Twist and Shout • July 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.

Stage Door Productions marks 10th anniversary with one wild show. Madagascar Junior comes alive at the FD Middle School

The premise was simple: give kids of all ages an opportunity to get involved in local theater as young as possible. Make it simple, but grand; involve parents, and invite the community to celebrate youth through the shows and performances. Itás been 10 years since Shelly Bottorff and her sister, Susan Ahlers Leman, came together to found Stage Door Productions in Fort Dodge. As sisters, they grew up on the stage and knew the value of theater to help build confidence, learn to work with others, and simply taking the bold move of stepping on a stage to perform in front of

Maiya Herndon, left, and Carson Lamoureux sing out during chorus rehearsal for Madagascar.

Stage Door Productions celebrates its 10th year this summer with the fun-loving performance of’âMadagascar Jr.’, this month at the Fort Dodge Middle School. Community members will want to “Move it, Move it, Move it” to get to this fastpaced show that will have the audience cheering and laughing for these kids who give it their all as young performers.

“The kids are really doing great,ã said Director Alyssa Sparks. âThey are having fun, which is the most important thing with a kids show.”

by lori berglund

Stage Door Productions is known for its huge cast of young people, and ‘Madagascar’ is no exception. The group actually uses projected backdrops just to make room for all the characters that may be on stage at one time. “There’s 80-plus kids in the show, and thatás a ton of kids,” Sparks said. “They are pretty well focused when they are out there, and they are just doing a great job of staying on task.”

‘Madagascar Jr.’ is proving to be a very fun show for the kids, who knew the storyline so well from the popular movie. But it’s not really about animals and zoos, or even singing and acting, the real goal of Stage Door Productions is developing good citizens in the next generation.

“These kids learn team work,” Sparks said. “They learn so much about public speaking, and that’s a fear that a lot of adults have. Putting yourself out there in front of people can be scary. For the kids here, getting involved in theater really helps develop confidence and the ability to get up in front of people, for whatever the purpose.

Sparks gives great credit to the parents, some of whom were in the audience watching for a recent chorus rehearsal. With such a big show, and so many kids, it would not be possible without lots of support from parents.

“We wouldnát be able to do the show without the parents,” Sparks said. “We teach them music one day a week, choreography gets them one day a week, I get them one day a week, but if the parents arenát helping them practice at home, helping them memorize lines, helping with costumes, this just wouldn’t happen.”

Sparks said a rigid schedule is one of the keys to keeping so many working parts all moving forward to create a wonderful show for the public

Show times for ‘Madagascar’ will be 7 p.m., July 20, 21, and 22, with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on July 22. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 and up. Doors open a half hour prior to each performance. Tickets are available at HyVee and at stagedoorfd.org.

‘Madagascar’ is just the latest in a long series of performances to come from Stage Door Productions. In the early years, the group even did two shows each summer, eventually opting to concentrate on one as they say “really big show.”

“Since the inception of Stage Door Productions in 2013, we have done now 12 youth summer productions,” said Bottorff, who also serves as executive director of the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association. “We held an online talent review during COVID in 2020. We have produced nine small cast musical productions, and 11 cabaret shows featuring local performers of all ages and experience.” Bottorff is impressed with the team bringing âMadagascarã to the stage this summer.

“I would argue that we have the ‘best of the best’ when it comes to our creative team,” she said. “Alyssa Sparks, at the head, does an amazing job keeping everything in line, handling the production schedules and managing the rest of the team.”

Sparks, an experienced director, is just one member of the team coordinating the various talent of some 80 kids on one stage.

“We couldn’t do this without Megan Cassady. She has a way with the kids that makes them feel confident on stage. And, man, they sing their little hearts out. Emily Eastwood, is another huge asset. She is organized and always finds a way to include all abilities when it comes to choreography.”

While youth is always the focus of Stage Door Productions, the organization has also branched out into cabaret shows that bring people of many ages together on stage. The next cabaret show is planned for Nov. 16 -17.

“These cabaret shows are a way of exposing the community to new musical theater numbers, as well as classic favorites performed by a variety of different community members,” Bottorff said. “We have had lawyers, bankers, teachers, singers, actors, from 5 years old to 80 years old, participate in the cabaret productions. It’s a great way for people to share their talents but without the commitment required when putting together a full-scale production.” The numbers of community members involved in both sides of the Stage Door performances is impressive.

“We have had over 150 people participate in the cabaret shows,” Bottorff said. “We have had approximately 75 people participate in our adult, small cast musicals. We have had over 500 youth, ages 6 to 17, participate in our summer musical theater productions.”

Bottorff is extremely grateful to all that have given their support to Stage Door Productions over the last decade. From volunteers and parents, to the kids themselves, none of it would happen without some generous support.

“Shows like this cost money,” Bottorff said. “We spend roughly $25,000 creating these experiences.”

The payoff comes in giving kids a safe way to spend time together, to give them goals and positive experiences, to help them become the responsible citizens needed for the future.

To learn more about Stage Door Productions, visit stagedoordf.org. Bottorff can also be reached directly at fdfinearts@gmail.com.

for their part to sing out during a chorus rehearsal session for Madagascar.

These cast members are ready to steal the show at Madagascar.

