Des Moines Arts Festival to celebrate 25th anniversary with kick-off concert featuring William Elliott Whitmore

[Photo Courtesy Andy Sheppard/Getty]

In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the Des Moines Arts Festival presented by Nationwide is hosting a kick-off concert on Thursday, June 23 featuring roots-folk favorite musician William Elliot Whitmore.

The free concert will take place at the Roots Stage at 7:30 p.m. The Festival will be June 24 – 26 in Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines. 

Hailing from Lee County, Iowa, Whitmore has repeatedly carved his own path, honoring the longstanding tradition of folk music throughout his nearly 20-year career, while always allowing his blues, soul and punk rock influences to shine through.

He has toured across the United States and has performed on some of the biggest stages around the world such as Stagecoach Fest, Byron Bluesfest (Australia) and End of the Road Fest (UK).

Only the Roots Stage and an adjoining beverage station will be open for the Kick-Off Concert. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a Downtown restaurant before the show. 

The Kick-Off Concert is made possible thanks to Meet in Iowa, a meeting and event incentive reimbursement program by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Tourism Office, administered by the Iowa Restaurant Association and Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association.

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