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
tom tourville lori berglund hailey brueschke brandon brueschke mark adkins COPYRIGHT
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December 5-6, 7 p.m.
Decker Auditorium, Iowa Central Community College
By Kelli Bloomquist
The joyous sounds of Christmas carols sung by a choir and played by classical instrumentation will fill Decker Auditorium as the Fine Arts department presents their annual holiday concert.
Sounds of the Season will be held December 5-6 at 7 p.m in the newly renovated Center for Performing Arts on Iowa Central Community College’s campus. Prior to the Thursday concert, the President’s annual holiday reception will be held at 6 p.m.
“There is a tradition of creating the festive holiday mood for everyone,” said Paul Bloomquist, instrumental music director at Iowa Central Community College.
“The music, lights, and decorations add to the magic of the season. The Iowa Central students perform with passion and energy that shows in the sound. The newly renovated Decker Auditorium offers an amazing acoustical experience in addition to an overhaul in the physical space, and it’s always beautifully decorated.”
Iowa Central’s concert band will play a variety of classical holiday tunes, including “Festival Fanfare for Christmas,” and “Walkin’ Down Christmas Lane,” while also introducing the audience to composer Rossano Galante with a song ‘Tempest of the Oceans.’
“While ‘Tempest of the Oceans’ is not connected to the holidays at all, through our rehearsals, the biblical Christmas story revealed itself in the music,” said Bloomquist. “Galante is educated in the style of movie score that lends to the programmatic nature of the music.”
Iowa Central’s jazz band will also be featured with the “Swing March from the Nutcracker Suite,” “Silver Bells,” “Blue Christmas, Minnie the Moocher,” and “Winter Wonderland.”
“Be prepared for jazz band,” said Noah Griswold, a member of the jazz band. “There are no pauses between any of the songs in this high energy set.”
“There is the feeling of joy and wonderment that comes with the holidays. In addition to the traditional songs you might expect to hear, there will be some songs that reflect the season –without being an all-out Christmas song.”
PAUL BLOOMQUIST
IOWA CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
INSTRUMENTAL BAND DIRECTOR
The Iowa Central choir will include performances by the Triton Singers, Pop
Voices, Vocal Jazz, and Encore Singers with holiday favorites “Carol of the Bells,” “Where Are You Christmas?”, and “Sing Noel.”
“Be ready to see a spectacular winter concert,” said Haevyn Myers, freshman at Iowa Central. “It’ll really get you into the holiday cheer. With the abundance of high energy and enjoyable songs, everyone is bound to love it!”
Pop Voices will sing ballad “Where Are You Christmas?” in the style of Pentatonix. It is a reminder to fill our hearts with love and share that kindness with others around you. They will follow it up with another piece performed by Pentatonix, “River”. The lyrics talk about preparing for Christmas and setting the winter scene. It originally came out in 1971 by Joni Mitchell on her album Blue.
Sophomore student Sophia Beenken chose “River” as one of her favorite songs of the concert with the beautiful harmonies this group creates. “We all come from different places and are all so busy, but when rehearsal starts for the production, it feels like family
spending time together,” said Beenken. “The music makes family.”
“Just sit back and feel the Christmas cheer,” added Elle Clark, a sophomore at Iowa Central.
The Encore Singers will have attendees dancing in their seats as they open their set with “Extraordinary Christmas”, an original pop song from the tv show GLEE. They will follow up with a song full of hope and joy of the season. “Thank You” by Pentatonix.
“There is the feeling of joy and wonderment that comes with the holidays,” added Bloomquist. “In addition to the traditional songs you might expect to hear, there will be some songs that reflect the season – without being an all-out Christmas song.”
The Sounds of the Season concert will also be a farewell performance for Lopes as he takes another direction in his musical adventure and will be leaving Iowa Central at the end of the calendar year.
In a season of merriment, many hearts still grieve. Amid the joy and lights, the decorations and delights of the season, quietly they remember those beloved family and friends who are not with them at the holiday season.