From left in front are; Brek Pingel as Melman the giraffe, Drake Wertz as Alex the lion, and Sol Birkey as Gloria the Hippo. In back is Wesley Anderson as Marty the zebra

DOORS OPEN A HALF HOUR PRIOR TO THE SHOW. $5 FOR ANYONE AGES 5 AND UP $15 FOR ADULTS

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT HYVEE IN FORT DODGE ONLINE AT WWW.STAGEDOORFD.ORG

Sisters Harper, left and Clara Sandahl study the music and wait

COUNTY FAIRS ARE THE PLACE TO BE FOR FAMILY FUN

Summer in Iowa is all about the fair!

Sweet corn, cheesecake, watermelon, hot dogs, funnel cakes, mini doughnuts… but it’s not about the food. Really, fairs are NOT about food! They are about families and fun, kids and animals, wholesome, clean, fun.

It’s fair season in Iowa, and one does not need to drive to Des Moines, fight the traffic, experience sticker shock at the prices, and all that. Nope, it all begins right here, in small town Iowa with county fairs galore coming up throughout Central Iowa.

There is so much happening at all of the fairs. You really don’t need to know the difference between a barrow and a gilt to enjoy watching the kids at 4-H and FFA shows show off their livestock. The kids know the difference, they know their animals because they have been working with them all summer long. At any of the fairs, look for sewing exhibits, woodworking, and STEM projects galore. There will be commercial exhibits with plenty of swag, and yes, food.

by lori berglund

Here’s a look at just a few of the highlights coming up at county fair season gets underway.

CALHOUN COUNTY FAIR – JULY 5 - 9

The Calhoun County Fair is set for July 5 – 9 at the county fairgrounds in Rockwell City.

Always a favorite to kick off the fair is the annual parade beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5. The evening continues with the Miss Calhoun County contest, followed by the Little Miss Calhoun County contest. The beer garden will open for the evening at 9 p.m., with a “Glow Run” at the Expo Center at 9:30 p.m., followed by a Glow Foam party. All the traditional fair fun continues throughout the fair, from 4-H and FFA shows, to commercial exhibits and more. Scott Amusements will provide the fun on the midway.

Thursday, July 6, offers the tasty event of Calhoun County’s best cheesecake contest at 6:30 p.m.

A free-will donation is all it takes to enjoy the IRR Youth Rodeo at 7 p.m. Be sure to stay around for an outdoor movie, weather permitting, at 9:30 p.m. But, if it should rain, the farmers probably won’t mind!

Friday, July 7, is Farm Bureau Day at the fair. Farm Bureau and Calhoun County Pork Producers will serve a pork barbecue at noon. The day wraps up with a truck pull at 7 p.m.

Not to be outdone, the Calhoun County Cattlemen will serve a noon beef barbecue on Saturday, July 8. For some simple fair fun, don’t miss Bingo with the Women’s Auxiliary from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The grand finale on Saturday will be Figure 8 races, starting at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks and Danny Grause.

Layne Condon

Sunday, July 9, is Family Fun Day. There will be an antique tractor ride beginning at 10 a.m. and an antique tractor pull on the track at the same time.

The fair wraps up with the cookout contest at 11 a.m., Sunday. There will be horseshoe pitching at 1 p.m. and another foam party by Hometown Heroes, also at 1 p.m.

HAMILTON COUNTY FAIR – JULY 25 - 30

The Hamilton County Fair kicks off from July 25 – July 30. It all starts with one of the biggest fair parades around, stepping off through Webster City and out to the fairgrounds beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25. Scott Amusements will be on the midway and commercial exhibits will be open. The evening caps off with Red Dirt Renegades at 7:30 p.m. on the Decker Trucking Stage.

Throughout the fair, look for great livestock shows, 4-H and open class exhibits. The highlight for Wednesday, July 26, will be the crowning of the 2023 Hamilton County Fair Queen, 6 p.m. at the grandstand. Following the coronation, Royce Johns and Fat Tuesday will be performing at 7 p.m. on the Decker stage.

Thursday, July 27, starts off bright and early with breakfast served by the Hamilton County Fair Foundation from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Crestview Nursing and Rehab tent. Daily events include a pedal pull, Farmer Phil Show, and more.

The famous Hamilton County Speedway dirt track comes alive with Thursday Night Thunder at 6:30 p.m. to cap off the evening.

The popular Bucket/Bottle calf show is back on Friday, July 28, at 5 p.m. at the showring. At 6:30 p.m., enjoy hot laps and figure 8 racing, plus ATV races. The Tank Anthony Band will be performing at 7 p.m., followed by The Punching Pandas.

Breakfast is back from the Fair Foundation from 7 a.m. to 9 :30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29. Saturday also brings the cookout king contest and pork loin contest.

For family fun, don’t miss the Bill Riley Talent Show at 4 p.m. Saturday on the Ed Prince Stage. Wrapping it up that evening will be hot laps on the speedway at 6:30 p.m. for kids’ night at the races. Be sure to stay around for The Sons of Gladys Kravis performing at 8 p.m. on Decker Stage.

The community is invited to worship together with a service by the Webster City Ministerial Association, Faith at the Fair, at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 30, at the Iowa Corn Trailer. All the exhibits and fun continue on Sunday, wrapping up with the Eve of Destruction, 5:30 p.m. at the grandstand.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY FAIR – JULY 25 - 31

The Humboldt County Fair is slated for July 25 – 31 at the county fairgrounds in Humboldt. Tuesday, July 25, will be a busy day with 4-H exhibit and club booth judging. Major events get underway in a sky-high way on Wednesday, July 26.

