KHOI's 'Spring of Ames' Concert Highlights Young Iowa Musicians

The local radio station's annual event features up-and-coming talent from across the state.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:23pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring overlapping, jagged shapes in warm, vibrant colors, capturing the energy and diversity of a live music performance.KHOI's annual 'Spring of Ames' concert celebrates the vibrant musical talent emerging from across Iowa.Ames Today

KHOI, the community radio station in Ames, Iowa, is hosting its annual 'Spring of Ames' concert this weekend, showcasing a lineup of young and emerging musical acts from across the state. The event aims to spotlight the vibrant local music scene and provide a platform for Iowa-based artists to perform for the community.

Why it matters

As a nonprofit, listener-supported station, KHOI plays a vital role in supporting the arts and amplifying diverse voices in the Ames area. The 'Spring of Ames' concert is one of the station's signature events, drawing crowds and attention to the wealth of musical talent coming out of Iowa.

The details

The concert will feature a variety of genres, including indie, folk, and rock, performed by up-and-coming artists from across the state. Some of the acts scheduled to take the stage include singer-songwriter Emma Haines, indie rock band The Cornhuskers, and folk duo Willow & Oak.

  • The 'Spring of Ames' concert will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2026.
  • Doors open at 6 PM, with the first act scheduled to perform at 7 PM.

The players

KHOI

A community radio station serving the Ames, Iowa area, known for its support of local arts and music.

Emma Haines

A singer-songwriter from Des Moines, Iowa, who will be performing at the 'Spring of Ames' concert.

The Cornhuskers

An indie rock band from Sioux City, Iowa, that is part of the 'Spring of Ames' concert lineup.

Willow & Oak

A folk music duo from Dubuque, Iowa, scheduled to perform at the 'Spring of Ames' event.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to showcase the incredible musical talent we have right here in Iowa. This concert is a celebration of the vibrant local music scene and an opportunity for the community to discover new artists.”

— Samantha Nguyen, Program Director, KHOI

“I'm so excited to be a part of the 'Spring of Ames' concert. It's an honor to share the stage with other up-and-coming Iowa artists and connect with the Ames community.”

— Emma Haines

What’s next

Tickets for the 'Spring of Ames' concert are available for purchase on the KHOI website, with early bird discounts offered until April 1st.

The takeaway

The 'Spring of Ames' concert is a testament to the vibrant and diverse music scene in Iowa, showcasing the talent and creativity of the state's young artists. Events like this help to foster a sense of community and support for local arts, which is crucial for the continued growth and development of the state's cultural landscape.