PUBLISHER
terry christensen tchristensen@messengernews.net
HR/ACCOUNTING
melissa wendland mwendland@messengernews.net
DESIGN COORDINATOR
nick manwarren nmanwarren@messengernews.net
SALES DIRECTOR
leanne darr ldarr@messengernews.net
SALES CONSULTANTS
jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net
jes nemecheck jnemecheck@messengernews.net
EDITOR bill shea bshea@messengernews.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
tourville lori berglund hailey brueschke brandon brueschke
By Hailey Brueschke
Get ready for an unforgettable night of live blues featuring two award-winning bands from the Midwest.
“This event brings together top-tier talent, delivering soulful performances, electrifying guitar riffs, and powerful vocals that capture the heart of the blues,” said Shelly Bottoroff, executive director of the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association.
The concert will take place March 15 at Historic Phillips Auditorium, 1015 Fifth Ave N. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the Ronley King Blues Band taking the stage at 6:30 p.m.
“Guests can expect an intimate, high-energy atmosphere filled with rich melodies, deep grooves, and a true celebration of the genre,” said Bottoroff. “Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or just discovering its magic, this show promises an evening of incredible musicianship and a vibrant, welcoming community of music lovers. Don’t miss this chance to experience the blues at its finest”
The Ronley King Blues Band is a culmination of three individual experiences brought together for a common cause. This group is still relatively new to the scene. Ron, Kaleb, and Etheridge have played together on many different stages and worked together on various projects over the last four years. Their music is their product; having fun is their principle.
The main event is the Avey Grouws Band.
“The first time I saw these bands live together, I was completely blown away,” said Bottorff. “Their energy was infectious and the way they both connected with the crowd made for an unforgettable night.”.
Avey Grouws Band blends blues, roots, rock and soul as powerfully as the Mississippi River runs through their home in the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois.
Led by vocalist Jeni Grouws and guitar man Chris Avey, the two-time Top 10 Billboard charting band is known for its gritty sound and enthusiastic shows. Its sophomore album, “Tell Tale Heart”, was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, with Grammy award winner, Casey Wasner (Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal). Released September 2021, “Tell Tale Heart” debuted No. 7 on the Billboard Blues Album chart.
Avey Grouws Band also hit number 10 on the Billboard charts with their 2020 debut album, “The Devil May Care”. This past year, Avey Grouws Band toured Florida, the East Coast, the Midwest including Kansas City and Topeka, Kansas, and to Las Vegas to play the iconic Big Blues Bender.
“Come and experience the magic of live blues in the newly renovated Historic Phillips Auditorium, where every note
sounds richer and every moment feels more immersive,” said Bottoroff. “Supporting the FD Fine Arts Association means investing in the arts, local talent, and a vibrant cultural scene that brings our community together. Great music. Great atmosphere. Great cause.”
The Avey Grouws Band will perform on Saturday, March 15 at Historic Phillips Auditorium, 1015 Fifth Ave N. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the music beginning at 6:30 p.m. Both alcohol and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Tickets are $20 general admission and can be purchased at the door or online at eventbrite.com.
By Hailey Brueschke
The Laramar Ballroom is set to host its first Mommy and Me dance on March 2.
“There are always so many father-daughter dances during the year, but you never hear of too many mother-daughter dances,” said Sadie Andersen, event planner for Laramar Ballroom. “We wanted to start hosting an annual dance for moms too because they also deserve an opportunity to go out and have a fun night with their kids.”
During the dance, guests will be able to get their picture taken, find a table to hang out at, and enjoy some yummy snacks while dancing and having fun.
“We will even have guided dances for kids so they can learn some of the more popular dances like the cha cha slide,” added Andersen.
Pictures will be taken by Jacob Sorenson, a student in the Iowa Central Community College photography program. Any picture taken at the event will be uploaded to Facebook and free for guests to download and print off for a keepsake.
“We hope everyone can make it to our first annual Mommy and Me Dance to celebrate what it means to be a mama,” said Andersen. “Feel free to come dressed up or dressed casually. This is also not limited to moms and daughters, mom and sons are also welcome to join the fun.”
The Mommy and Me Dance will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 2 at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge, 710 First Ave N.
This event is aimed more toward children 10 and under, but any age is welcome to attend.
Tickets are $45 for every mother and child, and additional children are $15 extra. They can be purchased on www.eventbrite.com.
For additional information, call the Laramar at 515206-8080.
Come and support the Webster County Fairgrounds during a night of Dueling Pianos featuring Andy Anderson and Mike Leads.
