A lot of people bitch about how there is nothing to do in central Iowa. I agree to a certain extent, but I know that if you are a fan of live music, there is always a local band putting on a show somewhere.

Let me clarify something first; when I say “the local scene” I don’t just mean Ames. I am referring to any bands who hail from central Iowa, whether it be Ames, Des Moines, Indianola or wherever. I also classify bands who might be from farther regions of the state but play central Iowa as often as local bands do.

Once upon a time, this is how “the local scene” was classified. During the last few years, though, the Ames scene and Des Moines scene have broken apart from one another. It might have something to do with the oversaturation of crappy pop-punk bands in Ames.

Believe it or not, Iowa has had its share of successful local bands. Of course we all know about Slipknot and most of us know Cedar Falls natives House of Large Sizes did some time with Columbia back in the day.

Ames’ own 35″ Mudder was the talk of the record industry a few years back, and the source of somewhat of a record label bidding war. The group fell short in the end but kicked up quite a bit of attention for local music. Mudder proteg‚ 38th Parallel signed earlier this year with Squid Entertainment and just recently Why Make Clocks negotiated a deal with an indie label out of New York.

Keepers of the Carpet, members of the Bi-Fi team, also tasted some success before their recent break-up and frat boys across the Midwest love to get drunk while the Nadas play in the background.

So if you think that local music sucks, you couldn’t be further from the truth. I have been enticed with local music since I was a senior in high school and saw bands like House of Large Sizes, Bocca Saint and Salt of Society on the 2nd stage of Mancow’s Lazer Luau. No shit, the local stage was the best part about both of the Luaus.

But it still seems people just don’t want to give local music a chance. It amazes me how people will pack People’s to see ’80s cover bands and Phish tribute bands but won’t shell out two bucks to watch a local band. You might be pleasantly surprised if you just gave some of these bands a chance.

Sure, sometimes you are going to see a band that is absolutely awful, it can’t be avoided. But other times you are going to find a diamond in the rough. Just because these musicians have the label “local” attached to them doesn’t mean they can’t play. I know quite a few local musicians, and they never cease to amaze me with their musical abilities.

If you are a fan of hard music, there are some real standout groups right at your fingertips. On A Pale Horse, formerly known as Painface, puts on one of the most intense live shows you will see. Vocalist Anders was the original vocalist for Slipknot. Seven Point Six Two hails right here from Ames and combines heavy guitars with industrial programming and guitarist Jay Lyon was a member of the infamous Ames group JunkPoet.

Devil With Cheese is another industrial-type group that hails from Des Moines. The band features former members of godkillgod and is heavy as hell, but can match that heaviness with some extreme groove. Index Case is probably the hottest band in Iowa right now and earlier this year they shot a video in Des Moines.

There is a plentiful amount of punk bands in the area. And when I say punk, I mean punk, or as close as it can get in Iowa . I don’t mean Blink-182 rip-off bands with singers who sound like dying dogs.

Matt and Yuta from Grubby Ernie, the best local punk band ever to utter the word Oi!, now play in a band called Johnny on the Rocks and the band is definitely worth checking out. Chances are a band called Blank Skeme will be playing with them and it is great to see live as well. I haven’t heard much about the Blank Skeme crew in quite some time, it was rumored the band was breaking up, so you might be too late.

Shiloh Church is another band that has been quiet lately, but its blend of metal/pop/punk is both fantastic and bizzarre. Last but not least, check out the Sadistic Kids for a dose of old-school `we don’t give a shit’ punk attitude.

If you aren’t into the heavy stuff, there are plenty of choices as well. Ames is home to Poison Control Center, one of the quirkiest and best live bands around. Veishea Battle of the Bands winner Argos mixes rock/punk and utilizes an electric violin and cello.

Slopsycle is a band out of Des Moines that specializes in blues/rock. Guitarist Jake Berhow is something to see, playing his instrument like no one’s business. The other local group Berhow is involved with, The Tyler Thompson Band, recently opened a number of dates for the Allman Brothers.

The Jackass Project is a dark brew of acoustic-driven hard rock, very reminiscent of Days of the New. The band is particular with its live dates, so if you get the chance to check it out, take advantage.

These are just some of the highlights of local music. I know I didn’t name everybody, I couldn’t possibly in 20 inches. Plus, there are areas of local music (folk, hip-hop) that I am not familiar with at all.

But there are good bands out there, so next time you and your friends are looking for something to do, stop by People’s or The Break when either venue is hosting local music.

If you are in the Des Moines area, head to The View, Hairy Mary’s or House of Bricks. all great places to see a show. The bands will appreciate it more than you will ever know. In short . support local music, except Rear View Mirror, because not only has that band not paid a single due to get where it is today, but they act like a bunch of assholes. Plus, they sound like Creed. If I ever had a band and one day we were jamming and it dawned on my that we sounded like Creed, I would smash my own guitar over my head. But Rear View Mirror is a whole different column.

Trevor Fisher is a junior in journalism from Knoxville and is the A&E editor of the Daily.