The Goldfinch Room concert series at Stephens Auditorium will feature several local acts during July and August. The summer series returns indoors to the Celebrity Cafe on Stephens' ground floor.
Two Des Moines singer-songwriters will perform on Tuesday, July 16 (7 p.m.) when Andrew Hoyt and Andersen Coates step to the mic. Fellow Des Moines-based blues band The Buckmiller/Schwager Band performs on Tuesday, Aug. 20 (6:30 p.m.). Tickets are $5 online in advance or $10 at the door on the day of the show.
Hoyt is a grade school vocal music teacher trying to inspire the next generation through his use of the Hawaiian KoAloha ukulele. The instrument has become his signature and allowed him to sign with the indie label, Golden Bear Records.
Coates is creating contemporary folk rock in the vein of Tom Petty and John Mayer, blending intelligent lyrics, gritty baritone vocals and blues-soaked guitar. He is an alumnus of ISU jazz bands and combos and developed his sound through Iowa State events like "Cyclone Voice" and "CyFactor."
Winners of the 2021 Iowa Blue Challenge, the Buckmiller/Schwager Band went on to represent Iowa at the 2022 International Blues Challenge, reaching the semifinal round.
