Age: 21
Linus Areblad shiningstar
Grade/School: Iowa Central Community College, Sophomore Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden
Tell us about what you brought you all the way to Fort Dodge from Sweden!
All my life I’ve been a swimmer through and through. So many important moments and decisions in my life have revolved around the sport, so naturally college followed that trend. As we don’t really have the opportunity to combine sport and college back home, I looked at the US for options. I was fortunate to have a lot of teammates already swimming at various schools and my club team coach already had some contacts, especially in the Midwest. In the end Iowa Central was the only real option I had, financing is hard as an international and I really wanted to take that next step. So being affordable and an intriguing place, I decided to go. It was definitely nerve wracking at first, but I did come here with a friend of mine and my family supported me the whole way. In the end it was definitely one of those life defining choices and I am so happy I ended up here. Which might sound weird to any Fort Dodge native.
Growing up, were you involved in anything musically or involving theatre?
As a kid I played guitar for a bit but I was quite bad at it so that didn’t last. My parents however, are somewhat musically gifted in their own ways. As long as I can remember my dad would always play Phil Collins, Genesis and AC/DC on our home stereo. There’s a bunch of videos of me playing with a tambourine and wanting to be Phil Collins when I was little. Even though he himself doesn’t play any instruments, I am convinced my dad would make an amazing drummer as he is always tapping on things and making beats. My mom is a pretty good piano player, although she won’t admit it. After my sister started lessons we got a small electric piano in our hallway that she’ll play from time to time. So there is definitely some influence, but in a more non-traditional way. Theatre wise I did one super short middle school play about vikings. It was really just a presentation on what we learnt in class, but in costume. My aunt made me this amazing viking costume that I remember vividly. Other than that I didn’t really interact with theatre all that much. Before coming here I could count the number of plays and musicals I’d seen one one hand.
Do you come from an “artys” family?
Both my parents are definitely appreciative of the arts, but not super involved. My mom, besides the piano, is a huge fan of arts museums and literature. As a kid she would always encourage me to read, making me into somewhat of a bookworm. She is also technically a published poet, as her class once published a poetry collection once. My dad is big on music and movies. He certainly raised me with those two things in mind. It was always a big event when I was old enough to see another one of the old classics. Be it a Spaghetti Western with Enrico Morricone’s score or a new Star Wars or Lord of the Rings movie. They’ve never shied away from any form of art and in hindsight I can see how that opened my own mind to it.
Tell us what your first experience on the stage, performing, was like. My first semester here I ended up in an acting class with Teresa Jackson. During one of our lectures we toured the Center for Performing arts as they were gearing up to produce that year's fall play, Community Garden. I was instantly enthralled by the facility and asked to help out with the set building. So I was introduced to Ashley Garst, Brady O’Brien and Scott Duell. Every work call was such a blast I just kept showing up, so after a few weeks I was offered a small ensemble role with one or two lines, which I of course accepted. During rehearsals I was quite nervous as being in front of people has never been a strength of mine. But as the process went on and we ended up performing, I found myself very at peace and excited to perform. It was surprisingly similar to “performing” in the pool, which as a swimmer I was very familiar with. The thrill of standing in the wings before your scene, seeing your castmates perform and the bright lights made for this special atmosphere I quickly fell in love with. So surprisingly, my first experience was very positive. It was fun, exhilarating and easy in that it wasn’t much stressful. Much thanks to the amazing direction of Mrs Jackson and the work of everyone in the cast and the faculty.
What do you most enjoy about performing?
There are two words I think describe my feelings on performing, ephemeral and communion. Something being ephemeral is basically just saying it’s a moment in time. It exists then and there and never again, giving it that special spark. Communion is a very theoretical word for the “bond” that exists between actors and audiences. Put together one can say that a performer experiences communion with their fellows during those ephemeral moments that make up a performance. This is all a fancy way of saying that I love those small moments on stage where I feel truly connected to my castmates or to the audience. The thrill of hearing laughter at a joke you just made, or to feel your character growing together with other actors on stage is a very special feeling that is hard to capture in words. All the work and memoirs of rehearsal that go into those few performances make every second on stage special and memorable.
