Guitarist throws comedy into the mix for Dickinson concert

Classical guitarist and comedian Gordy Pratt of Spearfish, S.D., introduces an old cowboy, a Californian and a New Yorker with an attitude when he performs in concert Thursday in Dickinson’s Odd Fellows Lodge.

Billed as the Original Fabulous One Guy, Pratt describes his shows as focusing on comedy, laughs and having a good time.

Speaking from his home in Spearfish, Pratt said he collects character comedy.

“Orville T. Saddlesore — he’s a chewed up old cowboy who offers words of western wisdom,” Pratt said. “Then there’s Joe California — he’s just recently moved out to Dickinson from California and describes his first winter.”

He introduces Joe Prosciutto, who moved to North Dakota from New York City with a similar cultural shock.

“It’s regional humor that we can all relate to,” Pratt said. “It’s standup-musical comedy.”

Pratt has been a music and theater professional for more than 30 years. He studied classical guitar in San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Ithaca College, New York, and the Royal College of Music in London. While in San Francisco, Pratt toured with La Corte Musical, a medieval Spanish music group. He created the Deadwood Production Co. in the 1990s.

He has performed in concert halls from San Francisco to Vancouver to New York. He has opened for Kenny Chesney, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and the Beach Boys.

As a classical guitarist, he plays Bach and Bluegrass or Mozart on “12 cups of good, strong cowboy coffee.”

Growing up in Cedar Ridge, Colo., Pratt fell in love with the Black Hills and has lived there since the 1960s. When not entertaining, Pratt teaches music in Spearfish. He likes to entertain within driving distance — hating to fly, he said.

Pratt is looking forward to returning to Dickinson for the performance, having entertained at a previous DSU Cowboys and Candlelight dinner.

He said the Dickinson performance will be slightly different from the shows he performs for corporate meetings and banquets.

“It’s absolutely a combination of comedy but with a little more classical guitar,” he said.

“Dickinson is really a wonderful place — I’m not sure I’ll stay away from Oil Patch humor or not.”

The concert is sponsored by the Dickinson State University Alumni Foundation, Sneak Pique Productions and the Odd Fellows Lodge. Proceeds go toward DSU music and theater scholarships.

The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets may be purchased by calling 701-483-2004. Tickets are $15. Odd Fellows Lodge, 30 First Ave. W.

Visit www.thedickinsonpress.com for a link to his website.

Tags: lifestyle, local, entertainment, dickinson