(Editor’s note: the following Good Living Tour video was produced in part thanks to our sponsors — Center for Rural Affairs, Pinnacle Bank, Nebraska Arts Council, Humanities Nebraska and Nebraska Cultural Endowment.)
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In June 2015, a team of Hear Nebraska journalists visited nine Greater Nebraska communities as part of HN’s Good Living Tour. Along the way, we interviewed young residents to hear, in their own words, what makes their community a distinctly attractive place to live, work and play.
Here’s what the residents of Valentine had to say:
On that same trip, our Good Living Tour storytelling crew interviewed local musicians, venue operators, musical entrepreneurs and young professionals, all dedicated to cultivating the arts in their communities. Our editorial team produced two features from the trip to Valentine. Read them below:
Saturday Night At Norden Dance Hall | story by Andrew Stellmon | photos by Bridget McQuillan
Norden Dance Hall lies at the center of the rural Niobrara Valley community, an 80-year-old living ode to family, culture and tradition. A Saturday night visit in June connects past and present, displaying its importance to generations.
The Country Experiment: Big Harp’s “White Hat” and Chris Senseney’s Valentine Youth | story by Chance Solem-Pfeifer | photos by Daniel Muller and Molly Misek
The nationally touring indie band Big Harp is known for never sitting still when it comes to its sound. But the Los Angeles group’s first album pays artistic tribute to singer/guitarist Chris Senseney’s youth near Valentine, Neb.
Video Credits:
Video: Bridget McQuillan, Chris Dinan
Edit: Bridget McQuillan
Interview: Andrew Norman
Animation: Bryan Findell
Song: “Sunny Day Souldier” by Kris Lager Band