Live performances bring people together to bond through music. With live music happening weekly in Ames, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others who are passionate about music.

The Maintenance Shop, also known as the M-Shop and located under the Memorial Union, is an intimate venue that hosts local and touring artists year-round with discounted ticket prices for students.

On the more expensive side, Stephens Auditorium, located next to Hilton Coliseum, brings several major music acts to Ames each year.

For music events on campus, keep an eye on the Student Union Board’s calendar, but downtown on Main Street exists the three pillars of the Ames music scene.

For more than 10 years, DG’s Tap House has been a go-to spot for traveling bands as well as local Ames artists. Doubling as a micro tap house and event space, the bar has the perfect atmosphere to begin immersing yourself in the Ames music scene no matter your tastes. 

The venue is known for its welcoming environment and receptive audience. Several bands based throughout the Midwest make a point to play at DG’s Tap House when they can, taking appreciation in the venue’s hospitality and engaging crowd. 

The British pub London Underground hosts a wide range of music events in a low-key and comfortable setting. The venue is focused on more singer-songwriters than full band acts due to its smaller size, but multiple genres are welcome. However, a full rock band isn’t likely to be seen at London Underground as opposed to DG’s Tap House.

“Our role is to compliment, a little bit, what they do,” said Bryon Dudley, promotions director for London Underground. 

Once a month, the bar puts on “Live at London,” featuring an established blues, Americana music act. The London Underground is also home to a more alternative showcase series from Ames record label Nova Labs. 

The last Monday of every month is home to Bartop Burlesque, which includes burlesque dancers performing in tandem with a local band. A new and sporadic event called London Underground’s Odd Night Out is designed for performers a little bit “rough around the edges,” Dudley said.

The Angry Irishmen, formerly known as Deano’s 119 Main, you can expect free live music at 9 p.m. every Friday. 

“We’re striving and achieving local music,” said Dan Gill, manager of The Angry Irishman. “We’re putting an emphasis on local music and showing people what’s available in town.” 

The Angry Irishmen stands out with no cover charge and frequent open mic nights. The dive bar atmosphere associated with The Angry Irishmen is not a negative, Gill said. 

“It is a dive bar atmosphere,” Gill said. “‘Dive bar’ these days isn’t really a negative term, it’s more of an endearing, local community term. The emphasis on friendly, local and community is what I think resonates with people.”

Beyond the Main Street bars, you can look forward to the yearly Maximum Ames Music Festival every fall. Last year’s festival brought over 60 local and traveling music acts across downtown Ames.

For keeping up with local music events, venues in Ames keep their Facebook pages updated for all upcoming shows.

If you’re a musician and playing shows is more your speed, Iowa State has that covered too. While the marching band and concert band programs at Iowa State offers great opportunities for musical performances, some would rather play in clubs, bars and other small venues. 

GENRE Club (Gathering Everyone Nearby to Raucously Entertain) offers students an opportunity to not only meet new, like-minded people, but also to practice, form bands and book gigs.

The club is an officially recognized student organization and offers entry to anyone who is interested, regardless of musical preference or ability. 

“Any instrument or type of music is accepted into our community of musicians so if you play banjo, trumpet, electronic house music, upright jazz bass, 8 string guitar, or even “Creed-style” vocals; GENRE has a place for you,” their website reads.

In addition to being able to form your own bands, GENRE club gives members access to an extensive arsenal of musical instruments and equipment. Workshops are offered to help student musicians learn or improve on new equipment. 

If you find yourself with a solid solo set or find your new bandmates in GENRE club, they also offer help in finding gigs, especially in Ames. Bars such as Mother’s, DG’s Taphouse and Outlaws all accept acts that spawn from GENRE club.

So if you’re an incoming freshman musician, GENRE club can serve as a place to maintain and improve your craft.