Matthews Opera House

Swinging Christmas with Sophia Beatty
2023-12-17 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver)
Swinging Christmas with Sophia Beatty
Holiday jazz at the Matthews!
Showtime:
December 17 at 2 pm
Box Office: 1 pm | House Opens: 1:30 pm
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at (605) 642-7973, or by visiting the Matthews Gallery at 612 N. Main Street, Spearfish.
Join us on Sunday, December 17 at 2 pm as Black Hills singer/songwriter Sophia Beatty gives a special holiday performance. Expect to hear some of your favorite Christmas songs, as well as many of the most popular jazz songs made famous by artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Billie Holiday. Sophia will be accompanied by a full jazz band. You won’t want to miss this “one day only” event!
A variety of seating options are available for this event:
Balcony seating: $25 for advance reservations; $30 day of show.
Cabaret-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
Historic 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.
A cash bar will also be available throughout the event.
Enjoy good wine, great jazz, and celebrate the holidays with the Matthews!

About Sophia Beatty

Based in the Black Hills of South Dakota, 25-year-old singer and songwriter Sophia Beatty sings with passion and heart that can be truly felt. She is known for her ability to sing classic jazz and soul cover music. From Etta James to Ella Fitzgerald to Aretha Franklin, she covers a whole variety of well known music that gets people up on their feet and singing along.
Building on this creative powerhouse of covers, Sophia has recently taken to the streets to share her original creations as well, which have been applauded greatly by the regional music community. She is already well on her way to becoming a staple of the northern plains musical experience. Sophia’s gift of synesthesia makes her original acoustic songs unique and emotionally moving. The journey her music will bring you on is something one must experience when traveling through the Black Hills.
Learn more about the artist at sophiabeatty.com
Listen Now…

AUDITIONS: 37 Postcards
2023-12-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-12-12 18:00 - 20:00
Audition Dates: December 12 & 13 at 6 pm
at the Matthews Opera House
Audition selections will be available in the Matthews Gallery beginning Monday, November 27
RATED PG13: This show contains some language and situations that may not be suitable for children under the age of 13.
The Story…
After years of traveling abroad, Avery Sutton is happy to return to the comfort of his home in Connecticut. Unfortunately, almost nothing is as he remembered it. The entire house is tilted at a distinct angle, the dog hasn’t been fed in five years, and Avery’s Grandmother, who everyone thought was dead, is still alive and kicking. Forced to either accept the oddities of his family or leave them behind, 37 Postcards suggests that you can, in fact, go home again… You just never know what you’re going to find.
Audition Information…
Audition dates: December 12 & 13 from 6 – 8 pm.
Audition location: Matthews Opera House, 612 N. Main Street, Spearfish
What to expect: No experience necessary! You will be asked to read with other participants from sections of the script previously selected by the director. You may choose to commit to a “cold read” (seeing the script for the first time), or you may get the scene selections in advance to become familiar with them. Scene selections will be available in the Matthews Gallery by November 27 at 10 am.
Auditions are also a great time to express your interest in backstage work, set building, lights and all of the other necessary skills that make a show great! Stop by if you have any interest “behind the scenes” and visit with the director.
Performance Dates
Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 pm on February 9, 10, 16 & 17
Sunday matinees at 2 pm on February 11 & 18
Character List:
2 males, 4 females
AVERY SUTTON – (31 years old, male) Bright, likable, perhaps a little nerdy
EVELYN SUTTON – (50s) Lovely and gracious, somewhat oblivious to everything around her.
STANFORD P. SUTTON – (Late 50s) Great warmth and dignity, also somewhat oblivious.
AUNT ESTER – (40s) The ultimate homemaker, sweet, daft and surprisingly insightful.
GILLIAN MOORE – (20s) Avery’s fiancé, beautiful, but with an edge, a rhinestone wanting to be a diamond.
NANA (97) – Looks every minute of her 97 years, half deaf, half blind, and foul-mouthed.

Bellman Brown Bag Series: Spearfish Piano Duet Club
2023-12-13 12:00 - 13:00
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.”
It’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.
The 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.
About Spearfish Piano Duet Club…
The 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.
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.

