More Weekend!

 June 9, 2017

Fresh on Fridays (BeWellness) - Central Gardens, 800 2^nd Avenue North (641-357-0700). Enjoy the ever-changing beauty of Central Gardens. Come relax, learn and share. Young and old, the garden is a place of interest to all. Coffee & seasonal refreshments served on the patio. June's BeWellness program will provide a series of FUN, tasty, food programs for kids (kids must be accompanied by an adult). Event time: 8:00am-11:00am. FREE admission. http://www.centralgardensnorthiowa.com

June 9, 2017

Rotary's BBQ & Brew - The Other Place, 200 US-18, Clear Lake (641-357-2992). Enjoy a delicious BBQ meal, icy cold beverages, and live music and help the Clear Lake Rotary Club raise funds for a local cause.

Event time: 5:30pm-8:00pm. http://members.clearlakeiowa.com/list/member/rotary-club-of-clear-lake-7620

June 9, 2017

North Iowa Farmers Market - Located at the corner of 1st Street NE & N Delaware, in Mason City parking lot- South of the First Congregational Church.  Enjoy the good old home grown fruits and vegetables and homemade baked goods, 4pm to 6:30pm. www.northiowafarmersmarket.com/

June 9, 2017

Mids Sates Summer Horse Show — North Iowa Events Center Hwy 122 West, 3700 4^th SW (641-423-3811) Smooth gated Hunter horses and stately Jumper horses compete in outdoor-decorated rings. Admission: Free for spectators. Time: 8am-5pm. www.midstateshorseshows.com

June 9, 2017

Live Music: Max Hay- FION BARRA Ales & Spirits, 107 Delaware Ave (641-201-1687) Enjoy live music by Max Hay - music starts at 8pm. http://www.fionbarra.com/

June 9, 2017

Live Music: Michael King - Lorados, 18 S. Federal Ave (641-424-8060). Michael King will be back at Lorados pickin tunes with guest Janell Graves and Michael Thompason while your favorite bartender Matt Perez will be slingin' drinks! Come out for some fun and music! Event time: 6pm-9pm. http://bit.ly/2rFc7Yc

June 9, 2017

Larry Myer - The Landing, 1603 S Shore Dr, Clear Lake (641-357-5123). Larry Myer is an energetic singer/songwriter and acoustic performer. He has played more than 200 towns in his home state of Iowa and more than half the states of America, working his way up from a busking street performer to concert venues around the country. He has released two recordings, the landmark - Flatlands - CD and the followup, - The Ring and Other Ballads. Larry is also a winner of the Branson Songwriting Contest. Event time: 7:30pm-10:30pm. No cover charge. http://stayclearlake.com/index.php

June 9- August 16, 2017

Exhibit: In Her Own Right: Marion Mahony Griffin - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum(Kinney-Lindstrom Gallery), 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Marion Mahony Griffin (1871-1961) was one of America’s first woman architects, a Chicagoan also known as a skilled artist, environmentalist, and community activist. A central contributor to the Prairie School of Architecture, her drawings of the Unity Temple and many other projects introduced Frank Lloyd Wright’s early work to the world. Mahony Griffin was the first registered woman architect in Illinois who became a pioneer in architecture and community planning. A key member of Wright’s Oak Park Studio for 15 years, she and husband Walter Burley Griffin won the international design competition for Canberra, Australia’s national capital. This exhibition traces her early life, her personal and professional partnership with Griffin on three continents, the final years of her life in Chicago—and sheds light on the work and legacy of a Chicagoan of immense but often overlooked importance. Exhibit will be on display until August 16, 2017. https://macniderart.org/

June 10, 2017

MacNider Arts Festival - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). This year’s “Ahoy Art” PIRATE theme will allow children to use their imaginations to create fun crafts from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Arts activities for children, lively musical entertainment, great outdoor food, and long-time festival traditions will all be a part of the fun.  All events are held on the lawns of the Museum and the adjacent Mason City Public Library. https://macniderart.org/

