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SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series: Poker Alice
DESCRIPTION:WHO: You! \nWHAT: Free lecture as part of the Monthly Bellman Brown Bag Series \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Theater \nWHEN: Wednesday\, January 8th at noon \nWHY: To explore ideas\, history\, literature\, art\, and culture \nHOW: BYOB-Bring your own bite-to-eat\, take a seat\, and enjoy entertainment for an hour while you devour \n\nStep into the vibrant history of the Old West with presenter Wayne Gilbert as we explore the life of Poker Alice Tubbs\, one of Deadwood\, South Dakota’s most legendary figures. Known for her sharp wit\, skillful card playing\, and fearless spirit\, Poker Alice defied the norms of her era\, carving out a unique path as a professional gambler and saloon owner. \nThis event is perfect for history buffs\, poker enthusiasts\, and anyone curious about the colorful characters of America’s past. \nAND if you come dressed in your best Poker Alice costume you might win a free ticket to the Matthews! \n\nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms 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.
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CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241211T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241211T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T174318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T174318Z
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SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series: Spearfish Piano Duet Club
DESCRIPTION:WHO: You! \nWHAT: Free lecture as part of the Monthly Bellman Brown Bag Series \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Theater \nWHEN: Wednesday\, December 11th at noon \nWHY: To explore ideas\, history\, literature\, art\, and culture \nHOW: BYOB-Bring your own bite-to-eat\, take a seat\, and enjoy entertainment for an hour while you devour \n  \nThings are absolutely better in pairs! Join us for the most anticipated Bellman Brown Bag Series of the season on Wednesday\, December 11 at noon in the Matthews Theater. Spearfish Piano Duet Club presents their annual holiday event\, an hour of piano melodies played by four hands. \nIt’s always wise to get here early for a good seat. This event is free and open to the public and the theater typically fills up quickly. \nThe Spearfish Piano Duet Club has performed on the Bellman Brown Bag series since 2006. The popular December program includes holiday music and familiar classical music for two performers on one piano. The Duet Club began in 2003\, under the leadership of the late Synva Chrysler\, as a way for intermediate and advanced pianists to maintain their piano skills and at the same time have fun and enjoy each other’s musical talents. Members of the community and BHSU music students are involved in the performance and rehearsal activities.  Dr. Janeen Larsen organizes the performances\, and regular members include Laura Kolb\, Angela O’Shea\, Kathy Ewing\, Marilee Woodard\, Pamela Baum\, Donna Dettman\, Morgan Miller\, Sue Cole\, Constance Hubbard\, Colleen McKirdy\, and Emma McKirdy-Wilsey \nAbout Spearfish Piano Duet Club…\nThe Spearfish Duet Club began in 2003\, under the leadership of Synva Chrysler and Marianne Bieber\, as a way for intermediate and advanced pianists to maintain their piano skills and\, at the same time\, have fun and enjoy each other’s musical talents. Members of the community and BHSU music students are involved in the performance and rehearsal activities\, organized by Dr. Janeen Larsen. The concert is free and open to the public. \nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms 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.
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CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241113T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241113T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T174236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T174236Z
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SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series
DESCRIPTION:WHO: Gina Gibson on Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Artist-in-Residence Program: Five Years of SURF(ing) AiR \nWHAT: Free lecture as part of the Monthly Bellman Brown Bag Series  \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Theater  \nWHEN: Wednesday November 13 from 12:00 to 1:00 \nWHY: To explore ideas\, history\, literature\, art\, and culture  \nHOW: BYOB-Bring your own bite-to-eat\, take a seat\, and enjoy entertainment for an hour while you devour \n\nWE’VE GOT YOUR LUNCH HOUR IN THE BAG!\nThe Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program provides opportunities for artists to create work inspired by SURF’s unique science\, location and history. At 4\,850 feet deep\, SURF is the deepest underground laboratory in the United States and is located in the former Homestake Gold Mine. The facility houses experiments in physics\, biology\, geology\, and engineering. The SURF AiR program leverages the unique characteristics of SURF and the science experiments it hosts to create awareness and encourage interdisciplinary work. This residency is modeled after various programs offered by government\, science and industry including the National Park Service\, CERN\, and Fermilab. \nAs we carry-on through the lunch hour we hope you enjoy a comfortable seat at our table and the splendor of your surroundings. We welcome you to invite friends\, family\, and even that crazy co-worker to try something new at noon! \nFor more information on how to connect to our community here at the Matthews\, give us a call at (605)642-7973\, email us at ad@matthewsopera.com\, or find us on facebook \nTHE PRESENTER\n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nPROFESSOR & ARTIST GINA GIBSON \nGina Gibson is a Professor of Graphic Design at Black Hills State University in Spearfish\, South Dakota. An internationally exhibiting artist and lecturer\, her work has been seen at the Cynthia Broan Gallery in New York City\, the National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei\, Taiwan and the Siena Art Institute in Siena\, Italy. Most recently her work was exhibited through Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia\, Illinois\, the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History in Ann Arbor\, Michigan and the University of Zurich Science Pavilion in Zurich\, Switzerland. In 2020 she became the first ever Artist-in-Residence at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead\, South Dakota. \n\nABOUT THE BELLMAN BROWN BAG SERIES\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms are presented on the second Wednesday of each month\, noon to 1 pm. 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. \n  \n  \n 
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CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241020T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241020T160000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T174323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T174323Z
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SUMMARY:Rand Higbee Reception
DESCRIPTION:WHO: You! \nWHAT: A special reception honoring SHS Hall of Fame inductee Rand Higbee \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Fireplace Room \nWHEN: Sunday\, October 20th at 2 pm \nWHY: To celebrate a homegrown playwright and soon-to-be Hall of Famer! \nHOW: Please join us for this free celebration and reception! \nSpearfish native Rand Higbee is being inducted into the Spearfish High School Fine Arts Hall of Fame! Please join us at the Matthews on Sunday\, October 20 at 2 pm to celebrate this honor with a free reception offering refreshments\, a little history\, and an informal presentation of the playwright’s work. \nAbout Rand Higbee…\nOriginally from Spearfish\, South Dakota\, Rand Higbee obtained a Theatre degree from South Dakota State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from the University of Nevada\, Las Vegas. While at UNLV his first full-length play\, Sir Isaac’s Duel\, was named as an alternate to the National American College Theatre Festival held at the Kennedy Center. \nRand first attended the Valdez Theatre Conference in 2006 and has become a regular ever since. In recent years\, most of his published and produced plays underwent the developmental process in Valdez before being produced elsewhere. A few career highlights: His short play Next! has become one of the most often performed high school one-acts in the country. He won a Wisconsin Wrights award for his superhero play The Lightning Bug. The debut production of his full-length A Girl Named Destiny at the Venus Theater in Laurel\, Maryland\, was named one of the best plays of the year by DC Metro Theatre Arts. Rand is also the author of Kid Dakota and Plays from the Valdez Theatre Conference. He is one of Alaska’s most produced writers of the past two decades. \n\nHis plays are mostly family friendly\, with wildly engaging plots and distinct characters who all have opportunities for actors to shine. They’re fun\, always\, and funny\, always. They invariably have a good heart and wryly positive messages\, tinged with a little bemused cynicism about the human condition.\n– Dawson Moore\nCoordinator\, Valdez Theatre Conference \n\nIn his own words…\nI was lucky to grow up in Spearfish\, South Dakota. My family had lived in larger cities when I was very young: St. Paul\, Minnesota and Reno\, Nevada. Little Spearfish\, however\, seemed to be the right size to me. Small\, friendly\, surrounded by the Black Hills\, I would say that if Spearfish didn’t have it then you probably didn’t need it. \nOne thing Spearfish did have was a college. My Dad taught there and he and my Mom would take my brothers Paul\, Scott\, and me (our little sister Susan too\, but she came along later) to all of the theatre productions. I learned at an early age that seeing a movie might be fun\, but seeing the action live on stage was magic. I don’t even remember when or where\, but sometime in my single digit years I saw a production of Harvey. That sold me. Magic. \nReading through Plays from the Valdez Theatre Conference you will see what else entertained me while growing up in Spearfish: Baseball. (The Last Ballgame.) Late night\, bad science fiction movies. (The Head That Wouldn’t Die and Shaula: Queen of the Universe.) Superheroes. (The Lightning Bug.) TV sitcoms. (At Home With the Clarks.) Comedians. (Born a Clown.) My pets. (The Feral Child.) \nAfter becoming familiar with my comedies people inevitably ask me if I write dramas as well. I have in the past. (The Last Ballgame I consider to be the last non-comedy I have ever written.) However\, I’ve been around this business long enough to realize you have to play to your strengths. Maya Angelou said\, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said\, people will forget what you did\, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I believe that if I left this Earth tomorrow people would remember me by saying that I made them laugh. What more could I ask?
