DESIGN COORDINATOR nick manwarren nmanwarren@messengernews.net
SALES DIRECTOR leanne darr ldarr@messengernews.net
SALES CONSULTANTS
jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net
EDITOR bill shea bshea@messengernews.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS tom tourville lori berglund mark adkins brandon brueschke
COPYRIGHT 2026
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.
Look Who’s Reading
The Friendship Haven travel group took in the sights as they went in January 2025 to see the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena California. Here they are along with other travelers visiting the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
HUMBOLDT COMMUNITY CHORUS TO PRESENT
It’s A Celebration
HUMBOLDT - Gospel favorites, hits from the band Chicago and patriotic music will all be featured in the upcoming Humboldt Community Chorus show. The Humboldt Community Chorus, directed by Terry Nelson, will be presenting its annual variety show, “It’s A Celebration”, Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 at the R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium at the Humboldt High School.
Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1.
The always popular gospel section features “Shout to the Lord”, “I Saw the Light”, “Crown Him”, “The King is Coming” and a contemporary version of “The Lord’s Prayer”.
The women will perform “With Love From Motown”, the men will sing “Surfin’ USA” and various small groups will be adding light-hearted songs and comedy numbers throughout the production.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 18 and can be purchased at Humboldt Hy-Vee, V&S Variety in downtown Humboldt, from chorus members, online at www.humboldtchorus.com or by calling 515-890-0987.
Selections this year will include “Celebration”, “Reach Out I’ll Be There”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” and a medley of favorite songs from the famous groups Chicago and Styx.
The show will close with patriotic selections commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and celebrating our 250th birthday as a nation. Those songs include “You’re a Grand Old Flag”, “On This Day”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever”.
The group is accompanied by Carolyn Shugar-Ford and the 20-piece Humboldt Big Band. The band also plays 30 minutes before each show and during intermission. The chorus and band pride themselves on providing a very high energy show with something for everyone.
For more information about the upcoming show, find Humboldt Community Chorus on Facebook or call 515890-0987.
Joking around for the pets
COMEDY FOR A CAUSE WILL BENEFIT ALMOST HOME HUMANE SOCIETY
A night of laughter with two comedians will benefit the dogs and cats cared for by the Almost Home Humane Society of North Central Iowa.
Five Points Events presents Comedy for a Cause on Jan. 24 featuring comedian Willie Farrell and comedy magician Jonathan May.
Doors will open for the show at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Hotel and Event Center, 1518 Third Ave. N.W.
Tickets cost $15 ($19.10 with fees and sales tax). They can be purchased at eventbrite.com
Farrell, the evening’s headliner, has been cracking jokes for 30 years in comedy clubs, aboard cruise ships and on Las Vegas stages. He has been on Comedy Central, A & E, ESPN and the Showtime program “The Godfathers of Comedy.”
May combines humor and magic in shows that are called fun for all ages.
Karl King Band Preparing for indoor season
The Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge is getting set to begin its 2026 indoor concert season.
Three dates have been scheduled, and will be Sunday, Feb. 15; Sunday, March 22; and Sunday, April 26. These concerts begin at 3:30 p.m., and are held in the Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium, located at 800 N. 32nd St. in Fort Dodge. There is no admission charge, with these concerts being provided by the City of Fort Dodge.
This nationally-known group can trace its origins back to the 1870s, when military veterans and local citizens formed their first band. Two competing groups existed for several years until they organized into the Fort Dodge Municipal Band around 1901.
This group is currently under the direction of Conductor Dan Cassady. The band annually performs a series of at least 12 concerts each year locally, and has also been featured through the years at state, national, and international conventions.
The Feb. 15 concert will be the band’s annual tribute to former Conductor Karl L. King. A special afternoon of band music is being planned to include several of King’s best-known and
most popular compositions, including his most famous one, “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite March”, and King’s dedication to his wife Ruth with “Lovers Lane”. On the popular side will be a medley of well-known Frank Sinatra favorites and Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust”.
Karl King was born on Feb. 21, 1891, in Paintersville, Ohio. After his childhood in Ohio, he left at the age of 19 and traveled for nine years with several different circuses, playing in or conducting several of their bands, and reached the pinnacle of success as conductor of the famous Barnum and Bailey Circus Band during the 1917 and 1918 seasons.
