tom tourville lori berglund mark adkins 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.
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Home Free to bring holiday cheer to Iowa Central stage A
capella country group will perform Dec. 13
A Christmas concert by country a capella group Home Free will be the next show in the Iowa Central Community College Center for Performing Arts Series.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 in Decker Auditorium on the college’s main Fort Dodge campus.
Ticket prices start at $35. Tickets can be purchased at iowacentral.edu. On the home page, click on Arts Live Here to go to the page for ticket sales.
The all-vocal country sensation Home Free invites you to celebrate the season with its heartwarming holiday tour, Let Me Come Home — named after the touching original track from the 2024 holiday album, “Any Kind of Christmas.”
Known for their jaw-dropping harmonies, signature country charm, and a uniquely festive spirit, Home Free brings audiences a seasonal experience like no other.
Featuring Rob Lundquist, Adam Rupp, Tim Foust, Adam Chance, and new member Adam Bell-Bastien, this group has taken the world by storm with over 720,000 album equivalents sold, 830+ million views on YouTube, and 1.8 million subscribers — earning the title of “Country music fans’ favorite a cappella group” (Taste of Country).
Following six Top 3 albums — including their No.1 on Billboard’s Current Country Albums Chart, “So Long Dixie” (2022) — and successful releases like “As Seen On TV” (2023) and “Crazy(er) Life” (2024), Home Free continues to impress both fans and critics.
The group has earned praise from Billboard, Rolling Stone, FOX & Friends, and American Songwriter, thanks to its incredible vocal arrangements, heartfelt performances, and engaging stage presence.
Now, the group is decking the halls with a joyful mix of holiday favorites, moving originals, and all vocal renditions of beloved seasonal tunes, all brought to life in perfect harmony. From the twinkling nostalgia of timeless carols to the upbeat energy of new Christmas classics, this show has something for every generation. And of course, their emotional original, “Let Me Come Home”, anchors the evening with a heartfelt reminder of what the holidays are truly about — togetherness, love, and the feeling of home.
Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering their magic for the first time, this is a holiday tradition you won't want to miss. The Let Me Come Home Tour promises an evening full of warmth, laughter, incredible vocals, and just the right touch of holiday magic — a magical evening that will remind you why this time of year is truly special. Bring your friends, your family, and your holiday spirit, and let Home Free welcome you home for the holidays.
Operation rnament
Christmas event set for Dec. 19-21
A small group of Gowrie residents, deeply affected by the military’s impact on their community, plays Santa Claus for soldiers’ families every December.
“What we gather donation-wise from Operation Ornament goes back to Swingin’ Fore Soldiers, where 100 percent of that supports National Guard, active duty, reserves, veterans, or Gold Star families across Iowa,” Katelyn Johnson, president and founder of the charity, said. “We assist them with a financial grant that can be used for gas, groceries, a car payment, mortgage, rent, or anything the family needs in their daily lives.”
It’s all about community coming together; no matter what walk of life, people can come to Operation Ornament for a cup of Christmas cheer while supporting our troops and their families
Katelyn
Johnson
This year’s Christmas-themed event, the group’s second, is scheduled for Friday through Sunday, Dec. 19-21. Johnson mentioned that people attending any of the three days inside the Laramar Ballroom, 701 First Ave. N., can expect a lot of what she calls “an authentic Christmas experience.”
By MARK ADKINS
Maddi Heun and her grandfather, adding a bulb to our Heroes Tree, a tree that honors service members no longer with us.
“Forty themed trees from sponsors and individuals, a loaded hot cocoa bar, homemade holiday treats, a visit with Santa, arts and crafts, and music will be part of the festivities,” she said. “A free-will donation will be accepted, and anyone is welcome to come through the doors.”
Last year was very successful, with around 400 people attending, she added.
“It’s all about community coming together; no matter what walk of life, people can come to Operation Ornament for a cup of Christmas cheer while supporting our troops and their families,” she said.
Since its launch in 2019, Johnson’s group has raised nearly $300,000.
“Most of the money raised goes to families in Iowa,” Johnson said. “However, we also help in neighboring states since some soldiers drill in Iowa, but live elsewhere. We have truly never turned anyone away.”