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CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20241009T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20241009T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T174250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T174250Z
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SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series - THE BELLMAN EFFECT
DESCRIPTION:WHO: Paul Higbee\, Dr. Janeen Larsen\, Jean Helmer\, Dick Termes\, Dr. Amy Fuqua\, and Michael Pangburn honoring Wanda and Stewart Bellman \nWHAT: A special extended Bellman to honor Wanda and Stewart Bellman in discussions\, sharing memories\, adventures\, and all the things they did for this community!  \nReception to follow \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Theater  \nWHEN: Wednesday October 9 from 12:00 to 1:00 with reception to follow \nWHY: To explore ideas\, history\, literature\, art\, and culture  \nHOW: BYOB-Bring your own bite-to-eat\, take a seat\, and enjoy entertainment for an hour while you devour \n\nTHIS IS THE BELLMAN OF ALL BELLMANS : THE BELLMAN EFFECT\nHONORING: WANDA & STEWART BELLMAN in an extended Bellman Brown Bag Series celebrating this highly influential and dedicated duo!\n\nWE’VE GOT YOUR LUNCH HOUR IN THE BAG!\nAs we carry-on through the lunch hour we hope you enjoy a comfortable seat at our table and the splendor of your surroundings. We welcome you to invite friends\, family\, and even that crazy co-worker to try something new at noon! \nFor more information on how to connect to our community here at the Matthews\, give us a call at (605)642-7973\, email us at ad@matthewsopera.com\, or find us on facebook \nTHE PRESENTERS\nEducators\, arts advocates\, and philanthropists\, Wanda and Stewart Bellman have established a substantial list of achievements and contributions to the Spearfish community. This month\, the Matthews presents a special dialogue with those who know the Bellmans best at our first-ever “Bellman of all Bellmans\,” honoring the namesake and creators of the monthly lecture series. Please join us on Wednesday\, October 9 at noon as guests Paul Higbee\, Dr. Janeen Larsen\, Jean Helmer\, Dick Termes\, Dr. Amy Fuqua\, and Michael Pangburn present a colorful and captivating discussion about two of our community’s most passionate supporters. \n  \n\nABOUT THE BELLMAN BROWN BAG SERIES\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms are presented on the second Wednesday of each month\, noon to 1 pm. 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. \n  \n  \n 
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CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240920T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240920T190000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T174222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T174222Z
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SUMMARY:Community Art Show Opening Reception
DESCRIPTION:WHO: Anyone who loves ART. \nWHAT: Reception for the Community Art Show on exhibit from September 16 – November 8 \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Gallery 612 N. Main Street\, Spearfish \nWHEN: September 20th 5-7PM \nWHY: From fridge art to fine art this is one of the most expansive exhibits The Matthews has to offer! \n  \nFor details on summiting work visit: https://www.matthewsopera.com/community-art/ \n  \n 
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CATEGORIES:Special Events
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END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240911T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240911T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T174234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T174234Z
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SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series
DESCRIPTION:WHO: Dr. Justin Bergh\, Ph.D\, Professor Skott Chanler\, & Professor Allen Morris on the feature film “Sitts: In the Chair”  \nWHAT: Free  lecture as part of the Monthly Bellman Brown Bag Series  \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Theater  \nWHEN: Wednesday September 11 from 12:00 to 1:00 \nWHY: To explore ideas\, history\, literature\, art\, and culture  \nHOW: BYOB-Bring your own bite-to-eat\, take a seat\, and enjoy entertainment for an hour while you devour \n\nWE’VE GOT YOUR LUNCH HOUR IN THE BAG!\nSitts: In the Chair is a narrative feature film closely based on the 1946 murders of DCI Agent Tom Matthews and Butte County Sheriff Dave Malcolm by George Sitts and the subsequent manhunt\, capture\, trial\, and execution of Sitts. The film is a dark comedy and true-crime drama that explores a historic\, but underexplored event in South Dakota history. \nBasement Revolution Films is the collaborative venture of three interdisciplinary artists based in Spearfish\, South Dakota\, at Black Hills State University with an interest in deep narrative and aesthetically powerful filmmaking.  \nAs we carry-on through the lunch hour we hope you enjoy a comfortable seat at our table and the splendor of your surroundings. We welcome you to invite friends\, family\, and even that crazy co-worker to try something new at noon! \nFor more information on how to connect to our community here at the Matthews\, give us a call at (605)642-7973\, email us at ad@matthewsopera.com\, or find us on facebook \nTHE PRESENTERS\nDR. JUSTIN BERGH\, Ph.D \nDr. Justin Bergh\, Ph.D\, researches the concepts of power\, politics\, and the value placed on human life and experience. \nPROFESSOR SKOTT CHANDLER \nProfessor Skott Chandler is a trained photographer and former musician whose work examines the line between fact and fiction in human media consumption. \nPROFESSOR ALLEN MORRIS \nProfessor Allen Morris is a lens-based artist with a deep interest in the concepts of place and history. \n\nABOUT THE BELLMAN BROWN BAG SERIES\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms are presented on the second Wednesday of each month\, noon to 1 pm. 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. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-6/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240720T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240720T180000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173809Z
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SUMMARY:Festival in the Park 2024
DESCRIPTION:Spearfish City Park\nIt’s been celebrating artists for 46 years–The Festival in the Park\, one of the largest outdoor summer arts and music festivals in the upper Midwest. Presented by the Matthews Opera House & Arts Center\, it’s not only your favorite summer tradition\, it’s the Matthew’s largest fundraiser of the year! Join us on Saturday\, July 20 from 9 am-6 pm in Spearfish City Park to shop at nearly two hundred fine art\, craft\, and food booths! \nSaturday\, July 20: Vendors Open 9 am – 6 pm \nSunday\, July 21: Vendors Open 10 am – 4 pm \nWith 18 food vendors serving an eclectic variety of cuisines\, there’s something sure to please any appetite. All applications are subject to a juried process to ensure quality\, variety\, and originality. Free live onstage entertainment from local and regional artists is available daily. For those who want to sit with a cool beverage and listen to music\, the “Watering Hole” never fails to please. \nAll New Children’s Circus\nWe have plenty for the kiddos\, too! Visit the Children’s Circus in the volleyball court. Circus events include face painting\, balloon art\, and sand art! \nEntertainment Lineup\nFestival weekend is an exciting time in the Watering Hole refreshment garden. Join us for the very best in live music including Caleigh\, Lucas Olson and the Lucas Olson Trio\, and Maggie Torness! \n \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/festival-in-the-park-2024/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240719T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240719T200000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173612Z
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SUMMARY:Festival in the Park Wristband Night
