! Twist&Shout
JUNE
2025 • ENTERTAINMENT MONTHLY
Oakland Cemetery Walk
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025 • 1-3 PM
Stroll through the cemetery with live performances 1:00, 1:30, 2:00 & 2:30
Live Music with Jeremy Ober
Refreshments will be available for purchase
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Seating Available
Free Will Offering
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
COPYRIGHT 2025
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.
Oakland Cemetery Walk
has a new twist this year
In the late 1850s, the rural cemetery movement started across the United States. It moved cemeteries from right in the center of towns to the edge of towns.
The idea was also to make the cemetery a gathering spot where families would walk, ride a horse, or take a horse carriage out to see their deceased loved ones and have a picnic, bring their guitar to play music, and sing. In 1859, Fort Dodge hired Egbert Bagg of New York to design a new cemetery. He found a piece of land north of town with hills and lots of oak trees that would provide shade. That is when the Oakland Cemetery was established.
“With all of that history in mind, this year’s cemetery walk has a new twist,” said Rick Carle, volunteer and long-time board member for the Friends of Oakland Cemetery. “In the past years we had a stroll through the cemetery on Friday night with tour guides giving people a brief history about the people buried, then on Sunday we would have life portrayals tell their stories, usually at the Bio Science Center at Iowa Central or Friendship Haven. This year we are going to combine both days into one all at Oakland Cemetery.”
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21 there will be a historic stroll through the cemetery. A guide will take guests to 27 headstones, but there will be four of them where a live person will stand by a headstone and tell the story of the person buried there.
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
The tours will be at 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Guests can park at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1436
21st Ave N. A DART bus will bring guests to the cemetery and back to their vehicles. The first bus will leave for Oakland Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. No parking is allowed at Oakland Cemetery.
“To continue with the theme from the 1800s we are going to have Jeremy Ober performing from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. There will be seating, refreshments, and porta potties available,” said Carle.
The Oakland Cemetery Walk is a free willoffering event and everyone is welcome.
“You can come and listen to Jeremy Ober perform, take the tour and learn about the history of Fort Dodge. If you don’t want to take the tour, you are still welcome to come and enjoy the music,” said Carle.
There will also be horse drawn carriage rides through the cemetery from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The carriage ride will cost $5 per person. Kids 12 and under can ride free.
Carle grew up in Nebraska, and when he moved to Fort Dodge to attend Iowa Central Community College in 1973, he never dreamed that someday he would be the commissioner of the Friends of Oakland Cemetery.
“As commissioner I want to continue Jerry and Marva Rowe’s legacy to teach and inform people about our forefathers, their wives and children buried in Oakland Cemetery,” he said.
Buried at the Oakland Cemetery includes the first schoolteacher, the first doctor, a French movie star, a United States senator, a governor of Iowa, and around 200 Civil War soldiers.
The Friends of Oakland Cemetery also want to continue Jerry Rowe’s dream of every Civil War soldier having a headstone. The late Fort Dodge man used to gather information about each soldier and send the information out to Washington, D.C., and several months later he would receive a white headstone for the soldier.
“For the proceeds of this year’s walk and future walks the Friends of Oakland Cemetery will continue Jerry’s dream and purchase headstones for the Civil War soldiers,” said Carle. “Each headstone cost between $350-$500 so it may take several years to get every soldier their headstone.”
The Friends of Oakland Cemetery invites the community to listen to some great music, have refreshments, take the tour, and a horse drawn carriage ride on Saturday, June 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The rain date will be Sunday, June 22.
Carle thanked the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust for its support.
“Without their continued support the walks would not be possible,.” he said.
Carle “ “
He thanked the city of Fort Dodge Public Areas Department, the DART bus, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Party Productions and Dan Garst, Jeremey Ober, the Friends of Oakland Cemetery Board, The Messenger, Three Eagles Radio, Dean Weirs Carriage Rides, and the citizens of Fort Dodge. For more information or any questions regarding the Oakland Cemetery Walk, please contact Rick Carle at 515-570-0606.
