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AnneFrank The Diary of

at the Webster City Community Theatre STORY PAGE 4

H O U T

WHAT’S INSIDE 4-5: Cabaret

FEBRUARY 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

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Webster City Community Theatre

Februarytunes

NEW RELEASES

Dramatized by Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett Based upon the book Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl Presented through Dramatists Play Service Inc.

Adults $15 Students 18 and under $10 515-832-4456 wcctboxoffice@gmail.com Box Office open weeknights 5-7 and Saturdays 10-noon

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FEBRUARY 2, 3, 9 & 10 at 7:00 pm FEBRUARY 4 & 11 at 2:00 pm

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02-17

02-03

Trustfall

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Plattsmouth

AnneFrank The Diary of

by lori berglund

Nearly 30 years have come and gone since Webster City Community Theatre (WCCT) first brought “The Diary of Anne Frank” to the local stage.

From the comfort of her family’s home in Madrid, the story she read of another time and place was nearly surreal.

It was 1995 and the world was marking the 50th anniversary of V-E Day, then V-J Day. It was the year of the Oklahoma City bombing and the O.J. Simpson trial. Americans laughed along with a show that was still new called “Friends.”

“It was just hard to believe from my naïve, middle school girl brain, that this could actually happen,” Blankenship said. “And that’s partially speaking to the privilege I had, but it was hard to comprehend that some people had to hide away so that they could survive that onslaught.”

There was hope on the horizon for Jews and Palestinians with the Dec. 27, 1995, signing of the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The world still laughs with “Friends,” but hope seems a more distant thing for many, WCCT veteran Anne Blankenship was in the director’s chair for that 1995 production, and she’s back again directing this incredible and tragic story that may be more timely than ever. “We kind of decided to do it this year because of all of the anti-Semitism that we have been experiencing in this country,” Blankenship said. “With everything happening in the world, we thought this would be a really good time to remind people of the consequences of what division and hate can really bring about.” When the Amsterdam annex where Anne Frank, her family, and a small group of friends was raided, and its residents moved to concentration camps in 1944, the pages of her diary fell to the floor in the chaos of the arrest. No one at the time knew that these seemingly forgotten words of a teen-age girl would bring tears to eyes for decades to come, and stand as a living testament to the beauty of the human spirit. But the pages of that diary were saved, first by Miep Gies, a friend who helped hide the small group for more than two years, and then by Anne’s father, Otto Frank — the only one of the annex group to survive the Holocaust. Blankenship recalls reading “The Diary of Anne Frank” about the time of her middle school years.

at the Webster City Community Theatre A tragic story in timely retelling.

In the WCCT production, the Frank family is portrayed by: Karina Murray as Anne; Dale Arends as her father, Otto; Lindsay Henderson takes on the role of her mother, Edith Frank; and Caroline Ehn plays Margot, Anne’s older sister.

everywhere can likely relate. Mr. Dussel, is a dentist by trade and a bit of a fussbudget at heart. Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan bicker a bit. He worries about food and she worries about her fur coat. Blankenship had high praise for all of the cast as they bring the full scope of human emotion to the stage. “Even though it’s a departure from some of the more light-hearted stuff that we do, it’s an important show, and I think it’s important for people to be aware that things like this are still happening in the world,” Blankenship said.

Joining the Frank family in the hidden space of the annex is the Van Daan family, played by Dr. Mark and Susan Andrew as Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan, with Max Anderson as their son, Peter Van Daan. Mr. Dussel, played by Brady Winter, rounds out the group of eight people hiding together in the secret annex. This group was assisted on the outside by Miep Gies, played by Rachel Derrig, and Joe Gail as Mr. Kraler. The truth of the story delivers the drama, but in Anne’s writings within her diary, there is still to room to find joy and even humor as these diverse people take refuge together amidst the horrors of World War II. Photo by Anne Blankenship

Anne finds young love with Peter, but struggles with her own mother. Mothers of teen-age girls

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Anne Frank, portrayed by Karina Murray gives a hug to her father played by Dale Arends in the upcoming production of The Diary of Anne Frank by Webster City Community Theatre.

