College is all about new experiences, whether it is new friends, new food, or just new experiences in general. New music is always in abundance in a college setting where you have a diverse populace. Ames over the past few years has been a hub for new music and has been the home of many successful bands including Poison Control Center, Mumford’s and Ladysoal, to name a few. These artists all need venues to showcase their talents, and Ames has them.

“These venues mean so much to me, I’ve played at all of them over the years, and they add so much to the cultural life of Ames,” said Nate Logsdon, lead singer of Mumford’s. “Ames is blessed with a huge variety of entertainment venues and orignal music. Ames rules, I will always live here for my whole life because the cultural life rules.”

 

The Maintenance Shop

Located in the basement of the Memorial Union, The M-Shop hosts a wide variety of concerts every month, ranging from bluegrass to punk. Check the calendar on the Student Union Board‘s website for upcoming shows, ticket prices and other happenings.

“The M-Shop has been here since the beginning, and it’s a historic place,” said George Potter, SUB’s M-Shop coordinator. “For local bands, it’s become an honor to get invited to play the M-Shop.”

Where: Memorial Union

Phone: 515-294-8349

Ticket Office Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday

 

DG’s Tap House

Located at 127 Main St. in Downtown Ames, DG’s Tap House hosts a variety of music, as well as beer. A majority of the shows are 21+, so leave the juice boxes at home. Swing by, enjoy a pint and sample some local music flavor as well.

Where: 127 Main St.

Phone: 515-233-5084

Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Tuesday to Saturday

 

The Space for Ames

The Space For Ames is a cornucopia of art. Whether it be on canvas, sung or played. An all-ages venue, The Space encourages tolerance and free thinking as well as self- expression.

Where: 118 Hayward Ave. Suite 3

 

Stomping Grounds

Stomping Grounds is a Campustown venue and, when the Maximum Ames Festival rolls around, is filled with music, applause and coffee. Lots of coffee.

Where: 303 Welch Ave.

Phone: 515-292-5258

Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 pm., Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to midnight, Friday to Sunday

 

The Pink Lady and The Orange Gentleman

The Pink Lady and The Orange Gentleman are very intimate venues. Both are domestic houses for residents of Ames and strive to keep the Ames’ culture alive. Check their Facebook pages for upcoming events.

The Pink Lady: 704 Duff Ave.

The Orange Gentleman: 702 Clark Ave.

 

Cafe Milo

Cafe Milo is a locally owned coffee shop that boasts “All coffee and espresso blends are locally roasted,” and features local artists’ photographs and pieces. They also host Open Mics from time to time, so kick back, enjoy an espresso and dig some tunes.

Where: 4800 Mortensen Road

Phone: 515-268-3166

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday to Sunday