At this incongruence of joy and grief, Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services is here to send in help, to make this time, truly, ‘A Time for Angels.’
“We learned early on that there is no timeline on grief,” said Phil Gunderson, owner of the funeral home. “The holidays can be such a difficult time for many people.”
Gunderson Funeral Home owners Phil and Keely Gunderson held the first Time for Angels program to gather grieving hearts together at the holiday season in 1999. They had no idea then how it would resonate with the community.
“We probably had 35 or 40 people that first year,” said Keely Gunderson. “Now we are up to 400. It’s really so meaningful for a lot of people.”
A Time for Angels returns this year with a program beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. A time of refreshment will follow the main program with coffee and cookies served in the church fellowship hall.
Janet Hubbell, funeral director and pre-planning consultant, said there will be music and video memories playing as guests enter the church for the program. A favorite part of the program each year is the candle-lighting ceremony. Candles are lighted one-by-one to mark the various losses suffered by those in attendance, whether it be a parent, a spouse, a child, a sibling, or a friend, that one has lost and is missing at the holidays.
Offering messages of comfort and hope at this year’s program will be Msgr. Kevin McCoy, pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and the Rev. Emily SauerAlvarez, pastor of St. Olaf Lutheran Church.
As Hubbell noted, the program is designed for those of any faith. The goal is to offer comfort by sharing one another’s grief at a time when the rest of the world is celebrating.
“It’s powerful to know that you are not alone, that others understand,” Hubbell said. “Shared grief is an important aspect of it.”
The program will include a few musical selections featuring vocalists John Zuerrer and Susan Helling. Jan Moeller will accompany on piano.
From that first year in 1999, a gift of an angel has been a highlight of the program. Keely Gunderson recalled that she found the first angels at a convention. For the past several years, the angels have been hand-crafted, stained glass angels made by Iowa artist Chris Jondle.
Originally, the angels were a gift for the families that Gundersons have served over the past year. But seeing how the program comforted so many, the Gundersons have long since opened it up to anyone grieving a loss.
the season. It is a chance to acknowledge one’s grief, and to have a little more strength for what can otherwise be a very difficult time of year.
Keely Gunderson originally chose the angel theme because she wanted to reach out and wrap those who grieve in the warmth of an angel’s care.
“For families who are grieving, we hope that an angel of peace and hope might comfort them,” Keely Gunderson said.
“If you have never been, I think you would be very surprised,” Keely Gunderson said. “We try to make it very meaningful. We just want to give a little comfort to people.” Phil Gunderson echoed that sentiment.
“You’re not alone,” is one of the primary messages that A Time for Angels brings each year. “It’s a pretty powerful message when you share grief.”
“This is for the community,” Keely Gunderson said. During the angel presentation, names are read of the loved ones served by Gundersons in the past year. Those coming who wish to honor a loved one not served by Gunderson may simply give the name of that person at the door. Those names are also read and they also receive an angel. To a person attending for the first time, offering the name of a loved one not served by Gunderson’s, and still receiving a stained-glass angel, it was a stunning gift, long remembered for the kindness shown.
Additional angels are available for purchase after the program at a cost of $20, making wonderful gifts for family members unable to attend.
For families, this gift of the angel can be a very moving experience. To sit in the audience, surrounded by so many others who are also wiping away tears, and then being gifted with a beautiful angel has a way of building one’s reserves so that they can go forward and make the most of
We learned early on that there is no timeline on grief, The holidays can be such a difficult time for many people.
-Phil Gunderson “ “
Over the years, many families have even taken to collecting the different angels distributed each year. Each year features a one-of-a-kind design that can be placed on the Christmas tree, or displayed anywhere throughout the year.
While the first holiday season after a loss is always difficult, it can also be a challenging time as years go by and one feels alone in a grief that lingers on.
“We have people who come every year,” Keely Gunderson noted.
There’s something about the program that allows that grief to be remembered, and shared with others.
