Lake amphitheater set to host Friday music event

Jun 30, 2009 (The Daily Republic - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- IDVBE | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- An American Indian-themed concert is set for Friday at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, with organizers hoping it will set the Fourth of July weekend off with a bang.

It's also hoped this year's event is the start of something permanent at the Lake Mitchell amphitheater, which has been the source of both controversy and a slight beautification effort in recent months.

Organizers of the Gateway to the West Fest have a goal of drawing at least 2,000 attendees this year, higher than the last two years, said Steve Clark, president of the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village board of directors. Clark describes Friday's festival as "a cultural experience that many can take part in as a pre-Fourth of July event."

"It's a kickoff to the Fourth. It starts at 3 and has a whole afternoon of things going on," said Clark. "It is a lot of work, but when the entertainment takes the stage it makes you feel as if the Indian Village is alive. They are first-class performances."

The Little Bird Band, a six-piece band comprised of cousins with ages ranging from 6 to 13, is slated to open at 4 p.m. The Elk Soldier Drum Group from Marty will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dancers and drummers at 7:30 p.m.

The main entertainment, Brule & AIRO (American Indian Rock Opera), begins at 8 p.m.

The festivities will take place at the amphitheater next to the Thomsen Center Archeodome, where the previous two festivals were held. Clark said the new location will allow more space and flexibility for those who attend.

The amphitheater recently was cleared of a number of trees, providing a clear view of Lake Mitchell from its grassy slopes. The amphitheater also has been the subject of controversy. The City Council has been weighing whether to allow the installation of regular seating and a stage at the site, located on the northern edge of the city.

If permanent structures are built at the amphitheater, it would effectively end wintertime activities at the popular sledding site.

One thing is certain: The amphitheater is perfect for Friday's performance and the hoped-for large crowd, said Clark.

"It really allows people to spread out," Clark said. "With the slope of the theater, since it was originally designed for concerts, it's easy for people to sit and see the stage."

Some bleachers will be accessible at the top of the amphitheater. Clark encourages attendees to bring blankets and their own chairs. Area businesses have partnered with the Prehistoric Indian Village to help provide concessions.

County Fair Manager Jim Stewart said the store will be grilling burgers and bratwursts, with 20 percent of the proceeds going toward the Indian Village.

The Prehistoric Village is also partnered with the South Dakota Office of Tourism for the Million Dollar Challenge, a marketing partnership that is used for new initiatives. Clark said event advertising is financed through the challenge.

Many volunteers are picked to help set up and tear down the temporary stage, along with aiding with parking and crowd control. Since the Mitchell High School football team helped set up last year, Clark said either the football team or wrestling team will be helping this year. The Boy Scouts will be helping with crowd control and the Mitchell Area Historical Society will park vehicles. He said others have volunteered just because they like the event.

The Brule show will last about two hours. A 20- to 25-minute fireworks display, cosponsored by Muth Electric and All-Starr Fireworks, will conclude the Gateway to the West Fest.

Tickets are $20 in advance for adults, $8 for children ages 6-17. At the door, tickets cost $25 and $10, respectively. Gates open at 3 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine.

Advance ticket sale locations include Home Federal Banks, Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, the Prehistoric Indian Village, The Tumbleweed, County Fair Food Store, Midcontinent Communications and Blarney's Pub.

The Gateway to the West Fest originally started three years ago with the idea to create an event that could have some longevity and run as a seasonal event, said Brule founder Paul LaRoche. As the event picks up, both LaRoche and Clark said they hope it could turn Mitchell into more of a tourist destination, instead of just a stop.

"There are only a handful of places we felt we could perform in South Dakota where we could tie in with the Native American culture," LaRoche said. "There are so many people that come to this area to take in the culture, but there really isn't a place to show it and that is what we are working towards."

Both LaRoche and Clark said surveys have shown that tourists and guests in the state want more American Indian culture when they visit.

The Prehistoric Indian Village and Brule hope to draw in those tourists by building a Cultural Center and a stage and bleachers at the amphitheater.

"This is a small step in phase one, two and three," LaRoche said about using the amphitheater this year. "It is a lot better place to watch a performance. It gives us an opportunity to tell the audience and surrounding communities that we are working on this and taking steps. We hope we can take more to get this plan going."

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