Twist and Shout • May 2023

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

jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net

brittney benson bbenson@messengernews.net

EDITOR

bill shea bshea@messengernews.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

tom tourville

lori berglund

COPYRIGHT 2023

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

*All photos submitted to Twist & Shout become property of Twist & Shout. We are not responsible for their return.

Bringing Back the Blues

FD Fine Arts bring Hamilton Loomis to local stage

by lori berglund

The blues are back in Fort Dodge. For one night only on May 20, the newly-renovated Phillips Auditorium will come alive with the sounds of the

Soulful, energetic, and so well-needed after years of living in a pandemic-driven world, the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association is breaking out the blues with a performance from Texas Blues artist Hamilton

While it has been several years since Loomis has Dodge, his name many local blues His shows here in always packed in a crowd and never failed to deliver anything but a terrific experience, according to Shelly Bottorff, executive director of Fort Dodge Fine

“He came to Olde Boston’s, and actually he played a couple of times,” she said. “The people went nuts for this guy. He’s not just an amazing musician, he’s also an amazing performer. People still talk about

O’Leary passed away in January 2020, shortly before the pandemic really settled in. With shutdowns mounting that spring, large gatherings were not possible at the time.

“We couldn’t do a concert in celebration,” Bottorff said. But O’Leary has not been forgotten, and friends have now come together, spearheaded under the umbrella of the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, to bring a concert to Fort Dodge.

“We have the space at Phillips Auditorium, and we just decided to make it happen,” Bottorff said. “Several supporters from the former Lizard Creek Blue Society, have joined us. I can’t even name them all yet, but we’re getting great support.”

To make the evening even more festive, beer and wine will be available for purchase, as well as nonalcoholic drinks.

“This is our very first concert in the space and the board is super-excited to bring the blues back to Fort Dodge,” Bottorff said.

RONLEY KING BAND OPENS FOR LOOMIS

The show on May 20 will be in celebration of the late Tim O’Leary, a legend himself on the local blues scene. O’Leary and his wife, Sara, were founding members of the Lizard Creek Blues Society and instrumental in bringing professional blues performances to several local venues over the

Opening the show on May 20 will be The Ronley King Band. Winners of the Iowa Blues Challenge, the group that includes Ronley King, Kaleb Ferry and Ethridge Netz recently represented the state in the Memphis Blues Challenge.

The group will be a fitting complement to Loomis’ reputation for a powerful stage presence. Loomis is known for engaging the crowd. Blues, as he offers up the music, is not a singular experience, but

something that draws in the audience from within. “Passion drips from every note,” was the review from BillTown Blues on just one of his albums.

Loomis is a protege of the legendary Bo Diddley. He met Diddley at the age of just 16 and the legend quickly took him under his wing as friend and collaborator. Didley has appeared on two of Loomis’ albums.

PHILLIPS AUDITORIUM MAKES FOR PERFECT VENUE

The working agreement between the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association and the Foutch Brothers, LLC, owners of the Phillips Luxury Apartments, is key to the project.

Bottorff credits city officials for bringing the two entities together. By keeping the auditorium intact, the Foutch Brothers were able to tap into historical tax credits that otherwise would not have been available to them, she said.

Fort Dodge Fine Arts pays no rent for use of the auditorium, but did agree to invest at least $150,000 in improvements over the next 10 years. Just a few years in to the contract, the group has already invested $130,000 in improvements, including repairing and cleaning all the seats on the main floor, replacing the top of the stage as well as some curtains, and some plumbing and electrical improvements. The next phase, Bottorff said, will be permanent lighting and sound improvements.

“The acoustics that are just built-in to that auditorium are some of the best in the area,” Bottorff said.

She is very pleased with the working agreement with Foutch Brothers and what the historic auditorium’s significance means to the community. While most recently a middle school, long before that it was home to decades of Fort Dodge Senior High students in the early and mid-20th century.

“The fact that the owners (Foutch Brothers) found value in our organization, and in working with us is very gratifying,” Bottorff said.

Tenants in the Phillips Apartments benefit as well, receiving free or discounted tickets to all performances in the auditorium.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the door or in advance at Eventbrite.com. Doors will open at 6 p.m. on May 20, with the music set to start at 6:30 p.m. Phillips Auditorium is located at 1015 Fifth Ave. N. in Fort Dodge.

