What's Shakin' At The MacNider?

My Column for August, by Bruce Wasenius

Well, here it is again, the beginning of another month. Every month about three days before the end I start having ideas about what I'm going to say in this month's missive.
But when the first day comes I can't think of anything specific...
I think well, I could go on about nothing in particular similar to Seinfeld, or recount concert reviews for the last shows I've been to or places that I have visited but it seems as though I do that every month so that's not new.
My cats are always entertaining but mostly to my family.
My Aunt Helen is having birthday number is 102 which is noteworthy and the kid is going to be 17 the next day which is noteworthy in that he'll be starting his senior year, which is important to him, as is the fact that we've begun some dirt road practicing--which was going well until we ran off the road and needed a tow. Important mostly to the tow truck driver and the insurance company for reimbursing me over $100.
I definitely should say thanks to all who have welcomed me back on the air, it's worth giving up 4 hours of retirement to be able to do what I love to do.
The evenings turn into night more quickly this month and even more next, driving to the station at 6:30 every Saturday evening it becomes more noticeable but that's the way the world turns.
I could reminisce about hitchhiking from Mpls. to San Francisco and back in the summer of 1970, but I think that's probably rated NC-17 at best.
As soon as I post this I have no doubt that all the things I had considered for this column will come back to me, but I'll try to write them down next month.
Have a happy and safe August.

Here's Your Weekend!

July 28, 2017

Fiber Fun -  Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Calling all creative and curious kids to learn the ways of Wet Felt! Transform felt fivers into an amazing sculpture using your hands, bubble wrap, water and soap. Event time: 9am-noon. Fee: $25, members $22. https://macniderart.org/

July 28, 2017

Summer Arts Program - Clear Lake Arts Center(CL Tel Studio), 17 S. 4^th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa (641-357-1998). Aspiring young artist are invited to participate in numerous artful experience this summer at the Clear Lake Arts Center from 10:30am to Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. This program is open to all ages (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult). Class fee is $8 per class or purchase a punch card with 5 punches for $30. http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

July 28, 2017

Air Supply - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" solidified this Australian soft rock duo as a permanent force in modern music. "Lost in Love", "All Out of Love", "The One That You Love", and "Sweet Dreams" have also each achieved multi-million plays on the radio. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: $39.00 advanced/ $44.00 door. https://www.surfballroom.com/boxoffice/index.htm

July 28, 2017

Fresh on Friday's - 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. The Clear Lake Arts Center will offer a drop in garden-inspired art activity (kids must be accompanied by an adult). Event time: 8:00am-11:00am. FREE admission. http://www.centralgardensnorthiowa.com

July 28, 2017

North Iowa Farmers Market - Located the corner of 1^st NE & N Delaware – 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/

July 28, 2017

Paul Weitzel & The Hats - Mason City Public Library (Library  Commons), 225 2^nd St. SE (641-423-005). Paul Weitzel and The Hats will play from 11am-1pm in the Library Commons at the Mason City Public Library. Free admission. http://www.mcpl.org/

July 28, 2017

Yesterday & Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience @ Friday Night Live - Central Park, Downtown Mason City (641-494-0003). Bring your blanket and lawn chairs, and enjoy a night of high energy and great music -FREE. Yesterday & Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is the ultimate experience for any hardcore Beatles fan or a light listener of the famed group. The audience-driven show where YOU are able to request your favorite tune; hence, no two shows are the same!  Show starts at 7pm. http://www.niacc.edu/performing-arts-center/event/yesterday-and-today-the-interactive-beatles-experience/

July 28, 2017

New Trick - The Landing, 1603 S Shore Dr, Clear Lake (641-357-5123). New Trick is a classic rock band from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They LOVE to ROCK - Playing classic rock music from the 70's, 80's and 90's. Event time: 7:30pm-10:30pm. No cover charge. http://stayclearlake.com/index.php

July 28- August 3, 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/

July 28 -July 31, 2017

2017 Photo Contest- Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Road (641-423-5309). This photo contest is for participants of all ages to showcase nature and activity photos taken at Lime Creek or any of the Cerro Gordo Country Conservation areas. Photos may be taken at any time of the year. The photo contest is open to everyone. No more than three entries per contestant. 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd place ribbons and cash awards will be given in three categories: Youth(K-8), Youth (9-12), & Adults. There will be two rounds of judging. Initial submission will only be accepted electronically via email until Monday, July 31, 11:00pm. Send submissions to LimeCreekPhotoContest@gmail.com 

