Latest news with #DesMoinesPerformingArts
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Interactive art installation is first of many free summer events coming to Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa– The Des Moines Performing Arts kicked off another summer of providing free events for the community. The first event is an art installation at Cowles Commons called Optik. There are 20 six-foot-tall gyroscopes, or spinning wheels, on display there. However, these gyroscopes are special because they reflect light and make music when audiences spin them. Each of the gyroscopes makes its own unique sound, and when all 20 of them are going, Cowles Commons turns into a dance party. Thousands attend Renaissance Faire Spring Fling weekend 'This was just a really cool way to bring people downtown, but to also get them out, get them moving. It's a fun opportunity for adults and kids,' said Brooke Bridenstine, the program manager for the Des Moines Performing Arts. Optik is the first free summer event that the Des Moines Performing Arts is bringing to the community. Their outdoor summer event series started during the pandemic, but they chose to continue to provide these activities because of how popular they are. Optik wraps up on May 26th, but more activities are scheduled to start, including returning events at Cowles Commons, a circus performance, and a band concert. Story time and dancing at Cowles Commons make a return this summer. Story time will take place on June 11th, July 9th, and August 13th at 10:30 a.m. Dancing at Cowles Commons takes place on June 21st, July 12th, and August 23rd at 10:30 a.m. Bindlestiff Family Cirkus is coming to town from June 14th to June 17th at the following locations: Cowles Commons on June 14th at 10:30 a.m. Walker Johnston Park on June 15th at 10:30 a.m. Columbus Park in Des Moines on June 15th at 6:30 p.m. City Park in Norwalk on June 16th at 6:30 p.m. Polk City Town Square on June 17th at 6:30 p.m. Finally, the Dupont Brass Band will be in Des Moines at the end of July at the following locations and times: Colby Park in Windsor Heights on July 21st at 6:30 p.m. Killinger Family Stage at Water Works Park on July 22nd at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the Des Moines Performing Arts' free outdoor summer events series, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jeff Chelesvig, DMPA President, retires after 30 years
DES MOINES, Iowa — After serving as the Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO for 30 years, Jeff Chelesvig announced his retirement on Thursday. Chelesvig joined the DMPA in 1995 and quickly made his mark with impressive programs and expansive ideas. His work on the Willis Broadway Series brings shows in a package deal for viewers, helping establish the DMPA as one of Iowa's premier nonprofit art organizations and drove substantial economic results. The program has more than 12,000 subscribers and brings in $40 million in annual economic impact to DMPA. Panther coach's tragedy fueled trailblazing career Chelesvig has worked to bring the DMPA to schools through programs like the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards and the Applause Series which delivers speakers, musical acts, and performing arts education around the state. 'I am thankful for all of the people who I've had the privilege to work with over the years including our team, our board, donors, patrons and the community of central Iowa,' said Chelesvig. 'Together we have developed a reputation for excellence, for the dynamic support of arts and culture, for warm and supportive audiences, and as a destination where performers will continue to feel welcomed. I am confident our star will continue to shine bright in Des Moines.' Chelesvig will continue in his position till August 31, 2025, during this time the DMPA says they will perform a national search to find his replacement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
