Homeless Blues Benefit Concert

These are the Musicians who are playing for you at the Homeless Blues Benefit Concert. These are also the Musicians who are Donating their time and talent for a cause that they feel is very important to Des Moines.

Bob Pace

Bob Pace has been playing guitar for over thirty-five years and over the span of those thirty-five years he has mastered eighteen other instruments as well. Bob has performed nearly every genre of music from hard hitting rock n' roll to soothing acoustic solos; from down home country songs to sensitive ballads, however Bob's soul is in his love for the blues.

His exceptional talent has afforded him many opportunities to play with nationally known performers such as...Eric Sardinas, John Mayall, Tab Beniot, Coco Montoya, Kenny Neal, Mike Morgan, Junior Wells, Bernard Allison just to name a few. Bob, along with his talented sons, Nick and Tony, have had the privilege to open shows for Johnny Winter, Delbert McClinton, Tinsley Ellis, Bo Ramsey, James Solberg, Sonia Dada & Pat Boyak and The Prowlers.

A talented songwriter Bob Pace has recently released his second  CD entitled "Six String Soul".  Bob's original tune "Gospel Blues" has gained much local notoriety, and was named "Best song by a local artist" by City View Magazine.

Dale Rupp

Dale-A hard worker, Dale says he wouldn't know what to do with himself if he found himself "gig-less".  He still gets a "kick" out of performing LIVE. Dale says, "Growing old is mandatory...growing up is optional and that's just the way I like it"!
 He has been a member of several bands over a twenty year span-including Gunshaw, Full Tilt,  Tools, Cannon and Ernest, and The Wild Cats. He has opened shows for the likes of The Marshall Tucker Band, Head East, The Charlie Daniels Band, Wet Willie and lastly, the great Johnny Winter.

Brian Holtz

Musically as a percussionist, rhythm guitarist and background vocals. Having spent several years in radio and Dj'ing in a local jazz and blues club, Brian brings his emcee and host talents to the band.  Brian gives an incredible vibe to the show, rather than playing "at" the audience, some attendees are singled out, and given that "personal touch" which can lead to a lot of fun for everyone.

 Bob says of Brian; "Having a built in emcee and Dj in our band adds that extra dimension that sets us apart from other bands. I believe it's the little things we do that make our performances shows and not just another band playing tunes".  Bob further adds, "It's also so very important that the crowd  knows that we're having fun playing and that's where Brian and Steve work closely together during a show to make the audience feel comfortable and eager to participate and have a good time". When Doug Johnson's on stage with us, between the three of them, you just never know what their up to...(and with a smile Bob say's) and quite frankly that worries me..."

Dave Altemeier

Bass guitarist Dave Altemeier has his roots in jazz but when it comes to playing blues and R & B, listening to Dave play you would of thought his major in college was "funk". Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a Bass emphasis and Jazz Studies Minor from the University of Northern Iowa, where he was in Jazz I for four years and principal bass in the orchestra.

Dave teaches bass in central and northern Iowa and currently teaches at Rieman Music here in Des Moines. Dave has performed with the Des Moines Big Band, Orquestra Alto Miaz, and the Jack Oatts Quartet

Steve George

In the 70’s he became front man for the band Antelon, a jazz/funk horn band who enjoyed much recognition in the Midwest and recorded several original tunes.  In recent years, Steve has been invited to sing with blues groups at Chicago’s House of Blues,  Kingston Mines, Blues Etc., and Blues on Clark.  In addition to performing in the Midwest, Steve has connected with audiences in Hawaii, Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta, and Florida. Steve recalls, "I would come home from church, and in the living room mirror, would continue the church service, imagining that I was leading the congregation in a soulful hymn. In reality, I was too shy to sing out loud during the service." Steve's ceaseless energy, humor, and love of life are key to his popularity and large fan base.