Helicopter rides will be offered beginning 4 p.m. and continuing until dark. The cost is $20 and up, depending on the duration of the ride. For those who don’t want to get quite that high, the carnival opens on the midway at 5 p.m.

The Humboldt County Fair Board will offer a free watermelon feed from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The moment many will be waiting for starts at 7 p.m. in the grandstand with the Little Miss and Mr. contest, followed by the crowning of the 2023 Humboldt County Fair Queen. showring.

Friday, July 28, brings the truck and tractor pull to the grandstand, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Another great crowd is expected on Saturday, July 29, with a country concert featuring Tyler Farr and Jake Worthington beginning at 7 p.m. at the grandstand.

The public is welcome to gather for ‘Cowboy Church’ at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 30, at the South Event Center. Family friendly Sunday continues at 2 p.m. with the Bill Riley Talent Show.

Harper lockner

Sunday wraps up with the Tough Truck show at the grandstand at 7 p.m., and the chainsaw art auction at intermission, approximately 8 p.m.

Monday, July 31, is a quiet but important day at the fair with the auction of fair livestock in the showring beginning at 8:30 a.m.

POCAHONTAS COUNTY – JULY 13 – 17

The Pocahontas County Fair will delight one and all from July 13 – 17. Family fun is the name of the game, 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock shows, and much more.

Starting it off on Thursday, July 13, will be a Community Band performance at 5 p.m., accompanied by a tenderloin supper from 5 to 7 p.m. That all builds up to the crowning of the 2023 Pocahontas County Fair Queen and Little Miss Pocahontas at 6 p.m.

Friday, July 14, will feature free ice cream, courtesy of Farm Credit Services, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Family Fun night on this day will feature a bounce house the Bubbler from 5 to 8 p.m.

Free watermelon starts it off from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, sponsored by Farm Bureau. There will be a beef steak supper from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss the evening’s entertainment with Lizzy, comedy and stage hypnosis at 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 16, will start with a pancake breakfast, time to be determined. After a full day at the fair, don’t miss the turkey tenderloin supper served by the fair board from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Capping off the evening on Sunday will be a Teen Fun Night, with an escape room, yard games, and food, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The fair wraps on Monday, July 17, with the annual livestock auction beginning at 8:30 a.m.

SAC COUNTY – JULY 25 - 29

The Sac County Fair kicks off from July 25 – 29 at the county fairgrounds, across from the Chautauqua Pavilion in Sac City.

All are invited to gather at the grandstand for the National Anthem at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, for the official opening of the fair. The evening will continue with the Little Miss and Mr. pageant at 6:15 p.m., followed by the crowning of the 2023 Sac County Fair Queen at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 26, brings mutton busting to the grandstand at 6 p.m. If that’s not wild enough, carnival rides open at 6:30 p.m. There will be a Quilt of Valor presentation at 7 p.m., also at the grandstand. The evening wraps up with the Barnes PRCA rodeo at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Day is Thursday, July 27, at the fair. There will be a quilt race at 10 a.m., a petting zoo, chainsaw artist and all the traditional fair fun. Seniors can enjoy free ice cream from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

The evening’s big entertainment will the Outlaw Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. in grandstand. Be sure to stay around for DJ Duane Murley in the beer garden at 9 p.m.

Friday, July 28, bring the buck skinners camp from 1 to 8 p.m. near the gazebo. The Iowa favorite Bill Riley Talent Show is set for 5 p.m. Cap off the evening on Friday with Figure 8 races at 7 p.m., and Duane Murley, back in the beer garden at 9 p.m.

Kids Day will be Saturday, July 29, with family friendly fun all day long. There will be a bike rodeo at 11 a.m., farmers market and vendor fair. A free kids lunch will be served at noon. Sign-up begins at 12:30 p.m. for a sanctioned pedal power pull at 1 p.m.

The fair wraps up with Eddie Montgomery performing at the grandstand. Cory Waller will open the show beginning at 8 p.m.

Spencer Suchan

WEBSTER COUNTY – JULY 12 - 16

The Webster County Fair is slated for July 12 – 16 at the fairgrounds just

WRIGHT COUNTY FAIR – JULY 12 - 16

Come early on Wednesday, July 12, for the official flag raising to open the annual fair. It will be a busy day, highlighted by the King and Queen contest at 7 p.m., plus the Little Miss and Mr. contest and style show in the east auditorium.

Iron Cowgirl will be featured at 7 p.m., along with Bob Bohm Survivor and Otter Adventure at 8:30 p.m., There will be an outdoor movie at 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 13, is Kids Day, featuring all kinds of family fun. There will be a Jumpin’ Jamboree at 10:45 a.m. and a “Not Old Enough for 4-H” party at 11 a.m.

One day isn’t enough for Kids Day in Webster County, and so the fun for the kiddies continues on Thursday, July 13. The Bill Riley Talent Show is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, followed by IRR Youth Rodeo at 7 p.m., as well as Figure 8 races.

Friday, July 14, features Barnyard Olympics at 2 p.m. Fuel-up after the ‘Olympics’ with a pulled pork dinner at 3 p.m. There will be a tractor show at 5 p.m. Grandstand entertainment on Friday will feature the Tuff Truck show.

The fun keeps on going on Saturday, July 15, with a watermelon feed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a kids Pedal Pull at 1 p.m., and an antique tractor pull, also at 1 p.m., with free admission.

Great fair food will always be available, including a sweet corn feed at 5 p.m., for just a free-will donation. Also at the time, the Dayton Tigers 4-H Club will be selling ice cream.