Shelly Bottorff

“He came to Olde Boston’s, and actually he played a couple of times,” she said. “The people went nuts for this guy. He’s not just an amazing musician, he’s also an amazing performer. People still talk about seeing him down there.”

Get FiT

by lori berglund

Fit Night Returns for Season 10 in Fort Dodge

It started with just a nice new sidewalk that Craig Jarrard, owner of Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., wanted to help the community break in and enjoy. The neighborhood surrounding the Corridor of Commerce continues to transform and it’s now Season 10 for Fit Night, running May through October on the third Thursday of each month.

The idea for Fit Night was born in 2014 when Jarrard looked out at the new sidewalks installed throughout the Brown’s Shoe Fit neighborhood and had the idea of bringing the community together for an evening stroll.

“We had these nice, brand new sidewalks, and we just had the idea of getting people out in the neighborhood walking,” Jarrard recalled. “Just to get people moving, enjoying the outdoors, it’s a health and wellness thing. We’ve always been big into giving people a good place to come.”

The Fit Night trail always begins at the store, 210 S. 25th St., and then heads to Fifth Avenue South, over to 32nd Street North, towards the middle school, and then back to the store. It’s a very walkable trail for all ages and levels of athletic activity.

“Don’t be intimidated by the ‘fit’ part of Fit Night,” Jarrard said. “Originally, when we started, I think there was a fear of having to perform athletically, and once people realized that it’s go at your pace, there’s no time, there’s no awards. It can be a very leisurely walk, or it can be a very fast run. It’s whatever you want it to be.”

A trail clean-up night was added to the schedule last year and was held in March. This year, looking at Iowa weather, Jarrard opted to move the cleanup to April and move the regular Fit Night season to May through October, always on the third Thursday of the month.

Throughout the past nine seasons, Fit Night has grown consistently from year to year. From the first season that averaged about 25 people participating, last year Fit Night attracted an average of 220 participants turning out each month.

Participants can choose to walk and talk, run at their best pace, or jog as they choose, but however they traverse the trail, they can all enjoy treats and refreshments back in front of the store after completing the route. Each month features a variety of food and drink vendors offering the chance to socialize with friends before heading home.

“We have a lot of finger food and smoothies, but it’s typically enough to call it supper and not have to go home and cook anything,” Jarrard says with a welcoming smile in his voice.

Full-season partners for this year include Tropical Smoothie, River Hops Brewing, Budweiser and Blue Ribbon Pelham Water. Additional partners throughout the season will include Hy-Vee, Mineral City Mill and Grill, Stella’s Coffee Bar, and many others to give participants a tasty reason to stay and socialize a bit.

Mark the calendar for Thursday’s May 18, for the first regular Fit Night of the season, and every Thursday of the month through October.

“It’s a very positive, very energetic experience, and we just need more of that in the world,” Jarrard concluded.

Pulse THE S &

LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

MAY 1

Festival of Orchestra-FDSH Students

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Fort Dodge Middle School

800 North 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 2

HS Choir Spring Concert

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Fort Dodge Middle School

800 North 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 5

State Large Group Music Festival

920 3rd Ave South

Fort Dodge, IA

Virtual Tasting @ 4 pm

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

Scott Kirkhart

Soldier Creek Winery

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 6

State Music Festival

Large Group-FDSH Band, Orchestra & Choir

800 North 32nd Street

Fort Dodge, IA

Spring Soiree Craft Market

Soldier Creek Winery Fort Dodge, IA

Shop for mom!

MAY 7

Coffeehouse Concert St. Ed’s High School Students

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

St Edmonds

2240 4th Ave North • Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 9

Life Line Screening

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

St. John Lutheran Church

400 S 13th St • Fort Dodge, IA

Virtual Tasting @ 4 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 10

Shred Event

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

United Bank of Iowa

1608 1st Ave South • Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 11

Community and Family Resources’ Women’s Recovery Center

4:30 PM

Craft Night: Chunky Pillows

Soldier Creek Winery

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Fort Dodge, IA

Registration Required

MAY 12

7th - 12th Grade Vocal Festival

FDCS Students

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Fort Dodge Middle School

800 North 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 14

Bingo!

Soldier Creek Winery

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Fort Dodge, IA

60 events each month!

