Ring Wars 74

Friday, May 18^th, 7:00pm Barnett Arena

Originating in Rapid City in 2005, RingWars has proven to be South Dakota’s fastest growing mixed martial arts event. Attracting fighters from all over the United States, RingWars features both experienced and debut fighters. The RingWars 74 main event will feature fighters Jason Brown against Justin Winkles, and is expected to be one of the best matchups of the year. Fights begin at 7:00pm, with doors open at 6:00pm in Barnett Arena. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under, or $25 for adults and $10 for children the day of the show. This is a general admission event.

On Your Toes School of Dancing

Sat, May 20^th, Fine Arts Theatre – Ballet Performance, 11:00am, All other dance, 3:00pm

Specializing in a variety of dance forms including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and competition, On Your Toes School of Dancing is located in Rapid City with all 28 classes taught by Shari Trujillo, OYT. Emphasizing that dance is not only about competition and rigorous training, but also a creative outlet for students to express themselves, On Your Toes consistently delivers highly skilled students and an excellent performance. Showcasing two separate recitals this Saturday, a ballet show will take place at 11:00am entitled “Against the Music,” and 3:00pm will feature “Not the Same Old Song & Dance,” including all other dance forms.

Tech N9ne & Machine Gun Kelly

Tuesday, May 22^nd, 8:00pm Rushmore Hall North & A

Tech N9ne is raising the Hip Hop bar even higher with their “Hostile Takeover 2012” Tour, headed straight for the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. With 90 shows in 99 days, Tech N9ne will set the record for the longest Hip Hop tour ever completed, and they are bringing their amazing Hip Hop sound to each venue in full force. With intense, thought-provoking lyrics and electrifying songs, it’s no wonder Tech N9ne have found themselves in such high demand. Don’t miss your chance to become a part of history as Tech N9ne and Machine Gun Kelly explode onto the Civic Center stage with their Hostile Takeover Tour!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Prima School of Dance

Ballet-Only – Sat, May 12^th, 2:00pm, Non-Ballet – Sat, May 12^th, 7:00pm

Prima School of Dance has historically been the Black Hills’ largest dance studio, with a lasting legacy of quality dance education shown through the joy and success of its students. Welcoming both beginner and advanced students, one of the lasting traditions of Prima is their annual recital hosted in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Fine Arts Theatre. There will be two performances, including ballet and non-ballet.

Western Dakota Tech Graduation

Sat, May 12^th, 1:00pm in Barnett Arena

Our staff would like to congratulate all of the Western Dakota Tech graduates as they cross the stage to receive their hard-earned diplomas this weekend. We wish all the best as you explore the exciting new roads that lie ahead, and maybe the occasional detour as well. Western Dakota Tech continually produces graduates who become respected members within our community, and we look forward to hearing of your many achievements in the future.

Dance Elite Presents “Diverse – City”

Sun, May 13^th, 3:00pm in Fine Arts Theatre

Dance Elite Academy of Performing Arts is excited to present Diverse – City this weekend as their students showcase true talent and grace. Dance Elite specializes in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Irish Step Dance, Lyrical and Choreography for Pageants and Competition. Taught by Lia Malcolm, she is the only teacher certified by the Royal Academy of Dance in the Black Hills area, and many of her students have continued on to dance with companies and university dance ensembles.

…And looking ahead to next week!

There are many exciting events taking place next week. These include the third annual Day of Excellence on Wednesday, May 16^th, beginning at 8:30am in the Fine Arts Theatre. Attended by hundreds of individuals each year, we are pleased to host a remarkable lineup for 2012’s event. Speakers include Tim Gard, better known as the man with Comic Vision, Elaine Doll, a local educator and marathon runner, Steve Gilliland outlining a roadmap for success, and Tim Sanders, former Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo!

Also next week will be the Vucurevich Foundation presents Robert Gates, Thursday, May 17^th at 7:30pm in the Fine Arts Theatre. Robert Gates was the Secretary of Defense from 2006 – 2011, and promises to be an excellent speaker.

Shrine Circus

Friday May 4^th – Sunday May 6th

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Ok – so maybe that line was uttered during a movie, but it also applies to the dazzling spectacle that is the Shrine Circus. When you think of traditional family events and childhood memories, many of us recall sitting in our seats, taking in the wide-eyed wonder of the circus. With wild animals, graceful acrobats, daring stunts and a chipper ring leader to guide us through, the Shrine Circus is truly an event every family should experience. General Admission Seating is available through the Box Office, Reserved Seating purchased through the Naja Shriners. http://www.najashriners.com/

Academy of Dance Art Recital

“Sparkler” – Saturday, May 5^th, 1:00pm, “Confetti” – Saturday, May 5^th, 7:00pm

The Academy of Dance Arts presents two performances that will showcase the talents of their shining students. Through personalized attention and a staff of dance professionals, The Academy of Dance Arts has seen many of its former students progress to dancing with companies and leading university programs. Home to more than 300 students, “Sparkler” will feature students in early childhood, while “Confetti” features Level II Company students. Tickets are now on sale at $20.00 per show, or $35.00 for both shows.