Manson Greater Crater Days brings Manson together
Manson Greater Crater Days has always been about more than food stands, fireworks, or fun events; it’s about people coming together.
After the 1979 tornado, Manson rebuilt itself not just with bricks and boards, but with a strong sense of community. Neighbors showed up for one another. Families pitched in. Pride in the town ran deep.
That same spirit continues today. Crater Days has grown into a weekend where friends, families, and neighbors gather to celebrate how far the community has come; through parades, music, kids’ activities, and shared meals. It’s a reminder that Manson is built on more than streets and buildings, it’s built on community pride and connectedness.
“Everyone is welcome to join us for a weekend of fun, food, and community pride. Whether you’re a long-time resident of Manson, or a first-time visitor from another town, there’s something for everyone at Crater Days and we would love to have you,” said Macie Schoon, a member of the Crater Days Committee.
The Friday night lineup on June 27 includes the Heartland appreciation meal at Heartland Bank, 1314 First Ave., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The truck pulls will follow at the Fairgrounds beginning at 6 p.m., then there will be an outdoor movie, “Field of Dreams,” at the softball field.
On Saturday, June 28, the parade will begin at 10 a.m.
Activities for the kids this year will include a foam party, face paintings and tattoos, inflatables, and more. All kids’ activities will be held at Gazebo Park behind City Hall.
There will also be several food vendors available throughout the day on Saturday.
The annual Crash My Crater concert will end the night featuring Austin Snell and Austin Williams on Main Street. Gates for the event open at 5 p.m. with music starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. General admission tickets are $35 with VIP costing $70.
Tickets can be purchased at crashmycrater2025.eventbrite.com. They are also available at Shore Side Pub and Grub in Manson and Hy-Vee in Fort Dodge.
On Sunday there will be a Community Church Service where people can gather on the square and bring their lawn chairs. In the afternoon, there will be a car show at Gazebo Park from 1 p.m. to 3p.m.
“We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to the many volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses who make Crater Days possible each year,” said Schoon. “From planning and setup to running events and cleaning up afterward, this celebration wouldn’t happen without the dedication of so many. Whether it’s donating time, providing financial support, or offering services and supplies, each contribution plays a key role in bringing our community together. Your commitment helps keep this tradition alive and thriving—not just for Manson, but for everyone who comes to celebrate with us.”
For event updates and more information about Crater Days, follow them on Facebook at Manson Updates and Events.
2025 Crater Days Tentative Agenda
FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH
• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Heartland Appreciation Meal @ Heartland Bank
• 6:00 PM - Truck Pulls
• 8:00 PM – Outdoor Movie “Field of Dreams” – Softball Field
SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH (All kid activities held at Gazebo Park located behind City Hall)
• 8:00 – 10:00 AM Get to Know the Trail Fun Run/Walk – Trail Committee
• 9:00 AM – Middleton Classic – Shotgun Start – 4 person best shot
• 10:00 AM - Parade (9:30/9:45 Lineup)
• 11:30 – 1:30 Foam Party - Dugan’s Party Rentals
• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Face Painting & Tattoos by Heather Leith
• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Balloon Animals – Balloon Cera
• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Bingo @ VFW
• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Car Seat Safety with Officer Hogan
• 11:30 AM: MNW Band @ Gazebo
• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Inflatable Football & Basketball – Dugan’s Party Rentals
• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Human Foosball – Manson Public Library
• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Betterment Barrel Trains
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Calhoun County Conservation - Craft
• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Self-Serve Activities
Basketball Toss • Connect 4 • Bags • Bucket Toss
• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Food Vendors
• Manson Lions Club
• Manson Hometown Grocery
• Methodist Church
• PEO
• Fort Dodge Freeze Dried
• Lifepoint Church
• The Corndog Company – Storm Lake
• 5:00 PM - Crash My Crater featuring Austin Snell & Austin Williams on Main Street
SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH
• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM - St. Paul Brunch @ VFW
• 9:00 AM – Middleton Classic – Shotgun Start – 4 person best shot
• 11:00 AM - Community Church Service
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Good Sam Dog Parade & Hot Dog Meal @ Good Samaritan
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Car Show @ Gazebo Park
• 11:00 – 3:00 Food & Sales Vendors at Gazebo Park
• Lucky Wife Wine Slushy
• The Little Lemon Co.
