Last week, Des Moines was blessed to welcome husband-wife pop-folk recording artists, Jenny & Tyler and artist William Butler to the Downtown Church. I had always heard of Jenny and Tyler but didn’t take the time to sit down and listen to their music. Thankfully I took advantage of my hour commute to work that week and listened to all of their albums…and I quickly fell in love with their music.
What also made the night special is that the Downtown Church was hosting an “Arts in the Village” night in which local artists were able to display their artwork while Jenny and Tyler played songs from their amazing albums including:
In addition, William Butler, former Des Moines resident now residing in Camden, NJ, painted during Jenny and Tyler’s set. Most people were surprised at how quickly Butler could paint a masterpiece which will later hang in the foyer of the Downtown Church. The best part of watching William paint is that he visually tells stories by layering scenes over the top of others.
My only criticism of the event is that it had a bit of a coffee shop atmosphere and it was loud at times, making it difficult to hear Jenny and Tyler speak and sometimes play their music. While I appreciate the fellowship and community the Downtown Church fosters, it would be great if attendees were a little more respectful during the artists’ sets. This is the third concert I’ve attended and I feel like this is a recurring theme here unfortunately.
If you’re new to Jenny & Tyler, then I would encourage to check out some of their videos on YouTube…then you’ll quickly fall in love with their sound. They remind me a bit of the Civil Wars, Mat Kearney, The Vespers, All Sons & Daughters, etc.
Here are some photos that I took that night of Jenny & Tyler as well as William Butler. Enjoy!
Jenny & Tyler at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jenny Somers of Jenny & Tyler sings at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jenny & Tyler play “One Eyed Cat” at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
William Butler paints his canvas as a young fan looks on (at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, IA).
Jenny & Tyler at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
William Butler paints his canvas by hand at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
William Butler paints his canvas by hand at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
William Butler paints his canvas as many children look on and admire his work.
Love God. Love All. by William Butler at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Love God. Love All. by William Butler at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jenny & Tyler at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Three young boys look on as William Butler paints at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
William Butler paints at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jenny & Tyler at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jenny & Tyler at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
William Butler paints at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
William Butler paints at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Tyler Somers of Jenny and Tyler plays at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Tyler Somers of Jenny and Tyler plays at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jenny & Tyler at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jenny & Tyler at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
William Butler, artist from Camden, NJ, poses with his “Love God. Love All.” painting he crafted at The Downtown Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
William Butler, artist from Camden, NJ, begins painting at the Downtown Church in Des Moines, IA.
Erik Carlson, is the founder of Lighten Up Gear and Bald Tees. By day, he manages the digital marketing efforts of a large manufacturing brand. By night, he’s dreaming up shirt designs, playing the guitar and singing. And 24/7/365 he’s following Christ and loving on his wife and 3 children.
