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July 11-17, 2025

 
 
Name that tune
 

“I can name that tune in two notes.”

I was reminded of this familiar game show phrase after my column on “Jaws” last week. In it, I mentioned John Williams’ ominous two-note ostinato that signifies approaching danger for the many who saw the movie and even the many who have not. A reader also pointed out the simple yet famous “Dun Dun” sound effect made by Mike Post for “Law and Order.” And that got me thinking about other short, catchy musical scores that can be identified in just a few notes.

Darth Vader’s “Imperial March” certainly comes to mind. So does “The Twilight Zone” theme. And we most all can quickly name the “Think Music” from Jeopardy. In fact, many TV theme songs are identifiable in a few notes.

Some people, though, claim they can truly identify some songs in one note, including “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Day Tripper” by the Beatles, “Echoes” by Pink Floyd, “Roundabout” by Yes and “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John.

Others have told me that some quickly identifiable songs from the 2000s include “Clocks” by Coldplay, “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters, and “American Idiot” by Green Day.

I remember watching the “Name That Tune” television music game show in the 1970s, and I assumed that was the original version. It wasn’t. The show was initially created and produced by orchestra conductor Harry Salter and his wife, Roberta Semple Salter, and aired on the NBC Radio Network from 1952-1954. It made the move to television in 1953 on NBC. CBS picked it up from 1953-1959.

The version I remember ran from 1974-1981 and offered a top prize of $100,000 to a lucky winner. Some of you may recall two short-lived daytime revival attempts in the 1970s and another in 1984 and several renditions starting again in 2020. Despite the nostalgic ties, none seemed to catch on like the 1970s version.

Meanwhile, I find it amazing that our brains can identify so many songs in just a few notes, but I still struggle to remember my zip code, my garage door entry numbers and the log-in password to my computer.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

 
 

Polk City Farmers Market

Enjoy the Polk City Farmers Market on Thursdays, through Sept. 25, 4:30-8 p.m., at the Town Square. The weekly Farmers Market brings local produce, handmade goods, food trucks and live music to the heart of Polk City. Come stroll the square, meet vendors and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming vibe each Thursday evening.

 

LifeServe Blood Drive

LifeServe will hold a blood drive on Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to noon, at the parking lot on the corner of West Broadway Street and South Fourth Street, Polk City. It is sponsored by Polk City Eastern Star. Sign up at LifeServe’s website, www.lifeservebloodcenter.org, or by calling LifeServe at 1-800-287-4903. 

 
 

Coming up at the Polk City Community Library

1500 W. Broadway   |   515-984-6119   |   polkcitylibrary.org

  • Geri-Fit Strength Training Workouts, Monday, July 14, 9 a.m.
  • Movie Monday, Monday, July 14, 10 a.m.
  • Chair Yoga, Tuesday, July 15, 9 a.m.
  • Lil Comets Summer Story Time, Tuesday, July 15, 10 a.m.
  • Adult Coloring, Tuesday, July 15, 2 p.m.
  • Women’s Coffee, Wednesday, July 16, 10 a.m.
  • Sit and Stitch, Thursday, July 17, 6 p.m.
  • Men’s Coffee, Friday, July 18, 10 a.m.
 

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

  • Guided Trail Rides, Jester Park Equestrian Center, Jester Park, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Saturday, July 12, and Friday, July 25, 9:30 a.m. Come saddle up and join us in the great outdoors for a scenic trail ride. You will be guided by knowledgeable wranglers and taken care of by a string of beginner-friendly horses. Ride through the timber of Jester Park and take in the picturesque views. Registration required.
  • Picnic with the Turtles, Thomas Mitchell Park, Shelter No. 1, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville. Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m. to noon. Meet a naturalist at Thomas Mitchell Park for a fun and educational afternoon with the resident box turtles. You’re invited to pack a picnic lunch while a naturalist introduces you to these fascinating creatures, sharing interesting facts about their habitat, diet and behavior. Get up close and personal with the box turtles as they enjoy their own lunch. Observe these gentle animals as they roam and forage, and learn about their unique characteristics.
  • Women in the Woods with Wine - Paddling Adventure. Tuesday, July 15, 7-9 p.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Learn the basics of kayaking and canoeing. Learn about gear, safety and techniques before getting on the water to practice skills. A  variety of watercraft will be available to try. This program is for women ages 21and older who are interested in getting outside. Become more comfortable and knowledgeable about the natural world as you unwind and have fun. Registration required by July 13.
  • Story Tellebration. Wednesday, July 16, 10-10:30 a.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join volunteer storyteller Carmen Epstein for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 to 6 that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity. Topic is Down by the Pond.
  • Princess Adventures - Butterflies. Thursday, July 17, 10-11 a.m. Easter Lake Park Event Center, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Do you know a child who loves princesses? Want to encourage them to dress up AND have fun exploring the outdoors at the same time? Children ages 4-6 are invited to the park in “princess attire” (whatever that means to them.) They will learn about a courageous woman from the past, participate in a nature activity, and have a tea party with a snack. Registration required by July 15.
 
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The Music of John Williams
Various dates and locations
The Greater Des Moines Community Band announces the schedule for its 2025 summer
concert series, “The Music of John Williams.”

