DIRECTOR'S NOTES:
While reflecting on my role at the Homestake Opera House, I have been reminded that we don’t make art—art makes us. This summer has been a living, breathing example of that truth. In the heart of small-town South Dakota, we’ve witnessed our stage come alive with an inspiring array of performances: folk ballads and classic rock riffs, foot-stomping bluegrass and heartfelt worship music, laughter-filled evenings of comedy, powerful live theatre, and rich historic presentations that remind us who we are and where we've been.
It’s easy, sometimes, to overlook just how remarkable that is. We’re blessed—not just with beautiful performances, but with a community that shows up, leans in, and allows the arts to shape us. These moments don’t just entertain us; they challenge us, move us, and bring us together. As we look toward the fall, let’s carry that gratitude forward. Let’s continue to celebrate, support, and nurture the arts that make us more fully human—right here at home.
Find Your Light,
Todd Jones
Executive Director
Friday, Aug. 1, 1-4 pm
: Kick off the 85th Annual Motorcycle Rally with the Blues! This special Friday afternoon show features the return of Bodhi Linde! All proceeds from the sale of beer will go toward our Summer Children's Theatre Program. So, come on out, have a cold one and support the arts!
Sun. Aug. 3, 7pm:
Wyoming native Sarah Carper will be joining us, bringing a blend of original music and her favorite country covers.
Sun. Aug. 10, 7pm:
Chris Douglas will join us, bringing some Spanish Flamenco Guitar and a little bit of classic rock to the courtyard!
Sun. Aug. 17, 7pm: The final, free summer concert of the year will feature the original rock and alternative sounds of Von Varagon Society!
Don't let summer slip by without catching (at least) one of these shows!
Standup comedy returns to the Historic Homestake Opera House,
September 13 @ 7:00 pm!
Featuring opener John Datoy and headliner Lee Hardin!
John Datoy is a Filipino engineer, world yo-yo champion, and comedian residing in Nashville, TN. His quick, self-reflective style of comedy has been seen opening for the likes of Jared Freid, Dusty Slay, and Dustin Nickerson. He’s been a selected performer for 6 comedy festivals and is also an alum of America’s Got Talent, where he did not win, but won the hearts of his hometown newspaper staff.
Lee Hardin is based out of Nashville, TN. He has been touring the country, telling relatable jokes and stories and bringing joy and laughter to audiences from coast to coast. Over the years, Lee has shared the stage with comedians like Henry Cho, Ryan Hamilton, & Nate Bargatze. In 2019, his comedy special, “Not Quite A Grown-Up” was released on DryBar Comedy. Lee also made his television debut on The Mike Huckabee Show, where he performs regularly as the warm-up act with his clever jokes and stories that end (usually) in embarrassment. Lee has appeared on NBC, DryBar Comedy, and Nateland Live.
This show is clean and family-friendly, and tickets are on sale now at the following link:
Country Legend in the Making
ERIN ENDERLIN
is coming to the Homestake Opera House
September 26, 7:00pm!
Arkansas native Erin Enderlin set out to carve her niche as an unapologetic, raw storyteller, crafting characters that come to life in just around three minutes. She first fell in love with country music listening to the likes of Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash on her Papaw's record player as a child. After adding to her music collection with singers such as Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Reba McEntire, Erin was inspired to follow I-40 to Tennessee.
Since arriving in Nashville, Erin has written songs recorded by artists such as Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lee Ann Womack, Terri Clark, Luke Bryan, Joey+Rory, Tyler Farr, Tara Thompson, and Muscadine Bloodline's current single "WD-40". These include the award-winning singles "Monday Morning Church" and "Last Call" as well as the critically acclaimed "You Don't Know Jack."
On her first major tour, Erin was a featured artist on the Willie Nelson Country Throwdown, promoting her self-titled debut album co-produced by innovative country artist Jamey Johnson and Grammy award-winning writer and musician Jim "Moose" Brown. Since then, she has opened shows for artists such as Marty Stuart, Kip Moore, Terri Clark, and Trisha Yearwood. Erin saw a lifetime dream come true when she made her Grand Ole Opry debut on September 6, 2013, and has also played stages including the famed Ryman Auditorium and Billy Bob's Texas. And soon, she can add the Historic Homestake Opera House to that list!
Tickets are on sale now at the following link and be sure to catch her music on Spotify or wherever you listen:
Listen to Erin Enderlin on Spotify
***************Volunteers Needed!***************
Volunteers are needed for the events listed above. If you are interested in volunteering, please send a quick note to execdir@homestakeoperahouse.org indicating which event(s) you would be interested in assisting with.
Thank you for your willingness to help!
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Auditions for Oppenheimer's Atomic Bombers will be held August 24 & 25
from 6-8pm on the Main Stage.
Directed by Todd Jones, Oppenheimer's Atomic Bombers (a play by Russell Vandenbroucke) pulls us into the lives of the cadre of brilliant scientists who worked on the bomb from Robert Wilson to Enrico Fermi to Oppenheimer himself. With wisecracking physicist Dr. Richard Feynman as our guide, the race to create the atom bomb comes alive as a very human endeavor, filled with humor, playfulness and dread.
Parts are available for both men and women as well as tech positions.
(If you are unable to make the set audition times, and would like to try out,
please call 605-584-2067 to set up an alternative time.
Performance dates are October 23-26, 2025!