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Photo by Anne Blankenship

Anne Frank, portrayed by Karina Murray, tries on a fur coat as Mrs. Van Daan, played by Susan Andrew, looks on. The two actresses are part of the upcoming WCCT production of The Diary of Anne Frank.

The Diary of Anne Frank WCCT Performing Arts Center 1001 Willson Ave. Webster City 515 832-4456 wcctboxoffice@gmail.com Tickets : $15 for adults • $10 for 18 and younger Show Times: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2 and 3, 7 p.m. • Sunday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 9 and 10, 7 p.m. • Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m. The cast has the unusual task of remaining on stage for the entire play. While typical shows have several set changes, just as the eight children and adults were confined to the small annex, so to this play takes place with just one set. Everything that happens, happens together. Pains are being taken to respect the people who lived this story and to present it with a dignity that lets the story speak for itself. “There will not be the same kind of format for this show as we’ve had for other shows,” Blankenship said. “Usually, beforehand the director comes out and talks about what shows are coming up in the season, and it’s a light-hearted thing… We’re not going to do that, we’re going to dive right into the play. We don’t want to muddy up the show with that kind of light-heartedness.” Likewise, there will be no curtain call for the cast. Not to give away the ending, but it is a riveting moment of a father lost in memories of what was and what he lost at the hands of the hate unleashed upon the world. Audience members can take comfort in that there will be the usual intermission, during which the cast will remain on stage. For those who wish to greet the cast following the performance, they will be available in the basement of the Performing Arts Center. Performances are slated for Feb. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the WCCT Performing Arts Center box office, 1001 Willson Ave., Webster City. For ticket information or to reserve seats call WCCT at 515 832-4456.

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Photo by Anne Blankenship

Margot Frank, played by Caroline Ehn, and Anne Frank, played Karina Murray with their mother, Edith, portrayed by Lindsay Henderson share a family moment.

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comedy to the rescue! to benefit almost home Almost Home Humane Society of North Central Iowa is inviting the community to Rides Banquet Center for a night of food, drinks and laughs — all to help support the Fort Dodge animal shelter. Comedy to the Rescue is a stand-up comedy benefit for homeless pets headlined by nationally-touring comedian Clay Foley. The show is Friday, Feb. 23 at Rides Banquet Center, 725 S. 31st St. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the opening act taking the stage at 6:30 p.m., followed by Foley. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at almosthomeiowa. org or in person at Almost Home, 725 S. 32nd St., or at Rides Bar and Grill, 723 S. 31st St.

Almost Home Executive Director Paul Shane said the venue holds about 250 and he hopes to fill every seat. He said he is looking forward to the show. “[Foley] is a very clean comedian,” he said. “Like, you never know what you’re going to get with a comedian, but he’s pretty clean and family-oriented.” Comedy to the Rescue is a “passion project” of Foley’s, Shane said. Foley is an animal rescuer and transporter and a former animal cruelty investigator. He doesn’t charge for his performances for the Comedy to the Rescue benefits. With Rides donating the venue space and board members covering the comedian’s

travel expenses, every single dollar will profit the animal shelter, Shane said. Fundraising is paramount to the success of a non-profit animal shelter. Shane said the shelter doesn’t really have much money in the bank and has just enough money to get by.

Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert

Momma, an American pit bull terrier, was found tied up to the mailbox at Almost Home about a year ago. She’s shy at first, but once she warms up to a person, she’s sweet and loving, shelter staff say.

“There’s so many things that are breaking in the shelter that there’s no money to fix or replace,” he said. “Just the day to day operational, like feeding and caring for the animals, there’s only a certain amount of money left to do that.” Shane said the board that oversees the shelter is adding new members and focusing on public relations and resource development to bring in new funding to sustain the shelter. “We’re bringing in other for-profit entities into what we do so we don’t have to beg people for money every day, but we have sustainable funding,” he added.

By nature, funding non-profits can be challenging, but overcoming that challenge is crucial. “Fundraising in 2024 for Almost Home is essential to its survival,” Shane said. “Every dollar that we bring in is essential in keeping the lights on.”

