T-R photo by Austin Chadderdon — Sam Vance sings to a packed house at Dave and Sally’s Bar a Grill. This was Vance’s last night with popular local band Exit 185.

Matt Downey went out with his wife for karaoke and to have some drinks in 2017 on St. Patrick’s Day at Rumours Sports Bar and Grill. Sticky floors, thickly crowded air and the smell of fried food filled the space. The bar sounds of clinking glasses, cues cracking against pool balls trying to find a home. Friends laugh, making it hard to hear the person at the mic do their best effort at “Love Shack,” “Sweet Caroline,” or a groan-inducing “Wonderwall.”

Then the sound of a female voice singing country cut through it all and stopped him in his tracks — and he doesn’t like country so he knew it was something special.

“I’m not a big country fan and she kept doing Dixie Chicks or other country songs but I was still blown away,” Downey said.

Downey had been jamming with his brother Mitch and Jeremy Linsenmeyer since 2011. He said they were just having fun in the basement and not really looking to add anyone — but when Sam Vance, the country girl, entered the picture the group knew they had to reach out.

“Turns out Jeremy knew her a little, so he called her…”

T-R photo by Austin Chadderdon Guitarist Mike Smith energizes and interacts with the crowd at Dave and Sally’s Bar and Grill. Smith joined the band a few years after it’s initial formation.

And she said no thanks.

“At first she said no, then called him back a little later and took up the offer. It’s been a joy ride ever since,” Downey said.

Sam Vance is a REALTOR® at 1st Rate Real Estate and said she wasn’t a singer by any means before joining Exit 185.

“Being in the band has been one of the coolest experiences I never expected I’d have,” Vance said. “The guys in the band have turned into family and I can’t thank them enough for taking me in. It’s been such a privilege.”

Vance took her exit from Exit 185 on Friday at Dave and Sally’s Bar and Grill in front of a packed crowd of tight knit fans. There were tributes to friends who had passed away and birthday celebrations. Guitar player Mike Smith often interacted and talked with the crowd in between each song. While it was a well produced performance full of well known covers, it felt more like a family reunion.

The owner of the venue, Denny Gray, was thrilled by the turn out and energy. He posted pictures on Facebook during the show. A full house on a Friday during Oktemberfest is good for business — he seems like a fan of the band too.

“It was a great night. Awesome crowd. We appreciate everyone who came out to see Exit 185 and all the bands that have, and will continue to play at our venue,” Gray said.

The courtyard at Dave and Sally’s is a unique and much needed place to see music in Marshalltown. The stage is backdropped by aged brick walls and they’ve started projecting graphics and pictures high up on the building to the left of the stage.

Vance said she will be transitioning into a new position at 1st Rate Real Estate, the reason she is stepping back from the band.

“We are very sad to lose Sam, she definitely helped shape our band into much more than it was…we got to make so many memories together and I’m so very happy for the friendship we developed that will go on long after the band,” Downey said.

Exit 185 did a long audition process to find a new front woman for the band. Ultimately they decided to bring on Ashley Holloway to fill what Downey said are big shoes.

“Ashley definitely came out on top. We’re looking forward to lots of fun with her,” Downey said.

While Vance takes her exit and gains speed on a new on ramp everyone moves forward with optimism and rock n’ roll memories to last a lifetime.

And there’s a good chance Vance won’t be too far away.

“Sam will succeed in her new challenges and we look forward to an occasional cameo from her,” Downey said.