Just over a year ago, Plymouth Place resident and local musician Kirby Small had the idea to create a weekly jam in the heart of Des Moines. The premise was simple: Host a weekly jam, inviting people to come play, listen and spend quality time together around music.
The jam quickly gained a following with seasoned musicians from around the city gathering for the weekly event, swapping songs and smiles. The joy and overall enthusiasm exceeded Small’s expectations.
As the weekly event picked up steam, new players of all ages joined the circle. From saxophones to ukeleles, all were welcome into the circle. One particular player quickly became a household name with her unbridled enthusiasm and charm.
When then-4-year-old Natalie Brown, granddaughter of local music supporter Kirby Brown (yes, a second Kirby has now entered the story), started to make regular appearances, the already-smiling circle of players found even greater love in the gathering. Natalie quickly became a fan favorite as she watched intently, requested Elvis songs and bounced around in the circle. After a few visits, swell guy and local radio personality Maxwell Schaeffer gave Natalie a ukulele, complete with a carrying case she could wear like a backpack to the jam. Kirby Small then provided her a couple harmonicas and late this summer the “Two Kirbys” went together to build her very own drum kit.
Music is unique in how it brings people together. The Plymouth Jam delivers smiles, hugs and endorphins for participants every week. It’s a case study in the joys of socialization and importance of cross-pollination in our daily lives. Whether there to watch, help set up, play a couple of songs, take pictures, meet someone new, dance, connect with an old friend, sing along, show off with a new solo or just spend some time around other fun-loving humans, it’s special in every way. Young Natalie started kindergarten this week, so she won’t be at the jam when it turns one, but there’s no doubt she’s forever ONE big part of this circle of friends.
LISTEN: AN INTERVIEW WITH KIRBY SMALL
To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, of which I’m a proud member. Many of us will be at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat this fall and we’d love to have you come join us. It’s for writers and learners at all stages in the creative process—full of wonderful people connecting in new and meaningful ways. You can learn more here and attend these incredible listening room sessions with some amazing Iowa musicians as part of the retreat.
Other Ways to Support Chip Happens
Did you know I carry my health insurance license and help folks navigate the caregiver journey in addition to my writing and music? Please learn about my personal experience and licensed services at www.chiphappens.life. I help folks evaluate strategic alternatives to traditional long-term care based on my personal experience as a family caregiver with loved ones that endured difficult cancer and dementia diagnoses. More than 63 million Americans were caregivers in 2025 so I believe it’s an important conversation for friends and families to undertake. Please read and share my article Prepare to Care with your network to better understand the role of caregivers as the “invisible backbone” of the American health care system.
All annual paid subscribers to the Chip Happens Substack receive a copy of my CD compilation, Twenty-Five, that includes 25 original songs and an autograph if you request it. If you are only in the market for the CD, it is available here for $25. CD art and design were completed by my amazing and talented wife, Jen Albright, who is the driving force behind our boutique strategy + creative firm, AlbrightSpark.
Music is one of the powerful medicinals known on earth, and should be used and practiced accordingly. Great use of a mobile clinic everyone!
Was only able to make one jam but it was fun.