“This is our third time hosting Dueling Pianos and everytime they just get better and better,” said Heather Stewart, fair manager.
Doors open at 6 p.m. March 29 with Spencer Suchan playing and the silent auction beginning. There will be food provided, which is included with a ticket purchase, and a cash bar.
Anderson and Leads perform from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests can expect them to play piano and sing a variety of different music.
“They have a high energy interactive performance that will get you out of your chair and on your feet,” said Stewart.
The duo covers song requests from the 1950s through the hits of today that everyone knows and loves. They have been traveling the Midwest performing their engaging dueling piano routine for audiences of all ages.
Dueling Pianos will be on Saturday, March 29 at the Webster County Fairgrounds, 22770 Old Highway 169.
Individual tickets are $40 or $300 for a table, which seats eight people. To reserve tickets call Stewart at 515-351-7385.
All the proceeds go toward the 2025 Webster County Fair. This fundraiser helps keep the fair free and helps the Webster County Fair Committee make the fair better each year.
“Come out and enjoy the food and drink a beer for a fun, relaxing night while supporting the Webster County Fairgrounds,” said Stewart.
Fort Dodge area musician Jessie Wilson takes to the stage at Webster City’s Wildcat Distillery Saturday, March 15.
Wilson’s repertoire bridges new country, hints of rock, and even a touch of hip hop. He also incorporates different musicians spanning northern Iowa, making each show unique.
Wilson’s performance highlights the annual Get Your Green On celebration. The event runs from 1 to 10 p.m. with drink specials including their home-brewed whiskeys and more. There is no admission charge for the local St. Patrick’s gathering.
Wildcat Distillery is located at 626 Second St. Their six signature whiskeys are Planters Pride, Honey Moon, Tillman’s, Woodshed Red, Pillow Point, and Harvest Moon. Co-owners Brad Lemke and Tony Nelson and their staff have a motto of Till, Mill and Distill.
The St. Patrick’s Association of Emmetsburg hosts its 65th annual festival the week of March 10.
Beginning with a Junior Miss and Miss Shamrock pageant March 10 it continues March 13-14 with a St. Patrick’s Association headquarters open house, fish fry, bean bag tournament, Around the Loch Scholarship Run, a Rotary pancake breakfast, and a trap shoot. The complete schedule can be viewed at www. emmetsburgirsihgifts.com.
The annual parade also headlines the north central Iowa tradition. Cathal Crowe, a member of Dail Eireann, the Irish parliament, is this year’s grand marshal.
He is a member of the Fianna Fail party, which is currently in government, and is the party’s spokesman on tourism and aviation. He is also a member of the party’s Northern Ireland and Good Friday Agreement Committee. Crow was first elected to Dail Eireann in 2020, having previously served as county councilior for 16 years and as mayor of Clare from 2019 to 2020.
Be prepared before the next power outage.
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T A S T I N G R O O M
C O C K T A I L L O U N G E
HOURS:
THURSDAYS: 4PM - 9PM
TH
FRIDAYS: 4PM - 10PM
SATURDAYS: 1PM - 10PM
626 2ND STREET, WEBSTER CITY, IA www wildcatdistillery com
MARCH 1
Fort Dodge Chili Cook-off
9:30 AM - 4:00 AM
Fort Museum Opera House1 Museum Rd, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
MARCH 2
Mommy & Me
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Laramar Ballroom
710 1st Avenue North, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
MARCH 4
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
1007 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
TUNESday Hotel Hangout
with Kris Karr
6:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Rock City Events
1518 3rd Avenue Northwest, Fort Dodge
MARCH 6
Scott Kirkhart LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
ShinyTop Brewing
520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
MARCH 7
Jake McVey LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
ShinyTop Brewing
520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
MARCH 8
A Night of Glitz and Glamour Prom 2025
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Facing Autism, Inc
1518 3rd Avenue Northwest, Fort Dodge
MARCH 9
2025 Preschool Prom @ Fort Frenzy’s Cardiff Center
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation
617 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 10
Open Mic at River Hops
River Hops Brewing
1014 Central Ave, Fort Dodge
MARCH 11
TUNESday Hotel Hangout with Kris Karr
6:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Rock City Events
1518 3rd Avenue Northwest, Fort Dodge
MARCH 13
Lola Blu LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
ShinyTop Brewing
MARCH 14
KEVIN BOZEMAN
Comedy at the Crossroads
7:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
1518 3rd Ave NW, Fort Dodge
MARCH 15
Saturday Crafternoon
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
River Hops Brewing
1014 Central Ave, Fort Dodge
Avey Grouws Band w/ the Ronley King Blues Band
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association
1015 5th Avenue North, Fort Dodge
MARCH 20
Tom Pevear LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
ShinyTop Brewing
520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
MARCH 22
40th Annual
Webster County Banquet
4:30 PM
Pheasants Forever
22770 Old Hwy 169, Fort Dodge
MARCH 27
Emma Elsbecker LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
ShinyTop Brewing
520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
MARCH 28
Heath Alan Trio & Major Blues and The Mugshots: BLUES at the Crossroads
6:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Rock City Events
1518 3rd Avenue Northwest, Fort Dodge
MARCH 29
2025 Spring Vendor Show
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fort Dodge Parks & Rec
617 Central Ave, Fort Dodge
Dueling Pianos
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Webster County Fair Grounds
22770 Old Highway 169, Fort Dodge
Burger King 2814 5th Ave. S Casey’s Carry-Out
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.
