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ns Stage Door Productio in features new talent upcoming show

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He helped us find the best fit for our business. Craig has made multiple visits to check on progress at the orchard, as well as being a supportive customer. Craig and Dave made us feel like we were valued as customers at Availa Bank and made the process go very smoothly.” — Dennis Stucky

BANKING IN IOWA SINCE 1870.

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WHAT’S INSIDE 4-5: Cabaret

JANUARY 2024

6. ICCC Jazz Festival 7. Karl King Honor Band 8-9. KEE Live Music Festival

PUBLISHER terry christensen tchristensen@messengernews.net

EDITOR bill shea bshea@messengernews.net

HR/ACCOUNTING melissa wendland mwendland@messengernews.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS tom tourville lori berglund hailey brueschke brandon brueschke

DESIGN COORDINATOR nick manwarren nmanwarren@messengernews.net SALES DIRECTOR leanne darr ldarr@messengernews.net jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net brittney benson bbenson@messengernews.net

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9: Shining Star: Elle Clark

Twist & Shout is published monthly by ogden newspapers inc. All content and opinions expressed may not be those of the publishers.

10: Local Calendar

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11: A look back

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12: Good Eats 14: Artist Spotlight: Ronley King

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307 S. 12th Street Fort Dodge

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by lori berglund

Show brings Ringland-Smeltzer House to life Stage Door Productions features new talent in upcoming show Each performance kicks off with a social time beginning at 6:15 p.m. followed by show time at 7 p.m. It will be a true cabaret atmosphere, with refreshments and light hor d’oeuvres included in the $25 ticket price. Local beverage choices will be provided by Shiny Top Brewing and Soldier Creek Winery, along with non-alcoholic offerings.

Shelly Bottorff, Director

A dozen or more area singers will perform in the intimate confines of the home’s first floor. The audience will fill the surrounding area and be quite close to the individual performers. Bottorff will accompany the evening’s performers on the grand piano that has long been in the home.

“The piano has been really well maintained; it’s one of the reasons we love the house so much,” Bottorff said.

Music, local wines and beer, appetizers, friends gathering in elegant surroundings - it’s easy to imagine that evenings such as this are exactly what the Ringland-Smeltzer House was designed for more than a century ago.

Stage Door Productions is bringing another in its series of Cabaret Shows to the Ringland-Smeltzer House Jan. 18- 19. There will be music and laughter, old favorites and new music fresh from Broadway, according to Director Shelly Bottorff.

“The Ringland-Smeltzer House is such a good home base for this show,” Bottorff said. “It reminds me so much of what people would have been doing in the house decades ago, socializing, listening to music, having parties with friends.”

Baylor Ulrich, a St. Edmond Catholic School student, will perform “If Only You Would Listen” from “School of Rock,” and you can bet the audience will be listening to every word from this young singer.

Other local singers set to perform include Dennis Morgan, Laura Klein-Ferry, Mary Alves, Reese Pedersen, and many more.

For Bottorff, much of the fun of the cabaret shows is finding new performers and matching them to the right songs. She rehearses one-on-one with each of the performers. The rehearsal schedule is quite flexible and is based on how much or how little each performer needs for any given song.

True to the cabaret tradition, the show will include a mix of new music and old favorites. Perhaps the best known will be “Trouble,” from “The Music Man,” performed by Jeff Halter. Another familiar tune will come from Vickie Reeck, with her rendition of “Beauty and the Beast”.

Billy Crystal — the man who inspired “I’ll have what she’s having,” from “When Harry Met Sally,” is hardly a name associated with musical theater.

But Crystal is also known for Broadway’s “Mr. Saturday Night.” Jason Laird will be performing” A Little Joy,” from that show.

Cameron Nelson will be offering up a little new music with “Last One Picked” from ”Whoop Dee Do.”

2019 Cabaret performers

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Finding the right mix of music for each show is something Bottorff enjoys.

“I look at the tempo of the songs, and I try to think about how the mood can fluctuate,” Bottorff said. “It’s all about the entertainment factor when I choose the songs. I want them to have an interesting story, and I want them to be right for each person. Sometimes we work on a song for several weeks, and then say we need to switch it out because it doesn’t fit that performer.”

The goal is a mix of music that will not only entertain, but also broaden the musical experience for the audience.

“We always do a couple of songs that people haven’t heard before, and then we do some that are nostalgic for most people,” she said. “I look for a variety of pieces that will work well together and make it a great evening.”