Jessica McClintock takes to the stage in concert at 5 p.m. Saturday. The day will also feature an All Iowa Trivia Contest at 5:30 p.m. in the east auditorium. The evening wraps up with an open truck pull at 6 p.m.

Sunday, July 16, bring the United All Stars performing at 11:45 a.m. There will be a Parade of Champions dinner at 5 p.m., by invitation only, and the annual Parade of Champions at 6:30 p.m.

The Wright County Fair will run July 12 – 16 at the county fairgrounds in Eagle Grove. Scott Amusements will provide the fun on the midway, with 4-H, and FFA shows and exhibits, and special events throughout the fair.

It all starts on Wednesday, July 12, with a 6 p.m. parade through Eagle Grove, followed by a free watermelon feed in Greenwood Park at 7 p.m. The main program for the evening begins at 7:30 p.m. with recognition of the parade grand marshal, scholarship recipients, Little Miss and Mr. contest.

The big finale of the night on Wednesday will be the crowing of the 2023 Wright County Fair Queen on the James R. Johnson stage.

Thursday, July 13, brings the Annual Wright County Fair Supper, with serving beginning at 5:30 p.m., free with a grandstand button the Johnson stage. Enjoy some great local entertainment with the Bill Riley Talent Show, also beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the stage area.

Thursday also brings the Wright Rodeo beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the grandstand.

Major attractions on Friday, July 14, will include a special honor celebration for veterans at 6 p.m. on the Johnson stage. All are invited to come and help offer thanks to veterans.

Grandstand entertainment on Friday will be the NTPA Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 15, will bring Black Hawk to the grand stand, with an opening performance by Farm Rock.

Community members are invited to an ecumenical worship service hosted by Grace Evangelical Free Church on the Johnson stage at 11 a.m. Sunday

Barrels and Bands wraps up the fair with a show at 7 p.m. Sunday in the grandstand. Be sure to stick around for a fireworks show to celebrate another great fair.

Pulse THE S & H O U T ! LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY 12

Artists by Nature: Art at the Park with Webster County Conservation

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Children’s Forest @ Kennedy park

920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

The Sound of Music

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Webster City Community Theatre

1001 Willson Ave • Webster City, Ia

COLLECTIVE SOUL

JULY 15TH • Doors open at 5pm oleson park bandshell

JULY 2

Mr. V Duo

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 5

Sweet Treats Art Camp 7+

3 Day Art Camp

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Blanden Memorial Art Museum

920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 7

The Sound of Music

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Webster City Community Theatre

1001 Willson Ave • Webster City, IA

Salty View

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 8

Abstract Sculpture - Ages 14+

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Blanden Memorial Art Museum

920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

The Sound of Music

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Webster City Community Theatre 1001 Willson Ave • Webster City, IA

JULY 9

The Sound of Music

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Webster City Community Theatre 1001 Willson Ave • Webster City, IA

Bingo

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 11 14+ Mixed Media, Celebrating Music and History of the 60s - 90s Alt Rock

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Blanden Memorial Art Museum

920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 13

Lisa Frank Inspired Adult Art Camp -

2 Day Art Camp

1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Blanden Memorial Art Museum

920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

Ribbon Cutting: Dodge Graphix

4:00 PM

The Sound of Music

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Webster City Community Theatre

1001 Willson Ave • Webster City, IA

JULY 14

The Sound of Music

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Webster City Community Theatre

1001 Willson Ave • Webster City, IA

Lone Tree Revival

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery Fort Dodge, IA

Fort Dodge YP’s Semi-Annual Deck Party

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

JULY 15

Free Art Saturday

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

The Sound of Music

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Webster City Community Theatre 1001 Willson Ave • Webster City, IA

JULY 16

Riddled with Class

1:00 - 5:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 18

Mario Inspired Art Camp 7+

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 19

Hawkeye Theatre Presents “Eurydice”

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hawkeye Community Theatre

521 North 12th Street • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 20

Stage Door Productions presents Madagascar Jr.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Fort Dodge Middle School 800 North 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

Hawkeye Theatre Presents “Eurydice”

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hawkeye Community Theatre

521 North 12th Street • Fort Dodge, IA

Stage Door Productions presents Madagascar Jr.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Fort Dodge Middle School

800 North 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 21

Brady O’Brien Live Presents

“Rockin’ The Park”

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Oleson Park Bandshell

1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA

Clint Riedel

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

Stage Door Productions presents Madagascar Jr.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Fort Dodge Middle School

800 North 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

Hawkeye Theatre Presents “Eurydice”

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hawkeye Community Theatre

521 North 12th Street • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 22

Author Amber Rodgers Book Signing -

Meet & Greet

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Fort Dodge Public Library

424 Central Ave. • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Stage Door Productions presents Madagascar Jr.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Fort Dodge Middle School

800 North 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY

Hawkeye Theatre Presents “Eurydice”

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Hawkeye Community Theatre

521 North 12th Street • Fort Dodge, IA

Stage Door Productions presents Madagascar Jr.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Fort Dodge Middle School

800 North 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA

Hawkeye Theatre Presents “Eurydice”

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hawkeye Community Theatre

521 North 12th Street • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 23

Bingo

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 25

Monet’s Garden Art Camp 7+

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Blanden Memorial Art Museum

920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 28

Adam Girard

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

JULY 29

Teen/Adult Acrylic Painting - Painting

Cacti and Succulents

1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Blanden Memorial Art Museum

920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

JULY 30

Dirk Quinn Band

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Soldier Creek Winery

Fort Dodge, IA

Perry Fine Arts will be presenting its annual “Musical Extravaganza and Ice Cream Social” at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 in the Centrum of the First United Methodist Church, 1100 3rd St., Perry.

