Twist and Shout • April 2024

APRIL 2024

STORY PAGE 4

IOWA CENTRAL’S NEW CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS & DECKER AUDITORIUM OPENS WITH DISNEY’S ICONIC BEAUTY & THE BEAST!

Written by Teresa Jackson, Iowa Central’s Director of Theatre

A new space. A new time. A timeless classic. I became Director of Theatre at Iowa Central in 1996, almost 30 years ago when our college was under transformational change. I remember that time with such excitement as new sports teams were being created and new energy was being invested in the performing arts arena. I vividly recall the newness of all the construction that was happening as suddenly apartment-style dorms began to encircle the campus. I remember the construction of the parking ramps and the new Bio Health Science Building…a space I never dreamed would someday become the temporary home of our Performing Arts team.

Well, those lingering memories feel very like the current transformation that Iowa Central is experiencing under the leadership of Dr. Jesse Ulrich. From our investments in our satellite centers to our newly renovated Arts & Technology Building to new sports fields and a new testing facility for Biofuels, and now…drum roll please…it’s our team’s turn! I jokingly referred to our wait for this much-needed renovation as the “years spent wandering in the desert,” for I remember when we had no microphones for shows, no orchestra pit, few lighting instruments. We experienced the abysmally small scene shop, restroom and dressing room facilities, and ultimately the decline to what I referred to as the Danger Zone for our performers as rigging systems grew more antiquated. So—to go from that to this incredible upgrade feels miraculous to our team, and we are savoring our front-row seats to what I call “the promised land.”

Working alongside me is Will Lopes, our Vocal Music Director and Paul Bloomquist, our pit orchestra conductor, who is thrilled to return with a full orchestra this year. Heading up the Technical Theatre side of things is Ashley

Garst who coordinates the production and designs all costumes, props and lights. Joseph Jackson is the scenic set designer and heads up construction. He has been assisted this year by Scott Deuel and Brady O’Brien, with some volunteer work by Brody Clark and Paul Bloomquist. Our sound engineer will be Mike Weideman. I also welcome back our alumnus extraordinaire, Emily Eastwood, who assists me on choreography alongside student dance leader, Rianna Vivens.

Our students are incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to premiere and christen the new center with their production. Alumni are equally excited to see their old haunt given such an incredible facelift. Community members have continued to support Iowa Central’s growth and our commitment to educational, athletic and performance excellence. And what better way to showcase the magic of our new space than with some Disney magic? I grew up with Walt Disney; I’m a big fan of triumphs over adversity and happy endings. Over the decades, I’ve witnessed that some Disney shows seem to make a splash yet fade with time while others somehow capture the hearts and imaginations of a generation who passes its legacy on to the next. These are the stories which sweeten with time and grow into classics. Such is the “tale as old as time” found in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Music Theatre International, which carries the licensing for the production, shares some of the show’s rich history:

The story of a “beauty” and her “beast” has enchanted children and adults around the world for centuries. Rooted in legends from ancient Greece, India, and Africa, the “tale as old as time” has been interpreted in myriad cultures and periods, each version reflecting the hopes, fears, stereotypes, and moral codes of the society in which it was written. The best-known version of “Beauty and the Beast” is unique among fairy tales, based on the literary work of two women, Madame Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve (1685-1755) and Madame JeanneMarie Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1780),

In the late 1980s, Walt Disney Animation Studios looked back to its roots in using fairy tales as source material to inspire its next generation of films, and they found gold in this story. Released in November 1991, Disney’s animated Beauty and the Beast garnered widespread acclaim. Critics praised its songs as worthy of a stage musical as Beauty and the Beast received six Academy Award® nominations. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Time Rice and the book by Linda Woolverton, Beauty and the Beast won numerous Academy, Grammy, Tony, and Golden Globe awards. In the era before the introduction of the Best Animated Feature category, Beauty and the Beast was the first animated feature to be nominated for Best Picture and the first film to be nominated for three songs: “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The film took home Oscars® for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Beauty and the Beast”).

Over the decades, this stage production has also undergone numerous revisions since its first premiere back in 1993, and it is even set to begin a National Tour this year. We were able to secure the rights to produce it just in time! Feels a bit like magic to me.