Steve Kersten will serve as master of ceremonies for the show, offering a little history on the Ringland-Smeltzer House, and then talking a bit about each performer as they come on throughout the evening.

The show is meant for mature audiences, and designed to be a wonderful date night for couples, or a fun night out for a group of friends.

“We do some material that’s not necessarily G-rated, but that’s what I love about this show,” Bottorff said. “There’s nothing vulgar at all, just maybe a few swear words and mature content.”

“Although Fort Dodge has a ton of theater, and our area has a ton of theater, there are some shows that would not work in our community, but they have beautiful songs. So this is a fun way to kind of educate the community and let them hear some new material,” Bottorff said.

“There are so many musicals out there, and this is a chance to let people hear some of the music being produced.”

Bottorff lives to encourage people in the arts.

While this show is set, she is always looking for talent for future cabaret shows. No experience required, just a desire to perform and to grow in one’s musical passion. She said most of the performers have not necessarily done any local theater in the past.

“If there are people that would like to be considered for an upcoming show, I would love for them to reach out to me,” Bottorff said.

Stage Door Productions and the Cabaret Show are always looking for new talent, and new volunteers. See the email and web contacts with the ticket information to learn more.

Tickets for the Cabaret Show are available at Shiny Top Brewing, online at www.stagedoorfd.org, or by emailing fdfinearts@gmail.com. Tickets may also be available at the door, but because of very limited seating, guests are encouraged to get their tickets early.

2019 Cabaret performers 2021 Cabaret performers

The cabaret show is the perfect outlet for including music from shows that otherwise would not get much local attention. Here, local audiences can get a taste of the music, and then perhaps see the full show at a metropolitan venue.

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Jazz Festival IOWA CENTRAL

coming JanUARY 10th - 12th by brandon brueschke

Iowa Central Community will be holding its 11th annual Triton Jazz Festival Jan. 10-12 at the Best Western Starlight Village Inn & Suites.

Jeremy Smith, director of athletic bands for Iowa Central, gave some insight into the festival.

“It’s a high school jazz band contest,” he said. “Each band that performs, they perform for three judges and then after their performance, they get to work with a clinician as well. Even though it’s a competition, more of the bands are looking at it because of the educational value and the clinics involved as well as getting to travel with their band.”

“We started ours in early January because the state music association has their event, the Iowa State Jazz Festival, at the end of January, so it is a chance for bands to go out and travel and get a clinic before the state sanctioned contest happens,” he added.

Smith continued by saying “There’s some bands where this is their trip. If you were to ask their kids what their memories are, it’s going to our festival because it’s their chance to travel with their friends and have fun traveling to perform and play.”

When speaking about what it takes to run the jazz festival, Smith said “ I always say it takes patience. First of all, from the marketing side of it, communicating with not just our area band directors but with the state Music Association because I want as many bands to participate as possible. And what’s really cool is we get such a great variety, we have bands from as far away as Cedar Rapids

coming. Bands will travel two to two and a half hours to come here.The preparation mostly right now has been preparing forms, updating the website, and probably the biggest task was putting the schedule together. Scheduling has been the big thing. It all just takes organization. The biggest thing is the actual festival, so that’s where we rely on our students. Some of our students are involved in music, some in other majors, they donate their time, whether it’s a half day, or a couple of days to help us at the festival to check in the bands, make sure we’re running on time, and help set up. When a band comes, we want them to have as stress free a day as possible. We want their time to be efficient, so they can walk in, set up and go about their duties. If they need to know where something is, we have our students there to point them in the right direction.”

Smith went on to speak a bit about the admission to the festival, saying “We don’t charge admission like many other festivals do because we know the band parents are traveling around as well and they pay a lot of money to support their kids. But also, because some of these bands come from farther away. They don’t have a lot of people there to support them. It’s a great chance to see live music,and reward the effort the bands put forward with as many people as possible to support them and give them applause when they’re done.”

Smith and Iowa Central are eager to put these bands in front of people to hear the effort they put into their music and provide a wonderful educational experience.

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KARL KING HONOR BAND

carries on musical tradition for students Concert comes to St. Edmond in January by lori berglund

Karl King would surely be so proud: young students from across north central Iowa gathering on a Saturday in January to practice together and perform for the public. This is what band music is all about, appreciating the music, developing one’s skills, and bringing music to life for an audience.

