Live on Stage coming back to High Country

Live on Stage comes to the High Country Guest Ranch for the 2024 season starting Jan 6. The format remains the same, says Hill City Arts Council (HCAC) president Kristie  Van Bogart, with meals served at 5:30 p.m., the live on stage performers at 6 p.m. and the featured artist starting sometime around 7 p.m.

What is different this year is that all the meals served prior to the entertainment will have a consistent set price of $15. 

“Last year groups began with $10 but as food costs went up so did the price charged by each group,” said Van Bogart. The consistent meal price will mean less potential for miscommunication. 

“It makes it easier for everybody,” says Van Bogart, who reminds people that each youth group that serves a meal keeps all the proceeds.

High Country Guest Ranch also offers beverages for purchase throughout the evening. 

“We can’t appreciate High Country enough,”  Van Bogart said.

While patrons know Live on Stage is all about top quality entertainment, live music and  supporting local performers and artists it’s also an event that aligns with the core values of HCAC, to assure that arts education is available to all students. The evening features “pass the hat” which raises money for high school scholarships that go to students pursuing the arts beyond high school. Van Bogart says last year those scholarships totaled $2,500. She adds that while art is generally an important dimension in all of our lives, the “earlier we can expose young people the more they appreciate it and the more their interest is developed.” 

Van Bogart reminds everyone that Live on Stage, while loud at times, is also a family-friendly event. 

“We encourage people to bring their kids,” Van Bogart said. “For some people it might be a date night, but kids are welcome. There is nothing like watching a little kid on the dance floor. It’s just so sweet.”

Award winning artist JJ Kent is the Jan. 6 featured performer. Kent won the 2009 NAMMY for “Flutist of the Year.”   Besides playing Native American flute, he is known for playing guitar, keyboard and for singing.

The Jan. 6 Live on Stage  performers include three previous Steve Thorpe award winners: Paul Larson, Mark Williams and Kim Plender. Newcomer Cory Tomovick rounds out the evening’s lineup.

Van Bogart is proud of Live on Stage. 

“There are lots of great volunteers helping to make it special,” she said. 

Live on Stage is still only $5 for entry, “an inexpensive, fun evening of entertainment,” said Van Bogart.

Sponsorship tables, which seat eight and include a bottle of wine, snacks and up-front seating, are still available for purchase for $150.

Live on Stage dates are Jan. 6, Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 17, Mar. 2 and Mar. 16. A Steve Thorpe winner will be chosen at the end of the event series. For more information about Live on Stage please visit   https://www.hillcityarts.org/open-stage.