DESCRIPTION:Spearfish City Park\nIt’s been celebrating artists for 46 years–The Festival in the Park\, one of the largest outdoor summer arts and music festivals in the upper Midwest. Presented by the Matthews Opera House & Arts Center\, it’s not only your favorite summer tradition\, it’s the Matthew’s largest fundraiser of the year! Join us on Friday\, July 19 from 4-8 pm in Spearfish City Park for a sneak peak at nearly two hundred fine art\, craft\, and food booths! \nShop during the cooler hours\, buy from your favorite vendor a day ahead\, and join us for live music in the Watering Hole. Pre-purchase your $5 wristbands at Matthews Opera House\, Visit Spearfish\, or Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce. Wristbands will also be available at the entrances to Spearfish City Park prior to the event. \nSo\, What’s New This Year?\nOne word. Tango. \nIntrigued? Read on. \nA full evening of live entertainment starts at 4 pm with Quinlan Valdez. For Quinlan\, music is simply a way of life. His journey began at a young age when started attending live performances and this constant exposure led to an expanding love for live music. After learning the banjo and guitar in his teens\, Quinlan started writing his own songs and making his way as a professional musician. Listeners commonly relate his style to classic and traditional folk music while still realizing his own character. Since 2018\, he has been recording music while performing across Wyoming and neighboring states. \nEnjoy a half hour of classical brilliance with Rushmore Music Festival chamber orchestra at 6 pm. Rushmore Music Festival presents engaging concerts that enrich our quality of life by expanding access to classical music throughout the Black Hills. The program has established itself as one of the most prominent pre-college level programs nationwide and we’re excited to soak up some of their sophistication! \nFollowing the chamber orchestra\, be prepared for the pure musical abandon of Argentine tango when guest musician Daniel Binelli joins the group to bring some spice to a summer night in the park! Whether you prefer to sip a drink and sway in your seat\, or unleash your passion and find a dance partner\, this performance will evoke romance and energy in all its breathless beauty! \n \n \nArt & Craft Vendors\, Live Music\, Food\nWith 18 food vendors serving an eclectic variety of cuisines\, there’s something sure to please any appetite. All applications are subject to a juried process to ensure quality\, variety\, and originality. \nChildren’s Circus\nWe have plenty for the kiddos\, too! Visit the Children’s Circus in the volleyball court. Circus events include face painting\, balloon art\, and aerial activities! \n  \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/festival-in-the-park-wristband-night-4/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240524T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240524T190000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T174208Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T174208Z
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SUMMARY:Summer Arts Series Opening Reception
DESCRIPTION:WHO: You! Your friends\, your mom and pop\, your neighbor\, your kiddos\, your awesome aunt….really anyone who loves ART. \nWHAT: Reception for the Summer Arts Series on exhibit from May 20-September 6 \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Gallery 612 N. Main Street\, Spearfish \nWHEN: May 24th from 5-7pm \nWHY: Get the sneak peek of a series of art made from a Smörgåsbord of different artists within a 100 mile radius of SD & WY \nHOW: Grab an old friend or two and meet us at the Matthews to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar and see something new!  \n\nSummer Art Series \nComing in sizzlin’ hot for the Spearfish summer of tourists\, busy bikers and hikers\, in our hub of happiness ‘the hills’\, we bring (well actually our lovely locals bring) awe-inspiring Art from all walks of life\, ages\, and techniques! If we had favorites\, this annual exhibit “Summer Art Series” would be up there\, showcasing an ever evolving allotment of art from individuals stretching from the beautiful black hills and beyond.  Juried by the Matthews Art Gallery we’ve hand selected your next proud purchase promoting the Arts! \n\n<><><><><><><><><><><>\nNow for a fun little rhyme\, enticing you to come have a good time:  \neh-um.. \nDon’t wait\, don’t hesitate\, because once it’s on the wall it’s on sale for all! \nBuuut don’t you fear…no bare space will surface here!  \nBecause these artists come fully prepared\, \nand MORE of their art will be shared! \n As soon as their piece is bought\, \nthey get yet another shot\, \n to showcase another selection\, \n from their treasured collection!  \nSo please stop in frequently\,  \nthis show is up May 20th to September 6th you see\,  \nWith ever revolving art\,  \nyou may just spot one you must have in your cart!  \nOk this punny\, non-sensical slang must now come to an end\,  \nWe hope to meet you at The Matthews\, our friend.  \n<><><><><><><><><><><>\nDISCLAIMER: This punny little poem is not\, in anyway\, a representation to the stature of art and artists that await you in this sensational series. This simple\, little sales pitch only playfully promotes the profound influence you are about to experience in this eye opening exhibit.  \nSilly slang aside\, our local artists fill us with pride! \nOops…last one… \nJoin us May 24 for some fun!  \nok we’re officially….done.  \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/summer-arts-series-opening-reception/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240508T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240508T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T174218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T174218Z
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SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series
DESCRIPTION:WHO: YOU! Enjoying…Rushmore Music Festival Organization \nWHAT: Free performance and lecture as part of the Monthly Bellman Brown Bag Series  \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Theater  \nWHEN: Wednesday May 8th from 12:00 to 1:00 \nWHY: To explore ideas\, history\, literature\, art\, and culture  \nHOW: BYOB-Bring your own bite-to-eat\, take a seat\, and enjoy entertainment for an hour while you devour \n\nWE’VE GOT YOUR LUNCH HOUR IN THE BAG! \nThe Rushmore Music Festival mission is to promote access to musical excellence through education and performance to enrich the cultural landscape in our community and beyond. \nThe Rushmore Music Festival was founded on the guiding principles of artistic excellence and musical accessibility through both education and performance. The Festival has established itself as one of the most prominent\, tuition-free\, pre-college level programs nationwide.  \nAs we carry-on through the lunch hour we hope you enjoy a comfortable seat at our table and the splendor of your surroundings. We welcome you to invite friends\, family\, and even that crazy co-worker to try something new at noon! \nFor more information on how to connect to our community here at the Matthews\, give us a call at (605)642-7973\, email us at ad@matthewsopera.com\, or find us on facebook \nTHE PRESENTERS\nDR. BRETT WALFISH \nViolist Dr. Brett Walfish\, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Rushmore Music Festival\, is a distinguished figure in the realm of classical music. Known for his expressive and charismatic performances\, Conductor David Effron has praised his warm sound\, describing it as full of a “myriad of colors.” Dr. Walfish has captivated audiences throughout the United States\, Canada\, China\, Ireland\, Italy\, and Israel. Notable venues include the Tel Aviv Opera House\, the National Music Museum\, Carnegie Hall\, and Mount Rushmore. -Rushmoremusicfestival.org/brett-walfish \nDr. Walfish’s commitment to music extends beyond his performances; he is also a dedicated teacher of violin\, viola\, and chamber music. During his time at Indiana University\, he gained valuable insights into string pedagogy from the renowned Mimi Zweig and completed a two-year Suzuki teacher training certification at the School for Strings in New York City. These experiences served as the foundation for establishing the Walfish Music School. As the founder of this school in Rapid City\, Dr. Walfish passionately imparts his musical knowledge through guest masterclasses and private instruction across the United States. His dedication to nurturing talent is evident in the remarkable success of his students\, many of whom have earned placements in prestigious institutions such as the Juilliard School\, New England