The B-Side

PorchFest, a free event in Union Park, and the inaugural Together Through Sound festival at Riverview Park are both free live music events not to miss this weekend.

Music festivals are made possible because of huge plots of land and by communities of people who welcome them. How does our state’s largest event of its kind handle land management?

Making music is Dave Helmer’s life pursuit as both a luthier and a professional recording artist. After over a decade fronting the Iowa City rock pop band Crystal City, Dave Helmer is set to release his first solo album, Such A Clown.

The new doc tells the story behind the design studio that’s responsible for some of the most iconic album covers of the 1970’s including Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.

The Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines offers monthly jam sessions to young musicians interested in jazz and improvisation. This year, they are celebrating 35 years of education.

Despite a rainy, muddy weekend, Hinterland 2023 hit just right. The acts were stellar, the crowds were into it and it was just an all-around great weekend. To celebrate the fest, this year we decided to give virtual awards for our favorite sets.

Dave Deibler is most well-known these days as the co-owner of Octopus, a bar and live music venue in Cedar Falls, but in the '90s and early 2000s, he fronted a nationally touring rock band. At this year's 80/35 festival, he'll be inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Buckmiller Schwager Band is a group of musicians that spans multiple generations of musical upbringing and influence. To the band, playing the blues is key to educating on the blues. They joined IPR's All Access Live in April.

The past year has been rough for Iowa musician Abbie Sawyer. But through her challenges, new collaborations and projects have been born. Now, Sawyer is ready to reflect, release and celebrate — all through the lens of her mantra: "Life is therapy."

Des Moines' multi-talented Madison Ray shares his Valentine's love letter and lessons to the future creatives in Iowa.