Plaid Tidings
2023-12-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-12-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-12-08 19:00 - 21:00
Plaid Tidings
A “Forever Plaid” Showcase Production
produced in partnership with Sanford Underground Research Facility
Showtimes: December 8, and 9 at 7 pm
Box Office: 6 pm | House Opens: 6:30 pm
December 10 at 2 pm
Box Office: 1 pm | House Opens: 1:30 pm

RATING: G.
The legendary Plaids come back to Earth to spread yuletide joy with the greatest holiday hits of the ages. Filled with Christmas standards that have all been “Plaid-erized,” our boys are back to do their Christmas Special.
At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky aren’t sure why they’ve returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites, like their riotous three-minute-and-eleven-second version of The Ed Sullivan Show – this time, featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir, as well as a Plaid Caribbean Christmas that puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis!
This truly “heaven-sent” holiday treat will lift audiences’ spirits and fill them with nostalgia for a bygone era of classic music sung in perfect harmony.

A variety of seating options are available for this event:
Balcony seating: $25 for advance reservations; $30 day of show.
Cabaret-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
Historic 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.
A cash bar will also be available throughout the event.

Second Saturday Song Circle
2023-12-09 12:30 - 14:30
Jam Date: December 9, 2023 at 12:30 pm
(Please check our facebook page and/or website for event updates, cancelations, etc. for the most accurate information on recurring events)

at the Matthews Opera House
What is a Jam?
Matthews Opera House & Arts Center is proud to host the Second Saturday Song Circle, open to bluegrass and old-time folk musicians. These “jams” are set aside for string instrument players who want to share songs, make new friends, and enjoy a casual afternoon of string band music. They are perfect for musicians who have been playing solo and want to get used to playing in a group setting; those who have just learned how to play and want to play with others; those who have instruments that have been gathering dust for a “few” years; experienced players who are trying out playing instruments other than their primary instrument; and, people who are comfortable playing their instrument but want to become more comfortable leading a song.
Each session opens the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! ALL are welcome to join the circle for an afternoon of playing classic grass and folk favorites.

Matthews Christmas Tea
2023-12-02 13:00 - 15:00
Matthews Christmas Tea
A holiday tradition returns!
Saturday, December 2 at 1 pm
House Opens: 12:40 pm
One 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.
Tickets 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.

Best of Broadway with Andrea Ross
2023-11-12 14:00 - 16:00
Andrea Ross
Best of Broadway
Sunday, November 12 at 2 pm
Box Office: 1 pm | House Opens: 1:30 pm
Andrew Lloyd Webber protégé Andrea Ross is an internationally recognized vocalist, Broadway performer and recording artist. Heralded by Lloyd Webber as a generational talent, her voice will transport you to a time when legendary leading ladies graced the stage, singing the timeless melodies of Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein and more. Expect to be inspired, filled with nostalgia, and uplifted by tuneful music from this most golden era of song, delivered by a voice born to sing among the stars.
Learn more about the artist at andreaross.com
A variety of seating options are available for this event:
Balcony seating: $25 for advance reservations; $30 day of show.
Cabaret-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
Historic 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.
A cash bar will also be available throughout the event.
Listen Now…

The Mae Simpson Band
2023-11-11 20:00 - 22:00
Mae Simpson Band
The Matthews Opera House and Spread the Tunes are proud to present Minneapolis artists The Mae Simpson Band.
Showtime:
November 11 at 8 pm
Box Office: 7 pm | House Opens: 7:30 pm
Advance tickets: $20 General Admission
Day of Show: $25 General Admission
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at (605) 642-7973, or by visiting the Matthews Gallery at 612 N. Main Street, Spearfish.
The Mae Simpson Band blurs the lines between a wide range of influences — from the depth and energy of funk and rock, down the the melodic edge of R&B and folk. The band is led by Mae Simpson, whose “voice is larger than life, but not as large as her uncontainable energy that radiates from the stage” (Helen Teague – Minnesota Public Radio ). Known for their intense and exciting live shows, the band has an immediate impact that favors the human connection between the musicians and the audience. The Mae Simpson Band has opened for acts like Dermot Kennedy, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and more, and have played many notable stages across the Midwest, including First Avenue, The Fillmore MPLS, the Basilica Block Party, and Blue Ox. If you’re a fan of artists such as Alabama Shakes, Lake Street Dive and Bruce Springsteen, Mae Simpson is right up your alley.
Ticket sales help benefit local nonprofit organizations.