Conservatory\, Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music\, Manhattan School of Music\, Harvard University\, and Cornell University. Numerous graduates have gone on to secure positions in major symphonies globally. \nDr. Walfish’s membership in the Valencia Baryton Project highlights his dedication to both classical and contemporary repertoire. Through this project\, he champions some of Haydn’s least-known yet most prolific musical output while featuring modern compositions written for the ensemble. These concerts have resonated across the continental United States and Canada\, showcasing Dr. Walfish’s versatility and deep musical insight. \nPassionate about both classical and modern genres\, Dr. Walfish invests significant time delving into the contemporary Tango culture through extensive research and collaboration with leading Tango musicians of our modern era. His Tango performances not only showcase his artistic prowess but also establish connections between Baroque and Classical Historically Informed Performance and the Golden Age of Tango. Dr. Walfish adeptly bridges the gap between scholarly research and live performance by directly engaging with modern-day Tangueros who played alongside legends\, including Osvaldo Pugliese and Astor Piazzolla\, thus enriching and preserving the vibrant heritage of Tango. \nDr. Walfish’s primary mentors include Carol Cole\, Michael Klotz\, Atar Arad\, Martha Katz\, Lawrence Dutton\, and Nicholas Cords\, as well as the Emerson String Quartet. \nDR. KATIE SMIRNOVA \nViolinist Dr. Katie Smirnova is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Rushmore Music Festival. Throughout the year\, Dr. Smirnova enjoys performing with local orchestras such as the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra\, as well as touring with the Rushmore Concert Artists. She has previously enjoyed collaborating with organizations such as the National Music Museum in Vermillion SD\, San Diego Ballet\, Stowe Tango Music Festival\, Moscow Ballet\, Bel Cantanti Opera Company\, Hartford Festival Orchestra\, Groupmuse\, among others. In addition to performing with various chamber ensembles in major halls throughout the United States\, Dr. Smirnova places a strong value on outreach and giving back to her community through performance. \nAn avid teacher\, Dr. Smirnova currently maintains a private teaching studio in Rapid City\, SD and Ft. Lauderdale\, FL. Highly interested in child psychology and the early music learning process\, she has studied violin pedagogy with Rebecca Henry at the Peabody Conservatory and completed a two-year long-term Suzuki teacher training certification at the School for Strings in New York City. \nPrevious teachers include Dr. Ann Setzer at the Juilliard School Pre-College Division\, Pamela Frank\, Shmuel Ashkenasi and Daniel Phillips at the Heifetz International Music Institute\, and masterclasses with the members of the Miro\, Brentano\, Brooklyn Rider\, Emerson\, and the Juilliard String Quartets. \n  \n\nABOUT THE BELLMAN BROWN BAG SERIES\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms are presented on the second Wednesday of each month\, noon to 1 pm. 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. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-4/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240410T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240410T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173812Z
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SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series 5
DESCRIPTION:WHO: YOU! Enjoying…Wilbur Newland\, Bobbe Ward\, Pat Rogge\, Charlotte Fladmoe\, Jim Hoff\, and Dennis and Julie Walkins + VISIT WITH MATTHEWS STAFF  \nWHAT: Free performances as part of the Monthly Bellman Brown Bag Series  \nWHERE: Matthews Opera House Theater  \nWHEN: Wednesday April 10th from 12:00 to 1:00 \nWHY: To explore ideas\, history\, literature\, art\, and culture  \nHOW: BYOB-Bring your own bite-to-eat\, take a seat\, and enjoy entertainment for an hour while you devour \n\nWE’VE GOT YOUR LUNCH HOUR IN THE BAG! \nA line-up of an eclectic crew to carry-on conversations about this\, that\, and more the Matthew’s Reader’s Theater presents “A Sampling”. Enjoy a smorgasbord of short stories\, small performances\, and splendid poetry samplings\, sure to send you on with your day with a smile on your face! \n“It’s a little bit of the different things we do\,” says Julie Walkins\, director of the project. The Matthews Reader’s Theater has been meeting since 2017 and the group enjoys exploring a wide variety of theatrical and poetic pieces in an informal environment. Like grabbing lunch with a like-minded friend the Bellman Brown Bag Series creates a gathering space for sipping your soda\, chomping on chips\, and meeting with other members of the community to just experience the joy of living.  \nAs we carry-on through the lunch hour we hope you enjoy a comfortable seat at our table and the splendor of your surroundings. We welcome you to invite friends\, family\, and even that crazy co-worker to try something new at noon! \nFor more information on how to connect to our community here at the Matthews\, give us a call at (605)642-7973\, email us at ad@matthewsopera.com\, or find us on facebook \nTHE PRESENTERS\nWilbur Newland \nBobbe Ward \nPat Rogge \nCharlotte Fladmoe \nJim Hoff \nDennis and Julie Walkins \n+ More from a Member of the Matthews Staff\nAfter their dynamic presentation there will be a visit with Matthews staff as we unveil our plans for fall and winter programming\, how individuals can get involved\, and a public question and answer period about all things “Matthews.” \n\nABOUT THE BELLMAN BROWN BAG SERIES\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms are presented on the second Wednesday of each month\, noon to 1 pm. 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. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-5/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240405T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240405T210000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173036Z
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SUMMARY:Some Stars of Native American Comedy
DESCRIPTION:Stars of Native American Comedy\nA Cabaret comedy event\nFriday\, April 5 at 7 pm\nBox Office: 6 pm | House Opens: 6:30 pm \nSome Stars of Native American Comedy(aka Some Stars) features an award-winning comic line-up that brings a Native take on the world. Together\, they poke fun at serious topics with a long stick and bring us all a little closer together by doling out some good-natured ribbing at everyone’s expense. \nA variety of seating options are available for this event:\nBalcony seating: $25 for advance reservations; $30 day of show.\nCabaret-style seating: Table seating on the main floor with treats and access to premium wine by the bottle. $40 per seat for advance reservations; $45 day of show\nHistoric Box seating: We’ve opened the historic opera boxes that flank the stage! These premium seats are extremely limited. Each box includes one complimentary bottle of wine and plate of hors d’ouvres. $75 per seat\, advance reservations only. \nA cash bar will also be available throughout the event. \nPerformers include…\nJim Ruel-Director/Comedian \nJim Ruel is a comedian\, writer\, director\, producer and actor. He is a member of the Bay Mills Band of Ojibwe.  He grew up in Milwaukee\, Wisconsin where he spent the first ten years of his career performing in comedy clubs around the Midwest. He was a finalist in NBC’s Diversity Talent Search which led to his first television appearance on ‘The World Stands Up’ which was taped in London. He was also featured on ‘Goin Native: the American Indian Comedy Slam’ on Showtime and First Nations Comedy Experience on FNX.  He currently tours with Another Indian Uprising. \nJim Ruel also works in film and media under Frybread Productions\, a Native owned video production company. Jim Ruel is a co-host of the Hollywood NDNz podcast\, highlighting careers of Native American professionals in entertainment. Jim Ruel currently lives in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and their daughter. \nGilbert Brown/Comedian \nGilbert ‘The Naughty Rezdog’ Brown is member of the Modoc\, Klamath\, Paiute and Warm Springs tribes. He’s also part white but can’t prove it. Gilbert’s storytelling style of comedy has audiences rolling as he spins tales from rodeos\, living on the rez\, and just dealing with people. He’s been performing professionally since 2008.  He’s a mugger in Native wild horse racing. ‘Mugging’ involves grabbing a wild horse around the neck while the horse tries to bite your hand off. Let’s just say Gilbert can relate to Frodo Baggins. You can also catch Gilbert emceeing powwows throughout NDN country. \nPhotos courtesy Frybread Productions \nWatch Now…\n[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UxsKth6zAo&t=43s” loop=”no” muted=”no” /] \n[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gr4A3ivdsA&t=15s” loop=”no” muted=”no” /]
