When we chose to retire in the northern Black Hills four years ago, we had lots of good reasons. The cultural and sporting events at Black Hills State University, beautiful Spearfish Canyon, Black Hills National Forest, and medical facilities in Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base were among them. For us, Belle Fourche was NOT a factor in luring us here.
Then, nearly two years ago, we had an epiphany and revealed it in this old Black Hills Monitor posting.
In the two years since, we’ve grown to like Belle Fourche even more.
Last night (4/28/09) was the frosting on the cake that will keep us going back to Belle Fourche for more.
A full-house at the Belle Fourche Community Center reveled in one of the best Big Band concerts we’ve ever seen – and we’ve seen more than a few in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Pennsylvania over the past four decades.
The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, led by the talented and amiable Bill Tole from Pittsburgh, gave the crowd a toe-tapping performance that was a fitting finale to the 2008-09 Center of the Nation Concert Series. From Green Eyes and Amapola to June Night and So Rare, the 14-member orchestra – joined by vocalist Nancy Knorr – gave the audience a happy trip down memory lane. Too, it was heartwarming to see the orchestra populated not just by veterans like Nole, but several young musicians who were likely not even born by the time Jimmy Dorsey passed away in 1957.
Concerts like the one we enjoyed last night don’t just happen. They’re the product of a vision and lots of hard work by Belle Fourche citizens.
Let’s name names. All of the members of the concert association Board of Directors deserve credit. Board President Barry Pitt has served as emcee for a season of great concerts, including the Frank Vignola Quintent, Trumpet Invasion, Just Friends, Counterpoint, and – of course – Jimmy Dorsey! Good friend Bill Kunerth -- among the board members -- capably handled publicity again this year for the association!
Many sponsors like Lindstad Trout Farm & Lindstad Alignment and Brake (which was a sponsor for the Dorsey concert) are important. Black Hills Pioneer/Prospector, KBFS/KYDT Radio, Belle Fourche Post & Bee, and First Western Bank have all been strong supporters of the concerts and deserve a special “Thank You”!
A big tip of the hat to dozens of Benefactors, Patrons, Donors and Contributors, without whom this series likely couldn’t survive. Most importantly, the hundreds of people who purchase tickets that support the series. Even with the modest increase announced for next year, this is one of the best bargains in the northern Black Hills! Highway 85 between Belle Fourche and Spearfish is a busy road as northern Hills residents outside of Belle burn a path back and forth on concert evenings!
Belle Fourche can be rightfully proud of the Center of the Nation Concert Series!
Then, nearly two years ago, we had an epiphany and revealed it in this old Black Hills Monitor posting.
In the two years since, we’ve grown to like Belle Fourche even more.
Last night (4/28/09) was the frosting on the cake that will keep us going back to Belle Fourche for more.
A full-house at the Belle Fourche Community Center reveled in one of the best Big Band concerts we’ve ever seen – and we’ve seen more than a few in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Pennsylvania over the past four decades.The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, led by the talented and amiable Bill Tole from Pittsburgh, gave the crowd a toe-tapping performance that was a fitting finale to the 2008-09 Center of the Nation Concert Series. From Green Eyes and Amapola to June Night and So Rare, the 14-member orchestra – joined by vocalist Nancy Knorr – gave the audience a happy trip down memory lane. Too, it was heartwarming to see the orchestra populated not just by veterans like Nole, but several young musicians who were likely not even born by the time Jimmy Dorsey passed away in 1957.
Concerts like the one we enjoyed last night don’t just happen. They’re the product of a vision and lots of hard work by Belle Fourche citizens.
Let’s name names. All of the members of the concert association Board of Directors deserve credit. Board President Barry Pitt has served as emcee for a season of great concerts, including the Frank Vignola Quintent, Trumpet Invasion, Just Friends, Counterpoint, and – of course – Jimmy Dorsey! Good friend Bill Kunerth -- among the board members -- capably handled publicity again this year for the association!
Many sponsors like Lindstad Trout Farm & Lindstad Alignment and Brake (which was a sponsor for the Dorsey concert) are important. Black Hills Pioneer/Prospector, KBFS/KYDT Radio, Belle Fourche Post & Bee, and First Western Bank have all been strong supporters of the concerts and deserve a special “Thank You”!
A big tip of the hat to dozens of Benefactors, Patrons, Donors and Contributors, without whom this series likely couldn’t survive. Most importantly, the hundreds of people who purchase tickets that support the series. Even with the modest increase announced for next year, this is one of the best bargains in the northern Black Hills! Highway 85 between Belle Fourche and Spearfish is a busy road as northern Hills residents outside of Belle burn a path back and forth on concert evenings!
Belle Fourche can be rightfully proud of the Center of the Nation Concert Series!
1 comment:
Nice to see credit given to all those Belle Fourche citizens who work so hard behind the scenes to make these concerts happen. So few people are aware of the lengths to which the Concert Association goes so the rest of us can enjoy such fine shows. The arts are alive and well in Belle Fourche due to the efforts of these fine folks and to all those who subscribe. Kudos!!
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