By LORI BERGLUND
If Christmas is about giving, then the Gowrie-based Swingin’ Fore Soldiers has a ‘Wonderful Life’ way to bring a little Christmas cheer to area residents, while at the same time raising funds in support of veterans, as well as active duty and reserves serving the nation.
Known for its 18-hole, four-person golf outing each June, Swingin’ Fore Soldiers is ramping up its fundraising this holiday season with three days of events at the Laramar Ballroom in downtown Fort Dodge. Operation Ornament is slated for Thursday through Saturday, Dec 19, 20 and 21, according to Katelyn Johnson, founder of Swingin’ Fore Soldiers.
“I started Swingin’ Fore Soldiers in 2019,” Johnson explained. “I’m a full-time medical sales rep, so I’m in and out of the V.A. I also spend a lot of time volunteering in homeless shelters, so I was starting to see gaps in our system for veterans and the ability pay basic bills.”
Johnson wasn’t content to simply worry about the situation, but decided to take action.
“I asked what I could do as a citizen to give back to our service members and their families, and that’s where I came up Swingin’ Fore Soldiers,” she said.
The golf outing has proved to a popular event each year in Gowrie. Operation Ornament is designed to ramp up fund-raising in the winter, and at the same time provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the holiday season together.
“It’s a ‘Winter Holiday Extravaganza,’” she noted. “This is an allinclusive, three-day event for the entire community.”
Throughout the three days, one of the main attractions is sure to be a Christmas tree forest, with trees decorated by local businesses and individuals. Roam through the trees and pick up some ideas for decorating at home. Business are invited to display a tree of their own and can find more information about participating on the Swingin’ Fore Soldiers Facebook page.
Another corner of the Laramar will feature Christmas movies, where families can sit a moment and get in the spirit together. The hot cocoa bar is sure to be a popular place, and kids will have a moment to visit with Santa about their Christmas list.
True to the Operation Ornament theme, there will be a craft area to create a Christmas bulb in honor on one’s personal military hero, whether that be a spouse, a father, grandfather, or maybe even a friend. The ornaments will be hung on the main stage tree, and come out each year again as more and more ornaments are crafted and added to the tree.
Entertainment for the adult evening will be Spencer Suchan on the acoustic guitar.
Mission Elf is yet another program of Swingin’ Fore Soldiers at this time of year. This program gives support and Christmas cheer to families who have members actively serving the nation.
OPERATION ORNAMENT
HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
LARAMAR BALLROOM
DEC. 19: 4 P.M. – 8 P.M.
DEC. 20: 1 P.M. – 8 P.M.
I asked what I could do as a citizen to give back to our service members and their families, and that’s where I came up Swingin’ Fore Soldiers
-Phil Gunderson “ “
There will also be a wide variety of Christmas desserts, because what’s Christmas without some special treats.
Hours for the event are: 4 – 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19; 1 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21. Free will donations are funded 100 percent to the work of Swingin’ Fore Soldiers in support of veterans, active duty, reserves, and military families.
Once the kiddies have told their wishes to Santa, adults are invited to come back from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 for an adult happy hour. There will be a variety of cocktails with a holiday theme, from peppermint martinis to cranberry mules, and many more. Heart appetizers will also be served, all for a free will donation.
“Last year we adopted 55 active duty military families,” Johnson said. “Everyone got gifts, turkey or ham, and a frosted sugar cookie kit.”
Yet another program during the holiday season is the meat give-away at Market on Market in Gowrie. Veterans can stop in to the market through Dec. 31 and receive a free turkey, ham or pork lion, a $25 value for each veteran or military family.
It’s a lot of different programs coming throughout the year, but Johnson leaves little doubt that it’s worth all the effort to support those who have served.
“We want to people to know that is where your money is going when you support Swingin’ Fore Soldiers, and how it’s making a difference in the world,” she concluded.