July 29, 2017

Architectural Walking Tour - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Scheduled tours are seasonal and weather permitting. Please call ahead to reserve your spot or if you are wondering about weather. Tours start at 9am and last around 45 minutes.  Please call 641-421-3666 or email dstraw@masoncity.net to register. The cost is $5 per person. Explore Mason City's treasured Prairie School Architectural heritage. See the largest grouping of homes on a unified site, ending at a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908, his first in Iowa. https://macniderart.org/

July 29, 2017

Steve Earle & The Dukes with the Mastersons - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Earles’ albums seamlessly blend rock, folk and country. His debut record, Guitar Town, which shot to number one on the country charts in 1986, immediately established the term “New Country.” Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: $20.00 advanced/ $25.00 door. https://www.surfballroom.com/boxoffice/index.htm

July 29, 2017

Roller Skating - Roller City, 600 2^nd NW (641-423-2000). Afternoon Skate: 1pm-4pm - The most popular session for parties and larger groups; $5/skater & $15/family. Night skate: 7pm-10pm - Most popular skating session with Jackpot Dice Game much more; $8/skater. www.myrollercity.com

July 29, 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. Time: 9am-12pm. https://www.facebook.com/clearlakefarmersmarket

July 29, 2017

Unity in the Community Family Festival - First Congregational UCC, 100 1^st St. NE (641-423-0105). Fun for the whole family! $6.00 per person entry includes: Family scavenger hunt (register at 11:30am/hunt starts at 12pm), Inflatables, carnival games, kids crafts, adult beanbag tournament & music.  Event time: 12:00pm-4:00pm. https://www.firstchurchinmc.org/

July 29, 2017

Paul Micich Reception with World Port -  Clear Lake Arts Center(Hanson Gallery & Sukup Performing Arts Wing), 17 S 4^th St., Clear Lake (641-357-1998). Paul Micich's Meet the Artist Reception with live music by WORLD PORT. Artist walk about 7pm. http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

July 29, 2017

Fade to Black 7: Black in Iowa - The Main Event, 112 2^nd St. SE (641-201-1060). Show hosted by Day Day with opener David Stephenson & KZ also featuring Dillion Meek. Doors open at 7pm, with show starting at 8pm. Early birds get the best seats. Ticket prices are $20 in advance ($25 at the door). http://www.themaineventmc.com/

July 29, 2017

Thrive 2017- Grace Church (church lawn),  440 N Illinois. Outdoor concert featuring Rend Collective, GAWVI, Mike Mains, & Shawn McDonald. Doors open at 3:30pm/Concert at 5:00pm. Tickets $20.00 per person/ $15 per groups of 10+.  Tickets available at https://www.itickets.com/events/370873.html

July 30, 2017

Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series: Lucas Oil ASCS Natioinal Tour - North Iowa Events Center, Hwy 122 West, 3700 4^th SW (641-424-6515). Weekly racing series featuring: Lucas Oil ASCS National Sprint Car Dirt Series plus Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series featuring USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, USRA Hobby Stoc - Modifieds have the night off. Times: Pit Gate opens at 4:00pm, Spectator Gates 5:00pm, Hot Laps: 6:00pm, racing to follow. Tickets - General Admission $20/ Juniors (13-16), Seniors (65+), Military and First Responders with proper ID $17; Kids 12 & under FREE; Pit Pass $35 http://masoncitymotorspeedway.com/schedule/

 July 30, 2017

Sweetcorn Hamburger Feed - City Lake, City Park (North End), Clear Lake. Evening Lions annual fundraiser for community projects and Lion support. Serving will being at 11am and go until 3:00pm or until sold out. Cost: adults $8, under 10 $5.

