The Official Winery of MusicArtLife!

Train Wreck Winery LLC.

112 North Phillips St
Algona, IA 50511 

515-395-3376

 Hours: 

Friday & Saturday: Noon to 5 pm

RIP, Tommy

(Courtesy: Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter: Tommy Allsup made it a point to attend the Winter Dance Party as a way to honor the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, as well as play the music he and others love.  This photo was taken of Allsup on stage at the 2016 Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom.-Photo by Chris Barragy.)

The 2017 Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom will include a salute to two fallen rock and roll icons with North Iowa ties.

Word was received Thursday, Jan. 12, of the passing of Tommy Allsup, the last remaining bandmate of Buddy Holly. Allsup, 85, who played on Holly’s last concert at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake in 1959, had remained a close friend of the Surf.  He returned each year to participate in the Winter Dance Party, honoring the lives and music of Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.

After the Feb. 3, 1959 concert it was Allsup who reportedly lost a coin flip for a seat aboard the plane which was taking Holly, Valens and Richardson to the next stop on the Winter Dance Party tour.  The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Mason City Airport, also killing pilot Roger Peterson.

Allsup, a western swing guitarist and music producer, died Wednesday, Jan. 11.

Surf Ballroom staff shared their sentiments about Allsup’s passing on their Facebook page: “Words are hard to come by today as we mourn the loss of an important member of the Surf Ballroom and Winter Dance Party families. As the last remaining band mate of Buddy Holly who played on the 1959 tour here at the Surf, we lost a true fixture in rock ‘n roll history. His quick, easy smile and warm personality were just two of his many great characteristics that made him so special to us. We will miss his flawless guitar riffs and the look of pure joy on his face as he played.”

Allsup was scheduled to perform at this year’s Winter Dance Party.  Instead, his son, Austin Allsup, will be on stage Friday night during the Winter Dance Party weekend.  Allsup, who recently competed on NBC’s, “The Voice,” made the announcement on his Facebook page.

The 2017 Winter Dance Party weekend will also include a tribute to Bobby Vee, who passed away in October.  Vee’s career started in Moorhead, Minn. on Feb. 3, 1959 when his group, The Shadows, volunteered to help  after learning of the plane crash that took the lives of Holly, Valens and Richardson.  On Saturday, Feb. 4, The Killer Vees, featuring Jeff, Tommy and Matt Vee, and others, will perform at the Surf.

The Official Dentist of MusicArtLife!

Central Park Dentistry

23 N Federal Ave ·(641) 423-4225

Note: The publisher of MusicArtLife is a complete, embarrassing dental coward. She is a nightmare patient, and is amazed that anyone can tolerate her. The staff of Central Park Dentistry is always patient, kind, and incredibly tolerant of the occasional bursts of profanity that the patient spews upon discovery of the consequences of her cowardly dental neglect. Oh, and Central Park Dentistry has payment plans, too!

We Love It When Venues Work Together To Make Something Even Cooler.

(Courtesy: Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter) 

Good food, with a side of one-of-a-kind musical artifacts, is now being served up in Clear Lake.

The Surf Ballroom & Museum and MNG Restaurant Corp. have collaborated to create a Clear Lake dining experience unlike any other.

The Surf District Rock ‘n Roll Grill is located in the former District 619 Restaurant building, just north of the Surf Ballroom. The newly remodeled restaurant has a Rock ‘n Roll themed atmosphere featuring music and memorabilia from artists who have performed at the Surf Ballroom.

Laurie Lietz, executive director of the Surf Ballroom explained the Surf had been exploring concepts to find additional ways to showcase the many artifacts in its archives, as well as to further tell the story of the Surf and its history. The concept of a Rock and Roll themed dining experience seemed like a natural fit for the organization.

“Since we became a non-profit (in the 1990s) we took it upon ourselves to collect artifacts from artists who came through and take photos of every act without really having a plan for them,” explained Lietz.  “We felt it was our duty to continue to record the Surf’s history.”

With the exception of one artifact (a guitar and top hat provided by rocker Slash), none of the memorabilia on display at the Surf District Rock ’n Roll Grill has been previously displayed at the Surf.  Approximately 75 items are on display; pieces may be rotated in and out of the restaurant periodically.

Diners will enjoy seeing photos and memorabilia provided by more recent Surf Ballroom acts, ranging from Alice Cooper, to Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and Willie Nelson, to name a few.

Surf District Rock ‘n Roll Grill Owner Grant Maulsby says the décor, atmosphere and menu chosen for the restaurant compliment the already great dining offerings available in Clear Lake.  The business offers a varied menu ranging from onion rings and pretzel bites with beer cheese dip appetizers, to burgers and wraps, and even steaks.  The meals are complimented by a full bar.

MNG Restaurant Corp. will own and operate the business and will showcase a portion of the Surf’s memorabilia through a licensing agreement.  The restaurant seats 134 and has a capacity of 190.

The Official Hairdresser of MusicArtLife!

Here's Your Weekend!

January 13, 2017
Live Music: The Hats - Fion Bistro and Wine  Bar, 107 South Delaware. 8pm (641-529-7645). www.fionbarra.com

January 13, 2017

Rene Recinos and 5 Friends - Lorados, 18 S. Federal Ave. (641-424-8060) Live music starts at 6pm.

