The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition’s (organizers of 80/35) third annual fundraiser, Backstage Ball is set for Thursday, February 23 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Gas Lamp. Join us as we celebrate the growth of the music scene, recognize influencers, and raise money to further our mission to grow an independent, progressive live music economy.
What began as a conversation in a coffee shop has become a thriving grassroots movement of music fans, musicians and business owners who believe in the power of music. Since 2004, the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC) has put the promise of music to work for Des Moines. And it couldn’t have happened without the generous financial and volunteer support from our community.
Through festivals, concert promotions, mentorship, and our successful educational series, the DMMC doesn’t just talk—we do. And this is just the beginning. The DMMC has much more in store for the future.
We can’t do it alone. That’s why Fred & Charlotte Hubbell and Business Publications are hosting Backstage Ball, along with sponsors Meredith Corporation, Flynn Sweeny, and Rock in Prevention.
The public is invited to help us celebrate with live music, beverages and hors d’oeuvers. The event will include a performance by Dead Yellow Canaries, featuring Jay Byers, Mark Davitt, Aaron Tinder and Mark Juffrenbruch. We will also honor volunteers, outstanding musicians, members of the music industry, and community leaders to recognize and award their support of the Des Moines music scene.
A $75 contribution ($65 for DMMC members) is requested to attend Backstage Ball. Tables for groups of six may be reserved for a $400 contribution. Proceeds from the event will support the 2012 Greater Des Moines Music Coalition programming, which includes the 80/35 music festival, Gross Domestic Product, Little BIG Fest, and Music University.
Purchase tickets to Backstage Ball or donate to the DMMC now. You can also donate at the event by cash, check or credit card. All donations are tax deductible.
Backstage Ball
Thursday, February 23
5:30pm-7:30pm
Gas Lamp
1501 Grand Ave., Des Moines
RSVP to the official Facebook event to help spread the word!
Planning for the fifth annual 80/35 music festival is underway with the first meeting being held on Tuesday, September 27 at 6pm at the Mickle Center, 1620 Pleasant Street in Des Moines. Meetings are open to the public and will continue to be held the last Tuesday of every month. The 80/35 Planning Committee meetings are an opportunity to learn about ways to volunteer with the festival and for current organizers to get together to review all aspects of the festival.
This year, 80/35 incorporated several 
The media was out in full force covering 80/35 yesterday. The festival was even featured on the front page of today’s Des Moines Register! That’s the first time we’ve gotten the cover since the year inaugural year! Be in the know by checking out all these reviews, photos, videos, and interviews from the press.
