Music and Friends Bring Youth Out for Local Concert

Michaela Butler opened up for the Spring Break Show held recently in Oskaloosa

Kyle Ewing helps makes the shows happen for local promoting outfit Iowa Pop Punk. Ewing says they have a show nearly once a month, bringing in some touring bands including some from Chicago and Minnesota, and also featuring local talent as well.

With no real admission fee, I was curious as how this concert series could continue to grow and change venues. Those in attendance usually give a 3 to 5 dollar donation to the event to help keep the music coming back again the next month. So after the donations are collected, the cost of the venue is paid off, and the balance is distributed to the touring bands to help them out. As with many new businesses, it’s the love of what you do that drives most people.

Friday evening show took place in the basement of the old Farm Bureau Building starting at 6:30 p.m.

Joel Buckallew is the lead contact in Iowa Pop Punk. Buckallew says he’s been putting on shows in the Oskaloosa area since December of 2009, with 3 to 4 bands that are at each show.

Michaela Butler opened up for the Spring Break Show on Friday evening. Butler, an Indian Hills student plays acoustic guitar and sings solo during her performances and performs with more of a county flavor, but she will tell you that her taste changes and with it, what she enjoys playing. This was Butlers second show ever, and from what I heard she has a lot of talent to share with those that came out to listen.

The next scheduled show is at the University Park Community Center starting at 6:00 p.m. on March 22nd. The concert will feature Resolve, Koji, Currents & Weather and Me and Montauk. You can visit the event’s facebook page HERE