King came to Fort Dodge in the fall of 1920 to conduct the local Municipal Band, a position he held for more than 50 years until his death in March of 1971. He published nearly 300 compositions for the band, with nearly 200 of those being marches. He was truly America’s March King. He is Fort Dodge’s most famous citizen, with a highway bridge (one of only three in the United States named after a bandmaster), a city park which contains his statue, and a band shell all named in his honor.
The March 22 concert is the band’s annual Irish Concert to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. This concert dates back to the early days of the band under King’s direction. Cassady has planned a wide variety of Irish music, and will include an audience singalong of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and “My Wild Irish Rose”, led by Roger Netz, along with everyone’s favorite Irish tune, “MacNamara’s Band”, all arranged by one of the band’s previous conductors, Reginald R. Schive.
The April 26 concert will be the band’s annual Scholarship Concert, where talented high school seniors and college freshmen can audition for three scholarships that the band annually awards. Watch for more details regarding this concert in future issues of Twist and Shout.
For additional information and pictures about Karl King or the Municipal Band, or for any weather-related cancellations, visit the band’s web site at “http://www.karlking.us/” www.karlking. us, or the band’s Facebook page at “https://www.facebook.com/ karlkingband/”
Pulse THE
S & H O U T !
JANUARY
LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
JANUARY 2
Jeremy Ober
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JANUARY 4
Bingo Supporting Webster County Pound
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JANUARY 9
Claudia Coltrain
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JANUARY 10
Barrel Tasting Experience
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JANUARY 12
Can Play - Adaptive Basketball
5:45 PM - 6:15 PM
Can Play provides play opportunities for individuals with physical, cognitive, social, mental, financial, or other barriers.
Cost: $5/session
Butler School Gym 945 South 18th Street Fort Dodge, IA
JANUARY 14
The Better Way Project Ribbon Cutting
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join us as we celebrate The Better Way Project and its exciting new chapter with the recent acquisition of the Carver Building! 1003 Central Ave, Fort Dodge Fort Dodge, IA
JANUARY 15
Member Meet & Eat Q1 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM featuring a panel of community leaders along with special guest Superintendent of FD Community School District Josh Porter Members: $25-Includes lunch, Non-Members: $35-Includes lunch Fort Dodge Community Schools
Administration Office 109 N 25th Street Fort Dodge, IA
3rd Thursday JAM at Eagles Hideout Lounge
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
All Ages & Abilities Welcome Eagles Hideout Lounge 1018 1st Avenue North Fort Dodge, IA
JANUARY 16
Kris Karr
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JANUARY 17
2026 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Join us for our e-sports Nintendo Switch tournament! Age Groups:
Group 1: 1st-3rd grade: 9:30am-11:30am
Group 2: 4th-7th grade: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Group 3: 8th-12th grade: 2:30pm-4:30pm Citizen’s Central, 617 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA
Can Play - Adaptive Basketball
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Butler School Gym
945 South 18th Street Fort Dodge, IA
JANUARY 18
Bingo Supporting Webster County Pound
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JANUARY 19
Can Play - Adaptive Basketball 5:45 PM - 6:15 PM
Butler School Gym 945 South 18th Street Fort Dodge, IA
JANUARY 23
515 Big Band LIVE at Historic Phillips Auditorium
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Drinks available on site for purchase. Adults:$15 Students: Free
Historic Phillips Auditorium
1015 5th Avenue N Fort Dodge, IA
JANUARY 23
Jared Benson
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JANUARY 24
Can Play - Adaptive Basketball 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Butler School Gym 945 South 18th Street Fort Dodge, IA
JANUARY 30
Neil Anders
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
JANUARY 31
Winter Blues Casino Night
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Red Shed Events Center
908 2nd St NW, CLARION, IA
Good Eats &Drinks
FAST-FOOD:
Burger King 2814 5th Ave. S
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza ......... 2007 N.15th St. 2206
Culver’s
Domino’s
dining:
716 Main Humboldt
Applebee’s ......................... 2810 5th Ave. S
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.
Anderson
shiningstar
Artistic Interests – both musically and artistically:
Yes, I love both music and art. I love to use my creativity in art through classes, workshops, and personal projects. My family enjoys visiting art museums whenever we travel to a new town or place. I love listening to music and performing music in band and choir.
How long have you been interested in making art?
I have been making art since I was little. I remember taking art classes at the Blanden with my dad starting when I was 6 years old. I became interested in music when I had the opportunity to join the musical Willy Wonka in middle school at St. Edmond.
What do you most enjoy about performing?
What I enjoy the most about performing is meeting new people. I love to make people laugh, have fun, and learn about other people and their interests.
