Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities

[BeBop]

I post this question with low expectations and hope for the best. And yes, I know it's a fairly short drive for Chicago.

[Rooster_Ties]

Get yourself a copy of this book, and you could spend a month in Iowa.

I know, because I've nearly done that (when you total up all the time I've spent driving through Iowa, on my way to other places). The book has maps, and a county-by-county , city-by-city listing (with descriptions) of probably somewhere close to 2,500 of THE most important buildings in Iowa, from an architectural perspective.

It's part of a whole series, and they've got about 10 books done (for 10 states). Can't wait for the whole series to be completed, but it'll probably 20 years before that happens. Only a matter of time...

[Rooster_Ties]

Seriously, recommendations for what?? Record stores?? Places to stay?? Stuff to do?? How long ya going to be there?? What kinda stuff (outside of jazz) are you interested in??

Gonna be a lot easier to recommend stuff if we have a few input parameters first.

[alejo]

I would make sure you stop in Iowa City. It seems like one of the only really happening areas of the state. It's also a really nice little town that is centered around the Univeristy of Iowa, thus having a lot of the perks that come with being a collge town. I visited Iowa City a few times while at college in Madison, WI and really liked the feel of the town.

Here is a link to a local rag:

Go Iowa City

Edited April 28, 2004 by alejo

[BeBop]

Suppose I was looking mainly for jazz/music things to do. I'll be working in Iowa for a couple of weeks (that may turn out to be a year). I typically work 16 hours a day, seven days a week, so I've limited time for anything else, and my free time comes in the evening/late evening hours, making museums, public building and the like impractical. Music is the best 'release' I've found for the time available.

That said, I appreciate the information already provided.

[WD45]

As an Iowa native, I will second the motion to make it to Iowa City. It is not far from Cedar Rapids, and it has the most culture of any place in the whole state. A few decent record stores, great jazz fest in the summer, and the University attracts some decent talent for their performance series.

[BeBop]

Thanks. Will try to make Iowa City at some point. The link had some good info.

After Iowa, I'm headed for WD45's neck of the woods: Minneapolis. Fortunately, I more-or-less know my way around that place. And I'm looking forward to visiting NOT in January, when I usually come to town.

[jacknife]

my free time comes in the evening/late evening hours

There's always Daisy Dukes in the Quad cities and Dolls in Iowa city! Be sure to bring lots of dollar bills

[Free For All]

Not much going on outside of Iowa City, but there's a great b-3er in Des Moines named Sam Salamone (sp.?). I don't know where he might be playing, but there are some places on Court Avenue (near downtown) that occasionally have live jazz, and it'd be worth checking to see where he might be performing. There's also a Des Moines Big Band that plays on Mondays at the Spaghetti Works (also on Court Ave.) which is run by Jim Oatts (brother of saxophonist Dick). When I first started playing with the DMBB, the lead trombonist (an early mentor of mine) was Steve (aka TOAD) Stewart- his son is drummer Bill Stewart.

I grew up in Iowa- got a great education and was exposed to great jazz, but there's NO PLACE to gig, so everyone leaves. That's why the average age there is so high- young people tend to split.

Good luck!

BTW, any Organissimopolitans planning on making the Iowa City festival this July?

Maybe we can organize a hang.........

[Aggie87]

I used to go to the Quad Cities on business from time to time. The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival will be going on July 22-25 this year. Website for more Fest info.

Other, non music interests might include the civil war cemetery on Rock Island itself, and I believe there's a small museum on the arsenal that's interesting as well.

There used to be riverboat gambling on both the Illinois & Iowa sides of the river, though I believe the President riverboat is gone now. The Lady Luck may still be there, as well as the ones on the Illinois side.

And the Amana Colonies are fairly close to Iowa City as well. An interesting place to visit, like stepping back in time.

[BeBop]

Appreciate advice received in '04. Heading back for a longer stay. Any updates or new info? Thanks.

[Spontooneous]

Some strong Iowa City recommendations:

One of America's best independent bookstores, Prairie Lights, at 15 S. Dubuque St. (Check the tables near the back for cutout CDs.)

The record store in the back of the Northside Book Market, 203 N. Linn St., is run by a jazz fan and has a very hip selection.

And the Chinese restaurant across Linn from the Northside Book Market is great.

[Spontooneous]

I almost forgot. In the Quad Cities, you MUST eat at Jim's Rib Haven, 531 24th St. in Rock Island, or Jim's Rib Haven II, 1600 10th St. in East Moline.

[montg]

The Beiderbecke festival begins this weekend in Davenport.

bix