Rock & Roll Photo Exhibit in Minneapolis

Mark Seliger: In my Stairwell Series Portraits of musicians including David Byrne, Diana Krall, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, and Bruce Springsteen. Free. Flashlight Vinyl, 1519 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota; 612-558-3838.

Check Out What’s Happening

in Mason City & North Iowa

 March 24 - March 26, 2017

March 24, 2017

Golden Dragon Acrobats - NIACC Auditorium, 500 College Drive (641-422-4188). World-renowned impresario, Danny Chang, and choreographer, Angela Chang, combine award winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. Show begins at 7:30. Tickets start at $20. Call or order online for tickets at www.niacc.edu/boxoffice

March 24, 2017

Pianopalooza - Dueling for a Cure - Mason City Country Club, 3331 19^th St. SW. Fundraiser for type 1 diabetes - All ticket sales will go to JDRF team Ollie.  For tickets contact Sean (641-420-0847), seank@grahamtire.net or Heidi (641-330-2717) hkkuhl@gmail.com or available at Graham Tire (both locations). Event time: 7:30pm. Tickets $25.00 / $30.00 at the door.

March 24 & 25, 2017

Anansi the Spider - Stebens Children's Theatre, 616 N Delaware (641-424-9802). Box office open 1-5pm weekdays. Tickets are $11 for adults/$8 for 18 and under. The trickster, Anansi, angers the sky god, Nyame; first by stealing his proverbs, then by falling in love with his daughter, the beautiful Aso. Nyame requires the spider to prove his worth by passing an impossible test. A comical story with many a universal truth. www.stebensct.com 

March 24, 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

March 25, 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

March 25, 2017

Pollock & Pizza - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. S.E. (641-421-3666). Pollock was famous for his abstract action paintings. Lean about the Pollock technique and create an abstract painting of your own, on canvas. Pizza will be served. Event time: 10am-1pm. www.macniderart.org

March 25, 2017

School Art Show Reception - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. S.E. (641-421-3666). Tthe annual School Art Exhibition to celebrate Youth Art Month (March).  Honoring both the imagination of students as well as the dedicated and resourceful work of art teachers in the schools. This year’s show features the artwork of elementary school students. Visit this fun and creative exhibition and see what future generations of artists are creating right now! On Saturday, March 25, at 1 p.m. we will celebrate the students’ accomplishments and recognize their dedicated teachers. Award Certificates will be handed out at 1:30 p.m. www.macniderart.org

March 25, 2017

Pictures & Discussion on the Rotary Cannonball - Mason City Public Library (Muse Norris Classroom), 225 2nd St. SE  (641-423-5328). The Friends of the 457 will give a program in pictures and lecture on the Rotary Cannonball restoration, preservation and the construction of the Cannonball Gardens. This is an opportunity not only to learn about one of Mason City's most popular attractions, but also find out how you can have a part in helping preserve this Mason City Treasure. Event time: 2-3:30pm.

March 25 & 26, 2017

Knights of Columbus Bowling Tournament – Mystic Lanes,  Hwy 122 East.  Expected to bring 60 teams of bowlers competing for top honors during the month of March. Visit www.iowakofc.org for more information.

March 26, 2017

Spring Figure Skating Show - North Iowa Events Center, 3700 4^th SW (641-424-3547). The North Iowa Figure Skating Club will present their spring show – “One Rink Circus” -  at 1:00 & 7:00 PM. Tickets available at the door - $10 adults, $5 children ages 4-12. Children 3 and under are free.

March 26
Indoor Archery Series – Mohawk Archery Club, 840 12^th NW (641-430-5498). 300 Round, lines starts Saturday at 10am & 1pm; Sunday at 1pm. www.mohawkarchery.org

Music And Art Around The Area

MARCH 24

The Lumineers

Grammy-nominated American folk group The Lumineers, best known for their hit single “Ho Hey,” makes a stop at Wells Fargo Arena, with special guests Kaleo and Susto. Their music has been heard in “The Walking Dead” and “Mockingjay,” when founding members Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites wrote the music for “The Hanging Tree.” In 2016, The Lumineers released their second album, Cleopatra. 7 p.m. 730 Third St. Tickets are $29.50$59.50 at HyVeeTix.com.

