Thursday, May 25, 2017

(Some content courtesy: Globe Gazette)

Band Festival celebrates 79 years of entertaining N. Iowa
Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. in the Downtown Plaza (weather permitting), featuring the Mason City Middle School Band and the season-opening performance of the Mason City Municipal Band, conducted by Russ Kramer. The performance begins at 6:45 p.m., and will include such favorites as "The Star Spangled Banner," "The North Iowa Band Festival" march (Berryman), Meredith Willson's "Seventy-Six Trombones," and "America, The Beautiful," as well as  "With Quiet Courage."
The Mason City Municipal Band’s next concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1, on the north plaza of Southbridge Mall.
The main stage for the weekend's entertainment will be in front of the North Iowa Regional Commerce Center, 9 N. Federal Ave. Bring your lawn chairs, all concerts are free!
On Friday, the MCHS Mohawk Danzers will perform in front of the Main Stage at 5 p.m., with the MCHS Orchestra performing on the Downtown Plaza at 5:15 p.m. The Thrillbillies take the main stage at 6, followed by Chris Hawkey at 8.
On Saturday, the Newman High School Dance Team will perform at 1 p.m. in front of the Main Stage, with the MCHS Jazz Band performing at 1:15 on the Plaza, prior to the 2 p.m. awards ceremony. Saturday evening’s entertainment will be on the Main Stage, with Betty and the Gents at 5 p.m., followed by The Pork Tornadoes at 7.

The North Iowa Band Festival is this weekend, which includes fun, food, festivities, fellows…
For more information, visit www.nibandfest.com.



Surf Ballroom hosts rock 'n' roll and illusion 
The Surf Ballroom & Museum will be busy this weekend, with rock 'n' roll and magic.
On Friday, May 26, American rock band FUEL will take the stage, with special guests Dishwalla and Marcy Playground. Doors open at 8.
On Sunday, May 28, it's renowned illusionist Rick Thomas.
Fuel formed in 1993 while playing the club circuit in and around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The band signed to Sony Records and in 1998 released its debut album "Sunburn" with the hit single “Shimmer." "Something Like Human" took the band to a new level, hitting multi-platinum status driven by the singles “Innocent” and “Hemorrhage." In 2003, with the release of "Natural Selection," the band had sold more than 3.5 million records in the U.S., and headlined its own sold-out tours.
In 2014, Fuel released "Puppet Strings." Catapulted by the single “Soul To Preach To,” the album entered the Billboard rock charts at no. 1. 
Tickets are $24 in advance or $29 at the door. Doors will open at 8 p.m.
Thomas, one of the greatest and most successful illusionists in the world today, has completed five world tours covering more than 50 countries. From sold out shows at Caesars Colosseum, headlining the Sydney Opera House in Australia and performing both in Las Vegas and on Broadway, Thomas entertains millions of people across the world with breathtaking and spectacular magic.
Thomas weaves magic, music, comedy and dance into a seamless spectacle. Honors include “Magician of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts and Magic’s highest recognition "Illusionist of the World" by the World Magic Awards. He has been featured on numerous national television specials, and is a renowned Las Vegas performer, performing a staggering 600 shows a year.
Tickets are $23 in advance, $28 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the seated show.
Surf Ballroom box office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with additional hours Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets may be purchased by calling 641-357-6151 or on-line at www.surfballroom.com.

Your Holiday Weekend!


(Courtesy: DSM Register)
MAY 25-27
Vintage Truck Show
The “largest vintage truck show in the world” will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. More than 1,000 vintage trucks are scheduled to be on site. The weekend also features nearly 100 vendors, food, a kids area, swap meet, and a truck pull on Saturday. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., $10 (12 and under free).
MAY 26
Nitefall on the River: Hairball
Hairball is a complete rock and roll experience, featuring two hours of homage to some of the biggest arena acts in the world, from KISS to Van Halen to Journey and more.
Close your eyes, and you’ll swear you were listening to the real thing.
Along with music, the show also delivers theatrics like lights, smoke, fire, bombs and more. 8 p.m. Simon Estes Amphitheater, 75 E. Locust St.
Tickets are $20-$25 at nitefalldsm.com.
Julianne and Derek Hough
The Hough siblings bring their Move Beyond Live On Tour to Ames, promising fans their biggest and best show yet. The show will bring fans on a journey of dance and music, as the pair will be joined by the Move Company Dancers for group performances in styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip-hop and everything in between. 7:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium. Tickets start at $54.50. www.center.iastate. edu/events/move-beyond-liveon- tour
 MAY 26-27
The King Explosion
Hosted by Elvis expert and national personality Ronny Craig, the King Explosion is a two-day international showcase and competition featuring some of the very best Elvis Tribute Artists worldwide. This show is for all ages. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Meadows Event Center, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona. Tickets are $10-$20 at midwestix.com.
MAY 27
Chile Fest
Malo’s executive chef Matt Howard prepares a festive buffet-style dinner, with a kick. Enjoy spicy appetizers and entrees with house-made sauces, as well as beverages. 6:30 p.m. Des Moines Social Club Culinary Loft, 900 Mulberry St. Tickets are $65 at ohospitality. com/events.
Death by Aria
From more than 1,200 nationwide applicants and auditions, 44 aspiring opera singers will introduce themselves to Des Moines Metro Opera music staff and the public. Participants spend the summer learning about the craft of being an opera singer and form the chorus for DMMO’s mainstage season. 6:30 p.m., free and open to the public.
Blank Performing Arts Center, Indianola, 503 N. D Street.
MAY 28
SpringFest
The Central Iowa Blues Society hosts SpringFest at Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy. The event starts at 2 p.m. and features music from Rob Lumbard, Amanda Fish, the Bel Airs and Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal. Learn more at cibs.org.
MAY 30
Join the Des Moines Public Library for Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD). Heather Gudenkauf will be at Central Library on May 30 at 7 p.m.

What’s Happening in Mason City & North Iowa Sept. 6 – Sept 13

September 7-9, 2018 Mason City Civil War Reenactment – East Park, located at the corner of East State Street and South Virginia Ave. ...