July 30, 2017

Picnics and Performances (Featuring BJ Huffman)- Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2^nd Ave N. (641-357-0700). Join us  from 5 to 6 p.m. to enjoy the beauty of the Gardens in a family-friendly environment. Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, picnics and beverages. Featured entertainment, BJ Huffman - singer, songwriter, performer (acoustic/pop music). http://www.centralgardensnorthiowa.com

July 31 – Aug 4, 2017

Summer Arts Program - Clear Lake Arts Center(CL Tel Studio), 17 S. 4^th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa (641-357-1998). Aspiring young artist are invited to participate in numerous artful experience this summer at the Clear Lake Arts Center from 10:30am to Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. This program is open to all ages (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult). Class fee is $8 per class or purchase a punch card with 5 punches for $30. http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

Coming Up September 15 & 16!

Got Weekend Plans? No? You Do Now.

July 14, 2017

Mercy Ambassadors Used Book Sale  - Mercy Medical Center East Campus (South Lobby), 100 4^th St. SW (641-428-5642). Mercy Ambassadors will be holding a used book sale on Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14 from 8am-5pm. All books are .50 cents each. http://www.mercynorthiowa.com/mercy-ambassadors

July 14, 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/

July 14, 2017

Dueling Pianos - The Landing, 1603 S. Shore Dr (641-357-5123). Dueling Piano legends, Tony Bohnenkamp & Megan Hill grace the patio bar stage at the Landing 'Come Sail Away' with us and get ready to sing along to your favorite tunes well into the night. Event time: 7:30pm-10:30pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/208956622924578/

July 14, 2017

Summer Arts Program - Clear Lake Arts Center(CL Tel Studio), 17 S. 4^th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa (641-357-1998). Aspiring young artist are invited to participate in numerous artful experience this summer at the Clear Lake Arts Center from 10:30am to Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. This program is open to all ages (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult). Class fee is $8 per class or purchase a punch card with 5 punches for $30. http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

July 14, 2017

North Iowa Band Camp - City Park, Clear Lake Band Shell, Clear Lake. More than 80 middle school students from through Iowa perform from 6:30-8:30pm. 

July 14, 2017

Day Camp: Outdoor Adventures! - Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Rd, (641-423-5309). Children entering the fifth and sixth grades will enjoy various outdoor activities and improve their outdoor skills.  Examples of activities planned include canoeing, fishing, backpacking, edible plants, and orienteering.  Day camp will be held from 9:00am to 1:00pm, lunch is provided each day. The fee for the camp is $15 per participant for Lime Creek Nature Center members, and $20 per participant for non-members.  Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, July 5.  Register/information, call 641-423-5309.

July 14, 2017

Fresh on Friday's - 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. The Clear Lake Arts Center will offer a drop in garden-inspired art activity (kids must be accompanied by an adult). Event time: 8:00am-11:00am. FREE admission. www.centralgardensnorthiowa.com

July 14-16, 2017

Our Town - Central Gardens, 800 2^nd Ave N. (641-357-0700). Central Gardens and the Clear Lake Arts Center will be hosting the play "Our Town" directed by Clear Lake's own Craig Rule. A 20-member cast will perform for you in a beautiful garden setting. Show time: 7:30pm. www.centralgardensnorthiowa.com

July 14- 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/

July 14 -July 31, 2017

2017 Photo Contest- Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Road (641-423-5309). This photo contest is for participants of all ages to showcase nature and activity photos taken at Lime Creek or any of the Cerro Gordo Country Conservation areas. Photos may be taken at any time of the year. The photo contest is open to everyone. No more than three entries per contestant. 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd place ribbons and cash awards will be given in three categories: Youth(K-8), Youth (9-12), & Adults. There will be two rounds of judging. Initial submission will only be accepted electronically via email until Monday, July 31, 11:00pm. Send submissions to LimeCreekPhotoContest@gmail.com 

July 15, 2017

Picasso Mask Making - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 302 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). If you like to be inspired by wild patterns and interesting colors, this class is for you! Imagine and create while making original cardboard and paint. Masks will come with a base to stand them on. Event time: 10am-Noon. Fee $18, members $16. https://macniderart.org/

July 15, 2017

History Day - Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, 1224 S. Washington Ave. (641-421-3684). A celebration will be held to commemorate the cemetery's 150 years of service to the community. 11:00am- tribute to the Cemetery;  honoring those who have passed before us and a special 'Wreaths Across America' to honor veterans. 11:30am-12:30pm- old fashion picnic, sack lunches will be available for purchase. 12:30pm-3:00pm- Family fun activities: horse drawn wagon ride highlighting the history of the grounds, search for graves of interesting people though a headstone hunt, or take a walking tour to observe the art and meaning of headstone symbols. Preservation tours will showcase volunteers efforts to preserve gravestones that were in disrepair. Old fashion children's game will be available. http://bit.ly/2k03uEt

