Waukee will soon be in the practice of welcoming thousands of concertgoers when Vibrant Music Hall opens with its first show early November. Live Nation Entertainment owns the venue, the company’s first in Iowa.
The Des Moines Register toured Vibrant Music Hall on Oct. 23 with general manager Haleigh Biancalana.
The venue, which clocks in at 55,000 square feet, has one main entrance that leads guests into a lobby with a large bar in the middle of the room. The box office and bathrooms are located just past the bar area. On the left of the entrance is a large, floor-to-ceiling mural by Des Moines artist James Navarro that depicts footwear such as heels and cowboy boots.
Enter the main hall on the left, which is home to an 80-by-70-foot fixed stage and three bars located in the left, center and right of the wide room with its dark-hued interior and crimson curtain.
The second level includes seating, a VIP lounge, restrooms and bars for its guests.
Vibrant Music Hall offers several rooms intended just for artists and their guests, including a lounge, that vary in décor but appear modern and sophisticated, featuring dark-leather couches, televisions, chandelier light fixtures and amenities from private bathrooms to mini-fridges. That’s in addition to dressing rooms.
Here’s everything you need to know about Vibrant Music Hall before you go.
When will Vibrant Music Hall open?
Vibrant Music Hall will open for its first show on Nov. 5 with Grammy-nominated rock band Needtobreathe.
What is Vibrant Music Hall’s address?
Vibrant Music Hall’s address is 2938 Grand Prairie Pkwy. in Waukee. It is part of the KeeTown Loop development, which brings two hotels, retail and dining to the city.
More: Live Nation, the largest concert promoter in the US, to open venue in Waukee’s KeeTown Loop
What is Vibrant Music Hall’s capacity?
The venue can hold 3,300 people, according to Biancalana.
Does Vibrant Music Hall have seating or is it standing room only?
Some shows will have seats while other performances will be standing room only. The second level has seats that overlook some of the main hall and its stage, including booths similar to box suites that accommodate four guests. Black seats are premium seats and red seats are for general admission, Biancalana said.
What is Vibrant Music Hall’s menu?
Bars will sell beer, cocktails and alcoholic beverages in addition to nonalcoholic offerings, including sparkling water and soda. The bars also have warmers to sell food such as popcorn and pretzels to guests. The Red Room, a VIP lounge on the second level with a balcony that overlooks a portion of the parking lot, lounge seating and a small stage, is available for premium guests and can be accessible during a show. The lounge will offer a full menu with items such as burgers and loaded nachos, courtesy of an in-house kitchen. It also features a bar with additional alcohol offerings that can’t be found at other bars inside Vibrant Music Hall, according to Biancalana. Guests at the booths can order off the same menu that guests at the VIP lounge can and will be tended to by a server.
What events will Vibrant Music Hall have?
Live Nation has partnered with First Fleet Concerts, a Des Moines-based promotion and booking company owned by Sam Summers responsible for Hinterland Music Festival and booking other shows across local live entertainment venues. People can expect diverse programming that includes concerts, comedians and other speaking engagements, Sam Summers and Biancalana explained.
The size of Vibrant Music Hall’s stage is larger than what is typical for a room of this size and can fit any band, Biancalana said. Curtains can be drawn to conceal just how large the stage is for more intimate shows.
The main hall can also host programming from the community such as dance recitals or galas, she said.
What is the bag policy for Vibrant Music Hall?
Bags 8 1/2 by 11 inches are allowed inside, according to an email from Rhonda Clark Leyda of a marketing agency working with Vibrant Music Hall. Outside water bottles that are empty are allowed inside. Guests can use filtered water filling stations located on the second floor inside the main hall.
Where can I park at Vibrant Music Hall?
There is parking available outside Vibrant Music Hall that will be shared by other development as part of the KeeTown Loop District. The cost will be $15 and there will be premium parking options available, Clark-Leyda said.
Where can I purchase tickets for shows at Vibrant Music Hall?
Tickets for all events can be purchased on Live Nation’s website.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at PBarraza@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
