The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. The Big Read is managed by Arts Midwest. SPEARFISH is one of 75 communities nationwide participating in The Big Read from September 2015-June 2016.
The SPEARFISH Big Read is from January 2016-March 2016. The community celebrates “The Maltese Falcon” with a full calendar of events below. We will continue to add events as they are confirmed.
JANUARY 2016
Sat, Jan 9, 2016 10:00am – 5:00pm
Mystery Detective Community Scavenger Hunt
Throughout Downtown Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
January 9 is the Spearfish Big Read Kick-Off day. Many local, downtown Spearfish businesses will be part of a fun Mystery Detective Scavenger Hunt during the kick-off. As businesses confirm, this event will be updated.
Sat, Jan 9, 2016 11:00am – 12:00pm
Unveiling of Falcon Origami Artwork
The Matthews Art Gallery | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
Justin Fossum, age 11, will unveil his origami hanging art piece in the Art Gallery. Over the summer, Justin created almost 600 origami falcons.
Sat, Jan 9, 2016 7:30pm – 9:30pm
The Miracle Man Show
The Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
The one and only Dr. Professor Kubinek is a comic genius, virtuoso vaudevillian, and all-round charmer who gives audiences an utterly joyous experience they’ll remember for a lifetime. Admission: $20 adults / $10 youth (18 and under)
Sun, Jan 10, 2016 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Foreign Film Festival: “M”
Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
“M” | 1931 | GERMANY
The Matthews hosts a foreign film showing in the opera house theater. Each film will be a foreign detective type of film in the “Maltese Falcon” genre. Admission: $8 all seats, $25 for 4
Tue, Jan 12, 2016 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Community Art Project
Matthews Art Gallery | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
Every second Tuesday during Big Read (Jan.-March), a free community art project will take place in the art gallery
Wed, Jan 13, 2016 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Bellman Brown Bag Series: Library Crime Spree
Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
The January program will feature Librarian, Meredith Vaselaar, presenting the Crime Spree that began as a simple way to break up the monotony of the winter months. Learn how the mysterious Crime Spree at the Library worked, how it took on a life of its own, and why the patrons, editor of the newspaper, Chief of Police, and County Judge, all joined in the fun. The Brown Bag program was developed by Dr. Stewart Bellman in the 1990’s. Recognizing the Matthews Opera House as an ideal venue for the exploration of humanities topics, he engaged a line-up of speakers to present programs on a range of humanities topics each month.
Sun, Jan 17, 2016 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Foreign Film Festival: “Witnesses”
Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
Witnesses | 2003 | CROATIA Every Sunday in January 2015 (starting Jan. 10) at 2:00 p.m. The Matthews hosts a foreign film showing in the opera house theater. Each film will be a foreign detective type of film in the “Maltese Falcon” genre. Admission: $8 all seats, $25 for 4
Sat, Jan 23, 2016 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Johnny Boyd & His Sensational Swing Lovers Band LIVE CONCERT
Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
Harking back to the 20s, 30s, and 40s era, Johnny Boyd seamlessly blends swing, jazz, pop, country, gospel and rock, bringing back the nostalgic charisma of a bygone era, while taking risks with his arrangements that truly show confidence in his talent. Admission: $25 adults / $10 youth (18 and under)
Sun, Jan 24, 2016 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Foreign Film Festival: “The Tall Blond Man with one Black Shoe”
The Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N. Main St., Spearfish, SD 57783
The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe | 1972 | FRANCE Every Sunday in January 2015 (starting Jan. 10) at 2:00 p.m. The Matthews hosts a foreign film showing in the opera house theater. Each film will be a foreign detective type of film in the “Maltese Falcon” genre. Admission: $8 all seats, $25 for 4
Sun, Jan 31, 2016 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Foreign Film Festival: “Detective Dee & The Mystery of the Phantom Flame”
The Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N. Main St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Detective Dee & The Mystery of the Phantom Flame | 2010 | CHINA Every Sunday in January 2015 (starting Jan. 10) at 2:00 p.m. The Matthews hosts a foreign film showing in the opera house theater. Each film will be a foreign detective type of film in the “Maltese Falcon” genre. Admission: $8 all seats, $25 for 4
FEBRUARY 2016
Tue, Feb 2-3, 2016 – Wed, 10:30am – 11:30am
Storytime
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Preschool aged children will hear stories and do activities and crafts related to the Big Read theme.
Wed, Feb 3, 2016 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Teen Detectives
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Tweens & Teens will participate in detective themed activities.
Thu, Feb 4, 2016 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Adult Book Discussion
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Adults will have an opportunity to discuss The Maltese Falcon.
Thu, Feb 4, 2016 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Adult Book Discussion
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Adults will have an opportunity to discuss The Maltese Falcon.
Fri, Feb 5, 2016 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Manga Event
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Bimonthly book club will hold a special event related to Big Read
Fri, Feb 5, 2016 5:00pm – 7:00pm
OPENING RECEPTION: Graphic Novel Show
Matthews Art Gallery | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
The opening night reception for an art exhibition featuring 3 graphic novel artists. It takes place in the Art Gallery. The show will run during gallery hours until February 26, 2016.
Sat, Feb 6, 2016 9:30am – 11:00am
Saturday Storytime Event
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Kids and their parents will be invited into the library for a Saturday morning of fun activities related to our Big Read theme.
Sat, Feb 6 through 26, 2016 10:00am – 5:00pm
Graphic Novel ART EXHIBITION
Matthews Gallery | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
This is an art exhibition featuring 3 graphic novel artists. It takes place in the Art Gallery. The show will run during gallery hours until February 26, 2016.
