One of my favorite experiences last year was attending Hinterland Music Festival out in St. Charles, Iowa. I'll never forget laying underneath the stars and listening to Ray LaMontagne serenade me and my friends. It was pure magic, folks.
Read MoreA few weeks ago, we featured Jami Milne here on the site. She recently returned from a trip to Paris and Shop Preservation published a photo essay about the trip. I think it's beautiful! Read it all here.
Read MoreDes Moines Performing Arts recently launched a dance series that will be going on for the next few months downtown. They kicked it off with Kyle Abraham's Abraham.In.Motion this past Wednesday and let me tell you that it was a captivating show! I was blown away.
Before I go any further, watch the short promo video below to get an idea of the type of dance his shows incorporate and then read my thoughts on the show and how you can attend the next production.
Read MoreLast month was Around the Table's first dinner of 2017 and it was a magical evening to say the least. Sixteen guests gathered on the rooftop of the Des Moines Building to share a meal with one another and experience the city in a new and unique way.
I can't really explain what it feels like to watch as a group of strangers become friends, but every time I see it happen it renews me faith in the power and importance of connection. We're online so often that I think we forget what it feels like to experience something with people by our sides. That's irreplaceable! And long as I'm here, I plan to help people remember its importance.
In lieu of more words, I give you pictures! All done by my mega-talented friend/storyteller, Liz Brown, who was scheduled to stay an hour but ended up staying for three. We love you Liz!
p.s. if you want to be notified of upcoming events with Around the Table, please click here. You'll be the first to know when we announce our dinner for this spring.
Read MoreLast week I had the honor to watch the company at Ballet Des Moines practice for their upcoming show. You can read that all here. Yesterday afternoon, I drove up to Ames to watch the final product live and in person. What a cool experience to see the progression! More below.
Read MoreBallet Des Moines was kind enough to reach out and ask if I'd like to visit their studio during a practice before the upcoming show. Obviously, I said yes! I always enjoy getting a look behind the scenes and I also wanted to find out if any Black Swan stuff ever happens within the company (I asked, it doesn't.) Read on below...
Read MoreMamma Mia! is coming to Des Moines! I'm so pumped to go see this show because I've been going through a huge ABBA obsession due to this viral video.
Read MoreEarlier this week I went to see Beautiful: the Carole King Musical and I was blown away. Shows are selling out fast for this weekend, but there are still some seats available. Find tickets and showtimes right here.
Also if you're a student, they have a limited number of tickets for only $25. These tickets are made available two hours before each performance and you must have a student I.D. on hand.
Okay, that's the info I have for you. Now you can read my review after the jump if you're interested.
Read MoreLiz Brown does most of the photography that you see here on the site and there's a reason why. Beyond her obvious talent, Liz cares for people and her photography style is almost hospitable in nature, creating a warmth that talent alone can't make happen.
I respect Liz so much and I've asked her to share a few tips on photography. In true Liz Brown fashion, the advice you'll find below applies to both art and life. Thanks for sharing, Liz! Be sure to check out her blog here. And if you need some pictures anytime soon, she's a good pick.
Read MoreSitting in the audience last night, I was surrounded by people who'd obviously seen RENT several times. Halfway through the show, the woman next to me was crying and the couple behind me were quietly processing a death that had just occurred on stage.
It was my first time seeing it and the whole experience was weirdly moving even for me. It's no mystery why this show has had such a lasting influence! I honestly can't think of another show that I've been to that elicited such a response from the audience, the people on stage felt like less actors and more like old friends we hadn't seen in a long time. The show's three hour production time flew by and I already want to go back.
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