And the bronze harmonica goes to

Carson Brown won this year’s Steve Thorpe award. The award was given out at the final 2023-24 season Live on Stage show on March 16 at High Country Guest Ranch.

Brown said he was shocked at winning. 

“I had no clue this was gonna happen, I just thought they wanted me back to play a little,” said the dumbfounded Brown after receiving the award.

The Custer resident said he is honored by the award. 

Brown has played a few times at Live on Stage.  Apparently last time was the best time.

Brown really enjoys the open mic part of the  event, getting “all the different smaller artists up just so people can see the talent around them. I love it,” he said.

The Steve Thorpe award began in 2015 by Bonnie and Dave Guerre after the couple was impressed by Thrope’s performance in front of the Harley Davidson store in Hill City.

Thorpe played at the final show of the season  treating his fans this year to a brief set highlighting his unique blend of guitar and harmonica. He received a standing ovation after the audience joined him by singing, “Taking care across the mountains.”

The award recognizes local artists and the recipient receives a bronze harmonica and a small cash prize.

“Everyone who performs at Live on Stage is eligible for the award,” said Hill City Arts Council Board President Kristie Van Bogart. “In selecting the recipient, things that are considered are the performance they had at Live on Stage, how well the artist was received, the involvement and contribution to the arts and the community as well as mentoring other artists.”­