Tag Archives: entertainment rapid city

comedy events rapid city
Mar. 06.

Jeff Dunham: America’s Favorite Comedian to Entertain Rapid City Audience

By GotMine | Posted in Civic Center News, Comedy |
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Called “America’s favorite comedian” by Slate.com, Jeff Dunham has proven himself as one of the top-grossing standup comedy acts in North America. The Dallas-born ventriloquist and comedian has a lengthy list of credits to his name, including appearances on numerous television shows such as Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents, The Tonight Show and Sonny with a Chance. And don’t forget his five specials that run on Comedy Central: Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself, Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity, Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special, Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos and Jeff Dunham: Minding the Monsters.

As if those credentials weren’t enough to keep the man and his posse of puppet pals busy, he’s also embarked on a highly successful national standup tour. Of his characters, they’ve been described by Time. “All of them are politically incorrect, gratuitously insulting and ill tempered.” His handheld help includes Walter, the grumpy retiree, NASCAR-loving Bubba J, the furry Peanut, Jose Jalapeno, the skeletal Achmed the Dead Terrorist, the almost dead son of Achmed, AJ, and Little Jeff. The unlikely crew’s success as a global entertainment brand has not only won the hearts of audiences across the country, but an arsenal of accolades as well. Dunham has been credited for the revival of ventriloquism with his devotion in promoting the art form amongst today’s modern culture.

Dunham’s fascination with ventriloquism began at age eight and eventually led him on a move to Los Angeles. It was there that he soon became a sensation on the national comedy club circuit, as well as nearly every stand-up comedy show known to man. In 2006, his self-produced Arguing With Myself premiered as a one-hour prime time special on Comedy Central, followed by 2007’s Spark of Insanity. Both premiered to record ratings and million plus DVD sales. In 2008, his third event, A Very Special Christmas Special, premiered with 6.6 million viewers and became the cable channel’s most-watched program ever.

Named the top-grossing live comedy act in the world in 2009 and 2010 by Pollstar, Dunham has been entertaining sold-out stadium shows across three continents from Canada to Europe to Australia. His current “Disorderly Conduct” live show has been met once again with packed audiences and rave reviews. This Thursday, March 7th is your chance to catch Jeff Dunham in person at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Enjoy an evening of riotous entertainment with the comedian that’s captured audiences across the globe. Delivering his unique brand of laughs and unforgettable standup routine, you won’t want to miss Jeff Dunham’s “Disorderly Conduct” Worldwide Tour, Thursday, March 7th, 7:30pm.

 

Tickets on sale here!

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hooray for hollywood
Feb. 13.

A Showcase of Hollywood Hits: Broadway’s Hooray for Hollywood

By GotMine | Posted in Civic Center News, Theatre |
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Hollywood: that magical place where the most beloved stories, characters, and scenes come to life before our eyes. With so many timeless tales and inspiring themes presented throughout the years, it would be nearly impossible to choose just one favorite.

Thankfully, this February 22nd and 23rd, you don’t have to! Broadway’s critically acclaimed Hooray for Hollywood will take the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center stage, showcasing Hollywood’s most popular musicals throughout the last 50 years. Guests will be led on a nostalgic journey featuring a spectacular cast of fourteen gifted singers and dancers, a six-piece band, and over 300 costume changes. Yes, Hollywood is officially in the house!

Did you know that Hooray for Hollywood was a song first featured in the 1937 movie Hollywood Hotel? Over the years, the song has gone on to become a staple soundtrack of the Academy Awards ceremony, and is frequently featured during non-American movie ceremonies. However, its cultural significance has become even bigger, as you will experience during the Broadway production.

Sit back and relax as you watch film clips of your favorite movies, then see the action unfold live on stage. It’s a performance so visually stunning, you’ll feel compelled to sing and dance right along with the performers on stage. The show will feature highlights from a variety of celebrated films, including Singing in the Rain, Grease, Titanic, Footloose, as well as some of the most popular Disney classics.