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/some-stars-of-native-american-comedy/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240323T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240323T210000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173608Z
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SUMMARY:The Matthews Wine Experience
DESCRIPTION:The Matthews Wine Experience\nSaturday\, March 23rd 5-9pm \nOur season’s most exclusive event!\nBeing a guest at the first Matthews Wine Experience will be a memorable evening. Two dozen wine varieties will be available to sample that have been hand-selected by Philips 66\, Exit 14\, and every ticket holder receives an etched Riedel wine glass! Live and silent auctions will be held with local artworks and baskets from a range of business donors. A live painting demonstration in this historic atmosphere is not one to be missed and works will be auctioned at the end of the evening! \nTickets are on sale.  They will be available during business hours in the gallery\, by phone (605.642.7973)\, or online. All tickets are $50. \nSponsored by Philips 66\, Exit 14
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/the-matthews-wine-experience/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240322T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240322T190000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173811Z
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SUMMARY:Artists of the Black Hills
DESCRIPTION:Artists of the Black Hills Exhibit\nA stunning display of local artistry and innovation.\nThe Matthews is proud to be hosting the brilliant work of the Artists of the Black Hills group. ABH was founded in 2005 as an organization of professional artists\, artisans\, and galleries with the common goal of establishing the Black Hills region as a prime source for art of the highest quality. There will be work by 19 different artists in this exhibit. \nOpening Reception:\nFriday\, March 22nd 5-7pm\nA cash bar and hor d’ovres will be available during this opportunity to mingle with the artists and other art enthusiasts. \nThis exhibit will be on display from March 18th through May 10th. The Gallery is open Monday-Saturday 10-5
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/artists-of-the-black-hills/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240313T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240313T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173609Z
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SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this month’s free Bellman Brown Bag Series on Wednesday\, March 13 at noon in the Matthews Theater as Sandy Swallow and Scott Simpson present their collaborative projects “Running the Milky Way\,” and “Sister Star.”  In a captivating fusion of visual and auditory artistry\, Oglala Lakota visual artist\, Sandy Swallow\, and songwriter\, Scott Simpson\, both Spearfish\, SD residents\, showcase original music inspired by Swallow’s evocative mixed media pieces. \n“Running the Milky Way” is an homage to the Horse Nation\, making it a resonant piece for anyone who shares a deep appreciation for these majestic creatures. Swallow’s mastery of hand-pulled block printmaking\, infused with Native American symbolism\, sets the stage for this unique musical journey. Composing the poignant lyrics herself\, she explores the spiritual connection to nature\, family\, and the profound interconnection with the Horse Nation. Simpson\, a versatile musician\, serves as the composer\, recording artist\, and producer\, weaving his musical finesse seamlessly with Swallow’s artistic vision.  “Running the Milky Way” reflects the heartbeat of the Lakota Horse Nation\, emphasizing their roles as relatives in this life and beyond.  \n“Sister Star” is the second collaborative project of Oglala Lakota artist Sandy Swallow and Songwriter Scott Simpson. It is an honoring song for Sandy’s older sister Donna who was murdered in 1968\, and a song of action and encouragement for all families of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women or Men. #MMIW \nAbout the presenters…\nScott Simpson is a songwriter\, poet\, educator and indie music producer who lives in Spearfish Canyon. He’s been songwriting and recording songs since age six or seven\, and since 2000\, has produced and released more than 40 albums (most available on all digital outlets). Scott was a high school and college English teacher and theatre director for many years and completed his Ph.D. in Creative Writing in 1997. After publishing for several years in various poetry publications (including a 2000 nomination for the Pushcart Prize in Poetry)\, he began to transition his writing focus from poetry to songwriting. He has been a Learning Specialist with Rapid City-based Technology & Innovation in Education for more than ten years. During that time\, he co-developed and now co-directs the WoLakota Project which provides resources and training for schools throughout South and North Dakota and elsewhere in the implementation of Native American Essential Understandings and Culturally Responsive Education. A key part of his work is facilitating Circles of Trust in which individuals come together in retreat to engage in respect-filled conversation and personal storytelling. \nInternationally and locally renowned\, Sandy Swallow’s artistic passion began in mid-life\, as she experimented with oils and watercolors while living on a ranch near Pine Ridge. Being self-taught\, Sandy created art capturing her spiritual\nconnection to nature\, home\, and family. Sandy is most well known for her hand-pulled block printmaking. This painstaking medium provides her with the ability to create dramatic pieces saturated with deep earth and pastel colors that evoke traditional Native American symbols and images from the natural world. Her prints convey a soothing\, peaceful quality that enhances any living or workspace. National recognition of her artwork began in 1999\, when she was selected to be the artist for the National American Indian Heritage Poster for the United States Department of Agriculture with her piece “In the Eye of a Feather.”.10\,000 prints were distributed worldwide. In 2007 she was commissioned to provide the artwork for the “USDA Guide to American Indians and Alaska Natives Programs.” Sandy is honored to have displayed her art in many prestigious places such as the Hofstra University\, Hempstead\, NY; the Newberry Library\, Chicago\, IL; and at a traveling exhibit “Through Indian Eyes” for the legacy of Lewis & Clark and to have worked with buyers from as far away as Sweden\, England\, and Germany. \nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms are presented on the second Wednesday of each month\, noon to 1 pm. 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. \n \nCoffee for the Bellman Brown Bag Series is generously provided by Common Grounds in Spearfish\, SD. \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-3/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240214T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240214T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173350Z
