Ames is jam-packed with talented artists and venues that feature bands from all across the nation. Spring is the perfect time of year to get out and explore all that the music scene has to offer. Here is a list of three venues in Ames and what they feature in the near future.
M-Shop
Located in the basement of the Memorial Union, the Maintenance Shop (M-Shop) is an almost entirely student-run venue that has been hosting shows since 1974. The Student Union Board works to maintain a steady schedule and lively atmosphere for students and anyone in Ames to experience.
Thursday, the M-Shop is hosting the Talbott Brothers with Anna Hamilton starting at 8 p.m. in the M-Shop. The Talbott Brothers are an American Folk Rock duo from Imperial, Nebraska, excited to share their unapologetic authenticity with the crowd.
Opening for the brothers is Hamilton, an indie folk and acoustic pop singer-songwriter from Kansas. The show will be $20 to enter or $15 for ISU students with a $2 increase the day of the show.
Noir
If looking for a relaxing evening to enjoy drinks and blues, look no further than Noir. The local jazz bar is serving bourbon and classy cocktails on 405 Kellogg Ave. With its speakeasy feel, Noir is all about good vibes, great service and memorable nights in the heart of Ames.
Noir hosts live music most Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tune in this weekend to hear The Get Down on Friday, and the Vintage Cafe on Saturday.
The A Hole
Ames is cooler with the knowledge of an underground basement house venue called The A Hole. The A Hole was founded in 2022 by Sine Rife and Cole Hildebrand, who decided to bring live music back to life with their own version of the M-Shop.
This Friday, The A Hole is hosting Whitehall, a high-energy, indie rock band on their Midwest tour. Along with Whitehall, bands Cal Red and Kibble will also be taking the stage.
“We don’t want things to get stale,” Rife said to the Daily.
The A Hole is a tribute to the true art that’s present in the Midwest and the beauty of people coming together to celebrate it. The show requires a $5 cash fee at the door, and the address can be found by reaching out to @theaholeames on Instagram.
Whether you want to bust out your cowboy boots with the Talbott Brothers or have an evening soirée at Noir, Ames has a lot to offer. Enjoy the music, art and talent right here in town this weekend.
