"Dakota Expedition" Evening Entertainment

The nighttime is the right time for fun in the "Magic City."

By Doug Uhlenbrock
Associate Editor

FMCA members who make their "Dakota Expedition" to the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot for the association's 74th International Convention August 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2005, will find plenty to see and do once they're parked and settled in. A highlight for many convention attendees is the entertainment that's offered throughout the event, and the lineup of evening performances scheduled for Minot is sure to be a hit.

Experienced convention-goers know that even after the seminars conclude and the exhibit areas have closed, the fun is far from over. As the moon and stars chase the sun across the western sky, the music — and some dancing — begins.

Starting on Sunday, August 14, early arrivals can swing over to the Livestock Expo, Seminar 4, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for a night of square dancing with Howard Cowles, L18517. "The singing square dance caller" has appeared at FMCA conventions for more than 35 years, sending thousands of dancers back to their motorhomes with sore feet, but smiling faces. It doesn't matter whether you're an accomplished dancer, a novice who'd like to learn, or someone who just enjoys watching the performance; Howard's skillful calling and instruction will lead to a fun-filled evening for all who attend. If one night of square dancing isn't enough or you'd like to learn some new steps, Howard also will conduct his "Square Dancing And Line Dancing" seminar on Monday and Wednesday during the convention from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in Seminar 4, the Livestock Expo. Howard will appear in Minot courtesy of Coach-Net, C4055, and Fan-Tastic Vent Corp., C3077, each One Star sponsors, and FMCA.

If you prefer swing dancing, make sure you don't miss Myron Sommerfeld and His Music on Monday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Seminar 4, the Livestock Expo, courtesy of Alpine Recreation, C9932, an FMCA Two Star sponsor, and FMCA. For more than 45 years Myron and his orchestra have performed his "Music of the Stars" show for those who enjoy big band music and ballroom-style dancing.

Myron began playing the guitar at a young age but switched to drums when he was 14. He played with his father's band for several years before starting his own rock 'n roll group in 1956. Two years later he formed what was then called the Silver Star Orchestra, which evolved into the band he still leads to this day.

The orchestra will perform a selection of big band hits from its repertoire, which includes favorites such as "In The Mood," "Sentimental Journey," "Tuxedo Junction," "Blue Skies," and "Puttin' On The Ritz."

Myron's composition "Steppin' Out To Go Dancin'" was chosen as the theme song for National Ballroom Dance Week in 1992, and the orchestra was voted as "The Outstanding Band" by the National Ballroom & Entertainment Association. The orchestra plays special events in North Dakota and Minnesota during the summer and performs at resorts in the Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona, areas during the winter months.

The final three nights of evening entertainment will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Grandstand, which will be sponsored by Caterpillar Inc., C4743, an FMCA Five Star sponsor.

Just when you think you've seen and heard everything ... along comes New Odyssey, which will perform on Tuesday, August 16, courtesy of Pioneer Electronics, C9420, an FMCA Five Star sponsor, and FMCA.

This three-man group will amaze convention-goers as they play more than 30 instruments during their dynamic show. The trio has wowed audiences for more than 20 years with their musical arrangements ranging from Beethoven to present-day pop, mixed with comedy and creative lighting.

Gary Todd, the lead drummer, plays more than 15 instruments and is the group comic. He's been in show business since the age of 2 when he began performing as an acrobat in his family's act, "The Tumbling Todds." Michael Jay, on guitar, plays 10 instruments and is the lead vocalist. His musical career was launched at age 12 when he began singing and playing guitar. By the time he was 21, he was composing music for his own bands and performing alongside national recording artists. Gary Polkow, on keyboards and horns, is the musical director. He began his piano training at age 7, and within a year was performing classical children's pieces.

Together the group delivers a combination of music, audience participation, and sheer zaniness that must be seen — and heard — to be believed.

Old-time country music fans are sure to have a foot-stomping good time when Roy Clark takes the Grandstand stage on Wednesday, August, 17, courtesy of Monaco Coach Corporation, C2111, an FMCA Five Star sponsor, and FMCA.

During the 1970s, no other performer symbolized American country music more than Roy Clark. Whether guest-hosting for Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show," performing an 18-concert tour in Russia, or telling corny jokes on the highly successful TV show "Hee Haw," Roy's affable style and musical expertise made him one of the world's most-recognized entertainers.

Roy, a Virginia native, began playing banjo, guitar, and mandolin at an early age. As a teenager he won two national banjo championships, his second title earning him an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. He became a regular guest on Jimmy Dean's TV program "Country Style," and eventually hosted the show. After moving to the West Coast in search of stardom, he landed spots on "The Tonight Show" and the sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies."

Although he achieved moderate musical success, Roy's career took off in 1969 when he became co-host of "Hee Haw." The TV role helped boost his musical career, leading to a number of Top 10 country hits. During the 1970s Roy won six Country Music Association awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1973. In 1982 he won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Alabama Jubilee."

Roy has continued to record and to perform to sell-out crowds throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and into the 2000s.

On Thursday, August 18, "Dakota Expedition" convention attendees will take a sentimental trip back to the 1960s with the close harmonies and romantic songs of The Lettermen, courtesy of Outdoor Resorts of America Las Vegas/Motorcoach Country Club, C10274, an FMCA Five Star sponsor, and FMCA.

The group — composed of Tony Butala, Jim Pike, and Bob Engemann — received its first record contract in 1960 and recorded several singles without much success. A year later they signed with Capitol Records and recorded their first hit, a soft melody titled "The Way You Look Tonight," which climbed to No. 13 on the Billboard magazine chart. The group's second single that year, "When I Fall In Love," did even better, topping out at No. 7 and establishing The Lettermen as one of the most romantic singing groups of the 1960s.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the group had more than 25 singles hit the Billboard chart, including "Goin' Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You," the first hit record to integrate two different songs as one, which reached No. 7 in 1968.

Today Tony Butala remains the only original member. He is accompanied by Donovan Tea, who joined the group in 1984, and Darren Dowler, who became a member in 1995. Even with the changes, The Lettermen continue to provide a fine-quality musical experience that the entire family can enjoy.