• Fort Dodge Freeze Dried
• Manson Daycare Fundraiser
• Trail Committee Raffle Booth
• Veterans Memorial Raffle Booth
• …and more!
Blanden Arts Festival set for June 14
The annual Blanden Arts Festival is a free event open to the community that is a day to celebrate the Blanden Memorial Art Museum and Iowa art culture while also highlighting artistic talent, creativity and imagination.
During the June 14 festival guests are able to walk around throughout the day to see a mixture of arts and crafts, paintings, pressed flowers, rag rugs, jewelry, and more. Some of the artists include Lisa Glaser, Denny Dunbar, and Mary Jo Hinds.
“We really hope the community comes out to the festival to support all the artists and purchase some of their art,” said Eric Anderson, director of the Blanden Memorial Art Museum. “This is also the perfect time to learn more about all that the Blanden has to offer by providing families with information in terms of art activities that we provide throughout the summer at our art education center.”
Anderson added that they invite people to come and enjoy themselves, but also see all the possibilities of art activities or classes the museum provides throughout the summer that kids and adults can take part in.
“It is a way to promote our art education program, but also a great way to showcase all the amazing talent that exists in the area,” he said.
Along with all the different visual art, there will also be live music throughout the day beginning at 10 a.m. Musical artists include Grace Casciato, Sawyer Springer and Brant Lawler, and Stadium Drive (Alex Trevino and Jefferson Fosbender).
During the festival there will be kids activities including Toby KID Clauenber, twister of balloons. He will be on the southeast corner of the museum grounds from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Nathan and Clay will also be on the grounds this year. This is a way for kids to learn pottery through an all-inclusive experience. Nathan Moore brings portable pottery wheels, stools, clay, tools, buckets, glazes and a unique clay
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
experience to the Bladen Arts Festival for guests to try.
Food vendors on site during the festival include Ardy Maes, Godfather’s Pizza, and Quick and Fresh Kitchen.
“We will also have a couple of local organizations that will be selling baked goods throughout the day,” said Anderson.
Guests are also encouraged to go inside the museum during the festival to check out all the exhibits on display.
The Blanden Arts Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturday, June 14 at the Blanden Memorial Art Museum, 920 Third Ave S.
Anderson would also like to thank all the sponsors including Daniel Pharmacy, Prestage, The Messenger, City of Fort Dodge, Nestle Purina PetCare, Party Productions, Kwik Trip, Caseys, Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, Dan and Roxanne Flattery, Dr. Kenneth and Adrienne Adams, Kerrie Kuiper, Catherine Vincent Deardorf Charitable Foundation, and Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust.
JUNE 2
Pulse THE
S & H O U T !
JUNE LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
First Monday of the Month Vinyl Night at Shiny Top Brewing
Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge
JUNE 4
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Exit Laughing”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre
521 North 12th Street • Fort Dodge
JUNE 5
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Exit Laughing”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre
521 North 12th Street • Fort Dodge
Jake Stack LIVE
Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge
JUNE 6
Trinity Golf Classic
(Formerly Swing for a Cure)
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Fort Dodge Country Club
370 Country Club Drive • Fort Dodge
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Exit Laughing”
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre
521 North 12th Street • Fort Dodge
JUNE 7
Guided Blanden Tour
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Blanden Memorial Art Museum
920 3rd Ave S • Fort Dodge
JUNE 7
Free Saturday Class
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
The Blanden Memorial Art Museum
920 3rd Ave S • Fort Dodge
Hawkeye Community Theatre presents “Exit Laughing”
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hawkeye Community Theatre
521 North 12th Street • Fort Dodge
JUNE 8
Karl King Band
Summer Concert Series
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge
JUNE 9
Open Mic Night at River Hops Brewing
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
1014 Central Ave • Fort Dodge
JUNE 12
Jeremy Jewell LIVE
Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge
JUNE 14
Blanden Art Festival
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Blanden Memorial Art Museum
920 3rd Ave S • Fort Dodge
Tap & Vine Bike Tour
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Trail ride begins at 10:00AM, Winery closes at 6:00PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge
Ribbon Cutting at New Basketball Courts at Meriwether Park
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
806 10TH AVE SW STE A • Fort Dodge
JUNE 15
Karl King Band Summer Concert Series
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge
JUNE 17
Rock and Roll Art Camp
Blanden Art
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
JUNE 20
Summer Middle School Band Camp
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
The Blanden Memorial Art Museum
920 3rd Ave S • Fort Dodge
JUNE 17
Grunge Unplugged LIVE
Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge
JUNE 22
Karl King Band Summer Concert Series
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge
JUNE 24
Rock and Roll Art Camp
Blanden Art
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
JUNE 25
Friendship Haven 75th Anniversary Bell Dedication & Ribbon Cutting
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Friendship Haven
420 Kenyon Road • Fort Dodge
JUNE 26
Rock and Roll Art Camp
Blanden Art
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Blanden Art Education Center
224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge
JUNE 26
Luke Fox LIVE
Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge
JUNE 28
4th Annual Fort Dodge Pride Festival
Fort Frenzy - Cardiff Center
3232 1st Ave South • Fort Dodge
Marbled Paper Creations Class
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Blanden Art Education Center
224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge
JUNE 29
Karl King Band Summer Concert Series
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Oleson Park Bandshell
1400 Oleson Park Avenue • Fort Dodge
Good Eats &Drinks
FAst-Food:
Burger King 2814 5th Ave. S
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza 2007 N.15th
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.
Chick-fil-A 2818 2nd Ave S.
Community Tap & Pizza 2026 5th Ave. S.
Peking Garden 510 5th Ave. S.
Hacienda Vieja 1518 3rd Ave. NW
Godfather’s Pizza 3232 1st Ave. S.
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.
shiningstar
In what ways do you participate in arts and music in Fort Dodge? I participate in band and choir at FDSH. I’ve also been in musicals and honor bands in town.
What do you most enjoy about music? I enjoy learning something new and getting better at it every day. I also like the competition, especially in band. The people around me always make me want to improve. I also think knowing how to play an instrument and or being able to sing is a really interesting skill to have.
Charlotte DeJong
Age: 15 • Grade/School: Freshman, Fort Dodge Senior High Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa
What have you learned from being involved in music? I’ve learned how to stay focused and committed to things. I’ve been in band and choir since 5th grade and it’s always been a consistent part of my life. I have also learned how to work well with others in my section.
What do you want to do after you graduate from high school? I plan on going to college, but as of now I don’t know where or what I want to do. I’ll most likely stay in Iowa for college, but I think it would be really cool to have the college experience in another state.
What is your favorite music to listen to and why?
I don’t just have ONE favorite genre of music to listen to. I like a lot of types of music. Artists like Daniel Caesar, Frank Ocean, Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, Phoebe Bridgers, etc. I mostly listen to music that gives me a good vibe or just sounds good in general.
If you could play any part in a musical, who would you play and why? Honestly I think it would be fun to play Sophie in Mamma Mia. Her character has a lot of fun songs and just seems fun to be. The whole musical Mamma Mia seems fun to be a part of.
Walk us through a typical day in the life of Charlotte DeJong. Usually the first thing I do when I wake up is just get ready for the day. Then I’ll leave for school around 7:30 and go to band or choir first period. Then I go through the whole school day and leave for track practice. After track I don’t really do anything other than hang out at home or do homework.
If you got to meet any famous person in the whole world, who would it be and why? If I could meet any famous person in the whole world it’d probably be Olivia Rodrigo because I really like her music and she seems like a fun person.
You are stranded on a desert island. You can bring 3 items with you. What would you bring and why? I would bring water, a lighter, and a boat. Water so I don’t get dehydrated, a lighter so I could cook food, and a boat so I could leave the island.
Who do you look up to the most and why? The people I look up to most are probably my parents. Mostly because they taught me what to be like as a person and a lot of what they do is implemented into my life. They are also involved people and that is something I like to do also.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is either participating in NCIBA honor bands, or just succeeding in sports.