Do you come from an artistic family?
Yes, my dad is a very talented artist. He is the director of the Blanden Art Museum. He loves to work in his studio at home and make artwork and enter them into shows. My mom is a teacher, though she is not very artistic, she is creative, always writing and trying new ‘crafty’ things.
What is the most difficult, or challenging, part for you when creating a new piece of artwork, or preparing a new production?
The most difficult part when creating a piece of artwork is putting it together and trying to make it look good. When preparing for a new production it’s the two weeks before opening night. It’s a stressful time because you’re not sure it’s going to get together, but in the end it always does!
Age: 16
Grade/School: Saint Edmond (Sophomore)
Hometown: Fort Dodge
What is the most rewarding part of the artistic process?
The smiles and happy faces I see. During the bows, at the end of a musical, I love seeing all the people clapping and smiling. For art, I love to see people’s faces when I show my artwork and try to read their reaction.
Do you plan to use your artistic skills after high school? If so, in what ways?
Yes, I feel art and music will always have a place in my life and art. I think I will always have a passion for making art and being creative.
Who
inspires you and why?
There are two people that inspire me. First, is my dad. He is a great example of someone who works hard in life. I love how he has such a passion for art and that has definitely inspired me to be creative. The second person who inspires me is Walt Disney. He inspires me because he was told by many people that he would not make anything that people would want to watch and was told he would not be successful. However, with hard work and determination he made it. This reminds me that with hard work, determination, and a kind smile I can do anything!
Who inspires you and why?
There are two people that inspire me. First, is my dad. He is a great example of someone who works hard in life. I love how he has such a passion for art and that has definitely inspired me to be creative. The second person who inspires me is Walt Disney. He inspires me because he was told by many people that he would not make anything that people would want to watch and was told he would not be successful. However, with hard work and determination he made it. This reminds me that with hard work, determination, and a kind smile I can do anything!
Walk us through a typical day in the life of Cora Anderson.
I wake up around 6 am and get ready for school. During these winter months one day a week I have jazz band practice at 7:00 am. After school it depends on the day. Twice a week I take voice lessons at McSweeneys, and I have other meetings throughout the week / month for Girl Scouts, 4-H, FD Fine Arts Association’s Youth Art Council, County Council, musical practices, jazz band or pep band. In between school and those various meetings I do homework, practice my instruments, listen to music, and work on art projects.
What are your plans after high school?
Right now, I plan to major in musical theater, not sure which college. A big dream is to become a performer for Disney or on Broadway. I would also maybe minor in music or art education to become a music or art teacher.
By Tom Tourville
a look back ROCKIN’ THE LARAMAR WITH STEVE ROWE & THE FURYS
This month my featured artist will allow me to go back to the birth of ballroom rock and roll. Let me explain.
Rock and roll on the Midwest ballroom circuit got a very bumpy start. I’m not talking about 1963-1970’s and beyond. I’m talking about the real birth of ballroom rock, 1956, 1957, 1958 and 1959. You know, the bedrock years for rock music in the Midwest. As I said above, rock music got a bumpy start at the ball-
rooms. So many of the Midwest ballrooms didn’t want to book rock music.
The thought was that this new rock music would bring in the “wrong crowd.” You know, smoking, leather jackets, fights, the “wrong crowd.” Most ballrooms were operating with tunnel vision. This was the same time period that the big band business was starting to slow down significantly and ballrooms were looking for a way to prop up business.
Rock bands were not rapidly being booked. So many ballroom wanted to play it safe, if they were going to feature rock music at all for the kids. They wanted artists that looked good, didn’t cause any trouble, acts that appeared to be safe. Such artists as the Everly Brothers, Bobby Vee and Conway Twitty, were some of the artists the hesitant ballrooms would take a chance on booking. Then there was Fort Dodge’s Laramar Ballroom. Reaching back to 1957 and 1958 they were booking and bringing in rock artists steadily on their schedule. They were not waiting for the rock and roll boom to hit or wait for the big bands to die off, which wasn’t going to happen, they were booking rock artists right from the jump.
Here they came rocking into the Laramar with Myron Lee and the Caddies, Roscoe and His Little Greenmen, the Highlights, Big Beats, Jags, Roadrunners, the Embers, Tornadoes as well as Bobby Vee, the Everly Brothers, Conway Twitty, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, they all came to the Laramar’s stage.
Another incredible group that found their way down from Fargo, ND to the Laramar’s stage. That group was Steve Rowe (Wroe) & The Furys.
