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.
The 515 Big Band
Karl King Band
PRESENTS:
EYGROUWS BAND
The Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association continues to deliver on its motto of “connecting, collaborating, and celebrating the fine arts”.
Residents from the city and around the area have one more opportunity to hear the blues stylings of the popular Avey Grouws band Saturday, March 14. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the door or through the association’s Eventbrite online application at www.fdfineartsassociation.org/. Tenants of the former middle school building are admitted free of charge.
“We feel like this will be a top-notch event,” FDFA executive director Shelly Bottorff said.
“Avey Grouws is a favorite of many blues aficionados. It’s the second to last time they’ll perform together, as the group is breaking up with each member wanting to pursue other opportunities.
They’ve performed here twice, and the reception was great both times,” she added. “The crowd was bigger in each instance, and we expect the same this time around.”
Photo Credit Rob Smith Photography
Ronley King and The Dogtown Rhythm Band are also on stage at The Historic Phillips Auditorium before Avey Grouws. Doors open at 6 p.m. with music starting at 6:30 p.m. Beverages will be available for purchase during the evening.
We feel like this will be a top-notch event “ “
SHELLY BOTTORFF FDFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“We love bringing live music into this wonderful venue,” Bottorff said. “This type of production not only benefits FDFA but also the community by building momentum for other options.”
Bottorff invited individuals to check out the full community calendar through the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association web site. “We average over 60 events per month,” she said.
Photo Credit Rob Smith Photography
A Voyage to Self Discovery and Consciousness
Selections from the permanent collection to be displayed at Blanden
“Know thyself.” The ancient words carved at Delphi remain one of humanity’s most enduring calls. Not a search for distant lands or treasures, but a voyage inward, into the labyrinth of consciousness. This exhibition, drawn from the museum’s collection, brings together works that reflect the timeless human quest for identity, authenticity, and purpose. It is a journey as old as humanity itself, told through myths and oral traditions, carried forward in poems and music, painted in symbols and abstractions, and reimagined across generations.
Art has always served as a threshold to self-understanding. It does not strike with certainty but invites reflection. Line, shape, color, rhythm, harmony, and contrast, the very elements and principles of art, become metaphors for the human condition: a line tracing the path of life, light and shadow mirroring the psyche’s dualities, harmony and dissonance echoing our inner struggles and resolutions. The processes of creation; layering, erasure, juxtaposition, repetition; enact the very work of becoming, revealing the unfinished nature of identity itself.
To know oneself is to wrestle with shadow and light, with the masks we present and the truths we conceal. Philosophers and psychologists remind us that the self is not fixed, but relational, formed in dialogue with others, with nature, and with the cosmos. Yet in the digital age, this pursuit of self-knowledge is increasingly shadowed by the algorithmic
mirror. Digital systems amplify our unacknowledged shadows, inflating fear, envy, and outrage, while curating fragile personae hungry for validation. What emerges is an “algorithmic self,” curated but hollow, driven by data yet disconnected from authenticity.
The objects gathered here resist such algorithmic reductions. They reclaim art as a vessel of wisdom, insisting on the power of direct encounter with material, image, and form. In their presence, we are asked to pause, to reflect, and to listen to remember that wisdom begins not with endless consumption but with stillness, attention, and creativity. Out of silence and longing comes the declaration: “I am here”. This is not only a statement of existence but of connection, a reminder that to know oneself is to locate our being within a larger whole of humanity, nature, and the visible and invisible universe.
To know thyself is not a solitary act. It is a call to growth, humility, and integration, weaving together the intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual dimensions of being. It is an affirmation of authenticity and a return to love, hope, and truth. This exhibition invites you into that labyrinth, into a place of mirrors and shadows, of questions and revelations to confront the most enduring question of all time: Who are you? And perhaps, in the quiet between image and reflection, to find the courage to answer; “I am here.”
BY JERROLD P. JIMMERSON
The second in a series of three indoor concerts by the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge will be held on Sunday afternoon, March 22nd, in the Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium, 800 North 32nd Street. There is no admission charge, with these concerts being provided by the City of Fort Dodge. Entering his second season as conductor of the band is Dan Cassady. Announcer for these concerts is Paul Bloomquist.