To become a member or let us know about an event contact:

MAY 16

6 - 8 Spring Vocal Concert

St. Ed’s Middle School Students

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

St Edmonds

2240 4th Ave North • Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 17

Evening with A Cappella Choir

FDCS Students TBA

920 3rd Ave South • Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 17

Member Meet & Eat

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pizza Ranch

3311 5th Ave South • Fort Dodge, IA

Freedom Pointe Ribbon Cutting

4:00 PM

Join us and the Alliance Ambassadors as we celebrate our new member, Freedom Pointe, located inside the Judy Warrick Wellness and Recovery Center.

MAY 18

6th - 8th Grade Choir Concert

FDCS Students

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Fort Dodge Middle School

800 North 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 18

3rd Thursday Fit Night

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Brown Shoe Fit

MAY 20

Hamilton Loomis

Concert Celebrating Tim O’Leary

Doors Open at 6:00 PM

Phillips Auditorium

Fort Dodge, IA

Fort Dodge Young Professionals

1st Annual Golf Outing

11:00 AM

Join us for the first-ever Young Professionals

Golf Outing! We are teaming up with United Way of Fort Dodge to help give back to the community.

MAY 21

Auditions for Madagascar

A Musical Adventure Jr.

presented by Stage Door

6:00 PM

First United Methodist Church

MAY 22

Auditions for Madagascar

A Musical Adventure Jr.

presented by Stage Door

6:00 PM

First United Methodist Church

MAY 22

Virtual Tasting @ 4PM

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 26

Ryne Doughty

Soldier Creek Winery

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Fort Dodge, IA

a look back

By Tom Tourville

LUGEE ALFREDO GIOVANNI SACCO TAKES THE STAGE AT THE LARAMAR FOR A NIGHT OF MUSIC MEMORIES

lette Records and went to #24 on the Billboard Top 40 charts, selling over one million records. Not bad for a first effort.

Cenci took Christie back into the studio and that effort was rewarded with the incredible, “Two Faces Have I/All That Glitters Isn’t Gold” (Roulette #4481) that reached #6 on the Billboard charts and again sold over one million records. Soon Christie was invited to go on numerous Dick Clark tours (Summer Shower of Stars Tour). He had just reached his two music goals. Having a hit record and at getting on a Dick Clark tour. Bandstand was next.

quickly picked up by Buddah Records. Buddah produced a new record for Christie with a big sound to it and the next hit was “I’m Gonna Make You Mine/I’m Gonna Get Married” (Buddah #116). This release rose to #10 on the U.S. charts and went to #2 in England.

During the late ‘70s through the ‘90s, there not a more successful artist on the “oldies circuit.” Christie built an amazing career. At one point, Christie helped headline a grandstand show at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, IA for eight consecutive years.

This month we’ll be going back to 1963 when the talented Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco came to our Laramar Ballroom as a part of the Summer Shower Of Stars Tour that played the ballroom in August of 1963.

Young Lugee was born in Glenwillard, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh. When in high school Sacco was a part of every singing group that his high school offered. In addition, if there was an upstart vocal group forming, Sacco would find his way into the group. The kid loved to sing! After graduation from High School, he set two goals. 1) to appear on American Bandstand and 2) to have a hit record.

In 1961 he moved to New York and quickly found work as a session and back-up vocalist. In 1962 he met music producer and arranger, Nick Cenci. Soon he was doing demo vocal sessions for Cenci. Cenci liked Sacco’s falsetto vocals and used the falsetto concept to write for his first hit, “The Gypsy Cried.” Cenci said it was time for a name change for the young Sacco, to one that had more of a contemporary feel to it, that name.....LOU CHRISTIE!

Under his new name, Christie’s “The Gypsy Cried/Red Sails in The Sunset” (Roulette #4457)” was picked up by New York’s Rou-

Soon Christie was appearing on American Bandstand, Where The Action Is and various local teen shows along the East Coast. Christie’s next release, “How Many Teardrops/You & I” (Roulette #4504) got stalled at #46 on the charts as Christie was drafted into the Army and all touring and recording ended abruptly.

