Wednesday, February 1, 2017
At The Surf Ballroom This Weekend
The Fireballs feat. Jimmy Gilmer & George Tomsco
Hailing from Raton, New Mexico in the late 50’s, the Fireballs were New
Mexico’s first Rock & Roll recording band to become internationally known. The group was christened the Fireballs after their standing ovation performance of “Great Balls of Fire” at the Raton High School PTA talent contest in New Mexico, USA in January, 1958.
Mexico’s first Rock & Roll recording band to become internationally known. The group was christened the Fireballs after their standing ovation performance of “Great Balls of Fire” at the Raton High School PTA talent contest in New Mexico, USA in January, 1958.
Coupled with a new vocalist, Jimmy Gilmer, the Fireballs savored
success in a new dimension. “Sugar Shack” on DOT records was a #1 hit
and the largest selling single of the year. More vocal singles and
albums followed.
The late 60’s found the Fireballs on ATCO records with more chart
singles and albums. Gilmer’s gutsy lead vocal along with the backup
vocals from the Fireballs sang their way to another top 10 tune with
“Bottle Of Wine” followed closely by “Come On React”, of which albums
were released under each of the titles.
At The Surf Ballroom This Weekend
The Del Shannon Show with James Popenhagen
James Popenahgen
Popenhagen
Although Del Shannon passed in 1990, he lives on in his music.
At The Surf This Weekend
Albert Lee & Friends
Known best for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique,
guitarist Albert Lee toured with the Crickets in 1973. Lee has worked
with many famous musicians from a wide range of genres, including the
likes of Emmylou Harris, Eric Clapton, Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs,
Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, The Everly Brothers, and Carlene Carter.
Albert Lee is universally recognized in music circles as one of the
world’s finest, as well as one of the top rockabilly guitarists in
history. In fact, Eric Clapton is on record stating that Albert Lee is
“the greatest guitarist in the world.”
My Column: February 2017, by Bruce Wasenius
My column for February...
Another year and anniversary of my career in radio broadcasting in a new city and state where I didn't know a soul. I had moved to #2 Powers Avenue in Clear Lake it was the winter of '77-'78 one of the worst in years and living in Oakwood, there were a lot of late night drives around the lake side to home. The snow drifted so deep along south Shore Drive it buried the garages. I have told the tale of who was here at the beginning, now just Brad Johnson and myself, and how the Mad Hatter was a listener to the station I worked for in Mpls. Here's a story of the first time we met...
I had spoken with him and arranged to meet at his place a few miles west of where I was living, it was almost Chtistmas, blowing snow and limited visibility. I was dressed for an interview which was not necessary. He took one look at me and said I thought so. We got along well and I was hired.
On my way back home I saw a guy who was hitch hiking standing shivering on the side of the road so I picked him up. About twenty minutes later I got a flat tire. I was not dressed for the weather. The hitch hiker told me don't worry about it, got our and changed the tire.
I never got his full name and had to drop him off when our paths diverted, leaving him in a sheltered spot.
I think about that drive around this time of year, everything that changed my life for the next 39 years started with some friendly gestures.
In 39 years I have been fortunate to have made so many friendships that have lasted all these years. Unfortunately the sad part is that too many were cut short but remain in my heart. Thanks to all of those who have been part of my "legend"
Another year and anniversary of my career in radio broadcasting in a new city and state where I didn't know a soul. I had moved to #2 Powers Avenue in Clear Lake it was the winter of '77-'78 one of the worst in years and living in Oakwood, there were a lot of late night drives around the lake side to home. The snow drifted so deep along south Shore Drive it buried the garages. I have told the tale of who was here at the beginning, now just Brad Johnson and myself, and how the Mad Hatter was a listener to the station I worked for in Mpls. Here's a story of the first time we met...
I had spoken with him and arranged to meet at his place a few miles west of where I was living, it was almost Chtistmas, blowing snow and limited visibility. I was dressed for an interview which was not necessary. He took one look at me and said I thought so. We got along well and I was hired.