This concert, which will begin at 3:30 p.m., will be the band’s annual Irish Concert to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It is believed that these concerts were started by Karl King when he arrived in Fort Dodge in the early 1920’s. These concerts were held for many years at the Corpus Christi Parish Center under King’s direction, and also featured the Fort Dodge Civic Glee Club.
Many familiar Irish tunes will be performed, including everyone’s favorite, “McNamara’s Band”, as arranged by former conductor of the band, Reginald R. Schive.
Other Irish selections on the program include the beautiful “Irish Tune from County Derry” as arranged for Band by Percy Aldridge Grainger; Warren Barker’s lovely “An Irish Interlude”; and a medley of traditional Irish favorites titled “Strains from Erin” arranged by Lucien Cailliet, and often performed by the band with Karl King’s conducting.
Also included on this one-hour concert will be “Dublin Sketches” by contemporary American composer James Curnow. This composition, based on the Irish folk song ‘Slane’, features a rich blend of textures and moods composed as a theme and set of three variations, with the final variation having the flavor of a traditional Irish jig.
Several march selections will be performed, including Karl L. King’s 1910 circus favorite, “Pondoroso”; John W. Casto’s rousing “The Irish Brigade”; W. Paris Chambers’ flashy “The Boys of the Old Brigade”; along with John Philip Sousa’s standard in the band repertoire, “Hands Across
Karl King Band Irish Concert March 22nd
Roger Netz from Manson, a long-time member of the Band’s Saxophone section, will lead the audience in a sing-along of the traditional Irish favorites, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and “My Wild Irish Rose”, also arranged by Reginald R. Schive. These concerts always close in the traditional way with the playing of our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
In case of inclement weather, this concert may be cancelled. Any announcements will be made on the band’s Facebook page at: www.facebook. com/karlkingband or on the band’s website at www.karlking.us.
Looking ahead, the final indoor concert will be on Sunday, April 26th, at 3:30 p.m. in the Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium, which will be the band’s annual Scholarship Concert.
Pulse THE
S & H O U T ! MARCH
LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
515 Big Band LIVE at Historic Phillips Auditorium
MARCH 20 • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
MARCH 14
MARCH 1
Bingo at the Winery
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bingo! Bring your friends, family, neighbors for a *good cause* and some fun!
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 5
Investionista with Signe Lonholdt Ribbon Cutting
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join us for a Ribbon Cutting ceremony for Investionista with Signe Lonholdt.
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
24 N 9th St STE A • Fort Dodge, IA Community Room
MARCH 6
Vineyard Vibrations: The Larson Lee Trio
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 7
The Glow Hour
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join us at Soldier Creek Winery for a calm, come-and-go afternoon dedicated to beauty, reflection, and relaxation.
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 8
FD Choral Society Concert
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Admission by Season Membership or $12 @ the door for adults. Students are FREE.
Grace Lutheran Church 211 South 9th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 13
Avey Grouws Band
Door Open: 6:00 PM Music: 6:30 PM
Historic Phillips Auditorium
General Admission $20
Vineyard Vibrations: Kris Karr
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
Kiwanis Annual Pancake Day
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Adults $8 and children 12 and under $3.
Tickets available at the door.
Community Christian School gym 9th Ave. S & 24th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 15
Bingo at the Winery
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Supporting the Lord’s Cupboard
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 19
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
MARCH 20
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
Vineyard Vibrations: Alex Trevino
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 21
Obria Medical Clinics of Iowa Legacy of Life Banquet
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Prairie Lakes Church
200 Avenue O • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 22
Karl King Band Concert
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Fort Dodge Middle School
800 N. 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 26
29th Annual DSAOC Cake Auction
5 Day Online Auction that benefits victims/ survivors in 20 Mid-Iowa Counties.
Domestic Sexual Assault Outreach Center PO Box 773 • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 27
Vineyard Vibrations: Tom Shadonix
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 28
March Eggs & Issues
Legislative Forum
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Moderated Q&A focused on current legislative priorities and issues impacting our region.
