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Joe Alton

Contributor

Joe Alton is a writer, musician, and television personality. The longtime host of MC22’s The Guitar Department, Alton has established himself as one of the figureheads of local music promotion in central Iowa. As a teacher at Rieman Music, Alton has taught many members of the local and regional music scene. Alton is a husband and father of two and enjoys watching movies and exploring parks around the region with his kids.

  • Katie and the Honky Tonks perform on the Silent Stage at the 2024 80/35 Music Festival in Water Works Park.
    Music News
    What is Americana?
    Joe Alton
    IPR Studio One contributor Joe Alton was curious about Americana, and dug into the question of genre and definition with several of Iowa's pre-eminent musicians.
  • Music News
    Meet The Bird Hunters
    Joe Alton
    Des Moines-based band The Bird Hunters has released their debut album, She Lets Me Ramble, which introduces a sound they describe as Midwest Country.
  • A posed black and white image of the three members of The Other Brothers, wearing sunglasses, with a decrepit building right behind them.
    Music News
    Through tragedy and death, The Other Brothers find new life
    Joe Alton
    In 2019, The Other Brothers bassist and co-founder Lorenz Inez unexpectedly died, leaving the band in an uncertain place. After time to reflect, and bring on a new bassist, the band is back, premiering their fifth album, It Ain’t All That’s Left Behind, and for Other Brother fans, it's not one to be missed.