DEC. 21 – 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
DEC. 21 – ADULT HAPPY HOUR
6 P.M. – 9 P.M.
Blanden Memorial Art Museum Holiday Open House
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Live Music, Light Appetizers & of course, Beautiful Artwork
ICCC Art & Photography Student
Art Show
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Art & Technology Building
DECEMBER 3
Ribbon Cutting: Pancheros Mexican Grill
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Christmas Vendor Show at Salty Suz’s
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
DECEMBER 4
Unearthed: Exploring the Smithsonian National Gem Collection with Dr. Jeffrey Post
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
DECEMBER 5
Clint Riedel LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Trivia Night @ River Hops Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
DECEMBER 7
Chad Elliott LIVE at River Hops Brewing 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Jake Schrodt LIVE at Salty Suz’s
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
DECEMBER 8
Time for Angels - Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Joy to the World - Celebrating our 75th Season with the FD Area Symphony
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
515 Big Band Concert
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
DECEMBER 10
Color Your World - Adult Coloring
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Fort Dodge Iibrary
FD Middle School Winter Concert
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 6-8 Grade
DECEMBER 12
ICCC Art & Photography Awards Reception
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Art & Technology Building
Live Music with Evan Pratt & Light Appetizers 5:00 - 6:00, Awards 6:00 - 6:30
Ryne Owen LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Trivia Night @ River Hops Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
DECEMBER 12
Lone Tree Revival LIVE at the 3rd Floor Eagles Ballroom
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
All Ages Welcome! No Cover!
DECEMBER 14
Rock n Remember Tribute Show - with Joseph Hall
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Fort Frenzy Cardiff Center
Blanden Memorial Art Museum
Holiday Open House
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Live Music, Light Appetizers & of course, Beautiful Artwork
Patrick the Gathering LIVE at River Hops Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
DECEMBER 15
Shaun Johnson & the Big Band Experience present “Cool Yule Holiday Tour” in Fort Dodge
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Historic Phillips Auditorium
DECEMBER 19
Ryan Lombard LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
3rd Thursday Jam at Eagles
Hideout Lounge
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
DECEMBER 20
Brady O’Brien LIVE presents“A Very Merry Christmas” 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Center of Performing Arts
Iowa Central
Schoon Brothers LIVE at Salty Suz’s
8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
DECEMBER 26
Evan Pratt LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Burger King 2814 5th Ave. S
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza 2007 N.15th St. 2206 2nd Ave. N. 1133 S. 22nd St. 1308 3rd Ave. N. W.
Culver’s
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.
Domino’s Pizza 1430 5th Ave S.
Dunkin’ Donuts 2520 5th Ave. S. Hardee’s
5. In In what ways do you participate in the arts in Fort Dodge?
I have participated in 9 theatre productions including shows with The Comedia Musica Players, Stage Door Productions, and the Fort Dodge Middle School. I also sing in the FDMS Choir and Honor Choir as well as play percussion with the FDMS 8th grade band. Additionally, I have gotten a chance to help with back stage work including set and costuming alongside my parents in their theatre work.
What do you most enjoy about music, theatre and/or performing?
I enjoy getting to meet new people because new people create new opportunities. I love getting to share my love for music and theater and making others happy.
Age: 13
Grade/School: Fort Dodge Middle School • Hometown: Fort Dodge
What have you learned from being involved in musical productions?
I have learned to become a better singer as well as learned confidence on stage. I have also learned how much work and dedication actually goes into making a show or performing for an audience.
do you want to be when you are an adult?
I would like to be a professional photographer and continue to do musicals and plays as well.
is your favorite musical and why?
“Six” is my favorite because I love how it tells the woman’s side of the story of Henry the 8th. They were all strong confident women. I also like the powerful music of this show.
If you could play any part in a musical, who would you play and why?
I would like to play Anna of Cleves from the musical “Six”. She feels like the most confident woman who didn’t need Henry the 8th to validate who she is. I hope to have that type of confidence in life.
Walk us through your typical school day.
I ride the bus to school and usually take a few moments to visit with friends. Then I go to homeroom, ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. I get to end the day with my two favorite classes: band and choir! Depending on the time of year, I may stay late to play sports or participate in musical practice.