A look bAck
By Tom Tourville
LOOKING BACK AT THE JERMS
When you hear the name Jerms in terms of Kansas music, your mind goes to Topeka’s live music scene of the 1960’s.
Topeka’s Jerms featured three different phases for this talented group. The early garage years from 1963 to 1966 .The early Jerms specialized in Beatles and British invasion music. But, all the while, being heavily influenced by Kansas’s Blue Things. Their second phase that was still garage influenced, but more of a garage pop sound with a new female vocalist from 1966-1968. This saw the Jerms in their last and 3rd phase, with the band being fronted by two amazing black singers with the group now playing a more soulful style of music. That phase was from 1968 to 1972.
The Jerms were represented and managed by one of the top music minds in the Midwest, James Reardon who operated his successful booking agency, the James N. Reardon & Associates Agency out of Hays, Kansas. Reardon also operated his successful college music club, the Dark Horse Inn, that was also located in Hays. Readon had worked with John Brown at Mid Continent Productions in Lawrence, KS, while working and managing the Blue Things. No better place to learn the ropes than with John Brown and Mid Continent.
The band got its start in Topeka when a group of 15 year old kids got the music bug and wanted to start a band. The group consisted of Mike Doyle-drums, Galen Senogles (group leader)-guitar, Tom “Jake” Jacoby-bass and keyboards and Larry Burton-guitar. Burton would later go on to play with the Blue Things. During this period after Doyle left the Jerms, Russ Wilcox and Willie Lecox left Iowa’s Jolly Green Giants to join the band. Later Lecox would leave the Jerms to join America, “Horse With No Name ,” and stayed for 42 years with America.
While All the bands members were still in high school, all finished school while still touring with the Jerms. Jacoby and Senogles would work their way through college while playing the Jerms with both ending up with degrees.
Bob Johnson at Columbia Records contacted the band after hearing one of their demos. He liked the Jerms and offered them a recording contract. The father of Larry Burton wouldn’t sign the contract and Johnson went on to work with his other artists, the Byrds and Bob Dylan. We could only have guessed, what if.
The early years for the group found them touring a six state area including: Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Minnesota and both Dakotas and all the while building a solid reputation as a band that could and would draw a large crowd and putting on strong and entertaining shows. Between touring schedules, the band would go back to their hometown of Topeka and record for Del Mar Records #521 “Since You Went Away/That’s All She Wrote”-1965, that included a picture sleeve, “Bald Headed Woman/Good Feelin’ Yea” Jerms Inc. Records #2079 also from 1965, and “(Turn On Your) Love Light/That Word” from 1966 on Topeka’s Casino Records #211.
In 1967 the group added Angela “Angel Stevens” Hay as their new featured lead singer. Angel was a dynamic singer and front person and really helped the band draw even larger crowds. At this time the band consisted of Hay, Doyle, Senogles, Leacox and Jacoby. The group started to work with West Coast recording artist Shaun Harris of the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band fame. Because of this relationship the group recorded for Harris’s Shana Records #7195 with “Not At All/Who’s” from 1968.
By late 1968 Hay would leave the band and the group decided to change their sound to a more R&B and soul style with a decidedly harder edge. In addition, they brought in two new dynamic front men, John Neil (Vocals) and John Murry (vocals and
Hammond B-3) joining the Jerms from the legendary Kansas band, the Rising Suns after the break-up of that band. The group was added to Shelby Singleton’s SSI Records label and the band would release their two most successful record releases of their careers.
They were assigned to work with record producer, Dean Mathis who was a key member of the famous Newbeats of “Bread & Butter Fame.” In early 1969 they released “Green Door/I’m A Teardrop”on SSI’s Honor Brigade Records label. “Green Door” was a cover of the Jim Lowe’s “Green Door” from 1956 and “Nobody” backed by “Baby Baby Love,” also on Honor Brigade Records that also included a picture sleeve for foreign releases, with both records being produced by Mathis. During this period, the band was being guided through the world of recording in Nashville, TN by Reardon.