So—mark your calendars and reserve your seats soon for Iowa Central’s spring production of Beauty and the Beast which will run April 25-27 at 7:00 p.m. and ending with a matinee on April 28 at 2:00 p.m. in the new Center for Performing Arts and Decker Auditorium. Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for students with Iowa Central faculty, staff and students attending for free. Tickets will be on sale at the Iowa Central bookstore or online: https://secure.iowacentral.edu/bookstore/Details. asp?ProdID=1277&category=6 . The other option is to log on to www.iowacentral.edu/bookstore and click on tickets--on the top row menu bar in the middle. Tickets will be available at the door, but we highly encourage reserving seats ahead of time so that we can accommodate all patrons who want to attend.

Principles:

Village:

Belle: Elle Clark

Gaston: Dennis Morgan

Lefou: Joshua Madden

Maurice: Nathan Kuehnast

Les Filles: Lesley Chavez, Annaka Holthaus, Mya McClain, Grace Minor

Castle:

The Beast: Ryan Madden

Lumiere: Justin Durr

Cogsworth: Camden Karageorge

Babette: Reese Pederson

Mrs. Potts: Gabby Schumacher

Chip: Rhonda Auradou

Madame De La Grande Bouche: Anyston Henning

Ensemble:

Dani Abens Nikita Kirsch

Alejandra Aguilar Cindy Lopez

Sophia Beenken

Abby Meyer

Jacob Carman Kaylan Reames

Melanie Cox Daulton Rokes

Sara Diew Julia Sande

Emma Englin Ty Schluter

Meywelyn Enriques Ella Sells

Anna Fisher Chloe Speck

Piper Graham Ben Stinnett

Laura Heisterkamp Andy Sweazey

Adonis Henderson Collin Vik

Aliyah Henry Maddy Vinchattle

Sabrina Horton Riana Vivens

Dayshon Jennings Ash Wacholtz

Addi Johnson

CAST LIST:

Crew:

Kendra Morris

Taryn McKimmey

Hailey Davis

Allee Hinote

Tech:

Rebecca Rainwater

Shelby Schwartzendruber

Kristen Fisher

Bryce Walker

Pit Orchestra:

Keyboard 1 Shelly Bottorff

Keyboard 2 Amaia Walsh

Keyboard 3 Will Lopes

Reed 1 Ellinor Jenson, Chloe Jesson

Reed 2 Bryce Walker

Reed 3 Sarah Cummins, Lily Kraai

Trumpet 1 Nick Ross

Trumpet 2 Andrew Dutcher

Horn 1 Rori Snethen

Alto Sax Rebecca Rainwater

Trombone/Tuba Terrell Campbell

Bass Ben Englin

Drums Dean Davis

Maddox Williams

Iowa Central Community College plans Grand Opening for Decker Auditorium and Center for Performing Arts in April

Excitement is in the air as Iowa Central Community College prepares to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Decker Auditorium and the Center for Performing Arts. The entire auditorium has been transformed and a two-story addition has greatly expanded the space. College officials are excited to turn on the spotlights and celebrate. Iowa Central invites the community to join them on Friday, April 19th at 4:00 PM for a ribbon cutting, tours and special performances by Iowa Central students and alumni. Everyone is welcome!

The grand opening will mark a transformational moment in the history of Iowa Central, and that would not be possible without the generosity and support of many. “We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has made a gift to our Dream Big, Act Now campaign for the auditorium and Center for Performing Arts. Their kindness is greatly appreciated,” shares Mary Ludwig, Vice President of Development and Alumni of Iowa Central Community College. Don and Dianne Decker of Fort Dodge made the lead gift to the campaign with a $1 Million dollar donation. “We are very fortunate to have the support of the Deckers whose commitment and generosity has positively impacted the college and students for many years,” says Ludwig.

“The renovation of the space opens the door for expanded opportunities with the fine arts and much more. We take pride knowing this investment for our students, and the Iowa Central service region will improve quality of life by providing new experiences to enjoy,” shares Dr. Jesse Ulrich, President of Iowa Central Community College. With construction complete, the college will turn its focus to bringing in new acts to the stage and provide a state-of-the art space for local groups. “Our region is fortunate to have a lot of local talent and we look forward to partnering with those groups to take the stage at Iowa Central,” shares Dr. Ulrich. He adds, “It is just the beginning of a new era for our college and community. Our goal and intentions are to provide a space for everyone in our service area to enjoy and benefit from experiencing the arts firsthand and close to home,” notes Dr. Ulrich.

