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Cultural Stage sponsored by Polk County Board of Supervisors
Friday, Aug. 28
12 – 1 p.m.: Casey Joe & The Foxes
- Casey Joe and the Foxes are a folk trio with thunderous upright bass, swashbuckling mandolin, and inviting harmonies.
2 – 2:30 p.m.: Freight Train Frank | Frank Strong
- "Freight Train" Frank Strong is a guitarist, vocalist, and harmonica player who has been performing blues, folk, country, and Americana music for over 30 years. He was born in Council Bluffs, the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific railroad, and learned many railroad songs when he began to play guitar and harmonica. Mr. Strong has taught hundreds of folks how to play harmonica.
3 – 4 p.m.: India Unbound | Pradyumn Bukkapatnam
- Join Pradyumn for a lively musical journey rooted in India's rich musical traditions. From serene Carnatic melodies and beloved film songs to original fusion and influences from around the world, this performance blends voice, keyboard, percussion, and dance into a celebration of music without boundaries.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Folklor Mexicano Stylo y Movimiento
- Folklor Mexicano Dance brings to life the vibrant spirit, traditions, and history of Mexico through color rhythm, and storytelling. Each performance showcases the rich diversity of the country's cultural heritage. Dancers perform in beautifully crafted traditional costumes, each representing a unique Mexican state or cultural tradition. The choreography captures themes of community, celebration, courtship, and national pride.
6 – 6:30 p.m.: Songs of Siam
- Songs of Siam is a family ensemble dedicated to performing traditional Thai music. The members have been playing music together as a family since childhood, carrying on a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Music played an important role in their upbringing, as their parents used songs to teach them different languages. Through learning and singing English songs, they developed their English language skills from a young age.
Saturday, Aug. 29
12 – 12:30 p.m.: KUD Dukat
- Bosnian and Herzegovinian dance group celebrating the rich cultures and traditions of the Balkans through dance and beautiful showcases of traditional costumes.
1 – 1:30 p.m.: Earth Mother Drummers
- Earth Mother Drummers is a trio of women who have been playing the drums and traditional rhythms of West Africa for over 20 years. They have studied and performed with world renowned Master Drummers from the West African countries of Mali and Guinea - drumming with them here in the United States and also in West Africa.
1:45 – 2:30 p.m.: Heart of Iowa Cloggers
- The Heart of Iowa Cloggers, a vibrant clogging group in central Iowa, was formed in 2021 after the Sugar Creek Cloggers relocated to Florida. With the desire to keep the tradition of clogging alive in the region, the group quickly established itself as a hub for enthusiasts of this unique dance style. Under the direction of Lois Holmes, the Heart of Iowa Cloggers continue to showcase the energy and artistry of clogging, performing at various local events and fostering a community of passionate dancers.
3 – 3:30 p.m.: VACI Lion Dance
- The VACI Lions are a youth led lion dance group based in Des Moines, Iowa that was founded in 2023. The VACI Lions goal is the continuous learning of Vietnamese culture and the spread of joy and respectfulness throughout the community.
4 – 4:30 p.m.: RAM SII PAK
- This young Thai sister duo will dance to a song celebrating the unity of all Thai people across the four regions of Thailand: the North, Northeast, South, and Central regions.
5 – 5:45 p.m.: Foy Irish Dancers
- The Foy School of Irish Dance presents a vibrant and energetic showcase celebrating the rich traditions of Irish music and movement. Dancers of all ages take the stage with precision, rhythm, and unmistakable Irish spirit, performing both soft-shoe and hard-shoe pieces that highlight the school’s dedication to artistry and technique. Audiences are treated to the crisp beats of traditional step dancing, lively group choreography, and expressive storytelling through motion.
6:15 – 7 p.m.: DSM Breakerz
- DSM Breakerz, Inc. is a non-profit organization in the Des Moines Metro Area that provides a safe environment for kids to learn the art of breakdancing, choreo, and a wide variety of dance, arts, and movement. They strive to inspire confidence in the youth, promote physical and mental health, facilitate creative expression, and provide a passionate outlet for the community. DSM Breakerz host classes for all ages, offer opportunities for members to compete or perform in and around the community at events, and provide mentorship for youth in the school system, guiding them to a positive outlet!
Sunday, Aug. 30
12 – 12:30 p.m.: Salsa Lesson and Dancing | 26th Street Latin Dance
- Teaching some basic salsa steps and having people dance with each other!
1 – 2 p.m.: Japanese Taiko Drumming | Soten Taiko
2:30 – 3 p.m.: Peruvian Pan Flutes | Cucho Madero
- Cucho Madero is a professional musician who performs at festivals around Iowa. He plays Romanian and Peruvian pan flutes. He formed a band and toured in his home country of Peru before coming to the U.S. in 1990.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: The Theys & The Thems
- IPR's Studio One described the band as, "An alt rock/dream pop fivesome whose genre fluidity is half the fun." The Theys and the Thems are a Mexican-American fronted band from Des Moines performing original music in the genres of pop, rock, cumbia, with touches of R&B, jazz, and other Latin genres. Largely influenced by their queer Latine upbringing in Iowa, the lyrics tackle issues of justice and liberation, while cherishing and celebrating the beauty of life, love, and community.
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