Perry Fine Arts annual variety show has been going for 48 years. It has become a mainstay of Perry’s Fourth of July festivities. Come and enjoy, in air-conditioned comfort, as Perry area performers entertain you with vocals and instrumentals. Some of the performers will

include Doc McCaulley and daughter Katie Villalobos, Steve and Sean Parnell, David Cannon, Rick Fazel, Lou Hogar, Patty Boyle, Bret Pierce, Brent Halling, Andrea Brownlee, Valerie Lund, Jim Caufield and others. Following the program, come and socialize while having a scoop (or two) of ice cream and goodies.

Perry Fine Arts concerts are free and open to all. A freewill offering will be taken and a reception will follow the concert. The building is handicapped.

Good Eats &Drinks

dining:

1762 Johnson Ave, Fort Dodge, | (515) 570-8574 Hours:

FAST-FOOD:

MONDAY: Burger night, $3.00 o all burgers

TUESDAY: All you can eat fried chicken bu et starting at 5pm WEDNESDAY: Pizza night, buy one large specialty pizza at regular price and get one free medium one topping pizza. THURSDAY: Wing night, $3 o each order of wings (traditional or boneless)

Prime rib and fried chicken

By Tom Tourville

FOOT STOMPIN’ WITH THE LEGENDARY UNDERBEATS

they were all top end singers and Jim Johnson was maybe the best musician to come from the Minnesota music scene of the ‘60s. He was simply incredible!

During one of their shows, they crossed paths with record owner George Garrett. The man that was behind all the Trashmen’s successful record releases. Garrett took the band into his studio and the magic and fun began to happen. Their first effort was the incredible “Foot Stompin’/Route 66” on Soma Records (#4004). The song was a cover of an R&B classic by the Flares. The record sold like crazy across the Midwest including Fort Dodge.

In 1965 Tom Nystrom joined the Underbeats from the Accents (“Why”) and replaced Rod Eaton on drums. At the same time Ray Berg left the band to get married and was replaced by Enrico Rosenbaum from the Escapades. Now the band had the four of the best singers in Minnesota rock.

Johnson thought it would be a good idea for the band to record again but use a different name. This time it was to be as Calvin James and the Haymarket Riot. Under this name they released one incredible record in the form of “Footsteps/Find This Woman” (Stature Records #1104). Johnson also recorded a solo effort for Stature Records (#1103) under the name JoJo Smith with “Find This Woman/Make Mine Coffee.”

In 1967 they would record again with a release that really showed off their four-part harmonies with “It’s Gonna To Rain Today/Sweetest Girl In The World” for Metrobeat Records (#4449). The vocal work on this record was a preview of what was to come for the Underbeats.

Soon the band would make a big decision and re-locate from Minnesota to Los Angeles, CA. The plan was to leave Minnesota behind and create a new image, maybe even a new name and get a national recording deal. You know what, they checked off all three boxes.

to 1962. If you were growing up in Minnesota during this period you had the soundtrack of your youth with the music of the Foot Stompin’ Underbeats. They were the most successful long-term band to call Minnesota home during the ‘60s. Let me explain.

Let’s go back to 1962 when two North Minneapolis High School students wanted to form a band. It was a simple start for guitarist Jim Johnson and bass player Doni Larson. They were set on playing R&B music. That love of R&B music would serve them well their entire careers.

In 1963 they brought on onboard Ray Berg as the second guitarist and Rod Eaton joined on drums. With lots of practice in Larson’s basement, things really started to come together for the guys. Now it was time to settle on a name and the Underbeats was chosen. The band had something special,

To say they were one hot act in the Midwest, would be an understatement. Just look at this list of releases: “Book Of Love/Darling Lorraine” (Soma #1449), “Annie Do The Dog/Sweet Words Of Love” (Bangar #632), “Little Romance/Broken Arrow” (Bangar #657), “JoJo- Gune/Our Love” (Twin Town #706), “Shake It For Me/I Can’t Stand It” (Soma #1458). All of these releases and record labels were George Garrett’s. There was not a hotter band on the Midwest and Iowa music scenes than the Underbeats!

In 1966 the band got blindsided when the heart and soul of the band, Jim Johnson, was drafted into the Army.

Before he left to the military, Jim recruited Jim Walsh from the Hot Half Dozen on keyboards and Loren “Wally” Walstead from the Convoys on guitar. The Underbeats never missed a beat with Johnson’s departure. This new version of the band stayed in place until Johnson returned from the service and re-joined the band as Walstead re-joined the Convoys.

Because of their crazy talent, they got a job quickly at one of the hottest clubs in Los Angeles, Gezzarris on the famed Sunset Strip. A new name change was in order as they re-branded the band as simply, Gypsy. As Gypsy they got multi record deal offers and were finally signed to a two-record deal with Metromedia Records and later another two LP deal with RCA Records.

They went on to significant fame. During this early ‘70s period, I was fortunate to have booked Gypsy several times.

It must have been amazing when the Underbeats, early in their careers, took the stage at our Laramar Ballroom in April of 1963 and hit that first note. I bet you could have heard the Foot Stompin” all the way to Humboldt.