July 15, 2017

Roller Skating - Roller City, 600 2^nd NW (641-423-2000). Afternoon Skate: 1pm-4pm - The most popular session for parties and larger groups; $5/skater & $15/family. Night skate: 7pm-10pm - Most popular skating session with Jackpot Dice Game much more; $8/skater. www.myrollercity.com

July 15, 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

July 15, 2017

Pianopalooza (Dueling Pianos) - The Landing, 1603 S Shore Dr, Clear Lake (641-357-5123).  Dueling Piano legends, Tony Bohnenkamp & Megan Hill grace the patio bar stage at The Landing. 'Come Sail Away' with us and get ready to sing along to your favorite tunes well into the night. Event time: 7:30pm-10:30pm. No cover charge. http://stayclearlake.com/index.php

July 15, 2017

Architectural Walking Tour - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Scheduled tours are seasonal and weather permitting. Please call ahead to reserve your spot or if you are wondering about weather. Tours start at 9am and last around 45 minutes. Please call 641-421-3666 or email dstraw@masoncity.net to register. The cost is $5 per person. Explore Mason City's treasured Prairie School Architectural heritage. See the largest grouping of homes on a unified site, ending at a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908, his first in Iowa. https://macniderart.org/

July 15, 2017

Moonlight Movies – East Park Band Shell.  “The Mighty Ducks”. Movies are free and begin at dusk; pre-movie activities & fun 6pm-8pm.

July 15, 2017

Antique & Wooden Boat Show - Downtown at the Seawall, City Park in Clear Lake. Wooden, aluminum & fingerglass boats built from the 1920's-1960's will be displayed on land and in the water from 9am-4pm.

July 15, 2017

Live Music: Levi Smith - FION BARRA Ales & Spirits, 107 Delaware Ave (641-529-7645). Live music starting at 8pm featuring Levi Smith.

July 15, 2017

Smoke on the Mountain - Stebens Children Theatre, 616 N. Delaware (641-424-9802). Pastor Oglethorpe, the enthusiastic minister of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, has enlisted the gospel signing Sanders Family in his efforts to bring his tiny congregation into "the modern world". Between songs, each family member "witnesses" - telling a story about an important event in their life.  Tickets $15 each. Show starts at 7pm. http://www.stebensct.com/

July 15, 2017

Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx- Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Doors open at 8pm.  Tickets: $28.00 advanced/ $33.00 door. Singer, songwriter, Musician and producer Dennis DeYoung is best known for being a founding member of the rock band Styx as lead vocalist and keyboardist, a tenure that lasted from 1970 until June 1999. http://bit.ly/2pqQdaG

July 16, 2017

Lions Chicken BBQ - City Park, Clear Lake. Annual Lions Chicken BBQ & Lioness Pie Fundraiser, serving from 10am until sold out. Meal includes a half grilled secret-recipe chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, roll and beverage. http://www.iowalions.org/cgi-bin/clubrosterlist.pl?80

July 16, 2017

Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series - North Iowa Events Center, Hwy 122 West, 3700 4^th SW (641-424-6515). Weekly racing series featuring Budweiser USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks and Rookies Rockin’ USRA Tuners. Times: Pit Gate opens at 4:00pm, Spectator Gates 5:00pm, Hot Laps: 6:00pm, racing to follow. Tickets: General Admission $12; Juniors (13-16), Seniors (65+), Military and First Responders with proper ID $10; Kids 12 & Under FREE; Pit Pass $25. http://masoncitymotorspeedway.com/schedule/

July 16, 2017

CENT-a-bration – CENT Credit Union, 25 West State Street, (641-424-2368). Join us for our 3^rd annual CENT-a-bration! We’re celebration our youngest members and the true heroes of our community with games, food, prizes, inflatbales, visits with Mickey & Minnie, tours of emergency vehicles and much more! Admission is FREE and open to the public. Event time: 1pm-4pm