  • July 21, 7 p.m.: Woodlands Creek, 12675 Woodlands Parkway, Clive
  • July 28, 7 p.m.: Copper Shores Village, 1500 Edgewater Drive, Pleasant Hill
  • Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m.: Rieman Music, 6501 Douglas, Urbandale
  • Aug. 9, 11 a.m.: Iowa State Fair, Knapp Stage

Waukee Arts Festival
July 18-19
Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee
Visit 140 vendor booths in the largest Waukee Arts Festival to date. Food and beverage trucks, The Waukee Fine Arts Footrace and numerous live bands are planned. For a full schedule of events, list of artists and festival updates, visit www.waukeeartsfestival.org.

Clive Festival
Friday, July 18, to Saturday, July 19
Mark your calendars for Clive's biggest (and best) community event. Enjoy free live music, Thunder Over Clive Fireworks, bounce houses, activities for kids, food trucks, Kids Art Expo, the Clive Running Festival, Clive Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Touch a Truck, Cardboard Boat Regatta at Clive Aquatic Center, and more. Check the Clive Festival Facebook page for details.

DMPA Free Outdoor Family Events
Various dates and parks
Des Moines Performing Arts announced the engagements headed to Des Moines as part of its 2025 Free Outdoor Family Events series. These free presentations are designed to engage new audiences and performing arts enthusiasts alike, while also removing the barrier of cost.

  • July 21-22: Dupont Brass, parks across the metro
  • Aug. 13: Storytime Under the Green Umbrella, Cowles Commons
  • Aug. 23: Dancing on Cowles Commons

For more information including times and park locations, visit www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/series/free-outdoor-family-events.

Earlham concert series
Every Sunday until Aug. 10, 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham
The Levitt Amp Earlham Music Series starts with an opening act around 6 p.m. and a headliner around 7:15 p.m. Lots of kids activities and food trucks will be offered as well. The concerts are free and include:

  • July 20: Mae Simpson, Yubu
  • July 27: Blame Not the Bard, Day’s Live Music
  • Aug. 3: Larry & Joe, Sun Centauri
  • Aug. 10: Dessa and The 29:11 South African Choir, Nella Thomas

Wallace Centers of Iowa Summer Events
Wallace Farm, 2773 290th St., Orient
Wallace House, 756 16th St., Des Moines

  • Pizza on the Prairie: Every Friday until Sept. 26, 5-9 p.m., Wallace Farm. Come to the prairie at the Wallace Farm on Friday nights during the summer for brick oven pizza packed with farm-fresh veggies and local meats. This family-friendly evening is packed with good food, live music, outdoor art, and picturesque sunsets. Reservations for pizza ordering times are required at https://wallace.org/pizza-on-the-prairie/.
  • Farm to Table Vegan Dinner: Tuesday, July 22, 6-8:30 p.m., Wallace House. Enjoy a vibrant three-course vegan dinner featuring produce from the Wallace Center’s gardens and locally sourced seasonal ingredients. $75/ticket available at https://wallace.org/event/farm-to-table-vegan-dinner/.
  • Ice Cream Social: Sunday, Aug. 3, 2-4 p.m., Wallace House. Grab your friends and family and join us at the Wallace House for farm-inspired ice cream. Pay by the scoop: $4 for one or $6 for two.
  • Bites & State Fair Traditions: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 5-9 p.m., Wallace House. Step into a nostalgic evening where Iowa State Fair traditions come to life. Dinner features entrée and dessert options inspired by classic fair flavors. Then test your state fair smarts with trivia cards at every table. Tickets purchased by table. https://wallace.org/event/bites-state-fair-traditions/

Urbandale Summer Concert Series
Tuesday, July 29 and Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6:30-8 p.m.
Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park, next to the Urbandale Public Library
Enjoy free, high-quality music in a family-friendly setting. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, and feel free to pack a cooler. Concerts are: Tuesday, July 29: June Bugs DSM; Tuesday, Aug. 26: River City Opry.

 
Double the flavor with this summer favorite
 

(Family Features) Take an all-American creation up a notch this summer by doubling the burger fun with this fan-favorite version.

These All-American Double Bacon and Cheddar Smash Burgers, created by Wonder in partnership with The McLemore Boys, give you an opportunity to fire up the grill, gather the family and savor the flavor of a summer favorite. Pro tip: For an even bigger punch, chop half the bacon before cooking it and add to the patty mixture.

Discover more ways to enhance grilled summer favorites by visiting WonderBread.com/recipes.

All-American Double Bacon and Cheddar Smash Burgers

Recipe courtesy of The McLemore Boys on behalf of Wonder
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 Wonder Classic Hamburger Buns
  • 2 pounds angus beef
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon McLemore Boys Sweet Rub
  • 1/4 cup sweet barbecue sauce
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 pound bacon, halved lengthwise
  • mayonnaise
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1 head lettuce
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper

Directions:

  • Heat griddle to high heat.
  • Toast buns on griddle until golden brown. Set aside.
    In large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs and sweet rub; mix evenly. Form meat mixture into eight 4-ounce balls.
  • Place balls on griddle and smash with spatula. Cook five minutes, flip and brush with barbecue sauce. Cook five minutes, or until burgers reach medium doneness. Place cheese slices on burgers for last two minutes to melt.
  • Assemble bacon in 3-by-3 weave. Cook alongside burgers to desired crispiness.
  • To build burgers, spread buns with mayo, add first burger then mini bacon weave, second burger, tomato, lettuce and sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Crown it with top bun and gently press.
 
 
 

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