Lumino's launch party more than a one-hit wonder

By JON SINGER

It wasn't the appearance of Joan Jett, Vanessa Kerry, or rock band the Envy Corps that was most surprising during Lumino Magazine's Des Moines launch party Feb. 16 at Java Joe's Coffeehouse.

It was that Joan Jett didn't love rock 'n' roll this night.

Jett played a strong and crisp five-song set, including "Light of Day," "Bad Reputation," and "I Hate Myself for Loving You," but didn't revisit the song she's most known for, "I Love Rock N' Roll." Maybe Britney Spears' version ruined it for her. Even chants from the estimated crowd of 250 couldn't convince Jett to play the song.

The free four-hour event started with Vanessa Kerry speaking on behalf of her father, leading Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry. Vanessa hung out with fans and Lumino Staff for 45 minutes before Jett took the stage.

The 43-year-old Jett was in town supporting fellow Democratic candidate Gov. Howard Dean. Dean was interviewed for Lumino's debut cover story, at the same time he graced the cover of Newsweek, Time, Rolling Stone, and more, putting Lumino in impressive journalistic company.

Lumino's content from its special Iowa caucus issue (also including an interview with Vanessa Kerry and her stepbrother, Chris Heinz) brought these guests and more, as representatives from Republican Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley also dropped in. Press also previewed and attended the event, including the Des Moines Register, and several Des Moines radio stations.

More than half the crowd stayed the entire night, enjoying an hourlong set of Bi-Fi Records recording artist the Envy Corps. The four-piece band, based in Ames, Iowa, reminded of Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins, employing a keyboard along with the traditional guitar-band lineup.

Throughout the night Lumino staff conducted raffles for area restaurant gift certificate and T-shirt combos, offered $5 "Vote Lumino" T-Shirts, and gave away a grand prize of two Ani DiFranco tickets to her Jan. 18 concert at Hoyt Sherman Theatre.

Lumino staff appearing included publisher Nick Powills, editor Jon Singer, managing editor Jason Wells, I.T. director Tom Cronin, contributing editor Andrea Schmidt, and writers Karen Scherer, Mike Kotlarczyk, Alex Mechlin and Katie Ditton.

Lumino will announce Chicago and Milwaukee launch party dates, as well as more Des Moines party dates, when official.