If you could play any role in a theatre production, who would you play?
Funnily enough I never gravitate towards leading or good characters. Some of my favourite ones include Gleb from Anastasia and Javert from Les Miserables. To me, the idea of playing a villain just sounds so much more fun than anything else. Especially one that is more morally grey, as these characters are. They are also baritone roles, which fits my voice so much better than other musical theatre characters. Additionally their songs are some of my favourite musical theatre pieces, and to perform them on stage would be so much fun.
What made you decide to write your own, original, theatrical script?
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What 3 things do you bring and why?
I’m going to go with the boring answer and say an axe, knife and a survival guide book. I don’t really trust my odds of surviving otherwise.
What activities/groups/ensembles are you currently involved with?
At Iowa Central I am a member of the Swimming Team, Cheerleading Squad, Show choir, Vocal Ensemble, Concert Choir and of course the Theatre department!
What do you want to do after Iowa Central Community College?
This upcoming fall I am transferring to University of South Dakota to pursue my Bachelor’s in Technical Theatre. Hopefully after that I can begin working full time with various behind the scenes projects!
Who are some of your role models? Why?
Firstly my parents, it sounds cliche but they have always supported me and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. It means so much to have that love from home with you at all times, even more so now that I am so far away. Secondly are the amazing mentors I’ve met here at Iowa Central, Teresa Jackson, Ashley Garst and Brady O’Brien.
I’ve always been a bookworm and dreamt of writing, but I’ve never had the time or courage to actually give it a proper try. Being here now, surrounded by the right people, gave me the courage to actually try. Earlier this year I started writing a novel, a few short poems and at some point I decided to try and write a play for fun. It was really just intended as a fun writing exercise, but as I heard about the possibility of a student-led production being funded I put more time and effort into it. The last few days before the submission deadline were stressful, especially because I barely had half the script at that point. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my girlfriend Emma. She put so much time into reading everything I wrote and giving feedback and comments. At this point she has probably read the script more than I have.
What is the play about?
The play is called Mr Porter and it centers around the plaza of Macguire park, it’s inhabitants and of course the titular character, Mr Porter who is the buildings overseer. It is a lighthearted vignette type story that follows a young artist trying to find his way in a strange new world full of peculiar characters. Some helpful and supportive and others who are against everything that art is and stands for.
The cast is full of talent as many actors have had leading roles in recent Iowa Central productions and everyone involved is so excited to begin this new tradition of student-led productions!
You will be performing this production at the beginning of May. What are the details? Where? When? Time? Location? Cast List.
The play will be performed in Decker Auditorium on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of May at 7pm. It will be a short one act play taking less than 1 hour and loads of fun! The cast consists of:
Samuel Opfer (Seti in Prince of Egypt and Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde) as Mr Porter
• Justin Durr (Moses in Prince of Egypt, Emmett Forest in Legally Blonde and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast) as Mr Dober
• Emma Davis (Miriam in Prince of Egypt and Paulette in Legally Blonde) as Mrs Dober, • Lundyn Jones (Tzipporah in Prince of Egypt) as Lily
• Mason Lundberg (Hotep in Prince of Egypt) as Johnathan
They introduced me to this amazing world of theatre and have helped me so much with not only technical skills and academics, but they have also helped me grow so much as a person and I am eternally grateful for everything they have done. Lastly are my friends here, all of them are involved in so much, be it sports, music or theatre and the effort and love they put into their lives inspire me each and every day.
Tell us one word that you would use to describe yourself.
Curious. I have always been inquisitive and I was that kid that actually enjoyed going to class and learning new things. That has never stopped being the case and I love learning and seeing new things and growing as a person!
