Volume 16, Issue No. 6, Nov/Dec 2024
For 50 years, The Maintenance Shop in Ames has hosted a wide range of live music that has pleased the ears of generations of music fans. With its thrust stage adorned by a large stained-glass window, its pin-drop acoustics, and its audience seated closely to the musicians, the feeling of reverence, awe, and reflection, is what sets the M-Shop apart from other live music venues in Iowa. So, too, is the roster of legendary musicians who have played the M-Shop that is located in the basement of Iowa State University’s Memorial Union. They include Muddy Waters, Albert King, Willie Dixon, Buddy Rich, Charles Mingus, Chick Corea, Arlo Guthrie, Doc Watson, Leon Redbone, Billy Joe Shaver, War, Tower of Power, Dick Dale, Gregg Allman, Uncle Tupelo, Smashing Pumpkins and The Lumineers. Iowa History Journal Publisher Michael Swanger takes readers backstage to learn the history of one of Iowa’s most respected listening rooms.
In his column, publisher Michael Swanger recalls the many terrific shows that he has witnessed at The Maintenance Shop in Ames during the last 30 years.
Learn the story of Robert Schuller, the Iowa farm boy who became a world-famous preacher from Arvid Huisman.
The Glenn Miller series concludes as historian and author Dennis Spragg and debunks the conspiracy theories regarding the famous bandleader’s mysterious death 80 years ago.
Radio broadcaster and author Tim Harwood chronicles the University of Northern Iowa’s 1980-81 men’s basketball team that established the Panthers as a D-1 program.
“Country Roads” columnist Arvid Huisman writes about how Christmas music rekindles the spirit of the holiday.
TO READ MORE FASCINATING STORIES ABOUT IOWA HISTORY, subscribe to Iowa History Journal. You can also purchase back issues at the store.