Of course, what would Broadway be without world-renowned musicians to serenade us throughout the performance? Over thirty songs will bring back memories of the greatest tales, including In the Mood, Staying Alive, What a Feeling, All That Jazz, My Heart Will Go On, Diamonds are Forever, Dancing Queen, Jailhouse Rock, and many, many more.

There’s an undeniable magic that surrounds the world of Hollywood. The glamour, the mystique, the unattainability! Enjoy a taste of all the greats, brought to life on the Civic Center stage. Hooray for Hollywood will take you on a touching journey of your favorite tunes showcased by performers so talented, you’ll think it’s the original.

There are still tickets available to Broadway’s Hooray for Hollywood, so be sure to get yours before they are gone. Catch the Friday, February 22nd show at 7:30 pm or one of two shows on Saturday, February 23rd at 2:00pm or 7:30pm. We’ll see you in Hollywood!

GET TICKETS HERE

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northern plains outdoor expo
Feb. 07.

The Transformation: Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® to Northern Plains Outdoor Expo

By GotMine | Posted in Civic Center News, Community Events, Sports |
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Sure, housekeeping chores can be a real drag. Then again, it sure beats tidying up after 80 tons of dirt has been dropped in your living room. It’s been a busy month at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, and all signs show full speed ahead. As the annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® wrapped up on Saturday, February 2nd, crews immediately began the massive, necessary changeover from cleanup to setup for the Northern Plains Outdoor Expo.

However, for Assistant Operations Manager Tom Barber, this definitely isn’t his first rodeo. “We’ve done this year after year, so everybody knows what we need to get accomplished,” says Barber. He explains that a crew of 65 employees has worked around the clock from Saturday night until Wednesday evening. On Thursday, Northern Plains Outdoor Expo vendors will begin moving into Rushmore Hall and Barnett Arena in preparation for the event’s kickoff on Friday.

While the changeover is a lengthy process, Barber says the most challenging aspect is simply removing all of the dust. Crews pressure wash all the walls and restrooms, removing millions of particles that coat the facility. The task has its benefits, too. “Usually when the dust goes, the smell goes out with it,” says Barber.

For Barber and his crew, the changeover from the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® is the biggest of the year. “It’s definitely the toughest one to change over and get clean again, just due to the huge size and sheer amount of dirt left behind,” Barber admits. The task provides valuable experience for the rest of the year. Next week the team will quickly change the Ice Arena from a Rush hockey game to high school wrestling the following day. In March, staff will transform Barnett Arena from Monster Trucks to the much anticipated 3 Doors Down concert, and the next week will bring a changeover from Jeff Dunham to a Rush hockey game the next day.

While changeovers bring plenty of work for Rushmore Plaza Civic Center staff, it’s an undertaking we’re happy to tackle. Tight changeovers mean a full schedule and a variety of events for the community to attend. We look forward to hosting entertainment and events of all types in the coming months, beginning with the Northern Plains Outdoor Expo this weekend.

This Friday through Sunday, visitors will have the opportunity to browse the area’s most exciting selection of inventory under one roof, as well as a Big Buck, Bull, & Mt. Lion Contest, Live Auction, seminars, gun raffle, youth archery, gift and art area, and free kid’s activities, among others. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for kids ages 7-15, and free for children 6 and under. A $12 weekend wristband pass is also available for purchase. See you at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center!

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harlem globetrotters
Jan. 02.

Harlem Globetrotters Put Families in Charge this Thursday, January 3rd

By GotMine | Posted in Black Hills Life, Civic Center News, Sports |
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Where do you experience the mesmerizing trio of athletics, theatrics, and comedy in one event? With the Harlem Globetrotters, of course! A nationally acclaimed family event for the last 86 years, there’s no other performance quite like the one on a Globetrotter’s court. Bringing their “You Write the Rules” world tour to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center on Thursday, January 3rd, 7:00pm, it’s an evening for all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

Since their first game in January of 1927, the Harlem Globetrotters have been entertaining families across the globe. While their name misleads many, the Harlem Globetrotters actually got their start in Chicago’s South Side, where all of the original players grew up. In the fall of 1927, several players formed a team called the “Globe Trotters” which would go on to tour Southern Illinois the following spring.

