The Sturgis Area Arts Council has an exciting event coming up on Sunday, February 17, 2 PM at the Sturgis Community Center Theater–BIG BAND and CHOCOLATE! David Martinson’s Big Band will be in concert that afternoon, along with vocalists Jon Nero, director of choirs at Black Hills State University, Emily Lisko, director of the Sturgis High School band and special guest vocalist, Gwen Hoops, who is a graduate of Sturgis High School and is currently a music major at Black Hills State. In addition to the Big Band performance, the Arts Council will once again provide delectable chocolates as part of its annual Chocolate Tasting.

This is an especially joyous event as the Sturgis Area Arts Council is celebrating is 40th Anniversary during the month of February! It was in February of 1979 that the Sturgis City Council voted to officially name SAAC the Arts Organization of Sturgis assigning it the responsibility as follows: "to initiate, sponsor, and conduct public programs to further the development and awareness of and
interest in the arts." David Martinson’s Big Band has recently performed at the Hospice Ball in Spearfish, at the Main St Square and Civic Center Theater in Rapid City, and the USO Show in Sturgis. “Swing
Music” is its genre and its leader, David Martinson, was the Sturgis Band Director for 23 years and is currently the Jazz Band Director at Black Hills State University.

One of our lucky attendees that Sunday will be going home with a box of candy from Bloomin’ Chocolates!

Tickets for the 2 PM show are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students.