We’re driving along in a multi-colored 1991 Dodge van with 300,000 miles on it traveling all over the United States. Who are we? Why, we’re Billy Goat, of course.

“[The van] looks like somebody tagged it,” said Zac Baird, keyboardist and vocalist. “It’s got 12 or 14 different layers of paint on it.”

Aside from the beat-up van and country travels, Billy Goat has a lot more to share than your average band driving a van. They have their music. A self-described “punk rock jazz funk orchestra” ensemble.

With a new CD recorded and set to be released “as soon as the new year comes around,” the band members are eager for the fans to hear the new material.

“It’s a definite progression,” Baird said. “When I listen to it, it freaks me out. Hopefully, it goes into the people’s ears and they say, ‘I dig what they’re doing.'”

For those fanatics who can’t wait until next year, the band is selling a seven-inch record with two songs from the CD on it.

“Vinyls are very trendy right now. It’s hip to have a seven-inch,” Baird said. “Everyone should have a turntable; there’s so much more eclectic artists on vinyl.

“A lot of things are much more bad-ass on vinyl.”

Based in Kansas City, “the center of the universe,” Billy Goat spends as much time in KC as the rest of the world.

“We do 200 to 250 shows a year,” Baird said. “We’re on the road all the time.”

And those road travels take the band as far as California all the way to Canada, with a couple stops in Iowa. Billy Goat will make a two-day stop in the Des Moines-Ames area, playing at People’s tonight and The Love Shack in Des Moines Friday.

The band has a special place in their hearts, or is that their stomachs, for Iowa’s capital. “The Big Tomato is the best pizza place in Des Moines,” Baird said. “We go there after our shows.”

Tonight’s show, with headliner Mango Jam, at People’s starts at 9 p.m. and is $4.

Saidr Fester will be opening for Billy Goat Friday at The Love Shack. The show is $5 and an ID is required at both venues.