By 1929 the team was touring Illinois and Iowa, known as the “New York Harlem Globe Trotters.” Harlem was incorporated into the team’s name for its rich history of African-American culture, and a sense of mystique. It wasn’t until 1968 that the Globetrotters played their first “home” game in Harlem. Once considered one of the best basketball teams in the country, the Globetrotters were participants in the World Professional Basketball Tournament, winning in 1940.

Throughout the years, the Globetrotters would go on to integrate comedic routines into their famous act. Eventually, the team became known as much for family entertainment as for the sport of basketball. With acts that often feature incredible coordination, masterful handling of one of more basketballs, and extremely difficult shots, the team prides themselves on an unwavering ability to entertain children. A testament to their success, the Harlem Globetrotters have played more than 20,000 exhibition games in 120 countries across the globe.

This year’s current tour is a landmark one. For the first time ever, fans are able to call the shots on a “You Write the Rules” world tour. With the power to vote on rules that could affect the outcome of the game, fans are able to cast their opinions and watch as the new procedures are put into action on the court. Choose from rules like Two Ball Basketball, Double Points, 4 Point Shot, Penalty Box and 6 on 5. The game will be as original and new as it is entertaining.

For over eight decades, the Harlem Globetrotters have been delivering premier family entertainment to venues around the world. This week is the perfect opportunity to witness the legendary Harlem Globetrotters firsthand. An event for everyone from toddlers to grandmothers, don’t miss as “You Write the Rules” on Thursday, January 3rd at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center’s Barnett Arena.

 

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

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rapid city invitational wrestling tournament
Dec. 05.

Rapid City Invitational Wrestling Tournament Provides Early Gauge

By GotMine | Posted in Civic Center News, Community Events, Sports, Theatre |
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This Friday and Saturday, 35 schools will compete in the annual Rapid City Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Held in our facility, the event will showcase some of the athletes who are standing out early in the season. It will also give participating schools an opportunity to evaluate competition, and gear up for what looks to be an exciting year for the sport.

The tournament will begin at 2:00pm on Friday, December 7th, and continue at 9:00am on Saturday, December 8th. Championship matches are expected to begin around 1:30pm on Saturday. Wrestling on ten mats, there will be four different states represented at the event, and Central High School Activities Director Darren Paulson anticipates approximately 500 wrestlers.

“It’s early in the season, so the tournament is a good measuring stick against quality competition,” says Paulson. “The event began with 16 schools ten years ago, and it’s really grown over the years. It’s a good tournament with quality people working it, so if you’re a wrestling fan it’s definitely the place to be.”

While notable participants will be determined this week, Paulson adds that the tournament will feature competitors from across the region, with weight classes including champions from four states. The two day event will bring high school participants head to head, with some of the most intense wrestling many will see this year. The tournament is respected for offering a positive challenge to the teams in attendance, often foreshadowing the state tournament results in a few months.

Also taking place this weekend is Broadway’s classic Beauty and the Beast, the tale of Belle and the Beast, a young price who has been trapped in a dark spell. Join all of your favorite Disney characters on stage, including Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, and Cogsworth. It’s a tale as old as time, and a first class performance the whole family will want to experience.

We will also be hosting the Country Fair Arts and Craft Show, featuring Christmas goods that will help celebrate the season. The event will take place Saturday, December 8th from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Sunday, December 9th from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

From wrestlers to Broadway actors to craft shows, there is something for everyone taking place this weekend. Best of luck to all competitors in the Rapid City Invitational Wrestling Tournament, and we invite you to come and enjoy this weekend’s premier events.

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