Bellman Brown Bag Series: Tim Velder
2023-11-08 12:00 - 13:00
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?”
Father 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.
About Tim Velder…
Tim 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.
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.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
2023-11-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-11-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-11-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-10-29 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-10-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-10-27 19:00 - 21:00
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
A community theater drama by Dale Wasserman
Showtimes:
October 27, 28, November 3, and 4 at 7 pm
Box Office: 6 pm | House Opens: 6:30 pm
October 29 and November 5 at 2 pm
Box Office: 1 pm | House Opens: 1:30 pm
No late admission to main floor. Late arrivals will be accommodated in the balcony as seats permit.
RATING: R. This show has mature themes and language. While the Matthews is not enforcing age restrictions, ticketholders are advised to use discretion when purchasing seats for sensitive or young viewers.
Advance tickets: $20 for adults and $10 for youth.
Day of Show: $25 for adults and $15 for youth.
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at (605) 642-7973, or by visiting the Matthews Gallery at 612 N. Main Street, Spearfish.
This stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s celebrated novel explores the brutality of life in a mental institution with humor, candor, and unforgettable characters.
After being convicted of a petty crime, a charming, rebellious rogue named McMurphy contrives to serve his short sentence in an airy mental institution rather than in a prison. This, he soon learns, was a mistake. He immediately clashes with the authoritarian head nurse, a fierce martinet named Nurse Ratched. Despite Ratched’s strict reign, McMurphy quickly takes over the yard, leading others out of introversion, staging a revolt so that they can see the World Series on television, and arranging a rollicking midnight party with liquor and women. But McMurphy’s brash insubordination has its consequences.

"Art At BHSU" Opening Reception
2023-10-20 17:00 - 19:00
The Matthews Opera House and Arts Center is excited to host “Art at BHSU,” an exhibit featuring the art of Black Hills State University students, staff, and faculty! The Matthews will celebrate this special exhibit with an opening reception on Friday, October 20th from 5-7 pm at the Matthews Gallery. The public is welcome to attend this reception which will include the first look at exhibited artwork free hors d’ oeuvres, as well as special guest speakers at 6 pm.
The exhibition will be on display in the Matthews Gallery from October 16 – January 6 during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm.

JAS Quintet
2023-10-15 14:00 - 16:00
JAS Quintet
One of the top jazz ensembles in the region
Sunday, October 15 at 2 pm
Box Office: 1 pm | House Opens: 1:30 pm
JAS Quintet is one of South Dakota’s premier jazz ensembles. Formed in 2021 and based in Sioux Falls, the ensemble continues to perform concert and festival dates throughout the region. JAS features the classic jazz quintet instrumentation of trumpet, saxophone, piano, bass, and drums. Their repertoire is a diverse mix of old and new, featuring many original compositions and arrangements by members of the band. Concerts include favorites from Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and contemporary artists. You are sure to hear many familiar tunes during a JAS concert along with a few new jazz classics. The members of the JAS Quintet are recognized as some of the finest jazz musicians and educators in the region. Touring extensively throughout South Dakota as a part of the South Dakota Arts Council’s Touring Artist program, the JAS Quintet has established a reputation as one of the top jazz ensembles in the region. More information can be found at JASQuintet.com
A variety of seating options are available for this event:
Balcony seating: $25 for advance reservations; $30 day of show.
Cabaret-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
Historic 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.
A cash bar will also be available throughout the event.
Meet the performers…

Joel Shotwell | Saxophones
Jim Speirs | Trumpet & Flugel Horn
Jeffrey Paul | Piano
Andrew Reinartz | Bass
Daniel Heier | Drums
Listen Now…

Backstage Pass
2023-10-14 19:00 - 21:00
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!
About Young Life and Wyldlife

Spearfish 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:

Go where kids are and build relationships with them.
Provide 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.
Sharing the love of God.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s continued outreach to the youth of our community.

