DES MOINES, Iowa – Forest Avenue will be lively on Saturday (April 29) and not just because of the elite level competition inside Drake Stadium. The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has partnered with 80/35 music festival and the Des Moines Music Coalition to provide a memorable live concert experience on Forest Avenue adjacent to Drake Stadium called Saturday Relays Live.
"The competition in the stadium will be another one for the record books and the live music on Forest Ave. provided by the Des Moines Music Coalition is just another reason for every Iowan to visit Drake Stadium on the last Saturday of April," Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays Blake Boldon said. "Whether you're a frequent concertgoer or a track fan stepping away from the Blue Oval for lunch, this lineup is one that everyone will enjoy."
"80/35 and the Des Moines Music Coalition are excited to partner with the Drake Relays to present live music at this year's Relays," 80/35 Festival Director Mickey Davis said. "From the grooves of The Feel Right Band to the great songwriting of Soultru and Neil Anders, we've put together an excellent day of music and invite Relays attendees to stop by to see what our local music scene has to offer. Live music and live sports - we can't think of a better combination!"
Saturday Relays Live Concert Lineup
Sharane Calister & the Feel Right Band - The Feel Right band is a smooth blend of Neo-Soul, Pop, R&B, and Jazz sounds led by The Voice Season 14 finalist Sharane Calister and backed by 6 of Des Moines' top musicians and singers. Performing today's top hits songs, just like their name says, The Feel Right comes to make you "feel right all night."
Neil Anders – Neil Anders is an indie folk-rock artist who released his second studio album in August of 2022, "Miles From Nowhere". The record which Neil wrote and produced features songs that represent a broad range. From stripped down acoustic tracks that reflect his country/folk roots to modern indie-rockers.
In addition to Anders' originals, you can expect a diverse repertoire at shows highlighting his versatility. Set lists have something for everybody, incorporating the beloved classics of older rock, folk, blues, and country music with newer hits of today.
Soultru - Soultru is a soul acoustic artist based out of Davenport, Iowa. He is signed to Kansas City label The Record Machine.
He pulls his influence from gospel music artists like Fred Hammond and Smokie Norful while later finding Gavin DeGraw, Anthony Hamilton, John Legend and most recently Allen Stone and Samm Henshaw, who he credits with giving inspiration for his next release due early 2023.
He has had the pleasure of opening for artists such as Kweku Collins, Magic City Hippies, Michigan Rattlers, Neil Hilborn, Ceschi Ramos, Kaleb Mitchell and shared The Alder Theatre stage with Amythyst Kiah in June 2021.
Saturday Relays Live Concert Schedule (Saturday, April 29)
10:45-12 | Sharane Calister & The Feel Right Band
12:30-2 | Soultru
2:30-4 | Neil Anders
Food vendors will be lined up along Forest Avenue throughout the weekend as part of the Drake Relays Fan Fest.
