Memphis Bob

While strolling down main street in Rapid City, the other day I was delighted by this sound.

As I approached the corner I saw the source of the beautiful sound. Of course I had to sit and listen for a spell as Memphis Bob played one great tune after another. Bob is very talented  and easily traversed genres, covering pop, rock and of course some good old blues.

Taking a short break from playing his harmonica Bob told me about his most hart warming experience.  He explained that at noon each day he always plays 'I'll be home for Christmas'. On that particularly slow day the streets were pretty deserted. As he was playing his noon song two young boys walked past and the younger one turned around and ran back and put a twenty dollar bill in his tip can. The other boy said to the younger one 'You know you won't get any more money for a while' and the younger boy replied 'I know, but I just love that song!'

I hope you have enjoyed your virtual visit to my city. If you would like to travel more or maybe join in and share your city click on the Sundays in my City button.

Rapid City: Strings In Concert

This last Saturday we were treated to a wonderful performance by some very talented children. The orchestra classes for all Rapid City School's joined together to present  Strings in Concert. The concert was held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Theater.

Over 900 children in all, from the 4th through the 8th grade preformed in the concert. This next photo is of the 300+ fourth graders during the concert.

My lovely granddaughter was among the 4th graders.

Of course this called for a little celebration. We weren't going to let a little freezing rain spoil the day.

That was Saturday in our city. 

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Main Street Square

Main Street Square comes alive all through the summer with free concerts every Thursday night and the fun doesn't end when summer ends. The fun continues with Autumn nights through the month of September.

Parking was a tad hard to find, however parking a few blocks from the square gave me the opportunity to enjoy the sights on my stroll to the square. Seen above is The Firehouse Brewing Company one of the evenings entertainment sponsors, and now on my list of places to visit. This historic 1915 firehouse has been turned into an amazing restaurant.

The show was in full swing when I arrived at the square. 

 Ten Foot Tall and 80 Proof was great. Their music was full of energy and so much fun.

Although it was on the chilly side and late when I arrived there were still a good amount of people enjoying the show.

Some were bundled up and others were taking full advantage of the music and dancing. There was even one girl who was amazing dancing with a glowing hula hoop.

I hope you have enjoyed this virtual visit to Rapid City's Main Street Square, now be sure to head over to Unknown Mami's to continue your virtual travels at Sundays in my City.

Art, Improving the Quality of Life

 It is widely accepted that art enriches both the lives of the artist and the lives of those that are exposed to the art.

• Imagine if you would slipping away from the noise of the city and the demands of everyday life to spend a long lunch in quiet solitude, meditating or just contemplating the beauty around you. 
• Imagine the sense of accomplishment in learning a new skill. 
• Imagine the joy and laughter that can be found in listening to a musical or theatrical performance. 
• Imagine the pride and boost in self esteem of a child returning from their first time at camp. 

Music, poetry/literature, visual and preforming arts all provide both the artist and the individual exposed to the art with a means of emotional release and enrichment, which in turn improves the overall quality of life for both. 

As one of the top 100 places to live (according to RelocateAmerica) and 2nd on Forbes' list of best places for business and careers Sioux Falls obviously understands that lives are enriched through exposure to all forms of artistic endeavors.  A cursory look at the many cultural and artistic attractions makes it is easy to see the community's drive for artistic excellence. Yet since the closing of the Horse Barn Arts Center earlier this year venues for emerging artists are virtually non existent.

To meet this need The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge a non-profit arts organization is proposing the development of the regions first artist's retreat. "The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge offers a unique gathering place designed to stimulate imagination for individuals and organizations seeking to improve outcomes in life, health and commerce through artistic expression" *

This river creates one border of the property

Today I had the privilege of touring the proposed site for the retreat which is located less than fifteen minutes north of Sioux Falls. It was very exciting to see the potential the site has to offer. Nestled in a wooded area adjacent to the river this location offers a peaceful setting away from the distractions of the city in which to pursue and develop artistic talents. This former Jaycee Camp although overgrown and run down still holds a great amount of charm, beauty and potential.

Here is the A-frame and a view of the cabins, behind which are the woods.

With the renovation of the existing facilities the retreat will have eight cabins for overnight stays, an A-frame with loft and a large central lodge with fireplace, piano, restrooms, showers and a commercial kitchen as well as other amenities. In addition to these some of the improvements they hope to add are a contemplation garden, hiking trails, outdoor fire pit and playground.

Just past the cabins and to the right of the central meeting hall is this small playground area

Although they look small the cabins will easily sleep 4 to 6 campers

These photos show only a small portion of the 23 acre site which sits on a gently slopping hillside. I was happy to hear that there are plans to restore the many wall panels in the main lodge which contain artwork by staff and visitors from the 30 years it was in operation by the Jaycee's. Unfortunately I didn't take my tripod with me so the photos I took inside the lodge were blurry.  To learn more about the vision and plans for the artist's retreat please visit The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge on Facebook.

* Excerpt from The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge mission statement.

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Jazz Fest 2011

Despite temperatures nearing 100 degrees and high humidity this year's Jazz Fest had a good turn out. One of my dear friends was volunteering at the festival and so we decided to meet up after her shift and spend Saturday night enjoying the festival.

With the weather so hot I decided to enjoy the festival as unencumbered as possible and did not take my camera or purse, just my cell phone, a bit of money and my ID. These photos are not the greatest but will give you an idea of the fun I had.

Jazz Fest is a fund raiser for the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues society. Although it is a fund raiser the event is Free to the public.

The only charge is if you decide to park your vehicle within the park then there is a ten dollar per vehicle fee. The event draws large crowds of all ages. Many people park blocks away from the park and walk.

In addition to the entertainers there are food and wares vendors. Next time I will take more money as I saw some dresses and jewelry that was beautiful and very reasonably priced.

If you are in the Sioux Falls area next year during the Jazz Fest I highly recommend attending.