Spearfish, South Dakota
Original Voices.
Authentic Stories.
In a world where the music industry chases trends and algorithms, we believe in something simpler and deeper: every song carries a story, and every story deserves to be heard.
Where Songwriters Come to Be Heard
Queen City Songwriters Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering the art of songwriting. Through our annual Invitational, year-round songwriter rounds, and community partnerships, we're building something real in the Black Hills — a place where artists are supported and entire communities are enriched.
96+
Songwriters in Our Network
6
Downtown Venues
300+
Attendees Annually
3
Years Running
September 25-26, 2026
A Weekend Unlike Any Other
The Queen City Songwriters Invitational is a two-day celebration of original music across downtown Spearfish. Intimate daytime songwriter rounds at local venues. Evening headliner showcases at The Matthews Opera House.
No covers. No setlists. Just original voices sharing the stories behind their songs in the most intimate listening rooms the Black Hills has to offer.
Learn More
Past Headliners
Artists who have graced The Matthews stage for our evening showcases.
Jonathan Byrd
2024
Jami Lynn
2024
Andrea von Kampen
2025
John Fullbright
2025
What People Are Saying
“This event is a great way to get them all in one area to be heard and experienced.”
Allison Moore
Venue Owner
“As a songwriter, it brought inspiration, camaraderie, and the overwhelmingly strange sense of being heard and understood among my peers and the incredible community that supports us.”
Jami Lynn
Headliner, 2024 Invitational
“The Invitational brought original music to life in a way Spearfish has never seen before.”
Joanna Mechaley
The Matthews Opera House
Be Part of Something Real
Whether you write songs, love live music, or want to support the arts in your community — there's a place for you here.