The Furys played the Laramar in 1959 and 1960 and were one of the first rock groups to tour outside of Fargo after Bobby Vee started playing the Midwest ballroom circuit. Bobby Vee & the Shadows and Steve Rowe and the Furys quickly established themselves as the best Fargo had to offer. Rowe’s last name was actually Wroe, but Rowe was easier to market and sell the band faster. Just like Bobby Vee, not Bobby Veline.
The band consisted of Steve Rowe vocals and guitar, brother Mark Wroedrums, Ken Harvey-guitar, Dick Dunkirk-bass and Lynn Gerald, also on guitar. Mark Wroe was only fourteen years old when he joined the band. Mark became an amazing drummer that was highly respected by musicians all across the Midwest.
As for Ken Harvey, he was only 15 when he joined the band. After his time in the Furys, Harvey would go on to play with Bobby Vee, Judy Lynn, Dottie West, the Kimberlys, the Oak Ridge Boys and Kenny Rogers to name a few. My good friend Doug Spartz, who I wrote about earlier this year and his band the Embers, also played with the Furys.
Shortly after forming, the Furys went into a recording studio and cut “Minor Chaos” backed by “Malaguena,” with no record company named on the label, as the band just sold the records from the stage. These for sure were two songs mom and dad would not have liked, but the kids loved them.
The Furys were quite popular with national artists that came to tour the Midwest ballrooms. Such artists as Bobby Vee and the Everly Brothers had the Furys open for them at shows, with one such show being at the Laramar.
Many years ago a great book was put together on Steve Rowe & The Furys, titled “The School Of Rock.” It outlined a tour the Furys did with Buddy Knox, where Knox used the Furys to tour under the name of Knox’s band, the Rhythm Orchids. Many different Midwest bands were “used as the Rhythm Orchids” by Knox in the early ‘60s.
The Furys lasted until 1964. During the early ‘60s they added comedy to their shows and costume changes while becoming more of a show group and played club and lounge dates. I’ve been able to document that the Furys played at our Laramar Ballroom once in 1959 and again twice in 1960.
Today Steve Rowe lives in Costa Rica and is still singing and playing. What a great act Steve Rowe & the Furys were at our Laramar Ballroom. We can thank them for being one of the bands to start rock and roll in the Midwest.
artistspot
Richard Hanson
Age: 77
Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa
How would you describe your artistic style, and what draws you to the images you choose to paint?
I would describe my style of painting as realistic. However, over the past fifty years I have worked in a few different styles. Since the mid-eighties I have concentrated my efforts on highly detailed textured images. For me, creating the illusion of surface texture within an original, well-designed composition is very satisfying. I enjoy making detailed paintings that communicate in some way with the viewer.
When did you begin painting?
The first painting I completed was in my senior year of high school. It was a portrait completed in oil. I enjoyed the process and I seemed to have an aptitude for it.
What is your educational background?
I am a graduate of St Edmond High School. I have an AA degree from Iowa Central Community College, a BA Degree in Art Education from the University of Northern Iowa and an MA in Studio Art (painting) from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
What do you most enjoy about painting?
The thing I really enjoy about painting is the attempt to produce an original and compelling image. I like the challenge of making a self-satisfying work that meets my initial vision.
Growing
up, was your family interested in the arts?
Growing up my parents didn’t have any formal education in the arts. My two sisters participated in dance and choir in high school. My grandmother on my mother’s side was a self-taught artist and painted some very nice watercolors.
Where
can someone view your incredible pieces?
My work can be seen on my website rhansonwatercolors. com. You will find various digital galleries: Life on the Streets, Landscapes, Florals, and Italian Street Scenes.
What advice would you give to a student who is interested in pursuing a career in art?
If art is something you would like to pursue, there are many areas to explore. Do your research. There are many different pursuits of study. Remember that your education does not end with your formal training. Continue to educate yourself throughout your life. Work hard and reinvent yourself if necessary.
What,
or who, inspires you to paint?
I inspire myself. I motivate myself. I paint for myself. You can’t paint for over fifty years and try to live up to someone else’s expectations.
Are there particular themes, messages, or emotions you hope viewers take away from your work?
I hope the viewer feels some kind positive reaction to my paintings. This is a hard thing to control. It depends on what the observer brings to the viewing. Everyone comes to a work of art with their own experiences, perceptions, and emotions. I make paintings that I like. If everything falls in place maybe someone else will like them.
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