“My wife and I were looking for a smaller community,” he said.

The Karl King Honor Band will be back for another performance on Saturday, Jan. 13, at St. Edmond Catholic School in Fort Dodge. Doors will open to the public at 4:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 5 p.m. in the gymnasium.

Tickets are $5 each, with children ages five and under admitted free. The snow date for the concert will be Saturday, Jan. 20.

“I really like St. Edmond’s because I wanted to teach at a school where I had students from beginners, intermediate levels, and advanced kids,” Ward said.

Nearly 200 students from some 24 different schools will be coming together on that day to practice and perform in a whirlwind day for the kids and directors.

“We always have good directors who make it fun, and make it a good learning experience for the students, but the kids are usually completely beat by the end of the day,” said Tara Smith, Fort Dodge Middle School instrumental music teacher.

Smith has been involved with the honor band for most of her more than 20-year teaching career. She sees so much good come from bringing students together from different schools to spend one day immersed in rehearsal and preparing for the evening’s big concert.

“I always like taking my students to the honor band because they get to experience being in a larger ensemble than what we have at home,” Smith said. “Sometimes there are students playing instruments that we don’t have, or we may have only one baritone player, and at the honor band they may get to play with three or four others who play the same instrument.”

The concert will feature performances from three separate bands, one each from sixth, seventh and eighth grades. The students receive the music in advance, but practice and perform together only on the day of the concert.

Students check in for the day at 8 a.m., with rehearsals starting at about 9 a.m. They will spend the day together, working with one of the guest directors and preparing for the evening’s big concert.

Sam Ward, director of instrumental music at St. Edmond, is in his first year as host for the Karl King Honor Band, which is held each year at the school. A native of Salt Lake City, Ward is a graduate of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and taught instrumental music in Las Vegas for three years before coming to St. Edmond earlier this year.

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While Ward is new to Iowa, his wife is a Newton native and they are happy to be making their home here.

He gets just that at St. Edmond, where he teaches students from grades five through 12. What he enjoys about the Karl King Honor Band is that it accepts a lot of students and encourages them to grow in appreciation and enjoyment of music and performance. Ward sees so many benefits to music education.

“I think the biggest one is dedication,” Ward said. “You have to be consistent with practice in order to progress. It’s a good example of how life is: people think that it’s all about talent, but it becomes very clear that it’s about work. The person who puts in more work is going to progress faster.”

Music, Ward noted, can be a lifelong enjoyment, whether a person plays in a group, alone, or simply appreciates listening to music or attending concerts.

“Being a part of a group can help kids develop teamwork,” Ward added. “To create an ensemble, you need teamwork and precision.”

Smith echoes the benefits of music education for students.

“There are so many brain benefits from playing an instrument, from playing with different musicians, from different musical experiences,” she said. “There’s also a social aspect. Sometimes you have a shy student and this is a way for that student to meet people.”

On the day of the honor band, it’s a busy, intense experience that will challenge students in so many unique ways.

“There are definitely skill benefits,” she said. “They are spending four or five hours playing their instruments on that one day. There’s not another situation where they would do that.”

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“MUSIC: A TIMELESS TREASURE” PRESENTED BY HUMBOLDT COMMUNITY CHORUS

by hailey brueschke

The Humboldt Community Chorus, directed by Terry Nelson, will be presenting its annual variety show in February called “Music: A Timeless Treasure” at the R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium at Humboldt High School.

The group has chosen many timeless pieces which include “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” and a fun melody of the ever-popular Beatles songs called “Love is All You Need.”

The gospel and patriotic pieces will include “Sing and Rejoice,” “How Beautiful,” “Because He Lives,” “Strike Up the Band,” and “My Country Tis of Thee.”

The women will have their own performance of “Holding out for a Hero”, and the men will sing “Take Me Home Country Road.” Various small groups will be adding light-hearted songs to the production as well.

The 20-piece Big Band will also be accompanying all the chorus numbers as well as playing 30 minutes before each show and during intermission.

“The Chorus and Band pride themselves on providing a very high energy show with something for everyone,” said Barb Nelson, director.

The annual variety show “Music: A Timeless Treasure” will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 9, and 2 p.m. Feb. 10-11. Each performance will take place at R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium in the Humboldt High School, 1500 Wildcat Road.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for kids under 18. They can be purchased at Humboldt Hy-Vee, V&S Variety in downtown Humboldt, from any chorus members, online at www. humboldtchorus.com, or by calling (515) 379-1072.

