The Highland Underground is an independent Des Moines performance and event space with local live bands in the mix. Rock, Americana and singer-songwriters all fit a room that feels more community-driven than corporate. Artists with a clear identity and a draw from the local scene should get the most value here.
Read the whole thingVenue review
The musician's read
Historic neighborhood bar and grill hosting live music every Friday night with a rotating performer lineup. From a performer’s standpoint, the venue is set up around recurring Friday live music includes bands. The music mix includes Rock, Blues, Americana, Local bands, Mixed, which helps define the kinds of performers already represented in the venue’s programming. For working musicians, that established live-use pattern makes the venue easier to evaluate in terms of format, audience setting, and show style. Kelly's Little Nipper is located at 1701 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316. Age access is event-dependent. Musicians considering the venue can use its existing programming and performance format as the main guide when deciding whether their set, instrumentation, and audience expectations are a good match. Its ongoing connection to live performance also gives artists a stronger basis for judging the room than they would have with a venue used only sporadically for music.
Booking Information
Venue booking contacts
Contact Information
- Role
- Talent Buyer
Booking email
kellyslittlenipper515@gmail.comMember booking tools
Use Quick Pitch, saved venues, follow-ups, tour planning, and the Booking Dashboard with membership.
Open booking toolsVenue details
- Age policy
- 21+
- Genres
- Americana, Blues, Rock
- Sound & production
- Confirm with venue
- Address
- 1701 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States
- Venue phone
- 515-265-2031
Official venue links
Venue photos & reviews
See the room before load-in
See current venue photos, ratings, selected reviews, hours, and contact details.
Reveal live photos, rating, reviews, hours, and contact details.
KEEP DIGGING
You might also try
Other venues in Iowa, weighted toward the same city and genres.
The Ingersoll is a restored 212-seat Des Moines dinner theater combining dining with concerts, theater and comedy. The all-ages room rewards artists who can deliver a polished, self-contained show for a seated audience rather than a loose bar set. Jazz, blues, soul, tribute and theatrical music acts should be especially well matched to the intimate production format.
Read the whole thingBeaverdale VFW Post 9127 is a private veterans social venue that brings in local rock and cover bands. The setting is community-oriented rather than club-polished, so familiar material and direct crowd interaction should matter more than elaborate staging. It can be a solid working date for bands comfortable playing social-hall events.
Read the whole thing