Isaac Damhoff used to perform at Open Mic Nights at the Maintenance Shop. Now he’s set to play the free 50-year anniversary kick-off concert 8 p.m. this Friday.

Damhoff, who graduated in 2022, is a singer and guitarist for the soul-funk fusion band Mango Soul.

“I always thought it would be super cool to actually play a whole set there,” Damhoff said.

Alongside Mango Soul, the alt-rock band WOEM will be performing at the free kick-off concert.

Bria Cox, a junior in data science, is the lead singer of the group and has been performing at the M-Shop as a member of the Grandma Mojo’s Improv Troupe since 2022. She said that the history of the venue is a big reason why this show is important to her.

“I have my Dad’s old M-Shop shirt. I treasure it so much,” Cox said.

She said that if you didn’t know there was a live music scene in Ames, this concert could be a good way to get introduced. 

“It’s such a cool opportunity to come out, show up, meet people and learn about the music community in Ames,” Cox said.

Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. for Mango Soul and WOEM’s performance this Friday. The M-Shop website states that the concert is for fans of “Penelope Scott, Sir Chloe, Vulf Peck, and local artists.”

To get a feel for some of the band’s music, you can check out Mango Soul and WOEM’s YouTube pages.