Chick-fil-A 2818 2nd Ave S.
Community Tap & Pizza 2026 5th Ave. S.
Peking Garden 510 5th Ave. S.
Hacienda Vieja 1518 3rd Ave. NW
Godfather’s Pizza 3232 1st Ave. S.
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. ..................................1317 Central Ave.
A Pinch of Love Cafe .................... 850 S. 18th St.
Shiny Top Brewing ....... 520 Central Ave. .................................. 2021 6th Ave. S. ......................... 2707 N. 15th St.
Tom Thumb Drive Inn ......................... 1412 A. St. 3521 5th Ave. S.
Tropical Smoothie 2813 1/2 5th Ave. S. 2002 N. 15th St.
In what ways do you participate in the arts in Fort Dodge or at your school?
I participate in concert choir, show choir, chamber choir, musical, and voice lessons with Shelly Bottorff.
What do you most enjoy about music?
The thing I enjoy the most about music is how there are so many different types of music that you can sing, listen to, etc.
What have you learned from being involved in music?
I have learned many things from being involved in music but I think that the thing that I take away the most from it is how it can be so healing and how it can change so many people in so many different ways.
Age: 14 • Grade/School: 9th grade - St. Edmond Catholic School
Hometown: Fort Dodge
What are your plans after high school?
I plan on graduating high school with my AA degree from Iowa Central. This being said, I plan to go to college to major in Psychology and to minor in teaching.
Do you get nervous before you perform? If so, how do you handle it?
I used to get really nervous when I would perform and don’t get me wrong, I still do. Now I think that performing just seems more normal than when it used to, and I have more experience and so it’s less nerve wracking. I don’t really have a tip for handling my nerves. I just remember how hard I’ve worked to perform and how happy it makes the people around me.
If you could play any part in a musical, who would you play and why?
If I could play any part in a musical I would choose “High School Musical” and I would play Gabriella. The reason this would be my favorite person to play is because I love watching the movie and the soundtrack is really good. Another reason Gabriella would be my top pick is because she is super kind and she shows that throughout the musical.
Walk us through a typical day in the life of Greenlee Crimmins.
My day usually starts out with show choir at seven AM and then I have a full day of school. After school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays I have musical and then I also have it later in the night, usually every night. If I’m not at musical I’m probably at a sporting event or softball practice. Then I come home, get my stuff ready for the next day and finally go to bed.
What other activities are you involved in?
Other than being involved in the arts I am involved in school softball, travel softball, student council, and respect for life.
I look up to many of my family members, but if I had to choose one person it would be my Grandpa Denny. My Grandpa is a hard-worker, he’s funny, he’s nice to me and everyone else he’s around, and most importantly he is really into the faith. My Grandpa is always around and he always tells me “If you want to go do something and your parents won’t let you, call your Grandpa and he’ll come get you.” My favorite memory with my grandpa is when he would take me to show choir in the mornings before he would go over to church, which almost always meant that he was going to have a donut waiting for me in the car.
You’re on a deserted island, you can have 3 items with you. What do you choose to take and why?
If I could bring three things with me on a deserted island I would bring: snacks, my bed, and my phone. I would bring these things because I want to be able to communicate with my friends and family (my phone), I would want to be able to be comfortable and stay well rested (my bed), and I would want snacks because they’re an essential part of my life.
By Tom Tourville
It was 1977 and I got this wild idea I wanted to write about the rock and roll I enjoyed so much. I was determined to bring the stories of these Midwest rock groups back to life and keep their stories alive.