Iowa Central Community College 1 Triton Circle • Fort Dodge, IA
Spring has Sprung! Vendor Market at the Fort Opera House
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A variety of crafts, wares and specialty items. Fort Museum Opera House
1 Museum Road • Fort Dodge, IA
MARCH 29
“Beyond the Horizon” w/ The FD Area Symphony
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Fort Dodge Middle School
800 N. 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA
Good Eats &Drinks
FAST-FOOD:
Burger King 2814 5th Ave. S
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza ......... 2007 N.15th St. 2206 2nd
Culver’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.
Domino’s Pizza 1430
Dunkin’
ASSOCIATION’S
Hometown: Fort Dodge Iowa FORT
Age: 16
Grade/School: Junior / St Edmond Catholic School
shiningstar
What are your Interests – both musically and artistically?
I love doing black and white pencil drawings and working with any new or odd materials I can play around with. Musically I love participating in musical productions. During my freshman and sophomore year when the opportunity was formerly available the highlight of my day was show choir rehearsal before school.
How long have you been interested in making art?
In elementary I enjoyed art class, but when I got to high school I loved it even more. I have had an art class in my schedule 5 out of the 6 semesters I have been in high school.
Do you come from an artistic family?
Nope
What is the most difficult, or challenging, part for you when creating a new piece of artwork, or preparing a new production?
Whether working on a production or making a new art work there is always that one mistake that you just can’t seem to get quite right, but it’s fun to laugh about it with people because in reality only the artist, or the cast of the show will ever truly notice that the mistake is there.
What is the most rewarding part of the artistic process?
When you’re finally done with a project and seeing how happy or excited it makes you and the people around you feel.
Do you plan to use your artistic skills after high school?
If so, in what ways? After High school I would love to find local art classes and productions to participate in, however at this point I do not even know where I am going for college so I am open to anything that the future holds.
To
Who inspires you and why?
My older sister Alex Tiernan, I always used to joke that she could never do anything the normal way, but in reality this gave her some of the coolest opportunities. Having her as an older sister has always been inspiring and an interesting experience overall,and I looked forward to the day when my opportunity would come
Walk us through a typical day in the life of Lizzy Tiernan.
I usually wake up around 6:30 and have to be at school by 7:45. I always bring a cup of coffee with me to school. I have Art right before lunch. This semester I am taking a sculpture course. After school I have practice from 3:15-5:30, I’m in six sports so an off season really does not exist for me. When practice is done I normally run home and have a quick dinner with my family, and then go back to school by 7 for musical practice. Then I go home and head to bed around 10:30 - 11pm.
What are your plans after high school?
I have been volunteering at the Fort Dodge Fort Museum for over two years now and absolutely love it. After high school I would like to go to college to get my history degree and a degree in museum studies so I can be the executive director of a small history museum someday.
a look back
By Tom Tourville
WHEN THE AUCTIONEER & HANK CAME TO THE LARMAR YOU HAD BETTER NOT JUST WALK ON BY
A few months back I was introduced to some great rock and country shows that the late Betty Dencklau had attended at our Laramar Ballroom. Betty’s daughter Sherry Gibbons shared with me signed music memorabilia that her mother Betty had saved after attending these shows. One of the shows included a concert from Sunday November 1, 1998 when Leroy Van Dyke and Hank Thompson appeared at the Laramar sponsored by radio station KWMT-AM 540.
It wasn’t all that long ago I did a story on Leroy Van Dyke in Twist & Shout. But, I wanted to re-visit Leroy Van Dyke and share a fun photo that Sherry had loaned to me along with a great Leroy Van Dyke autograph from this show. Let’s look back at the Leroy Van Dyke story.
I am guessing that most of you reading this grew up in the Midwest, most likely from the decades of the ‘60s,‘70s or ‘80s. One of our favorite times was when our parents took us to a farm sale or a going out of business/moving auction.
I know for me; I was always mesmerized when the auctioneer cracked open the microphone and spoke faster than any human being alive. I seldom understood what he was saying, so I was constantly bugging my parents about what was going on. I usually got to buy some 45 records on the auction and there were always other kids there to talk with. These were fun times.
When I headed off to college, I thought it would be fun to be an auctioneer so I looked into an auctioneer’s school in Mason City, Iowa. Nope, not for me. I needed to find another way to make some money, so I landed on booking bands. What a rock n roll thrill ride that turned out to be.
