The Beat
Stories, news & culture from around the Black Hills
Local voices. Big stories. The people, places, and moments shaping our creative community.
Welcome to our little corner of the Black Hills where we keep our finger on the pulse, our ear to the ground and our eyes on the stage. The shows, the openings, the late-night sets, the tucked-away venues, and the artists shaping the culture of our community. We’ll be out there taking notes so you don’t miss what matters. If it’s unfolding locally and worth talking about, you’ll find it here.
Backstage
Prairie Dog Taproom Kicks Off Year Two with a party
First anniversary Bash Featuring MoonCats and Dakota Shivers Brewing March 28, 2026 • 2:00 pm @ The Prairie Dog TaproomThe whole thing started over bourbon in Spearfish. A buddy asked Michael Chidiac what he…
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News
Lost Cabin After Dark returns
After Dark is back at Lost Cabin, and this isn’t a series built for easy listening. The idea didn’t come from a booking strategy or a push to diversify the calendar. It…
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News
Women’s Showcase Returns: Highlighting Voices from the Local Scene
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…
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On Our Radar
More underground DIY Shows Start Taking Shape in Rapid City
By the time doors open, most of the work is already done. The speakers are set, cables run, lights dialed in. Bands start to trickle in, shaking hands, getting a feel for…
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Field Notes
Field Notes: Campfire Folk, Community Theatre, and a Metal Pit
Felid Notes from the weekend of March 12-15th, 2026 By Thursday night the room at Lost Cabin was already full. People drifted between the taproom and the stage while MoonCats settled into…
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On Our Radar
Shenanigans, Shamrocks & Shillelaghs: Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Weekend in the Black Hills
Right about the time the grass starts turning green again in the Black Hills, the beers usually do too.St. Patrick’s weekend has a way of stirring up a little mischief as people…
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News
Maul, Slaggg, and Windchimes Hit Aby’s Sunday
Rapid City’s metal scene gets a jolt this Sunday as touring death metal band Maul launches their latest run right here in the Black Hills. The Fargo, North Dakota group has been…
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Field Notes
Field Notes: A Weekend Moving Through the Black Hills Music Scene
THURSDAY Murphy’s Pub | Zac Conger with Matt BuehnerThursday night started at Murphy’s with Zac Conger, joined by Matt Buehner from Outside Kids. Murphy’s continues to be one of the best rooms…
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The Sawdust Angels
The Sawdust Angels are a Deadwood-area band built around a mix of country, blues, rock, and alternative, playing late-night sets…
Upcoming Shows
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