Author Of The Month: Richard Schinnow

MusicArtLife's Author Of The Month for March is Richard Schinnow, of Rock Falls, IA.  A retired college professor, Mr. Schinnow retired from teaching, and now travels, sails, and writes--pretty much the ideal life! Like many writers, though, he's held numerous jobs....bar owner, commercial fisherman, diver, founder of the Iowa Independent Film Festival, as well as twenty years spent teaching writing at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City. That interesting life makes great raw material for a great book.

CAST AWAY STONES takes place on the prairies of north Iowa in the late 1970s, on the brink of what would later become the Farm Crisis. Frederick Heinold, a young farmer, is struggling to harvest his crops, unaware that his wife, JoAnn, has begun an affair with a questionable stranger from Florida that will eventually threaten their marriage and the only life Frederick has ever known.
These personal dramas take place against a background of wrenching change as the traditional farming that Frederick seeks to preserve is threatened by the onslaught of agribusiness, personified by his aggressive neighbor, Eldon Mathews.
As the novel moves toward its conclusion, dirt, desire and drugs converge upon these characters, transforming their lives forever.

Available on Kindle, Amazon, and at Barnes and Noble.

More Things To Do!

March 2

Birdman Live with Antonio Sanchez

Don’t miss this live cinema event, when composer and renowned jazz drummer Antonio Sanchez performs his Grammy Awardwinning score along with the Oscar-winning film “Birdman.”

Sanchez’s score serves as the heartbeat of this film about a washed-up actor (played by Michael Keaton) trying to reinvent his career on Broadway. 7 p.m. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. Tickets are $35 at hoytsherman.org.

March 3

Granger Smith

Hear country star Granger Smith, known for his hits like “Backroad Song” and “If the Boot Fits,” perform live at Seven Flags Event Center. You may even hear a song or two by his alter ego Earl Dibbles Jr. 7:30 p.m. 2100 N.W. 100th St., Clive. Tickets are $20 through Ticketfly.com or the Seven Flags Ticket Office.

March 3-5

Iowa Deer Classic

Hunters unite for a weekend of world-class seminars, contests, hands-on archery and trophy whitetails. Visit the many exhibitors to fulfill all of your hunting needs. Register for contests like Big Buck, Shed Antler, 3D Pop Up or Archery. The Classic is open 3-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St. General admission is $12 a day or $20 for a 3-day wristband. Kids ages 10-15 are $5, and under age 10 are free. On Friday, ladies can get in for just $5.

March 3-19

‘August: Osage County’

A joint project between the Repertory Theater of Iowa and Stage-West Theatre Company, “August: Osage County” has won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play, among its many other accolades. The play, starring a host of unforgettable characters, is unapologetically funny while revealing the dark side of the Midwestern American family. Des Moines Social Club’s Kum & Go Theater, 9th and Cherry Streets. Check rtiowa.org for performance dates and times. Tickets are $28-$33 for adults, $25-$27 for seniors and $18-$20 for students online at midwestix.com or at the door.

March 4-5

Masterworks 5: Pictures at an Exhibition

Enjoy a concert of classical favorites, featuring renowned American pianist Robert Thies with a dramatic interpretation of Brahms’ “Piano Concerto No. 2.” Other songs performed by the Des Moines Symphony include Wagner’s “Prelude to Act III of ‘Lohengrin’ ” and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” 7:30 p.m.

Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Tickets are $15-$65 at desmoinesperformingarts.org or the Civic Center Ticket Office.

Iowa Dance Theatre

Iowa Dance Theatre’s 2017 Spring Show features seven alumni choreographers presenting their ideas in movement on the theme “The Lighter Side of the 7 Deadly Sins.” Come to the Urbandale Performing Arts Center Saturday, March 4 at 7 p.m. or Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m. See more than 45 dancers ages 8 years to adult exploring the seven deadly sins in a family-friendly way. Tickets are available at the door; general seating is $15. contact@iowadancetheatre.org

March 5

Jamey Johnson

Jamey Johnson is one of the few people in the history of country music to receive two Song of the Year Awards both from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

The award-winning songs were “Give It Away” and “In Color.”

Hear him perform live at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45-$65 at hoytsherman.org.

Check Out What’s Happening in Mason City & North Iowa!