In 1956 a young music artist liked the concept of making a record based upon the talents of an auctioneer. That singer was Leroy Van Dyke, who was born in rural Pettis County, Missouri. While still in Jr High School, he was impressed that his cousin Ray Sims, who started working on being a Missouri based auctioneer. When Van Dyke watched his cousin do auctions, he would always ask Sims
about being an auctioneer whenever they were together. This gave him a chance to learn from Sims. Van Dyke became a very good amateur auctioneer.
While Van Dyke was stationed in Korea during the Korean War, he wrote the song “Auctioneer.” After getting out of the service, he entered the song in a Chicago talent contest. As a result of the strong showing for the song in the contest, he was given a recording contract with Dot Records. Things were off and running for the “Auctioneer/I Fell In Love With A Pony-Tail” (Dot Records #15503). The song sold over 2 ½ million records, went gold, gained Top #10 status on the Billboard charts and is still selling today! This gem has been covered by Lynn Anderson, Steve Goodman and Gordon Lightfoot. That was an amazing first effort for Van Dyke. But the best was yet to come.
Van Dyke followed “Auctioneer” with other such releases as: “One Heart” (Dot #15652), “The Pocket Book Song” (Dot #15561) and “Leather Jacket” (Dot “15698). With his follow-up releases on Dot not reaching
the success of “Auctioneer,” he left Dot Records. Van Dyke was not looking for a new record label, but soon he was snapped up by Mercury Records and offered another recording contract.
One of his first releases for Mercury Records came in 1961 when Van Dyke released the country classic of “Walk On By/My World Is Caving In” (Mercury Records #71834). The song went to No #1 on the Billboard county charts, #5 on Billboard’s pop music charts and has been estimated to have sold over 4 million records. For its 100th Anniversary issue, Billboard Magazine named “Walk On By” as the biggest country music song/hit in music history. Simply, wow!
“Walk On By” stayed at No #1 on the Billboard country charts for 19 straight weeks and stayed in that place until country superstars Florida Georgia Line hit the charts with “Cruise,” that stayed at #1 for over 20 straight weeks on the country charts.
Country music fans were excited to learn that Hank “Sugarfoot” Garland played guitar for Van Dyke’s record and the bass was played by county guitar legend, Buddy Killen and back-up vocals being sung by Grand Ole Opry star, Margie Singleton. What a group of friends!
Van Dyke followed up “Walk On By” with “Faded Love,” “Black Cloud,” “Five Steps Away,” “Dim Dark Corner.” In total, Leroy has recorded and released over 500 records. In addition, he has had 13 of his records chart in the UK. Leroy is a member of the Auctioneers Hall of Fame, the Grand Old Opry and he was a cast member for the Ozark Jamboree TV show.
The best part of the Leroy Van Dyke story was when he and his band the Auctioneers and country star, Hank Thompson traveled to Fort Dodge in November of 1998 to appear at our Laramar Ballroom.
Leroy still does short run tours and headlines a show titled, “The County Gold Tour.” I would sure like to see him once again. Thanks to Sherry’s mom Betty, for sharing her Laramar memories with all of us.
Until Next Month Take Care & Remember The Music
artistspot
What role did the arts play in your childhood?
The arts played a huge part of my childhood. From my dad drawing caricatures during church, to listening to oldies in the car while my mom hauled my brother and me to our events, to going to my dads concerts, to watching and learning how to cook by my mom and grandma, I was completely immersed my entire childhood. Being a band directors kid, I didn’t necessarily have a choice to be in band. However I am the person I am today because of my experiences with the arts.
What is one of your first memories of music? Either listening or performing.
I remember being in 4th grade and my dad, a trombone player, asked me what instrument I wanted to play. I was the youngest child and my two older brothers played the trumpet. I looked at my dad and said “I want to play the clarinet!” He looked at me, perhaps a bit disapprovingly, and said “I thought you wanted to play the trombone?” - I have now been playing the trombone for over 20 years.
Megan Cassady
Age: 34
Hometown: Fort Dodge, IA
Profession: High School Band Director - Southeast Valley
What made you decide to become a music educator?
