Rock Music

New staff to greet CC/E students Aug. 20 (08/16/08)
By Kris Todd Daily Reporter Staff When the bell marking the start of the 2008-09 school year rings on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 20, Clay Central/Everly students will be greeted in their respective buildings and classrooms by a handful of new staff members...

The Starlings set to play Shaky Tree (08/15/08)
As part of a six month national tour promoting their new album, "Marveling the While," which debuted at No. 8 on the Euro-Americana charts in April, The Starlings will perform at The Shaky Tree on Friday, Sept. 20. The Starlings have captured the ears of fans both in the Northwest and beyond. ...

'Footloose' opens tonight at Spencer Community Theatre (08/07/08)
Spencer Community Theatre presents the northwest Iowa premiere of "Footloose," opening tonight and running through August 10. One of the most energetic musicals to hit the silver screen will rock the live stage when the Spencer Community Children's Theatre presents their Summer Teen production of "Footloose." Featuring a talented group of teens and adults in and around the Spencer area, "Footloose" tells the story of a young man who, after his father leaves him, moves to a small town with a ban on dancing.. ...

The exit interviews: 'Star' finalists talk reality after the reality show (08/07/08)
By Russ Mitchell Daily Reporter Staff The course of their careers will go in different directions, but "Nashville Star" finalists Melissa Lawson, Gabe Garcia and Shawn Mayer faced the same question after confetti was swept from the floor of the Acuff Theater on Monday night:...

Petty tribute band to play Arnolds Park (08/06/08)
Free Fallin, the nations premier tribute to Tom Petty, is scheduled to play at Arnolds Park on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Preservation Plaza. Free Fallin has put together a fantastic journey through the catalogue of Tom Petty hits, from his recordings "Damn the Torpedoes" thru "Highway Companion" including hits from the Traveling Wilburys and the Byrds. The band brings the full Tom Petty experience complete with the costumes and instrumentation that are synonymous with Tom Petty...

'Nashville Star' Concert Tour coming to Spencer (08/06/08)
The Clay County Regional Events Center has been selected as a stop for the 2008 "Nashville Star" Concert Tour, the show announced on its telecast Monday night. The NBC country music competition series will bring its final four contestants to the all-seasons building on the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer for an 8 p.m. concert on Saturday, Nov. 22. Doors open an hour before the show...

Mayer falls short of 'Nashville Star' crown (08/05/08)
Melissa Lawson, a big-voiced, 31-year-old mother of five boys from Arlington, Texas, was named the season six winner of "Nashville Star," an NBC country music competition series. The hour-long season finale included Shawn Mayer, a 21-year-old from May City in rural Osceola County, Iowa, and Gabe Garcia, a show-described 28-year-old Tex-Mex cowboy from Lytle, Texas...

Extreme Am celebrates five years (07/31/08)
The Extreme Am will celebrate five years this year when regional skateboarders converge on Spencer's East Leach Park Skate Park to test their skills in four different competitions for trophies and prizes on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16-17. For five years, elementary through adult age skateboarders have been competing in the street run, big air, vert and best tricks events in northwest Iowa's premier skate park...

Mainstreet Market returns Thursday (07/30/08)
This week's featured musicians at Mainstreet Market will be popular local entertainers Jerry Roberts and Dennis Wienke playing a variety of traditional music, country music, and rock-and-roll oldies. They will perform from 6--8 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in front of the courthouse. ...

Mayer reaches 'Nashville Star' finale (07/30/08)
It's up to the voters one last time. Shawn Mayer, a 21-year-old from May City, avoided the elimination as "Nashville Star" named its three finalists in the NBC country music competition series. Mayer led off the show and is joined in the Aug. 4 finale by Gabe Garcia a 28-year-old "Tex-Mex cowboy" from Lytle, Texas, who has overcome the loss of his father and wowed the judges with his smooth voice and authentically country sound. ...

NORTHWEST IOWA STAR (07/28/08)
Mayer celebrates spot in 'Nashville Star's' final four with a few friends For May City native, Shawn Mayer, making the final four of NBC's "Nashville Star" guaranteed her the opportunity to perform an original song on national television and a chance to celebrate with over 3,000 of her closest friends with a concert on the streets of her hometown. ...

Mayer on fire (07/25/08)
Accompanied by a NBC Nashville Star production crew, Shawn Mayer returned to May City Wednesday night where she performed a free concert before packed streets of fans as storm clouds rolled overhead. Mayer, who recently made it into the top four of the nationally televised country music performing contest, rode in on a Harley Davidson and was greeted by approximately 3,000 fans. ...