Events occurring March 3 - March 9

March 3-5, 2017

Mites Jamboree - North Iowa Events Center, 3700 4^th SW (641-424-3547). Mason City Youth Hockey; Mites, Squirts, Peewees, Bantams. www.masoncityhockey.com

March 3, 2017

North Iowa Bulls Hockey vs. St. Louis -   North Iowa Ice Arena at North Iowa Events Center, Hwy 122 West, 3700 4th St SW (641-423-4625).  Starts: 7:30pm. Admission: $10 adults; child under 18 & seniors 65+ $6; military/college student (ID required) $8. For more information: www.northiowabulls.com 

March 3, 2017

Fantastic Fridays Roller Skating - Roller City, 600 2^nd NW (641-423-2000). Kick off the weekend with roller skating from 7pm-10pm. Check Roller City's Facebook page for weekly themes and events! www.myrollercity.com

March 4, 2017

Roller Skating - Roller City, 600 2^nd NW (641-423-2000). Morning Skate: 10am-12pm - A slower pace geared towards younger families, $10 per family. Afternoon Skate: 1pm-4pm - The most popular session for parties and larger groups, $6 per skater. Night Skate: 7pm-10pm - Most popular skating session with Jackpot Dice Game and much more, $7 per skater. www.myrollercity.com

March 4, 2017

Movies in March - Son of Saul- Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. S.E. (641-421-3666). Featured film chronicling the difficult decision that one concentration camp inmate must make. The film is rated R. Admission is FREE and opened to the public, popcorn will be provided. Films are shown at the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum's Salsbury Room at 2pm. www.macniderart.org

March 4, 2017

Our Loving Children - Comedy for a Cause - Music Man Square, 308 S. Pennsylvania Ave (641-424-2852). Our Loving Children, 3^rd annual fundraiser includes entertainment by Nationally Renowned Comedian Scott Long, appetizers by Butchers Steakhouse, silent auction, raffles, cash bar, Shinning Star Presentation and other exciting events. Dress Code: Casual/Event Time: 6pm-9pm. Tickets are $45.00 an d can be purchased at ourlovingchildren.org or any CENT Credit Union Location.

March 4, 2017

NIACC Trojan Basketball vs. Southwestern CC- NIACC Gym, 500 College Drive (641-422-4416). Women play at 1pm/Men Play at 3pm www.niacctrojans.com

March 4, 2017

Scratch Art - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Explore the medium of scratch art on clay board. Learn how to draw and shade in reverse with step-by-step instructions. Event time: 2pm-4pm.

March 4, 2017

North Iowa Bulls Hockey vs. St. Louis -   North Iowa Ice Arena at North Iowa Events Center, Hwy 122 West, 3700 4th St SW (641-423-4625).  Starts: 7:30pm. Admission: $10 adults; child under 18 & seniors 65+ $6; military/college student (ID required) $8. For more information: www.northiowabulls.com 

March 4, 2017

Wine Tasting Event - Historic Park Inn, 7 West State St. (641-425-0041). Join us to sample excellent wines to benefit the newly formed Child Protection Center in Mason City, Iowa! Wines from across the U.S. and plenty of hors d oeuvres. Sponsored by Sunrise Rotary. Time: 7pm-9pm. Ticket Price: $50.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call Dennis Renner - 641-423-7155

March 4 & 5, 2017

Flea Market & Craft Show -  North Iowa Events Center, Kinney Building, 3700 4^th SW. A little bit of everything! Come out and shop deals from local home based businesses, along with a mix and match of inventory for garage sale and flea market enthusiasts. For more information on reserving a space to sell you items, contact Jennifer Martin at 641-529-3003. www.northiowaeventscenter.org

March 4 & 5, 2017

River City Gun Show - North Iowa Event Center, 3700 4^th SW (641-494-9198) Guns and gun related items are exhibited, sold and traded. Saturday, 8am-5pm & Sunday, 9am-2pm. Daily Admission: $5. 2-day pass: $8. Children ages 10 & under: FREE.  *** All children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.*** www.northiowaeventscenter.org

March 4 & 5, 2017

Knights of Columbus Bowling Tournament – Mystic Lanes,  Hwy 122 East.  Expected to bring 60 teams of bowlers competing for top honors during the month of  March. Visit www.iowakofc.org for more information.

March 4 & 5, 2017
Indoor Archery Series – Mohawk Archery Club, 840 12^th NW (641-430-5498). 300 Round, lines starts Saturday at 10am & 1pm; Sunday at 1pm. www.mohawkarchery.org

March 5, 2017

Archery Lessons - Mohawk Archery Club, 840 12^th NW (641-430-5498). Archery lessons from 3:30-6:00pm, following the tournament. www.mohawkarchery.org