I know you have seen in my writings my massive respect for the most successful and dominant rock booking and management agency in the Midwest, Lawrence’s Kansas’s Mid Continent Productions. This agency created, built and founded the “blue eyed soul” concept with their Mid Continent “house” bands. They included: the Fabulous Flippers, Roarin’ Red Dogs, Spider & The Crabs, the Rising Suns and the Young Raiders. All regulars at the Laramar and Pla Mor ballrooms. But there was one more group that changed the concept of how Mid Continent thought about rock and roll.
It was a group that toured non-stop across a wider territory than even the above mentioned horn bands did. It was a band that the Kansas City Athletics owner, Charlie O Finley, thought would be the next Beatles. It was a band that introduced to the Midwest and Plains states the first San Francisco styled rock light show. It was a band, that when they did an in-store signing for a large Kansas City retailer, the kids would be stretched around the block to get their autographs.
this story, I realized I had written very little about this group before. So please let me right this wrong.
By early 1964 they rounded out the band with a fourth member, guitarist and songwriter, Val Stoecklein. I should note that Stoecklein may have been the best songwriter from this part of the Midwest/Planis states during the ‘60s. They asked well known music promoter, James Reardon to be the bands manager and booker. At this time the band was known as the Blue Boys, not as the Blue Things yet.
Keeping true to their name, the guys played blue instruments and wore blue suits and all the while touring non-stop through Iowa, Minnesota both Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma. It was now they started their national fan club. It was also at this time that Lawrence’s Mid Continent Productions brought them into their musical family.
They had their own national fan club, they were written up in the biggest teen magazines of the day and they were signed by RCA Records to the biggest record deal of any band that was a part of Mid Continent Productions family. They were the Midwest music icons, the Blue Things! When I sat down to do
The band got its start in 1963 when three musicians, who were attending Hays State College in Hays, Kansas, decided to form a band. The three included: Mike Chapman on lead guitar, Richard Scott on bass and Rick “Laz” Larzalere on drums. Earlier Chapman had worked in California with Pat & Lolly Vegas (Redbone-”Come & Get Your Love”) and the Marketts “(Surfers Stomp/Out of Limits).” Scott had played with the Flippers before they added “Fabulous” to their name.
They ran into a snag with Jim Reeve’s backing band, that were also called the Blue Boys and a letter was sent to Mid Continent insisting a name change by the Kansas Blue Boys. This needed to happen, as nobody wanted legal trouble, so a new name was chosen.....the Blue Things! The first time I saw the Blue Things was in 1966 at the Fairgrounds Pavilion in Minot, North Dakota. What a show!
The Blue Things were quite different for Mid Continent to take on. They were not a horn and soul band! They were part folk, part rock and part psychedelic. They had an amazing live rock show. Chapman and Stoecklein were just incredible guitarists and Scott most likely was the best bass player to come out of Mid Continent. He was dexterous and could play his bass left or right handed, so he would wear a saxo-
phone strap around his neck to hold his bass and would flip his bass from left to right mid song. The first time I saw him do this, my jaw dropped. Also at this time the group changed drummers with Rick Larzalere leaving to go back to school and now with new Lawrence, Kansas drummer Bobby Day, now joining the band.
While they recorded for such labels as Ruff Records (Texas) and Damon Records (Kansas City), it was in the Fall of 1965 they landed the big one, they were signed to a national recording contract with RCA Records! Soon thereafter, they released their RCA LP simply titled, “The Blue Things.” From their LP recording session, RCA would release five singles, including one with a rare picture sleeve.
The band was heavily promoted on Oklahoma City’s KOMA Radio by Mid Continent Productions, thus they were regulars on our Midwest ballroom circuit. Their live shows were amazing based upon the strong material that they recorded during their sessions for RCA in Nashville, TN.
In the Spring of 1967 Stoecklein would leave the group to begin a solo career that included his solo LP for Dot Records, “Grey Life.” Replacing Stoecklein in the group was Topeka’s Larry Burton,
who also added keyboards to the bands sound. Prior to joining the Blue Things, Burton had played with the Jerms. The Jerms lost another member to Blue Things when Bobby Day would retire from the road and the Jerm’s Mike Doyle joined the Blue Things on drums. It was known if you played rock in the Midwest, joining the Blue Things was like being asked to join the Beatles.
