When Lefty’s Live Music opened its doors in spring 2015, it filled a gap in Des Moines’ music scene with a space dedicated to all genres, all artists and all fans. Founded by Anne Mathey and Erik Brown, the venue was named after Mathey’s three-legged dog, Lefty, and built on a simple philosophy: If you want something done right, do it yourself. That DIY spirit has pulsed through every show.
Now Mathey and Brown announced that the live music venue in the Drake neighborhood will close before the end of the year.
“As our tenth year draws to a close and after much consideration, we’ve made the challenging decision to say goodbye before the new year. Lefty’s Live Music has been an incredible journey, one full of friendship, magic and music,” the owners wrote on Facebook.
What you’ll hear at Lefty’s
From punk and metal to blues, jazz, indie, and hip-hop, Lefty’s has embraced diversity. Touring acts have shared the stage with local talent, and themed nights kept the calendar fresh with cover contests, LGBTQ+ showcases and even belly-dancing performances. Early shows often welcomed all ages, while late-night sets catered to the 21+ crowd.
The venue has served as more than a music hall. It’s a community hub. Inside, you’ll find a full-service bar, pool and foosball tables, vintage arcade games and a cozy patio for pre-show hangs. The venue also hosts open mic nights, comedy sets, and special events like toy drives and Iowa Music Awards tour stops. With a capacity of about 350 and a top-tier sound system, Lefty’s offers an intimate yet powerful live experience.
Who has performed at Lefty’s Live Music?
Since opening, Lefty’s has hosted more than 760 concerts, including national touring acts across all genres, from hardcore and metal to emo, rap, and alt-country.
The final show listed on the venue’s website takes place on Dec. 21 with A Merry Metal Christmas with Absolute Power, Nyhilist, Crucifilth and Wastegate.
Where to find Lefty’s Live Music
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Lefty’s Live Music, Des Moines’ home for eclectic sounds, closing soon
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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