Des Moines residents have been interested in an arts commission for quite some time and city officials have taken that interest to heart.

Nancy Warren, co-chairwoman of the recently created Des Moines Arts Commission, said last week, "Des Moines was ripe for an art commission and it had been too long without one."

Warren noted "the reestablishment of the commission is important because it is concerned with how art can make our community better and bring more people into it."

And the difference that an art commission can make was readily apparent during the city's July 4 celebration.

Together with the Des Moines Legacy Foundation and 4 Culture, the art commission was responsible for bringing live bands Buck and Elizabeth and the Billy Shew Band to the marina pier as part of the Fireworks Over Des Moines festivities.

Last year, with the help of Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Director Patrice Thorell, Mayor Bob Sheckler and motivated community members organized a nine-member art commission.

Thorell said Des Moines had an art commission from 1980 to 1992, but that it was abandoned due to inactivity. In recent years, however, she received numerous calls from city residents about reestablishing the commission.

Included in the commission's wish list of future events are a classical music series and a comedy series that would involve both Highline Community College and regional musical talent for a nominal charge.

Warren said she is "hopeful that the city recognizes the value of the arts and what we are able to do and will continue to support our events."

The city has set up a networking resource for artists in the community and Thorell encourages them to fill out a cultural register form, which can be found at www.desmoineswa.gov/dept/parks_rec/pdf/CulturalRegisterForm.pdf.

Remaining concerts this year will take place on Saturdays at the south marina parking lot in conjunction with the Farmers Market.

The free events are:

July 14-Latin Day, featuring Correo Aereo from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and Grupo Son from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

August 11-Latin and Blues, featuring the Tim Turner Band from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Harry Harpoon from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and The Mark Whitman Band from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

September 8-World Day, featuring Ed Hartman's Marimba from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the Smilin' Scandinavians from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Fourth of July performers Buck and Elizabeth, a family friendly duo, got both kids and parents involved by teaching hand motions to such hits as "The Polar Bear and Penguin Song" and the bands' most popular tune, "Cow-cow Yucky-yucky."

Such songs are the result of the groups' efforts to involve kids in their music. "We go into schools and write songs with the kids," said Buck.

Mark Whitman joined the Billy Shew Band and the result was a rock/blues combo that had audience members smiling and swaying before the fireworks.

Warren hinted at plans for an even bigger Fourth of July celebration in the future.

"We are anticipating a really great event next year that will involve all of our community partners. We hope that it will be a destination event for Des Moines," she said.