DESIGN COORDINATOR nick manwarren nmanwarren@messengernews.net
SALES DIRECTOR leanne darr ldarr@messengernews.net
jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net
EDITOR bill shea bshea@messengernews.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
tom tourville lori berglund hailey brueschke brandon brueschke
COPYRIGHT 2024
Twist & Shout is published monthly by ogden newspapers inc. All content and opinions expressed may not be those of the publishers.
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Crash My Crater
Blanden Art Festiva
Vineyard Vibrations
crash my crater
by brandon brueschke
The 2024 Manson Greater Crater Days will be held from Friday, June 28th to Sunday, June 30th. The city wide celebration was established in 1980 and is named after the impact crater of an asteroid that struck the Earth millions of years ago during the Cretaceous Period. The celebration will feature a myriad of events spread across the three days including truck pulls, fireworks, the Middleton Classic golf tournament, and the Crash My Crater concert. Friday June 28th will feature the truck pull at 6pm at the fairgrounds and an outdoors showing of the movie “The Goonies” at MACC Youth Complex Softball Field.
When speaking with Macie Schoon about the upcoming events, she said “In the past we have had all of the kids activities out at our fairgrounds, but we’re going to try to do something new this year. We’re going to put all of the activities at City Hall Square. So there’s a little gazebo out there and it’s just right behind city hall. We are going to have a parade like normal starting at 10am. And the route is reversed this year. So it starts at the fairgrounds and ends by the fire station. And we are going to have bingo from 11 to 2. We’ll have face painting and tattoos. We’re going to have a foam party again by Dugan Party Rentals. We are gonna have four inflatables this year from Add A Little Bounce. There’s going to be an obstacle course, soccer darts, pirate ship, and castle. We are going to have some barrel train rides sponsored by the Manson Betterment. There also is the conservation station from Iowa Learning Farms and Water
Schoon continued by saying “And as usual, we’ll have food vendors. I believe those are 11 to 4. and then we’ll have the Crash My Crater. On Sunday we are going to have community church service at 11. People can come and gather on the square and bring their lawn chairs. We will also have
our car show from 1 to 4. Again that’s around City Hall Square instead of Main Street this year. And then the food vendors and things on Sunday as well. Also surrounding that will be the Middleton Classic golf tournament on Saturday and Sunday.”
When speaking about the work that goes into setting up and running an event like Crater Days, Schoon said “It’s a lot of work, but we’ve got a lot of good people helping with it this year. we’re trying to get it to that standpoint of getting more people involved in the community. Our vendors are actually mostly Manson people. For Crater Days we try to stick to local businesses or local groups trying to fundraise. We want them to be showcased and to be able to raise a little money for their ventures.” Schoon also said “There’s gonna be something for everybody this year. Even some of those inflatables are adult size, so adults can participate. There’s something every day for everybody. There’s also a campground that’s going to be set up for anyone who wants to come for the entire weekend. They can bring their campers and that all of that information is on Facebook and if they follow Manson Updates and Events on Facebook they can find all of that information there. We hope everyone comes, we just want everyone who’s interested or excited about Manson to come and hang out for the weekend.”
One of the big events during Crater Days is the Crash My Crater concert. This year will be headlined by Warren Zeiders with Royale Lynn and Scott Kirkhart as supporting acts. The Grammy
Rocks.”
Museum described Warren Zeiders music as “distinctive, high-energy country music” and that it “is powered by a steady supply of youthful grit, honesty, and muscle, and then, there’s that voice: a world-weary, lived-in, honeyed growl that belies his young years.” Zeiders had won the CMT music award for breakthrough male video in 2024. Royale Lynn is an up-and-coming country artist
of the event, we are setting up a snow fence, setting up the stage/sound/lights, and putting out any fires that happen along the way. Day of the event we start the morning at 7 am. We load in the artists, do sound checks, and cater meals to all the artists and their crews (typically 30+ people). 5 pm is show time, and gates open. We have 40+ amazing employees and volunteers who show up to help us put
who’s sound is described on her website as “Pulling from influences like Morgan Wallen, Avril Lavigne, Nickelback, and various punk artists, Royale Lynn rocks you outside of the box that is Country Music. Her unique sound is an intoxicating hybrid of punk attitude with country roots – called ‘Punktry.’” Jesse Grossnickle, who is one of the people running the event, spoke about Scott Kirkhart, saying “Scott Kirkhart, a local Mansonite, will be kicking off Crash My Crater 2024. Kirkhart is a full-time artist who plays all over the Midwest. Kirkhard has written many original songs and will be sure to get the party started for Crash My Crater 2024.”