Today, Berg, Larson and Eaton are all retired and not still active in music. Sadly, Johnson and Walsh have passed away. I hope you have enjoyed this look back at one of the truly great names in the history of Midwest rock and roll, the Underbeats.

This year at Bandshell Bash ‘23 we have an all star lineup featuring award winning singer Sundance Head, winner of NBC’s “The Voice” from super country star Blake Shelton’s team. On the season finale he joined classic rock legends Kiss for a medley of some of their biggest hits. After winning “The Voice”, Sundance was added to all the dates of the Doing it to Country Songs tour, with Blake Shelton. Then later opened shows for the Zac Brown Band. At a young age he recorded with ZZ Top and wrote songs for them as well.

He has had three Number 1 hit songs on the Texas Music Charts and country radio including performing at the Grand Ole Opry and historical Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Sundance Head on guitar and vocals has put together one of the hottest trios with Casey “King” Cowling on drums and “Drop Kick” Dave Walters on bass - it is one show that will have you two stepping to soulful country blues. Sundance Head’s unique style of American country - soul and blues is what has propelled him into the spotlight and to eventually become the winner of “The Voice”.

Our Special Guests in the lineup this year will be 6 artists from Iowa who are highly recognized by the Midwest Country Music Organization out of Minnesota. Monica Austin, Scott Kirkhart and Jesse Wilson are all nominees this year at the Midwest Country Music Organization Award show to be held at the Roof Garden Ballroom

in Arnolds Park, IA - April 22nd. Monica Austin is not only one of the hosts for this red carpet event, but is up for nomination for “Entertainer of the Year”, Scott Kirkhart is up for nomination for “New Artist of the Year” and Jesse Wilson is up for nomination for “Maverick of the Year”. To this already incredible lineup, we will be adding new upcoming country artists, Liv McNair, Mike Bernard and Doc Johnson to round out the show!

This year Broken Strings and the Gowrie Area Arts Council will be presenting a guitar to a Southeast Valley School District music student during the event, autographed by Sundance Head.

Tell us about when you first were exposed to music growing up. I lived in a house that was always playing music. My mom sang in a few country bands and we were always playing music and singing around the house. When I was in 5th grade, I started playing in Band. My teacher didn’t want me to play the saxophone and told me I would never be good at it…….My first concert was front row at Garth Brooks when I was in 7th grade. It was the day before I auditioned for Honor Band. It was amazing. I never played piano or did anything like that until college.

What is your educational background?

• BA in Music Education Instrumental 5-12 from Northwestern

• BA in Music Education Vocal: K-8 and 5-12 from Northwestern

• Talented and Gifted Endorsement from Drake University

• Coaching Authorization from ICCC

• Masters in Music Education from University of Florida

Who has the greatest influence on you musically?

Growing up….I’m not even really sure. I did music because I loved it and wanted to be good at it. Now, there are so many people. I learn every single moment from the outstanding musicians I am surrounded by. The most influential person in my adult life would be the great Sam Pilafian. He was the Tuba player for the Boston Brass and an outstanding music educator and human being. He was my biggest supporter from the time I met him to the time he left us due to cancer. He showed me how to be a truly great human, how to continually better my craft and how to be humble in

all that I do. He taught me how to record and edit for CD’s and that the level that I demanded excellence to, from my students and myself, is where it needs to be and I should never settle for less than that level. I have his name printed all of the Converse All-Star shoes I wear. He always wore them, performing live across the world, or rehearsing with the Boston Brass. He bought me my first pair when I started teaching at the college level. It’s hard to explain, but the people who knew and were close to Sam, knows his teachings and his attitude and passion will live on through all of us. Every single day I teach or perform, his words are in the back of my mind. Every single day, I hope I make him proud. I am also pushed to be my best everyday by

ensembles but I was starting over completely in the music performance scene. I had performed in Northwest Iowa as a singer and saxophonist for about 20 years and then I moved to this area and no one knew who I was, no one knew that I sang, and no one knew that I played. I was just the “sax coach” for the Bari sax player in Lone Tree Revival…LOL. I am not a very patient person and when I see something I want I go and get it. I saw there was a need for Jazz Music in the Fort Dodge music scene, I wanted to created a Big Band of my own, and I chatted with a few of my great musician friends here in the area. And I decided it was time. Having the contacts and musician friends that I do, and those musicians wanting to play together, putting the band together was actually easy for me. WE (

SAY THIS AS IT IS NOT MY BAND, IT IS NOW

OUR 515 BAND)now have an outstanding group of musicians from across the state of Iowa playing Jazz Music and educating our audiences on all the music we play.

Our goal is to continue to do just that. We want to continue to play, here and wherever our performances lead us (I hope places other than Iowa as well). We want

Profession: Instrumental Music Educator and Master Teacher. Performer.

to continue to bring our passion for Jazz music, from yesterday’s music all the way through today’s contemporary Brass bands, to any one who wants to listen. We want to educate and encourage the young jazz musicians in our school systems. Our goal is to do what we can to not let this genre of music die. We want to bring the music of the jazz legends of yesterday to the ears of today.

If you had a chance to meet any performer, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

I would LOVE to have met Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald! Although they are no longer with us, we have so much in common. It would be great to chat about being a Woman in the Jazz World. I would also have loved to have chatted with Duke Ellington, Johnny Coltane and of course Louis Armstrong.

I’ve been extremely blessed to have chatted with so many world class musicians….. EXCEPT the great Wynton Marsalis. Right now, I would give anything to sit down with him and talk to him about what we do. I want to structure the 515 much like Jazz at Lincoln Center. He, by far, is the greatest living Jazz musician of our time. Sitting with him would be a dream come true.