Decker Auditorium is the largest venue in the nine-county Iowa Central service region, and it now shines brightly. The new seats are comfortable and handicap seating is now available. The stage is enhanced with new curtains, new flooring and two new catwalks. Theatrical lighting is now in place along with modern audio equipment. Electrical equipment will now meet the needs of local and touring groups. And the list doesn’t stop there. Additional improvements include an elevator, a second entrance, more classrooms, backstage dressing rooms and amenities, a set building shop, large band room, a team room, more bathrooms, a gathering space and much more.

If you would like to support the Iowa Central Center for Performing Arts and programs, you can donate online at https://www.iowacentral.edu/dreambig/ or send a gift to: Iowa Central Performing Arts, c/o Foundation Office, 1 Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. For more information, contact Mary Ludwig at 515-574-1145 or ludwig@iowacentral. edu .

The Fort Dodge Area Symphony presents Scenes of Seville

The Fort Dodge Area Symphony will present the final concert of their 2023-2024 season on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 7pm in the Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium. Please note that our April concert will take place on Saturday evening instead of our usual Sunday afternoon.

Titled “Scenes of Seville”, this concert will feature winners of the Symphony’s 2024 Young Artists Competition. Since the start of this competition in 1966, over 200 young musicians living and studying in Iowa have been given the opportunity to perform as soloists with our orchestra.

This year, the Symphony will accompany four young artists in music by Saint-Saens, Offenbach, Mendelssohn and Tomasi. The concert will open with Beethoven’s Overture to Fidelio and conclude with Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1.

About this concert, Joshua Barlage, Music Director & Conductors says, ‘the young artists performing with us this year are proof that there is excellent music teaching happening in Iowa.’

In addition to the concert, there will be a pre-concert performance featuring winners of our Youth Honors Recital at 6:25pm. These elementary and middle school age musicians may one day appear onstage with the Symphony as a Young Artists Competition soloist.

Single tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the concert. Adult admission is $15.00 and students are always welcome to attend free of charge. Fort Dodge Area Symphony concerts last about 90 minutes with an intermission and can be enjoyed by all ages.

Learn more about this concert by visiting fdsymphony.org.

About the Fort Dodge Area Symphony fdsymphony.org/our-history/.

For additional information, please contact Joshua Barlage, Music Director & Conductor, at joshbarlage@gmail.com or 614.327.6088.

Media is also openly welcome to attend our dress rehearsal on Saturday, March 23, 1-4pm at the Fort Dodge Middle School.

WCCT is killing it with its next show Clue comes to life on local stage

WEBSTER CITY - Killing can be such an hysterical thing, according to Loween Getter, director of Webster City Community Theater’s upcoming production of “Clue,” a murder mystery play based on Hasbro’s popular board game.

“We saw it done at the Waterloo Playhouse and it was so much fun that I thought we should do it,” Getter said.

“Clue” will be coming to the stage at WCCT’s Performing Arts Center in Webster City in April. With a cast that includes several actors making their debut on the WCCT stage, as well as many of the local favorites, “Clue” takes an off-the-wall look at murder and mayhem sure to keep the laughter flowing.

“We have just had so much fun at rehearsal,” Getter said. “I hope the audience has this much fun.”

In a world where there are many serious and sad things going on, Getter said “Clue” is pure escape, offering up nothing but fun and frivolity. Of course, there is all that killing going on, but it seems to be done in a rather light-hearted fashion. Audience members are sure to be rolling in the aisles as they piece together who-done-it in this fast-paced comedic adventure.

“Everyone who has ever played Clue, the game, knows at least the premise of who the characters are,” Getter said. “In the game, it’s just the butler who gets killed, but in the play, we have all these extra characters that show up.”

Kevin Sharp takes on the role of Mr. Wadsworth, the butler. Will he be the first to go?

David Everson as Mr. Boddy looks to be an early victim in WCCT’s production of Clue. Surrounding him from left at bottom circling around are; Kevon Edwards as Mr. Green, Dean Evans as Col. Mustard, Rachel Derrig as Miss Scarlet, Sylvia Vust as Mrs. Peacock, Mary Sealine as Mrs. White, and Ken Theobald as Professor Plum.