For more information about the upcoming show, be sure to check their Facebook page or call (515) 379-1072.

“Don’t miss out on this family, friendly show,” said Nelson. “It is sure to leave you smiling.”

MUSIC

Festival

Cherokee is the place to be on January 12-13 as we celebrate the 24th year for the Kee Live Music Festival! We will host seven bands over two nights with a variety of music sure to meet everyone’s taste.

Tickets get you access to all these artists throughout the weekend: The Dakota Jazz Quartet, Buckmiller/Schwager Band, Skitzo Fonik, Ronley King Band, Outlaw Jim & The Whiskey Benders, The Vincents, and Matt Keen!

Advance tickets can be purchased at the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce or on the website at www.Keelivemusic.com. Hotel packages are also available for only $120 which includes one hotel room, two festival passes for the night of your preference, and courtesy drivers to take you back and forth to all the action around town.

WWW.KEELIVEMUSIC.COM

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shiningstar Elle Clark

Age: 18 • Grade/School: Freshman at Iowa Central Community College Hometown: Humboldt

What is your earliest memory performing?

Who are some of your role models? Why?

My earliest memory performing is when I played an Orphan in Humboldt High School’s 2010 production of Annie. Something I am so grateful for is 11 years later I got to play Annie in Humboldt’s 2021 spring musical.

It was such a full circle moment for me! I hold the show very close to my heart.

My biggest role model right now is Eva Nobelzada! I admire her drive, passion, and hard work that she brings to every one of her performances.

What do you most enjoy about performing?

Tell us one word that you would use to describe yourself.

I would say I’m passionate because I love to dive in to every project I do!

My favorite thing is how it makes me feel. The stage feels like home to me. Becoming a character and stepping out on stage to see everyone you love in the audience is a feeling I can’t explain. It’s what I want to do for the rest of my life!

If you could play any role in and theatre production, who would you play?

Tell us about some of the cultural experiences you had growing up.

(Dance, Singing, Theatre etc.)

Growing up my dream role has always been Belle in Beauty and the Beast. This year I am so so lucky and so so grateful that I get the opportunity to play Belle in Iowa Centrals Spring Musical!! I can’t wait!

I started taking dance lessons at 3 years old and I fell in love with it! When I was five I was in my first ever theatre production and found my passion. I’ve loved every role I have gotten to play and have been very lucky for the opportunities those characters have given me. I’ve gotten to perform at the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards three years in a row and got to perform a spotlight medley, an opening medley, and a triple threat medley which gave me lifelong memories and friends! I also grew up watching the Bill Riley Talent Search at the state fair and was named the 2023 Bill Riley Talent Search Grand Champion this past summer!

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What 3 things do you bring and why?

Do you come from an “artys” family?

I’m not sure where I want to go after Iowa Central Community College yet, but I know I want to keep performing!

I do! My parents met at Iowa Central while they were in the play Lend Me a Tenor. My mom is a choreographer and always taught me in dance and helped choreograph musicals that I’ve been in. I always go to my dad for audition advice, he’s always been my favorite character actor :) t w i s t

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This is such a hard question. I would have to say I would find a way to get my piano to the desert to keep me entertained. I’d definitely have to bring some cherry coke and a bag of New Orleans chips to keep me going.

What activities/groups/ensembles are you currently involved with?

I am currently involved in Triton Singers, Encore, Pop Singers, Spring Musical, and I was in the Fall Play!

What do you want to do after Iowa Central Community College?

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Pulse JANUARY LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR THE

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JANUARY 14

JANUARY 21

KEE Live Music Festival

Bingo

All Day Cherokee, Iowa www.keelivemusic.com

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery

JANUARY 15

Scott Kikhart LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing

Fort Dodge Senior High Pops Concert 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fort Dodge Middle School 800 N. 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

JANUARY 18

Jordan Beem LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing JANUARY 4

JANUARY 11

Evan Pratt LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing

Bruce Day LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing

JANUARY 5

Adam Girard 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery

JANUARY 7

Bingo 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery

JANUARY 10

Iowa Central Community College 11th Annual Triton Jazz Festival.