What advice would you give to a high school student looking to become a music educator?

Music education is one of the hardest but most rewarding professions out there. If you are truly passionate about music, do it!!! You won’t regret it. If you are going into music, be 100% committed to bettering yourself and your craft at all times. Surround yourself with as many great educators and musicians as you can because when you first leave college, you really know nothing at all about the music education world. It is a learned profession.

• Governor of Iowa Favorite Teacher Award 2008

I’ve taught in three different high schools

Been very successful in Marching Band, Concert Band and Jazz band. Jazz Band: 84 competitions. Never placed lower than 4th Been to Iowa Jazz Championships 6 times.

Marching Band: 76 Competitions: Never places lower than 5th Concert Band: Always consistent I ratings and IHSMA Large group when we attended.

• Buena Vista University: Began the Athletic Band Program. 2017-2020

• Went from zero to 52 students in two short years: all instruments and full color guard

• Hosted DCI contests ◊ Began Jazz Festivals ◊ Hosted many honor bands

• Managed internships

• Conducted NWIBA Honor Band 2019

• Conducted SWIBA Honor Band 2019

• Conducted Diocesan Honor Band 2019

• Conducted Karl King Honor Band 2022

• Over 100 clinics and guest speaking honors 2018-Present

• Reggie Schive Big Band: Professional Jazz Band, 2nd Chair Alto Sax 2010-Present

• Dick Bouman Big Band: Professional Jazz Band, 2nd Chair Alto Sax 2013-Present

• Meryl Lake Orchestra: Professional Dance Band, 1st Chair Tenor Sax 2015-Present

• Jezebel All Female Professional Jazz Band, 1st Chair Tenor Sax 2017- Present

shiningstar

Tell us about 2 of your most favorite experiences performing.

We took a trip to Tenn. and played for the Liberty Bowl, that was super fun. I enjoyed playing Cadences at home games as well.

What is the most challenging thing about learning a new instrument?

Keeping myself motivated to continue learning new things about it, and not giving up when I couldn’t get something.

What do you most enjoy about making music?

The thing I enjoy most about making music is getting lost in it. Knowing the music so well that you just get caught up in it.

What other activities are you involved in?

Choir & Musicals, Speech, Coed Dance, Worship team, as well as Jazz/ Concert/Pep/Marching band.

Who do you admire most? My Dad And why?

I admire his ability to teach. He is wise in so many areas. He has the ability to have fun and enjoy life under any circumstances, when things hit him and changes come, he goes with the change without a huge upset and follows the new plan. He has a great devotion to God, which allows him to do all these things.

If you could go visit anywhere in the world, where would you want to go? Norway. And why?

Because of the rich Viking history and culture. I heard it’s beautiful.

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Walk us through a typical day in the life of Abraham Fisher. A typical summer day consist of wake up, have quite time with God, breakfast, do some programming, bike around town, then lunch. Afternoons are hanging with friends, babysit my younger siblings, go to the pool, draw or game, write, chores, or practice singing. It really depends on the day. Typically, my evenings are spent in different places depending on the night. Mondays are band practice, Tuesdays & Wednesdays I hang out with a friend, or spend time practicing for worship team, sometimes do a movie or game with my dad and brothers. Thursday is worship rehearsal, Friday is movie night, Saturday could be a number of things, and Sunday is more relaxed, I often go to our church for personal worship and prayer time. Of course in the school year it looks a lot different, school all day, and multiple activities at night depending on what I am involved in. I am one of 10 kids in my family so our lives can feel busy with so many of us in different places at different times. Every day is a little different, but it’s a good life. I am so blessed to have the family, friends, mentors, and teachers that I do to speak into my life.

July concerts continue for king band:

The month of July promises to be another busy and exciting one for the members of the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge. Director Jerrold P. Jimmerson has recently announced events that are scheduled to occur on the first four Sunday evenings during the month.

All concerts begin at 7:30 pm, and are free to the public, courtesy of the City of Fort Dodge. The concerts on July 2, July 9, and July 23 will be held at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park. Due to the Shellabration concert at the Band Shell on July 15, the concert on Sunday, July 16th had to be moved to Karl L. King Memorial Park downtown in front of the Fort Dodge Public Library.

The homemade ice cream social provided by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church precedes each concert, even the July

16th one, when it will still be available downtown. Also, there may not be public restrooms available at the Library for the July 16 concert.

On July 2nd, the King Band will present a special concert of patriotic songs honoring America’s Independence Day. Music from the exciting “Overture Solennelle 1812” by Tschaikovsky is guaranteed to bring about a renewed sense of patriotism. Along with marches by Sousa and King to familiar melodies in “Broad Stripes and Bright Stars”, plus a musical tribute to jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong titled “Satchmo!”, this concert will feature something for everybody. A special performance by our Trumpet Trio on “Bugler’s Holiday” will delight all those in attendance. Closing out this concert will be America’s national march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever”, always an inspiration to all who hear it.

The July 9th concert will again present lots of variety, from Franz von Suppe’s classic overture, “Morning, Noon, and Night in Vienna” to a tribute to the Jazz era with Robert Buckley’s “Jitterbug!” The music of Karl King is always on every concert and includes his circus march, “Neddermeyer Triumphal” along with a beautiful aerial waltz, “Mystic Night” and the circus galop, “Excelsior”. A local Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, Collin Ellsbury, will join the band to sing highlights from the popular Broadway musical, “Man of La Mancha”.

