DESCRIPTION:
Filmed and edited by Bruce James Bales
http://stay-skilled.com/
BruceJamesBales@gmail.com

Music:
The Wheelers
"NEONBLOOD"
http://thewheelers.bandcamp.com/

Many of us in the Central Iowa music community often discuss what creates a thriving local music and art scene.We debate the practices of different groups, promoters or venues, and commend those we feel have an active presence in local culture. But, in my opinion, it is not the musicians, artists, promoters, venue owners, bloggers and self-proclaimed critics, or young professionals seeking community involvement.

Any musician or artist without a doubt will tip their hats to the aforementioned, and greatly appreciates performing to other musicians and artists. However, a cycle of only playing for the players creates a limited and closed scene, as if Zarathustra proclaimed "God is Dead" to no one but himself. The individuals that genuinely allow a cultural scene to radiate are those that attend for no other motive than a love of the arts.

With this idea, only two people remain that are indeed deserving of any accolade. Although their names rarely, if ever, appear in the cultural tabloids of Central Iowa, both are mainstays of the local music community, and are easily seen at multiple events on a nightly basis. Although they are not musicians, both are reason why any scene exists. I feel that these two deserve our appreciation more than anyone else. They, as fans, are the reason we are able to do what we do.

One, the boisterous and spirited Wendy Hull Coon, of Des Moines, knows almost every Des Moines musician by name, and is the most attentive attendee at any bar venue. When I run into Wendy at shows, I enjoy asking her what events she has made it to that evening. While most fans or musicians strive to make one show a week, on a nightly basis Wendy will rattle off the three-to-four shows she has seen just that evening. Wendy is also one of the best sources for information about who is playing - which she keeps track of in a Facebook group called "Wednesday's Notes." When I recently moved to Des Moines, I knew exactly who to ask for evening ideas.

Although many people have seen Andrew Smith at local shows, few would notice him. Andrew is a very shy and reserved music lover from Ames who has literally seen everyone from The Rolling Stones to open mic-first-timers, and he loves every minute of it. I don't have any factual evidence to back this next claim, but I believe Andrew might hold some type of record for winning tickets to concerts. Live entertainment is his passion - and Andrew has been to more shows than most will ever see in a lifetime - and has great stories from each one.

Wendy and Andrew are my favorite people to see at shows. Their commitment is born from a love and passion and they are examples for all of us.

"Andrew is and always has been the biggest supporter of Iowa music I've known. I'm trying to remember a show I've attended that featured Iowa artists that he wasn't at....and I can't think of one."
- Tony Tarbox, former host of Iowa Unsigned

"A super positive dude. A good attitude and example for younger concert goers, like his children."
- Jordan Mayland, of Jordan Mayland and the Thermal Detonators (and everything else.)

"If you want to have a wild conversation, ask Andrew Smith about the five best shows he's ever attended. He's seen everyone live -- from local mainstays to rock legends. And he's always a positive and appreciative listener. Every local scene should have someone like Andrew. Central Iowa is lucky to have him."
- Fred Love, of The Colt Walkers

"Andrew Smith is the kind of fan that every music scene (and band) dreams of. He goes to tons of shows, and is generally just excited about seeing music, everything from the big metal act in town to the quietest local band playing in a coffee shop for the first time. He's seen so many shows that he knows how shows should go, and what great ones look like. When you see Andrew at a show, you can feel confident that's the best show going on in town that night. He's also about the nicest guy you're ever likely to talk to."
- Bryon Dudley, of Strong Like Bear and Liana, and founder of Nova Labs

"Andrew is so engaged with the local music scene. Rarely do I go to a
show and not find him at one. He is usually accompanied by his
fantastic family who are also equally engaged. He is front and center
at all concerts and meticulously plans out his nights to maximize the
opportunity to see as many concerts as he can. He has been one of my
band's first fans and he continues to attend our shows 2 years later.
There is so much love and appreciation that I have for Andrew and his
family for supporting local music to the max."
- Lavonne McRoberts, of Peace, Love and Stuff