Auditorium brings energy to town

Last week’s snowstorm might not have blown much precipitation into Newcastle, but something exciting did make its way here during the storm that shut down Interstate 90 through South Dakota for more than a day. 
Newcastle was lucky enough to have a visit from Derek Brown, known for his beat-box saxophone playing. Brown braved the storm to put on one heck of a performance in the Crouch Auditorium as part of his Fifty-Fifty Tour across America. 
At first, I was reluctant to go to a concert that I had heard nothing about, but after a significant amount of pestering from my daughter, I caved and said I would go. I am glad I did. 
The auditorium was more alive than ever, at least from my experiences. There were music, laughter and all-around good feelings throughout the entire one-and-a-half-hour solo saxophone performance. 
Brown chuckled at the fact that he was a solo saxophone performer and that those who attended were brave for battling the storm to subject themselves to that. 
Much to my surprise, I could have listened to solo saxophone playing for longer than the time we were there. Brown’s performance had it all, great beats, songs we all knew, original songs, singing and toe-tapping fun. 
Kids in the audience flocked to the front to join Brown, getting in on his antics and even providing percussion, using the stage for one of his songs. Brown remarked that Newcastle brought the liveliest crowd he has had, especially the kids. Those in attendance will even make an appearance in one of Brown’s upcoming videos for the song “The 50 States that Rhyme.” He videoed the crowd saying the ending phrase of the song “and Wyoming is the last of the 50 states that rhyme,” 
My heart was happy, although I thought I would rather have been at home in the warmth. I was glad I braved the cold and wind and embraced the opportunity to enjoy the arts right here at home. For all of you who may have missed his epic performance, Brown has several videos on his YouTube channel, many of which have garnered over 500,000 views.