New grandstand stage arrives in pieces (07/24/08)
Early delivery for Mr. Phil Hurst and the Clay County Fair. With original projections calling for the delivery of the Clay County Fair's new performance stage for the grandstand in August, Bob Maurer delivered a bit early. A large group of fair board members, the Spencer Ambassadors and others were on hand to watch the arrival of the state-of-the-art stage, designed to allow more personal and dynamic interaction between the Grandstand acts and audiences in the stands...

'Nashville Star' finalist finds fans waiting at home (07/24/08)
"I wanted to go to my house and sleep in my bed," Shawn Mayer admits. But the 21-year-old "Nashville Star" finalist also knows her return to northwest Iowa isn't about that. It isn't about the house she grew up in or catching up on old times with her sister. The schedule doesn't allow her to indulge such nostalgia...

Finalist in Spencer Wednesday: Shawn Mayer reaches 'Nashville Star' final four (07/23/08)

Mainstreet Market 08: Zach to open outdoor season Thursday (07/22/08)
Singer/songwriter Zach will perform at Mainstreet Market from 6-8 p.m., on Thursday, July 24 in front of the Clay County courthouse, kicking off the 2008 Mainstreet Market season. In case of rain, the concert will take place at Arts on Grand. Now in its second year at the courthouse square, Mainstreet Market is a weekly mini-festival featuring live entertainment, food, and a variety of goods available for purchase. ...

Briefs 7-16-08 (07/16/08)
Shaky Tree Coffee will be hosting Eric Taylor tonight. This sage musician is also a lyrical genius and master of the guitar. If you're not familiar with Taylor by name, you've probably heard his songs performed by people such as Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett. If you missed him the first time he was in Spencer, now is your chance. His show begins at 7:30 p.m. There is a cover charge...

Briefs 7-10-08 (07/10/08)
Arts on Grand will present Music in the Gallery at 7 p.m. tonight. This week's featured musicians will be Tim and Amanda, and possibly a few special guests. They will perform music for guitar and voice with a country flavor, including covers of songs made famous by such groups as Creedence Clearwater Revival. A $5 donation is requested, with proceeds going to the artists...

Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band to present show in Spirit Lake (07/09/08)
Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band (formerly known as the State Fair Singers and Jazz Band), an elite ensemble of Iowa high school musicians, is pleased to announce their upcoming performance in Spirit Lake on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The show begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Sami Bedell Center for the Performing Arts...

SPACE announces Mainstreet Market dates (07/09/08)
The Spencer Alliance for a Creative Economy (SPACE) is pleased to announce the location and dates of the 2008 Mainstreet Market. As the Courthouse Square has proved to be a popular location, that will continue to be the area for all the Thursday night activities that one would expect to find at an artist's and farmers market with live music. Five consecutive Thursday nights have been scheduled for the event, beginning with July 24 and proceeding to the final event, on August 21...

Briefs 06-21 (06/21/08)
Farmer's Market Wednesdays and Saturdays The Spencer Area Farmer's Market will be held every Wednesday and Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Southpark Mall parking lot. Come see the homegrown, fresh produce for sale. Mercy Me to headline northwest Iowa's RiseFest...

Rock 'n' roll legends highlight Tuesday's fair (06/20/08)
Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famers, The Diamonds, are set to perform in front of the Clay County Fair Grandstand twice on Tuesday, Sept. 9 - at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Joining The Diamonds for the two shows, will be Iowa Rock' N Roll Music Association Hall-of-Famers, The Fabulous Traidmarx...

Turner to take stage Sept. 12 (06/14/08)
The versatile sound of hot country artist Josh Turner will entertain fans at this year's Clay County Fair. Special guest Luke Bryan will open for Turner at 7:30 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 12 in the Grandstand. A multi-platinum recording artist, Turner is best known for his unique sounding vocals that bring a fresh feel to today's country scene. ...

RiseFest brings Mercy Me to northwest Iowa (06/06/08)
RISE Ministries, Inc. will host the fourth Annual RiseFest on June 21 in Orange City, at the Northwestern College Soccer Complex. This year's Christian music festival is bringing you Mercy Me for only $15 a ticket (children 10 and under are free). Admission to the day-long event also includes the popular bands Go Fish, Addison Road, and DecembeRadio...