When speaking with Grossnickle about running the show, he said “Although Crash My Crater isn’t a huge stadium-style concert, the planning and organizing take 6-8 months leading up to the annual Manson’s Crash My Crater event. Typically, in October, we start reaching out to different agencies in Nashville requesting a list of artists in the price range we are looking for, and that will draw a crowd of around 3,000+ attendees. From there, we start working on building out sponsorship packets, creating posters, designing t-shirts, hanging posters, creating radio ads, ordering banners and supplies for the event, hiring security, and finding workers for the event. The week
on the event. By midnight, the show is over, and cleaning begins and ends around 3-4 am.”
Grossnickle also said “I’d like to thank all our amazing sponsors! Without their support, putting an event on like Crash My Crater would be impossible. Also, I invite everyone to come to Manson and enjoy a weekend full of fun events. The City has designated a location for a campground for the weekend so everyone can have fun and be safe, so come hang out and take it all in! People can find out more information on the Manson Updates and Events page on Facebook or on Manson’s Crater My Crater Facebook page. People can also purchase tickets for the event online at crashmycrater2024.eventbrite.com, the HyVee Grocery Store in Fort Dodge, or the Shore Side Pub & Grub in Manson.”
Crash My Crater 2024 runs from 5pm to 11:30pm on Saturday, June 29th. Tickets start at $40. The concert will be held on Main Street.
All photos are provided by
Jesse Grossnickle
Blanden Art Festival
Art of all kinds and music will be featured at the Blanden Arts Festival, a free event coming up this month. The festival will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.June 8 on the grounds of the museum at 920 Third Ave. S.
The event is free. The Blanden Art Festival connects the community with local and regional artists providing a family friendly event that highlights artistic talent, creativity, and imagination. This is an annual event hosted by the Blanden and supported by community minded individuals that share in the passion and appreciation for the fine arts and creative learning.
Among the artists at work will be Tobey KID Klauenberg, who bills himself as a “twister of balloons.” He will be making animals and other items out of inflated balloons.
Live music will be an integral part of the festival.
At 10 a.m., Kriss Karr will perform. He will be followed by the Gabriel Alves Jazz trio, which will perform beginning at 11:30 a.m. At 1:30 p.m. Jeremy Ober and Alex Trevino will perform. There will also be food available for purchase. The food vendors expected to be present at the festival are WOW Donuts, Dariette and Grub Hub.
and $10 for students and will go on sale online starting June 15.
A quartet of narrators tell the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial French town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
The cast includes Belle’s inventive father, Maurice; Gaston, who has his eye on Belle but will disappoint several young women of the village if she accepts his proposal; and Gaston’s bumbling sidekick, Lefou.
The village is filled with an interesting mix of residents. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, Belle discovers the prince’s humanity beneath his gruff exterior, leading to a tale of love and redemption.
The musical features songs written by Alan Menken, with lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton. The play was originally directed by Robert Jess Roth and originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
DIRECTORS LINDSAY HENDERSON AND DANE BARNER SELECTED THE FOLLOWING CAST MEMBERS WHO ARE ALL UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
Soldier Creek Winery north of Fort Dodge will offer six nights of live music in June as its Vineyard Vibrations shows continue.
Food trucks will be at the winery, 1584 Paragon Ave., during most of the shows to feed hungry concert-goers.
The month’s performances begin at 6 p.m. June 7 with the Brazilian Jazz Trio. The Duck King Yum food truck will be there.
Then on June 14 Lone Tree Revival will provide the music while Big D’s Bama Smoke & Grill will provide the food. The show will begin at 6 p.m.
On June 16, Tom Shadonix will perform beginning at 3 p.m.
On June 21, at 6 p.m. Hawk McIntyre will be perform and the Duck King Yum food truck will return.
On June 28, at 6 p.m. Salty View will perform and Big Dás Bama Smoke & Grill will return.
On June 30, David Simmons will conclude the monthás concerts with a performance that will begin at 3 p.m. The Duck King Yum food truck will be present.
The staff at KHI Solutions invites people to rev up their appetites during the second annual Food Truck Day.
