About this episode

Billy Weathers discusses his contributions to the music and cocktail scenes in Des Moines, Iowa.

Billy Weathers is bringing community to both the music scene and the cocktail scene of Des Moines, Iowa. He opened The Contrary just over a year ago after visiting craft bars in places like Chicago and San Diego, and decided his town deserved something like that. His vision has just earned the space a James Beard semi-finalist spot for best new bar. Billy also performs hip hop as B. Well, and continues to play a part in supporting local music and art, determined to bring the citizens of his town more culture to enjoy. Check out Billy's Listening Hour (and some of his music too!) here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3rB2vS8wPLh3OVGQKawpCl?si=9VzTZ9TySTyBLfaKxFI45A

People in this episode

Host: Mo Herms

Guest: Billy Weathers

Topics covered

• community
• music scene
• cocktail scene
• local culture
• Des Moines
• craft bars

Keywords

• Billy Weathers
• The Contrary
• Des Moines
• craft bars
• James Beard
• B. Well
• local music

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Contrary, James Beard

Books & works: Listening Hour

Places: Des Moines, Iowa, Chicago, San Diego

More episodes of Music and Booze With Mo

• Episode 204: Episode 204 - Mike Anders · April 27, 2026 · 46 min
• Episode 203: Episode 203 - Minakshi Singh · April 13, 2026 · 55 min
• Episode 202: Episode 202 - Nathan Elliott · March 23, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 201: Episode 201 - Ricky Ramirez · March 9, 2026 · 40 min
• Episode 199: Episode 199 - Abigail Gullo · January 12, 2026 · 60 min
• Episode 198: Episode 198 - Charlie Lehman & Cosmo Soto · December 22, 2025 · 44 min

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