This rural Iowa music venue is a taste of Margaritaville

Nestled among Iowa's cornfields is a unique music venue that is attracting artists from around the country for its Floridian vibes.

Driving the news: Key Mid West is a small-town concert spot a little over an hour south of Des Moines near Sun Valley Lake — population just over 100.

• But artists like Peter Mayer, Jimmy Buffett's lead guitarist, have traveled there to perform in the intimate setting: a converted machine shed.

How it started: As major live music fans, owners Todd Beuse and his wife, Melana, frequently traveled to Key West to get their Jimmy Buffett fix. But as they entered retirement, they wanted to bring a taste of sunshine to the middle of Iowa.

• They purchased a rural property near their longtime cabin at Sun Valley Lake to create their own tropical oasis.

How it works: Mostly, people have learned about the venue through word of mouth, says Beuse.

State of play: Their first concert was June 2023, and they've been jamming out ever since.

The intrigue: While most people don't think of "flyover" country as a music destination, their venue has become one, Beuse says.

• Booking artists for shows midweek has become the standard, especially if someone is touring for weekend events and traveling between Kansas City and Minneapolis.

If you go: The next show, on Thursday, features Donny Brewer, Trop Rock Music Association's entertainer of the year, and Jason Walsmith of The Nadas.

• Entry is a $30 donation for the artists. Learn more from Key Mid West's Facebook group.