Christie was discharged from the Army in early 1965. He was quickly signed to MGM Records; a good move and the biggest was yet to come. Shortly after he signed with MGM, Christie entered the studio with a song he wrote and soon would record “Lightnin’ Strikes/ Cryin’ In The Streets (MGM #13412). That song became the biggest selling single of Christie’s career selling over 3 million copies and reaching #1 in the U. S, #2 in Canada and #20 in England. He followed that up with another monster, “Rhapsody in The Rain/Trapeze” (MGM #13473). This was an amazing run of hits for Christie. It was Christie’s signature falsetto that set all these records apart.

In 1969 MGM dropped Christie from his contract, but that contract was

It must have been an amazing night when the Dick Clark backed show arrived at the Laramar Ballroom in August of 1963 with the Summer Shower of Stars show with an incredible lineup, it included: the Kasuals from Pittsburgh, PA who backed all the artists, Lou Christie as the headliner along with Brian Hyland and Ronnie Cochran. Lou still performs today in 2023.

The Laramar Ballroom was such an incredible place to see and experience real deal rock and roll.

Let the fun begin. The mayhem, the chaos, the incredible challenge of corralling close to 100 kids filled with the spirit of the wild on stage. “Madagascar, a Musical Adventure, Jr.”, is coming to Fort Dodge. There will be lions and giraffes, penguins, and interesting animals of all sorts of persuasion.

In short, expect a wildly good time when Stage Door Productions brings this rollicking musical known simply as “Madagascar” to the local stage this summer. Performances are slated for 7 p.m. July 20 22, plus a 2 p.m. on July 22. All shows will be at the Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 N. 32nd St.

But before the curtain can rise, organizers are putting out the word for kids of all ages to get involved. Whether they are seasoned performers or first-timers, there is something fun for everyone.

“We usually get around 100 kids and everybody gets involved one way or another,” said Shelly Bottorff, co-founder of Stage Door Productions.

Auditions are set for 6 p.m. May 21, and May 22, at First United Methodist Church, 127 N. 10th St. The show is under the direction of Alyssa Sparks, with Megan Cassady as musical director and Emily Eastwood for choreography.

Sparks is looking forward to a fun musical that welcomes kids to gain experience and make new friends. “Theater is a great way to make life-long friends,” Sparks said. “We love seeing as many kids as we can participate in these shows.”

Stage Door Productions is open to kids from ages 5 to 18, kindergarten through 12th grade. “Madagascar” was chosen, at least in part, because of the variety of roles and the way that kids of any experience or ability can be welcomed in with a fun part to play.

by lori berglund

AUDITIONS FOR MADAGASCAR

“This show has a ton of main characters, plus a lot of group ensembles, and random zoo animals,” Sparks said. The ensembles also give the director a unique chance to expand the cast as needed, adding another penguin or zookeeper as the cast allows.

“It doesn’t have to be a named character,” Sparks said. “This is a good introduction to musical theater. If itás their first year and they just want to blend into the background and see how musical theater works, we will have them sing with a group of people at auditions so they don’t have to sing by themselves.”

With a show such as “Madagascar”, set in New York’s Central Park Zoo, expect a costume experience that will make the show that much more fun for both the young performers and the audience alike.

“We spend a lot of time and money on costumes,” Bottorff said. “They get some really cool costumes. The set is always amazing.”

With all the animals, “it will be a lot of fun to costume,” Sparks added. The set for this musical is unique in that Stage Door Productions uses more projected backgrounds, giving performers more room on stage, and adding flexibility to the scenes. The projection allows each scene to almost come to life with movement.

“We do less on set building because there are times when we have 75 kids on stage, and there is no place for them,” Sparks said. “We have awesome projected backdrops that have motion and are very interesting.”

Bottorff founded Stage Door Productions with her sister, Susan Ahlers Leman, 10 years ago with the goal of giving kids early experience in the theater arts. A decade later, Bottorff said it is rewarding to see how the kids who started with Stage Door 10 years ago have progressed in their abilities and confidence, and how that translates to the rest of their lives.

“There’s so much data and research that shows how the skills you learn just transfer over into everything,” Bottorff said. âItás really fun to see these kids succeed. They build self-esteem, empathy, accountability, musical skills, memorization, and getting up in front of people. This is a really safe place for kids to do that.”

Audition packets are available at the Stage Door Productions website and Facebook page. Performers are asked to audition only for the part they most want, in order to streamline the audition process. Performers can name other parts of interest when they fill out the audition packet.