It will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 19 at 130 N. 25th St.
The food trucks expected to be there are:
• Lucky Wife Wine Slushies
• Taco Shack
• Miss Casey’s Donut Delights
• Dolly;s Roadside Grill
• Barrel Smoke BBQ
• Texas Toast & Tots
JUNE 5
JUNE LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
JUNE 9
Karl King Band
JUNE 16
Karl King Band
Please Sign-Up Today!
Women at Lakeside 515-576-6741
Men at Fort Dodge Country Club 515-955-8551
Ribbon Cutting: Grain Silo Mural Dedication
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
727 Hawkeye Ave Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Bad Dates”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
$10 nightly June 5 - 8, 2024
2:00pm matinee on June 8
Hawkeye Community Theatre
521 North 12th Street, PO Box 32
JUNE 6
Luke Stevens LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
JUNE 7 Madeleine LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue
Fort Dodge, IA
JUNE 8
Ribbon Cutting: Fort Dodge Farmers Market
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
11 North 25th Street Fort Dodge, IA
Brady O’Brien LIVE presentsGone Country
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Iowa Central Community College Center of Performing Arts
1 Triton Circle
Fort Dodge, IA
Summer Concert Series
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue
Fort Dodge, IA
JUNE 11
Ribbon Cutting: Bark Park
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Green space on South 11th Street by the roundabout.
JUNE 13
Ribbon Cutting Spin MarkketBuster’s Bash
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting at 4:30 pm with the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and Ambassadors. Then stay and celebrate during our Block Party.
10 North 10th Street 10 Fort Dodge, IA
Rod Johnson LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue
Fort Dodge, IA
JUNE 14
Grace Casciato LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue
Fort Dodge, IA
Summer Concert Series
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JUNE 20
Chickadees LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JUNE 21
Chickadees LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA 505011
JUNE 22
Grunge Unplugged LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA 505011
JUNE 23
Karl King Band Summer Concert Series
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
JUNE 27
Jordan Beem LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA 505011
FAST-FOOD:
Burger King 2814 5th Ave. S
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza 2007 N.15th St. 2206 2nd Ave. N.
dining:
716 Main Humboldt
Amigos 280 N. 1st St.
Applebee’s 2810 5th Ave. S
Bloomers on Central 900 Central Ave.
Buffalo Wild Wings 2909 5th Ave. S.
CasaBlanca Steak House Hwy 169
Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert 14 S. 14th St.
Community Tap & Pizza 2026 5th Ave. S.
Peking Garden 510 5th Ave. S.
Hacienda Vieja 1518 3rd Ave. NW
Ja-Mar Drive-In 329 S. 25th St.
Lizard Creek Ranch 1762 Johnson Ave
The Stadium 2001 2nd Ave. N.
Lomitas Mexican Restaurant 2223 5th Ave. S.
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.
Zakeer’s Family Restaurant......... 425 2nd Ave. S.
a look back
By Tom Tourville
LET’S REMEMBER- DANCING WITH THE GUITAR MAN
DUANE EDDY BRINGS TWANG TO FORT DODGE
One of the more exciting aspects on doing a column on the music of the 50’s and 60’s now in 2024, is that one can look back to see what was the REAL impact that a performer had on a musical style in the development of rock and roll.
So much of what the rock and roll sound was based upon, was the sound of the guitar. No single player had more of an impact on the guitar sound during the birth of rock and roll, than Duane Eddy!
Eddy introduced a very unique, twangy guitar sound to rock and roll. John Fogerty had this to say to Rolling Stone Magazine about Eddy, “Duane Eddy was the first of rock and roll’s true guitar gods. Combining strong, dramatic, single note melodies, the bending of the low strings and a combination of each, Duane produced a signature sound that was unlike anything yet heard.”
I chose the quote from John Fogerty, because it says it all about the incredible talent that was Duane Eddy. So one had to take notice, as our own Laramar Ballroom brought Eddy into Fort Dodge with his hot band, the Rebels. His band usually included guitarist Al Casey who had the million seller, “Surfin’ Hootenanny” and legendary sax played Steve “Shutdown” Douglas who was a long-time member of the famed Wrecking Crew studio musicians group.
Here is an old cardboard poster for when Eddy played in Fort Dodge in 1962 that was given to me by my friend, Larry Lind. It appears Eddy was in Fort Dodge in May of ‘62.