What other activities are you involved in?
I have played volleyball in both 7th and 8th with the FDMS, and I am excited to join the FDSH swim team next year.
If you could meet anyone famous, who would you want to meet and why?
I would like to meet Emma Watson or Evanna Lynch, who played Hermione Granger and Luna Lovgood in the Harry Potter movie series. They were my favorite characters in the books and the movies because they are fun and silly but also smart and brave.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, who would you take and why?
I would like to visit Europe, specifically, Rome, Paris, and Greece. I would like to visit Rome and Paris for their architecture and Greece because I have always been fascinated by Greek Mythology. I would take my friend, Lauren, with me because even though I have only known her for a few years, we have become very close and always have a great time together.
By Tom Tourville
It was close to five years ago I wrote about the Midwest’s Top Ten holiday and Christmas recordings of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
I though it would be fun if I brought that column back for this holiday season. Update it, add in some new recordings and put new rankings in place. This was one of my favorite columns that I had done and reminded me why, I just love Christmas music from across the Midwest.
So many of the artists I’m going to share with you have appeared at our area ballrooms: the Laramar, Plamor, Twilight & Star Ballrooms. If the artist appeared at a local ballroom, I’ll note that. Keep in mind, many of these releases are on YouTube. You can go there and take a listen. Happy Holidays. See you again in 2025.
1. The Trashmen Minneapolis, MN
“Dancin’ With Santa” Garrett Records 1964 • Performed at the Laramar & Star Ballrooms
Just think about the kings of the Minnesota surf sound making a Christmas record right at the top of their popularity. It was a great seller across the Midwest and an entertaining record. It came with a great picture sleeve with all the guys being surrounded by a Christmas wreath. A rare and classic picture sleeve and an amazing Minnesota Christmas release.
2. Boys Next Door Indianapolis, IN “Christmas Kiss” Atco/Bad Records
1966 • Performed at the Plamor Ballroom
The Boys Next Door, known as the “Beach Boys Of The Midwest,” put out an amazing 45 with multi beautiful mixed vocals. It was truly outstanding and reminds one of the Four Seasons. Be sure to seek it out on YouTube.
3. The Rumbles Ltd - Omaha, NE
“Wildest Christmas” Dads Records
1968 • Performed at the Laramar & Plamor Ballrooms
Again incredible vocals. A super holiday release with a great picture sleeve of the Rumbles Ltd.
4. The Rumbles Ltd - Omaha, NE
“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” Dads Records
1981 • Performed at the Twilight Ballroom
This is a fun re-release from 1981 and at the time the Rumbles Ltd had re-formed after many years in retirement. One of the new records they decided to re-release was their “The Wildest Christmas” 45 now with new members, Steve Hough-drums (original founder of band,) Bob Ford-keyboards, Lance Hancock-guitar and Rich Berg-bass. Again, incredible vocals. A super holiday release with a great NEW picture sleeve showing the new Rumbles Ltd again wearing Santa hats. This time we’ll listen to the “B” side.
5. Mission Mountain Wood Band - Missoula, MT “White Christmas”
1980 • Backstreet Records
They are said to have performed at the Laramar Ballroom
One of my all time favorite Christmas Midwest/Mountain states releases. The Mission Mountain Wood Band were one of the true stalwarts of bringing county rock to the Midwest ballrooms. This very rare record came with an beautiful full color artists art sleeve.
6. Curt Powell - Okoboji, IA “White Christmas” Unreleased In ‘60s , Late ‘60s Performed at Hollyhock, Showboat and Valhalla Ballrooms
Curt was known as the best “hired guitar gun” in the Midwest. He played for such bands as Myron Lee & The Caddies, Dee Jay & The Runaways, the Senn Menn and more. He recorded this incredible version of “White Christmas “at Iowa’s IGL Studios in the late ‘60s. It was included on the “Iowa Rock N Roll Christmas” CD from 2005. All I can say is “Wow!”