The one things kids and parents most need to keep in mind is the commitment necessary to the rehearsal schedule. Rehearsals begin June 6 and will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, each week through the show wrapup on July 22. “We need the kids there to play off of each other,” Sparks said. “If there are conflicts we can work around some of them, but it is important to be there.”

“The cast of these Stage Door shows have a lot of fun,” Sparks said. “We do mean business, we have to focus, but it is a lot of fun. We don’t want it to ever be a chore. We want the kids to want to be there.”

With “Madagascarás” familiar tunes, lively script and wildly fun attitude, parents and kids can expect a memorable summer filled with that favorite refrain: “I like to move it, move it, move it,” all summer long.

‘MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT’ TO

Good Eats &Drinks

dining:

FAST-FOOD:

Blanden Art Festival

by bill shea

The works of local artists, the sounds of local musicians and activities for the kids will all be part of the upcoming Blanden Art Festival.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 10 on the grounds of the Blanden Memorial Art Museum, 920 Third Ave. S.

A puppet show performed by Enlenspiegel Puppet Theatre of West Liberty will performed at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The lineup of live music includes Jive for 5 performing at 9 a.m., Salty View’s Acoustic Review performing at 11:30 a.m. and the students of Gillette Music Academy performing at 2:30 p.m.

The event is free.

“There will be music, food, art work, you name it,” said Eric Anderson, the director of the museum. “It should be a really good time.”

“Stop by the art museum, spend some time at the festival on the grounds and then definitely come inside the museum to see the excellent exhibits,” he added.

Booths featuring the work of various artists will be set up on the lawn of the museum. There will also be a tent filled with activities for children.

The festival is sponsored by Kwik Trip, Casey’s General Store, The Messenger, Allers Associates Architects, Bemrich Electric and Telephone, Iowa H2O, Daniel Pharmacy, Shimkat Motor Co., Prestage, Mikos & Matt, Party Productions, the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association and the city of Fort Dodge.

“

“

~ Eric Anderson

Stop by the art museum, spend some time at the festival on the grounds and then definitely come inside the museum to see the excellent exhibits

artistspot

Eric Anderson

Age: 45 • Hometown: Estherville Iowa • Profession: Art Museum Director / Artist

of drawing the figures by the time I asked him that he thought that if I had to draw it I would give up and he would not have to do it no more, but when he saw that I had tried he was impressed leading to the drawing that he created for me. I still have that drawing today.

What has your educational path been?

My educational path has always been focused on art and creative design. I started out at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville. I graduated with a AA / AS in Graphic / Advertising and General Art Transfer. I had worked at the local newspaper for a summer and found that I did not like that type of Graphic Design work, so I went on to Minnesota State University – Mankato and studied Studio Art. I majored in Painting and printmaking. During my time at Mankato, I enjoyed art history courses and also working at the art gallery on campus. I earned my BFA and MA in studio art from MSU. After MSU I applied and was accepted to attend the MFA program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln studying Studio Arts and Art History.

What do you most enjoy about creating artwork?

There are many things I enjoy or find interesting in relation to creating art, one is the ability to create something new, the act of taking something from my head and bringing it into existence. I enjoy the problem-solving aspects of creating art – being able to take simple materials and create an illusion of reality, transformation of materials, and or the dialogue of understanding. I find the whole process fascinating.

How has your work changed over the years?

I would say that the visual nature of my work has changed because I have changed. My understanding of things and how I experience the world gets reflected in my art. The work also changes as I find new materials to incorporate into the work. I would say that I have always tried to stay true to a core idea – a contradiction - “Simple Complexity.” So, the visual nature of the work has changed but not the core idea.

Did you grow up in an artistic household? How did you first become interested in creating art?

I would say that I grew up in a somewhat artistic household, I know that my mom worked for the public school, and she would create items for teachers’ classrooms. My dad is a singer and would participate in church and area performance groups and musicals. There are artistic people on both sides of my family, my mother’s brother is an exceptional drawer and my dad has a cousin that creates amazing objects out of wood. I think I had an interest in creating art, drawing, and coloring as far back as I can remember. I do recall that one of my favorite subjects in early elementary was tornados after seeing one from a distance from my house. But my favorite memory would be when I asked my elementary art teacher if he could draw my California Raisin figure like he did for others and he stated that if I wanted one by him that he wanted one from me first. I remember sitting at the kitchen table and concentrating on drawing this 3-dimensional object onto a flat sheet of paper. Then taking that drawing into the art teacher and giving it to him and in turn later receiving the biggest drawing than anyone else in the grade back from him. I found out that he was tired

Why is it important for children to be exposed to artwork?