Johnson also mentioned that local businesses and interested individuals can start planning for the Swingin’ Fore Soldiers eighth annual golf tournament and military appreciation day, which takes place the second weekend of June in Gowrie. The event features 18 holes, a silent auction, music, and more.
Heroes Tree 2025
THE PUB & GRUB TOUR COMEDY
Coming to Fort Dodge Evening of laughter will benefit Fort Museum
Fort Dodge’s Fort Museum and Frontier Village is bringing back an evening of laughter and fun to the Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 13.
The Pub N’ Grub Comedy Tour will make its third stop at the Opera House. The show begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 online (fortmuseumfv.com) or for $25 at the door. Museum Executive Director Deb Davis said that VIP tables are available for $200. Those tables seat eight people. They include a free drink and servers at their location during the evening.
Derek Luna, the host of the World Series of Comedy, and Katie Still will be the featured comedians.
Luna and Still both hail from the south-central Missouri area. They’ve both performed in Branson and have done a show entitled “The Long Weird Road to Motown” in their past performances together. According to Davis, they’re part of the Comedy USA group.
“It’s our final event of the 2025 calendar year,” she said. “We hope a lot of folks come out for a fun night to support the village, museum, and Opera House, with all proceeds going to operational expenses.”
“We’re already into booking activities for 2026,” she added. “The traditional Easter market and Frontier Days are in planning. We also hope to target some new entertainment opportunities for the coming season with the museum and village’s grand opening set for May 2.”
By MARK ADKINS
Good Eats &Drinks
FAST-FOOD:
Burger King 2814 5th Ave. S
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza ......... 2007 N.15th St. 2206 2nd Ave.
Culver’s
Domino’s Pizza 1430 5th
dining:
716 Main Humboldt
Applebee’s ......................... 2810 5th Ave. S
Kennedy Park Campground, 1415 Nelson Ave, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 7
“Under the Mistletoe” w/ The FD Area Symphony
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Fort Dodge Middle School
800 N. 32nd Street • Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 8
Open Mic Night at River Hops Brewing
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Musicians and Public Welcome River Hops Brewing
1014 Central Ave • Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 10
The Better Way Project
Ribbon Cutting
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Better Way Project
1003 Central Ave, Fort Dodge
DECEMBER 10
Karaoke Night at Dodger Tap
5:00pm - 9:00 PM
Dodger Tap, 22 N 12th St, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 11
Jared Benson LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 12
Claudia Coltrain
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery 1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 13
Otho Christmas Market
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The first annual Old School Otho Christmas Market. Free Otho Community Center
220 Rake Street, Otho, IA
DECEMBER 13
Santa Comes to Candy Cane Lane
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
605 2nd Ave Livermore, Iowa
DECEMBER 13
Winter Ball
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tickets include a snack, drink, goodie bag, craft with a printed photo of your child and the characters, and 3 hours of partying!
Fraternal Order of Eagles
1018 1st Ave N 3rd floor, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 13
Comedy Night at the Fort Museum Opera House
8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Derek Luna and Katie Still are ready to make you laugh through their unique styles of humor.
Doors open at 7PM, Show starts at 8PM.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the Door Opera House at the Fort Museum, 1 Museum Road • Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 14
Bingo Supporting Webster County Pound
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery 1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 16
Leading Ladies Q4 2025
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Join us for an energizing and interactive Leading Ladies program designed to help you step confidently into the new year. Laramar Ballroom
710 1st Ave N • Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 16
An Evening With Santa: Hosted by The Fort Dodge Noon Lions Club
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Come spend an evening with Santa/ Christmas party. Free pictures with Santa. Free
Rides Bar and Grill
723 S 31st St, • Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 18
Joe Donnelly LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing
520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 18
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
DECEMBER 19
515 Big Band LIVE at Historic Phillips Auditorium
7:00 PM - 11:00 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
DECEMBER 19
Jive for Five Holiday Concert
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 20
Saturday Crafternoon
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
crafts
River Hops Brewing, 1014 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 21
FD Choral Society Concert
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Admission by Season Membership or $12 @ the door for adults.
Students are FREE.