SDSM&T Graduation

Saturday, May 5^th, in the Ice Arena

There’s no other milestone quite like graduation. Crossing the stage in a colorful cap and gown, the ceremony signifies so much more than a piece of paper. It’s the turning of a page, the beginning of the next chapter. We wish all of our 2012 graduates the best of luck in their future endeavors, and congratulate them on their years of hard work and dedication. And this year, families and friends will enjoy watching the students graduate in the Ice Arena, as they will also appear on the big screen. Congratulations to the 254 SDSM&T graduates!

Mayfest Dinner Auction

Saturday, May 5^th, Doors open at 5:00pm in LaCroix Hall

An enduring tradition in the Rapid City Catholic School System, Mayfest is entering its 32^nd year of fundraising for St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Thomas More Schools. Fundraising benefits are wide ranging and include tuition assistance, scholarships, enhancing the fine arts, improving technology, and many more. Students have completed over 5,000 hours of community service in the last year, including a mission trip to Honduras. Support the Rapid City Catholic School System this weekend at Mayfest, a dinner event for a commendable cause.

Martial Arts Tournament
April 28th, 10am – 6pm
Presented by Dynamic Martial Arts, this weekend’s tournament will feature over 70 divisions including Forms, Point-Sparring, Grappling and No-Gi Grappling. 16 Grand Champion Awards will be given out, plus thousands of dollars in trophies and prizes, including tournament scholarships. Visit Rushmore Hall this Saturday to support a true showcase of discipline, skill, and leadership. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for kids 12 and under, or $15 for a family pass.

BH Wholistic Health Expo
April 28th, 10am – 6pm, April 29th, 10am – 5pm
Are you feeling stressed? Have a couple of extra pounds you’d like to shed, or a nagging ache that just won’t go away? The Wholistic Health Expo aims to help educate visitors about alternative health care, and ways we can all play a bigger part in our own wellness. With a wide variety of booths staffed by regional healthcare practitioners and business owners, it’s the perfect opportunity to get answers to all of your health-related questions. Admission is free, however some booths may charge on an individual basis.

Black Hills Dance Festival
April 26th through April 28th
Shimmy into the 16th Annual Black Hills Dance Festival! It’s the premier showcase of Ballroom, Country, Latin, and Line Dancing with a weekend of dance workshops, dance performances, mixed with fun social dancing. Learn from professional instructors or simply enjoy the weekend as a spectator. Both experienced and non-experienced dancers are welcome, so grab your dancing shoes and make your way to the Civic Center!

Naja Temple Shrine Circus
May 4th, 1pm & 7pm, May 5th, 1pm & 7pm, May 6th, 2pm
What would a healthy body and mind be without a generous helping of fun?? Get your tickets for the three ring spectacle, a family event that’s guaranteed to entertain both young and old alike. Journey back to a time of wide-eyed wonder, or enjoy the show through your children’s eyes – there’s something for everyone! Wild animals, mischievous clowns, performers sailing through the air and a ring leader like no other. Don’t miss the Shrine Circus, May 4th through 6th!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

A proposal for a lighted, landscaped path through Memorial Park that aims to better connect the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center with downtown was endorsed Tuesday by the city facility’s board of directors.

Board members voted 5-0 to support the Memorial Park Promenade, which is the latest brainchild of Destination Rapid City, the downtown economic development group.

Destination hopes to get city council approval of the project in time to begin construction at the end of the summer, officials said. The group has committed to funding the $1 million to $1.2 million project entirely through private donations.

“This would be a nice enhancement,” said Brian Maliske, the civic center’s general manager.

Wyss Associates of Rapid City, the project’s designer, and Destination Rapid City president Dan Senftner were at the board meeting Tuesday to make the pitch for support.

At the civic center end of the promenade, the focus would be on creating a “visual cue” to pedestrians as they are nearing the civic center, landscape architect Mark Jobman said.

The plans include a large entry plaza with tall lighted spires reminiscent of those at Main Street Square and a canopy that wraps all the way around the building to the ice arena entrance. Event posters or something similar would be mounted directly onto the ice arena’s back brick wall.

“As you’re walking toward the civic center on the promenade, even though it’s not an entrance into the civic center, we want it to look and feel like an entrance, instead of walking up to a blank wall,” said Pat Wyss, owner of Wyss Associates.

Maliske said the civic center had intended to do something more with that wall, but when the ice arena project was rebid to save money, a proposed mural was among the items removed.

