A Place for Original Voices to Rise

Queen City Songwriters Incorporated was born in 2024 from kitchen-table conversations between songwriters who believed Spearfish, South Dakota could be more than a dot on the map — it could be a destination for original music.

Founded by Heath Johnson and Jason Guthmiller, QCSI was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on May 24, 2024 with a clear mission: provide songwriters a vibrant platform to present their work, engage the community, and inspire a lasting appreciation for original music.

Our flagship event, the Queen City Songwriters Invitational, debuted that September — transforming downtown Spearfish into a two-day celebration of original voices. Songwriter rounds in intimate venues by day. Headliner showcases at The Matthews Opera House by night. No covers. No backing tracks. Just artists and their songs.

What started as an ambitious idea has grown into something with real momentum. With 96+ songwriters in our network, partnerships with venues and businesses across Spearfish, and year-round programming including Lucky's Rounds and Summer Rounds, QCSI is building a creative ecosystem — not just an event.

We believe that when artists are supported, entire communities are enriched. That's what we're building here.