To find out more about Spearfish Young Life, visit their website
About The Pocket Junkies
In the pocket: Grooving. Where the rhythm section is locked in and working as a unit.
The Pocket Junkies are a conglomeration of seasoned jazz and blues professionals who are currently residing in the Black Hills.
The line-up:
Alex Diaz is on bass.
Sivan 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.
Johnny Hastings is a local Rapid City blues guitarist who has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Buddy Guy
Kaleb Britton is a fabulous local drummer who grew up in Rapid City and lived in New Orleans for years playing with only the best.

Bellman Brown Bag Series: JJ Kent
2023-10-11 12:00 - 13:00
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.

Co/Lab Reception
2023-10-06 16:00 - 18:00
The Matthews Art Gallery will host the Members Exhibition to coincide with the Co/Lab Conference, to highlight the creative work of the membership of the Northwest Chapter of the Society for Photographic Education, the South Dakota Art Education Association, and the South Dakota College Arts Association.
The Matthews will celebrate this special exhibit with a closing reception on Friday, October 6th from 4-6 pm at the Matthews Gallery. The public is welcome to attend this reception.
The exhibition will be on display in the Matthews Gallery from September 11 – October 6 during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm.
Visit the Online Gallery Here

Kenny Putnam and Jami Lynn featuring Jake Jackson
2023-09-30 19:00 - 21:00
Kenny Putnam and Jami Lynn
Featuring Jake Jackson
Saturday, September 30 at 7 pm
Box Office: 6 pm | House Opens: 6:30 pm
No late admission to main floor. Late arrivals will be accommodated in the balcony as seats permit.
Advance tickets: $30 for adults and $15 for youth.
Day of Show: $35 for adults and $20 for youth.
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at (605) 642-7973, or by visiting the Matthews Gallery at 612 N. Main Street, Spearfish.
The celebrated two-time South Dakota Fiddle Champ and internationally touring artist Kenny Putnam joins singer/songwriter Jami Lynn for an evening of new, old, and original music. The two have performed together in various groups over the years, but have rarely had a chance to feature their musical conversation in this capacity. Multi-instrumentalist Jake Jackson of Spearfish-based band Six Mile Road will round out their sound on guitar, violin, and voice.
The evening will contain a broad range of traditional folk, original Americana, and jazz music, featuring Putnam’s well-honed voice on fiddle, Jackson’s sharp guitar licks and Jami Lynn’s stylings on banjo and voice– the most compelling part of the evening being the magic of a new collaboration dressed up by the polish and taste of seasoned performers.
KENNY PUTNAM Musician and graphic artist Kenny Putnam is from Rapid City but has studied, lived and worked in many places. As a professional musician he has performed on stages, big and small–nationally and internationally. Stages include, The Grand Ol’ Opry, The Tonight Show, Hee Haw, the JFK Center for the Performing Arts, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and the Oktober Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia, performing with the legendary Roy Clark.
Putnam is a two-time South Dakota Fiddle Champ who began touring and recording with The Red Willow Band in 1975. He was invited by the Smithsonian Institution in 1975 and 1976 to participate in The Festival of American Folklife, demonstrating violin making and playing. With Red Willow he toured coast-to-coast for over six years, making two albums. Putnam got off the road in 1989 to continue his art degree (began at the University of South Dakota) at the University of Iowa earning a B.F.A. in painting and a Master of Journalism by 1992.
After grad school, Kenny’s wife Linnea, a clinical pharmacist, took a job in Rapid City in 1993. After coming home, Putnam worked in marketing and the graphic arts for large corporate businesses. Musically, he performed and recorded with a South Dakota Acoustic Christmas for 21 years. The group raised more than 1.3 million dollars for non-profits organizations across the State. In 2001 Putnam released a solo recording entitled “Sure Beats Me”, and recently recorded his second album in Austin, Texas called “Odd Numbers”. Working with musical groups, he has been a two-time Grammy nominee and, working with South Dakota Public Broadcasting, won an Emmy.
Putnam is currently doing art, having opened a ceramic studio. His work is featured at Prairie Edge Gallery in Rapid City, SD and Rehfelds Fine Art Gallery in Sioux Falls, SD. Read more about the artist at SDPB Radio!
JAMI LYNN Hailing from the Great Plains of eastern South Dakota, Jami Lynn began performing folk and bluegrass music at the age of thirteen. It took little coaxing from her grandfather to make the transition from the audience to the stage, where old-time country, polka, and regional folk music reigned supreme. Now days, she performs original folk music accompanied on claw-hammer banjo and finger-style guitar. She performs solo, with Sioux Falls based band, The JAS Quintet, and as one half of folk duo The Nesters. When not performing for public audiences, Jami also brings folk music to elementary students and hospital systems through the South Dakota State Arts Council’s Artists in the Schools & Communities program and Touring Artist program. Read more about the artist in 605 Magazine!
JAKE JACKSON Jake Jackson currently lives in Spearfish but was raised in the Rockerville area of the Black Hills. Long-known as a vocalist and string musician in the band Six Mile Road, there aren’t many local stages that he hasn’t played in his 30+ years of performance.
Primarily known for his talents on violin and guitar, Jake also picked up other instruments over the years, including clawhammer banjo and mandolin. He knew he wanted to play music at the age of nine after the Rapid City chamber orchestra visited his grade school and his journey with the violin began. By 15, he had found a new love and freedom with music when he began studying bluegrass and Irish fiddle tunes. He picked up the guitar when the band Six Mile Road formed in 1998 and, since that time, has performed regularly around the Black Hills. In 2019, he released an album with Six Mile Road, “Takes A Long Time,” and has been featured on several recording projects over the years with a variety of local artists.

