Live music is one of my true vices. Along with squeezing from the middle of the toothpaste tube and drinking a bit too much coffee, I need little convincing when it comes to concerts of any kind – especially in the summer.

True to form, I took in my first show of the season last Wednesday when Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros played Nitefall on the River. I first saw the eclectic group perform two years ago at 80/35, but was much more impressed with their performance this time around.

Generally the concerts are held at the Simon Estes Amphitheater along the Des Moines River, but because of the torrential rains we’ve had recently, the venue is still partially flooded. Instead the concert was heldon the Walnut Street Bridge – a surprisingly good alternative to the usual riverfront backdrop. The season is just getting started so make sure to check out another concert in this series before cooler weather arrives.