Heroism on the Plains: Story Songs of Courage and Determination

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 2:00pm in the Betty Strong Encounter Center, Dan Holtz and Gary Zalud will present “Heroism on the Plains: Story Songs of Courage and Determination.” The songs are about fascinating stories of homesteaders, Native Americans, World War II heroes, natural wonders and more from Nebraska and Great Plains history. Admission is free with a reception to follow.

Holtz and Zalud, whose musical collaboration began during their days growing up in Ord,
NE, now perform as “Flatwater Reunion,” after recently re-connecting. Playing an assortment of acoustic instruments, the duo brings Nebraska and Great Plains history alive through their acoustic-electric renditions of Holtz’s and Zalud’s story songs.

Dr. Holtz is an Emeritus Professor of English from Peru State College in southeast Nebraska; Dr. Zalud is Emeritus Professor of Literacy Education and was the longtime Chair of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. In the year 2000, Holtz was the recipient of the Nebraska State College System Teaching Excellence Award and has given more than 500 musical, historical-storytelling programs through the sponsorship of Humanities
Nebraska.

Zalud received the USD School of Education 2015-16 Excellence in Service award
for impactful work with school districts in North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota,
Wyoming and Iowa.