North Dakota - Music and Performing Arts

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  • Smithsonian.com, November 08, 2007, Subscribe
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Bull fighting isnt the same here as in other countries. At a rodeo a bull fighter is the cowboys best friend as his job is to draw the bull away from a cowboy that has been thrown off before the eight-second ride is complete.
Bull fighting isn't the same here as in other countries. At a rodeo, a bull fighter is the cowboy's best friend, as his job is to draw the bull away from a cowboy that has been thrown off before the eight-second ride is complete. (Gene Kellogg)

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A lone buffalo strolls beneath snow-covered Badlands buttes in western North Dakota.

North Dakota

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A lone buffalo strolls beneath snow-covered Badlands buttes in western North Dakota.

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In North Dakota's early years, music and storytelling were important forms of entertainment, as families passed the nights away on the plains. Just like those early days, music and the arts continue to be a staple.

Fargo Blue Festival (Fargo)
The Fargo Blue Festival is a two-day, 12-band explosion, features world-class bands and great food. It has been recognized as one of the best blues fests in the country, and Dan Ackroyd (a.k.a. Elwood Blues) gave it thumbs up on his syndicated House of Blues Radio hour. All-in-all, 20-plus Grammy Award winning or nominated bands, two members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and dozens of WC Handy Award winners have performed on the Fargo Blues Festival stage.

Medora Musical (Medora)
Come experience North Dakota's biggest summer event, which draws roughly 100,000 people annually. This nightly, professionally produced musical variety show, staged in the outdoor Burning Hills Amphitheatre, features a talented cast of singers and dancers performing against the scenic Badlands backdrop.

Frost Fire Summer Theatre (Walhalla)
In eastern North Dakota, this cultural experience is not to be missed. This outdoor amphitheater overlooking the beautiful Pembina Gorge features Broadway-style musical presentations, ranging from The Sound of Music to Disney's Beauty and the Beast.


In North Dakota's early years, music and storytelling were important forms of entertainment, as families passed the nights away on the plains. Just like those early days, music and the arts continue to be a staple.

Fargo Blue Festival (Fargo)
The Fargo Blue Festival is a two-day, 12-band explosion, features world-class bands and great food. It has been recognized as one of the best blues fests in the country, and Dan Ackroyd (a.k.a. Elwood Blues) gave it thumbs up on his syndicated House of Blues Radio hour. All-in-all, 20-plus Grammy Award winning or nominated bands, two members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and dozens of WC Handy Award winners have performed on the Fargo Blues Festival stage.

Medora Musical (Medora)
Come experience North Dakota's biggest summer event, which draws roughly 100,000 people annually. This nightly, professionally produced musical variety show, staged in the outdoor Burning Hills Amphitheatre, features a talented cast of singers and dancers performing against the scenic Badlands backdrop.

Frost Fire Summer Theatre (Walhalla)
In eastern North Dakota, this cultural experience is not to be missed. This outdoor amphitheater overlooking the beautiful Pembina Gorge features Broadway-style musical presentations, ranging from The Sound of Music to Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

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