Briefs 6-6-08 (06/06/08)
The Abben Cancer Center in Spencer's fourth annual cancer survivor's day celebration "Seed of Hope" has been postponed to Wednesday, June 25. Join the staff at the Abben Cancer Center at 6:30 p.m. in the Spencer Hospital's Grand Avenue Park. Music will be performed by Laura Carlentini, Ryan Sather and Jack Ryan as you stroll through the gardens. ...

Nashville superstar Aldean to perform at Clay County Fair (06/05/08)
Country's new breed of fun-loving, down-home boys will travel to the 2008 Clay County Fair to entertain fans on Sunday, Sept. 7. Eric Church will open the show at 7:30 p.m. with superstar, Jason Aldean to follow. A Macon, Ga. native, Aldean, made his big break on the country music scene in 2006 with the pulsing beat of his hit song "Hicktown." The popular tune helped make a relatively unknown artist one of today's hottest country stars. ...

Rock the Roof concert season to begin June 12 in Arnolds Park (06/05/08)
A salute to volunteers opens the 2008 Rock the Roof concert season in Arnolds Park on Thursday, June 12. For 10 consecutive Thursday nights, free concerts will be presented in the Roof Garden from 6-8:30 p.m. This family entertainment highlight of the summer is a gift from the Iowa RockNRoll Music Museum and its supporters to the public...

Gabrielle Louise Trio to appear in Spencer (06/04/08)
The Gabrielle Louise Trio, a Colorado-based Americana band featuring award-winning songstress Gabrielle Louise, will close the season's Spencer House Concert Series beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15. The concert will take place at the home of Martin Arthur, 323 E. Fourth St., Spencer...

Beach Boys to close Clay County Fair (05/29/08)
Rock and Roll superstars, The Beach Boys, will provide an exciting conclusion to the 2008 Clay County Fair with an appearance on the Grandstand stage at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. Formed in 1961, The Beach Boys have served as one of America's most accomplished groups. Their songs of California girls, surfing and cars have reached across all generations and now will entertain fans at the 2008 Clay County Fair...

Grandstand acts have room to roam (05/24/08)
By Russ Mitchell Daily Reporter Staff Sure, the performers are going to draw the focus most nights at the 2008 Clay County Fair. But the stage under their feet is worth some attention, too. It's new, it's bigger and it will bring the fair's favorite acts closer to the seats than they've ever been...

Gypsy Dave and The Stumpjumpers at Shaky Tree (05/22/08)
Led by a young songwriter and charged by a powerful and artistic band, Gypsy Dave and The Stumpjumpers will be playing Spencer's Shaky Tree Coffee House at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. They have been compared to everyone from Arlo Guthrie and Neil Young to alternative country heroes Uncle Tupelo. But don't try to pigeonhole this group. To put it simply, they write and play what they feel. They leave their emotions hanging on the line between the tall oak trees in their yard for everyone to see...

Arthur named director at Arts on Grand (05/20/08)
The Spencer Area Arts Council announced the selection of Martin Arthur as the executive director of Arts on Grand in Spencer. Martin has had a long association with Arts on Grand, serving on the board of directors since 2003. He has also been associated with many arts-related organizations. He is currently a board member of SPACE, ArtsLIVE, and Friends of the Auditorium...

Graham to bestow handcrafted gift of music to First Baptist Church (05/17/08)
Stephan Graham would like to own another electric guitar. The 17-year-old son of Richard and Julie Graham, Spencer, began playing as an eighth grader who took lessons at school. As his musical interest has grown, Graham's acquired an electric Ibanez RG3 and a Ventura acoustic guitar...

Two 'High School Musical' stars to perform at Clay County Fair (05/17/08)
Corbin Bleu a star of Disney's High School Musical and High School Musical 2 and Drew Seeley, who co-starred with Bleu in the High School Musical: The Concert, will be appearing at the Clay County Fair, Sept. 13 -- the final Saturday night of the fair...

Gates at Arnolds Park open this weekend (05/15/08)
The gates of Arnolds Park Amusement Park will open at 11 a.m. this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18 for the season. Enjoy the ups and downs of the famous Northwest Bank Legend roller coaster and the spectacular view from the Bank Midwest Ferris Wheel. New bumper cars are one of the many new features of the park, while the new addition of double go-karts complete the go-cart renovations at Arnolds Park Raceway...

Three Dog Night coming to Wild Rose (05/15/08)
Wild Rose Casino and Resort announced recently that Three Dog Night will perform at Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Emmetsburg, on June 20. This is an outdoor event, the gates will open at 6 p.m. and the concert will start at 8 p.m. The Palo Alto County Cattleman will be grilling steak sandwiches and beef burgers through the event...

