Michael Golemo is a long-time advocate of music and the arts. As Professor and Chair of the Music Department and Director of Bands at Iowa State, Golemo knows a thing or two about music and what it can do for people. Living in Ames for the last 15 years, he has seen many changes in the local  arts and entertainment scene. He has a long-term experience working with musical groups, including directing the Ames Municipal Band. Golemo shared his thoughts on how far music has come and how it makes Central Iowa special.

How have you seen the music opportunities in Central Iowa change over the years?

They’ve certainly grown; there are a lot of traditional opportunities that continue to happen nowadays. There are many municipal bands that continue to perform throughout the city and there is also a whole new venue that has opened up at the side of the Roosevelt school. It seems like there are more alternative music bands and music groups that exist in Ames than 15 years ago. Back then, the city sometimes felt like it would shut down in the summer. There were very few cultural offerings. The city and other organizations have done quite a bit to enhance those offerings, specifically in music with concerts and opportunities.

Do you ever go to any of the events in Ames or Des Moines?

My wife and I get to as many of those events as we can. One week we do the Des Moines Artwalk, and the next time we do a concert. We enjoy the shows in both the Ames and Des Moines areas, plus this past summer we spent time in Galena, Illinois and Dubuque. We travel a lot and it’s always interesting to see what these towns do in the summer compared to Ames. Many of the cities like Fort Collins have pedestrian walkway areas; we kind of wish Ames had such things instead of temporary street closings and such.

What is your favorite venue in Central Iowa, and why?

My favorite venue is Stephens Auditorium. The sound is terrific. They usually have a wide variety of places to sit, and the shows that [Iowa State Center General Manager] Mark North is bringing in this year are terrific. I think that some of the shows that come to Stephens really identify how special Ames is. People outside of here are usually shocked at what greatness in talent the city has to offer. I think people need to make an effort to go out and support live entertainment, and we’re really in the best place to do that.

Stephens has traditionally been closed in the summer, but I like the upcoming schedule for concerts for next year. The school year has better offerings than the summer. But, it’s still neat to see the schedules posted in the summer. Honestly, next school year is going to be an all-star season for Stephens, and I can’t wait.

If there’s one thing you wish you could see more of in the Ames music scene, what would it be?

I’d love to see more jazz. I’d like to think there’s a part, an audience, for that in this city. People used to bring in big-name jazz people, but that hasn’t happened for years now. There are great jazz performers and teachers that exist here in the Ames area. I wish there were some clubs that took advantage of their talent.

Golemo will be helping to kick off the summer’s A&E offerings with his Ames Municipal Band performances every Thursday evening at the Bandshell park in Ames. Admission is free, and some shows will feature special guest appearances like award-winning singer Simon Estes or narrator John Phillips Sousa, IV.

“It’s a fun, relaxing, great evening of free entertainment with musicians that are pouring their hearts out. It’s a very special group,” Golemo said.