January 13, 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

January 13, 2017

Art Garfunkel: In Close-Up - NIACC Auditorium, 500 College Drive (641-422-4188). Described by the New York Times as a "beautiful countertenor", Garfunkel has made an indelible mark on the music world as a solo artist. Performing Grammy® - winning, chart topping songs and albums including "Mrs. Robinson", "Scarborough Fair", "The Sound of Silence" among many others. Show begins at 7:30. Tickets start at $20. For tickets call or www.niacc.edu/boxoffice

January 13-16, 2017

Winter In-Side Walk Sale -  Southbridge Mall, 100. S. Federal Ave (641-423-6688). Warm up with hot deals from mall merchants during this annual sale event you can't afford to miss! www.southbridgemall.net

January 14, 2017

NIACC Trojan Women's Basketball vs. Des Moines Area CC- NIACC Gym, 500 College Drive (641-422-4416). Starts at 1pm www.niacctrojans.com

January 14, 2017

NIACC Trojan Men's Basketball vs. Des Moines Area CC - NIACC Gym, 500 College Drive (641-422-4416). Starts at 3pm www.niacctrojans.com

January 14, 2017

River City Championship Kickboxing - North Iowa Events Center, 3700 4th SW, Olson Building (641-423-3811).  Doors open at 6pm, bout starts at 7pm. Cash bar and food concessions will be available at this event. General admission: $20, table seat $30/ VIP seat $40. Tickets available at the North Iowa Events Center Box Office or at ticket line: 641-210-5018.

January 14, 2017
My Happy Place Annual Fundraising Gala - Best Western Holiday Lodge, 2023 7th Ave N, Clear Lake. "Enjoy us for a Hawaiian themed night, including: Meal, Cash Bar, Live and Silent Auction and Hawaiian Entertainment. Tickets may be purchased online @ www.myhappyplacemc.com or at Hy-Vee East & West in Mason City. Admission price is $35 in advance/$40 at the door.

January 14, 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

January 14, 2017

North Iowa Bulls Hockey vs. Wisconsin -   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 14,  2017

Annual Ice Fishing Derby - Lester Park (Blue Pit) South Pierce Ave. Take the family ice fishing! MC recreation Department will provide refreshments to those in attendance and there will be IA DNR volunteers on hand to help. This is a free event, but anglers must be properly licensed. Children under 16 years of age are not required to have a license if fishing with a licensed adult. www.masoncity.net

January 15, 2017

Indoor Archery Series - Mohawk Archery Club, 840 12^th NW (641-430-5498). Indoor 3D, continuous line starts at 9am, scorecards turned in by 3pm. For all paper shoots, please reserve a line time by contacting Gary, 641-423-5789 or Bob, 641-423-5273. www.mohawkarchery.org

January 16, 2017

Monday Night BINGO - Burke's Bar & Grill, 631 6^th 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 18, 2017

NIACC Trojan Wrestling vs. Iowa Central CC- NIACC Gym, 500 College Drive (641-422-4416). Starts at 7pm www.niacctrojans.com

More Fun Things To Do In Mason City

·   Charles H. MacNider Art Museum- 303 2^nd St. SE - (641) 421-3666 - Wed., Fri., Sat., 9am-5pm; Tues & Thurs. 9am-8pm.  Admission Free. www.macniderart.org

·   Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House & Architectural Interpretive Center - 530 1st St. NE - (641) 423-1923

Stockman House Tours: May 14 – September;  Tours  on Mon, Tues, Wed 10 am, 11 am, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10am, 11am, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm; Sun. 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm  October: Tours on  Sat. 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm;  Sun. 1 pm, 2 pm, & 3 pm  Admission: $10 adults, $5 Youth 12-17, $2 Children 6-11. Architectural Interpretive Center & Gift Shop Hours: Same Hours as the Stockman House PLUS every Saturday throughout the year from 10am-2pm. Admission: A donation is requested when visiting the Architectural Interpretive Center.   www.stockmanhouse.org. 

·   Historic Park Inn Hotel (Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Hotel / Bank) Tours – 7 West State Street (641) 423-0689 Thurs. & Fri. 11:30am & 1:00pm; Sun. 1:30pm & 2:30pm or by appointment for groups 10 or more.  Admission: $10 per person www.wrightonthepark.org

·   Lime Creek Nature Center- 3501 Lime Creek Rd. - (641) 423-5309 – Center open Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm; Multiple use trails open daily: 6am – 10:30pm.  Admission Free.   www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us

·   NIACC Art Gallery – 500 College Drive. Open to the public Monday – Friday 9am-4pm. Free admission. www.niacc.edu

·   Prairie School Architecture Tour/Historical Walking Tour- Prairie School Tour encompasses 14 blocks & the Historic Tour is an additional 13 blocks. Walking tour guidebook is available for $5.00 at MacNider Art Museum & Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House.

·   The Music Man Square and Meredith Willson Boyhood Home- 308 and 314 S. Pennsylvania Ave. -  (641) 424-2852 – Open Tues.- Sun., 1pm-5pm, other times by appt., closed holidays.  Admission: $10 Adults; $5 students, children 6 & under free.  Admission includes both The Music Man Square and The Meredith Willson Boyhood Home. www.themusicmansquare.org

·   Roller City - 600 2nd NW (641-423-2000) Fantastic Fridays Roller Skating: 7-10pm $7 per skater. Weekend Roller Skating, Fri 7-10pm $8 each; Sat 10am-noon $10 per family, 1-4pm $6 each, 7-10pm $8 each; Weekday Inflatable’s (Bounce Houses), Tues, Wed, Thurs $8 each (no cost for adults and feel free to bring in dinner); Also on Wed 11am-2pm $10 per family and feel free to bring in lunch. All prices include equipment rental and tax.