Eddy was born in Corning, New York in 1938. By the age of five, young Duane was starting to play guitar and take after his idol, cowboy hero, Gene Autry.
By the 1950’s the Eddy family had moved to Phoenix, Arizona. While growing up in Phoenix, Eddy started his rock and roll career with the help of long time friend and record producer, Lee Hazlewood. This partnership would eventually produce thirty four chart singles with sales of over 100 million records sold worldwide.
In January of 1959, Eddy released what is still considered the number #1 essential. guitar based LP of all time, “Have Twangy Guitar, Will Travel”. It stayed on top of Billboard’s charts for EIGHTY TWO weeks. An incredible musical feat.
When one thinks of the Duane Eddy sound you think of his non-stop chart hits, such as: “Rebel Rouser/ Stalkin” (Jamie Records 1104) 1958, “Ramrod/The Walker” (Jamie 1109)
1958, “Cannonball/Mason Dixon” (Jamie 1111) 1959, “Forty Miles Of Bad Road/Quiet Three” (Jamie 1126) 1959, “Because They’re Young/Rebel Walk” (Jamie 1156) 1960, “Theme From Peter Gunn/ Along The Navajo Trail” (Jamie 1168) 1960, “Gidget Goes Hawaiian/Theme From Dixie” (Jamie 1183) 1961, “Dance With The Guitar Man/Streachin’ Out” (RCA Records 8087) 1962 and “The Ballad Of Paladin/The Wild Westerner” (RCA 8047) 1962. This is only a small portion of the boundless list of Duane Eddy hits.
Keep in mind, the hottest TV show at the time was Have Gun Will Travel, and the biggest movie was Gidget Goes Hawaiian, and the artist that did the music for these two movies was playing in downtown Fort Dodge. Impressive!
While all of this was happening musically for Eddy, it was in part because of his star appeal and youthful look, he was cast into many films including: “A Thunder Of Drums,” “Because They’re Young,” “The Savage Seven,” “Kona Coast,” “The Wild Westerners” and on TV’s “Have Gun Will Travel” that Eddy created the name from for his first LP, “Have Twangy Guitar, Will Travel.”
1994 was another great year for Duane Eddy, as he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
One of the reasons I took this story out of storage and dusted it off, is because we lost Duane this past May of 2024. What a loss for musics sake. Hopefully you were at the Laramar when the “Guitar Man” came to Fort Dodge and offered up the best Twangy’ guitar one had ever experienced, no questions asked!
Until Next Month Take Care & Remember
artistspot
Danielle Border
Age: 31 • Hometown: Fort Dodge
Instrument/Profession: Clarinet/ Middle School Band for Southeast Valley CSD
How did you first become interested in making music?
An early memory I have is just being at my grandma’s nursing home and sitting down at the piano and just hitting the different keys. Maybe it was my parents looking for ways to keep me involved and busy. My first instrument was actually acoustic guitar, but then I switched to piano. Then when I was old enough I started clarinet, like my mom, and from there it just continued to grow.
How long
have you been
teaching? And, what made you decide to major in Music Education?
I just finished year 9 and all of them have been at Southeast Valley Middle School. I knew education was the right place for me because I have never had a bad teacher. All of them worked with me to achieve all they knew I could. I decided to major in music education around my sophomore/ junior year of high school. I enjoyed sitting outside Jan Altemeier’s house after piano lessons in August watching the Senior High Marching Band practice and I knew that looked like the most fun to me. I was lucky enough to start band at St. Edmond then switched to Senior High to get an experience with marching band. I was blessed to have some of the best instrumental music teachers growing up like Jan Altemeier and her husband Keith, Dan Cassady, Mike Richardson, and Curt Klein. I also learned many music skills from Nancy Blair and Mary-ann McSweeney.
Who has the greatest influence on you musically and why?
One of the greatest influencers was my college director, the late Dr. Joan de Albuquerque, because she always shone on the podium. She was small in stature but powerful in expression. Her way of approaching each piece we performed was just easy to play and follow. Her motto for the ensemble, “one band, one family.” My other greatest influence is my clarinet studio professor Dr. Chesher. Not only did I grow in my playing but in myself as a person. He was just good at listening and being so level headed. I am glad I still get to talk to him.
