By 
Looks like the Easter Bunny won’t be hopping through snow banks this year! In fact, the forecast includes fair weather and fine arts activities! The Watertown Current will feature a weekly summary of these arts opportunities and cultural events. Thanks for sharing your upcoming happenings!
***
The Goss Opera House is preparing to fill the opera hall with second-graders on Tuesday, April 22, for its “Beads on One String” program for the third consecutive year. Singer-songwriter Dennis Warner of Clearwater, Minn., will lead the program, which promotes connectedness, diversity and anti-bullying themes, while encouraging students to celebrate their differences and recognize their similarities.
“We purchase the books for each class and beads for each student. They decorate them ahead of time and bring them to the performance,” said Jamie Mack, executive director of The Goss Opera House. “After the program, all the beads will be strung together and displayed in the front window.”
The “Beads on One String” project utilizes two things that kids love – music and art. Organizers are expecting more than 200 second-graders to attend.
The program is part of the Goss’ Passport to the Arts initiative, which is supported by both the South Dakota Community Foundation and Watertown Area Community Foundation.
“It is pretty powerful when they are all here, showing each other their beads and singing along with the song,” said Mack. “We are proud and excited for this event.”
***
M5-The Mexican Brass band is part of the next Watertown Concert Association series. Courtesy photo.
The Watertown Concert Association has announced the 2025-26 concert selections – and season ticket sales have begun. Admission is by season-ticket purchase, which includes six concerts. Adult tickets are $50, student tickets are $20. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in the D.D. Miller Auditorium, located at Watertown High School. The upcoming season includes:
- The Secret Agents (Sounds of 1960s pop, rock & jazz): Friday, Sept. 19
- M5-The Mexican Brass (Classical music with a modern flair): Sunday, Oct. 5
- The Perfect Love Song – Andreas Kern (Solo classical pianist): Friday, Nov. 14
- American Tune – Simon, Croce & Taylor – Tom Glynn (70s musical tribute): Friday, April 10
- Young Original (Classic American music): Tuesday, April 21
- Live from Laurel Canyon (Folk rock in story and song): Friday, May 8
For additional concert details, or information on purchasing season tickets, go to www.concertassociation.net/watertownsd. Questions may also be directed to John Larson, WCA president, at 605-886-3237.
***
This historic postcard shows Watertown in the early 1900s.
Looking for an entertaining evening featuring stories of life in Watertown in the 1900s? Join the Friends of Watertown Regional Library as they host Christy Lickei, director of Codington County Heritage Museum at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at Watertown Regional Library (160 Sixth St. NE). All are welcome.
***
“The Cottage,” will open at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at Town Players Community Theater. Additional performances are set for 7 p.m. on May 1, 2 and 3, followed by a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 4. The comedy, written by Sandy Rustin and directed by Amber Bosworth, is described as a “riotous romp through a minefield of love.” Purchase tickets ($18) at the Town Players box office located at 5 S. Broadway or online at www.townplayers.net.
***
Young theater buffs can still sign up for Kids Theater Camp as Town Players will feature “Disney 101 Dalmation Kids.” Students from first through seventh grades will be cast in the production. The youth director this summer will be Kasidy Tvedt. Camp fee is $85 and space is limited to the first 50 to complete the registration. Camp dates and performance sessions can be found at www.townplayers.net.
***
Family in town for Easter? The Redlin Art Center is open Good Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Monday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Redlin Art Center will be closed Easter Sunday.
***
“Creativity is a crushing chore and a glorious mystery. The work wants to be made, and it wants to be made through you.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
(Twila Schmitt writes to keep you up-to-date with arts opportunities in and around Watertown. Have a suggestion? Want an item included in the next column? Email twilaschmitt@gmail.com)