“Managing the facility, I really like the idea of trying to soften that side,” Maliske said. “It’s pretty stark.”

Jobman said they also are open to suggestions for what should be mounted to the civic center wall beneath the canopy. The current design shows program posters.

“We’d really like to work with you guys and the board to develop what exactly is on that wall,” Jobman said.

The promenade also should remove barriers that are keeping people from making the 10-minute walk between downtown and the civic center in the first place, the designers said.

The circuitous trails around the park will be replaced with a 40-foot-wide straight path that runs all the way from Omaha Street to the civic center.

Plans also call for new trees and landscaping, as well as seating areas along the path and the existing pedestrian bridge. Improvements are planned for the pedestrian crossing at Sixth and Omaha streets, as well.

Lights will be installed both in a center median and along the sides of the path, an important feature for civic center events that let out after dark, Jobman said.

“It’s going to provide a safe, comfortable feeling,” he said.

During the presentation, board members did have some questions about the cost and ongoing expenses related to the promenade, including electricity and irrigation.

But Senftner said Destination Rapid City will cover all of the installation costs for the improvements, including those on the civic center property. They have asked the city Parks & Recreation Department to take responsibility for the ongoing maintenance.

“Downtown Rapid City is on a roll. Things are happening,” Wyss said. “The civic center is really part of that.”

As we look forward to another season of graduations, there is another event that must happen first. Prom, of course! Our staff is happy to host the event each year, working with students to decorate the facility and make sure that the occasion is just what they’ve been anticipating. This year, the Central/Stevens Prom will be held in the Barnett Arena beginning at 6:00pm on Saturday, April 21st. There will be great live music, plenty of photo ops, and dazzling décor as the students dance the night away and make lasting memories. So grab your corsage and maybe even a date, and we’ll see you at the 2012 Central/Stevens Prom!

April 20th, 21st, and 22nd will bring the 17th annual Youth and Family Services Kids Fair, celebrating children and their families. The event draws nearly 11,000 people to our facility each spring, with plenty of fun and activities for both children and parents. Staffed with many supportive volunteers from within our community, Kids Fair will feature activities of all kinds with some old favorites, as well as a few new attractions you won’t want to miss. These include hands-on activities, inflatables, face painting, a train ride and much more. We will also be celebrating Earth Day this year, with an emphasis on the importance of keeping our community healthy and clean.

The Rapid City Concert Association will also present their last performance of the season at 7:30pm Thursday, April 19th in the Fine Arts Theatre. This will feature Red Star Red Army Chorus & Dance Ensemble, which was created in the USSR in 1977. Performing publicly in the Soviet Union in 1989, they eventually began touring around the world. The company now includes 70 members and has performed in top concert halls in Moscow, Switzerland, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium, China, Canada, and over 150 American cities. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime show that you don’t want to miss!

So grab the family and head to the Civic Center this week, where we will be hosting events that foster learning, cultural appreciation, and having fun!

Soulfly and Five Finger Death Punch
On Wednesday, April 11th, Soulfly and Five Finger Death Punch will take the stage at 7:00pm. Fresh off the release of their new album American Capitalist, Five Finger Death Punch has been growing their fan base since their debut album in 2006. With a combination of telling lyrics, wrenching guitar riffs, and fast percussion, Soulfly and Five Finger Death Punch will have your adrenaline pumping.

Black Hills Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, April 14th marks the final performance of the season for the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra. Presenting The Titan, the talented musicians of the Symphony will bring us an evening of quality entertainment and classic melodies. Don’t miss the performance, 7:30pm in the Fine Arts Theatre.

Black Hills Motorcycle Show
Motorcycles are a part of our Black Hills culture, one that will be showcased this weekend with an impressive display of the finest bikes and people who cherish them. Including an exhibit from the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the event is one the whole family will enjoy. Tickets are available at the door, $6 for adults and children under age six are free. Saturday, April 14th 10am – 7pm and Sunday, April 15th, 10am – 4pm.

Dakota Territory Gun Show
Just as motorcycles are an integral part of our community, so is the collection and use of fire arms. This weekend, the Dakota Territory Gun Collectors present a vast assortment of some of the finest guns in the region. Whether you want to learn more, spend an afternoon appreciating the items, or are a gun collector yourself, you won’t want to miss the Dakota Territory Gun Show. Rushmore Hall, Saturday, April 14th, 9am – 5pm, and Sunday, April 15th, 9am – 3pm. Admission is $5 per day, with children ages 12 and under free with an accompanying adult.

We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend as we admire the intriguing items, talents, and traditions of the Midwest!

On Easter Sunday, Fountain Springs Community Church will be holding services at both 9:00am and 11:00am in the Fine Arts Theatre. Join friends and family for a message that will inspire and rejoice in the meaning of the day. Open to the public, Fountain Springs Community Church warmly invites you to attend the Easter Sunday Service.