June 10, 2017

Take Me Back Festival - PM Park, 15297 Raney Dr. (641-357-1991). The festival celebrates its 20th year of superb live music with proceeds going to local charities. The party at PM Park with a solid lineup of bands: Kraft Brothers, Jesse Allen Band, and the Trip. Event time: 6:30pm-11pm. Admission: $5. http://pmpark.net/

June 10, 2017

TRI Clear Lake - Clear Lake, Iowa. Whether you are a triathlete that races multiple times a year or haven't raced before, TRI Clear Lake will be a beautiful sprint course, experiencing an open swim at Stare Park beach, cycle through the countryside, and run residential streets to the finish line near the downtown seawall. 6am: Transition opens, 6am-7:45am: Packet Pickup and Timing Chip Pickup at Clear Lake State Park, 7:45am: Transition Area Closes; 7:50am: Pre-race meeting at swim start; 8am: racebegins. For more information contact Jake Kopriva 641-231-1414 http://www.triclearlakeia.com/

June 10, 2017

Mason City Municipal Band – Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). The Mason City Municipal Band will play from 10am-4pm at the MacNider Arts Festival. The band is directed by Russ Krammer and announced by Bob Fisher. www.facebook.com/masoncitymunicipalband/

June 10, 2017

Mids Sates Summer Horse Show — North Iowa Events Center Hwy 122 West, 3700 4^th SW (641-423-3811) Smooth gated Hunter horses and stately Jumper horses compete in outdoor-decorated rings. Admission: Free for spectators. Time: 8am-5pm. www.midstateshorseshows.com

June 10, 2017

Farmers Market - Surf Ballroom Parking Lot, 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, IA (641-231-6588). The mission of the Clear Lake Farmers Market is to offer healthy, fresh produce and handcrafted products to consumers while building community connections and supporting the local economy. Event time: 9am-12pm. https://www.facebook.com/clearlakefarmersmarket

June 10, 2017

Outdoor Art Market - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). The outdoor art market is held on the lawns of the Museum and the adjacent Mason City Public Library, during the MacNider Arts Festival from 9am-4pm. https://macniderart.org/

June 10, 2017

MacNider Arts Festival - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 Second St. S.E., (641-421-3666). Enjoy fun crafts and activities that allow children to use their imaginations. Guests can listen to sounds of live music from  bands, and stroll through the Outdoor Art Market filled with artists selling original works of art. Fill up on FREE pancakes and let the kids enjoy a whole array of hands-on, make-and-take activities. There will be good food, live music, and fun with friends. The festival is from 9am-5pm. www.macniderart.org

June 10, 2017

Outdoor Archery Shoot (600 Round)- Mohawk Archery Club, 15805 County Rd. B20 (641-430-5498). 600 round. Registration: 9am-10:30am; scorecards turned in by 1pm. Admission: $12 adults, $6 youth ages 12 to 15, 11 & under free. Spectators - FREE www.mohawkarchery.org

June 10, 2017

Art FUNdamentals Youth Art Program -Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4^th St., Clear Lake (641-357-1998). Children are invited to explore different art medias, techniques, and processes while focusing on art and design principle (color, shape, pattern, form, etc.) using the history of art an culture as the subject matter. Event time: 10:30am-11:30am  Open to all ages; children under 5 must be accompanied by an adults. Class fee: $8/child/visit or a 5 punch card for $30. Registration is appreciated, but not required. To register, call or  email the Clear Lake Arts Center, clac@cltel.net http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

June  11, 2017

Outdoor Archery Shoot (600 Round & 3D)- Mohawk Archery Club, 15805 County Rd. B20 (641-430-5498). 3-D and 600 round. Registration 9am-1:30pm; scorecards turned in by 3pm. Admission: $12 adults, $6 youth ages 12 to 15, 11 & under free. Spectators - FREE www.mohawkarchery.org