Clay Foley Friday, February 23rd Rides Banquet Center Doors: 6:00 p.m. Show: 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $25

Because of funding difficulties, for years the shelter has had to put off important maintenance and repairs, Shane said. For example, in the 12 years since the current shelter building was built, the boiler hasn’t been maintained properly.

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Love of theater runs deep for Yungclas

Dedicated volunteer has worked in more than 60 shows

by lori berglund

Al Yungclas in one of the bedrooms of the annex set for the upcoming WCCT production of The Diary of Anne Frank.

It all started in the third grade at Sunset Heights Elementary School in Webster City for devoted Webster City Community Theatre (WCCT) volunteer Al Yungclas. Adra Anna Goettsch was the music teacher and directed a memorable production of “The Ugly Duckling.” “I was just one of the ducklings,” Yungclas said with his characteristic grin. “I wasn’t the swan.” In more than 60 shows in his lifetime, Yungclas has been both the swan star, and one of the ducklings pulling together to make shows a success on the local stage. He has served as director, worked the lights, props, backstage, sung tenor in many a choir, and had a hand in building countless sets. “I was in the first show when we bought the building in 1992, and the night before the opening I was down there on the floor with Dad, screwing seats to the floor,” Yungclas said. There was a strong theater influence at home as his parents, the late Bruce and Patty Yungclas, were stalwarts in many WCCT productions.

Yungclas took to the stage again in the ninth grade at the former Washington Central Junior High in a production of “Sunbonnet Sue.” He recalls well performing on the stage at Jefferson Gymnasium for that production.

play, reflecting the content of the show. Yungclas said the biggest thing they had to build were three platforms, representing the three levels of the annex where Frank and her family and friends hid during World War II. Despite its simplicity, it’s a set true to the story and the era in which it was so tragically College at the University of South Dakota in lived. Vermillion, South Dakota, only deepened Yungclas’s love of theater. Building a set, according to Yungclas, is much more than just pounding nails or painting walls. “I was in four plays at college and, in fact, at one time I was in rehearsals for three productions at the “It’s a creative process,” he said. “You have to be same time,” he said. artistic, but also creative to find ways to do things. You have to make things work for the play, for There’s something about being on stage, or even just the actors. You have to think about how an actor helping behind the scenes, that becomes a lifelong is going to use a door to know which direction it passion for many. should open. You have to think about the audience and look at things from what their point of view will “I guess, after I did it for awhile, I just really enjoyed be.” it,” Yungclas said. “I got requested to be in shows a lot because they always need more men, and I can By this time in his career, Yungclas has been in a sing tenor in the musicals.” number of the more enduring musicals several times. His credits include four times in “The Music For the upcoming WCCT production of “The Diary Man,” three times each in “My Fair Lady,” “Guys of Anne Frank,” Yungclas isn’t in the show, but he and Dolls” and “Oklahoma,” and more shows too did help build the set before rehearsals began. numerous to count.

each other, back and forth,” Yungclas said. “You laugh about your mistakes together, and you also help each other. Even years after a show is over, you call each other by the name of the character from that show… We’re still playing those parts, even 10 years later, when we see each other.” The different roles Yungclas has played in “The Music Man” reflect how an actor must adjust his work to the different seasons of his own life. “I was in high school the first time I was in “The Music Man” and I played Tommy Djilas, the delinquent kid. The next time was in about 1974, ‘75, and I played Charlie Cowell, anvil salesman. The next time it was in the 1990s and I was part of the town quartet.” His fourth performance in “The Music Man” came in 2010 when Yungclas played the male lead as Professor Harold Hill. These days, Yungclas said he isn’t seeking out leading roles, especially romantic leads. “You can’t be a romantic leading anymore at my age,” Yungclas said.

