CELEBRATING REGIONAL TALENT IN THE REIMAGINED STONER THEATER
November 7 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS ANNOUNCES DYNAMIC SEASON OF MADE IN THE MIDWEST, CELEBRATING REGIONAL TALENT IN THE REIMAGINED STONER THEATER
Date: November 7, 2026
Time: 7:00p.m.
Location: Des Moines Performing Arts Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309
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NOLA Jazz Band Quartet | Jazz
Founded in Des Moines, Iowa, the band is comprised of master musicians who are passionate about preserving the legacy of the music they love, while bringing a fun, exciting energy to engage any audience. Featured in festivals and concerts nationwide, The NOLA Jazz Band is a unique and exuberant celebration of a bygone era with a creative, playful nod to the modern music and pop culture.
The NOLA Jazz Band’s “gutsy and heartfelt” blues & jazz stylings has earned them a nationwide fan base. The group varies from it’s full 7 piece band to smaller combos – all lead by band leader and jazz clarinet player/vocalist Jeff Kane. The band has played for many Festivals and music hot spots around the Midwest and Central Iowa including: Iowa City Jazz Festival, Bix Beiderbecke Festival, World Food & Music Festival, River Music Experience, Des Moines Art Festival, Jazz in July, Ingersoll Live, Galena Music Festival, and Botanical Center Music in The Gardens to name a few.
The band has produced three albums and has played with some of the biggest movers and shakers in the Blues, Swing, and Jazz scenes including: Benny Bennack III, Bria Skonberg, Evan Christopher, Marla Dixon and Shotgun Jazz Band, Paul Mehling and Hot Club of San Francisco, Davina & the Vagabonds, and many others.
DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is turning up the volume on local talent with the return of its Made in the Midwest series – a celebration of regional artists that continues to spotlight the creativity, diversity and energy of Midwest musicians.
For its upcoming season, the series moves into the reimagined Stoner Theater, an intimate, revitalized space designed to bring audiences closer than ever to the music and the artists behind it. The result is unforgettable performances where connection, creativity and community take center stage.
The fall 2026 lineup showcases five stand-out acts spanning indie, soul, pop, jazz and bluegrass:
Launched in January 2025, Made in the Midwest was created to elevate independent artists and shine a light on the region’s vibrant music scene. This series reflects DMPA’s ongoing commitment to uplifting diverse voices and offering platforms where artists can bring their full, authentic selves to the stage.
“At Des Moines Performing Arts, we believe the arts are essential – not just for entertainment, but for building stronger communities,” said Brooke Bridenstine, director of programming. “Through programs like Made in the Midwest, we’re investing in local artists, fostering creativity and creating spaces where meaningful connections happen.”
Tickets for all performances are available at DMPA.org, by calling (515) 246-2300 or stopping by the Civic Center Ticket Office at 221 Walnut Street in Des Moines. Remaining tickets will be available for purchase on site the night of each performance.
Assets for each artist and the series logo are available here.
For interview opportunities, please contact Shelby Hisel.
About Des Moines Performing Arts
For more than 45 years, Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) has been one of Iowa’s premier not-for-profit arts organizations – engaging, entertaining and inspiring more than 350,000 people each year. From the Des Moines Civic Center to the Temple Theater, Cowles Commons, and the Stoner Theater, DMPA strengthens communities through world-class performances, arts-inspired education and shared cultural experiences. Beyond its stages, DMPA brings Broadway, dance and family programming into schools and neighborhoods, ensuring access for students and families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.
DMPA proudly acknowledges support from its premier partners: Willis Automotive Campus, EMC Insurance, Prairie Meadows, Hy-Vee, and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.