Grace Lutheran Church
211 South 9th Street • Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 26
Kris Karr
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 28
Bingo Supporting Webster County Pound
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 31
New Year’s Eve at the Winery
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery
1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge, IA
DECEMBER 31
New Year’s Eve
Masquerade Ball
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Cardiff Event Center at Fort Frenzy 3232 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA
DECEMBER 31
New Year’s Eve @ Eagles Hideout Lounge!
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Eagles Hideout Lounge, 1018 1st Ave N 2nd floor, Fort Dodge, IA
shiningstar
Emma Davis
Age: 19
Grade/School: Sophomore, Iowa Central Community Collage Hometown: Fort Dodge
Tell us about some of the cultural experiences you had growing up.
(Dance, Singing, Theatre etc.)
Growing up, I was deeply involved in singing and performing. I sang regularly at church and school, participated in plays and musicals, and even performed with artists like Brady O’Brian. I also had the chance to perform at the state fair and won several competitions along the way. These experiences, a mix of school, community, and personal passion, shaped my creativity, discipline, and love for the arts.
Do you come from an “artsy” family?
I don’t come from an ‘artsy’ family and am the only one in my family to participate in shows, competitions, and performances. However, they have always been incredibly supportive of my journey. From the very beginning, they encouraged me to pursue singing, acting, and performing, and to this day, they remain my biggest supporters.
What is your earliest memory performing?
My earliest memories of performing include dance, acting, and singing. As a child, I performed in dance and gymnastics shows on the Iowa Central stage, acted in A Nutcracker Christmas with the Hawkeye Community Theater around age nine, and vividly remember participating in my church’s choir, even singing solos during special services. I loved the excitement of being on stage and sharing my passion with an audience, whether through movement, acting, or song.
What do you most enjoy about performing?
What I most enjoy about performing is the connection with the audience. After weeks, sometimes months, of preparing a piece—becoming a character or feeling the true emotions of a song—you finally get to share it with complete strangers. In that moment, every refined
gesture, every note, every expression becomes a way to reveal a part of yourself. It is an incredibly intimate and vulnerable experience, offering the rare chance to share genuine emotion with people who don’t know you, yet can feel it deeply.
What is your major at Iowa Central Community College? And, what made you choose that program?
I am currently a second year (RN) nursing major at Iowa Central, but I hope to attend a music and performance school next August. I chose this career because I care deeply for people and discovered a love for the profession in high school when I became a CNA. Nursing is an extremely rewarding career, and I am so grateful for the opportunities Iowa Central has provided me.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What 3 things do you bring and why?
If I were stranded on a desert island, the three things I would bring with me are a water purifier, a thick sleeping bag, and a LOT of flares. The water purifier would allow me to safely drink water, even from the ocean. The sleeping
bag would keep me warm when the night inevitably gets extremely cold, and hopefully, the flares would help me signal for help.
What activities/groups/ensembles are you currently involved with?
I am currently involved in the Iowa Central Jazz, Pop, and Ensemble choirs. I am also heavily involved in the theater department performing in plays and musicals at the college.
What do you want to do after Iowa Central Community College?
After completing my studies at Iowa Central Community College, I plan to transfer to the University of South Dakota to pursue a major in Musical Theater and Vocal Performance. In addition, I am passionate about healthcare and hope to complete a BSN-to-MSN bridge program online to become a Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in Forensics. I am very excited for the opportunities ahead and look forward to combining my artistic and healthcare interests in the future.
Who are some of your role models? Why?
Some of my biggest role models are my teachers. Teresa Jackson, Iowa Central’s Former Musical Theater instructor,
has inspired me throughout my performance career, and I still rely on her advice today. Our new Choir teacher, Jacob Pedersen encourages me to take on challenging pieces and brings so much passion to every rehearsal, which motivates me to grow. Sean Mulvihill, our Theater instructor, helps students prepare for auditions and provides real-world opportunities. These educators have shown me that it’s possible to build a career in the arts while maintaining a true love for music and performance. They are truly all such inspiring people who I am beyond grateful for.
Tell us one word that you would use to describe yourself.
One word I would use to describe myself is resilient. Not every performance goes perfectly, and not every piece is simple. I have learned a lot and have had to constantly grow and adapt. This process has included mistakes, challenging performances, and a lot of hard work, all of which are necessary to improve as a performer and continue learning. At times, I have felt disappointed or inadequate after a performance, but those moments are not reasons to quit— they are just as necessary as the successful performances for growth and learning.