Compared to shows such as “The Music Man,” with For every production, the cast and crew form a “My parents helped get community theater going its chugging train and romantic footbridge, “The bond that is hard to match, according to Yungclas. But that doesn’t mean the fun has stopped. This is again in Webster City,” Yungclas said. “They were Diary of Anne Frank” has a more austere set. There one duckling who knows how to paddle and does on the first board of directors back in the late 1960s.” are three rooms that never change throughout the “Each cast is a community, and you throw jabs at his part to make every show a success. t w i s t

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515 BIG BAND

Making music in the

building name for itself

“

There is huge talent in Fort Dodge and the surrounding area for jazz bands

- TIFFANY NELSON

FOUNDER OF THE 515 BIG BAND

by lori berglund

There’s no other sound in the world like a true big band. The beat that draws everyone to the dance floor. The horns that blend together in a magical crescendo of joy and harmony. The just plain fun of hearing musicians who are having a ball together making music. The 515 Big Band is barely a year old and quickly gaining fame for its blend of jazz and big band music sure to make a person want to get up and move, or perhaps just sit and listen, enthralled with the finest of local musicians honing their craft together. “We started last year, came together and started practicing before Christmas, and then our first concerts were in the spring,” said Tiffany Nelson, founder of the 515 Big Band. Nelson has spent a lifetime in music and music education. Treasurer and board member for the Iowa Bandmasters Association, professor of music at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake and now a master teacher at Humboldt High School, to name a few of her credits, Nelson thrives when she’s making music. Bringing fellow musicians together to make music drives her forward.

Photo Courtesy of the 515 Big Band

“All my friends from central Iowa are kick a -- players,” Nelson said. “I just said we’re going to throw this group together.” And that’s how the 515 Big Band came to life. Relatively new to the Fort Dodge area after serving at Buena Vista for several years, Nelson was impressed with the local talent and decided it needed to be showcased. “There is huge talent in Fort Dodge and the surrounding area for jazz bands,” Nelson said. “I wanted to play, and my husband wanted to play, and we threw it together and it’s been quite a success.” Nelson has been spent her life in music and organized a number of different bands and jazz festivals. This time around, she wanted to keep it specific to central Iowa, hence the 515 name. However, as word got out about the quality of musicians, and the fun they were having together, musicians from around the state wanted to join in. “The goal was to keep it within the 515 (area code), which is where it got its

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name,” Nelson said. “And now it’s grown so much and so fast that we have huge players coming from all across the state of Iowa. Big players from across the state are contacting us to play, so that’s really awesome.” Audiences can expect a blend of genres and well-known favorites, as well as some pieces that are more enterprising and even educational, expanding the horizon to include a variety of sounds. The band has the typical Big Band lineup, including saxophone, trombones, trumpets, electric guitar, bass and piano. “My goal in starting this was also to educate,” Nelson said. “So, we go out and do clinics for jazz bands. That is why our opening bands are high school jazz bands. We want to educate. Dan Cassady and myself also MC during the concerts. We want to make sure that the people sitting in the seats aren’t just getting music, but they are getting the story behind the songs. They’re getting little tidbits of information about the song, about the composer, about the big names in jazz.” Make no mistake, this is not a lecture, it’s music with a little style, a little learning and a bit of showmanship thrown it. “We have fun while we do it,” Nelson said. “That’s how we structure out concerts. We play a song, talk about a song, play another song, and bring people to the world of jazz music.” Concert-goers can expect a variety of great covers, from Count Basie to Dizzy Gillespie, and many more. The emphasis on jazz came partly out of a respect for existing musical groups in the local area. “Fort Dodge is saturated with live music, which is a good thing,” Nelson said. “There were no jazz bands before. We have rock, hard rock, country, individuals,” and many more types of music. The 515 Big Band is seeking to create its own niche and deliver music that local audiences may not otherwise hear. “So, when you try to create another group for music it’s hard to get it off the ground and get people in the seats,” she said. “This is well worth it for people to come and watch and listen to.” Nelson has nothing but praise for the musicians who come together to practice and perform and deliver the 515 Big Band sound. “The musicians in this are absolutely outstanding musicians from across the state,” she said. “When you have the head guy from Iowa State University playing in your sax line, and you have people coming from Des Moines, and driving three hours from eastern Iowa, it’s just wonderful what’s happening here.” Nelson is also pleased that subgroups, specialized trios and the like are now shooting off from the 515 Big Band, seeking to play together even more often. Students are admitted free to 515 Big Band concerts. It’s an effort to help build the next generation of live musicians for the local area. “We’ve noticed a huge influx of college and high school students coming to our concerts,” Nelson said. Here’s a look at upcoming concerts, all at Phillips Auditorium in Fort Dodge. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at the door. Beverages are available for purchase. •Feb. 23, featuring Fort Dodge Senior High School Jazz Band. •March 22, featuring Iowa Central Community College Jazz Band. •April 26, featuring Iowa State University Jazz Band •May 24, 515 Big band