Steven Fisher (Ramses in Prince of Egypt) as Henrique Teagan Barela (Nefertari in Prince of Egypt) as Sam
FORT DODGE FINE ARTS
How would you describe your artistic style?
My artistic style is constantly evolving. I started more as an abstract artist and moved more into representation with hints of abstraction. I like to think my stuff is saturated and loud whether referring to my paintings or my tattoos. I aim to make people feel something when I create anything.
When did you begin creating artwork & tattooing?
I tell everyone I started arting when I was zero. I think we are all artists from the beginning but most of us just outgrow the urge which is a shame to be honest. My tattooing career started in 2016 when I was teaching at Manson. Kolt King took me under his wing as an apprentice up in Wittemore, Iowa and now I’m almost 10 years deep into this thing which is kind of crazy to think about.
What is your artistic background? Education/ Training?
I attended Oswego high school from 2001-05 at which point to made the move to Pella, Iowa where I majored in art. I took glassblowing and took a focus in painting and mixed media as well as art history. I studied abroad in Leiden, the Netherlands in 2008 where I caught the travel bug and have been flying around the world ever since looking for landscape and all the incredible things man has created.
Growing up, were you artistic? If so, in what ways? Hobbies?
I’ve had a love for art since I can remember. It has always given me a way to get lost and focused at the same time. I did a lot of drawing and played with any media I could get my hands on early on. I found art in just about everything. I used to love skateboarding which is why I can’t get off my one wheel now. Riding, like art, is very liberating. What do you most enjoy about the creative process?
What I enjoy most about creating and its process is how there is no one path. The way I do it can’t be wrong because it’s how it works for me. I enjoy the ability to pursue solutions knowing that there is no wrong answer.
Growing up, was your family interested in the arts?
I got the artistic bug from my grandparents. I can’t say my siblings or parents really had an interest in it but for me it was always something I was (pun intended) drawn to. Both grandma and grandpa were artists and I found that to be very reassuring. The fact that I’m almost 40 and made a career out of doing art is something I am forever grateful for.
City: Jacksonville, Florida
Previously, you have been an art instructor, and an artist living in the Fort Dodge area, tell us a little bit about those experiences?
I found my first teaching job in Webster City where I met a bunch of wonderful and influential people who helped push me forward as an artist, as a human and as a fan of music honestly. Dave Niggemeyer was my mentor at Webster and really helped me find my passion for teaching. I coached with Tony Bussan who in my opinion is the best coach/life motivator Iowa has ever seen. After 3 years there and some not so great life decisions, I reassessed and found my home in Manson Iowa where my teaching career reached a peak. I was able to coach cross county and track for countless wonderful young people alongside some other great coaches. I was able to lead field trips abroad through EF where I shared the world with some of my favorite human beings. I had the privilege of teaching next to some of the most incredible teachers in all of Iowa where I feel like I got the most out of my students by just sharing ideas and encouraging them to find their own passions their own way.
Tell us about your impression of the arts scene in the Fort Dodge area community. The art scene in Fort Dodge from my perspective is saturated with countless creative humans. I am floored by how one small town can house so many souls who are so insanely gifted at expressing themselves both musically and visually. I am a huge advocate for the musicians in town and lucky enough to call most of them my close friends/family. I also truly believe that the visual arts talent in dodge is constantly getting better. The youth that has invigorated the scene is both inspiring and encouraging for what the future holds. The tattoo scene has definitely seen a surge in talent the past couple of years starting with Hayley Studyvin who has redefined what the standard is in Fort Dodge. I believe Ky and Gabbie at Crave are also helping to build passion and expectation for the tattoo industry. Jeremy Ober, Caleb Ferry, Alex Travino, Ox, Isaiah, Scott kirkhart, Jesse Wilson, Kris Karr, Jordan Reuter, the Schoon boys, Cole Smothers and the list goes on and on and on. I could literally name 30 other artists who locally have rocked the art scene and brought endless joy to Dodge. On occasion, you come back to town to work at Crave Tattoo, how can someone find out if you’ll be in the area to get some work done?