UID:10001019-1707912000-1707915600@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this month’s free Bellman Brown Bag Series on Wednesday\, February 14 at noon in the Matthews Theater as SD State Poetry Society presents “Poetry on the Road.” Board members from SD State Poetry Society will read their poems\, with an open mic following\, available to locals who would like the opportunity to read their own work. The open mic encourages poets from all walks of life to read their work publicly and to hear from their neighbors. “Poems are little stories about what we value\,” says Bruce Roseland\, SDSPS board member. “Poetry communicates at a deep level that helps us recognize and understand each other.” \nAbout the presenters…\nBruce Roseland is the 8th Poet Laureate of South Dakota (2023-2027). Roseland calls himself a prairie poet. His poetry describes people\, work\, and nature in modern rural life. Roseland’s poems often reveal the sacred in relationships between the land\, the life it supports\, and those who are its stewards. His recent work describes the need to conserve native grasslands. Roseland is a fourth-generation cattleman who grew up on a ranch near Seneca\, in north-central South Dakota. He is the author of seven books of free verse poetry and has won four national awards\, including the 2007 Wrangler Award for “The Last Buffalo” (2006). He has won the Will Rogers Medallion three times\, in 2009\, for “A Prairie Prayer\,” (2008\, in 2019); for “Cowman\,” (2018 and 2022) for “Heart of the Prairie” (2021). Roseland received an M.A. in Sociology from the University of North Dakota in 1980. He is President Emeritus of the SD State Poetry Society and a South Dakota Humanities Scholar. Roseland still works his family ranch outside of Seneca\, South Dakota. He enjoys spending time in his Black Hills Spearfish home when cows and crops permit. \nJean Helmer comes from the borderlands between the High Plains and Bearlodge foothills\, from public school and collegiate podiums\, from rural parish pulpits. This former director of the Dakota Writing Project has works published in Pasque Petals\, WyoPoets’ Watershed\, Gyroscope\, the 2023 Scurfpea Anthology Green Elephant\, and various anthologies. She is attempting to get the Belle Fourche POTR listed in the Butte Electric Cooperative “Connections” mailing. \nJohn S. Nelson has published poetry and other works in journals\, magazines\, and newspapers.  Recent publications include poetry in Montana Mouthful\, Briar Cliff Review\, Pasque Petals\, South Dakota Magazine\, Poetry Motel\, and Delmar.  He has poems in anthologies\, including South Dakota in Poems.  He retired from teaching English for New Media at Dakota State University in 2020 after 36 years of professorship.  He taught at Rocky Mountain College in Billings\, Montana\, St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City\, Kansas\, and Sisseton Wahpeton Community College in Sisseton\, SD\, before coming to DSU in Madison in 1996. \nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms 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. \n \nCoffee for the Bellman Brown Bag Series is generously provided by Common Grounds in Spearfish\, SD. \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-2/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240118T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240118T200000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173152Z
UID:10001017-1705597200-1705608000@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Backcountry Film Festival
DESCRIPTION:Backcountry Film Festival\nChinook Days\nShowtime:\nJanuary 18 at 5 pm\nBox Office: 4 pm | House Opens: 4:30 pm \nAdvance tickets: $15 General Admission \nTickets may be purchased online\, by phone at (605) 642-7973\, or by visiting the Matthews Gallery at 612 N. Main Street\, Spearfish. \nChinook Days and The Matthews Opera House are proud to host Backcountry Film Festival! Backcountry Film Festival ignites wild conversations and inspires action to communities that celebrate the present while looking towards the future. We’re celebrating the connection between humans and wild winters with a collage of human-powered stories and backcountry-inspired experiences. \nEvery winter\, BCFF tours 100+ cities and is hosted by local retailers\, grassroots groups\, outdoor affinity groups\, and many more community organizations. Funds raised stay in the local community to support human-powered recreation and conservation efforts\, winter education\, and avalanche/safety programs and to raise awareness of winter management issues. \nThe 19th Annual Backcountry Film Festival is screening documentaries and ski movies about athletic pursuits in the mountains\, artistic vision\, friendship\, and how the snowsports community is adapting to a changing environment.
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/backcountry-film-festival/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20240110T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20240110T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173349Z
UID:10001018-1704888000-1704891600@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this month’s free Bellman Brown Bag Series on Wednesday\, January 10 at noon in the Matthews Theater as Paul Higbee presents a fascinating discussion about the 1943 Spearfish Chinook wind. \nThe temperature leaped 49 degrees in two minutes\, shattering windows throughout town and setting a world record that still stands.  Though mostly associated with Spearfish\, the chinook affected other towns\, too\, and was well-documented by the U.S Weather Service and Montana-Dakota Utilities.\nAbout Paul Higbee…\nPaul Higbee has been South Dakota Magazine’s West River contributing editor and columnist since 1991\, and is the author of books published by the South Dakota State Historical Society and the Center for Western Studies. \nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms 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. \n \nCoffee for the Bellman Brown Bag Series is generously provided by Common Grounds in Spearfish\, SD. \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/January-Bellman-Higbee-p1Cqop.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231213T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231213T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173135Z
UID:10001010-1702468800-1702472400@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series: Spearfish Piano Duet Club
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this month’s free Bellman Brown Bag Series on Wednesday\, December 13 at noon in the Matthews Theater as Spearfish Piano Duet Club presents their annual holiday concert\, “Music for the Holidays.” \nIt’s always wise to get here early for a good seat. This event is free and open to the public and the theater typically fills up quickly. \nThe club has performed for the popular Bellman Brown Bag series since 2004. Musicians include Pamela Baum\, Sue Cole\, Donna Dettman\, Kathy Ewing\, Carolyn Gosse\, Rita Hicks\, Constance Hubbard\, Laura Kolb\, Janeen Larsen\, Colleen McKirdy\, Emma McKirdy-Wilsey\, Angela O’Shea\, and Marilee Woodard. \nAbout Spearfish Piano Duet Club…\nThe Spearfish Duet Club began in 2003\, under the leadership of Synva Chrysler and Marianne Bieber\, as a way for intermediate and advanced pianists to maintain their piano skills and\, at the same time\, have fun and enjoy each other’s musical talents. Members of the community and BHSU music students are involved in the performance and rehearsal activities\, organized by Dr. Janeen Larsen. The concert is free and open to the public. \nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms 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. \n \nCoffee for the Bellman Brown Bag Series is generously provided by Common Grounds in Spearfish\, SD. \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-spearfish-piano-duet-club-2/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/December-Bellman-pianos-1-X4O1mP.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231202T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231202T150000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T172918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T172918Z
UID:10000991-1701522000-1701529200@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Matthews Christmas Tea
DESCRIPTION:Matthews Christmas Tea\nA holiday tradition returns!\nSaturday\, December 2 at 1 pm\nHouse Opens: 12:40 pm \nOne of our oldest and favorite annual events is just around the corner! The Matthews Christmas Tea is a step back to a more gentile time of connecting with friends and family while enjoying homemade pastries\, tea sandwiches\, and\, of course\, tea. Ease into the holiday season with a relaxing afternoon of delicious treats\, live entertainment\, and selections of curated items to help get you gift-giving ready. Don your favorite hat and join us in the historic Matthews theatre to ring in the holiday season with Christmas Tea. \nTickets go on sale November 1.  They will be available during business hours in the gallery\, by phone (605.642.7973)\, or online. All seats are $40.  Tickets must be purchased no later than November 27. \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/matthews-christmas-tea/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231108T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231108T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173133Z
