Manage Handwrytten Notes

The Convention center in Des Moines is complex, luckily the manager Lyndsey gave us specific and helpful directions for the best load-in and parking. This was an easiest-ever load in, especially since we were using their in-house sound team for everything but keys, shells and mics.

Kiley met us during sound check, introduced us to the Iowa Clinic team helping us with requests (see #3) and guided us to our green room, which was top notch, well staffed, and served as our dining area as well. The meal was fantastic too, chicken on the bone with well prepared risotto: one of my favorite catered meals ever.

We went on for a crowd of 1200 right after The Iowa Clinic's video presentation. QR codes on peoples tables relayed requests and tips to Kiley's team, which they then texted to us. Great coordination kept the requests and donation tips flowing fast!

Our short set was full of energy, constant requests and fun. Songs seldom got more than one minute in before a "Stop this song and play mine!" request was texted our way. A highlight for me was Kiley's attempt to cancel an Iowa-Iowa State fight song battle, followed by the evening's first request, the ISU fight song.

I have to mention that my old friend Sean Boarini, an executive director at the clinic, was not only key in bringing Felix And Fingers to this event, but used to play amateur Duelling shows with me in the long-gone Iowa City piano bar years ago. His co-workers planned a surprise for him, and we raised a good portion of donation money to bring him up on stage to play a song. It was just like old times for me, right in the middle of a high energy, super fast paced and overall awesome gig.