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shiningstar Natalia Lopes

Age: 11 • Grade/School: 6th Grade, Fort Dodge Middle School Hometown: Fort Dodge

If you could play any part in a musical, who would you play and why? Hamilton - Elisa, because she is very energetic, have high notes and she sings my favorite song “Burn”

Walk us through a typical day in the life of Natalia Lopes

In what ways do you participate in arts and music in Fort Dodge? I’m involved in gymnastics and dance, take violin lessons, and also involved in my school choir, orchestra (violin) and band (I play the clarinet).

It’s hard because I have different things on different days buy my busiest day looks like this: 6:15am – Wake for school. 7:15am – Leave for school. 3:05pm – Come back from school and get ready for Volleyball and gymnastics. 3:30pm – Eat, do homework, do shores, practice violin, practice clarinet, and talk to friends 6:00pm – Go to gymnastics. 7:00pm – Go to Volleyball 8:30pm – Go back home, eat, take a bath, hang with my family 10:00pm – Go to bed

If you got to meet any famous person in the whole world, who would it be and why? Lana DelRey because she is one of my favorite artists. Her music is so soft and calming.

What do you most enjoy about dance and music?

If you got to meet any famous person in the I like how dance makes me feel free and music takes me whole world, who would it be and why? to a different place like I’m in my own world.

Lana DelRey because she is one of my favorite artists. Her music is so soft and calming.

What have you learned from being involved in dance and music?

You are stranded on a desert island. You There are a lot of people just like me that enjoy the same can bring 3 items with you. What would you things I do, and we can get along really well. It also bring and why?

Either a physical therapist or a marine biologist.

- A machete, so I can cut things and make a shelter - Shoes, to protect my feet - Fresh water because you need to stay hydrated, and you cannot drink salt water,

What is your favorite musical and why?

Who do you look up to the most and why?

taught me to work hard and have discipline.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Hamilton because it teaches us American history. t w i s t

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My dad, because he is one of the reasons why I do music and dance. F e b r u a r y

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Pulse FEBRUARY LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR THE

O U T

Evan Pratt Live 7:00 PM River Hops Brewing 1014 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA

Feb. 23 Phillips Auditorium in Fort Dodge. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at the door. Beverages are available for purchase.

FEBRUARY 11

Girls Night Out The Show at The Cardiff Center

featuring Fort Dodge Senior High School Jazz Band.

Stadium Dr.

Craft Night Chunky Scarves

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery Fort Dodge, IA

6:30 PM Soldier Creek Winery Fort Dodge, IA

Victor Ferrari’s Ladies’ Night Out

Marc Bailey LIVE

9:00 PM Rides Bar & Grill 723 S 31st St, Fort Dodge, IA

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ShinyTop Brewing 520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA

FEBRUARY 4

FEBRUARY 9

Bingo

Jared Benson

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery Fort Dodge, IA

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery Fort Dodge, IA

Daddy Daughter Dance 2024

FEBRUARY 10

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fort Frenzy 3232 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Webster County Fair Grounds

Winter Flea Market

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery Fort Dodge, IA

Comedy to the Rescue 6:00 PM Rides Banquet center 723 S 31st St, Fort Dodge, IA

FEBRUARY 15

FEBRUARY 23

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ShinyTop Brewing 520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA

FEBRUARY 16

Jeremy Ober @ Bootleggers

Photo Courtesy of the 515 Big Band

FEBRUARY 8

Band TBD

8:00 PM - 10:30 PM 3232 1st Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA

Danny Whitson LIVE

FEBRUARY 2

FEBRUARY 23

Brad & Kate 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery Fort Dodge, IA

FEBRUARY 17

Jordon Messerole 7:00 PM River Hops Brewing 1014 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA

FEBRUARY 18

Bingo 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery Fort Dodge, IA

The Bird Hunters LIVE

8:00 PM Bootleggers 1239 S 22nd St, Fort Dodge, IA

FEBRUARY 24

Jared Benson 7:00 PM River Hops Brewing, 1014 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA

FEBRUARY 29

Jason Helder Live 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA

FEBRUARY 22

Jordan Reuter & Owen O’brien LIVE Shiny Top Brewing 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA F e b r u a r y

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s t a E d o o G & Drinks dining: 15 Years In A Row! 1911 First Avenue North Fort Dodge

515-576-5095

Craft Beer • Gourmet Pizza • Live Music

520 CENTRAL AVE. FORT DODGE

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

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. 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.

Advertise your restaurant on good eats • 573-2141 EXT. 445

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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. 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.

Manson Meridian Singers

by brandon brueschke

The Manson Meridian Singers will be holding their 52nd season shows Feb. 24-25 at Manson Northwest Webster High School’s auditorium. Andrea Christians will be directing the group for her second year during these shows. “This will be my fourth year with the group,” she said. “I was a singer with the group for two years and then I started directing them last year. So this is my second year as director. They’re just a very strong, artistic group in the Manson area and they draw singers from, you know, Fort Dodge, Pocahontas, and from all around Manson. So even though it’s called the Manson Meridian Singers, it’s kind of embracing the area people as well.” “We have some amazingly strong singers and they love to work hard and be challenged and feel like what they’re doing is worthwhile, ” she added. “So some of the music

just kind of asks people to think about change and embrace change and embrace that change for the positive. We have a couple pieces that have those kind of messages in them. And then we also just have some fun beats. We have some kind of comedy numbers, some solos by some really talented singers, and quite a number of really meaty choral pieces that just basically show off the choir’s chops. Because they are such a strong group of singers and the way that they work together is just amazing.” Christians went on to speak about the work that goes into directing and setting up such a show. The group’s board, she said, hires teh director, hires the accompanist, determines when the shows can be held and figures out the costumes and sets. “That allows me to just really direct the music part,” she said. “And since I’m the principal at Pocahontas Area, I need them to do all the behind the scenes kind of work so

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that I can just focus on the music so I have time to devote to this group. But like my process starts in the middle of the summer generally, to try to look at some music choices and try to put a show together that makes sense. Choose music that hopefully the people who come to rehearsals are able to sing and will enjoy. And then we have committees that are made up of the singers in the group who work on things like costumes, promoting the show, and getting the program ready. So really everybody who sings or performs is also involved in the production, which I think is what makes this group unique too. Everybody works together and has an important role to play.” The shows will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 and 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Manson Northwest Webster High School auditorium. Price of admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students.

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a look back

By Tom Tourville

IT WAS 1962 AND

GARY WAYNE SCHELTON

APPEARED AT OUR LARAMAR BALLROOM

cury #71310). The record become a drive-in standard and charted on Billboard’s Hot 100. It should be noted that Schelton had shortened his name, to just Shelton. Again in 1958 Shelton recorded for a new label, Regis Records with the release of “The Trance/The Great Lover,” (Regis #1001). This effort did not chart on the Billboard charts. But, Gary was so popular in the Midwest he was booked for four months straight at Chicago’s popular Brass Rail Club. It was now 1960 and Shelton was not seeing any other chart success coming his way, so he tried his hand at song writing again for other artists. This time, it was for county A-lister Bob Luman. It was Shelton’s “Still Loving You” that came out on Hickory & Epic Records for Luman.