UID:10001008-1699444800-1699448400@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series: Tim Velder
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this month’s free Bellman Brown Bag Series on Wednesday\, November 8 at noon in the Matthews Theater as Tim Velder presents “Who Shot Father Belknap and Why?” \nFather Arthur Belknap was a Catholic priest who served the northern Hills communities of Spearfish and Lead from 1916 through 1921. His service was cut short in late October 1921 when he was murdered in the street. This murder remains unsolved\, which has allowed a variety of theories to arise about the motive for the murder. Velder will examine some of those theories as well as highlight the brief career of this dedicated priest. \nAbout Tim Velder…\nTim Velder is a northern Black Hills native and amateur researcher of history. He graduated from Newell High School and Black Hills State University and spent more than 20 years covering news events for northern Hills newspapers and the Rapid City Journal. Since 2011\, he has been a marketing and communications specialist for the northeast Wyoming electric cooperative Powder River Energy. He lives in Sundance\, Wyoming\, with his wife Gerri and has three grown children. Tim is also vice-president of the West River History Conference which holds annual history events focused on local history. \nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms 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. \n \nCoffee for the Bellman Brown Bag Series is generously provided by Common Grounds in Spearfish\, SD. \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-tim-velder-2/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231014T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231014T210000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T172717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T172717Z
UID:10000986-1697310000-1697317200@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Backstage Pass
DESCRIPTION:Spearfish Young Life presents a behind-the-scenes benefit concert with Sivan Hoch and the Pocket Junkies on Saturday\, October 14 at 7 pm in the Matthews Opera House theater! \nAbout Young Life and Wyldlife\n \nSpearfish Young Life began in 2003 and\, since then\, they have been committed to serving over 255 local young people. Young Life and Wyldlife\, a faith based organization\, invests in the lives of our kids by walking alongside them earning the right to be heard by being present right where they are\, period. YoungLife wants every kid to know they are valued\, they matter\, and belong. Their 3-fold mission: \n\nGo where kids are and build relationships with them. \nProvide fun\, adventurous and life-changing experiences by way of summer/winter camps\, volleyball tournaments\, dodgeball tournaments\, and weekly clubs through the school year\, while also investing time with them on their campuses. \nSharing the love of God.\n\n\nProceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s continued outreach to the youth of our community.  \n\nTo find out more about Spearfish Young Life\, visit their website \nAbout The Pocket Junkies\nIn the pocket: Grooving. Where the rhythm section is locked in and working as a unit. \nThe Pocket Junkies are a conglomeration of seasoned jazz and blues professionals who are currently residing in the Black Hills. \nThe line-up:\nAlex Diaz is on bass. \nSivan Hoch\, who\, before the pandemic. was a touring musician based out of Denver\, playing with acts such as Markus King\, Robert Randolph and Paul Pesco of the Hallnoats. He’s on sax. \nJohnny Hastings is a local Rapid City blues guitarist who has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Buddy Guy \nKaleb Britton is a fabulous local drummer who grew up in Rapid City and lived in New Orleans for years playing with only the best.
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/backstage-pass/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20231011T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20231011T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173122Z
UID:10001007-1697025600-1697029200@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series: JJ Kent
DESCRIPTION: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. \nAbout JJ Kent…\nJJ 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. \nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms 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. \n \nCoffee for the Bellman Brown Bag Series is generously provided by Common Grounds in Spearfish\, SD. \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-jj-kent/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230922T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230922T210000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T172401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T172401Z
UID:10000970-1695409200-1695416400@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Illusionist Craig Karges
DESCRIPTION:Craig Karges\nExperience the Extraordinary!\nFriday\, September 22 at 7 pm\nBox Office: 6 pm | House Opens: 6:30 pm\nNo late admission to main floor. Late arrivals will be accommodated in the balcony as seats permit. \nAdvance tickets: $30 for adults and $15 for youth.\nDay of Show: $35 for adults and $20 for youth.\nTickets may be purchased online\, by phone at (605) 642-7973\, or by visiting the Matthews Gallery at 612 N. Main Street\, Spearfish. \n \nCraig Karges is truly extraordinary! The “extraordinist” is an award-winning entertainer\, a nationally recognized speaker\, and an author. Karges has made over five thousand appearances in 27 countries on four continents and in all fifty states. \nCraig Karges combines the art of magic with the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create the impression that nothing is impossible. Tables float\, minds are read\, metal bends and your imagination is challenged because you won’t believe your eyes! Dennis Miller\, comedian\, and media personality\, put it this way after seeing Karges perform\, “This weirds me out!” \nAlthough he does not claim to have supernatural powers or perform as a psychic or magician\, the effects Craig Karges creates on stage are uncanny. Blindfolded\, he calls off serial numbers on borrowed currency. Unspoken thoughts are revealed. Predictions are made and verified. Borrowed finger rings are linked into a chain. Objects move seemingly by the power of the mind. A table dances and flies into the air. \nCraig Karges is unique’ what he does on stage is totally different\, and there is no other show like “Experience the Extraordinary!” \nAudiences may be mystified when it comes to understanding how Craig Karges accomplishes what he does on stage but his popularity is no mystery at all. \nCraig Karges has made over 40 national television appearances. You’ve seen him on The Tonight Show as well as CNN\, Fox News Channel\, CNBC\, E! Entertainment Television\, Lifetime Television\, Wisdom Television\, and even SOAPnet! The extraordinist has starred in two\, one-hour television specials. The sheer number and diversity of Karges’ television appearances are indicative of his widespread popularity. \nPerformance\, the international touring talent weekly\, named Craig Karges’ touring show\, Experience the Extraordinary\, one of the top five\, variety/family shows in North America. Karges was in good company as the list also included the likes of illusionist David Copperfield and Disney on Ice. Performance magazine called the extraordinist’s performance “The next era in mystery entertainment.” American Entertainment Magazine named him one of the top five variety entertainers on the corporate circuit. \nFrom Sardinia to Singapore and from Cancun to Cairo\, Craig Karges’ performing schedule has taken him around the world\, appearing at corporate events\, theatres\, universities and casino showrooms. “No matter where I perform\, I try to make my audiences feel they are a part of something they have never experienced before and hopefully will never forget. My goal is to entertain my audiences through the creation of mystery and to open their minds to unlimited possibilities\,” says Karges.
