Colleen had already seen Come Fly With Me once. She doesn’t typically do repeats. But on Saturday night, she was back in her seat at The Matthews, ready to experience the magic all over again. “It was perfect,” she said. “The talent was all top notch… this performance was exceptional.”
She wasn’t alone in that feeling. When the South Dakota Jazz Orchestra, vocalist Tony Deblois, and director Alex Massa took the stage for our Frank Sinatra tribute concert, something special happened in downtown Spearfish. The balcony seats (which turned out to be surprisingly excellent, according to one first-time balcony guest) filled with neighbors. The lights dimmed. And for one evening, The Matthews became a little corner of mid-century elegance and swing.
What Made It Work?
The orchestra was tight. Tony’s voice carried that smooth Sinatra charm without feeling like an impersonation. Alex brought energy and entertainment that kept the evening moving. But what really stood out was the local talent woven throughout. As one guest put it simply: “I enjoyed the local talent. Excellent show!”
The evening proved what we already know, great performances don’t just happen on Broadway. They happen right here, when skilled musicians and passionate performers come together in a space that values the arts. The friendly staff, the acoustics, the intimacy of the venue, all of it added up to something memorable.
Why This Matters for Spearfish
When Kari walked out after the show, she summed it up: “Great venue. Orchestra was amazing. Alex was a true entertainment pleasure. Tony was fantastic and very talented.” That kind of experience ripples outward. It brings people downtown. It gives families and friends a reason to gather. It reminds us that Spearfish has a cultural heartbeat, and it’s beating strong.
Dawn, Jodene, Kathy, David, Vickie, all of them left reviews saying the same thing in different ways: this was something worth experiencing. One guest even got to visit with Tony and his mother after the show, turning a great evening into something even more personal.
Keep an Eye on What’s Coming
We’re already looking ahead to more evenings like this one. More live music. More chances to gather. More opportunities to see what happens when talented artists and an engaged community show up together.
Want to be part of what’s next? Keep an eye on our calendar, and consider joining us as a volunteer or supporter. Spearfish deserves nights like this, and you deserve to be in the room when they happen.