Best Western Starlight Village Inn & Suites

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing

JANUARY 18-19

Craft Night: Winterland Wall Decor 6:30 PM Soldier Creek Winery

Stage Door Presents Cabaret: A Night of Musical Theatre

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

JANUARY 26

515 Big Band Concert 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Historic Phillips Auditorium 1015 5th Ave N • Fort Dodge, IA

Kris Karr (Solo) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Ringland Smeltzer Home

JANUARY 19

Clint Riedel

JANUARY 12

Hawk McIntyre

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery

JANUARY 19

Snow One Like Blood Donors

JANUARY 13

KEE Live Music Festival All Day Cherokee, Iowa www.keelivemusic.com

JANUARY 25

6:30 AM - 1:30 PM LifeServe Blood Center

JANUARY 20

Brian Herrin 7:00 PM River Hops Brewing

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a look back

By Tom Tourville

THEY CAME ROCKIN’ TO THE LARAMAR BALLROOM

STAR TIME WITH THE CRICKETS Allison took over the key role of putting together a “new” Crickets and to see if the group wanted to continue, but Mauldin chose not to join the effort. Allison started from scratch, as he wanted to continue but, not as a Buddy Holly tribute band but, with an all-new Crickets and a new sound.

He did not have to look far to find new band mates to launch a new Crickets. First up was longtime friend Sonny Curtis, guitar and vocals, who was a long-time contributor to the Crickets and Holly and who wrote the hit song for the Bobby Fuller Four, “I Fought The Law.” Next was Glen D. Hardin, keyboards, and vocals, who had worked with the likes of Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Nancy Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Buck Owens. He was a member of the Shindogs, who were the house band on the famed Shindig TV show.

This is not a story about Buddy Holly. Nor is it about any of Holly’s hit records, no “Maybe Baby.” No, “That’ll Be The Day,” or “Rave On” and no “True Love Ways.” This is not a story about the Holly legacy after his unfortunate death. This is a story about what happened to his group, the Crickets.

When you are a rock band having significant chart success and suddenly your star front man is no longer alive, you will need to take a step back and ask the question, “What’s Next?” This was the case for the Crickets that all played key roles in creating the stardom that was around Buddy Holly.

After Holly’s passing, drummer Jerry Allison and bass player Joe Mauldin were left asking that question. These two were not on the final tour with Holly as he was using a “pick up” band that included a young Waylan Jennings.

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Jerry Naylor also signed on as a lead singer and guitarist. Most of his early music career was in radio and the Crickets were his first big opportunity in rock and roll.

cords. Another UK release included “They Call Her La Bamba/All Over You” (Liberty 55696) that was done in a surf music style. I know, the Crickets doing surf music, totally surprising. As one can see, they used the UK record charts to help establish their new group.

They did some work with their friend Bobby Vee, that saw the release of the highly popular album, “Bobby Vee Meets The Crickets” on Liberty Records (#2116). Liberty also released the Crickets hard to find EP titled “StraightNo Strings” Liberty (#2094) with the four songs including “Hand Jive,” “Summertime Blues,” “Searchin” and “What’d I Say.” Between 1961-1964 various other musicians would also work with the Crickets. Some of them included: David Box, Earl Sinks and Ric Gretch, who would later perform with Blind Faith and Traffic.

The “new” Crickets were no strangers to Fort Dodge as they appeared at the Laramar in 1964. The booking was done by Luverne, Minnesota’s Jimmy Thomas that brought the Crickets to our area, as he had been booking the band since 1961.

The life that the Crickets had after the untimely death of Buddy Holly might have been their most creative. I for one wish I could have seen this particular Crickets during this time. It must have been special.

Finally, was Buzz Cason. Buzz had a legendary music career working as the assistant head of Liberty Records-West Coast and performed and recorded with Bill Justis, Ronny & The Daytonas, Elvis Presley, and Kenny Rogers, and at one time he was the voice for the Chipmunks, He was the co-writer of Carl Carlton and Elvis Presley’s “Everlasting Love” and wrote “Soldier Of Love” for the Beatles. He also wrote the Foreward for my book on surf music, “Sun, Sand, Surf & Sidewalls,” Second Edition. There were not a tighter five musicians in music. These were real pros.