June 11, 2017

Frank Lloyd Wright Lectures – The Historic Park Inn, 15 West State Street (641-423-1923). Three lectures beginning with “The Genius Of Frank Lloyd Wright”, second is “Growing Up In A Frank Lloyd Wright House”, third is “Preserving A Masterpiece For The Future”. Event time: 3:30-7pm. Free admission. A pizza dinner is available from 5-5:45pm at the cost of $10 per person. http://www.stockmanhouse.org/

June 11, 2017

BIG BAND SERIES: Hunter Fuerste & His Vintage Orchestra  - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Doors open at 5:30pm. Tickets: $15.00 https://www.surfballroom.com/boxoffice/index.htm

June 11, 2017

Weekly Racing Series: Diamond Jo Casino All-In "100"- North Iowa Events Center, Hwy 122 West, 3700 4^th SW (641-424-6515). Weekly racing series featuring  Casey's USMTS Modifieds plus Summit USRA Weekly Racing SeriesUSRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks and Rookies Rockin’ USRA Tuners. Times: Pit Gate Opens 4:00, Spectator Gates Open 5:00, Hot Laps 6:00, Racing to follow. Tickets: General Admission $20; Seniors (65+), Military and First Responders with proper ID $18; Youth (11-16) $10; Kids 10 & Under FREE; Pit Pass $35. http://masoncitymotorspeedway.com/schedule/

June 11, 2017

Mids Sates Summer Horse Show — North Iowa Events Center Hwy 122 West, 3700 4^th SW (641-423-3811) Smooth gated Hunter horses and stately Jumper horses compete in outdoor-decorated rings. Admission: Free for spectators. Time: 8am-5pm. www.midstateshorseshows.com

We'fe Got Your Weekend, Right Here

(Some content courtesy: Mason City Globe-Gazette)

Celebrate Frank Lloyd Wright's 150th birthday in Mason City

The public is invited to celebrate Frank Lloyd Wright’s 150th birthday on Thursday, June 8, at the Robert E. McCoy Architectural Interpretive Center.

Stop in for birthday cake while it lasts, and see the exhibits. Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wright on the Park plans celebration in Mason City

MASON CITY | At 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., enjoy a 30-minute program for kids of all ages about "The Three Little Pigs." The pigs represent three famous American architects who have made their mark on the landscape of modern architecture. Guess whose house foils the big bad wolf? Try your hand at building like Frank Lloyd Wright, Philip Johnson, or Frank Gehry.

Hourly tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House start at 10 a.m., with the last tour at 3 p.m. Regular admission will be charged. Stockman House tours are available every day during the summer months. Go to www.stockmanhouse.org and click on ‘Tour Info’ for more information.

The Robert E. McCoy Architectural Interpretive Center and Gift Shop is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 1-3 p.m. Sunday; and 10 a.m.-noon Monday and Tuesday.

Thursdays on Main begins in Clear Lake

Sail into the weekend tonight, June 8, with the first "Thursdays on Main" of the summer. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Main Street in Clear Lake, with food, bounce houses, kids' activities, laser tag, hand-powered kiddie train rids, crafts, and food. Stores are also open late.

Turbo Tumbling will provide special entertainment at 6:30 p.m. on the corner of Third and Main. Midwest Rock and Soul Revue will begin playing at 7 p.m.

Thursdays on Main activities end at 9, when the fun moves to City Park for the showing of Moana (PG) at 9.

Municipal Bands bring music to North Iowa

Mason City Municipal Band kicks of a weekend of concerts at 7:30 tonight, June 8, on the North Plaza of Southbridge Mall. Russ Kramer is the conductor, and Bob Fisher, the announcer. The program includes "Ticonderoga" March, "Raymond Overture," "Marche Russe," "Down A Country Lane," "La Fonda," "An Original Suite," and selections from "Chicago."

Saturday's concert, part of the MacNider Arts Festival, begins at 4 p.m., and includes "Jolly Robbers" Overture, "Shenandoah," Hawaii Five-0," "The Padstow Lifeboat," "Hurricane!" "Watermusic Suite," and "South Pacific" Selections.

