Steve Thorpe Award

The Steve Thorpe Award was initiated in 2014 and Steve Thorpe was the first award winner.  Since then, a committee of judges continues to look for a recipient that models Steve's characteristics such as, but not limited to:

• Mentoring and support of other area musicians.

• Innovation:  Are they composers, songwriters and/or do they use new musical techniques?

• Participation and crowd response during Open Stage.

• Participation in and support of live music in the Black Hills.

Past winners:

2014 - Steve Thorpe; 2015 - Mark Williams; 2016 - Paul Larson; 2017 - Kim Plender; 2018 - Hank and Marianne Fridell; 2019 - Steve Linde;

This year's award will be cash and a bronze harmonica. (Steve Thorpe oftentimes plays a harmonica and has given harmonicas to children to promote music all over the Black Hills.)

2021 Steve Thorpe Award Winner

 Brent Morris

The Hill City Arts Council is pleased to announce that the 2021 Steve Thorpe Award winner is Hill City native Brent Morris.  Brent plays his guitar and sings because he loves doing it, and he loves the comradery of other performers.  Brent received a bronze harmonica and a cash award at the final 2021 Open Stage event on March 27.

Brent has been playing music and sharing his smooth singing voice with charitable organizations, "Cowboy Christmas" at the Lead Opera House, fundraisers, funerals, a variety of Black Hills music events and Open Stage for nearly 20 years.  More times than not, Brent plays for free such as at the Tucker Day Rodeo for nine years and the annual Family Heritage Alliance.

Brent is happy to share the stage with those who want to give singing a shot or accompany him on the guitar.  He formed the band "Brent Morris and the Western Acoustics" which has included Marc Ross, Dan Hunter and Dave Burleson, performing together for 15 years.

The 2021 Open Stage succeeded in transitioning to a new format of invited artists and featured artists due to Brent's assistance on stage and behind the stage.  Brent is the first one up to help a musician with stage fright, sound systems and stage set-up.  Congratulations Brent!