My Column: March 2017, by Bruce Wasenius

Happy March!  Spring is around the corner as the the saying goes. I think of my friends that live in warmer climes and how their weather doesn't allow the full enjoyment of the change of seasons.
This has been a most unusual year with multiple changes with record highs and lows for whatever reason and of course it's all subjective according to where you live.  I have a cousin that lives in Arizona and she was saying on facebook how cold it was at 63 degrees and I told her it was 56 here and I was out without a jacket and it was nice.
Sports, music and outside activities get underway with baseball Spring training going on.  Even happier because the Cubs won the World Seris and expect to do well again. In the early years on the radio station I was the night guy which meant I had the days free. When cable TV came to Clear Lake the Cubs were only playing day games and I got hooked.
Being from Mpls. I remember the early days of the Twins and Vikings and when the Lakers actually played for a city with lakes. A number of times we took buses to and back from Bloomington for night games in the early 60's.
Looking forward to the snow melting on the golf course. I pass the course several times a week and picture how its going to look. Our idea of golf is tee it up and hit it, if you don't like where it went you take out another one and smack that one.  You go with the one you like the best and put the other back in your pocket.  One of the things about getting "better" at the game you do your best to get the ball in the hole in the shortest amount of strokes which means they're back in the clubhouse while you're still enjoying the day.
Musicians are gearing up for touring time in this part of the country, where they don't want to travel in the Winter
I'm looking forward to some blues over the next few weeks.
That's all for this month.  Don't forget to check out my Songs of the Day.  Thanks.

It's Almost March, And You Know What That Means

March 9

Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa has amassed 16 No. 1 Billboard Blues Albums, more than any other artist in history. See the blues-rock guitar great perform live, backed by legendary musicians Anton Fig on drums, Michael Rhodes on bass, Reese Wynans on piano and Hammond organ, Lee Thornburg on trumpet and Paulie Cerra on saxophone. 8 p.m. Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Tickets are $92.50-$128.50 at desmoinesperformingarts.org or the Civic Center Ticket Office. 

March 11

Celtic Music Association Presents Cherish the Ladies

Cherish the Ladies comes to Hoyt Sherman Place. Led by flute and whistle champion Joanie Madden, the women put on a show that blends beautiful instrumentals and vocals with stunning step dancing. 8 p.m. 1501 Woodland Ave. Tickets are $25 in advance at hoytshermanplace.org or $30 at the door.

Leprechaun Chase 10K

It’s a chase of lads versus lasses at this St. Paddy’s Day run, with the ladies starting first, followed by the men 51⁄ 2 minutes later. Whoever crosses the finish line first wins a free green beer for their gender at the Green Beer After Party at el Bait Shop.

Don’t wait to register — the race, capped at 1,500 runners, fills up fast. Registration is $35 at lc10k.com.

March 12

Rain: Tribute to the Beatles

Take a journey through the lives of the most famous and celebrated foursome of all time during this live multimedia production that has become a Broadway smash. 3 p.m. Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Tickets are $29.50-$103 at desmoinesperformingarts.org or the Civic Center Ticket Office.

March 14-19

‘Jersey Boys’

Tony and Grammy Awardwinning musical about the rise of the The Four Seasons returns to the Des Moines Civic Center.

7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. 221 Walnut St. Tickets are $35-$103 at desmoinesperformingarts.org.

March 14

Panic! At the Disco

Frontman Brendon Urie’s showmanship on stage has been said to rival that of Queen’s Freddie Mercury. See Panic! At the Disco perform live at Wells Fargo Arena on their Death of a Bachelor tour. The album, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, has been nominated for a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. 7 p.m. 730 Third St. Tickets are $29.50$59.50 at HyVeeTix.com or 844-55-HYVEE.

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Celebrate all-things Irish during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sponsored by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s of Central Iowa. The parade includes Irish musicians, bagpipe players and even leprechauns. It starts at 12 p.m. at S.W. 7th, west on MLK Jr. Parkway, north on 15th Street and east on Grand Avenue.

Road to Tree Town

Get warmed up for Tree Town Music Festival in Forest City at the Road to Tree Town concert at 7 Flags Event Center. Country singers Craig Morgan, Jason Brown and Jesse Allen will perform. Doors open at 6 p.m.

2100 N.W. 100th St., Clive.

Tickets are $25 in advance at sevenflagseventcenter.com or $30 at the door.

Decades Rewind

This theatrical extravaganza will take you on a musical journey through the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s via an eight-piece band and six vocalists. 7:30 p.m. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. Tickets are $35-$45 at hoytsherman.org.

March 17-April 9

‘The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein’ “Young Frankenstein” is a re-imagining of the Frankenstein story featuring Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, and his sidekick Igor. See what happens when Frederick moves back to Transylvania to take over his “family business.” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St.

Tickets are $25-$45 at dmplay house.com.

March 18

Jazz 100: The Music of Dizzy, Ella, Mongo and Monk

Celebrate a century of jazz, as well as the 100th birthdays of jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Mongo Santamaria, at the Civic Music Association’s Jazz 100 concert. An all-star lineup of musicians will play some of the groundbreaking songs that spawned a whole new musical genre. . 7:30 p.m. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. Tickets are $29-$59 or $10 for student rush tickets.

March 21

Altan

Altan’s got your favorite Irish music covered. See them perform live at the Temple Theater, Tenth and Locust Streets. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29-$39 at desmoinesperformingarts.org.