Ames is alive with the sound of music all summer long. Live music aficionados can track down live performances spanning rock, country, blues, electronic and more at one of the community’s many musical hotspots.
Here’s a list of six of the Ames music scene’s best local attractions, along with full calendars and recommendations of can’t-miss performances. See you at the show!
Alluvial Brewing
Location: Alluvial Brewing Company, 3715 W 190th St.
Vibe: Alluvial is a brewery set on a scenic stretch of prairie north of town. Patrons can enjoy their beverage of choice inside the bar or take in the lovely rural landscape on the patio space that surrounds the building. Go through the bar to find a dedicated performance space with a gorgeous wooden stage and a PA system capable of cranking out plenty of sound. On nice days, staff members open the roll-up garage doors to let the fresh air in and the fresh tunes out, flooding the entire area with music.
Highlight: Nationally touring bluegrass jamband Arkensauce will play a two-night stand at Alluvial on Aug. 22 and 23. Both dates are sure to get jam-hungry audiences stomping and hollering.
May 29 — The Deslondes and Per Near Sandstone
June 5 — Writer’s Round with Wally Neal, Casey Joe Collins, Spencer Bialy and Chris Patterson
June 7 — No Time For Fame
June 11 — Sicard Hollow
June 13 — Matt Terronez Quartet
June 19 — Tom Pevear
June 21 — Winterland
July 5 — The Crowfoot Rakes
July 19 — Red’s Birthday Bash
Aug. 1 — Surf Zombies
Aug. 22-23 — Arkensauce
Goldfinch Room
Location: Stephens Auditorium, 1900 Center Dr.
Vibe: The Goldfinch Room brings the Nashville “listening room” experience to Ames. This long-running series at Stephens Auditorium features singer-songwriters in an intimate setting, telling the stories behind their songs and weaving spellbinding experiences that remove all the barriers between the audience and the artists. Keep the conversation to a minimum and allow yourself to get swept up in the music.
Highlight: Lojo Russo calls the Quad Cities home, while Abbie Sawyer is an internationally touring Des Moines-area songwriter. They’ll swap songs in the Goldfinch Room on Aug. 12.
May 27 — The Bird Hunters
June 24 — David G. Smith and Carol Montag
July 15 — Wolfskill & The Wild
July 29 — Joshua Sinclair and Luke Fox
Aug. 12 — Lojo Russo and Abbie Sawyer
London Underground
Location: London Underground, 212 Main St.
Vibe: This cozy barroom on Main Street recreates the feel of a British pub, complete with friendly fellowship and a lengthy beer and whiskey list. The pub often hosts musicians, setting them up in one of the front corners where patrons pass by as they enter and exit. Belly up to the bar and listen to the music, or grab a booth in the back for a private chat with a close friend.
Highlight: Every third Thursday of the month, central Iowa blues behemoth Matt Woods plays a stomping solo set.
May 25 — deadmomgirl
June 2 — Spare Mondays
June 19 — Third Thursdays with Matt Woods
June 20 — DJ Amoeba and DJ All Day
June 22 — Madison Kolbet and Jeff Schipull
Roosevelt Summer Sundays
Location: Roosevelt Park, 905 9th St.
Vibe: An Ames tradition for over 20 years, Roosevelt Summer Sundays hosts free outdoor concerts at Roosevelt Park. Terrific local and regional bands take the stage each Sunday evening from June through August. Bring the whole family, along with a blanket and/or a few lawn chairs.
Highlight: Iowa No Mountain Boys, a local bluegrass outfit, will bring plenty of down-home pickin’ and lush vocal harmonies to Roosevelt Park on Aug. 31.
June 1 — The Get Down (soul, R&B, Motown)
June 8 — Weary Ramblers (folk)
June 15 — Sumpin’ Doo (blues, Motown, R&B)
June 22 — The Other Brothers (rock)
June 29 — Matt Terronez Band (rockin’ funk and soul)
July 6 — Sharane Calister and The Feel Right (neo-soul, R&B)
July 13 — Molly Nova and The Hawks (sweet rockin’ roots and blues)
July 20 — Son Peruchos (Latin)
July 27 — David Zollo and the Body Electric (indie rock)
Aug. 3 — Radoslav Lorkovic Trio (folk)
Aug.10 — NOLA Jazz Band (New Orleans jazz)
Aug.17 — John Resch & Doggin’ Out (swing, jump blues)
Aug. 24 — Dickie (indie rock)
Aug. 31 — Iowa No Mountain Boys (bluegrass)
Sep. 7 — Bo Ramsey featuring Marty Christensen, Randall Davis, and Bryan Vanderpool (Americana)
Ames on the Halfshell
Location: Bandshell Park, 6th Street and Duff Avenue
Vibe: If tribute acts and party bands are just what you need to cut loose, try the Ames on the Halfshell concert series, held on Friday nights at Bandshell Park. The proceeds from the series support the Ames Jaycees and various community improvement projects.
Highlight: Stranger Than Fiction features several long-time Ames musicians, and the band covers a huge range of rock classics. Perfect for a carefree outdoor evening at Bandshell Park.
May 30 — Kinda Petty
June 6 — Stranger Than Fiction
June 13 — Bad Friends
June 20 — Burnin’ Sensations
June 27 — Midnight Radio