Then there is the aptly named Mr. Boddy, played by David Everson. Will this newcomer be welcomed to the stage, or quickly bite the dust?

“David Everson is new on our stage,” Getter said. “He’s done quite a bit of stuff in Fort Dodge with Comedia Musica Players in Fort Dodge. We’re so happy to have him on our stage, and we’re so nice to him that we kill him.”

And who can forget Col. Mustard? Dean Evans tackles this memorable role. Will he die as well?

Then there is Mrs. White, who has a few secrets, according to Getter. Mary Sealine takes on this role.

“All of the other characters are dressed to match their names, Col Mustard in yellow, Mr. Green in green, but Mrs. White wears black. She’s in mourning,” Getter said. “It seems that Mrs. White has lost five husbands. That’s something you didn’t know from the game.”

Could Mrs. White be the killer? Getter isn’t telling.

And what about Mr. Green, portrayed by Kevon Edwards?

“This is the first time on our stage for Kevon,” Getter said. “He’s a 22-year-old young man and he has been in a lot of the high school musicals and plays, and he just fits in so well. It’s wonderful to have him with us.”

Another young face on the stage is that of Miss Scarlet,

by lori berglund

played by Rachel Derrig.

“This is her second show with us,” Getter said. “She was also in ‘Diary of Anne Frank’ and she’s also a fairly recent graduate.”

Miss Scarlet is quite a memorable character and Derrig is sure to turn a few heads.

Strutting her stuff as Mrs. Peacock is Sylvia Vust. And providing a thoughtful, academic touch to the show is Ken Theobald as Professor Plum.

While those are the characters best known from the game, the play adds more depth and a few more characters. Rounding out the full cast are; Tami Hejlik as Yvette, the French maid, Cathy Olson as the cook, McKinley Bailey as a motorist, Tucker Murray as the cop, Sara h Lindstrom as a singing telegram girl, and Bill Greenley as the chief of police.

Finally, there are two voices in the play; Mike Kroona as a newscaster and Bob Oliver as Sen. Joe McCarthy. What Sen McCarthy is doing in the play is anyone’s guess, but if there are bad guys to be rounded up, McCarthy wants to get his piece of the pie.

By the time the curtain falls on this show, six characters will have died on stage. They will meet their fates by all the traditional methods, according to Getter. Tools of the killing trade are taken from the board game. Will it be with a candlestick in the library or a lead pipe in the kitchen? The mayhem of this show is seemingly endless.

To add to the suspense, Getter is pleased that there will be live music, courtesy of Josi Greenley on the electric piano. While live pit bands were once common at WCCT shows, it’s been a quite awhile since live music has been a part of any local show. “It can be difficult to find musicians, and most shows now have a digital soundtrack that we can use,” Getter said. “It’s too bad because our instrumentalists and pianists don’t get a lot of chances to accompany.”

With “Clue,” having the live music just seems to keep the pace of the show moving and brings a depth of suspense to each scene. There are 41 musical cues in the show, so the piano becomes almost a character in itself.

“It just adds the right, suspenseful tone,” Getter said. Now directing her 38th show, Getter offers up praise to all the actors, and especially those who die young.

“It’s one thing to die on stage, but it’s another thing to be killed on stage,” she said. “Some of the characters have only a few lines, but they have to be dead a long time.”

Yep, those dead bodies pretty much remain on stage for the run of the show once they meet their demise courtesy of another character. The stage is also a busy place, with eight separate rooms needing to be displayed on just the one stage.

It can’t happen without the crew and musicians. Josi Greenley, center, is accompanist for Clue. In back from left are Director Loween Getter, Katie Hildal, props, and Sally Evans, stage manager.

“I just want people to come and have a good time and try to figure out who done it,” Getter said.

From the billiard room to the conservatory, the library and the kitchen, different sets to represent each room had to be constructed. Al Yungclas and Patrick O’Loughlin took on the job of building the sets.

“Thanks to them, I think everything is going to work,” Getter said.

The cast and crew are clearly having a

Shows are slated for Friday through Sunday, April 5, 6 and 7, and continuing April 12, 13 and 14. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m., with the Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. Call WCCT at 515 832-4456 to reserve seats or to check box office hours.