With all the member comings and goings, the band would change their name to Fyre and relocate to California, but by the early ‘70s, the band had broken up. Their recorded material has been re-released on CD and vinyl, as they continue to be one of the most popular bands from the ‘60s
for music fans worldwide. Between 1967-1969 the Blue Things would play our Pla Mor Ballroom three times, making them sure fire ticket sellers for the ballroom.
I hope you were one of the lucky ones to have seen this legendary band live in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge
Profession: Business Owner
Give me one word that describes you? Assiduous
Growing up, were you involved – or interested, in art & music? If so, in what ways?
Art, not so much growing up, that came later in life. Music, for sure. As a teenager, many of my friends were musicians, much of our teen years was centered around music in some fashion. I quickly became a self-proclaimed concert junkie, which may have started at my first show, age 13, front row at KISS concert.
Did you grow up in a household that appreciated the arts? If so, how?
No, unfortunately I did not. However, over the years it became more clear to me how much the music and art scenes overlap.
Tell us what made you want to start hosting live music at your bar.
For many years I supported and promoted shows at various locations in Fort Dodge. When the opportunity presented itself to have my own place, it was an easy decision.
When did you host your first Jam Sessions, and how did that idea come into fruition?
I believe it was 2014 in The Rock Room at Patty’s Pub. It was a collaborative effort between myself, Jeremy Ober, Mark Gales and Gene Walker. We wanted to create an event for musicians to come together outside of their current bands, offer a place for musicians who aren’t in a band and showcase the enormous amount of talent in our area with our community. It was received so well, there was no way we wouldn’t bring it back when we came into the Eagles Hideout Lounge.
What is the best, and most rewarding part for you about the jam and live music?
Providing the opportunity for musicians, especially our youth to share the stage and learn from their elders is by far the most rewarding. Without our Jam Sessions many musicians would not ever have the opportunity to share the stage with some of their peers. Second would be the new bands that have formed from these nights and bands that have added members they met at our Jam Sessions.
What is the most challenging part when hosting these events?
Not having enough time to sit and enjoy the show with everyone else.
What areas of art and culture in Fort Dodge do you most enjoy?
I enjoy being a supporter and promoting the most, whether it be through our businesses or supporting other local businesses.
How has the live music scene in Fort Dodge varied over the years in your opinion?
Twelve or so years ago, live music had all but died in Fort Dodge. Now you can catch a show several nights of the week at multiple locations. We have so many talented artists in our community, it’s lovely that so many businesses are supporting them.
What would you tell a musician that is interested in attending the jam sessions, but maybe feels a little nervous or self-conscious about coming by to play?
First, show up and just watch, get a feel for the room, the music, the mechanics, and hang out with like-minded people. We have all skill levels at the Jam Sessions, from youth who are still taking lessons to some who’ve been performing for 50+ years. The seasoned musicians are so helpful, they’ll walk/talk you through the song. I promise, they won’t leave you hanging up there.
Do you have help putting the jam sessions together? If so, who do you have assist you and in what ways?
Yes, it’s not something I could ever do on my own. Jeremy Ober handles the musician side of it, Mark Gales handles the lights and sound, and friends and colleagues like Fort Dodge Fine Arts help us spread the word getting people in the door.
When will we get to hear you sing at a jam?
Ummmm...NEVER. Although I am waiting for the day my daughter, Lindy, finally does!
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:
By Jerrold P. Jimmerson
Tthe band’s annual Irish Concert to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It is believed that these concerts were started by Karl King when he arrived in Fort Dodge in the early 1920’s. Several familiar Irish tunes will be performed, including everyone’s favorite, “MacNamara’s Band”, as arranged by former conductor of the band, Reginald R. Schive.
Anderson’s lilting waltz, “Belle Of The Ball”, and “A Tribute to Glenn Miller” by the Clarinda IA native, including the big-band era favorites “Tuxedo Junction”, “Jersey Bounce”, “American Patrol”, and “Little Brown Jug”.
Master’s degree from the American Band College in Oregon. He is currently an instructor and director of bands at Iowa Central Community College, and performs in Jive for Five and other area bands.
Bloomquist will perform the beautiful “Irish Tune from County Derry”, followed by a lively 1905 ragtime selection, “Razzazza Mazzazza”, written by Arthur Pryor, the trombone soloist with the Sousa Band for 12 years. It is estimated Pryor played more than 10,000 solos during that span.
These concerts always close in the traditional way with the playing of our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. In case of inclement weather, this concert may be cancelled on the concert day. Any announcements will be made on the band’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/karlkingband/ or on the band’s website at www.karlking.us.