If you had a chance to meet any performer/ musician, alive or dead, whom would you choose?
I would love to meet Dmitri Shostakovich because I think his mindset of “getting back at the system” of Soviet-Russia using music shows that composers can move the masses with music. I also like how he writes for the clarinet.
What ensembles are you performing with currently?
I am currently an active member of the Karl King Municipal Band and the Fort Dodge Area Symphony.
What do you enjoy most about the local music and art scene?
I enjoy the fact there are plenty of live shows every week of almost every genre you can think of. I appreciate that local businesses bring in different artists to appeal to the diversity Fort Dodge has.
What is the most unusual thing to have happened to you during a performance/concert?
I do get the hiccups when I play and they are loud. So there has been a time or two when during some of the longest resting sections ever I have the hiccups and I’m trying my best to keep them in. It can be quite funny being my stand partner or sitting next to me when that happens.
Outside of music and the classroom, what other things do you enjoy? Any hobbies?
I am an active runner. I spend a lot of time with my red heeler Wiley. I enjoy just being outside and taking in nature.
What has been the hardest lesson to learn when it comes to music and education?
Teaching is hard no matter what content you teach. Kids are different even within the 10 years I’ve been teaching. The outcome of being a band teacher is that I generally get to know kids over 4 years instead of getting a new group each year like the general core teachers do. That is where I think specified content teachers are the luckiest teachers.
What do you tell a student who is interested in pursuing a career in music/music education?
Do it! It’s not always about who is the best performer or understands the most about music theory. Teaching others music is more about teaching them to love the world around them. I believe Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser said something like, “Teaching a kid to play an instrument is the best way to teach them how to say I love you. Playing an instrument is an outward showing to others around them that they love them.”
Andee Barwin
Age: 18 • School/Grade: Year and High School graduated from: Saint Edmond, 2024!
Tell us about some of your cultural experiences growing up in Fort
I grew up enjoying musicals and dancing! I cheered and danced at United All Stars while I participated in Comedia Musicals and Stage Door! I loved every minute of being on stage… still do! I love to perform and make other
What have you most enjoyed about music and theater at St. Edmond’s?
The thing I have enjoyed most about music and theatre at St. Ed’s is the memories of people I have met along the way! While I wasn’t always the best singer in the choir, I knew no one else cared, they were just happy I was there! I enjoyed being surrounded by others who enjoyed my presence…and obviously getting
What are the biggest benefits for a child growing up in Fort Dodge that is involved in theatre and the arts, from
I think growing up involved in theatre and arts, you grow much more confident and
independent! Through music and theatre, I kind of have found that I am okay to be perfectly who I want to be! A child growing up around people who are all so different but there for one purpose (to put on a show) displays a new perspective of what life should be. It also transpires a great sense of confidence because you have to be completely comfortable with yourself in order to make everyone else love the show!
Where will Andee Barwin be in 25 years? And what will she be doing?
Hopefully…in 25 years, I will have made some sort of difference in the world. I will be 43 years old (woah crazy!) and would love to be a mother! I hope to have traveled the world as a travel nurse and speak publicly on issues globally affecting women and children. In 25 years, I hope to have made some long term changes to the foster care system, the education system, the medical care system, and the domestic violence system. Above all though, I hope in 25 years people see me as a kind soul. I hope I have made a lot of friends and loved hard. I hope that I am happy.
Who
are some of your role models & why?
My mom is probably my biggest role model. She shows me strength and love every single day. She’s taught me more than anyone else ever could. I don’t think she realizes how much she means to me. She has sacrificed her whole world for my siblings and me and I hope to live so selflessly like her. Along with her, all the little kids in my life are my role models. They inspire me to be a better person everyday. As much as I hear people say they look up to me, little do they know, I have always looked up to them and their loving hearts even more.
You get to meet some famous, alive or dead, for dinner. Who would you choose, why and what would you like to chat about?
I would choose Michelle Obama or Matthew McConaughey. I would talk about life and all the things that come with it! I would want to chat about not just surviving but living and how to help others do so as well.
What
are your plans for the fall?
In the fall I plan to attend University of Nebraska-Omaha to continue my education and cheer career! I plan to major in pre-nursing and minor in political communications and social work! Afterwards, I plan to travel the world and spend time abroad!
The Fort Dodge Firefighters Association Annual Golf Tournament
The Fort Dodge Firefighters Association Annual Golf Tournament will be held June 15 at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course.
