Ukrainian fundraiser at Lakeside

By Caroline Rosacker 

Historic Lakeside Ballroom, located at 1202 North 4th Street in Guttenberg, is holding a fundraising music event, "Concert for Ukraine," to offer financial aid to the people of Ukraine that have been affected and displaced by the armed conflict between Russian-backed forces and the Ukrainian military. The event is set for Saturday, April 30, from 6-8 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10 dollars per person. 

Lakeside co-owner Kyle Selberg explained,"We will be allocating 100 percent of the cash donations received at the door that evening to assist the Ukrainian people displaced or impacted by the conflict. My business partners Ron Shorkey, Norie Thuerauf, and I decided at the beginning of our business venture that part of our vision is to give back to the community. In some situations the community is the world at large. And Ukraine has a huge, current need."

The evening's entertainment will be professional musicians Ralph Kluseman and Nick Stika. Nick is a two-time inductee of the Iowa Rock n 'Roll Music Association Hall of Fame with his bands "The Buzzards" and "Dogs on Skis." 

Ralph is a 2022 inductee  of the Iowa Rock n 'Roll Music Association Hall of Fame as a solo entertainer. Kluesman is also the President of the Association that recently held a concert that raised over $6,000 for the Ukrainian people. "Ralph and Nick are among the best musicians in eastern Iowa – maybe all of Iowa," commented Shorkey. 

In addition, Norie, known for her creative food and drink menu, is creating a ‘Ukrainian Slushy’ that will feature the Ukrainian colors. One dollar of each Ukrainian Slushy sold that night will also go to Ukraine. ‘The Rock 'n' Roll Music Association raised $6,700–our goal is to exceed that!" Norie commented. "If music lovers in Guttenberg and other Northeast Iowa communities show up – together we can make a meaningful impact."

Other giving opportunities for individuals that will not be able to attend the event can be found at reputable non-profits: standwithukraine.fund and coreresponse.org. "We are all feeling anxious and wanting to help in some way to alleviate suffering for the Ukrainian people and their military," commented Kluseman. "Sean Penn's organization coreresponse.org is also funneling money into Poland, who has opened its borders and taken in many Ukrainians displaced by the conflict."

Ralph Kluseman

Ralph Kluseman, guitar player, singer and entertainer of Dubuque, has been entertaining audiences with a musical catalog of songs for decades including Neil Young, America, Paul Simon, John Denver, Garth Brooks, Neil Diamond, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and many more. The talented musician has been a Beatles fan forever and also covers an incredible number of their hits. 

Nick Stika

Nick Stika, guitar player and vocalist has been performing live since 1977, playing everything from folk to rock and Americana. Stika and Kluseman enjoy an easy rapport during their performance sharing stories about their love of music. 

"Music is the universal language that brings people together," commented Kluseman. "Nick and I are looking forward to entertaining Lakeside's crowd that evening. We don't get an opportunity to play together ​very often. We both cover different parts of the Midwest. We are entertainers, so if the crowd is having a good time we will keep playing – even after 8!"

Kluseman concluded, "I have worked with Kyle Selberg through the small business association," he noted. "Kyle is an amazing business owner that cares about his community and is developing an inviting destination for entertainment, food and recreation. He has a big heart and is also very generous and hopes to collaborate with others in their fund-raising endeavors." 

For additional information online search https://www.lakesideballroomonline.com or find them on Facebook.