Music Walk arrives Thursday, pairing Ames Main Street businesses with local musicians

Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune
·3 min read
Rick Exner performs in front of Duck Worth Wearing during a past year's Music Walk in downtown Ames. A longtime participant in the Music Walk, Exner returns to Duck Worth Thursday night for this year's event.
Rick Exner performs in front of Duck Worth Wearing during a past year's Music Walk in downtown Ames. A longtime participant in the Music Walk, Exner returns to Duck Worth Thursday night for this year's event.

Main Street will come alive with music Thursday night, melding small business with riveting performance art.

Featuring more than three dozen musical acts, Downtown Ames will play host to a throng of visitors for its annual Music Walk, held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event pairs Main Street district businesses with local musicians for a free, family friendly showcase of delectable tunes and shopping. The laid-back, come-and-go atmosphere encourages musical camaraderie and support of the Ames community.

“Music Walk is a great chance for people to see all the things downtown Ames has to offer,” said Crystal Davis, executive director of Ames Main Street. “We have 37 pairings of businesses and musicians this year.”

Visitors will find performers either inside partnering businesses or out on the sidewalk, she said. Downtown Ames staff will hand out maps to help people find their way as well. Many of the partnering business will be open for customers to peruse as they take in the live music throughout the evening.

A wide range of genres will be on display Thursday, such as classical music by Elizabeth Morse at Oak Lane Candle Co. in addition to performances by singer-songwriter Elizabeth Zimmerman at Little Woods Herbs & Teas.

Larry "Red" Stoltenberg performs at Emerhoff's Footwear during the Downtown Ames Music Walk in 2021. He returns to Emerhoff's Thursday evening for the Music Walk.
Larry "Red" Stoltenberg performs at Emerhoff's Footwear during the Downtown Ames Music Walk in 2021. He returns to Emerhoff's Thursday evening for the Music Walk.

Longtime Music Walk musician Rick Exner returns to Duck Worth Wearing boasting original material in addition to old country classics.

Folk musician Nick Muhlbauer will entice crowds at Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe while Larry “Red” Stoltenberg is poised to belt out Americana at Emerhoff’s Footwear. Perfect Strangers plans to dish up rock and roll as well as ‘90s grunge at Whiskey River.

Rudy Wylde, who was named a 2021 Artist of the Month by Iowa Public Radio, Des Moines Music Coalition and Good Morning Iowa, will take the stage at Della Viti. Folk musician Sam Sterns is featured at The Loft Resale.

More: Learn more about Ames musician King Wylde, named 'Artist of the Month'

A few performers will even offer their talents up to a digital audience.

“Amy and Eric Abrams at The Loft are our presenting sponsor, so we’re going to be doing a Facebook Live from there at 5 p.m. to kick off the event,” Davis said.

Downtown streets will remain open during the event with parking available along Main Street as normal.

Craig Kauffman and Gabriel Searles of Perfect Strangers perform during the 2021 Music Walk in front of Moorman Clothiers in downtown Ames. Perfect Strangers returns to the Music Walk Thursday evening and will perform at Whiskey River this year. The group plays rock and '90s grunge.
Craig Kauffman and Gabriel Searles of Perfect Strangers perform during the 2021 Music Walk in front of Moorman Clothiers in downtown Ames. Perfect Strangers returns to the Music Walk Thursday evening and will perform at Whiskey River this year. The group plays rock and '90s grunge.

Who is playing at the Downtown Ames Music Walk and where can you find them?

  • Marmalade Moon, Two Guys Named Dave

  • Ames History Museum, Onion Creek Band

  • Ames Public Library, David’s Jazz Group

  • Della Viti, Rudy Wylde

  • Transform Wellness Collective, Sondra Wilson

  • Duck Worth Wearing, Rick Exner

  • The Loft Resale, Sam Sterns

  • Chocolaterie Stam, Emily Hilleman

  • Cornbred, Doomed Pioneers

  • The Knittery Nook & Fibre Co., Jenn Pedersen

  • Little Woods Herbs & Teas, Elizabeth Zimmerman

  • Morning Bell Coffee Roasters, The Mourning Belles

  • Dog-Eared Books, Ben Shrag

  • KHOI 89.1 FM Community Radio, Aim High (Amy Schmidt)

  • London Underground, Mike Hoversten (5-6:30 p.m.); Cosmic Gumbo (7-9 p.m.)

  • Life Distilled, Cecil’s Harp

  • Whiskey River, Perfect Strangers

  • Sweet Caroline’s, Lincolnway Driverz

  • The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co., Bobby Dennis

  • Avec Design+Build, Foxpin

  • Gilger Designs, TBD

  • Noir, Seth Jamison

  • Identity Salon, Steve Veysey

  • PhotoSynthesis, Casey DeAngelo and Bridget Brown

  • Lott Music Studio, Aaron Lott

  • The Ames Foundation, Tryiston TeKippe

  • Moorman Clothiers, Chelsea Mac

  • Skunk River Cycles, Mother of Exiles/Peggy Earnshaw

  • Emerhoff’s Footwear, Larry “Red” Stoltenberg

  • Octagon Center for the Arts, Elise O’Regan going by PrincePoly

  • Oak Lane Candle Co. & We The Dreamerz, Elizabeth Morse

  • Everts Flowers Home & Gifts, Caleb Polashek

  • Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe, Nick Muhlbauer

  • Torrent Brewing Co., WhiteRosex2

  • American Country Home Store, Keith McCaulley and Tayea Popillion

  • Worldly Goods, Colby Burnhenn & Nate Zantow of Alleygrass

  • The Angry Irishmen, Day’s Live Music

Ronna Faaborg is a reporter for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Pairing businesses and performers, downtown Ames Music Walk is Thursday