Ellsbury & Powell in the Goldfinch Room

The Goldfinch Room concert series at Stephens Auditorium announces the first Goldfinch Room performance for 2025 featuring Evander Ellsbury and Kelli Rae Powell on the Goldfinch stage on Jan. 19 at 5 p.m.

Local Ames legend, Evander Ellsbury, recently relocated to Des Moines, weaves melodies and rhythm together, seemingly from a place unknown at times. This psychedelic cowboy introduces musical and lyrical themes on universal consciousness, love, longing and loss. You may remember him from his psych rock band Eleven Moons, as the bassist in Wiitch Tiit, and of course roots and soul with Bitter Canyon, local troubadour Wally Neal’s band.

Kelli Rae Powell is the tiny ukelele-wielding, redheaded stepchild of Billie Holiday and Johnny Cash.  Whether she’s growling out wry ruminations or purring her way through a drinkaby (a lullaby-meets-drinking song of her own device), she delivers the kind of consistently literate lyrics that once prompted Tommy Ramone to call her a poet.

Patrons can reserve a table that seats up to four for $40, and a limited number of general admission tickets will be available for $15. Concessions will be available.  Purchase tickets here.