When bodies are dropping like flies, a little eavesdropping is hardly a crime for the cast of Clue. From left are; Ken Theobald as Professor Plum, Sylvia Vust as Mrs. Peacock, Kevon Edwards as Mr. Green, and Rachel Derrig as Miss Scarlet.

APRIL 12

3XW in Ft Dodge with AEW Star “All Ego”

Ethan Page, Fuego Del Sol

7:30 PM

Cardiff Event Center at Fort Frenzy

Pulse THE APRIL LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

APRIL 11

Erik Lee LIVE

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

ShinyTop Brewing

520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA

APRIL 12

CRAZY TRAIN- The ULTIMATE Ozzy Osborne Tribute Show

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The Laramar Ballroom

710 1st Avenue North, Fort Dodge, IA

3XW in Ft Dodge with AEW Star “All Ego” Ethan Page, Fuego Del Sol & More 7:30 PM

Cardiff Event Center at Fort Frenzy, 3232 1st Ave South, Fort Dodge, IA

APRIL 13

Community Health Center LHI 5K

8:00 AM

Rosedale Rapids trail

1111 N 32nd St, Fort Dodge, IA

Flea Market & Hillbilly Sale

One Day Only

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Webster County Fair Grounds 22770 Old Highway 169, Fort Dodge, IA

40th Anniversary Fur Ball

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Showroom 2723 5th Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA

The Bird Hunters

7:00 PM

River Hops Brewing 1014 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA

APRIL 18

FDSH presents: “Tuck Everlasting- The Musical” 7:00 PM

Fort Dodge Senior High

819 N 25th St, Fort Dodge, IA

Luke Fox LIVE

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

ShinyTop Brewing

520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA

APRIL 19

FDSH presents: “Tuck Everlasting- The Musical”

7:00 PM

Fort Dodge Senior High

819 N 25th St, Fort Dodge, IA

APRIL 20

FDSH presents: “Tuck Everlasting- The Musical”

2:30 PM

Fort Dodge Senior High

819 N 25th St, Fort Dodge, IA

Go Big, Go Dodgers

Annual Fundraiser

6:00 PM

Laramar Ballroom

710 1st Ave N, Fort Dodge, IA

APRIL 21

May Day Eliminator

9:00 AM

Family Bowling Center 3599 5th Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA

Karl King Municipal Band Scholarship Concert

3:30 PM

Karl King Municipal Band

800 N 32nd St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

APRIL 23

“Eat Pizza, Preserve History: Support the Fort Museum with Every Slice!”

11:00 AM

The Fort Museum and Frontier Village

2516 5th Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

APRIL 25

Taylor King LIVE

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

ShinyTop Brewing

520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA

APRIL 26

Sports Park Raceway Season Opener

Sports Park Raceway

2298 S River Rd, Fort Dodge, IA

APRIL 27

Crusader Carnival

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Community Christian School

2406 9 1/2 Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 2

Ace Jones LIVE

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

ShinyTop Brewing

520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA

MAY 4

National Bike Month Night Glow Ride

7:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Oleson Park Bandshell

Oleson Park Ave, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Friends of Saint Edmond Ball

6:00 PM - 11:59 PM

Best Western Starlite Village 1518 3rd Ave NW, Fort Dodge, IA

FAST-FOOD:

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. 235 Ave. O 1230 3rd Ave. NW 3327 5th Ave. S.

Culver’s 3048 5th Ave. S.

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.

Domino’s Pizza 1430 5th Ave S.

Dunkin’ Donuts 2520 5th Ave. S.

Hardee’s 6 S. 15th St.

Jimmy Johns..................... 3023 5th Ave. S.

KFC ...................................3057 1st Ave. S.

McDonald’s ....................... 2509 5th Ave. S. ............................................. 107 Ave. O W.

Pancheros ........................ 3022 5th Ave. S.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza ........ 2813 5th Ave. S.

Pizza Hut .......................... 2940 5th Ave. S.

Scooter’s Coffee ................ 2949 5th Ave S.

Starbucks - Target .............2910 1st Ave. S.

Starbucks - Hy-Vee............... 115 S 29th St

Subway .................................... 109 Ave. O .......................................... 2323 5th Ave. S.