MARCH 25

Vintage in the City

Shop-hop to 11 Des Moines vintage shops during the 5th Annual Vintage in the City event. Score unique finds and enjoy specials and refreshments at West End Architectural Salvage, Found Things, Vintage No. 35, Hinge, Preservation, Funky Finds, CJ Design Co., Hank’s Fuzzy Guitars, Reclaimed, Porch Light and Raccoon River Fork Trading Co. Visit the Vintage in the City Facebook page for a map of the businesses.   10 a.m.-5 p.m.

MARCH 27

An Evening with Billy Collins and Clint Smith

Two renowned poets with very different styles will co-deliver the 38th installment of the Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lecture Series at Drake University. Billy Collins is a former U.S. Poet Laureate (2001-2003) whose work has seen critical acclaim and popular appeal; his last three collections have broken sales records for poetry. Clint Smith is a 2014 National Poetry Slam Champion whose two TED Talks, “The Danger of Silence” and “How to Raise a Black Son in America,” collectively have been viewed more than 5 million times. 7 p.m., The Knapp Center, 2601 Forest Ave. Free. More information at www.drake.edu/ bucksbaum.

 MARCH 28

‘Beauty and the Beast’

This dance interpretation of the story of “Beauty and the Beast” explores the symbolism and lessons found throughout the fairy tale. Performed by Malandain Ballet Biarritz, it features aesthetic movement, celebrating sensuality and humanity. Come an hour early for a pre-dance talk and learn more about the dance company, and stay late for a question-and-answer session with the dancers. 7:30 p.m. Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Tickets are $15-$61 at desmoines performingarts.org.

George Thorogood and the Destroyers Classic rocker and icon George Thorogood and his longtime band the Destroyers have released 16 studio albums, crashing into the rock scene with their self-titled 1977 Gold Album. Just try not to sing along with songs like “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” “Get a Haircut” and “Bad to the Bone.” 7:30 p.m. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave.

Tickets are $36-$76 at hoyt sherman.org. For every ticket sold, $1 will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

‘Shakuntala’

StageWest Theatre Company welcomes Gateway Dance Theatre to their Scriptease series at the First Unitarian Church with its production of the beloved, classic tale. Be swept away and transported on a magical journey to the land of India and a tale of love and beauty. 7 p.m., 1800 Bell Ave.

Admission is free and open to the public (suggested donation of $5).

 MARCH 29

Kris Kristofferson

Beginning his career as a country songwriter, Kris Kristofferson penned such hits as “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” before embarking on his own musical career. The three-time Grammy Award winner has released 29 albums, including as a member of The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. Hear him in a live acoustic performance at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $45-$75 at hoyt sherman.org.

MARCH 30

Las Cafeteras

All children of immigrants, the L.A.-born Las Cafeteras have wowed audiences with their live performances and unique blend of punk, hip-hop, beat music, cumbia and rock. Their goal since starting the band in 2008 has been to document histories of their neighborhoods through music. Experience them live at the Temple Theater, Tenth and Locust St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $26-$36 at desmoines performingarts.org.

MARCH 31

Kansas

Kansas is one of the most iconic rock bands in history, with more than 30 million records sold worldwide and more than 200 weeks on the Billboard charts in the 1970s and ’80s. See them perform live, including their 1 million-selling singles, “Carry on My Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind,” when they make a stop at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. 8 p.m.

Here's The Weekend Hookup

 

March 17, 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

Mom & Me: Jewelry and Tea - Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St., Clear Lake(641-357-1998). Participants will make beaded bracelets, and then wear their newly-created jewelry to a special tea party. This event is for all ages, can be mothers and daughters, grandmothers and granddaughters, neighbors and special friends. Event time:1:30-3:30pm. Cost is $25 per couple, with all supplies and tea party included. Call or stop in to register. www.clartcenter.com

Eric Gales with Anthony Gomes - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). It's well documented that Eric Gales was a child prodigy and heralded as the second coming of Jimi Hendrix when he released his debut album. The Eric Band in 1991 as a 16 year old on Elektra Records. It was the first of 10 albums on a major label. Doors open at 8pm. Ticket price $20 Adv. / $25 Door. www.surfballroom.com

Travel & Adventure Film Series “The Soul of India”– NIACC, 500 College Drive (641-422-4358). Films that appeal to a wide audience of travelers. Beautiful scenery, out-of-the-ordinary locations, various cultures, and people depicted throughout the films. Tickets may be purchased at the door: $5 adults/$3 student; Season ticket for $20. Starts at 7PM. www.niacc.edu/