Although his own compositions can be generalized as Americana, he enjoys playing Bluegrass, Celtic tunes, and Gypsy Jazz music, though he appreciates a wide variety of genres. The Grateful Dead influenced his thoughts on spontaneous simultaneous manufacture and presentation (improvisation), which is essential to the styles of music he creates. He can’t say he ever pursued music, as much as it’s just been woven into his life and he can’t imagine being without it. Read about the artist in South Dakota Magazine!
Listen Now…

Willi Carlisle with Adda Boyd
2023-09-26 20:00 - 22:00
We’re having a hootenanny! Join us at the Matthews for Rhythm and Brews, our new summer series celebrating American roots music!
Not only do we have an incredible lineup of performers, check out these ala cart items, available at the Matthews day of show:
• Crow Peak Brewery is on-site to keep the libations flowing and…wait for it…each ticketholder (21+) receives a token for one free flight of beer! (Additional drinks available for purchase).
• Plus, our friends at The Original Spearfish Breakfast House will be serving up some of their seriously delicious food, available for purchase throughout the evening.

Willi Carlisle
Tuesday, September 26
Doors: 7 pm | Show: 8 pm
WILLI CARLISLE is a poet and a folk singer for the people, but his extraordinary gift for turning a phrase isn’t about high falutin’ pontificatin’; it’s about looking out for one another and connecting through our shared human condition. Born and raised on the Midwestern plains, Carlisle is a product of the punk-to-folk music pipeline that’s long-fueled frustrated young men looking to resist. After falling for the rich ballads and tunes of the Ozarks, where he now lives, he began examining the full spectrum of American musical history. This insatiable stylistic diversity is obvious in his wildly raucous live performances, where songs range from sardonic trucker-ballads like “Vanlife” to the heartbreaking queer waltz “Life on the Fence,” to an existential talkin’ blues about a panic attack in Walmart’s aisle five. With guitar, fiddle, button-box, banjo, harmonicas, rhythm-bones, and Willi’s booming baritone, this is bonafide populist folk music in the tradition of cowboys, frontier fiddlers, and tall-tale tellers. Carlisle recognizes that the only thing holding us back from greatness is each other. With a quick wit and big sing-alongs, these folksongs bring us a step closer to breaking down our divides.
“Willi Carlisle’s latest is good for what ails ya, whatever ails ya.”
-Arkansas Times
“I’ll be damned if the heartstrings don’t get a firm tug.”
-Music Mecca
“A rave-up raconteur and a seasoned troubadour in the vein of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott or Utah Phillips, Carlisle sings big, feels everything, spins yarns and takes you to the heart of American characters”
-WMOT — Best of AmericanaFest 2022

Adda Boyd
Spearfish up-and-comer Adda Boyd continues to make a name for herself as a confident new voice in neo-traditional country. Adda’s fresh off a solo performance at the world-famous Ruffed Up Duck Saloon in Laramie, part of the first-ever Western AF Music Showcase.