Taco Bell 3057 1st Ave. S.

Taco Tico 319 S. 29th St.

Wendy’s 2313 5th Ave. S.

drinks: 4th Street Depot 300 S. 4th St.

Brass Monkey 15 N. 10th St.

Buck’s Fireside Lounge 16 N. 11th St.

Bootleggers 1239 S. 22nd St.

Crickets Lounge 512 Central Ave.

Dodge City Bar 915 Central Ave.

Dodger Tap 22 N. 12th St.

By Tom Tourville

a look back REMEMBERING THE REFLECTIONS AT THE LARAMAR BALLROOM

When you arrived at the Laramar Ballroom in July of 1965 to see Bobby Goldsboro and the “Fun A-Go-Go” show, you were in for a surprise and that was the inclusion of Detroit, Michigan’s Reflections on this show. Both Goldsboro and the Reflections were backed up by the Grooves out of New York.

The Reflections had already hit the national charts with their smash hit, “Just Like Romeo & Juliet/Can’t You Tell By The Look In My Eyes” (Golden World #8) in March of 1964. They arrived in Fort Dodge a full 16th months after the Reflections had their first chart hit.

The story of the Reflections begins in Detroit in 1963 when friends Tony Micale-lead vocals, Phil Castrodale-first tenor, Dan Bennie-second tenor, Ray Steinberg-baritone, and bass singer John Dean all enjoyed singing with each other.

It was not long before they were heard by Ed Wingate the owner of Detroit’s Golden World Records who signed the group to his label based upon all the successful live shows they were having around Detroit.

They brought in Freddie Gorman to produce the session as he was also a producer at Motown Records. Groman was the one who got the mix for the Reflections that was half way between doo-wop and “blue eyed soul” that was so well captured on “Just Like Romeo and Juliet.” They recorded their legendary vocal tracks at RCA’s Studios in Chicago. The instrumental tracks were recorded in Detroit. They used many of Motown’s session musicians to play on the record.

Just as they were getting the record released, they learned there was another band from Winnipeg, Canada call Chad Allen & The Reflections that had a new record and LP about to come out, called “Shakin All Over.” The Canadian group did not challenge Detroit’s Reflections, but instead, changed their name to the Guess Who!

“Just Like Romeo & Juliet” was a smash chart success for the Reflections. The song debuted on “Billboard’s Hot 100” survey in April of 1964 and charted at #86. By the end of May of ‘64 the song was at #6 on the Billboard charts. Because of the success of the song, the Reflections were touring across the U.S. It was one of these tours that brought them into Fort Dodge. In 1966 Tony Micale would leave the group and was replaced by new lead vocalist, Frank Amodeo.

Next up they released “Like Columbus Did/Lonely Girl” for Golden World Records (#12). That was followed up with: “Talkin’ About My Girl/Oowee Now Now” (GW #15), “Don’t Do That To Me/I’m Just A Guy” (GW16), “Poor Man’s Son/Comin’ At You” (GW #20) and “Deborah Ann/Wheelin’ & Dealin,” (Golden World #22). The group never saw the chart success with any of their other releases as compared to “Just Like Romeo & Juliet.”

“Just Like Romeo & Juliet” has been covered by such artists as: Sha Na Na, Ultimate Spinach, Fallen Angels, the Outsiders, Stephen Bishop, Little Caesar & The Consuls and also by Australia’s Mental As Anything. Winona, Minnesota’s, Michael & The Messengers released “Just Like Romeo & Juliet” for Chicago’s USA Records that saw significant chart success in 1967.

The group can be described as a “One Hit Wonder,” but what a hit it was. Today original member Tony Micale still leads the Reflections along with Gary Banovetz, Sal Prado and Joey Finazzo. Sadly Dan Bennie, John Dean & Frank Amodeo have all passed away.

During the ‘60s they appeared on American Bandstand and such TV shows as: Shindig, Shivery, Shaboom and Hullabaloo. They toured with Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars and appeared in the movie, “Winter A Go-Go.”

Some of those “one hit wonders” had amazing successful careers in music and many still stand tall today for what they have accomplished. I know many of you went to the Laramar show to see Bobby Goldsboro, but you got a real music surprise when Detroit’s Reflections took the stage as well.

