×

Lizard Creek Blues Society leaves a legacy

Group’s final donation will aid auditorium project

Folks around Fort Dodge who love the blues have something to sing the blues about.

That sad event is the demise of the Lizard Creek Blues Society. After 20 years, the group’s leaders decided to disband the organization because it was getting harder and harder to find the time and energy to put on the concerts.

”It’s tough to find people who want to do it anymore,” Bob Wood, a founder and past president of the society, told The Messenger.

While it lasted, the society brought giants of the blues genre to perform in Fort Dodge. The list of big time musicians who graced local stages included Delbert McClinton, Tab Benoit, Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, Magic Slim and Tommy Castro.

The group held the annual Blues Under the Trees festival and other concerts.

There is one good thing to come from this sad ending. The society is donating its last remaining money, about $10,000 to another worthy arts related project in Fort Dodge.

The money is being given to the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association to be used for the restoration of the auditorium in the old Phillips Middle School.

The school on Fifth Avenue North is now an apartment building. However, the property owner agreed to allow the auditorium to remain as a public space for performances. With 612 seats, the auditorium is considered a mid-sized venue. Renovating it is estimated to cost $150,000.

We believe this donation is a great move by the members of the Lizard Creek Blues Society. Even as they come to grips with the concept that their beloved organization isn’t going to be able continue, they are extending a helping hand to another arts group.

Maybe someday the whole community will be able to enjoy a great blues concert in the Phillips Middle School auditorium.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today