This is the story of a true “One Hit Wonder,” Gary Wayne Schelton, who appeared at our Laramar Ballroom in June of 1962. If your question is, “Who is Gary Wayne Shelton?” You can go to Google for a quick answer, or take this rock and roll memory trip with me and we will get to the answer together. Schelton was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1939 and even as a young child, he had a real aspiration to be a musician. In time, he would learn to play five different instruments. After graduating from High School, he went on to Valparaiso University and the University of Indiana. But his real dream was to be in the world of music. While still a teenager in Jr High School, Schelton wrote his first song that was picked up and recorded by Little Anthony & The Imperials. That song, “A Prayer & A Juke Box.” Because of his music writing skills, Mercury Records signed Gary Wayne to a recording contract in 1958 and he released “Kissin’ at The Drive-In/Yours Till I Die,” (Mert w i s t

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In 1961 Shelton thought it was time to change his name again. It was under this new name he would come to the Laramar Ballroom on the Young Dance Time package tour with Webb Foley and the Vice Roys. Shelton was the headliner for the show because of his all-new monster hit. This song went on to sell over 10,000 records in the very first week that it was released.

(Liberty #55445). “Just Because” was produced for Shondell by Phil Spector and was the song he had on the charts when he came to Fort Dodge. Schelton’s recording career again started to slow down. This time Schelton left the recording side of the industry and went to work as a staff music writer for Acuff-Rose Music in Nashville where he stayed for over two decades. He would still appear on package music shows as Troy Shondell. Troy Shondell would pass away in 2016 from Alzheimer’s and he would see an artist from the ‘60s named Tommy Jackson, name his new band the Shondells as a tribute to Troy. That young singer re-named himself to Tommy James. I was thinking, having had one of the biggest hits for the decade of the ‘60s, “This Time” and having his new record, “Just Because” produced by the legendary Phil Spector. I sure wish I would have been at the ballroom when Troy Shondell headlined at the Laramar.

First it was released on the tiny Gaye Records label and then picked up by Los Angeles’s Goldcrest Records and then finally purchased for release by Liberty Records. The A side was backed with “Girl After Girl” (Liberty #55353). The recording sold over THREE million records and stayed on the Billboard charts for thirteen weeks. It went to #6 on Billboard and reached #22 in England. The new name Shelton chose for his new stage moniker was, Troy Shondell and the record was “This Time!” He took the name Troy from TV actor, Troy Donahue. Later “This Time” was covered by England’s Shakin’ Stevens. In 1962 Shondell released “Tears From An Angel/Island In The Sky,” (Liberty #55398) and “Just Because/Na-Ne-No,” F e b r u a r y

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Until Next Month Take Care & Remember The Music 13

artistspot Gabriel Alves

Age: 38 •Hometown: Recife, Brazil • Profession: Professional Pianist

When did you know that you wanted to make a career in music?

What made you decide to make Fort Dodge your home?

I was eight years old when I had my first contact with a keyboard. When

and at First Presbyterian Church made me feel welcomed here and that

I pressed the keys and a piano sound came out, that was it. I felt instantly

was very special for me.

My experience at Iowa Central and the friends I made around Fort Dodge

connected with that instrument and I just knew it would always be a part of my life.

What is the most rewarding part about being a performing musician?

What has been your educational path?

It’s to see things coming together and your hard work being appreciated.

When I was 14 years old, I started attending a Conservatory of music started teaching there. Then when I was 19, I got into the university

When not working, what are some of your hobbies/ interests?

of music in my state - Pernambuco, Brazil. My major was bachelor in

I love going on road trips with my wife, watching movies, going skiing,

classical piano performance. Three years later, right before my last

exploring new places and bicycle trails, and being in nature.

where the focus was classical piano. At the age of 18 I graduated and

semester, an opportunity to study in America came up. Parallel to my US was my first choice to study abroad. In 2007 I started attending Iowa

What do you most enjoy about the arts and culture scene in Iowa?

Central Community College. That’s where I learned English and made

The love and support that the artists give to one another. That’s what

connections to further my education in America. In 2009 I transferred my

brought me back.

classical piano studies was also my passion for jazz piano. Hence why the

credits from my Brazilian university to Briar Cliff University in Sioux City. There I finished my bachelor degree in classical piano performance.

