Noce's Upcoming Shows

Noce is proud to present a new production featuring company artist Napoleon Douglas highlighting the works of great black singers in the world of jazz. From classics like "Unforgettable," "Nature Boy," & other Nat King Cole hits, to more modern records from the Gregory Porter songbook, & a dash of Sammy Davis Jr. thrown in, this show has a little bit of everything for vocal jazz fans. Douglas will be joined by a 10 piece jazz orchestra featuring the arrangements of Jason Danielson in this brand new Noce revue.

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Napoleon, an international actor, singer, and entrepreneur, holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Drake University and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship from Southern New Hampshire University. He holds a diverse background in the creative arts including roles as a Teaching Artist, Director, Choreographer, and Music Director for esteemed Theatres and Arts Organizations.

Institutionally, Napoleon serves as the Artistic Director for Pyramid Theatre Company, Iowa's sole black theatre. Napoleon has a rich background in Cabaret Programming - his expertise extends to managing specialty acts, including The Randy Andy's from New York City to leading Cabaret and Private Events programs at NOCE Jazz & Cabaret in Des Moines, IA. He now captivates audiences at NOCE with premier acts like "Bojangles," "Nap Sings Nat" (his Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole tribute shows), and others featuring Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, and more, including "For Once In My Life" and "Follies" – a review of Broadway's best.

Napoleon's recent stage appearances include "Louie" in the World Premiere of "Mr. Holland's Opus" at Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, ME, and "Bruce" at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Notable roles in theatre encompass international performances like Simba in The Festival of the Lion King in Hong Kong, and national roles such as Louie in "Mr. Holland's Opus" (World Premiere & Dance Captain - Ogunquit Playhouse), and Joe Alves & Carl Gottlieb Cover in "BRUCE" (World Premiere - Seattle Repertory).

His extensive theatre portfolio includes standout performances as Jimmy Early in "Dreamgirls" (2018 Ostrander Winner - Best Supporting Actor in a Musical), Judas in "Jesus Christ Superstar" (Arvada Center), NoMax in "Five Guys Named Moe" (Westchester Broadway), as well as leading and supporting roles in productions like "Hairspray!," "Sister Act," "Superior Donuts," "A Christmas Carol," "Miss Saigon," "Romeo & Juliet," and "White Christmas." In the realm of TV and film, Napoleon's talents shine in Hulu's "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" (Co-Star) and "Oscar Micheaux" (Cannes Short Selection, Urban Film BET Short Premiere Selection - 2018). Formerly a prestigious Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corps member, which has graced both Inauguration Parades for President Barack Obama. Napoleon was part of that 2009 Drumline in Washington, DC.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Napoleon has contributed as a Board Member for various creative companies, including City Voices, a community-centered music education organization.

Vocalist/pianist Max Wellman along with local jazz musicians play standards from the end of Saturday night's primetime show (9:30 or 10:30) until 11:30 or midnight.

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Vocalist Max Wellman is enticing music lovers throughout the region. With a sound evoking the likes of Sinatra and Connick, Wellman’s recordings & performances promise that the Great American Songbook is alive & well for a new generation of listeners.

Wellman co-founded Noce, a state-of-the-art jazz club in the Western Gateway neighborhood of downtown Des Moines. Additionally, Wellman has appeared at some of the great clubs throughout the country, from Dizzy's Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center to Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago to Dazzle in Denver & many in between.

The Des Moines Big Band was founded in 1959 and has been a driving force in the Iowa jazz scene (yes, there IS one!) ever since. Well known for hundreds of miles around, it has become a regular stop for touring artists such as Bobby Shew, Frank Perowsky, Dick Oatts, John Fedchock, Paul McKee, Richie Cole, John Mosca and Clark Terry to mention just a few.

Our mission is to present large-ensemble jazz without compromise. We regularly commission new compositions from nationally-recognized composers while still keeping the classics in the rotation. Our members are committed to high standards of performance, and we make sure that the band cooks!

We’re also committed to student musicians. We’ve worked hard to give student musicians a venue where they can hear high quality performances in an appreciative, smoke-free, family-friendly atmosphere. We also invite high-school and college bands to share the stage with us most weeks.

We play because we love jazz and we're on a mission to keep it alive and vibrant. Please join us in celebrating a truly original American art form!

Every Wednesday night, Noce hosts an all night happy hour. Doors at 6, music 7-10pm, no cover all night! $5 green tea shots, $6 well drinks, $7 house wine, $8 specialty cocktails. Some of the top jazz musicians in the region are featured each week.

Mitch Towne is a Grammy-nominated keyboardist and Hammond organist. He seamlessly transitions between jazz, funk, R&B, and blues. He has collaborated with artists like Terrace Martin, Aloe Blacc, and Jeff "Tain" Watts, and released his acclaimed debut leader album Refuge.

In 2025, Towne released his widely anticipated debut album as a bandleader, Refuge. The record features a classic organ trio format and highlights his deeply percussive and modern swing style. He also performs regularly in a jazz power trio known as SRT, alongside session guitarist Andrew Synowiec