The concert on July 16th promises even more surprises. First, the concert has been moved downtown instead of being at the Band Shell. Conductor Jimmerson is planning another evening of varied band music, with everything from the Franz Joseph Haydn overture to the opera “Armida” to the “Sounds of the Tijuana Brass”, plus marches by Karl King and John Philip Sousa among others, and a trombone section feature as well!

The closing concert of the summer season on July 23rd will be the band’s Grand Finale back in the Band Shell. Opening with Karl L. King’s most famous march, “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite”, along with Rossini’s classic overture “The Italian in Algiers”, it promises to be an exciting conclusion to another great season. This concert will feature the popular area brass quintet, Jive for Five, on an original composition, appropriately titled “Jive for Five,” along with an audience favorite, “Dixieland On Stage”. Members of the band’s percussion section will be featured on “Field Ayres”, a collection of traditional snare drum solos. This final concert always ends in the traditional circus way with the playing of Karl King’s march, “Auld Lang Syne”, as another season of band music at the Karl L. King Band Shell will draw to a close.

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By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

HARRISON FORD GETS A SWASHBUCKLING SENDOFF IN

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’

This image released by Lucasfilm shows Harrison Ford in a scene from “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” (Lucasfilm Ltd. via AP)

This isn’t inherently sad, but Dr. Jones is certainly reintroduced in the most unglamorous way possible: Sleeping on a reclining chair in a sad New York apartment, a glass of something alcoholic in his hand and threadbare boxer shorts on his person. He’s depression personified, retiring from the university where the kids barely pay attention to him anyway (long gone are the “I love you” eyelids), estranged from Karen Allen’s Marion and watching the world go space crazy around him.

We’ll have to see him work back up to his adventuresome self. No training montages required, thankfully, just a plane ticket, his classic uniform (still fits!) and his old improvisational spirit. The cumbersome plot (script is credited to Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, David Koepp and Mangold) strains to justify and give meaning to the search for the Antikythera: The FBI is on the hunt for it, as is Nazi scientist Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) for whom the war hasn’t ended, and the daughter (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) of Indy’s late partner Basil (Toby Jones) who was driven mad by the gadget. It’s a bit much, as are many of the overly elaborate and strangely murky-looking action sequences from the train in 1944 to a deepsea diving sequence with killer eels. The movie hits its action high notes when it sticks to the tactile classics, like a brilliantly executed rickshaw chase in Tangier.

Goodbyes don’t tend to mean much in the Hollywood franchise system. Death isn’t a reliable end for characters or, lately, even actors. Technology, nostalgia and the often-inflated value of brands and IP have created a nightmarish cycle of resurrection and regurgitation, curdling what we love most.

And yet when someone like Harrison Ford says he’s hanging up Indiana Jones’ fedora, for better or worse, you believe him. “Indiana Jones” producer Frank Marshall has also said that they won’t recast the character, which seems more dubious and, though wellintentioned, something he won’t be able to guarantee. All it takes is a new executive demanding a reboot.

Not that it would ever really work, though. Any self-respecting movie fan knows the truth: The magic of Indiana Jones belongs wholly to Harrison Ford. Apparently, he doesn’t even necessarily need Steven Spielberg behind the camera, though, to be fair, the foundation was well-laid for a veteran like James Mangold to step in. But there is no Indy — none that we care about anyway —without Ford.

2.5 out of 4 stars

In this way, it’s hard not to go into “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” in theaters Friday, without a sense of melancholy — not exactly the ideal state of mind for what should be, and mostly is, a fun summer blockbuster. But it certainly adds a poignancy to the whole endeavor whether the film merits it or not.

If only it didn’t start with that pesky de-aging technology (the best it’s ever looked but it remains unsettling), giving us a 45-yearold Indiana Jones doing some of the wildest stunts we’ve ever seen our beloved archeology professor attempt — atop a speeding train to boot. This sequence is ostensibly there to introduce the film’s MacGuffin, Archimedes Antikythera, a real celestial calculation machine with extraordinary predictive capabilities that in the film is bestowed with some otherworldly powers.

But we know the real reason: It’s there to let us gaze at that familiar face and to go on one last adventure with the Indy we grew up with, before being thrust back reality with a nearly 80-year-old Ford (he’s 81 in July) playing a 70-something Indy.

Waller-Bridge’s Helena is an enormously enjoyable character, too — a brilliant archeologist herself who chosen a more glamorous, dangerous and decidedly black market kind of existence, selling stolen antiquities to the world’s wealthiest and working her way out of debt. She’s introduced as a wild card and a lot of the tension is derived from whether Indy should trust her. It’s a very good nonromantic pairing of sharp-witted old souls, a generation apart. But you’d think in an almost two-and-a-half-hour film there might have been more time for one of our returning favorites, like John RhysDavies Sallah (he does get a few good moments).

I’m not sure anyone had an especially burning need to know what Indiana Jones was up to lately, but at least it gives everyone a chance to end on a higher note than “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” Or maybe Ford just needed some closure on one of his iconic characters so that everyone will stop asking him about them.

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” might not be “Raiders” or “The Last Crusade” but it’s solid, swashbuckling summer fare and a dignified sendoff to one of cinema’s most flawless castings.

a Walt Disney Co. release in theaters Friday, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for, “language, action, sequences of violence, smoking.

Running time: 144 minutes