BROOKINGS – South Dakota State University will formally dedicate and celebrate its newly completed American Indian Student Center on Oct. 8 and will cap the celebration with an evening performance by world-renowned contemporary Native American new age/world beat ensemble, Brulé.
Following a slate of activities at the American Indian Student Center, Brulé will take the main stage of the Oscar Larson Theatre at 7:30 p.m. for an evening performance that will celebrate the pageantry and unique messaging of Native American storytelling through dance and music.
Tickets are now on sale at www.bruleinbrookings.com.
For 27 years, Brulé has brought the sights, sounds and stories of the Native American rock opera concept initiated by founder and troupe leader Paul LaRoche. The group is best known for thrilling audiences with a merger of cultural rock and theatrical instrumentations. Now in its 27th season, Brulé’s national performances carry the same contagious excitement as Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Celtic Thunder, and Riverdance – but with the emotional impact of their American Indian culture.
Director of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center Lynn Von Eschen is excited for Brulé to perform in the Oscar Larson Theatre.
“When President Dunn suggested that Brulé be invited as an element of the celebration of the American Indian Student Center, we were absolutely thrilled. Their full-scale theatrical performance concert is going to showcase the spectacular dancing, musical elements from Native American traditions, and we feel the theatre will be simply electric,” Von Eschen said.
Brulé has pushed the boundaries of contemporary Native American rhythms and classic rock in its genre-blending selections. The electrifying show consists of a five-piece rock ensemble, augmented with an array of traditional Native American instrumentation. Paired with the stunning steps of one of the top Native American dance troupes, its authenticity brings a multi-dimensional art form to this cultural rock opera. The musical journey of founder Paul LaRoche adds an affecting story to audiences and has been well documented in the best-selling biography, “Hidden Heritage.”
Brulé is seen regularly on national PBS affiliates across the country. Their history-making concert, “Brulé, Live at Mount Rushmore – Concert for Reconciliation of the Cultures,” has become the longest-running Native American concert special on national TV.
While the concert requires tickets for the performance, there are a variety of activities available to the public at no charge. At 4:30 p.m., South Dakota State University will host a ribbon cutting to formally dedicate and open the new 12,400-square-foot center, which is located in the center of campus, accessible by Campanile Avenue (13th Avenue) and Eighth Street. The American Indian Student Center provides a “home away from home” environment with cultural activities and student success initiatives. Following the ribbon cutting, public tours will be offered. Artist Don Montileaux will be on site to share about the large-scale pieces he crafted specifically for the building.
Tickets for Brulé are available at www.bruleinbrookings.com now, or for personal service, the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center Box Office will offer in-person purchasing for Brulé beginning Oct. 4 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. or at 605-688-6045.
