​​Come enjoy the progressive sounds of one of America's longest running jazz orchestras, the Des Moines Big Band. Our concert season begins Wednesdays in September,  at Nocé, Des Moines' newest Jazz Club and Cabaret, located at 1326 Walnut St,  one block south of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

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We're Historic

The Des Moines Big Band was founded in 1959 and has been a driving force in the Iowa jazz scene (yes, there IS one!) ever since. Well known for hundreds of miles around, it has become a regular stop for touring artists such as Bobby Shew, Frank Perowsky, Dick Oatts, John Fedchock, Paul McKee, Richie Cole, John Mosca and Clark Terry to mention just a few. 

Our mission is to present large-ensemble jazz without compromise. We regularly commission new compositions from nationally-recognized composers while still keeping the classics in the rotation. Our members are committed to high standards of performance, and we make sure that the band cooks!

We’re also committed to student musicians. We’ve worked hard to give student musicians a venue where they can hear high quality performances in an appreciative, smoke-free, family-friendly atmosphere. We also invite high-school and college bands to share the stage with us most weeks.

We play because we love jazz and we're on a mission to keep it alive and vibrant. Please join us in celebrating a truly original American art form!

We're In The News

Well. there's certainly a buzz about Noce, Des Moines' newest Jazz Club, and the Des Moines Big Band. Read all about it!

We're On Your Calendar

Every Wednesday night
September until the end of May
​ Shows start at 7:00 

Upcoming Performances

Sept 11 - Swing Dance night!
Sept 25 - Best of the DSMBB
Oct 2 - Masters Series: Count Basie - Thad Jones
Oct 9 - Best of DSMBB
Oct 16 - Best of DSMBB
Oct 23 - Best of DSMBB
Oct 30 - Best of DSMBB
Nov 6 - Swing Dance Night!
Nov 13 - Best of DSMBB
Nov 20 - Best of DSMBB
Nov 27 - NO PERFORMANCE, Thanksgiving
Dec 4 - Sounds of the Season
Dec 11 - Sounds of the Season
Dec 18 - Sounds of the Season
Jan 8 - Swing Dance night!
Jan 15 - Best of DSMBB
Jan 22 - Best of DSMBB
Jan 29 - Best of DSMBB
Feb 5 - Special Guest (TBA)
Feb 12 - A Big Band Valentine!
Feb 19 - Best of DSMBB
Feb 26 - Best of DSMBB
Mar 5 - Swing Dance Night!
Mar 12 - Best of DSMBB
Mar 19 - No Performance, Spring Break!
Mar 26 - Best of DSMBB
Apr 2 - Guest artist (TBA)
Apr 9  - Best of DSMBB
Apr 16 - Best of DSMBB
Apr 23 - Best of DSMBB
Apr 30 - Best of DSMBB
May 7 - Swing Dance Night!!
May 14 - Best of DSMBB
May 21 - Best of DSMBB
​May 28 - Best of DSMBB

We're In the Neighborhood

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