in the next couple of months. A few likely highlights are below-- any mistakes or anything I'm forgetting, just shout.

January

Patton Oswalt. Hoyt Sherman Place. Jan. 13 All Ages $25.50-$50

Parlours CD Release Party. Up-and-coming Des Moines folk-poppers who "Dream of Chicago" unveil their new EP for Aqui Estamos. They're joined by labelmate Cashes Rivers and fellow locals the River Monks. That's the late show; locals Hanwell, La Strange and So Much Fun play the early show. Jan. 14 21+ (late show) All Ages (early show) $5

ASKLANDAGANZA 4. High-energy Ames indie-rockers the Poison Control Center, fresh off a quick stint in Chicago recording the follow-up to last year's triumphant double-LP Sad Sour Future, show off what they've learned in their past year on the road next Saturday at Vaudeville Mews. They're joined at this annual birthday extravaganza for Mews booker Ladd Askland by Land of Blood and Sunshine and Derek Lambert & the Prairie Fires, with Bob Nastanovich (of Pavement fame) spinning records. Look for Bob this Jan. 20 on the Food Network. Lineup above is for the late show; talented locals Wolves in the Attic, Canyons, and the Seed of Something play the early show. Jan. 15 21+ (late show) All Ages (early show) $5

Maxilla Blue. It's a night of local hip-hop and it's for a good cause. Maxilla Blue plays Vaudeville Mews with Richie Daggers and Young Tripp along with PrettyGirlHateMachine and Neon Current, in a benefit for Hoodies for Humanity. That follows an early-show bill of local rock, with Why Make Clocks joined by the Chatty Cathys, Pocket Aristotle, the Seed of Something and Longshadowmen. Jan. 22 21+ $5 or free with donation of a clean, wearable hoodie (late show) and All Ages $5 (early show)

Lyrics Born. Bay Area rapper behind good times jams like "Callin' Out" comes to Vaudeville Mews in support of latest album As U Were, joined by Keys N Krates.  Jan. 27 21+ $15

Oberhofer with Night Moves. Grinnell College. Jan. 27 All Ages & Free

Guster with Good Old War. Hoyt Sherman Place. Jan. 27 All Ages $25-$28

February

Resident Artists: It Might Get Loud. Not totally sure what this Vaudeville Mews show is, but the bill features locals Johnny Scum, Golden Veins, Deep Sleep Waltzing and Brutus. Feb. 4 21+ $5

Javelin with Foody Pyramid. Grinnell College. Feb. 5 All Ages & Free

Cleo's Apartment. Local self-described "hip-hop/acid jazz" group plays Vaudeville Mews with Wrestling With Wolves, Diamonds for Eyes, Mother Culture and New Bodies. Feb. 11 21+ $7

Loretta Lynn. Hoyt Sherman Place Feb. 15 All Ages $52.50-$72.50

Canby. The local indie-folk band led by the Envy Corps' Scott Yoshimura plays Vaudeville Mews with Aqui Estamos labelmates Parlours plus Crystal City. Feb. 18 21+ $5

Sleeping in the Aviary. A Madison band that has moved from pop-punk to indie-folk plays Vaudeville Mews with locals Mumfords, Derek Lambert & the Prairie Fires and the Chatty Cathys. All Ages $5

Daymoths. Twin Cities indie two-piece makes the drive to Vaudeville Mews. Golden Veins opens. Feb. 27 21+ $5

March 

Dropkick Murphys with Against Me!. Val Air Ballroom. March 4 All Ages $25

Hunter Valentine. with Vanity Theft, Love Songs for Lonely Monsters, New Member Charles March 4 21+ $7

The River Monks CD Release Party. with the Wandering Bears and Elizabeth Arynn March 5 All Ages $5

April

My Chemical Romance. Val Air Ballroom. April 10 All Ages $30