Municipal bands provide plenty of idyllic evenings

North Iowa is known for its love of music — from the legacy of The Music Man Meredith Willso…

Clear Lake Municipal Band begins its 87th season with concerts in the Ludwig Wangberg Band Shell in City Park. Brandon Borseth is the director, and Chuck Cooper, the announcer.

The Saturday, June 10, concert is at 7 p.m., and will include “Triumphant Fanfare,” “St. James Infirmary,” “Porgy and Bess Medley,” “Overture for Winds,” “Shaker Gift Song,” "Hosts of Freedom,” and “Latin Reverie.”

The concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11, will include “Firehouse Rag,” “The Dauntless Battalion” March, “Forrest Gump,” “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” “The Walking Frog” Two Step, “Swingin’ Shepherd Blues” and “Best Broadway Marches.”

The Hampton Municipal Band, directed by Chris Sauke, continues its 96th season with a concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, in the Band Shell.

“Saxophonia" will feature the saxophone section, and vocalist Andrea Gibson will be featured on “Over the Rainbow” from "Wizard of Oz." Other selections include "Liberty Fleet," "That’s Entertainment," "Seussical the Musical," "Layla," and "The Joker’s Revenge."

Fun Friday at Central Gardens of North Iowa

On June 9, stroll down to Central Gardens of North Iowa in Clear Lake for Fresh on Fridays, offered 8-11 a.m. Fridays through the summer. Purchase a fresh flower bouquet, and enjoy coffee and goodies for a small donation.

From 9:30-10:30 a.m., Central Gardens will offer the first of a four-week educational series for children and families. Children will learn through hands-on activities and tasting experiences in the garden. This week, children will frost gluten-free banana cake muffins, decorate them with edible flowers, discuss garden safety and the importance of knowing what a plant is before eating it.

The following weeks' programs will be: Go Crazy for Kale, Rainbows, and Garden Pizza Party. The series is free, facilitated by BE WELLness, and will be at the lower level of the Nature Education Pavilion. Registration isn't required, and the workshops will be offered rain or shine.

Also at 9:30 a.m., Todd Von Ehwegen of Lime Creek Nature Center will present a program on Planting for Monarchs and Pollinators in the upper level of the Nature Education Pavilion. Admission is free for the hour-long program.

A special "Milkweed Matters" event, led by staff from the Lime Creek Nature Center, will be offered Friday at the garden, and Saturday at the Clear Lake Farmers Market.

All ages are invited to help roll milkweed seed balls for monarch habitat. As part of the “Milkweed Matters” program, the seed balls will be given to bike riders to toss into ditches when RAGBRAI rolls through North Iowa. Seed ball making will be 8-11 a.m. Friday, June 9, at Central Gardens of North Iowa and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 10, at the Clear Lake Farmers Market.

Charles City celebrates with Party in the Park

Friday night, it's all happening at Charles City, with the second Party in the Park of 2017 from 5-9 p.m. in Central Park.

It will feature inflatable fun with the EuroBungy and the Homerun Derby, along with carnival games, pedal car races, mini golf, face painting, caricature drawings and more.

Enjoy the sounds of a five-piece 1980s rock band, Redline, from the Waverly/Cedar Falls /Dysart are.

Admission is free. Food and beverages are available for purchase with “Chuck Chip” currency. The lime green chips may be obtained from the “Chuck Chip Table” near the center of the park or from volunteers in red Chuck aprons. Chuck Chips are also available at the Community Development Office, 401 N. Main Street, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Future Party in the Park events will be June 23, July 14, and Aug. 4. For more information, call 641-228-2335 or visit www.charlescitychamber.com.

Watch out for pirates at MacNider's festival in Mason City

The always popular MacNider Arts Festival and Outdoor Art Market is Saturday, June 10, with a pirate theme - “AHOY Art.”

