The Hidden Gem in Waverly

There's a lot of hype around the announcement this past week that Mumford & Sons will bring their Gentleman of the Road festival to Waverly this summer. The hype is well deserved -- great musicians playing quality music in a scenic setting -- that's good stuff.

Much of the excitement has been focused on the well-known bands, like Mumford and My Morning Jacket. That's cool, but my favorite act, and the gem of the show, is Dawes.

I've seen these guys three times: once in Iowa City at the Englert, then in Des Moines for 80/35, and finally in Los Angeles, where they’re from.

The band is made up of ultra-talented musicians, and lead singer Taylor Goldsmith is arguably one of the best songwriters of his time.

So if you're planning on going to this festival, make some time to take in the set from Dawes. You won't be disappointed.