Area cast members of the Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band are, front (from left) Danika Portz of Remsen and Amalie Appleton of Sanborn. Back row -- John Jenkins of Fort Dodge, Thomas Henrich of Le Mars and Nick Kempton of Council Bluffs. [Click to enlarge]

Two Plymouth County teens will take the stage with the Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band (formerly known as the State Fair Singers and Jazz Band), when the group makes an appearance in Le Mars this Wednesday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Olson Cultural Events Center in downtown Le Mars.

Le Mars native Thomas Henrich is spending his first summer playing trumpet in the Celebration Iowa Jazz Band. Danika Portz, of Remsen, is in her second summer as a singer in the Celebration Iowa cast.

Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band (formerly known as the State Fair Singers and Jazz Band) is an elite ensemble of 37 Iowa high school musicians.

In its 25th season, Celebration Iowa's 2007 show opens with toe tapping Swing set featuring selections such as "Pennsylvania 6-5000," "Sing, Sing, Sing," and "Blue Skies."

The opening set is followed by "Jack and the Beanstalk," an original musical written specifically for this 25th anniversary cast by founder and artistic director, Dennis L. Darling. "Jack" will feature a 10-foot giant, Milky the Cow and other fairy tale characters.

The show concludes with an upbeat 80's pop set that includes "Fame," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," "Vogue," and "Footloose."

The Celebration Iowa Jazz Band will perform many great selections throughout the performance representing various jazz styles.

Celebration Iowa strives to reflect the quality of Iowa high school music programs in this educational, performance and service-oriented summer music experience. Together with a talented staff of teachers and professionals, the members of Celebration Iowa present an action-packed two-hour show that includes song, dance, and jazz band favorites for audience members of all ages to enjoy.

(Advertisement)

During the course of the summer, Celebration Iowa cast members are offered the opportunity to perform over 30 shows in all corners of the state while learning from some of Iowa's finest teachers.

Dr. Dennis L. Darling, the program's artistic director, says "while performances alone are exciting, most alumni of Celebration Iowa consider their musical development and the friendships formed during the program to be essential to the overall experience." Every year cast members agree that their experience with Celebration Iowa is truly "the summer of a lifetime."

Celebration Iowa, a project of Luther College in Decorah, is also funded by the R.J. McElroy Trust, the Fred Maytag Family Foundation, and the Celebration Iowa Alumni and Parent Funds. Each cast member also secures local sponsorships to defray personal costs.

The ensemble rehearses on the Luther College campus June 9-28 and tour the state from June 30 through Aug. 12. A special post tour performance will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 19. Questions regarding Celebration Iowa should be directed to Mary Weis, Administrative Assistant, by calling 563-387-1009 or e-mailing celebrationiowa@luther.edu. Information can also be found on the website: www.celebrationiowa.luther.edu.