"Music Under the Stars" ditches Iowa's dry Capitol

• Alcohol is generally not allowed on Capitol grounds.
• Event organizers believe the ability to serve alcoholic drinks might help reach a wider audience, Stevenson says.

Flashback: The summer event started in 1947 "to inspire in the citizens of Des Moines an appreciation of good music," according to its charter.

• Hundreds of local musicians have played in its series, which has been almost exclusively held at the Capitol.

State of play: The free event generally attracts around 800 people.

• It's too early to predict if Water Works might become the Stars' permanent location, Stevenson says.
• "In the end, we're going to go where we get the most people."

💬 Our thought bubble: The Capitol complex and its 160+ acres are underused.

• It's time that Iowa let folks enjoy a brewski with their bands.

If you go: At the amphitheater this Sunday and July 16, starting at 7pm.