The Setlist: Live Music in Des Moines for October 2024
The Setlist is your monthly cheat sheet for must-catch concerts and shows in Greater Des Moines. Go ahead and check, check what’s worthy of an encore this month.
October 1 & 2: An Evening with Matthew Sweet
Matthew Sweet is bringing an unforgettable show experience to the Temple Theater. In this extremely intimate concert, Sweet will perform his alternative pop hits while also talking through some of his favorite music experiences. Hear classics like “Girlfriend” and “100% Fun” and learn about what it was like to be a breakthrough artist of the power pop revival. He will be continuing his year on an international tour with Hanson, so this show is an opportunity to be a precursor to what will be an unforgettable touring year for Sweet.
October 3: Quinn XCII
Making his Des Moines debut, Quinn XCII (pronounced 92) is known for his unique theatrics within his concerts. Expect nothing less when he takes the stage at Val Air Ballroom for his All You Can Eat Tour. Based on three EPs (“Breakfast”, “Lunch,” and “Dinner”) releasing throughout the year, this concert will be a delicious three-course meal. With hits like “Stacey” and “Kings of Summer”, you won’t go home hungry after this show.
October 10: ERNEST
One of the most up and coming artists in country music, ERNEST is bringing his Legalize Country Music Roadshow to Wooly’s. ERNEST is known for his smash hit “Flower Shops” (featuring country global superstar Morgan Wallen) and is also a prolific songwriter for other superstars. He has written songs for dozens of country stars including Thomas Rhett, Jelly Roll, Florida Georgia Line, and was recently featured on Post Malone’s album “F-1 Trillion.” You’ve got nothing to lose by snagging a ticket to see this rising country star.
October 19: Alabama
One of the greatest country bands of all time, Alabama, will be making their return to Wells Fargo Arena this month. The legendary trio of cousins have garnered an amazing 40 number one hit singles, including “Dixieland Delight,” “Song of the South,” and more. Credited for changing the sound of country music and recognized as the most awarded band in the history of country music (with over 200 awards total), rock out to decades of country hits on October 19.
October 23: The Black Crowes
Oasis wasn’t the only band of feuding brothers to reunite recently, as Chris and Rich Robinson put aside their differences this year to release “Happiness Bastards,” their first album of new Black Crowes material in 14 years. Famous for their 90s smash hits like “Hard to Handle,” “She Talks to Angels,” and “Remedy,” and with 30 million albums sold to their credit, the Atlanta band brings their blues rock stylings to Vibrant Music Hall on October 23 (rescheduled from a previous January 2025 date). Expect to raise your lighter…err, camera light…and shake your money maker along with their arena rock staples.
October 24: P!nk
Raise a glass to global pop superstar P!nk, who is headlining Wells Fargo Arena this month as part of her North American “Trustfall” tour. Expect the unexpected with P!nk and her dozens of hits, including “Get the Party Started” and “What About Us.” It’s sure to be a party environment, complete with her famous aerial stunts, which sees her flipping through the sky. Plus, P!nk is donating a portion of proceeds to Girls Rock! Des Moines. Limited tickets are available, so grab yours while you can!
October 24: Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Celebrate spooky season with an evening of all your favorite classic Halloween tunes. Surrounded by the glow of candlelight at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, Listeso String Quartet will be playing everything from “Thriller” to the Ghostbusters Theme and more. Tickets start at $37 and there are two different show times: 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
October 26 & 27: Lewis Plays Brahms
The Des Moines Symphony is excited to welcome Geneva Lewis to the Des Moines Civic Center as she plays Brahm’s Violin Concerto. This will be a beautiful mix of American jazz and blues with classical traditions. Whether you are a long-time symphony attender or a first timer, this two-hour show will be an exciting look into the world of symphony. There are two shows available, one each day on October 26 and 27.