Illusionist Craig Karges
2023-09-22 19:00 - 21:00
Craig Karges
Experience the Extraordinary!
Friday, September 22 at 7 pm
Box Office: 6 pm | House Opens: 6:30 pm
No late admission to main floor. Late arrivals will be accommodated in the balcony as seats permit.
Advance tickets: $30 for adults and $15 for youth.
Day of Show: $35 for adults and $20 for youth.
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at (605) 642-7973, or by visiting the Matthews Gallery at 612 N. Main Street, Spearfish.

Craig 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.
Craig 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!”
Although 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.
Craig Karges is unique’ what he does on stage is totally different, and there is no other show like “Experience the Extraordinary!”
Audiences 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.
Craig 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.
Performance, 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.
From 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.

Theater Running in Place
2023-09-17 14:00 - 17:00
Theater on the Run is back for its twelfth year! Our special matinee performance of “Theater Running in Place,” presents all the fun and variety of Theater on the Run in a single venue: The Matthews Opera House Theater. Our actors will perform a series of five playlets on the Matthews stage with appetizers available between each show in the fireplace room.
Ticket sales begin on Tuesday, August 15 at 10 a.m. All tickets are $40. The ticket includes the show and appetizers. Drinks are available for an addition cost.
The plays and directors
“Accused of Comedy,” by Carl L. Williams
Directed by Jon Steven Wiley
After comedy has been outlawed in society, two bottom-of-the-barrel comics face trial for committing comedy. They discover humor is no laughing matter.
“Matterhorn,” by Rich Orloff
Directed by Matt Woodard
Stuck in a never-ending line at Disneyland, a husband and wife are just on the verge of killing each other — until they devise a novel solution to their marital woes…
“Complaint Department and Lemonade,” by Kamron Klitgaard
Directed by Tytus Spivey
In this rapid succession of hysterical grievances, the complaint department takes on everything from Oreo icing to kleptomania and from songs stuck in the head to the price of cheese and on and on and on. Could there be a glimmer of hope for anyone in charge of a complaint department?
“Pier #70,” by Grant Binkleman
Directed by Max Merchen
Based on a true story. This retelling is mostly accurate…except when it’s not.
“A Tale of Two Spectators,” by Peter Manos
Directed by CA Dougherty
In a park, a man and a woman secretly watch their respective spouses carry on an affair. As time goes on we realize they have been meeting like this to watch their spouses for quite some time and have even developed something of a bond with each other, despite their predicament. And perhaps they have discovered a little more about themselves and their lives, as well.
Tickets go on sale August 15
Tickets go on sale at 10 am, Tuesday, Aug. 15. Get yours at The Matthews Gallery (612 N. Main Street, Spearfish) or by phone, 605.642.7973, during business hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets may also be purchased online at matthewsopera.com.