On Saturday, April 7^th, the Western Art & Riding Equipment Auction will take place at 4:00pm in Rushmore Hall D. This once in a lifetime opportunity will begin with the Kober Saddle and Tack followed immediately by the North America Art Gallery and special consignment of life size statues. Featuring the highest quality merchandise at auction prices, you won’t want to miss Saturday’s event.

Spring is also a time to get back on a healthier, more active track after the lazy winter months. On Tuesday, April 10^th, 7:00pm, Regional Health is partnering with Little Word Films to provide a free public screening of the film “Aphasia,” followed by a live question and answer session with actor Carl McIntyre. The movie screening promotes stroke awareness, and encourages hope. “Aphasia” is the true story of McIntyre who, after suffering a massive stroke at age 44, struggles against overwhelming odds to redefine his life. Left with a condition known as aphasia, or loss of language but not intellect, McIntyre knew he had a story to share, which is exactly what he will do this Tuesday.

And don’t forget about everyone’s favorite home team! The Rush are on the road and ready to go head to head with the Fort Wayne Komets. Their first game away is Wednesday, April 4^th, and the team will return home on Tuesday, April 10^th. Let’s continue to show them why we are the Best Fans in the CHL!

Looking for some high energy entertainment in your week? Don’t miss Five Finger Death Punch next Wednesday, April 11^th, 7:00pm as they tour their American Capitalist album. Since their inception in 2006, Five Finger Death Punch has been taking hold of audiences across the nation with their telling lyrics, wrenching guitar riffs, and fast percussion.

Doing some spring cleaning? If you come across any antiques, we’ve got just the place for you to take them. The Antique Road Show will be visiting the Civic Center on July 14^th, so mark your calendars! Guests will have the opportunity to have their items surveyed by the Antique Road Show, and discover if it’s junk or gems. Save your collectibles, and bring them in this summer!

From all of us at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, we wish our friends, family, and guests a Happy Easter weekend, and a wonderful spring!

RAPID CITY (March 30th, 2012) — On January 21st, 2012, The 8th annual Extreme Indoor Enduro brought Black Hills trail riding indoors in an event that had audiences on the edge of their seat. In case you missed out on all of the exhilarating action, you’ll have a chance to catch it again this Saturday, March 31st, at 5:30pm on the SPEED Channel.

For the first time ever, this year’s event is being nationally televised on the SPEED Channel’s “Lucas Oil…On the Edge” series, featuring the best of the daredevil event. Testing the skill and endurance of dirt bike and ATV riders, the terrain included some grueling challenges. Watch as the riders maneuver a course of logs, rocks, trees, and other hazards like water, tires, railroad tracks, over/under bridge, and daring ramps. They’ll even be venturing into the upper bleachers, for some up close and bold action! With no two tracks the same, the riders’ abilities are put to the ultimate test!

Don’t miss your chance to catch the Extreme Indoor Enduro when it is aired on the SPEED Channel Saturday, March 31st, 5:30pm MT.

Critically acclaimed as “the most exhilarating and authentic show to come from Ireland in decades,” Celtic Crossroads is a true display of youthful energy and dazzling musicianship. With a name originating from a time in Ireland when neighboring communities met at village crossroads to socialize, the group has retained their focus on keeping traditional Irish music alive. However, this isn’t your great-grandparent’s jam session. The performer’s youthful age and raw talent has transitioned the show into the 21^st century, with high-kicking Irish dancers and pulsating rhythms.

Incorporating seven world-class musicians playing over twenty instruments on stage, Celtic Crossroads is an inspiring spectacle. The show features some of Ireland’s most notable and beloved instruments, like the haunting uilleann pipes, whistles, low whistles, the Irish harp, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, accordion, mandola, flute, and of course intriguing guitar riffs. Combine that with heart pounding rhythms, and audience members inevitably find themselves stomping along.

We’ve all seen big, flashy productions of heavily costumed and over produced “Irish” shows. But that’s what sets Celtic Crossroads apart, and has won them the adoration of audiences around the world. With a unique approach to Irish music performance, the musicians of Celtic Crossroads rely solely on their proficiency in numerous instruments and song to captivate the audience. Sure, it’s a high energy performance, but what truly sets it apart is a feeling of authenticity and talent that is not often matched.

This weekend, gather the whole family and enjoy a genuine flavor of The Emerald Isle that will bring a new appreciation of the green culture. It’s a performance of unbridled talent, joyful melody and an innovative take on traditional Irish song and dance that will leave you with an extra jig in your step. Taking place on Saturday, March 31st, 7:30pm in the Fine Arts Theatre, there are still tickets available, so purchase yours today!

RESERVE YOUR SEATS!