Children's art activities, an Art Market of talented artists, musical entertainment, outdoor food, and long-time festival traditions will be part of the fun, all on the lawns of the Charles H. MacNider Museum and the adjacent Mason City Public Library. Free and open to the public.

The day begins with the mayor and city council’s free pancake breakfast from 9-10 a.m. (or until gone). Starting at 11 a.m., the museum will have food for sale, with proceeds benefiting the festival and museum programming.

Children’s activities will be offered for free or a small fee from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can create cork ships, telescopes, treasure chests, and more.

Music throughout the day will feature Central Standard Time, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, Malek's Fishermen Band, and the Mason City Municipal Band.

The Art Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participating artists include Richard Leet (painting/drawing), Bill Mateer (pottery), Amy Palmer (mosaic), and Chris White-Rozendaal (glass).

For information, visit www.macniderart.org and the museum's Facebook site.

Sing Along with Dawn in Hampton

Sing-alongs don't stop just because it's summertime. 

Join song leader Dawn Groszkruger for an hour of community singing during the monthly Old Fashioned Sing-Along on Sunday, June 11, at Hampton's historic Windsor Theatre.

Leon Kuehner on keyboard and Brian Stevens on tuba will accompany attendees on a variety of songs, including some tunes to celebrate the upcoming Father's Day.

Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for socializing and free popcorn. Singing begins at 4.

This is a free event, but a basket will be available for donations to the theater. If you have questions, call Groszkruger at 641-425-8716.

Malek's Band is going strong in Duncan

Malek’s Band will be celebrating 85 years of Malek Music, and 50 Years of Bob Malek’s Fishermen on Sunday, June 11, at the Community Ballroom in Duncan. This free dance, from 1-6 p.m., will feature the Malek Fishermen Band. The band's latest CD, its 11th, will be for sale, food will be available for purchase and a cash bar will be open.

When the work was done, the instruments came out. That’s the way it was in the 1930s for brothers Syl and Ed Malek. The Czech village of Duncan was full of music, and small bands were just a part of everyday life.

In 1932, Malek Bros. Accordion Band was born. Syl and Ed played a few gigs by themselves, adding musicians when they played barn dances. In the 1960s, Syl took a break; Ed and trumpet player Marv Lackore, along with their kids, began L&M Family Affair, which continued into the 1980s.

In 1967, Syl’s son Bob, started “The Fishermen” band, officially becoming Malek’s Fishermen Band in the mid-1970s, and Syl returned to the bandstand. In the early 1990s, Bob’s son Eric joined the band, and the third generation of Malek’s began.

Syl died in 1994, but the band kept going, with Bob’s daughter Crystal on sax and vocals; trumpet duo Bob and Eric; cousin Bill Malek on concertina, aunt Elsie Vavrik on keyboard, Earl Erdmann on drums, and “Tuba Don” VanDiepen on bass horn. The current band also includes Bob’s cousin, Ron Hrubes, and Eric’s wife, Kimberly (Sandhurst) Malek.

For more information, visit www.maleksfishermen.com.

Rockabilly returns to Surf Ballroom with Brian Setzer

Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy Award-winner Brian Setzer will bring his “Rockabilly Riot!” Tour to the Surf Ballroom on Wednesday, June 14. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Armed with Stray Cats gems like “Rock This Town,’” and “Stray Cat Strut,” he'll also have songs like “Let’s Shake” from his latest solo studio album, "Rockabilly Riot!: All Original."

His band members are Noah Levy on drums, Kevin McKendree on piano/guitar and Mark Winchester on bass.

Setzer is widely credited for taking two forgotten genres, rockabilly and swing, and adding his own style - reinventing and resurrecting them in the process. Consistently cited as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists, he has scored chart-topping hits, sold 13 million records and received the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award throughout his career as founder/leader of the Stray Cats, his 19-piece Brian Setzer Orchestra, and as a solo artist.

Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door, available at 641-357-6151 or www.surfballroom.com. Box office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (year-round); 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday (Memorial Day through Labor Day).