The group was invited to Des Moines, Iowa and was awarded with a National Ballroom Operators Association best band award. This was such an important award for a band to receive, as working the ballroom circuit was an instant big money maker for any group. This was hitting the big time for touring the Midwest and plains states.
During this period, they would be a part of the Nashville Marathon Pop Festival that included: Roy Orbison, Ballin’ Jack, Ten Wheel Drive, Bobby Bloom and a young Bruce Springstein. Also they would go to Albuquerque, NM and open for Three Dog Night.
This final Jerms group would stay together until 1972 when they called it quits for the band. At the end, Mike Doyle and Tom Jacoby would both go on` to play with Kansas’s legendary Blue Things, later to be called Fyre before they broke up. Galen Senogles became a producer/engineer at Pro-
ducers Workshop in LA and recorded Ringo Starr, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Nilsson, and many others.
As one can see. the Jerms had a very successful music career playing throughout the Midwest and the Plains states. Now for playing in the Fort Dodge area. They did play at our area ballroom, the Star in Dakota City. By looking at routing schedules, it would appear they played the Star while coming North to play at Hatfield, Minnesota’s Hollyhock Ballroom in May of 1968.
Hopefully this look back on the Jerms helped bring back some great rock and roll memories. Did you see the Jerms at the Star Ballroom??
artistspot
Jesse Wilson
Age: 45 • Hometown: Somers, IA – Currently Fort Dodge, IA
Instrument: Acoustic Guitar
How long have you been performing?
I’ve been performing since 2007, but really hit the road gigging hard from 2019 to the present.
What do you enjoy about performing? I love performing and sharing my original music across the Midwest, seeing new people and making new fans.
What’s the most challenging thing about performing live? The most “challenging” thing about performing live would be hauling all my gear and setting up. The actual performance is the fun part.
What are some of your most memorable gigs? My most memorable gigs would be opening up for Jamison Rodgers and Niko Moon at Crash My Crater with my best friend Scott Kirkhart. Another one would be opening up for Josh Turner at the Downtown Country Jam with my full band Jesse Wilson & Friends.
How would you describe your sound? My sound is best described as new age outlaw mixed with classic country.
When not making music, how do you like to spend your time? I like spending my free time in the studio making new music or down at the river fishing with my family.
Were you involved in music/arts growing up? If so, in what ways? I’ve always been drawn to music. I am self-taught with chord charts and YouTube videos. I enjoyed art class, drawing, and pottery in high school.
You can have dinner with anyone - famous or not, alive or dead, who do you choose and why? I would like to have dinner with my entire family with Jesus Christ at the head of the table so that we can give thanks and praise his name for paying the ultimate price for our sins so that we will not perish but have eternal life in heaven.
What, or who, inspires you? My family inspires me to be the best version of myself I can to provide, nourish, and enrich all aspects of our lives.
What do you most enjoy about the live music/ art scene in Fort Dodge? What I love most about the Fort Dodge music scene is that we have the best music scene in the Midwest. I don’t feel there is competition between artists. I feel everyone wants to see everyone else win and are very supportive towards each other and that is hard to beat.
KING BAND PLANS BUSY SUMMER
The months of June and July are always busy and exciting ones for the members of the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge. The band will perform each Sunday evening, weather permitting, beginning June 8th through July 27th. This summer will mark the 125th season of summer concerts by a City Band here in Fort Dodge.
Bands in some form can be traced back to the 1870’s in the city and surrounding towns. Small musical groups played concerts or were available for gatherings. Competing groups eventually combined into one band in 1901 to play formal concerts together. Financing came from a variety of sources in those first 20 years, either from National Guard funds, local merchant sponsorship, or from the city itself. Their first director was Carl Quist, who led the band through high and low points for 20 seasons (1901-1920).
When Quist moved to Oregon in 1920, an advertisement in a national magazine attracted Karl King to apply for the position among other candidates. King was hired and remained in Fort Dodge for 50 years (1921-1971), building an outstanding local group that earned both him and the city a national reputation.