To become a member or let us know about an event contact:
a look back
By Tom Tourville
FABULOUS ROCK COLLECTIBLES TURN UP FOR 1957 ROCK SHOW AT THE LARAMAR BALLROOM
I’ve been working on my fourth and final book on surf & hot rod music and in doing so have been working with former Fort Dodge resident, Sherry Gibbons who has been creating a new killer cover for the book. A few weeks ago Sherry talked with me and asked if I’d like to see some old photos and autographs her mother Betty Dencklau, had collected from dances she had attended at the Laramar Ballroom? Would I!
I’ll be writing more about some of those shows and the incredible collectibles Betty had saved. This will be fun.This time it is about a spring show on May 19th at the Laramar, dating back to 1957. Don’t forget the Buddy Holly and the Winter Dance Party show would play at the Laramar just some twenty months later. This show was when Toronto, Canada’s the Diamonds came to sing for the first of two sets that they would do at our Laramar that night.
The Diamonds were a vocal group that had incredible success on the early pop music charts. They were one of the truly successful groups that helped build the new sounds of rock and roll. They were so skilled with vocalized doo-wop style singing.
The Diamonds would get their start in 1953, when a young sound engineer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp, David Somerville, met three other friends from Toronto to start a singing group based upon all of their strong vocal capabilities. Those three included Phil Levitt, who Betty noted in her notes as the “cute one,” Bill Reed and Ted Kowalski.
After singing locally in Toronto doing mostly low end jobs, they decided to take a risk and drive to New York to see if they could find a recording contract. On the way to New York they learned if you signed up to perform on the Arthur Godfrey Talent radio show and won the contest, you got a recording contract. Arthur Godfrey here we come. You guessed it, the Diamonds entered and won!
At this same time, they signed Nat Goodman to be their manager. With Nat taking the lead he soon got them signed by the music giant, Mercury Records. Their first Mercury effort was a cover of “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” and it went to #12 on the Billboard Charts. This was followed by “The Church Bells May Ring” that hit #14 on the charts. It looks like the Mercury and Diamonds partnership was working. The best was yet to come.
It was early 1957 and they released “Little Darlin” on Mercury and it topped out at #2 on the charts and then “The Stroll,” that reached #4 on the charts. Four top recordings in a little over one and half years. Mercury Records had to be smiling.
Eddy Arnold Show and also appearing in the movie, “The Big Beat.” Just think, this group was performing in downtown Fort Dodge. Amazing!
What Betty saved all these years ago was a signed photo of the Diamonds, her notes from the show,
At the time they came to the Laramar they were touring on behalf of “The “Stroll” and Mercury was working hard to sell and teach the stroll dance to the kids. So much so, Mercury provided the ballroom with free hand out cards to give to the kids with the dance steps inside to teach the kids “The Stroll.” Of course Betty saved her card. You can now see it with this story. I should note that the Diamonds were backed up by Thunder Bay, Canada’s Jerry Palmer Orchestra.
The Diamonds would see more top hits on Mercury come their way with “Silhouettes,” “Kathy-O,” “Walking Along,” “She Say” and “One Summer Night.” The Diamonds appeared on the Beach-Nut hour with Dick Clark, Steve Allen Show and the
the review of the concert from the Ft Dodge Messenger, and her Diamonds “Stroll” instruction card. Most of these are now seen in “Twist and Shout” for the first time. This sharing of old rock and roll memorabilia goes to prove again, how lucky Fort Dodge has been to have had the Laramar, Plamor and Twilight Ballroom, same ballroom, just under different names.
The best part it is back and better than ever. This story is a good time for me to show how lucky Fort Dodge is to get their Laramar Ballroom back. Make sure you support it and see it succeed.
Thanks to Sherry Gibbons for sharing with us what her mother Betty had shared with her. More surprises to come.
artistspot
Kim Wankum
Age: 44 years old. Hometown: Marcus, Iowa
College: Buena Vista University
Profession: 9th-12th grade choir teacher at FDSH
What role did music and the arts play in your childhood growing up?