On my way back home I saw a guy who was hitch hiking standing shivering on the side of the road so I picked him up. About twenty minutes later I got a flat tire. I was not dressed for the weather. The hitch hiker told me don't worry about it, got our and changed the tire.
I never got his full name and had to drop him off when our paths diverted, leaving him in a sheltered spot.
I think about that drive around this time of year, everything that changed my life for the next 39 years started with some friendly gestures.
In 39 years I have been fortunate to have made so many friendships that have lasted all these years. Unfortunately the sad part is that too many were cut short but remain in my heart. Thanks to all of those who have been part of my "legend"
Friday, January 27, 2017
Rock Me, Amadeus
It's the birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born in Salzburg, Austria (1756). He only lived for 35 years but he started his career early — a child prodigy from a family of musicians. He toured all over Europe, and wrote his first opera at age 11.
Mozart died at the age of 35 in mysterious circumstances. There is a popular image of him as poor and miserable, working on a funeral requiem as he was dying. But overall, his final year was a good and productive one. He was living in Vienna. He was still getting commissions. He didn't have a lot of money in the year 1791, but then again, he rarely did — he and his wife, Constanze, never seemed able to live on what Mozart made.
It was a busy year. In the first months of 1791, he wrote dance music
for the winter balls at the court and the Piano Concerto No. 27. In the
summer, a messenger came, asking Mozart to write a requiem for his
patron, Count Franz von Walsegg who had lost his wife and wanted to
commission a requiem in her honor.
He was working on the opera La Clemenza di Tito to celebrate the coronation of Emperor Leopold as King of Bohemia. It premiered in early September. Three weeks later, his opera The Magic Flute opened in Vienna, and was a big hit. In October, he finished Clarinet Concerto in A. Then a cantata for his Freemason lodge, which he directed himself on November 18th. Finally, he put all his energy toward the Requiem, but just after the performance of his cantata, he became extremely ill. He had a fever, and his whole body was swollen. He continued writing the Requiem right up until his death, which was only two weeks after he became sick. No one knows what Mozart's illness was, and there are dozens of theories: rheumatic fever, tuberculosis, endocarditis, syphilis, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and poisoning. He died on December 5th, 1791 and was buried in a mass, unmarked grave, a common practice for the middle-class of Vienna.
Mozart said, "Music, in even the most terrible situations, must never offend the ear but always remain a source of pleasure."
He was working on the opera La Clemenza di Tito to celebrate the coronation of Emperor Leopold as King of Bohemia. It premiered in early September. Three weeks later, his opera The Magic Flute opened in Vienna, and was a big hit. In October, he finished Clarinet Concerto in A. Then a cantata for his Freemason lodge, which he directed himself on November 18th. Finally, he put all his energy toward the Requiem, but just after the performance of his cantata, he became extremely ill. He had a fever, and his whole body was swollen. He continued writing the Requiem right up until his death, which was only two weeks after he became sick. No one knows what Mozart's illness was, and there are dozens of theories: rheumatic fever, tuberculosis, endocarditis, syphilis, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and poisoning. He died on December 5th, 1791 and was buried in a mass, unmarked grave, a common practice for the middle-class of Vienna.
Mozart said, "Music, in even the most terrible situations, must never offend the ear but always remain a source of pleasure."
Here's Your Plan For The Weekend!
January 27, 2017
North Iowa Bulls Hockey vs. New
Ulm - 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
January 27, 2017
Fantastic Fridays Roller Skating
- Roller
City, 600 2nd 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
January 27, 2017
Chris Janson - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr.
Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Best Known for his signature harmonica playing,
Chris Janson was born to entertain crowds. In 2015, his breakthrough #1 Platium
single "Buy Me A Boat" was the 7th bestselling country
song of the year. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets $25 in advance/$30 at the door. www.surfballroom.com/boxoffice
January 27, 2017
St. John and the Whisky
Prophets - FION
BARRA, 107 S. Delaware Ave (641-529-7645). Live music featuring St. John and
the Whisky Prophets - starts at 8pm. FREE cover
January 28, 2017-
Poodle Skirt Workshop - Clear Lake Art Center, Clear
Lake, Iowa17 S. 4th ST, (641-357-1998). No sewing required. Workshop fee is $25 ($20 for members) a
supplies list can be found online at www.clartscenter.com or it can be picked up at the center, for an
additional $25. The poodle skirt pattern is a quick and simple design.
Seamstress with sewing machines will be onsite to help sewing waistbands and
seams while participants design, cut out and apply the embellishments to their
skirts. Registration is required. To register call 641-357-1998 or email clac@cltel.net
Event Time: 10:30am-2:30pm.
January 28, 2017
Winter Festival - Lime Creek Nature Center ,
3501 Lime Creek Rd. (641-423-5309). Beat the winter blahs with an adventure
packed afternoon at Lime Creek! Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikers, a
winter scavenger hunt, crafts, games, woodcarving demonstrations and
marshmallow/hot dog roasting over a campfire from 1-4pm. Free registration is
required - call (641-423-5309) to register. www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us
January 28, 2017
Menopause: The Musical - NIACC Auditorium, 500 College
Drive (641-422-4188). Hilarious musical parody staged to classic tunes from the
'60s, '70's and 80's will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles. See what
millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 14 years! The cast
makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles,
night sweats, and chocolate binges. Show begins at 7:30. Tickets start at $20.
Call or order online for tickets at www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
January 28, 2017
Otto & the Odors - Wok & Roll, 15 S. Delaware
Ave (641-423-1558). Local roustabouts Otto and the Odors, with opener Levi
Smith, starting at 10pm. FREE admission.
January 28, 2017
Roller Skating - Roller City, 600 2nd
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
January 28 & 29, 2017
Indoor Archery Series – Mohawk Archery Club, 840 12th NW (641-430-5498). 450 Vegas, lines starts Saturday at 10am & 1pm; Sunday at 1pm. For all paper shoots, please reserve a line time by contacting Gary, 641-423-5789 or Bob, 641-423-5273. www.mohawkarchery.org
Indoor Archery Series – Mohawk Archery Club, 840 12th NW (641-430-5498). 450 Vegas, lines starts Saturday at 10am & 1pm; Sunday at 1pm. For all paper shoots, please reserve a line time by contacting Gary, 641-423-5789 or Bob, 641-423-5273. www.mohawkarchery.org
January 29, 2017
Archery Lessons - Mohawk Archery Club, 840 12th NW
(641-430-5498). Archery lessons following the tournament - 3:30-6:00pm. www.mohawkarchery.org
January 30, 2017
Monday Night BINGO
- Burke's Bar & Grill,
631 6th St. SW - South location only (641-423-9610). No entry
fee to play & prizes for winners! For more information, call Burke's Bar
& Grill. Starts at 7pm. http://bit.ly/2iAxJ1S
January 31, 2017
The Chicago Cubs World Series Trophy
Tour - Music
Man Square, 308 S. Pennsylvania Ave (641-424-2852). The Chicago Cubs World
Series Trophy will be on display from 6-7:30pm at the Music Man Square.
January 31, 2017
Lunch & Learn - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum,
303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). "Women in Art" will be
discussed with Program Associate Pamela Jost. This program is open to the
public from noon to 1pm, bring your lunch and open mind to learn not only about
art, but also the inner working of the Museum and art world. Lunch and Learn
also serves to keep docent volunteers informed. https://macniderart.org/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
For 40-some years, Algona native Robert Pratt (AKA The Digital Chicken) has enjoyed, some might say, a "checkered" career in th... -
Our featured author this month is Dennis R. Waller, whose journalism career of a half-century spans three states. He's been writing... -
Actor-director Clint Eastwood is 88! How do ya like that, punk? Singer Peter Yarrow, left, of Peter, Paul and Mary is 80, if y...