I am fortunate enough to be able to take field trips back home to tattoo and galavant because my wife is pretty darn wonderful and knows my soul needs it. I stay pretty booked up with clientele built in my time living there so unfortunately I am not taking on a lot of new clients and I book everything myself. The good news is we have two great artists at Crave along with a number of other great artists in town who can do what I do and sometimes, more often than not, better than I can. I feel humbled and eternally grateful to be as busy as I am when I’m home with people who I sincerely care about and appreciate getting time with. I am very lucky to be in this position and for business to be going as well as it is down in Jacksonville with my brothers at True Till Death who also sometimes come up to do guest spots and bring limitless talent with them. Wink wink.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in tattooing, or as an artist?
Advice to anyone pursuing tattooing; it’s not for most. It’s a daunting road and takes every single ounce of yourself to not only make it, but find peace and joy in doing the work every single day. There are artist and there are tattooers, you want an artist poking you. You want someone whose sole purpose in life to create beautiful things because they have to. It sustains us and drives us in all that we do. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I tear my tattoos/art apart on how they can be better. I lose sleep because of it. The artist low is a real thing and when we get stuck down there, crawling out can take weeks or months. Finding ways to stay motivated is the key and for me music, travel and family/friends are what help me stay on track.
What, or who, inspires you?
I find my inspiration in young people. I find it in artists who do things I can only dream of doing. I find it in music and the people who make that music. I find it in trying new things. I find it in failure. Inspiration for me comes in all shapes and forms. People are inspiration to me, from teachers and students who I’ve been able to work with. Gena at Crave is a huge inspiration to me in that she has been a huge pillar in the Fort Dodges scene for years. Humans who give with the intention of giving and receiving nothing in return. I am far from perfect and I have many people in my life who can testify to that, but finding a way to be better by being good to other people keeps me moving forward. Encouraging others in their endeavors and dogs are my absolute favorite endeavors. Karma is very real to me and I aim to feed her every day I walk this earth.
What’s the biggest difference between painting on canvas and painting on skin? Literally & Creatively. The difference between painting on canvas and poking people is vast. I work much bigger on canvas and have so much more freedom to experiment and go at my own pace. With tattooing the process is laid out for me completely before I start. There might still be some happy accidents along the way but for the most part I have a clear road map for tattoos and being efficient as to respect my client’s time is very important to me. I will tattoo as long as my body lets me and I will paint until I die. I can’t imagine not having that outlet and I thank mom for pushing me when she saw I had a slight interest in art from a very young age.
What color best describes your personality, and why?
What color best describes me… gotta be my favorite color; orange. It’s always been the color I’ve been most drawn to. I love how it pairs with everything. I love the happiness of orange and fruit is quite delicious as well.
Describe yourself in one word.
If I had to describe myself in one word.. hmmm.. optimistic. Mom told us long ago it could always be worse. Life has not always been ideal but we make the most of it. We find the paths that lead us to better things. We work for what we want. We focus and drive. Running helped me really embrace that idea. Goal setting and striving to bring people into your life who enhance your experience will bring us all to better circumstances. Not everyone you meet needs to stay in your life but the people who make you smile, who genuinely want to see you succeed through it all, those people are the ones who bring true happiness. Don’t let go of them. By having those people in your life it becomes remarkably easy to stay optimistic about what is ahead and continue dreaming.
a look back
By Tom Tourville
TWISTIN’ DOWN CENTRAL THE CHUBBY MAN ROCKS FT DODGE
his is one of those, which came first, the chicken or the egg questions. There is no doubt during the 60’s the creation of dance moves to match music was a huge phenomena. So was the creation of some catchy music and then create a dance to go with the music. Many times to took different paths to be successful.