7. Bobby Vee - Fargo, ND “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
Liberty Records
1962 • Performed at the Laramar & Twilight Ballrooms
If one takes the world class vocals of Bobby and add this Christmas classic, you have a real deal top seller. This song was on Bobby’s “Merry Christmas From Bobby Vee” LP.
8. Doyle Clark & The /Sundowners - Des Moines, IA “It’s Christmas”
Ven Jence Records
1972 • Performed at Fort Dodge’s Hayloft Bar/Club
Doyle and his Sundowners were constant performers across the Midwest music scene. He recorded many 45 record releases over his music career but. my favorite is Doyle’s Christmas release of “It’s Christmas.” It’s a true Midwest country holiday keeper.
9. Sherwin Linton - Watertown, SD
“Santa Got A DWI” Breaker Records • 1986 Sherwin performed at the Star Ballroom
Sherwin’s “Santa Got A DWI” is a fun holiday record releases from the Midwest. Sherwin has always released some records that have had a “tongue in cheek” tone to them. Sherwin puts on and amazing live show. Go see him before he retires.
10. Mannheim Steamroller - Omaha, NE “Deck The Halls/Silent Night” American Gramophone • 1984 Members hve played at the Laramar Ballroom
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Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.
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Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
Previous dental work can wear out.
That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.
Of course, you can create your own Top Ten Midwest holiday list. Do so, it is fun to do and will get you in the holiday spirit.
Thanks for letting me be a part of your life in 2024. I have some great rock and roll memories in the works for you along with a story on my all new book. “Sun, Sand, Surf & Sidewalls.” III that I’ve been working on for three years. I can’t wait to tell you about it.
There is no more of an iconic holiday artist than Omaha’s Mannheim Steamroller. One of my favorites is their”Deck The Halls” on American Gramophone Records. While the “group” has never played in any of our local ballrooms, some of the members of the Steamroller have played at the Laramar before the Steamroller was even formed. This record comes with a beautiful color picture sleeve.
If any of you are around the Okoboji, Iowa/Iowa Great Lakes Area on Sunday December 15th, at 1:00 PM, I’ll be presenting the Top Ten Midwest Christmas records from the ‘60s, ‘70’s & ‘80s at a LIVE record listening party. It takes place at Old School Mercantile Antiques--10 Broadway St, Arnolds Park, Iowa. Come and join me for the holiday fun.
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones. The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.
Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.
Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $222 for a checkup ... $190 for a filling ... $1,213 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
“Absolutely
“I absolutely love my
in your
Age: 50 • Hometown: Fort Dodge, IA
Instrument: Percussion
Profession: Director of Athletic Bands – Iowa Central Community College
How long have you been performing?
While like most participating in the grade school music programs, my instrumental career started in the 5th grade – 40 years ago.
Tell us about a couple of your most memorable performances?
Who has the greatest influence on you musically?
How did you first become interested in making music?
Music was in our household in different forms. I recall as a youth patiently waiting for my parents to be done with church choir practice and many Sundays seated in the choir loft. My first drumset started when we purchased a small bass drum and pedal at a garage sale, and then I completed the set by adding Schwan’s plastic ice cream buckets. They were strategically kept in the basement.
One of my first weeks of the college semester, I was approached by Lance Lehmberg, the chair of the music department at Morningside College, saying that we (jazz band rhythm section) had a trio gig at the National Guard base in Sioux City. Only having participated in the school band setting, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into or what to expect. Eric Riley, the bass player, reassured me with “not to worry, we’ll tell you how fast to go.” That was my first paying gig, and also came back to the college that night with a large meat and cheese tray. I was hooked.
Weekly jazz combo gigs at Winnavegas Casino in Sloan, IA, and soon after various dance band jobs taught me so much about playing with others, the styles and improvisation that comes in jazz and so much more.
While still in college, I was able to have a “solo scream” with the Sioux City Symphony, and was featured soloist with the Morningside Symphonic Wind Ensemble as Gerald McBoing Boing, the Dr. Seuss story.