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/illusionist-craig-karges/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230913T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230913T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T173120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T173120Z
UID:10001005-1694606400-1694610000@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series: Black Hills Paranormal Investigations
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this month’s free Bellman Brown Bag Series on Wednesday\, September 13 at noon in the Matthews Theater with speakers from Black Hills Paranormal Investigations. \n“An Afternoon with Black Hills Paranormal Investigations”: The members of Black Hills Paranormal Investigations will speak on the paranormal; things they have come across at various locations; and what they discovered during their recent investigation of the Matthews Opera House. Is the Matthews haunted? If so\, by whom and does someone still linger there? \n\nAbout Black Hills Paranormal Investigations…\n\nBHPI was founded in 2007 and is proud to serve the Black Hills and its surrounding communities. Since their founding\, they have grown into a professional and trusted team of paranormal researchers. In the beginning\, they set out believing that to be taken as a serious paranormal investigations team it was imperative that they set high standards for themselves and their practices. Their guiding principles–critical thinking\, common sense\, continuing education\, and a healthy dose of skepticism–have served their clients well. Every aspect of their investigations are free of charge. For more about the investigators and their services\, visit bhparanormal.com \n\n  \nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms 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. \n \nCoffee for the Bellman Brown Bag Series is generously provided by Common Grounds in Spearfish\, SD. \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-black-hills-paranormal-investigations/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230519T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230902T190000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T172201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T172201Z
UID:10000965-1684515600-1693681200@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Summer Art Series
DESCRIPTION:Exhibit Opening Reception\nFriday\, May 19\n5-7 pm \nThe Matthews Opera House and Arts Center is excited to announce that their Summer Art Series will be unveiled on May 19 with an opening reception from 5-7 pm. This showcase features the talents of Black Hills artists with an incredible display of high-quality pieces on exhibit. \nThis opening night event is offered free to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. \nThe Summer Art Series is open to the public through Labor Day during regular business hours\, Monday – Friday\, 10 am – 5 pm. The series is structured to support the local artistic community with every piece in the gallery ready to sell and take home the same day.
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/summer-art-series-2/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SAS-Opening-Reception-header-WE7LuT.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230412T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230412T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T171844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T171844Z
UID:10000947-1681300800-1681304400@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Bellman Brown Bag Series: James Casper
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this month’s free Bellman Brown Bag Series on Wednesday\, April 12 at noon in the Matthews Theater with speaker James Casper. \n“Close Cooperation Within a Society” – Sounds Far-Fetched Doesn’t It! James Casper will draw on his decades of experience as a commercial beekeeper as he discusses the inner workings of one of nature’s most complex animal societies: The Honey Bee Colony: where normally only one queen bee exists in the company of 60\,000 workers (females) and up to several thousand drones (males). She is the mother of all individuals in the colony and is a  very efficient producer of eggs but devoid of maternal instinct and physically incapable of caring for her young. The queen\, along with her own genetic DNA\, is also the custodian of the male parent’s contribution to the heredity of her female offspring and thus is responsible for the characteristics of the colony. Her presence controls the morale of the colony through the production and sharing of pheromones. The colony is a highly cooperative group where tasks are allocated so that more urgent needs are met before less urgent ones\, and individual actions are coordinated into a coherent whole\, resulting in a set of mechanisms that make close cooperation a reality. \n\nAbout James Casper…\nSince my childhood\, I have been fascinated by the groupings of these mostly white and often tall stacks of boxes sitting picturesque against the background of fields full of colorful blossoms that filled the air with a certain sweetness. The bee hive was the center of my attraction. My interest was raised to a full pitch once I purchased my first two hives and the result was\, well\, I won’t lie. I became a full-fledged “Keeper of the Bees”. Forty-five or so years later and I still absolutely love the journey through the makings of a honey bee colony. Follow me and I will introduce you to the fascinating world of the honey bee.\n  \nAbout the Bellman Brown Bag Series…\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nPrograms 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. \n \nCoffee for the Bellman Brown Bag Series is generously provided by Common Grounds in Spearfish\, SD. \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/bellman-brown-bag-series-james-casper/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/April-Bellman-Casper-final-2ut9Kv.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230407T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230407T190000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T171842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T171842Z
UID:10000945-1680886800-1680894000@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Community Art Show
DESCRIPTION:The Matthews Opera House and Art Center is excited to announce its 44th Annual Community Art Show. Once again\, the Matthews is opening its doors to artists of all ages and abilities\, from amateur to professional\, to exhibit their work. \nAn opening reception will be held April 7 at 5 pm\, and the event is free to attend. The public is welcome to attend this reception which will include hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar. Winners of Best of Show\, adult\, and youth categories will be announced that evening. Attendees will also be offered the first opportunity to cast their ballot for People’s Choice. Voting will remain open in this category through April 28. The People’s Choice Award will be announced on the Matthews Facebook page on May 6. \nThe exhibition will be on display in the Matthews Gallery from April 3 – May 6 during regular business hours\, Monday – Friday\, 10 am – 5 pm.
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/community-art-show/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2023-CAS-opening-reception-header-Cyyb5z.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20230322T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20230326T170000
DTSTAMP:20260613T141810
CREATED:20260611T171840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T171840Z
UID:10000943-1679479200-1679850000@matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com
SUMMARY:Call for Entry
DESCRIPTION:The Matthews Opera House and Art Center is excited to announce a call for entry for their 44th annual Community Art Show. Once again\, the Matthews is opening its doors to artists of all ages and abilities\, from amateur to professional\, to exhibit their work.  \nAwards will be given in six different categories: Best of Show\, People’s Choice\, Adult (with first\, second\, and third awards)\, and as well as awards for youth. Prize amounts will depend on the category. Patrons to the gallery are also encouraged to vote for People’s Choice until April 28.  \nAn opening reception will be held on April 7 at 5 pm\, and the event is free to attend. Winners of Best of Show\, adult\, and youth categories will be announced that evening. Attendees will also be offered the first opportunity to cast their ballot for People’s Choice. Voting will remain open in this category through April 28. The People’s Choice Award will be announced on the Matthews Facebook page on May 6.  \nThis call is open to all artists\, age groups\, levels\, and media. Works created by individuals 18+ must be for sale. Works by artists under 18 are exempt from this rule and may be marked “not for sale.” \nEntries must be delivered to the Matthews Gallery at 612 N Main St\, Spearfish from March 20 – 25. The Community Art Show will exhibit from April 3 – May 6 and is free for public viewing Monday through Friday from 10 am until 5 pm. Pieces may be picked up the week after the show has concluded.  \nDownload the application here! \n 
URL:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/event/call-for-entry/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://matthewsopera2026.tdgwebhost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2023-CAS-web-header1-IK4pRF.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR