Val Air Ballroom opens Sunday with hopes of besting a world record

State of play: Metro music promoter Sam Summers purchased the ballroom in January 2022 for $1.9 million and closed it for renovations later that year.

• The property has since gone through a $15 million revamp, including functionality for modern touring production equipment allowing artists to perform their full shows, Summers tells Axios.
• The venue's capacity is now around 2,200, down by roughly 300 to make room for the modern amenities, dsm Magazine reports.

What's happening: Local musician Jon Locker of The Nadas will attempt to play around 80 amps at the same time Sunday, about 30 more than the world record, Iowa Public Radio reports.

• The "Sneak Peek" also includes an open jam, free cocktails and access to areas of the ballroom normally closed to the public

If you go: Noon to 4pm.

• 301 Ashworth Rd. in WDM.

🎻 1 fun thing go: More than two dozen concerts are already announced, including Greensky Bluegrass on Feb. 29.

• Jason has tickets to Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Chappell Roan and Gregory Alan Isakov.