Central Park Dentistry

23 N Federal Ave

Mason City, Iowa

(641) 423-4225

centralparkdentistry.com/

Hours 8:00AM - 6:00PM

The official dentist of MusicArtLife!

Bruce's Column For January 2017!

At the end of the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." Gene Wilder asks, "Do you know what happened to the boy who got everything he asked for? He lived happily the rest of his life."....I feel like that.
What a difference 366 days can make, so many people and places in and out of my life "some forever, not for better, some have gone and some remain"...
A year ago I was writing the first column with questions about what was to come. I had no real idea what being "retired" was and how I looked at life differently from what had been, so I played a lot of golf and spent more time with my ne'er do well buddies enjoying not having to be somewhere at some time and relaxing.
The creativity part of life was coming up with and posting Songs of the Day and other music videos I liked.
I was happily surprised when I was asked to consider a once a week live show on the radio station I had been working for and my mind went to thinking and planning and a new focus.
The thing is there's not a lot of things I think I do well but being on the air makes me happy and having friends many of whom have listened to me for decades happy too is icing on the cake.
Hard to sum it all up, but I will say this, it's been my pleasure to have spent soon to be 39 years in your company and how could anyone ask for more. Thank you all, as we used to say thanks for turning me on.

This Is Our Kind Of Story

Courtesy of our friends at The Storm Lake Times--Dec. 30, 2016
The day the music lived
Patrons rise to Byron Stuart’s aid to preserve Iowa groove shrine
Over $6,000 raised to keep Pomeroy bar boogying
By Art Cullen
Byron Stuart has reason to celebrate New Year’s Eve, not for the money but for all that love.
He is the owner of a funky little bar — Byron’s Bar, of course — in downtown Pomeroy that is a legend in Iowa music circles for giving succor and an appreciative audience to starving road minstrels over the past 21 years on early Sunday evenings.
The bar has been having a bit of a hard time this year. Another bar opened in the town of 600 in July. Byron has felt it in the cash register. It stings. Plus, his building dates to 1893. The roof was leaking. If you set a pool ball on the floor near the bar it will roll into the bathroom on its own.
So it could use a little work.
That’s where Byron’s friends came in. Ree Irwin of Sac City and Roger Feldhans of Pomeroy made copies of Byron’s face and transformed them into masks. They put them on a popsicle stick and sold them. On Halloween, Amelia White and Sergio Webb of Nashville played while the crowd dressed like Byron in tie-dye shirts and pastel-color overalls and held their masks. Byron was overwhelmed with a $2,000 contribution.
“It brings me to tears just talking about it,” Byron said.
“But it was the best-looking crowd I have seen.”
Then, in late December Byron’s friend Todd Partridge of Auburn — front man for the band King of the Tramps — organized a social networking fundraiser on the Internet. The goal was $5,000. As of Wednesday total contributions topped $6,000. In just 10 days.
Musicians from all over the nation sent in donations. Bruce Katz, who played keyboards for the Allman Brothers Band and for the Butch Trucks Band, chipped in along with dozens of others from Austin to Boston to Nashville.
Byron received contributions from people who had never even been there. One man from Houston, Tex., sent a check for $815 when he heard that the drive was $815 short of $5,000. He had never met Byron, but the man’s brother is a regular for the Sunday shows.
“I’m living the dream I never knew I had,” Byron said.
Never did he think, working on the family farm just out of Iowa State University, that he would be listening to the great Woodstock band Canned Heat in his bar for his 50th birthday. They called him, asking if they could play Byron’s. They heard that it was the groove center of the world from another musician who played there. For $500 and a motel room in Rockwell City, Canned Heat rocked Pomeroy.
Byron had sort of been knocking around the greater Pomoeroy-Knoke region when the bar came up for sale. He took it over and shortly thereafter friend Larry Myer of Havelock suggested that he could play there. Byron said okay. Myer introduced him to Rob Lombard, another Iowa musician who played the place. All the while Byron was decorating with photos of Jerry Garcia, memorabilia of the Grateful Dead and tie-dyes by Roger.
It became “the hipness center of the universe,” in the words of keyboardist Katz, who also had heard about Byron’s from his home, actually at Woodstock, and asked Byron if he could play there. You could have knocked Byron over with a feather boa, which he has been known to wear.
The thing snowballed. What was an occasional music gig turned into twice a month. This year Byron has had 61 shows — most of them from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and a few on Saturday nights.
His roster of artists is a list of rising stars in Americana music, bluegrass, funk, folk and even ragtime. Todd Snider, the reigning king of alt-country, played there in 2001. Freakbass out of Cincinnati played there this year, and is considered one of the hottest acts in a resurging funk/soul scene.
“It’s the vibe,” Partridge said of why musicians go so far off the beaten path go get to Byron’s. “You walk in the door and everybody is tuned in to what you’re doing. You can’t really put your finger on it. And, he treats the musicians so darn nice.”
Partridge said many of his patrons and musicians suddenly realized, “Wow, we could lose this place if we don’t help him get over this hump. This place is in our back yard. It’s personal for us. I don’t think another place would pop up in Northwest Iowa if Byron’s weren’t here.”
Indeed not. For Byron, it’s a labor of love. He considers it a victory when he can clear $100 from one of his Sunday shows. It’s not exactly a drinking crowd.
“They come here to listen, not to get drunk and talk,” Byron said.
They are doctors, bankers, lawyers, hermits, bikers, professors, hippies, farmers, women in peasant dresses, men in stovepipe hats, politicians and castabouts.
They pay $10 for a ticket, which gets them a free drink or two free cans of pop plus a chance to win one of Byron’s door prizes. The most prized are framed photos made by Byron’s friend Roger Feldhans. A biker from Bode who brings his little dog Clyde every Sunday (Clyde has to sit outside on the motorcycle, where patrons shower him with affection) offers intricate carvings that Byron gives away.
Byron anguishes over raising prices because he doesn’t want to turn anyone off. A pizza is just over $6. The barmaids work for tips and have been with him from Day One. Often you see them dancing behind the bar together.
Sometimes Byron takes a bath when the weather turns bad and 20 people show up. Most of his crowd comes from a 60-mile radius of Pomeroy. But he keeps forging on, trying to stay afloat. He already has acts booked every Sunday through April. And these are not your brother’s garage bands.
He had a ukelele player. A zither player. A digeredoo player. A band named Spongecake and the Fluff Ramblers whose van broke down the minute they showed up at Byron’s faded front. They went in to play like it was Fillmore East, and shoved off to their next gig in a borrowed livestock trailer. The Paper Moonshiner lady sang through a glittered megaphone. Her partner sang a better version of “Gentle On My Mind” than the Original John Hartford.
Most important, Byron supports Iowa musicians. Chad Elliott and David Zollo adore him. Joe and Vickie Price stay at his house. Brother Trucker considers itself Byron’s House Band. Bryon prays that Greg Brown and Iris Demint will play there someday.
“I’m addicted to music,” Byron confessed. “I just have to keep doing this.”
So he will celebrate. This Saturday, around 8 p.m., Partridge will show up with his band and rip into a song about a dude from Lohrville who pulls a tooth with a pliers from his overalls. Byron expects a Grateful Dead cover song from this outfit. Patridge says he is working on a song about Byron, but whether he plays it Saturday depends on how loose the King and the crowd get. They could get pretty loose this time.
That’s all Byron really wants in life. They will play until they can’t anymore, and for $10 you could be in that groove that a keyboard player from Woodstock found one recent night. Just go to Pomeroy and search for the vibe. You can’t miss it.
New Year’s Eve at Byron’s
Time: “8-ish” to midnight or better
Band: King of the Tramps, playing a rock-blues style they call “Whiskey Gospel”
Tickets: $10 at the door, includes free drink and chance at door prize

