Show · Iowa State Fair 2026
The Nadas
⌖ MidAmerican Energy Stage with Iowa Realty and Media Sponsor KCCI
Old friends and music industry veterans Mike Butterworth and Jason Walsmith founded The Nadas in the early 90s, bonding over a shared mixtape while students at Iowa State University. Initially playing the folk circuit as an acoustic duo, they added drums and bass as the band moved toward a grittier alt-rock sound. By the mid-2000s, their songwriting began to embrace more radio-friendly, pop-leaning territory, laced with anthemic choruses, compelling guitar riffs, and a refreshing sense of humor. With the addition of bassist Brian Duffey, drummer Brandon Stone, and Perry Ross on keys, guitar, and percussion, the Nadas have grown into a lively and idiosyncratic band that emphasizes sound and mood over genre. “We’re embracing it all, not sticking ourselves into one specific category,” says Walsmith, adding that perhaps this flexibility and a strong dedication to their families, friends and fans have helped the band stand the test of time. For Butterworth, it’s about connecting with people: “We’ve always written songs from the heart, and our fans have grown up along with us, learning as we learn, going through similar experiences and facing the same hardships. We’ve been able to evolve and experiment with our sound over the years, as the circumstances of our lives change.”
Showings
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