Concerts to catch in Fall 2013 and Spring 2014

Maggie Mcginity

Concerts make for cultural and entertaining study breaks. Here’s a list of the biggest concerts and music events happening in Ames and surrounding cities in Fall 2013 and Spring 2014.


What: Hanson – This band of brothers from Tulsa is best known for their 1997 hit “MMMBop.” Hanson will likely play old classics as well as new material from their 2013 album “Anthem” in this Des Moines concert, part of the “Nitefall On The River” concert series. Joining Hanson is American Idol finalist Paul McDonald.

When: Aug. 28, 8 p.m.

Where: Simon Estes Ampitheater, Des Moines

Cost: $26-31


What: Jonny Lang – This blues, gospel and rock guitarist, singer and songwriter won a Grammy Award for his 2006 album “Turn Around.” A musician noted for his unusual voice and guitar talent, Lang has toured with B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Blues Traveler, Sting, Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy.

When: Sept. 8, 8 p.m.

Where: Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines

Cost: $30-70


What: Chris Mann – Mann first caught America’s attention as a finalist on “The Voice,” and has since many television talk shows and specials. This tour features special guest appearances by Martina McBride and saxophonist Mindi Abair.

When: Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines

Cost: $37.50


What: Maximum Ames Music Festival – This four-day festival will feature 130 plus bands in over twenty venues located all throughout Ames. In its third year, this festival includes local and Midwestern talents as well as national acts.

When: Sept. 26-29

Where: Ames

Cost: varies; Full festival pass: $100


What: Aaron Carter – Carter’s second album, “Aaron’s Party(Come Get It),” went triple-platinum, and featured hit singles “I Want Candy,” “Aaron’s Party(Come Get It),” “That’s How I Beat Shaq,” and “Bounce.” Carter’s playing at the M-Shop one day after this, but that concert sold out quickly. The chance to see Carter perform isn’t lost, though; all it takes is driving to Des Moines and purchasing a ticket to this show.

When: Oct. 3, 7 p.m.

Where: Wooly’s in Des Moines

Cost: $15, $65


What: Aaron Carter – Carter rose to fame in the last ’90s and early 2000s, popular with the pre-teen and teen audience when many ISU students were teens and pre-teens. Both of these concerts, which already had limited amounts of tickets due to venue size, sold out fast.

When: Oct. 4, 8 p.m., 10 p.m.

Where: Maintenance Shop

Cost: SOLD OUT


What: Straight No Chaser – This 10-piece male a capella group, originally formed more than 15 years ago at Indiana University, has garnered a massive fan base and more than 20 million views on YouTube. “Under the Influence,” their most recent album, features collaborations with Sara Bareilles, Jason Mraz, Rob Thomas, Phil Collins, Seal, Dolly Parton and Elton John.

When: Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Stephens Auditorium

Cost: $29.50, $39.50, $49.50


What: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis World Tour 2013 – This Seattle hip-hop duo independently released their debut album, “The Heist,” in 2012. “The Heist” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Charts, reached No. 1 on iTunes, and features the No. 1 singles “Can’t Hold Us” and “Thrift Shop.” The two are touring with special guests Talib Kweli and Big K.R.I.T.

When: Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines

Cost: $34.50, $38.50, $45


What: In Sterio – This innovative flute duo combines virtuosic flute playing with jazz flute techniques and original, multi-genre music. Performing since 2007, In Sterio combines and draws inspiration from rock, folk, classical, latin, funk and electro genres. 

When: Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall, Music Hall

Cost: $5, $15


What: Steve Vai – Vai is a virtuoso guitarist, producer, and composer with more than 15 million album sales and three Grammy Awards. He has recorded and toured with David Lee Roth and Whitesnake.

When: Nov. 1, 8 p.m.

Where: Sherman Hoyt Place, Des Moines

Cost: $30, $35, $45


What: P!nk The Truth About Love Tour – This tour, presented by Covergirl, is supporting P!nk’s sixth studio album, “The Truth About Love,” which features the hit single “Blow Me(One More Kiss).” 

When: Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines

Cost: $39.50, $69.50, $99.50


What: Keith Urban Light The Fuse Tour 2013 – Four-time Grammy Award winner Keith Urban will stop in Des Moines on the second leg of his Light The Fuse Tour 2013. Urban will be joined by openers Little Bit Town and Dustin Lynch.

When: Nov. 9, 7 p.m.

Where: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines

Cost: $37, $61.50


What: RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles – The tribute band RAIN has been together longer than The Beatles themselves were, and puts on a concert show which covers the entirety of The Beatles’ musical lifespan, from the early days of their performances on the Ed Sullivan Show to the end years.

When: Feb. 4 & 5, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Des Moines Civic Center

Cost: $110, $154, $184


What: Béla Fleck, Abigail Washburn, & Del McCoury Band – Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, banjo superstars, will play a mix of traditional and original tunes. Fleck is a 14-time Grammy Award winner. The duo will be joined by the Del McCoury Band, led by Grammy Award winner Del McCoury.

When: Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Stephens Auditorium

Cost: $20-39


What: VEISHEA – This annual Iowa State celebration will feature many musical events, including Cyclone Idol; MuSE, the Musical Showcase Extravaganza; a free Thursday night concert; and the Live @ Veishea concerts during the Friday and Saturday nights of Veishea. The 2013 Live @ Veishea concerts featured B.O.B., Easton Corbin, Grouplove, and Jana Kramer, along with other bands and musicians.

When: April 7-13

Where: Iowa State Campus

Cost: Varies