Briefs 5-13-08 (05/13/08)
Miami native Steph Taylor will be performing at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 13 on a national tour stop at Shaky Tree. Come hear her perform melodic piano movements to guitar driven rock songs reflecting the dark and haunting sounds she is famous for. n Check her out at www.stephtaylor.com...

Briefs 5-10-09 (05/12/08)
Johnson Elementary School and the Spencer Middle School are collecting pop cans to help defray medical costs for Beth Snow-Ketchum, a teacher at Johnson Elementary School. She has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Her husband, Mick is a wrestling coach and English teacher at Spencer Middle School. ...

Arnolds Park preps for 2008 opening (05/10/08)
By Anitra Wolf Special to the Daily Reporter Several new sets of wheels are propelling the Arnolds Park Amusement Park into its 2008 season. With new double go-carts and "new" bumper cars drawing patrons to the attraction, Marketing Director Jeanne Sieh says the park is set for a great year...

Willie Nelson to play Arnolds Park (05/09/08)
Historic Arnolds Park Inc. announced Thurday that a national treasure, Willie Nelson and Family, will be performing on Saturday, July 19 at Preservation Plaza in The Park. Nelson recently celebrated his 75th birthday and still packs a full tour schedule each year. For more than 40 years, Willie Nelson has contributed many memorable songs to our musical canon, such as "On the Road Again" and the Nelson/Waylon Jennings all time classic, "Mammas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys"...

Spencer instrumental music department completes three days of performances (05/09/08)
Students of the Spencer Community Schools Instrumental Music Department recently completed three days of performances and contests, which they capped off with Division I ratings. The series of concerts, tours and contests involved over 300 band students ranging grades from five through 12...

Spencer Concert Association announces its biggest season ever (05/08/08)
The 2008--09 Spencer Area Concert Association season will be the biggest ever, with eight concerts scheduled. The season brochure is being mailed out, and will also be available at several locations around town, including Arts on Grand. The season will open on Sept. ...

Briefs 5-8-08 (05/08/08)
The Spencer Area Concert Association will present "Simply Sinatra" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Free transportation is available for both the concert and the pre-performance dinner for Spencer members who need it thanks to the Regional Transit Authority (Rides) and Spencer Municipal Utilities...

Musical creativity in action (05/07/08)
Cyro Baptista and Beat the Donkey wrapped up their three-day stay in Spencer Tuesday night with a family concert at the old Spencer Middle School Auditorium. The musical collaboration entertained the audience with traditional, as well as homemade musical instruments. ...

Briefs 5-7-08 (05/07/08)
All area women are invited to the "Jee-purse it's Spring" Prayer Connection beginning at 11 a.m. at Santee Crossing in Jackson, Minn., today. It's a time of sharing, and supporting each other with prayer and fellowship. We know everyone is not comfortable praying out loud so bring your concerns, someone will pray for you and you will feel spiritually stronger as you continue your week...

BEAT THAT DONKEY (05/06/08)
Cyro Baptista and Beat the Donkey got the fourth and final season of the SPOT/Hancher Family Arts Adventure program started with a bang over the weekend with several activities geared for children and families on Sunday, followed by grade school specific programming at the old Middle School Auditorium during the day on Monday. ...

Briefs 4-29 (04/29/08)
Ladies Early Bird Golf sign up The Ladies Early Bird Golf League sign-up meeting will be at 9 a.m. today at Spencer Municipal Golf Course. n If unable to attend this meeting, call Bev Kimball at 262-6913 to reserve your team spot. New members and substitutes are needed. League play will begin at 8:30 a.m. May 13...

Briefs 4-23 (04/23/08)
Photographers exhibit at Lakes Art Center Members of the Northwest Iowa Professional Photographers Association will have an exhibit in the Pearson Lakes Art Center Secondary Space thru May 22. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 6-7 p.m...

SMS spring vocal concert tonight (04/22/08)
Spencer's seventh and eighth grade choirs will present a spring vocal concert tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the old Spencer Middle School auditorium. Seventh grade soloists will include: Heaven French, Taylor Glover, Courtney Heikens, Deb Hoffman, Laura Thiesse, Natalie Thiesse, Daly Tighe and Hanna Zinn. ...

2007 Citizen of the Year Nomination Letters (04/03/08)
NOMINATION: TOM & WENDY VAN TASSEL This may be somewhat overdue, and I know it will not come close to including all they are involved in and what they have done for Spencer, but I will give it a try anyway. This nomination is actually for two of Spencer's finest and most deserving couple. ...