By Belle Du Chene

Jazz vocalist Max Wellman will present five new productions throughout the 2014-2015 season at Drake University's Turner Jazz Center, including his annual "Home for the Holidays" concert. The shows will highlight legendary artists and memorable melodies from the Great American Songbook. As a special bonus, Wellman's new big band album, "Just in Time," will be released in February. Show dates are:

• Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.: "Night and Day: The Music of Cole Porter"
• Dec. 19-21 at various times: "Home for the Holidays"
• Jan. 13 at 8 p.m.: The music of New Orleans
• Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 at 8 p.m.: "Just in Time" album release
• April 11 at 8 p.m.: "Tomorrow is Ours" with Des Moines vocalist Tina Haase Findlay

We sat down with Wellman for a little Q&A. 

What has been your most unforgettable performance?
I would have to pick the first Hoyt Sherman Place concert four years ago. That show was quite an endeavor on my part, as it was my first experience as a producer on that level. It was nerve-racking, but we sold out and the atmosphere was magical right from the start of the evening. I will forever remember that as an almost out-of-body experience.  

What has surprised you the most about the music business?

The constant effort to keep yourself busy, work-wise, has surprised me. I knew it would be a hustle, but I don't think there's any way to really prepare for that until you're right in the middle of it. I've been extremely lucky thus far in my career, but it's still a weekly effort to keep things moving forward. 

What are you most looking forward to, especially for the new series?  

I'm truly excited for people to hear my new album, "Just In Time." We had stellar musicians in the studio for each of the tracks, from my big band to Gary Walters, a world-class jazz pianist from Indianapolis. I also have a couple of duets with Tina Haase Findlay.  

What is one thing no one knows about you?  

A lot of people are surprised to find out that I am an avid baseball fan. If there's one thing I spend an exorbitant amount of time on outside of music, it's the Chicago Cubs.

Tickets for the series will go on sale at Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. Find out more and purchase tickets at www.maxwellmanmusic.com or by calling 505-5815.  

Wellman also appeared on the pages of dsm magazine in a recent article on jazz in Des Moines. Read it here.

By Wini Moranville 

When you think of the type of cuisine you get from a drive-thru window, you don't often think "French"--or even cuisine, for that matter.

But Le Jardin's "Gourmet to Go" program (GTG) brings an epicurean spin to drive-thru dining. Launching tomorrow, the program features one French-inspired entr�e each week, available for pickup between 5 and 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays. The restaurant even has a drive-thru window, a holdover from a more casual caf� that previously occupied the location.

"We often hear from our customers that they do not get in to Le Jardin as much as they would like," chef-owner Tag Grandgeorge says. "With the GTG program, a restaurant-quality scratch-cooked meal is just a phone call away."

Entrees with sides range in price from $29 to  $32 (for two) or $54 to $60 (for four). The selection rotates weekly. This week, it's coq au vin. Find spinach and feta-stuffed pork chops Oct. 22-24, beef bourguignon Oct. 29-31, and seafood lasagna baroness Nov. 5-7. Salad and bread can be added for an additional $5.50 per person.

"It's date night without getting a baby sitter; it's the solution for busy couples; it's a great family meal without the hassle of cooking," Grandgeorge says.

For some, perhaps, it's a dinner party that's shockingly easy on the host.

Trisha Joseph has adopted two dogs from area shelters: Dazey from the Animal Rescue League (left) and Buddy from Furry Friends (right).

Wags n' Whiskers Fundraiser 

By Belle Du Chene 

• The Des Moines Symphony will perform Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" Oct. 25-26 at the Des Moines Civic Center. Composed in 1725, the famous and popular work consists of four concertos, each recalling a particular season. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 and 2 p.m. Oct. 26. Tickets are $15-$55; purchase them and find out more here.
• Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble will open its new season Oct. 19 with "American Treasures," a program featuring works spanning eras from the 19th century to today. You'll hear music influenced by the Civil War, the African-American experience, folk traditions and more. The concert starts at 4 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 3829 Grand Ave. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door; $6 for students. Find out more and purchase tickets here. 
• The Des Moines chapter of New Leaders Council is accepting applications and nominations for the 2015 New Leaders Council Institute until Nov. 11. The leadership and development program for young progressives is free of charge (after a $30 application fee) and runs January through May 2015 with a commitment of one weekend per month. Learn more here.