How many of you remember some of these popular 60’s dances? The mashed potato, the stroll, the hully gully, the monkey, the frug, the dog, the alligator, the madison, the watusi, the pony, the hitch hike, the limbo, the fly, the mess around, the hucklebuck, the bird, the swim, the freddie, the surfers stomp and the granddaddy of them all, the twist and there is no question, the one single artist that is best remembered for the twist, is Chubby Checker.
In the case of the twist, the music was created before the dance. The originator of the twist, was R&B musician, Hank Ballard and his Midnighters from 1959. Ballard looked back at some old R&B standards from the 30’s and came up with the concept for the music calling it the twist. The actual dance was created after the music was recorded.
In 1960 an artist from Philadelphia, PA. who used the stage name of Chubby Checker, came out on Cameo-Parkway Records with his version of the twist, “The Twist/Toot” (Cameo-Parkway #811). It went to No. #1 on the Billboard charts.
In 1961, the New York based artist named Joey Dee was working at New York’s famed Peppermint Lounge. Dee and his band, the Starlighters wanted to capture that twist magic, so he released “Peppermint Twist Part I/
Part II” (Roulette Records #4401). It went to No. #1 on the charts as well. The twist was one hot teenage and young matures dance.
But, it was Checker’s version of the Twist that we all best remember today, as Checker has been one of rock and rolls most durable and popular stars. While born Ernest Evans, Checker got his stage name from the wife of American Bandstands host and owner, Dick Clark. Clark got Checker his recording contract with Cameo-Parkway and was a big believer in Checker, as he knew Checker had a lot of talent. Keep in mind, American Bandstand was a dance show and nobody was better in creating dance songs/hits than Chubby Checker.
Checkers first release for Cameo Parkway (C.P.) Was titled “The Class/ Schooldays, Oh Schooldays” (C.P. #804). His second release for Cameo Parkway was the legendary “Twist.” Checker’s “Twist” went on to become the only single record released to top the Billboard Hot 100 charts on TWO different occasions.
Checker came out with a non stop lineup of hit releases for Cameo-Parkway, mostly dance related. These hits included: “Let’s Twist Again/Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” (C.P. #824). This release won Checker the Grammy in 1961 for Best Pop & Rock Solo Performance. Soon to follow were: The Hucklebuck/Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On” (C.P. #813), “The Fly/That’s The Way It Goes” (C.P. #830), “Dance The Mess Around/Good Good Lovin” (C.P. #822), “Pony Time/Oh Susannah” (C.P. #818), “Limbo Rock/Popeye” (C.P. #849). In 1962 Checker did a duet with Dee Dee Sharp on Cameo Parkway that reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Slow Twistin/ La Paloma Twist” (C.P. 835). At one time, Checker was the only recording artist to have FIVE LP’s on Billboard’s
Checker has been credited in pop music history as the artist that got adults out on the dance floor more than any other artist. Checker has continued to have Top #40 hits until the late 60’s Since the 70’s he has been a staple on the oldies music circuit.
In 2008 Billboard Magazine named Checker’s “The Twist” the biggest chart hit of all time that was released between 1958 and 2008.
During his recording heyday, Checker appeared in two major movies, “Twist Around The Clock” in 1961 and “Don’t Knock The Twist” in 1962. He was recognized as the artist to have appeared the most times on American Bandstand while Bandstand was on the air. In 2013 he received the prestigious Sandy Hosey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Artists Music Guild.
Now for the big one, in 2025 Chubby was inducted into Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Congratulation to Chubby!
In August of 1965 Checker did a tour of Midwest ballrooms that brought him to this area while being backed up by Spirit Lake, Iowa’s Torkays. In talking with some members of the Torkays, they said Checker’s shows were non stop sweat soaked action fests. It was at this time, Checker and his band pulled into Fort Dodge to entertain the kids. That must have been an amazing show. I hope you were there.
Top 20 LP charts! He was that popular.