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember! My mom was my first musical influence, singing songs with me from the time I was born. A longtime church member liked to remind me that I used to “coo” along with the church choir/congregation hymns when I was just a baby. My elementary music teacher, Mrs. Kleis, was magical in my eyes; she made you feel like Mary Poppins was teaching your class every day! I begged my parents to allow me to take piano lessons in elementary school. I used to try to teach myself when I played at my best friend’s house, and I was finally able to begin lessons in 3rd grade with an exacting, but kind teacher, Mrs. Prunty. I participated in just about every music activity offered throughout my schooling (choir, swing choir, madrigal, band, jazz band, solo/ensemble
contest, etc.). My 5th grade beginning band teacher, Mr. Bertrand, instructed me throughout my musical education. He started me on alto saxophone, taught me again in 9th-11th grades, and throughout my 4.5 years of college! I had four different high school choir teachers, but my senior year teacher, Mr. Ewing, really encouraged me to start thinking about music as a career.
What is your earliest memory of music/art?
My earliest memory of music is singing with my mom in my parents’ full-sized van to pass the time on trips to visit my grandma or aunt and uncle – childhood songs, Christmas songs and cassette albums (The Chipmunks, Bing Crosby, Gene Autry), and my favorite Bruce “Stingsting’s” (aka Springsteen) Born in the U.S.A. album. I also have vivid memories of singing and dancing to my The Muppets take Manhattan record and improvising my own songs on Saturday evenings.
What was your college music experience like?
At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career educating students in music?
I was fortunate to have excellent music teachers throughout my K-12 and college education. Those instructors instilled a love of music in me that I hoped to pass on to my students each year. I started college as an accounting major with a minor in vocal music performance. My high school band and choir teachers kept telling me that I needed to become a music teacher from my senior year of high school until I finally switched my major to music education at the start of my junior year of college.
I attended Buena Vista University as an accounting major with a minor in vocal music performance. Paula Keeler was my voice/choir/music education professor, Jerry Bertrand was my band/music education professor, and David Klee was my jazz band/music education professor. My professors were extremely supportive, and we received a lot of one-on-one help/feedback as there were a small number of music majors at BVU. My favorite part of my college experience was meeting and making life-long friends and the music tours we performed! The jazz band went to Hawaii. Our choir took several regional tours, but our big trip was to London and Paris, the highlight of which was singing in Notre Dame Cathedral as a featured quartet/soloist.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in your music education career?
Flexibility and adaptability are two important aspects of a music education career that I am still learning. Each day is different! You never know who will be absent from class or a performance, where students might struggle, or when an extra brain-break is needed. Music educators learn to roll with the punches and adapt on the fly!
In what ways have you been involved in, or supported, arts in the Fort Dodge community?
I support several community organizations, attend events for my students, and explore opportunities and activities offered in our community.
Tell us about some of your music/arts related accomplishments.
My students make me the most proud! Each year is a new adventure for us. They learn new music and techniques for each concert, but also many other skills such as: teamwork, responsibility, self-motivation/discipline, and analysis/evaluation skills. Seeing students achieve their goals (musical and otherwise) makes me the happiest. Our students are extremely busy and pulled in a million different directions on a daily basis. They amaze me with their commitment to better themselves, our school, and our community, and I am proud of their growth and accomplishments throughout each school year!
Who
is your biggest role model?
My mom is my biggest role model. She taught high school math for 37 years, setting high expectations for her students, but always making math interesting and fun! She has always been a model of family values and is/was our biggest support for anything my family faced.
What
are your long term music/music
education goals for you program?
My students and I are working on making sure that they are literate musicians, meaning that they can read music (not just follow the words on the page) and create expressive, artistic musical moments within each piece of music. Ultimately we are preparing our students to be lifelong positive members of society. In order to achieve success at FDSH, it takes ALL of us: students, families, community members, teachers, administrators, and support staff working together. It takes a village, and we cannot do it alone!
How do you spend your free time?
I LOVE spending time with my nephews, Keegan and Cooper, and my family! I also enjoy reading, baking/ cooking, traveling, and knitting.
LookWho’s Reading
The Friendship Haven travel group enjoys time in Las Vegas. February 2025. Here they are visiting the famour Las Vegas sign.
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