Blues Before Sunset

I must admit I am a bit disappointed that the Blues Before Sunset series has gone monthly. It used to be a weekly concert series at the State Historical Building of Iowa. It was a show that I had a hand in starting a long time ago. I assume that money is probably the issue. The state has been slashing budgets all over the place. I know from past experience that they love cutting the budget for the Department of Cultural Affairs. (yup, who needs culture, teachers, cops, you know the drill)

Blues Before Sunset resumes in June with reduced schedule Concert series to be offered first Friday of June, July, August, September The State Historical Society of Iowa announces its 2009 Blues Before Sunset concert series schedule, with blues bands performing the first Friday of each month from June through September. Now in its 8th season, the 2009 Blues Before Sunset concert series features: June 5: Hot Tamale & The Red Hots July 3: Sumpin' Doo Aug. 7: El Dorados Sept. 4: Bob Pace Band with Steve George Each concert will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. the first Friday of June, July, August and September in front of the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust in Des Moines. Blues Before Sunset is free and family-friendly with beer, wine and assorted beverages for sale. Food vendor Fat Tuesday (Steven James) will be on site and guests are encouraged to bring their own seating. BBS kicks off June 5, 2009, in conjunction with the Historic East Village's three-day "Flower Power" weekend, which also features The Des Moines Botanical Center's 2nd Annual Flower Power 5k run/walk and 1-mile walk June 6; and the East Village Flower Power Market, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with flower vendors on the streets, and restaurants and stores open June 7. Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa with promotional support from 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, "quality music from then and now," and additional support from Baratta's restaurant and the Central Iowa Blues Society. Call 515-281-4011 for more information.