The Women’s Showcase returns the The Dahl Arts Center for its second year, bringing together a lineup of musicians, poets, and storytellers from across the Black Hills. The event grew out of something already happening behind the scenes. The Dahl’s Emerging and Performing Arts Coordinator, Deb Lux, began to notice a steady wave of women showing up to First Friday open mics.
“There are so many amazing women singers, songwriters, and spoken word artists all over the Black Hills,” she says. “This sort of sprang from that.”
At its core, the showcase is rooted in both celebration and connection.
“I am inspired by women,” Deb explains. “We are strong, resilient and often overlooked. I believe it is important to celebrate our achievements, to advocate for each other, and to lift each other up whenever we can. It is also an opportunity to create community and remind each other we are not doing this alone.”
That sense of community reflects a broader change that’s been building locally.
“In the last 10 plus years, women have become a dynamic force in the creative community,” she says. “Before, there were very few women at open mics, very few who were given opportunities to perform. It is still often male dominated, but we are working together to support, grow, and create spaces that are more inclusive.”
The structure of the event reflects that intention. Rather than focusing on a single discipline, the showcase brings together a range of voices in one night.
“Diversity,” she says. “We want to share the diversity of our community.”
The result is a 90-minute program that moves between music, spoken word, and instrumental performance, with a lineup that spans generations. The evening includes 13-year-old singer-songwriter Kenna Cook alongside women who have spent decades performing, teaching, and supporting the arts in the region. The program will also include a short presentation in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).
While the performers represent a wide range of experience and style, the goal isn’t to elevate one over another.
“I don’t want to say they are any more special than other performers,” Deb says. “They are all extremely talented. We are limited on time, and we will be doing other events as well in the near future.”
What the showcase does offer is something that hasn’t always been guaranteed. Space.
“It is important to celebrate women as artists because women are still marginalized,” she says. “We have gained opportunities and access, but it is still limited, with many more barriers to cross. When we come together as a community, it makes our voices stronger and creates hope and connection.”
For audiences, the night is meant to carry a little further than the performance itself.
“I hope people recognize the importance of creating space for women to showcase their work,” she says, “and feel that sense of community and the need for continued support for women performers and creatives.”
For a scene that continues to evolve, the showcase is less about a single night and more about what it sets in motion. And for those who haven’t been yet, Deb keeps the invitation simple.
“You will have an experience you will never forget.”
Women’s Showcase
March 21 | 6pm
In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we’re bringing together a collection of extraordinary musicians, poets, and storytellers for a night of empowerment!
Abbey Leach & Marcia Kenobbie
Kenna Cook
Lily Mendoza
Natalie Slack
Two-Tone Clarinets: Valerie Andrew & Peggie Lovrein
Sophia Tautkus