The action will start at 9 a.m.
The cost to sign up is $260 per team.To sign up, call or text Tony Ward at (515) 269-0055.
After the last round is played, there will be dinner and a silent auction at Amigoás, 280 N. First St.
All the proceeds from the tournament and auction will go to the Firefighters Association. The association uses the money for multiple things, including providing scholarships for new high school graduates. The association awards four $500 scholarships. Two of them go to Fort Dodge Senior High School graduates and two go to St. Edmond Catholic School graduates.
Money raised during the tournament is also used to pay for:
• Fire safety items to be given to children visiting the firehouse.
•Various supplies for the firehouse.
• Physical fitness equipment.
Karl L. King Municipal Band PLANS BUSY SUMMER
The months of June and July will be busy ones for the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge. The band will perform each Sunday evening, beginning June 9 through July 28, at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park. Beginning his 22nd season as conductor of the King Band is Jerrold P. Jimmerson. Dan Cassady is the assistant conductor and Paul Bloomquist will be the band’s announcer again.
All concerts start at 7:30 p.m., and there is no admission charge, courtesy of the City of Fort Dodge. The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is back this summer sponsoring an ice cream social prior to and during the concerts, featuring ice cream and baked goodies for sale. People attending these concerts are urged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, since no public seating is available.
On June 9, the band will open its summer season with marches by Karl L. King and John Philip Sousa on the program. A wide variety of other selections are also included, ranging from the descriptive suite “Atlantis (The Lost Continent)” to highlights from the George Gershwin opera “Porgy and Bess”. The saxophone section will be featured on Billy Joel’s “Root Beer Rag”. A long-time band member, Monte Leichsenring, of Clarion, will guestconduct the band on two selections, “As Summer Was Just Beginning”and Sousa’s march, “Manhattan Beach”. There will also be a special tribute to Ardella Hein, a member of the band for 45 years and the Fort Dodge Area Symphony for 48 years, who recently passed away.
Sunday, June 16 will be the annual Flag Day Concert. Many well-known patriotic selections and melodies will be featured, including “The Stars and Stripes Forever”, along with “The Ultimate Patriotic Sing-Along”, led by band member/vocalist Roger Netz. Marches written by Sousa, King, John Williams, and famous TV comedian Red Skelton are on the program. A patriotic narration by Scott Johnston titled “Valor!” will honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 1944. A powerful work that recounts the magnificent story of four U.S. Army chaplains who heroically sacrificed their lives during World War II, “The Light Eternal” is based on the well-known hymn, “God of Our Fathers”, and is filled with an abundance of musical inventiveness that will produce a startling emotional impact on the listener. Audience members are encouraged to bring small American flags to wave at appropriate times during this hour-long concert.
Continuing on Sunday, June 23, the band will perform a special concert with the theme, Love and Marriage. A wide variety of music, from the classic Mozart overture, “The Marriage of Figaro” to Richard Wagner’” ‘Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral’ from the opera ‘Lohengrin’ will be featured. Rounding out this concert will be marches by King, Sousa, and John Casto, along with the popular sounds of ‘The Shadow of Your Smile’ and hit songs ‘Recorded by Sinatra’ to highlights from the Broadway musical, ‘Camelot’
On Sunday, June 30, the King Band will again feature marches from composers King and Sousa. Sounds of the English countryside will be heard on the “First Suite in Eb for Military Band” by Gustav Holst along with Ralph Vaughan Williams” “Flourish for Wind Band”, plus Karl King’s exciting fantasia, “Sunny Spain”. Featured clarinet soloist will be Christina Tait, of Ames, performing “Clarinet on the Town”, plus a clarinet trio will perform Henry Mancini’s “Pie-In-The-Face Polka” from the movie, “The Great Race”
And that’s only some of the highlights from the first four concerts. There will be four more in July as well, starting with an Independence Day concert on July 7 featuring Leroy Anderson’s ;Bugler’s Holiday’, plus a patriotic salute to veterans from all six branches of military service.
Plan now to be in attendance at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park each Sunday evening during June and July. In case of inclement weather occurring at the posted starting time, a concert may be cancelled.
For more information about Karl L. King or the Karl L. King Municipal Band, you can go to the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/karlkingband/, or to the band’ website at www.karlking.us.
