Dakota Discography

by Ruth Milne

I apologize for the lack of new posts; expect regular coverage to resume in April.

by Ruth Milne

Do you know why South Dakota’s so windy?

Because North Dakota sucks and Nebraska blows.

I first heard that joke in junior high, and obviously it’s a really great one if I remember it after all these years. I’m sure there are similar ones focusing on Oklahoma, but that state does have something we don’t: a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

The 1955 film version of “Oklahoma!” starring Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae is playing tomorrow night, Sunday, March 8, at the Elks Theatre in downtown Rapid City. Showtime is at 6:30 p.m., and all seats are $5.

by Ruth Milne

Just to clear things up, NWA isn’t performing at this one either.

Fetchingly titled “Blood, Sweat and Beers,” Saturday’s benefit show features some of the hardest rockers in the Rapid City scene. American Heavy Metal Weekend, Disorderly, Sonic Future, Johnny Kamikaze & the Skuds, and Nerve Agent perform music that falls mainly in the rock ‘n’ roll and/or punk rock genre. Admission is $5 all ages, and all proceeds support the Rushmore Rollerz, an all-female, flat-track, skater owned and operated roller derby league. The show will be at TREA bingo hall, 1981 E. Centre St.

On a side note, you may have noticed that I haven’t used that “review” tag very much lately. I have a major exam this Saturday. Less than a week after that, I’ll be moving (residences, not cities); with those two things off my plate, I expect my schedule and finances will finally allow me to attend and review actual events more often.

Starting with this one; sorry, Reddmen/Stereotyperider/Fairbanks Blue, you’re awesome but I’m going to Blood, Sweat and Beers. I’ll catch you next time.

by Ruth Milne

This is titled Volume I, because there are two simultaneous shows scheduled for this Saturday night, March 7. That’s a shame, because the Rapid City scene isn’t large enough to split into two successful shows. And these two events would draw primarily the same audience.

The first features Rapid City’s own Reddmen, featured on Grey’s Anatomy and at the Smithsonian and in every local music lover’s CD collection. This is the power-pop trio’s first Rapid City show in months, possibly since last summer. Also on the lineup are local rock band Fairbanks Blue and Arizona rockers Stereotyperider.

The show is $5, and because it’s at Ifrits, this concert is 18 and older only.

Despite what the flyer would have you believe, NWA is not performing.

by Ruth Milne

Because to call these gentlemen “Boys” is just impossible:

Whatever you want to call them, this antique band brings their signature four-part harmonies and upbeat songs to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center (click for tickets and info) on Friday, March 6. The press release reads: “30 years of charted singles, 50 years of tradition.” Tradition’s one way to put it — but nobody who was in the band in 1945 is with it today. Not by a long shot.

This isn’t the Oak Ridge Fellas’ first time here; probably not the last, either. Rapid City, South Dakota, is a profitable market for feel-good country/gospel/pop music that’s long on tradition and short on controversy.

Tickets are $39.50 for balcony seating, $49.50 for the floor — plus fees — and everyone older than 2 requires a ticket. As usual, I wonder if they’ll card. Anyone want to try to sneak in a 3-year-old and get back to me?

by Ruth Milne

What do you get when you combine the Hegg brothers from Sioux Falls rock band Spooncat with multitalented local musician Hank Harris?

“Spooncat Harris,” naturally. This South Dakota supergroup wraps up the Winter Music Series at the Dahl Arts Center this Saturday, March 7. The rock-based show combines guitar, keyboards and horns. Tickets are $12 in advance, $8 for children younger than 12, $16 day of show, and $12 for Dahl members. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with a cash bar; showtime is 7:30 p.m.

During the concert, the Good Taste raffle concludes and winners will be announced for prizes including original art, a wall clock, and a personalized tour for two. Tickets sell 1 for $5, 3 for $10 and 10 for $20, and proceeds support performing arts in Rapid City. You need not be present to win.

For more information or to buy concert and/or raffle tickets, call the Dahl at 394-4101, ext. 200.

Spooncat Harris is not to be confused with Hairy Spooncat, pictured below:

by Ruth Milne

Elton John sold out within 10 minutes Saturday morning, a new record for the civic center. However, tickets are still available for this Thursday’s Kottonmouth Kings concert. The general admission tickets are $24 in advance, $26 day of show, available at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center box office and www.gotmine.com. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s an enlightening video of Kottonmouth Kings’ song “Where’s the Weed At?” (The concert is all ages.)

Opening acts are La Coka Nostra, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Big B & Dirtball.

Gosh, I feel old. I don’t know who any of those are.