They came out with “Don’t Ever Change/I’m Not A Bad Guy” for Liberty Records (#55441) that reached # 5 in England. In addition, they released Sonny Curtis’s hit “I Fought The Law/A Sweet Love,” again for Liberty ReJ a n u a r y

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s t a E d Goo s k n i r &D dining:

716 Main...................................Humboldt Amigos.................................. 280 N. 1st St. Applebee’s.......................... 2810 5th Ave. S Bloomers on Central.......... 900 Central Ave. Buffalo Wild Wings......................2909 5th Ave. S. CasaBlanca Steak House........................ Hwy 169 Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert....... 14 S. 14th St. Community Tap & Pizza..............2026 5th Ave. S. Peking Garden...............................510 5th Ave. S. Hacienda Vieja.........................1518 3rd Ave. NW Ja-Mar Drive-In.............................. 329 S. 25th St. Lizard Creek Ranch..................1762 Johnson Ave The Stadium...............................2001 2nd Ave. N. Lomitas Mexican Restaurant.......2223 5th Ave. S.

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Mineral City................................2621 5th Ave. So. Ninja Sushi Steak House............... 407 S. 25th St. Perkins...........................................511 S. 32nd St. Pizza Ranch................................ 3311 5th Ave. S. Sneakers...................................1317 Central Ave. A Pinch of Love Cafe..................... 850 S. 18th St. Shiny Top Brewing........ 520 Central Ave. Tea Thyme...................................2021 6th Ave. S. The Sports Page.......................... 2707 N. 15th St. Tom Thumb Drive Inn.......................... 1412 A. St. Tres Amigos.................................3521 5th Ave. S. Tropical Smoothie..................2813 1/2 5th Ave. S. Village Inn.................................... 2002 N. 15th St. Zakeer’s Family Restaurant.........425 2nd Ave. S.

FAST-FOOD: Burger King....................... 2814 5th Ave. S. Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza..........2007 N.15th St. 2206 2nd Ave. N. 1133 S. 22nd St. 1308 3rd Ave. N. W. 235 Ave. O 1230 3rd Ave. NW 3327 5th Ave. S. Culver’s............................. 3048 5th Ave. S. Domino’s Pizza................... 1430 5th Ave S. Dunkin’ Donuts.................. 2520 5th Ave. S.

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Hardee’s..................................6 S. 15th St. Jimmy Johns..................... 3023 5th Ave. S. KFC....................................3057 1st Ave. S. McDonald’s........................ 2509 5th Ave. S. ............................................. 107 Ave. O W. Pancheros......................... 3022 5th Ave. S. Papa Murphy’s Pizza......... 2813 5th Ave. S. Pizza Hut........................... 2940 5th Ave. S. Scooter’s Coffee................. 2949 5th Ave S. Starbucks - Target..............2910 1st Ave. S. Starbucks - Hy-Vee............... 115 S 29th St Subway..................................... 109 Ave. O .......................................... 2323 5th Ave. S. Taco Bell.............................3057 1st Ave. S. Taco Tico............................. 319 S. 29th St. Wendy’s............................. 2313 5th Ave. S.

drinks: 4th Street Depot................ 300 S. 4th St. Brass Monkey.................... 15 N. 10th St. Buck’s Fireside Lounge..... 16 N. 11th St. Bootleggers.................. 1239 S. 22nd St. Crickets Lounge........... 512 Central Ave. Dodge City Bar............. 915 Central Ave. Dodger Tap........................ 22 N. 12th St. River Hops.................. 1014 Central Ave. Shiny Top Brewing........ 520 Central Ave.

15 Years In A Row! 1911 First Avenue North Fort Dodge

515-576-5095

Craft Beer • Gourmet Pizza • Live Music

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Ronley King artistspot

Age: 34 • Hometown: Gowrie, Iowa Profession: Full Time Painter – Part Time Musician • Artistic Medium: Guitar & Vocals

What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

One word I would use to describe myself - Addicted in a good way. That’s really how my musical journey has developed by getting addicted to performing, different types of music. And when I do, I can’t get enough of it!

Growing up, were you involved in the community artistically?

How was music a part of your life growing up?

I was always involved in and surrounded by music growing up. I was always going to my brother and sisters’ high school concerts and recitals. I believe around 6 or 7 years old my parents had me start taking piano lessons from Linda Benson in Gowrie and from then on I was always involved in some form of musical performance.

When did you learn to play guitar?

I first picked up the guitar around my sophomore year of high school. The band department had an old beat up guitar that I kind of “commandeered”…….I’ll put it that way! Around that time I had discovered my love for improvisation and I instantly realized that guitar was a great outlet for that. I learned the basic chords, and with the theory that I had taken in from piano lessons, it was a matter of transposing that knowledge to different instrument. So it really kind of came somewhat naturally!