Who influences or inspires you musically?

I then headed to Chicago in 2011 to get my master’s degree in jazz studies

I’ve had many friends and mentors throughout my career and student

at Northern Illinois University and concluded that degree in 2013.

life that still inspire me on a daily basis. Listening to other musicians performing also has had a big impact in my life.

How did art and music influence you as a child growing up in Brazil? I’m from the north east region of Brazil, which is the birthplace of Carnival. Music, dance, singing: I couldn’t escape it if I tried. My family is very musical. In my house there was always music playing. I had two neighbors who were professional musicians, and they always inspired me and took me with them to concerts and shows they play. I always pictured myself on a stage performing like them.

What brought you to ICCC when you were a student? Brazilian University where other Brazilian students had already come to

You could sit down for dinner with anyone, famous or not, alive or not, who would you pick and why?

Fort Dodge to attend Iowa Central. So I happened to be one of the ones

My grandma Maria who was my everything in my early years, who

chosen to come.

brought music into my life, and who left earth too soon when I had just

A connection had already been established between ICCC and my

turned 11.

Were you involved in the community during your time at ICCC? If so, in what ways? In my first two years in Fort Dodge, I was involved with First Presbyterian Church. I was playing piano for their praise team.

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 14

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karl king honor band KING BAND PREVIEWS UPCOMING WINTER SEASON

The Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge has announced the dates for the upcoming 2024 indoor winter concert season. Three concert dates have been scheduled on Feb. 18; March 17; and April 21. All concerts begin at 3:30 p.m., and will be held in the Fort Dodge Middle School auditorium, There is no admission charge, with these concerts being provided by the city of Fort Dodge. King was born on Feb. 21, 1891 in Paintersville, Ohio. After his childhood in Ohio, he left home at the age of 19 and traveled for nine years with several different circuses, played and conducted several of their bands, and reached the pinnacle of success as conductor of the famous Barnum and Bailey Circus Band during the 1917 and 1918 seasons. He returned to Canton, Ohio, after his trouping days were done in November 1918 to settle down with his wife, Ruth, and to direct the local G.A.R. Band there. They later moved to Fort Dodge in the fall of 1920, along with their infant son, when he began a 50year career leading the Fort Dodge Municipal Band.

The March 17 concert will be the band’s annual Irish Concert to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. This concert dates back to the early days of the band under King’s direction. A wide variety of Irish music is being planned, and will include an audience sing-along and everyone’s favorite Irish tune, “McNamara’s Band”. This concert will feature music from well-known composers Leroy Anderson, George M. Cohan, and King. The April 21 concert will be the band’s annual Scholarship Concert, where talented high school seniors and college freshmen audition for three scholarships that the band annually awards. In addition, a variety of band music will be performed during this hour-long concert as the band members celebrate youth and the joy of spring. Musical selections include Karl King’s “Fountain of Youth Overture”, a medley of well-known classic Hollywood movie themes, along with compositions by John Philip Sousa, Percy Grainger, and J.S. Bach. For additional information, history, and pictures about Karl King or the Municipal Band, you can visit the band’s web site at www.karlking.us, or the band’s Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/karlkingband/.

The Feb. 18 concert will be the band’s annual tribute to King in honor of his birthday. A special afternoon of band music is being planned, including his most famous, often-recorded march, “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite”, and his finest non-march work, “The Golden Dragon Overture”.

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The Fort Dodge Choral Society, directed by Greta Nelson, will perform their concert “Around this Decade” on Sunday, February 25, at 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church,211 S 9th St, Fort Dodge. The concert will celebrate the recent musical talent of Midwest composers, including Iowa’s own Elaine Hagenberg. The brass quintet Jive for Five will collaborate the choir on two pieces, including the three-movement work “Magnificat” by Kevin Memley. Jive for Five will also be playing their own set. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and free for students. Admission is included with the purchase of a Fort Dodge Choral Society Membership.

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