Being involved in a variety of styles and events, I’ve taken from many influences. For the individual applied percussion realm, from building “chops” to drumset styles and more, Tommy Igoe and the theories he shares from his father Sonny Igoe are a constant conversation. Jazz legend Roy Haynes passed away recently. He’s the reason I love flat ride cymbals for my drumset playing. I credit Lance Lehmberg for giving me performance opportunities and memories that I carry with me and continue today.
If you had a chance to meet any performer/musician, alive or dead, whom would you choose?
Stanton Moore. I’m still bummed that I was going to spend a weekend learning from him once and the event was cancelled. His knowledge of New Orleans – style drumming and other players is endless.
What are some of your musical accomplishments as an instructor?
All accomplishments I give credit to the students as could not do anything without them. During my time at Iowa Central, we’ve stared the Percussion Ensemble, “Legion of Boom” Drumline, and the Triton Marching Band. We also started the Triton Jazz Festival, which this year
will expand to four days of bands coming to town for clinics and performances.
We don’t do what we do for ratings or trophies. The best accomplishments occur when former students share where they’ve gone in life, whether careers or family, and especially ways they’ve found to continue playing.
What is the most unusual thing to have happened to you during a show/performance?
Have had lots of strange little things, like breaking a mallet that strikes a member of the audience, to once playing the ending of Great Gate of Kiev, and the button coming off my jacket mid-song and striking a
tympani head – almost in time with the piece.
These days, where would we see you playing throughout the year?
On stage at the middle school and Oleson Park Bandshell as I play regularly with the Karl L. King Municipal Band. The last few years I’ve also begun to play “dance jobs” again, picking up a few sub gigs with the Al Welsh Orchestra . Will still pick up an occasional gig when and where they fit into the work/life balance, but I am picky about it. I used to play regularly most weekends, but have backed down for life balance, and my old bones don’t like to cart around drums like I used to.
What has been the hardest lesson to learn when it comes to music and performing?
The harshest critic is often yourself. Even with more than adequate preparation and 100% effort into a performance, mistakes will occur. Most of the time the audience won’t even know they happened. However, you must be
able to do a self-evaluation to truly understand and respect the art form.
What do you tell a student who is interested in pursuing a career in music/music education?
I often start by asking what their knowledge and work-ethic is. So many people enjoy music, and in wanting to have a career they enjoy think of music. I applaud them for that thought. However, quite often, many will experience “work takes the fun out of it” when working to music as a career. Like many paths, one needs to make a few wrong notes before properly making a chord.
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By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net
MANSON - Games, crafts, and perhaps most importantly, a visit from Santa Claus, will get the holiday season started in Manson.
All that will be part of an event called Manson Hometown Christmas, which will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 in the MAC center.
“It offers all kinds of little fun activities,” said Justin Widlund, one of the event’s organizers. “The big attraction is, of course, Santa.”
Widlund said there is no admission fee and all the games and snacks are free. The Manson businesses chip in to pay for all of that.
“I just feel like it’s a really worthwhile event and a way for the businesses to give back to the community,” he said. There will be free popcorn and hot chocolate.
There will be a series of booths or statons in the MAC center, each offering a different activity. Those activities will include making a Christmas ornament, decorating Christmas cookies and writing letters to Santa.
There will be games for kids, including some set up and conducted by FFA members.
There will be a vendor fair offering items for sale. Manson Hometown Christmas has been a holiday season staple in the Calhoun County community for about 20 years..
To usher in the holiday spirit, Fort Dodge Choral Society will present “The Joys of Christmas” under the direction of Greta Nelson. The concern features Kirke Mechem’s “Seven Joys of Christmas”; seven settings of beautiful, lesser known carols from different countries that describe various aspects of joy around the holiday and new year seasons.
Other works by Dan Forrest, Shawn Kirchner, and John Rutter will also be featured in this joyous choral performance.
The concert will take place at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 239 N 11th St. Fort Dodge on December 22, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, free for students and also included with Fort Dodge Choral Society membership.
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