There were a lot of factors that played a part in me becoming a music educator. I actually fought it for a while. I saw the long hours my dad put in. The nights and weekend commitments. I was working in the church and doing music lessons part time. I wasn’t convinced that was what I wanted to do for my career. I knew I loved music and I loved working with kids. With some significant reflection, I realized that although it would be a ton of work, I had a passion for teaching music and that was what I wanted to pursue. After about eight years in the workforce, I went back and got my teaching certificate. I am in my fifth year as a band director at the age of 34.
What’s the biggest challenge as a music educator?
There are challenging things professionally and personally when it comes to being a music educator. Being in a smaller school, students participate in everything. I have had to work with students and faculty to find creative solutions. Thankfully I work with amazing colleagues that want the same for the students. Last year there was a golf meet at our last concert. We made it work that the students participated in golf and drove at an undisclosed rate of speed back and got back minutes before going on stage. While it wasn’t ideal, they were able to do both things and make it work. Personally, working many nights and weekends can be challenging with young kids. It makes my time with them even more meaningful though.
What made you decide to come back to Fort Dodge after college?
I had a job offer at a church in town. It was only part-time so I reached out to Rieman Music and was able to get a part-time job there as well. The opportunity fell in my lap and I felt like it made sense to come back, even just for a few years. Fast forward ten years and I have a husband and two beautiful children, family in the area, and an amazing group of friends. I feel settled and established in Fort Dodge and am looking forward to having my kids grow up in this area.
What do you most enjoy about the art and culture scene in Fort Dodge?
I think we have a wide variety of arts in the Fort Dodge area. I’m a little more hip to the music scene, but there is so much to offer around this area. Live music, The Blanden, ICCC Culinary Arts program, Soldier Creek Winery and local breweries and coffee shops, the list is endless. There is something for everyone in the arts and you don’t have to put much effort in to find something that interests you in Fort Dodge.
What groups in our community are you involved with?
Currently, I participate in the Karl King band, 515 Big Band, Bad to the Bone, and I am the music director for Stage Door Productions summer musical. Oh, and I’m an official Bingo Caller at Soldier Creek Winery, that’s a pretty sweet gig. In the past I have also been involved in the Fort Dodge Area Symphony and the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Board.
If you spend one day with any musician, alive or dead, who would you pick and what would you do for that day?
If I were to spend a day with any musician, I would choose Kelly Clarkson. I think she is a fantastic person and a very talented singer. I have enjoyed listening to her original music and you may disagree, but I think when she covers a song from another artist she almost always does it better than the original artist! (Check out her It’s Quiet Uptown cover - so good!) I grew up listening to her music and her voice has aged like fine wine.
You have to eat one thing for the rest of your life…….What is it?
Oh man, this is a tough one. If I were to only eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be ChickFil-A. You didn’t ask, but a drink would be Diet Coke (or Blue Moon...)
If you had to use one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
One word to describe myself would be easy-going. I am pretty go with the flow and am always willing to change things up. I think it drives my husband nuts! I get along with almost everyone and I think that helps me both in my professional and personal life.
Tell us about a time when you were nervous performing and how you handled it.
Getting nervous before performing is a very natural thing to experience. Especially early on. Some of my earliest memories of being very nervous were my piano recitals. I didn’t practice as much as I should so I would get very worked up since I was unprepared. As I continued on I spent more and more time preparing and practicing and that helped a lot, paired with more and more exposure to playing in front of people. Starting young and getting in front of people, whether playing an instrument, singing, or even speaking, will help you gain confidence for your entire life. A little bit of nerves are good for you and helps you in those situations. You just have to put yourself out there and be willing to get out of your comfort zone a little bit.
What are you most proud of when it comes to your current band program?
I am so incredibly proud of the students in my band program. I know this is cheesy, but my quote coming into Southeast Valley was “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” - Theodore Roosevelt. It is printed and hanging in my office. Coming into this program I had 23 wonderful and amazing students in band. It took a bit of elbow grease, but now I go into band class with 53 students (equally wonderful and amazing!). I am so proud of the strides that they have made and the culture that they have created. These students don’t necessarily hang out outside of band but they come into class and create a positive and safe environment to learn and make music. I am very proud of what they have established at Southeast Valley and I’m grateful to have played a small role in that.
