Join us for this month’s free Bellman Brown Bag Series on Wednesday, October 11 at noon in the Matthews Theater with Native American educator and flutist JJ Kent.

About JJ Kent…

JJ Kent is a musician and educator who is a descendant of his grandmother’s full-blooded Muskogee heritage.  He is also the adopted son of a full-blooded Lakota woman from the Oglala band. JJ is immersed in the proud lineage of both these indigenous nations. He received his Lakota name Wicasa Ho Waste’ (which means “Good Voice Man”) from his adopted Oglala mother. Some years ago, JJ was asked to share his knowledge of Native American history through storytelling and this was to become an important part of a spiritual journey for many.  JJ’s music and teaching touches many hearts and he has taught and played his music at various universities and educational venues across continents. JJ is an accomplished musician playing Native American flute, as well as singing and playing guitar and keyboards. Receiving almost yearly nominations, he was excited to win the coveted 2009 NAMMY Flutist of the Year award and continues to sell his multiple CDs all over the world. At the present time, JJ and his wife live in Rapid City, South Dakota (translated in Lakota as “Mni Lúzahaŋ Otȟúŋwahe” which means “Swift Water City”) and travels the world sharing his music and teaching.

About the Bellman Brown Bag Series…

The Bellman Brown Bag series is a humanities program designed to explore ideas, history, literature, art and culture. The Brown Bag program was developed by Dr. Stewart Bellman in the 1990’s. Recognizing the Matthews Opera House as an ideal venue for the exploration of humanities topics, he engaged a line-up of speakers to present programs on a range of humanities topics each month.

Dr. Bellman was a professor of English at Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD. His teaching career spanned thirty years. Bellman retired from BHSU and passed away in November 2002.

Programs are presented on the second Wednesday of each month, noon to 1pm. Designed to begin and end within the lunch hour, patrons are invited to bring their lunch, if desired, or simply enjoy an hour of learning and entertainment.  This is an opportunity to gain insight into themes that touch our daily lives.

Coffee for the Bellman Brown Bag Series is generously provided by Common Grounds in Spearfish, SD.