STILL Haven't Made New Year's Eve Plans?

There's still time to make plans!! NOT MUCH, THOUGH.

New Years Eve Party: The Whisky Prophets - Fion Bistro and Wine Bar, 107 S. Delaware Ave. Starts at 8pm.

New Years Eve Party (featuring Howl 2 Go By Howl At The Moon Dueling Pianos) - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Enjoy an exciting night with the dueling pianos- which includes a drummer and a guitarist and guarantees a full night of dancing and fun!

Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: $20 Adv/ $25 Door. 

New Years Eve "Dress As A Decade" Party - Worth Brewing Co. in Northwood, with games and dessert, from 9:00-1:00.

Comedian: Mike Brody - Main Event, 112 Second St. S.E., (641-201-1060). Two shows 7:30pm & 9:30pm. Tickets are $20 in advance (cash or check) at the Fox Studios, 201 N. Federal  Ave or $25 at the door. www.mikebrody.com

North Iowa Youth Center New Year's Eve Party - North Iowa Events Center, All Season Building, hwy 122 west, 3700 4^th St. SW. Family, youth oriented, friendly fun for everyone. Inflatables, music, food, games and more. Come out and enjoy all or part of you New Years Eve! Admission is $5 kids, $1 adults. Time: 5pm-12am

Live Music: The Mockingbirds - Rumorz's Bar and Grill, 1210 South Shore Drive, Clear Lake. Music starts at 8pm.

Happy Holidays From Central Park Dentistry!

Our Featured Author--Dennis R. Waller

Our featured author this month is Dennis R. Waller, whose journalism career of a half-century spans three states.  He's been writing his entire life, from copywriting at LOOK Magazine to weekly and daily newspapers with news stories, features, columns and editorials.  He recently redirected his focus from CEO of a communications company to writing for himself.  He lives in Crosslake, MN, where he is an avid outdoorsman.  

His latest book, "The Lollygagging Years: When The Student Ain't Ready" is a sequel to his memoir, "Walkin' Joe and the Midnight Marauders." It's available on Amazon, and from the author.

From his website--www.dennisrwaller.com:

One would imagine that back in the 1950's - absent all the digital, technical and social distractions - high school students safely tucked in the Heartland would focus on their educations. Not so with this group of pals bent on avoiding the boredom of the classroom and discomfort at home. Instead, their energies are devoted to creative mischief and hilarious adventures that will smoothly carry you from one quick escapade to another. Except for sports and accompanying unreal expectations, their only goal is to have a good time. You'll marvel not only at the level of mischief from over five decades ago, but at the storyteller's depth and degree of detail.
A fellow author and friend explains it: "A good read, but obviously author Waller didn't waste any brain cells on academia..." This is a lighthearted sequel to the journalist's grade school recollections - "Walkin' Joe and the Midnight Marauders" - rated five stars by Amazon readers. As the title suggests in "Lollygagging," the irreverent boys are a bit older, but not necessarily grown up. Join them as they sneakily frolic behind, beneath and in front of quirky teachers and administrators. The old adage that "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear," doesn't yet apply, but were there an honor roll for trouble-making, these interesting characters would be on it.

Now That Christmas Is Over......

December 27, 2016

Paint like Van Gogh - Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S 4th St, Clear Lake (641.357.1998). Join Christina Newton at the Clear Lake Arts Center for an evening of fun, friends and artistic expression, beginning at 6:30pm. Soft drink and light snacks will be served. Wine and beer will be available to purchase. Prices depending on size of canvas, $35 or $32.

December 27, 2016

Kids & Canvas - Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S 4th St, Clear Lake (641.357.1998). An adult and child paining party for families looking for something different to do over Christmas Break. Time:1:30, cost is $40 per parent & child.

December 28 & 29, 2016

Little Chefs Camps - Mason City Recreation Office, 326 4^th St. NE (641-421-3673). Tiny tot camp for 4-6 years old at 12:30pm, elementary camp for 7-10 years old at 2pm. Fee $20 for residents $22 for non-resident. Holiday treats will be on the agenda!

December 28-30, 2016

4-H Rocket Science Camp- Mason City Recreation Office, 326 4^th St. NE (641-421-3673). For 5^th - 8^th graders from 9am-11am. Fee: $30 for resident $32 for non-resident. Basic aerodynamic principles of flight. Explore how astronauts live in space. Construct a rocket!

December 28-30, 2016

Youth Basketball Camps - NIACC Recreational Center, 500  College Dr. (641-423-1264). Boys and girls 5 years of age to 6^th grade are welcomed to participate in NIACC Youth Basketball Camps. 5 years old to kindergarten at 9:00am, 1^st & 2^nd graders at 10am, 3^rd & 4^th graders at 11am and 5^th & 6^th graders at 1:15pm. Registration deadline is Tuesday, December 20. Fee: $15 for resident, $17 non-resident. $10/$12 if register for MC Recreational Basketball leagues. Call 641-421-3673 to register or more information.

December 28, 2016

Christmas Break at Lime Creek- Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Rd. (641-423-5309). It's time to get the kids out of the house for some fresh air! All ages are invited to join for a snowshoe hike in search of wildlife signs, followed by an animal tracks activity in the nature center. If there is no snow we'll take the hike without snowshoes. There will be a warm fire burning and hot chocolate will be served! Time: 1pm-3pm.  There is no charge but registration is required - call 641-423-5309. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

December 29, 2016

Winter Break - Arctic Animals - MacNider Art Museum, 303 Second St. SE (641-421-3666). Wintertime is here! Break the humdrums with some freezer-y fun! Sign up to make some Arctic Critters. Snacks provided. Recommended ages 5-12, 9am-12pm.

December 30, 2016

North Iowa Bulls Hockey vs. Rochester- 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 

December 31, 2016

New Years Eve Party (featuring Howl 2 Go By Howl At The Moon Dueling Pianos) - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Enjoy an exciting night with the dueling pianos- which includes a drummer and a guitarist and guarantees a full night of dancing and fun! Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: $20 Adv/ $25 Door.

December 31, 2016

Comedian: Mike Brody - Main Event, 112 Second St. S.E., (641-201-1060). Two shows 7:30pm & 9:30pm. Tickets are $20 in advance (cash or check) at the Fox Studios, 201 N. Federal  Ave or $25 at the door. www.mikebrody.com

December 31, 2016 - January 1, 2017

North Iowa Youth Center New Year's Eve Party - North Iowa Events Center, All Season Building, hwy 122 west, 3700 4^th St. SW. Family, youth oriented, friendly fun for everyone. Inflatables, music, food, games and more. Come out and enjoy all or part of you New Years Eve! Admission is $5 kids, $1 adults. Time: 5pm-12am