The 5 Reasons I Can't Wait for My DSM USA Tour Stop

Anytime I bring my band back to Greater Des Moines (DSM), I just want to show it off. So, I take them on the most epic (in my opinion) grand tour: This is where I went to school, this is where I used to live (gosh, I loved that little apartment!), this is where my friend threw epic house parties, this is where people sometimes qualify for the Olympics and this is my favorite restaurant/coffee shop/boutique. I'm just so proud of the city and how it's embraced its growth and has really stepped up its game to cater entertainment, music, food and night life to young people.

As I tour the country as a singer, these are the reasons I can't wait to get back to DSM:

1. People

As a Drake University grad, I absolutely love coming back to DSM. Even if I only lived there for four years, it still feels like home. It's so exciting to see how much the city has grown since then. I have some family members that live in the area and so many friends that have landed here after college that I'm just a short "Hey! I'm in DSM!" text away from getting together with so many special humans.

2. Culture

Midwest nice is REAL, ya'll! I'm so thankful to be able to travel the world with my music, but there is NOTHING like coming home to Iowa. The people are real and genuine, and just downright NICE. They even make eye contact and smile while walking on the sidewalk and wave at people they don't know when they pass them on the highway. It's like a breath of fresh air.

3. Coffee

 I know I've done it right if I can hit at least two of my three favorite local coffee shops in town: Java Joe's, Smokey Row and Mars Cafe .

4. Food

Fong's Pizza. I fell in love with this little Chinese pizza joint when I was a student at Drake which has now expanded to include other locations. It has become a MANDATORY tradition that I stop and let my band experience my favorite pizza on the planet anytime I'm in town or passing through! I would be lying if I said I hadn't thought of trying to convince the owners to open a location or food truck in Nashville, where I’m located now. *THINK ABOUT IT* Crab Rangoon pizza after the show, anyone?

5. Firsts 

This is the first time I’ll be performing at Temple Theater. This is legit awesome. I am so pumped to be playing at the Temple Theater. The Des Moines Performing Arts has been on my radar for a while so I'm so excited that the pieces have come together for this show! I haven't played a full band show in the area in a while — and this will be my biggest band I've ever brought out on the road. Strap yourselves in, because this show is going to rock (or should I say, "pop").  I think there are still some tickets left, so hop on over to Des Moines Performing Arts for more info!

All in all, March 8 can't get here soon enough because I can't wait to get back. And if you've never been to DSM, you're missing out.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) is full of things to experience and enjoy. Looking for something to do? Check out the list of events, concerts, sport events and more in DSM!