It is important for children to be exposed to artwork because it presents them with a world of color, expression, and imagination. This exposer stimulates innovative thinking and creative problem-solving. Art allows children’s minds to think outside of the box and develop their own personal thoughts. Art allows children to use emotional expression as an outlet and presents them with an alternative way to communicate if words are not enough. Art has a great impact on children, it introduces them to world cultures, shows them diversity in the world, expands understandings.

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

The Fort Dodge Art and Cultural scene is thriving and growing. I like the diversity of opportunities available, the organic growth of events and activities, and the richness of artistic development happening.

Who, or what, inspires you? And why?

I am always inspired by individuals that have the courage to be a full-time artist living and working for creative spirit. I find inspiration from my kids seeing their love and enthusiasm for creating is amazing. I love seeing new works of art that challenge my understanding, I also enjoy meeting new artists and seeing what they are working on.

What is the most challenging part of being an artist?

I think the most challenging part of being an artist is finding time to work and be by oneself but also connecting when needed to a larger community of creative people.

5-5 5-19

Atmosphere

So Many Other Realities

Exist Simultaneously

Dave Matthews Band walk around the moon

shiningstar

Abby Fridolfson

Age: 17 • Grade/School: Junior, Fort Dodge Senior High • Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa

What do you most enjoy about creating art? Being able to overcome difficulties within my art.

What is your favorite medium to use? Oil Paint.

Is your family artistic? If so, in what ways.

In what ways will you use your artistic abilities after high school?

I hope to go to a college for art so that I can study it. I would like to learn new things about art, and how to manipulate it.

Who inspires you and why?

My art teacher, Deidra Millerclay, because I love the way she manipulates the materials that she

If you could see, in person, one famous piece or artwork anywhere in the world, which piece would you want to see and why?

David of Michelangelo, because I think that is fascinating to look at, and I would also go to paint his statues.

What is your favorite part about art class? Being able to experiment with different mediums, and getting to learn new things about art.

T KING BAND TO PERFORM ON MEMORIAL DAY

The Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge will perform at the annual Memorial Day ceremonies again this year on Monday, May 29, 2023. This event, sponsored by the Fort Dodge Veteran’s Council, will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Park on the northwest corner of the Kennedy Park/Badger Lake complex, 1386 National Ave.

The Karl L. King Municipal Band, conducted by Jerrold P. Jimmerson, will start playing at 10:00 a.m., prior to the start of the program, scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

In the event of rain, this program may be moved on very short notice to the St. Edmond High School Auditorium. Listen to local radio stations for any last-minute changes in location. Any announcements will also be made on the band’s website at www.karlking.us, or on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ karlkingband/,

This concert will include several march selections written by Karl L. King, including “The Brigadier-General”, “The LieutenantCommander”, “Aces of the Air”, and “140th Infantry”.

Other patriotic selections on the concert program include “America”, “The Flight Commander”, “America the Beautiful”, “Military Escort”, “God Bless America”, and “A Patriotic Salute”.

Special musical recognition will be extended to all members of the military, past and present, with a medley of songs representing all five branches of the military service, titled “Salute to America’s Finest”, along with a narrated tribute by Scott Johnston to all military with “How Will You Remember a Soldier”?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 moviespot

By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

When Peter “Star-Lord” Quill, while inspecting a murky extraterrestrial region, pressed play on Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” in the first “Guardians of the Galaxy,” it would have been hard to imagine that James Gunn’s space opera would ultimately lead to something as sincere, poignant and kinda cornball as the trilogy-ending “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”

But as Gunn has showed over over the course of these increasingly soupy sci-fi spectacles, the genetically spliced DNA of his chaotic, cartoonish cosmic vision is a double helix of opposites. Breezy ‘70s rock papers over extreme violence. Cynical exteriors cloak sentimental emotions. A ragtag group of outcasts, more so than even the cast of “Fast and the Furious,” talk a lot about “family” and “friends.” Against the odds, “Come and get your love” has turned out to be a legit invitation. “Vol. 3” is a messy, overstuffed finale. But you rarely question whether Gunn’s heart is in it. Sometimes it spoils some of that effect by trying too hard to juxtapose tonal extremes, and show off its brash juggling act. Yet whatever this sweet, surreal sci-fi shamble is that Gunn has created, everyone here seems to believe ardently in it. And for even a movie that sends a goldenhued Will Poulter shooting through space to the tune of Heart’s “Crazy on You,” that earnest belief goes a long way.

