While Onnalee Kelley says her first love is improv, she also performs stand-up comedy, here at Lefty’s in pre-pandemic times. Photographer: Duane Tinkey.
Pandemic or no pandemic, dsm’s editors and contributors strive to bring you stories that highlight the intriguing people, places and things in our community. Here are a few stories that generated the most interest and feedback among our readers in 2020:
Before COVID-19 forced the closure of bars and performance venues, contributing writer Chad Taylor spent more than a year inside the local stand-up comedy scene, providing an intimate and evocative look at the people who live to make you laugh.
In “Heroes of Hope,” we introduced you to some of the courageous people who have put their own lives at risk in order to keep the rest of us safe during the pandemic, including those who treat the sick and feed the hungry.
In our arts and cultural coverage, two stories particularly resonated with you: In July, local cultural leaders and artists shared what they turn to for comfort, inspiration and joy in the face of isolation and stress. And in September, we covered the timely, relevant and provocative exhibit, “Black Stories,” which will remain on display at the Des Moines Art Center through Jan. 17.