Until

artistspot

Emily Eastwood

Age: 32 • Hometown: Fort Dodge • Profession: Dance Instructor

Tell us a little bit about your background in dance as a child?

I started Dance & Gymnastics at the age of 3 at Hollingsworth School of Dance and Gymnastics under the direction of Sandy and Roger Hollingsworth. I did both dance and tumbling competitions from the age of 5-18. The main styles of dance I competed with were Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Clog, and Hip Hop. After High school Graduation, I danced with the Iowa Central Dance Team for two years where our focus was on the styles of Jazz, Pom, and Hip Hop.

What made you decide to make a career in dance and what has your training been?

Being a leader has always been one of my strongest attributes. Three people that really lit a spark in me to pursue a life of dance are my college dance and theater instructors: Lesa Dencklau, Cassidy Vermeer, and Teresa Jackson. They are each unique and have different attributes but the one thing that they all have in common is that they know what they want out of themselves and their performers, and they go get it. After college, Mindy Debaun approached me to start a dance program at United All Stars. Mindy has grown from my boss to someone I can go to for anything and everything. I am very thankful for everything she has helped me accomplished.

What do you most enjoy

about performing?

When I was younger, my favorite thing about being on the stage was displaying my hard work and sharing my passion for dance with the audience. Each routine showcases a different emotion and tells a different story. As a dance coach, the journey from the beginning of the season to the stage is one of my favorite things about my job. Every time I watch a dancer or team perform their routines on the stage, I am overwhelmed with so much pride because I know what it took to get to this point. I feel incredibly lucky to share these moments with them.

Who

are some of your role models?

My parents, Kim and Todd Eastwood. They did everything they could to help me during my dancing career growing up and continue to support me as a dance coach. They are both hard workers, they always put their family first, and have taught me to never take life too seriously. I love you both so much!

What has been the biggest challenge working in a dance studio?

Learning that it is impossible to please everyone. Over the years, I have grown to understand that at the end of the day, if I know that I gave my students my best, then that is enough. Staying true to who I am as a person, a dancer, and as a coach is what I strive to achieve. In the competitive dance world, it is easy to get caught up in the placements so we are constantly working on reminding the dancers that there is so much more to life than a trophy.

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Paris, France to put my High School French classes to test… and to see the attractions, of course.

What groups are you involved with in the community?

I have been teaching dance at United All Stars for 12 years and the Head Dance Coach at Fort Dodge Senior High for 8 years. In addition to coaching dance, I have been the choreographer for the Comedia Musical for 5 years, for Stage Door Productions for 3 years and I have been helping with the choreography for Iowa Central’s musicals since 2013.

What would you tell a parent who is thinking about signing their child up for dance lessons?

Overall, dance is a great activity for kids of all ages. It has many benefits that can help improve coordination and motor skills, boost self-confidence and self-esteem, and a fun way to socialize and make new friends. I still get to see my “dance friends” once a week when they come to our Adult Dance Class at United.

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shiningstar

Saiya Noborikawa

Age: 15 • Grade/School: 9th grade freshman at Fort Dodge Senior High

Hometown: I was born in Waterloo and then I moved to Humboldt for my freshman year in high school.

Artistic Interests:

I´m interested in drawing, painting, crafting, sculpting, and playing flute, and piano.

How long have you been interested in art?

I have been interested in art all my life. I come from an artistic family, so I have grown up with skilled artists since I was born. My grandmother is a watercolor, oil, and acrylic artist and owns an art gallery in West Amana. My mother is an art teacher at Fort Dodge Senior High.

What do you most enjoy about creating art?

I enjoy creating art because it is a way I express my emotions and thoughts rather than crowding my overactive and busy mind. I also enjoy art because it comes in many forms from drawing to music, to cooking to writing.

What is the most difficult, or challenging, part for you when creating a new piece?

The most challenging part of creating a new peace is getting started, especially when it is a blank page it can be difficult to fill in the emptiness.

What is the most rewarding part of the artistic process?

The most rewarding part of the artistic process is reflecting on where you started. Whether it is when you got into art and how much you have progressed or the beginning of the project you have started.

Do you plan to use your artistic skills after high school?