Upon the passing of King in 1971, W.B. Green was hired as Conductor (1971-1977). Green had been recruited to play Clarinet in the band by King. He taught in area schools, and eventually became Director of Bands at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake. Green’s sudden passing in 1977 during his 7th season as Conductor resulted in another band member, Reginald R. Schive, being selected as the band’s 4th Conductor. Schive was a graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High, and had been a long-time player in the band’s Clarinet section. Schive conducted the band for 25 seasons (1978-2002).
When Schive retired as Conductor, another Fort Dodge Senior High graduate was selected as the 5th conductor of the band. Jerrold P. Jimmerson had
played Bass Clarinet in the band for 43 seasons (19602002). He then led the band for 22 more seasons (2003-2024), retiring after the final concert of the season in July 2024.
This current summer season of 2025 will begin with Dan Cassady as Conductor after already directing two indoor concerts in March and April. Cassady has taught in Fort Dodge for many years at Senior High, Iowa Central Community College, and St. Edmond High School, and was a player in the band’s Trombone section for many years.
All summer concerts start at 7:30 pm, and there is no admission charge, courtesy of the City of Fort Dodge. The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church sponsors an ice cream social prior to and during these concerts, featuring homemade ice cream and baked goodies for sale. Persons attending these concerts are urged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, since no public seating is available.
On June 8, the King Band will feature two area musicians and King Band members as guest conductors while Dan Cassady teaches for a week on the staff of the Reggie Schive Summer Jazz Camp in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Paul Bloomquist from Dayton, band conductor and instructor at Iowa Central Community College, and Monte Leichsenring, retired band director from Clarion, will lead the band.
Highlights from this first concert will include marches by Karl L. King, John Philip Sousa, and former band member John Erickson. In addition, there will be a medley of familiar songs written by Irving Berlin. The Clarinet Section will be featured on the classic novelty, “Dizzy Fingers”. There will be plenty of enjoyable songs during this one-hour concert.
Dan Cassady will return to the podium to conduct the June 15th concert, which will be a combined Flag Day/ Father’s Day event. Marches on the program include those by King, Sousa, and E.E. Bagley’s “Father of His Country”. Roger Netz, from Manson, will be the
featured vocalist with the Band performing “God Bless the U.S.A.”. This concert will showcase the birthdays of two noted composers by playing two movements from Edward Grieg’s “Peer Gynt Suite”, and David Rose’s “Holiday for Trombones” with guest conductor Tim Miller, a retired music educator from Humboldt.
Sunday, June 22, will feature another varied program of band music from classics to marches to popular favorites. The classics will include “American Overture for Band” by Jenkins, and “March and Procession of Bacchus” by French composer Leo Delibes. On the popular side will be a medley titled “Big Band Signatures” and Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. Marches include those of Russell Alexander and Karl L. King (of course)! Throw in a Latin beguine and it promises to be a really fun evening!
On Sunday, June 29, the Band will celebrate the birthday of composer Frank Loesser with the overture to his popular Broadway musical, “Guys and Dolls”, along with composer Leroy Anderson’s birthday and his novelty composition, “Sandpaper Ballet”, featuring the members of the Percussion section.
And that’s just the first four concerts! There will still be four more throughout July as well, with a special Independence Day concert on Sunday, July 6th. Plan now to be in attendance at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park each Sunday evening during June and July.
In case of inclement weather, a concert may be cancelled at the starting time. Any announcements will be made on the band’s Facebook page listing at https://www.facebook.com/karlkingband/. There will no make-up date scheduled in case a concert cannot be played.
Oakland Cemetery Walk
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025 • 1-3 PM
For advanced Tickets & More
Information Contact: Rick Cable • 515-570-0606
Please park at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1436 21st Ave No.
Bus leaves at 12:45 & will pick up every 30 minutes
ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO THE RESTORATION OF OAKLAND CEMETERY
The Oakland Cemetery walk was started by Jerry and Marva Rowe 20 years ago, They went through the cemetery and documented all 7,000 plus people buried there. Including civil war soldiers; they corresponded with Washington to get the white headstones for the soldiers that are buried there. Don’t miss the historical re-enactment event.