Theater on the Run 2023
2023-09-16 18:00 - 21:00
Theater on the Run is back for its twelfth year on Saturdays, September 9 & 16 at 6 pm!
Four downtown Spearfish businesses open their doors to a group of our actors who will perform a playlet in each location. After each show, the audience moves to a new location to enjoy another performance. Completing the “run”, the evening ends with a performance in the Matthews theater for all 104 ticketholders. Refreshments are available at each venue.
The play and cast remain the same on both dates, just the downtown locations change. Tickets are limited to 26 seats per venue, for a total of 104 tickets each weekend.
On both evenings, The Matthews Opera House theater will be the location of the finale performance.
A Sunday matinee performance is also scheduled. This special showing will “run in place” with all shows presented in the Matthews theater and snacks provided in the fireplace room.
How does Theater on the Run work?
Theater on the Run begins with four different groups of theater patrons–26 people each– starting at a pre-determined location. After each group has enjoyed a 15-20 minute play, the audience rotates to the next location to view the next production. This will continue until the finale, where all four groups will meet in the Matthews Opera House for the last show. Each venue will have beverages for sale, with some offering adult and some offering non-adult beverages. Appetizers are included in the cost of the ticket.
Theater on the Run is a fun and unique way to experience theater which has made it one of our most popular events each year. A limited amount of tickets are available and the event has quickly sold out since 2012, so make sure to get them early. This event is one you won’t want to miss! Tickets are only sold in The Matthews art gallery or online and must be purchased in advance. The participating venues are NOT selling tickets.
A sporting chance…
Ticket sales begin on Tuesday, August 15 at 10 a.m. This will be strictly enforced.
Tickets sell out quickly and we want to ensure every patron has an equal opportunity to get theirs. Any attempts to purchase tickets prior to August 15 at 10 am will not be honored.
A little advice for groups…
If attending the performance with a group, we recommend purchasing all tickets in one transaction to ensure seats are available to accommodate the entire party. If you must purchase them separately, please pay careful attention to your “starting” location to make sure the whole party “starts their run” in the same venue. Due to seating limitations, we are unable to make changes once your purchase is complete.
Only 104 tickets per evening!
We have only 104 tickets each for Sept. 9 and 16, for a total of 208 tickets. All tickets are $40. The ticket includes the show and appetizers that are provided by all of the participating downtown venues. Drinks are available at many of the venues, for an addition cost (proceeds go directly to the venue).
The plays and directors
“Accused of Comedy,” by Carl L. Williams
Directed by Jon Steven Wiley
After comedy has been outlawed in society, two bottom-of-the-barrel comics face trial for committing comedy. They discover humor is no laughing matter.
“Matterhorn,” by Rich Orloff
Directed by Matt Woodard
Stuck in a never-ending line at Disneyland, a husband and wife are just on the verge of killing each other — until they devise a novel solution to their marital woes…
“Complaint Department and Lemonade,” by Kamron Klitgaard
Directed by Tytus Spivey
In this rapid succession of hysterical grievances, the complaint department takes on everything from Oreo icing to kleptomania and from songs stuck in the head to the price of cheese and on and on and on. Could there be a glimmer of hope for anyone in charge of a complaint department?
“Pier #70,” by Grant Binkleman
Directed by Max Merchen
Based on a true story. This retelling is mostly accurate…except when it’s not.
“A Tale of Two Spectators,” by Peter Manos
Directed by CA Dougherty
In a park, a man and a woman secretly watch their respective spouses carry on an affair. As time goes on we realize they have been meeting like this to watch their spouses for quite some time and have even developed something of a bond with each other, despite their predicament. And perhaps they have discovered a little more about themselves and their lives, as well.
The “Run”
Sept. 9 play locations are:
Good Earth Natural Foods: “Accused of Comedy”
St. Vincent De Paul: “A Tale of Two Spectators”
Original Spearfish Breakfast House: “Complaint Department and Lemonade”
Matthews Opera House Gallery: “Matterhorn”
Finale: The Matthews Opera House Theater: “Pier #70”
Sept. 16 play locations are:
Studio 621: “Accused of Comedy”
Blackbird Espresso: “A Tale of Two Spectators”
Common Grounds: “Complaint Department and Lemonade”
Matthews Opera House Gallery: “Matterhorn”
Finale: The Matthews Opera House Theater: “Pier #70”
Tickets go on sale August 15
Tickets go on sale at 10 am, Tuesday, Aug. 15. Get yours at The Matthews Gallery (612 N. Main Street, Spearfish) or by phone, 605.642.7973, during business hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets may also be purchased online at matthewsopera.com. Tickets will not be available before 10 am.

Bellman Brown Bag Series: Black Hills Paranormal Investigations
2023-09-13 12:00 - 13:00
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.
“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?

About Black Hills Paranormal Investigations…

BHPI 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

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.

Theater on the Run 2024
2023-09-09 18:00 - 21:00
