Since 2006, Woodbine Productions has been bringing the finest performers to South Dakota State University with the primary intent of inspiring SDSU students and introducing the entire Brookings community to the highest caliber talent available. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, these performances and all affiliated expenses are underwritten enabling all ticket proceeds to support scholarships for students involved in music at South Dakota State University. Woodbine Productions offers this most philanthropic door a standing ovation and encourages you to ask yourself after every performance, “Did you have a good time?"
2024-2025 Season
Woodbine Productions
Michael Feinstein in "Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett, featuring the Carnegie Hall Big Band”
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Larson Memorial Concert Hall
The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
$60, $50 and $40
Michael Feinstein brings to life big band celebrations and the Tony Bennett legacy. Supported by the Carnegie Hall Big Band, Feinstein pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tony Bennett, bringing his iconic songs to life in a symphony of sound.
Feinstein has built a dazzling career over the last three decades, bringing the music of the Great American songbook to the world. From recordings that have earned him five Grammy Award nominations to his Emmy nominated PBS-TV specials, his acclaimed NPR series, and concerts spanning the globe – in addition to his appearances at iconic venues such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House – his work as an educator and archivist define Feinstein as one of the most important musical forces of our time.
"Steamboat Bill, Jr.", Silent Film and Pipe Organ Featuring Ben Model, Silent Film Historian and Organist
Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 25, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Founders Recital Hall
The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
$25
In STEAMBOAT BILL, JR. (1928), Buster Keaton plays the son of a riverboat captain (Ernest Torrence) who comes home from college to help run the family business. As luck would have it, his girlfriend from school (Marion Byron) also has a father with a steamboat, who is trying to put Steamboat Bill, Sr. out of business. In the film’s climax, Buster faces a windstorm to save his father and his boat and win the heart of his girl. The film is known for what might be considered Keaton’s most famous film stunt: the facade of an entire house falls on top of him while he stands in the perfect spot to pass through the open attic window instead of being flattened. In 2016, the film was added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Preceding the feature will be the slapstick comedy short, THE RIVALS (1923), with Bobby Dunn and Slim Summerville.
The program will be introduced and live-scored by renowned silent film accompanist Ben Model on the Oscar Larson Center’s Reuter pipe organ.
Inspired by Woodbine Productions, this presentation is supported by Doug and Sandy Oleson
Academy of St Martin in the Fields, with Bruce Liu, piano
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Larson Memorial Concert Hall
The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
$60, $50 and $40
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF) is one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music.
Formed by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958 from a group of leading London musicians, the ASMF gave its first performance in its namesake church in November 1959. Through unrivalled live performances and a vast recording output – highlights of which include the 1969 bestseller Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and the soundtrack to the Oscar-winning film Amadeus – the orchestra gained an enviable international reputation for its distinctive, polished, and refined sound. With over 500 releases in a much-vaunted discography and a comprehensive international touring program, the name and sound of the ASMF is known and loved by classical audiences throughout the world.
Step Afrika!
Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Oscar Larson Theatre
The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
$45, $35 and $25
Step Afrika! is the first professional Company dedicated to the art form of stepping. Under Step Afrika! Founder Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports. Step Afrika! ranks as one of the top ten African American dance Companies in the United States, touring more than 60 countries across the globe. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional West and Southern African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows: they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.