SAVING ONE MORE DANCE FOR FORT DODGE’S LARAMAR BALLROOM

The words, rock and roll are almost synonymous with Fort Dodge, Iowa. Fort Dodge has always been one of the real tried and true birthplaces for rock music in Iowa. The numbers that mean rock and roll in Fort Dodges are 710 1st. Of course, that is the address for the birthplace of music in Fort Dodge, the legendary Laramar, Pla Mor or Twilight Ballroom.

I know the building did not look very “legendary” as you drive by it right now, but wait, our dreams are about to return. My good friend, Tom Bethke of Fort Dodge, called me a few months ago and told me the Laramar had been sold again and the plans call for it to re-open. To be honest, I was not that optimistic when I heard him say that. There has been so many “re-openings” since the grand old lady had last operated with music in mind. He told me to have trust, as this time it was for real. So, I drove down to 710 1st Ave N where Fort Dodge’s rock and roll roots really began.

I was to meet Joe Tuel, one of the buildings new owners and Sadie Andersen who was working with Joe in sales and marketing. As I walked in the door new windows and moldings were being installed throughout the building, something was starting to feel right. I so wish I could put on paper what I saw and felt as I walked through the doors. My first thought was WOW! It was exciting to see the amount of time and effort that had already gone into the complete refurbishing of the Ballroom. The walls were about 70-80% done. The stage looked wonderful. There was still work happening all over the entire space, you could see what was coming and it is exciting.

The second thought that came to my mind was Buddy Holly, Dale & The Devonaires, West Minist’r, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, the Fabulous Flippers, the Rumbles Ltd, the Cleavettes, Tommy Tucker & The Esquires, Dee Jay & The Runaways, the Rogues, Terry “The Fort Dodge Flash” Klein, Notorious Noblemen, Ritchie Valens, Ivory, Saucy Jack. the Velaires, Buckeye, the Trashmen, the Pillers, Justin Davis, the Uniques, the Shades and the Box Tops. You get the idea; this space is hallowed ground in Fort Dodge and in Iowa in terms of rock and roll.

It was so much fun to sit with Joe and Sadie and talk about the all new renovated Laramar.

Plans call for it to offer live entertainment, including some “big names’ that fit the space and the Laramar can comfortably handle. Also, better known comedians, along with many special events. Sadie shared that the new space has been redesigned to specialize in weddings, including an exclusive suite for the new brides. It is going to be special.

They have solicited the help of Brady O’Brien to find and book possible artists and acts to play the Laramar. It was added, that potential artists need to make practical and financial sense. They are looking at rock, country and maybe even some polka styles of music, national artists, as well as local artists. Many things will be done to match potential customers tastes and likes. The new space is being developed to accommodate wedding receptions. A lot of work and planning will be given to the potential wedding business for the Laramar. In addition, other uses will include corporate and industry speakers, trade shows and more.

For the entertainers there will be a beautiful new “green room” that the artists can use to dress, tune their instruments and have a first-class private space before going on stage. There will be plenty of parking around the ballroom’s location. Even enough room for bus parking.

This new commercial development is being done via the partnership of Joe Tuel and Chris O’Brien, co-owners of Webster City Glass. In addition, another eight private partners have also joined the ownership team for the new Laramar. I asked both Tuel and Andersen whose idea was it to take on such a big project. It was the smile on Joe’s face and I knew I had found the visionary. I only had one question for Joe, “Why?”

Tuel told me he was driving by the old Laramar one day and saw the “For Sale” sign on the building. This occurred after he and Chris O’Brien were discussing possible development projects that they could take on and enjoy. Joe said he saw the Laramar and remembered all the great times and bands he had seen and heard there. After sharing the idea with O’Brien, they were both in on a project.

Of course, the big question is when will it be opening? Tuel told me they are planning a Grand Opening for June 22, 2023. They have invited Ritchie Valens’s sister; Connie Valens and she will be attendance for this amazing night. How can one not be excited about this, bringing back an all new Laramar renovated to meet the needs of today?

I finished my talk with Joe and Sadie and said THANKS to Joe for what he and his partner Chris O’Brien are doing to preserve the music history of Fort Dodge. They are now the caretakers of all the music we loved when we were kids. After writing about the ballroom for over thirty years, make sure to look me up at the grand opening. I will be the one smiling.