Feb 9-10, 2016 10:30am – 11:30am
Storytime
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Preschool aged children will hear stories and do activities and crafts related to the Big Read theme.
Wed, Feb 10, 2016 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Bellman Brown Bag Series: Black Hills Raptor Center Demos
The Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N. Main St., Spearfish, SD 57783
The February program will have a presentation by the Black Hills Raptor Center. The Bellman Brown Bag series is a humanities program designed to explore ideas, history, literature, art and culture. The Brown Bag program was developed by Dr. Stewart Bellman in the 1990’s. Recognizing the Matthews Opera House as an ideal venue for the exploration of humanities topics, he engaged a line-up of speakers to present programs on a range of humanities topics each month.
Tue, Feb 10, 2016 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Community Art Project
Matthews Art Gallery | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
Every second Tuesday during Big Read (Jan.-March), a free community art project will take place in the art gallery
Feb 16-17, 2016 10:30am – 11:30am
Storytime
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Thu-Friday, Feb 18-20, 2016 7:30pm – 9:30pm
“The Maltese Falcon Radio Show” Community Theatre
The Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
This is the LUX Radio Theatre version of “The Maltese Falcon” which was aired in 1942. It is a Film Noir about a mystery with a hardened P.I; a real looker vamp and bad girl; the Girl Friday; the best bad guys, and some hoods looking to make a name. It has everything, except the happy ending. Admission: $15 adults / $5 youth (18 and under)
Sun, Feb 21, 2016 2:00pm – 4:00pm
“The Maltese Falcon Radio Show” Community Theatre
The Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N. Main St., Spearfish, SD 57783
This is the LUX Radio Theatre version of “The Maltese Falcon” which was aired in 1942. It is a Film Noir about a mystery with a hardened P.I; a real looker vamp and bad girl; the Girl Friday; the best bad guys, and some hoods looking to make a name. It has everything, except the happy ending. Admission: $15 adults / $5 youth (18 and under)
Tue-Wed, Feb 23-4, 2016 10:30am – 11:30am
Storytime
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Preschool aged children will hear stories and do activities and crafts related to the Big Read theme.
Fri, Feb 26, 2016 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Crow Peak SPEAKEASY NIGHT
Crow Peak Brewery | 125 West Highway 14, Spearfish, SD 57783
It’s a 1920s speakeasy special event. Come dressed (if you like) as a 1920s citizen. You’ll need to know the “word” to get in! Music & food of the period to be part of the night.
Mar 1-31 (every Fri-Sat-Sun Noon-9 p.m.)
Special Big Read Flavor of the Month
Leone’s Creamery | 722-1/2 Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783
“Blackmail Brittle,” a nut brittle-flavored ice cream is the special flavor for the month of March in honor of the Big Read.
Fri, Mar 4, 2016 5:00pm – 7:00pm
OPENING RECEPTION for Community Big Read Art Projects
Matthews Opera House Art Gallery | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
The culmination of three different community art projects will be on display in the Art Gallery Mar. 4-31, 2016.
Sat, Mar 5-31, 2016 10:00am – 5:00pm
Community Big Read Art EXHIBITION
Matthews Opera House Art Gallery | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
The culmination of three different community art projects will be on display in the Art Gallery Mar. 4-31, 2016. Opening night reception takes place on Friday, Mar. 4, 5-7 p.m.
Tue, Mar 8, 2016 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Community Art Project
Matthews Art Gallery | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
Every second Tuesday during Big Read (Jan.-March), a free community art project will take place in the art gallery
Wed, Mar 9, 2016 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Bellman Brown Bag Series: Sandra Brannan, Mystery Writer
The Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N. Main St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Black Hills author Sandra Brannan will be our featured speaker for the March Bellman. Ms. Brannan is the author of the Liv Bergen Mystery Series. The Bellman Brown Bag series is a humanities program designed to explore ideas, history, literature, art and culture. The Brown Bag program was developed by Dr. Stewart Bellman in the 1990’s. Recognizing the Matthews Opera House as an ideal venue for the exploration of humanities topics, he engaged a line-up of speakers to present programs on a range of humanities topics each month.
Sat, Mar 12, 2016 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Sossy Mechanics presents “Trick Boxing” Dance/Theater
The Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
Modern day Fred & Ginger — Sostek and McClellan happened to meet one day in a dance company. Their whimsical sensibilities, exacting standards and cinematic aesthetic have earned them an award-winning reputation for creating “clear, brilliant storytelling,” dances that “recall Fred and Ginger at their most playful,” and “magic out of just about nothing.” Admission: $25 adults / $10 youth (18 and under)
Sat, Mar 19, 2016 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Sossy Mechanics presents “Trick Boxing” Dance/Theater Encore Performance
The Matthews Opera House Theatre | 612 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
Modern day Fred & Ginger — Sostek and McClellan happened to meet one day in a dance company. Their whimsical sensibilities, exacting standards and cinematic aesthetic have earned them an award-winning reputation for creating “clear, brilliant storytelling,” dances that “recall Fred and Ginger at their most playful,” and “magic out of just about nothing.” Admission: $25 adults / $10 youth (18 and under)
Thur, Mar 31, 2016 6:00pm – 8:00pm
“On the Level” SPEAKEASY NIGHT
Level Wine Bar | 604 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783-2445
It’s a 1920s speakeasy special event. Come dressed (if you like) as a 1920s citizen. You’ll need to know the “word” to get in! Music & food of the period to be part of the night.