St Patrick's Day Party - Place2B, 116 N. Federal Ave (641-590-3918). No cover - MUST BE 21 - ID REQUIRED. $1 Jello Shots, $3 Shots, & $6.00 Green Beer Pitchers - Don't miss out on the party! http://bit.ly/2n7LJS3

March 18, 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

Julian Lawrence Gargiulo (Steinway Pianist) - NIACC Auditorium, 500 College Drive (641-422-4188). Gargiulo, pianist, composer, and recording artist was named a Steinway Artist in 2014. His musical performance will be sure to impress as he received his Doctor of zMusical Arts degree at the University of Maryland (Rodriguez). Show begins at 7:30. Adult tickets $25/Students $10. Call or order online for tickets at www.niacc.edu/boxoffice

North Iowa Sportsmen's Adventure - Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, 1600 E Lake Street, Ventura, Iowa. Doors open at 2pm. Guests can choose from 8 different workshops such as smallhouse, Cost $15 to two for $20. After March 10, price goes up to $20 per ticket.

Afternoon with Authors - Fat Hill Brewing, 17 N. Federal Ave. (641-423-0737). Please join us for a cozy afternoon with local authors! Five local writers will be joining us to mingle, drink beer, sign, and sell their books. There will be a giant table of free books (feel free to bring donations). There will be a raffle for gift cards to Book World. Information about book club, writer's club and sign-up sheets will be available. Time: 2pm-5pm. http://www.fathillbrewing.com/home

Dancing for Downs (March 18 & 19)- Surf Ballroom Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Come join us for a night of dancing, food, games and a silent auction all to help support those with Down syndrome and their families! Event is from 5PM-9PM. Admission is $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets are available for sale at Hyvee East and Hyvee West or on-line at http://www.dsa-nci.com

Indoor Archery Series (March 18 & 19) – Mohawk Archery Club, 840 12th NW (641-430-5498). 300 Round, lines starts Saturday at 10am & 1pm; Sunday at 1pm. www.mohawkarchery.org

Knights of Columbus Bowling Tournament (March 18 & 19) – Mystic Lanes, Hwy 122 East. Expected to bring 60 teams of bowlers competing for top honors during the month of March. Visit www.iowakofc.org for more information.

March 19, 2017

Archery Lessons - Mohawk Archery Club, 840 12th NW (641-430-5498). Archery lessons following the tournament - 3:30-6:00pm. www.mohawkarchery.org

More Fun In This Neck Of The Woods This Weekend

(Some content courtesy Mason City Globe Gazette)
Wind Symphony concert in Algona

The Bethel University Wind Symphony travels to Algona for a concert Friday.

The ensemble, conducted by Steven Thompson, is on its spring tour. The concert is set for 7 p.m. March 10 in the Ed and Betty Wilcox Performing Arts Center in Algona High School, 601 S. Hale. Admission is free, and the concert is open to the public.

Lighter fare offered at POPS concert

There's even more music in Algona Friday, March 10, with Bishop Garrigan's annual POPS concert at 7 p.m. in the Friedmann Auditorium.

Bishop Garrigan High School band and choir students will perform throughout the evening, along with the Concert Band, A Cappella Choir, Show Choir, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. A variety of talent will be showcased in solos and small ensembles. Pop music and Disney productions will be represented for an evening of light music.

Admission is $7 for reserved table seating, available by calling the BGHS office at 515-295-3521 or emailing Mary McCall at mccallm@bishopgarrigan.org. Bleacher seating is $6.

Winter film series ends with "Art and Craft"

Saturday is the last chance to take in a film in the 2017 Winter Film Series, Films in February, Movies in March, at the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 Second St. S.E.

"Art and Craft" follows Mark Landis, called one of the most prolific art forgers in the United States history. The 2014 documentary will be shown at 2 p.m. March 11. Admission is free, open to the public, and popcorn will be provided.

Landis' impressive body of work spans 30 years. While his copies could fetch impressive sums on the open market, he isn't in it for money. Instead, he donates his fakes to museums across the country.

When Matthew Leininger, a tenacious registrar in Cincinnati, discovers the ruse and organizes an exhibition of the work, Landis must confront his legacy and the museum professionals clamoring for him to stop.

"Art and Craft" (89 minutes) is not rated. It is sponsored by Dr. Samuel Congello and Dr. Patricia Endress. For more information, visit www.macniderart.org.

Funk rock’s “Here Come The Mummies” heads to the Surf Ballroom

Mummies and Monsters will invade the Surf Ballroom on Saturday.

