The Salvation Army: Unmasking the Singer

Standard Admission: $30
VIP Admission: $100 (includes premium seat; 5:00 PM reception, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar)

Can you guess who is behind the mask? Costumed local celebrities compete for your vote, raising money for The Salvation Army’s Social Service Programs. The event is hosted by Steve Berry this year with celebrity guest judges!

Sponsored by KDSM FOX 17, Scheels, Bank Iowa, and Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel.

Host: Steve Berry
Judges: State Representative David Young, Loretta Tursi Sieman, Will Keeps, and Greg Edwards

Steve Berry has been a fixture on Des Moines stages and TV stations for nearly five decades. He has played numerous leading roles at the Des Moines Community Playhouse and was inducted into their “Legends Hall of Fame.” He can also be seen and heard on myriad TV and radio commercials throughout the state of Iowa. Steve enjoys emceeing events for a number of organizations, including Animal Lifeline, House of Mercy, and Salvation Army. In his spare time, he is lead singer for the Des Moines-area ’70s cover band Stark Raving Madge.

David Young was our Unmasking the Singer 2023 winner as Freddy Krueger! David currently serves as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 28th District and previously served as the U.S. Representative for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District from 2015 to 2019.

Loretta Tursi Sieman served on the West Des Moines City Council for 17 years, the first woman in history to do so. She is a tireless community volunteer, activist, leader and advocate for nonprofits she works with and her community.

Will Keeps was The Beast in our first Unmasking the Singer event in 2022 and joins us now as a judge. Will is a rapper/R&B artist out of Des Moines, Iowa. Raised on Chicago’s South Side, Will uses his talent to empower youth and promote anti-violence through his nonprofit Starts Right Here.

Greg Edwards is President and CEO of Catch Des Moines. Edwards has over 40 years of hospitality experience. He began as President & CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2000, previously leading convention and visitors bureaus in Peoria, Illinois and Overland Park, Kansas. He is the recipient of many awards, including Manager of the Year with Marriott Hotels; he was recognized by his industry peers with the Individual Professionalism Award; and served as Chair of the Board for Destinations International (an international professional association for CVBs).