If so, in what ways? I have always planned to use my artistic skills after high school either going to art school or any of the career I choose, art will be a part of my life it embodies me it´s how I communicate.

Who inspires you and why?

I’m inspired by Martin Luther King Jr because when I was in first grade I had to reenact the MLK famous I have a dream speech in front of my whole elementary school MLK taught me to stand up for what I believe in pushing me to want to be a self-advocate for myself and others.

What other activities are you involved with?

I´m Involved in many other activities such as sports girls track, girls volleyball,and cross country. I am also involved with large group and individual speech. As well as silver cord, the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association Youth Council, both band and choir, musical, fall play, art club, performers club, and Trio. I am also the youth representative for the Fort Dodge Public Art Commission and the designer, and painter, on the side of the Blanden Art Education Center’s new building.

Go to www.fineartsassociation.com for a list of upcoming events and our members….. Over 60 events each month!

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

Shelly Bottorff, Executive Director • fdfinearts@gmail.com

KING BAND INDOOR CONCERT APRIL 21st

TThe third and final indoor concert for the 2024 season by the Karl L. King Municipal Band will be held on Sunday afternoon, April 21st, beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium, located at 800 North 32nd Street in Fort Dodge IA. There is no admission charge, with these concerts being provided by the City of Fort Dodge for everyone’s enjoyment. Conductor Jerrold P. Jimmerson has once again planned an enjoyable program of band music. Dan Cassady serves as the Assistant Conductor of the band, and Paul Bloomquist will be the band’s announcer.

Compositions by the band’s namesake, Karl L. King, on this hour-long concert will include his marches, “Garland Entrée”, and “Drake Relays”, King’s intermezzo, “In A Moonlit Garden”, and his exciting circus galop, “Eclipse”.

The afternoon’s classical offering features Austrian composer Franz von Suppe’s overture, “Jolly Robbers”. Although not as well-known as some of his other compositions like “The Light Cavalry” or “Poet and Peasant”, this overture is colorful, robust and descriptive of Suppe’s creative style, making it a delight for performers and audiences alike.

Also included on the program will be John Philip Sousa’s tribute to baseball, “The National Game March”, and Sousa’s arrangement of English composer Percy Grainger’s “Country Gardens”. The first movement from the English Folk Song Suite by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, titled March: “Seventeen Come Sunday”, is included on this concert as well.

The sounds of classic Hollywood movies will round out the afternoon’s program. Music from 11 different movies will be combined into one Warren Barker medley, titled “Hooray for Hollywood”, featuring music from such well-known composers as George Gershwin, Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini, Maurice Jarre, and others. Conductor Jimmerson says, “See how many of these theme songs you can remember!”

This April concert is always the Band’s annual scholarship event, with the presentation of the Karl L. King Memorial Scholarships. Talented students audition earlier that day, and the winners will be recognized that afternoon with either $500 scholarships to Iowa Central Community College or a $1,000 scholarship to any 4-year Iowa college or university. Providing the funds for these scholarships is the Karl L. King Memorial Education Foundation, which “exists to provide band instrument scholarships for students majoring in music”.

All persons who audition will be invited to join in playing one selection with the Band during the concert, and the major scholarship recipient will perform their award-winning solo during the program. All concerts conclude in the traditional way with the playing of our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. In case of inclement weather (even though it will be on April 21st), the concert may be cancelled. Any announcement will be made on the band’s website at www.karlking.us, or on the Band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/karlkingband/.

Looking ahead, the next performance by the band will be at the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday morning, May 27th, at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The summer series of concerts are scheduled to be held again on eight Sunday evenings during June and July, beginning June 9th, and lasting through July 28th, at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park.

Apriltunes

the Black Keys OHIO PLAYERS

Vampire Weekend ONLY GOD WAS ABOVE US

Fort Dodge Choral Society Presents

Pearl Jam dark matter

Beauty Surrounds

The Fort Dodge Choral Society will perform “Beauty Surrounds” on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

The concert will feature the debut performance of “Requiem Brevis”, an original piece by Midwest composer Jordan Jinosko in honor of the choir’s late director Bruce Perry. Other concert repertoire includes pieces selected by current and former choir members in memory of Bruce Perry.

Tickets are $12 for adults, free for students, and included with the purchase of a Choral Society Membership.

Taylor Swift

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