The song, though, that kicks off “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is not an upbeat one. Radiohead’s “Creep” casts a sour mood over the Guardians, who we find in a lethargic state of disarray in the spaceport Knowhere following their 2017 “Empire Strikes Back”-esque second chapter.

Whether “Guardians of the Galaxy” is best suited to strike these solemn notes, or reach for such last-chapter poignancy in “Vol. 3” is debatable. I’ve always liked these films at their most cartoonish. Donning a degree of self-importance is probably the most Marvel thing about this “Guardians.” Gunn’s films — which, unlike most of the comic-book studio’s releases, are both written and directed by him — have always stood out for their distinct lack of Marvel house style. “Guardians 3,” unfortunately, has contracted a touch of “Endgame” grandiosity.

The group — including Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Nebula (Karen Gillan) and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) — is quickly sent into emergency mode. Adam Warlock (Poulter), an artificial being created by the High Priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), comes careening into their lair, leaving Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper and played in motion capture by Sean Gunn) on his deathbed. To save Rocket, a cybernetically enhanced raccoon, the Guardians must hurriedly resuscitate him with his original programming.

Walt Disney

out of 4 stars

This means traveling to the lab he was created in years before by the High Evolutionary (a sensational Chukwudi Iwuji, an all-time Marvel villain), a Doctor Moreau sort who’s been toiling to craft a “perfect” race of hybrid creatures to populate a copy of planet Earth. As the Guardians seek to infiltrate his realm, “Vol. 3” repeatedly flashes back to Rocket’s experience with the High Evolutionary: his transformation from raccoon, his joyful experience with other experimental creations and his harrowing escape.

It’s telling that in this “Guardians” swan song that Gunn centers Rocket and less so Quill, whose father-son drama dominated “Vol. 2.” (Here, he’s mostly in save-my-friend mode when not wrestling with the heartbreak of this version of Zoe Saldaña’s Gamora. Thanks to some “Avengers” events, she no longer even knows him.)

These are foremost epics of orphandom about distinctly un-superhuman characters. Mother and father figures float in and out, while the Guardians attract one forlorn figure after another. In “Vol. 3,” it’s both comical and even a little stirring just how far empathy reaches for all of God’s — and Marvel’s — creatures. Gunn has taken a woebegone B-team or C-team of comic book oddballs and cast them into a cosmic tapestry of weirdos and misfits, ranging wildly in size, shape, color and dancing ability.

In “Vol. 3,” Gunn really lets the freak flag fly, putting the Guardians in battle with not just the High Evolutionary but the notion of perfection. It’s not a coincidence that this “Guardians” film arrives, finally, in the suburbs — or at least some slightly warped version of it.

Gunn, a B-movie director at heart, fills these films with more sinewy than sleek worlds, full of florid beauty and opulent grotesquerie. (“Vol. 3,” more than the last two films, reminded me of “The Fifth Element,” a good thing.) It’s often clear that his ambitions are sometimes just a bit too much; this, like his DC film “The Suicide Squad,” “Vol. 3” could have used a firmer editor to corral some of Gunn’s impulse for excess.

This installment, of course, nearly didn’t happen after Gunn’s firing years ago. And partially because of that forced hiatus, he’s now ruling an even larger, more mainstream superhero cosmos at DC. That surely has something to do with the sense of parting that permeates the final act of “Guardians 3.” After so many speeches about friendship and togetherness, “Vol. 3” ends curiously elegiacally, and with one last dance.

rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for intense sequences of violence and action, strong language, suggestive/drug references and thematic elements.

Running time: 159 minutes

This image released by Marvel Studios shows, from left, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax, Karen Gillan as Nebula in a scene from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”