Something for everybody: Pearson Lakes Art Center slates diverse acts

OKOBOJI, Iowa | As the performing arts director for the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Amanda Schindler always tried to book some veteran performers as well as a few newcomers.

"It gets to be a balancing act on occasion," she said, "but I try to book shows that will be appeal to a wide variety of people."

Schindler isn't kidding when she suggested the 2201 Highway 71's Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre's summer schedule has something for everybody.

For instance, the swinging sounds of the Dick Bauman Big Band will be boogie-woogie-ing, every Monday between now and Labor Day, while Hotel California, an Eagles cover band, will "take it to the limit"  for a concert on July 12.

"That's the fun part of my job," Schindler said. "The Dick Bauman Band has been performing for us for many, many years while Hotel California is completely new to us."

"I'm sure Dick Bauman will draw a big crowd but so will Hotel California," she continued. "After all, when I think of summer I think of the Eagles."

But do you think improvisational comedy is a natural when the temps heat up? Apparently, Schindler does. Chicago's famed Second City will be bringing its "We're All In This Room Together" sketch show at 8 p.m. July 29 in the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre.

"We've had Second City for quite a few summers," she said. "Every time they come, it's an entirely new and an entirely improvised show. They're amazing."

Indeed, Okoboji audiences are always hoping to discover the next Second City superstar. So, does that mean the next Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert or Bill Murray may be taking Schindler's stage?

"Maybe, you never know who's going to be the next big thing in comedy," she noted.

The same could be said about the world of jazz. 

At 7 p.m., June 21, the Headliners -- made up of featured artists and students at Iowa Lakes Community College's annual Okoboji Summer Jazz Camp -- will be playing the Great American Songbook in Pomerantz Hall.

"This is traditionally a very popular show," Schindler said. "The summer jazz camp brings the best young musicians who get to learn from some very talented jazz artists."

But if country pop is more to your liking? That's OK since Remsen, Iowa, native Danika Portz is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. July 19 at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.

"Danika is a Northwest Iowa girl who has been trying her luck in Nashville," Schindler said. "I think Danika's unique sound and energy sets her apart of your typical country act." 

Which is exactly the kind of act the Pearson Lakes Art Center is always on the lookout for.

"We may be in a small town but we like bringing in acts that a larger city will have," Schindler reasoned. 

Discussing the Pearson Lakes Art Center summer entertainment line-up a few weeks before its traditional Memorial Day start, Schindler is especially excited about the return of Dave Rowley & Friends, a concert that combines memorable tunes, funny stories and unforgettable antics.

"Dave Rowley & Friends is another one of our veterans acts," she said. "If you haven't seem them yet, Dave Rowley & Friends is a great way to close out your summer." 

Rowley and company will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18.