The headliner, Here Come the Mummies, is an eight-piece funk-rock band playing "terrifying funk from beyond the grave." Special guests Mickey & The Monsters will open the show.

Here Come the Mummies has opened for P-Funk, Al Green, and Cheap Trick; rocked Super Bowl Village; become a regular on The Bob and Tom Show; and played massive festivals like Summer Camp, Common Ground, Voodoo Fest, Musikfest, Summerfest, and Riverbend. Some claim they are reincarnated Grammy-winning studio musicians. Regardless, their mysterious personas, cunning song-craft, and unrelenting live show will bend your brain and melt your face.

Doors open at 8 p.m. for the March 11 show. Advance tickets are $15, available at the Surf Ballroom & Museum box office, 460 N. Shore Drive, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 641-357-6151 or on-line at www.surfballroom.com. Tickets will be $20 at the door.

Classic Car Show Tomorrow

 Tomorrow, Saturday, March 11th, is the River City Street Rods Car Show at Southbridge Mall, downtown Mason City. Stop by to see all the amazing cars, do some shopping, have some lunch. Freewill donations for the Northern Lights Homeless Shelter will also be accepted. The show starts at 10:00 am.

Sad News For North Iowa, And The Literary World

(Some content courtesy of Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)

'Bridges of Madison County' Author Dies

Bestselling “The Bridges of Madison County” author Robert James Waller, a Rockford native, and cousin of previous MusicArtLife Author Of The Month Dennis R. Waller,  has died.

Waller, 77, who resided in Fredericksburg, Texas, died Thursday at his home from complications of pneumonia and multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells, according to longtime friend Scott Cawelti of Cedar Falls.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced. 

Waller was born Aug. 1, 1939, in Rockford. He was married to Linda Bow Waller and is survived by one daughter, Rachel, from a previous marriage. 

“It’s a sad thing … but he said he’d had a helluva life — more than he ever expected to happen to chicken farmer’s son from Rockford, Iowa,” said Cawelti. “He’s sort of iconic for Iowa. He really made it big — 50 million books sold worldwide, a great movie with major stars, a Broadway show. That’s a whole new level of making it big. Robert became a touchstone for people.”

The author taught economics and decision theory at the University of Northern Iowa for 22 years and served six years as business school dean. He graduated from UNI in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree, and his master’s degree in 1968.

“Bridges” has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide and is published in 40 languages. It spent more than three years on the New York Times Bestsellers list. In 2014, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical opened in New York City.

Prior to “Bridges,” Waller wrote three non-fiction books and a collection of personal essays. “Bridges” is the bittersweet story of National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid and his brief but memorable affair with an Iowa farmwife.

In 2015, Waller donated the original manuscript of “Bridges” to his alma mater. The manuscript contains his personal author notes and annotations and was originally published in 1992. It is housed in the Rod Library’s special collections and university archives at UNI.

Waller’s literary success will be the focus at the launch of a year-long Cedar Falls Authors Festival, with a program May 4 at the Hearst Center for the Arts.

Cawelti and Waller sang together for many years, and Cawelti will perform songs and readings from Waller.

The festival, which was organized months prior to Waller's death, will continue through May 2018 and recognize other famous Cedar Falls authors.
 Waller published additional bestsellers, including “Slow Waltz at Cedar Bend,” in 1993, followed by “Border Music” and “Puerto Vallarta Squeeze.” "A Thousand County Roads — An Epilogue to The Bridges of Madison County" was published in 2002, followed by “High Plains Tango.”

He returned to non-fiction writing in 2011, writing and publishing “The Summer Nights Never End ... Until They Do: Life, Liberty & the Lure of the Short-Run,” which succeeded in merging his logical and creative sides.

“It's certainly the best piece of work I've ever done, and I'm having fun with it. It's been a walloping good time. I'm good at research and documentation and obsessive to the point of being insufferable, and I fully admit to that,” Waller told The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier in an interview about the book in 2011. 

Waller also became something of a happy recluse, exploring a range of interests from fly fishing to photography, as well as teaching himself to play jazz guitar. 

“He was a man who was happy in his own skin,” noted Rosemary Beach of Cedar Falls. She and her husband, Bob, knew Waller for many years. “We grew to know Bob and Scott (Cawelti) playing their guitars. I think Bob was content with his life and doing his thing, and once he’d done it, he just wanted to disappear from view, and that’s what he did.”