This hidden Iowa music venue is a taste of Key West

Nestled among Iowa's cornfields is a unique music venue attracting artists from around the country for its Floridian vibes.

The big picture: Key Mid West is a small-town music venue a little over an hour south of Des Moines near Sun Valley Lake — population under 100.

• But artists like Peter Mayer, Jimmy Buffet's lead guitarist, have traveled there to perform in the intimate setting: a converted machine shed.

How it started: Mostly, people learn about the venue through word of mouth, says Todd Beuse, who owns Key Mid West with his wife, Melana.

• As major live music fans, the Beuses traveled to Key West often to get their Jimmy Buffet fix. But as they entered retirement, they wanted to bring a taste of sunshine to the middle of Iowa.
• They purchased a rural property near their longtime cabin at Sun Valley Lake to create their own tropical oasis.

State of play: Their first concert was June 2023, and they've been jamming out ever since.

The intrigue: While most people don't think of "flyover" country as a music destination, their venue has become one, Todd Beuse says.

• Booking artists for shows midweek has become the standard, especially if someone is touring for weekend events and traveling between Kansas City and Minneapolis.

If you go: The next show, on Thursday, features Donny Brewer, Trop Rock Music Association's entertainer of the year and Jason Walsman of The Nada's.

• Entry is a $30 donation for the artists. Learn more from Key Mid West's Facebook group.