Noce's Upcoming Shows

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!

Carson Parker, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, has emerged as one of the Midwest's most captivating young jazz pianists, blending a mix of jazz, blues, and funk into his distinctive style. Carson's musical journey began at the age of six, when he first played the piano, setting a foundation for a lifelong dedication to the craft. His music, marked by passion and precision, shows a deep appreciation for jazz greats like Cedar Walton, Oscar Peterson, and Benny Green who have significantly shaped his sound.

Carson’s talent has taken him to some of the region’s greatest venues, including Chicago's Fulton Street Collective, Clara Chicago, Opus Concert Cafe, Des Moines’ Noce Jazz Club, and the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Carson is grateful to be influenced by many teachers and mentors including Nate Sparks, Nick Ruckert, and Dr. William Menefield. His versatility as both a solo artist and collaborator has allowed him to work with musicians including trumpeter Sean Jones, drummer Isaiah Spencer, trumpeter Benny Bennack III, vocalist Max Wellman, drummer Jerome Gillespie II, and singer-songwriter James Tutson.

In 2023, Carson achieved the honor as the sole pianist of the National Jazz Band of America. Now an established professional, he continues to play for audiences across the Midwest, both with his ensemble and as a sought-after sideman, consistently showcasing his passion and commitment to the music. Carson’s journey is only just beginning as he pushes forward, leaving a mark on the jazz world

Lauren Vilmain is back with a night of Broadway, baby! Noce is proud to present a new show featuring a full 10-piece jazz orchestra playing the arrangements of Brian Martin from some of Lauren's favorite showtunes spanning the entire history of theater on Broadway. This sensational new cabaret is a great addition to Lauren's wildly popular residency at Noce.

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Vocalist, Lauren Vilmain is a Minneapolis native and graduate of Drake University (Des Moines, Iowa). During her studies, she was trained in both opera and musical theatre. Currently, Lauren performs on stages across the state with both local and regional musicians . She has become best known for her jazz and theatre residencies at Noce (Des Moines, Iowa). Her voice has been described as both powerful yet warm and is known for her stage presence and wide ranging styles.

Noce presents a late night show hosted by a rotation of musicians every Friday night following the conclusion of the prime time show. No cover & happy hour prices at the bar!

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.