Yes. I was involved in most musical activities growing up.

Along with the usual suspects like band, choir, musical, I was also involved in musical church groups, community choir and such. More recently I was involved a number of years with the Gowrie Arts Council as well helping to put on community events.

to the idea of improvisation, I wanted to form this group, selfishly, to have an outlet to continue to grow personally as a musician. I’ve always had a love for the blues, jazz, and other forms of music that lend themselves to open ended jamming and free flow of ideas. All the while, maintaining some of those country influences that I’ve been playing for many years now. In 2022 we entered and won the Iowa Blues Challenge and had the opportunity to represent Iowa in the international blues challenge! This was an amazing experience for us and I couldn’t be more thankful! Both groups are currently working on releasing new original music, or by the time this comes out, will be out!

What has been the most challenging part of gigging?

The term “weekend warrior” is used a lot to refer to musicians like me - run my business during the week, gig on the weekends. The most challenging part of that is as time goes on and there’s more demand for these groups and myself as musician, it’s started to become more than weekends. Add week nights, and sometimes whole weeks it seems to accomplish our goals. So balancing that along with family time at home is the hardest thing to do! (Shout out to my unbelievably amazing and supportive wife Claire for always pushing me to follow my dreams!!! You’re the best!!!)

Tell us about your current music projects.

Currently I’m involved in two different groups. The first being Cory Waller and The Wicked Things. While Cory and I have played together for over 10 years now, this group is still relatively new. We formed about 3 years ago and since have played quite frequently throughout the Midwest. If you wanted to label the band we would probably be categorized in the “red dirt” country genre or Blackdirt Country as we like to call it!

My second project is my own, the Ronley King Band. Going back

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What is the most rewarding part of gigging?

On the opposite end of that last answer, the most rewarding thing about gigging is the relationships and people I have made and met because of playing music. Between playing in my own groups as well as filling in for others, this has formed many connections and friendships over the years that I wouldn’t trade the world for!

Where can the readers find your music online?

You can find both The Wicked Things, and Ronley King Band on all of the major streaming platforms! Also give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram as well! We like to post a lot of updates of what we’re doing and some of the shenanigans we get into while traveling and gigging!

will be crazy good! Both are local, and tickets will either be available, or available soon!!

What do you most enjoy about the art and culture scene in the Fort Dodge area?

It’s truly unbelievable the amount of great music that can be found right here in Fort Dodge!! There are so many great musicians and acts! I would say per capita we probably have one of the most vibrant music scenes in the state! A lot of that of that has to do with the amount of venues that support live music, and the people that come to the shows!

For that we are very fortunate! I look forward to only seeing that grow in the future!

If you could trade places with one person for the day, who would it be and why?

If I had to trade places with one person for the day….. that’s a tough one…..I would probably have to say Joe Bonamassa. While he’s been one of my biggest influences musically, I would just want to have access to his guitar and amp collection for just one day!

What shows do you have coming up in the next few months that you are most excited about?

We have a lot of great gigs coming up in the next few months but two that really stand out is March 2nd, The Ronley King Band will be opening for the Avey Grouws Band at Phillips Auditorium! Avey Grouws is amazing and to get to share the same stage as them will be a blast!

Then on April 6th, Cory Waller and The Wicked Things are playing a show with Tyler Richton and The High Bank Boys at the Laramar! If you’re a fan of country music, that show

Go to www.fineartsassociation.com for a list of upcoming events and our members…..

Over 60 events each month!

To become a member or let us know about an event contact: Shelly Bottorff, Executive Director • fdfinearts@gmail.com t w i s t

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3 CELEBRATING 23 4 3 3 YEARS OF GREAT MUSIC INavailable CHEROKEE! Advance tickets at: Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, The Brightside Lounge, KeeStirs, Mud on Main, Pastime Lounge and Whiskey Throttle.

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at: Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, The Brightside 4 3 3 Lounge, KeeStirs, Mud on Main, Pastime Lounge and Advance tickets available at: Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, The Brightside Whiskey Throttle.

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Lounge, KeeStirs, Mud on Main, Pastime Lounge and Whiskey Throttle.

Hotel Package Available - $100 Includes: 1 night stay at: Best Western LaGrande Hacienda-712-225-5701, or Cherokee Inn-712-225-4278 and 2 Pub Crawl tickets

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