“1964” …The Tribute A One Of A Kind Tribute To The Beatles Announce Performance At Deadwood Mountain Grand
DEADWOOD, S.D. (01/03/24) – Hailed by “Rolling Stone” magazine at the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth”, and they “create the magic of the Beatles”, by the late Dick Clark, “1964”…The Tribute will bring their one-of-a-kind performance to Deadwood Mountain Grand on Saturday, February 10th at 8pm.
Since the early eighties, “1964”…The Tribute has been thrilling audiences around the globe by taking them on journey through a quintessential moment in music history that will live forever.
Over twenty years of researching and performing have made “1964” masters of their craft. They are hailed by critics and fans alike as THE most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute….which has earned them the distinction from Rolling Stone magazine as the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth”.
“1964” recreates an early ‘60s live Beatle concert with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles, and onstage banter with an accuracy that is unmatched.
“1964” is:
Mark Benson as John Lennon
Mac Ruffing as Paul McCartney
Tom Work as George Harrison
Bobby Potter as Ringo Starr
Mark Benson (John Lennon):
Mark Benson was introduced to music playing drums and piano at age eight. At age 17 he started playing guitar and became fascinated by the different sounds that different guitars made and started servicing, repairing and building guitars which he learned how to do at Lay's guitar Repair in Akron, Ohio. He made guitars for Eddie Van Halen and Jackson Browne and sold vintage guitars to The Rolling Stones, The Who, Bad Company, Hall and Oates, Ted Nugent, ZZ Top, The Eagles, Alvin Lee, Joe Walsh, The Allman Brothers, The Cars, David Lindley, Cheap Trick, and the Doobie Brothers.
Mark played guitar in the local Ohio bands Ashes, Raintree, Coconut, Mr. French and Bock (with 1964 co-founder, Gary Grimes).
In 1984 Mark and Gary, started “1964 The Tribute”.
"We had no idea when we first started this band, that it would lead to us performing at so many of the venues The Beatles played, like Carnegie Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Deauville Hotel, Shea Stadium, and The Cavern in Liverpool, England." He currently produces all aspects of the show and produced the “1964” CDs, “All You Need Is Live”, “Nine Hours In November”, “Bootleg Vol. 1” and "30/50 Celebration". Mark says, “'1964' shows the audience what it was like to attend a Beatles concert in the early sixties and generates the same feeling of happiness that is still generated by the music of The Beatles. We get so much of this positive energy back from our audiences, it reassures us that for now, we are where we are supposed to be”.
Mac Ruffing (Paul McCartney):
Mac Ruffing was born and raised near Cleveland, Ohio and as a young child started listening to his older sisters' Beatle records. The first album he ever bought was "The Beatles 1962-66," which is exactly what 1964 The Tribute does, and is still his favorite music. Mac started playing the drums at 15, and at 17 he bought a Kingston violin bass (a Hofner knockoff) at a local music store and unknowingly started his role as "Paul." He played in several Southern California original, Top 40 and Beatle cover groups, including 'Help!,' 'Imagine,' 'The Yanks' and 'ATP', all while working full time as a land surveyor.
Mac, not a natural 'south paw', spent the better part of a year training himself to play the bass guitar left handed, like Paul McCartney. In 1993 he joined the Beatles tribute 'Beatlemania Live!,' touring the world which led to his "passing the audition" in 2009 and joining the touring cast of the Beatles show 'RAIN' on Broadway and in theaters and Performing Arts centers all over the world.
In 1982 he met 1964 The Tribute co-founders, Mark and Gary, and over the years subbed on occasion with the band. He joined the band full time in 2013, and has since been performing some of the world's best music with the world's best Beatles tribute band. He also plays the piano and guitar. Mac has immersed himself in the role of Paul McCartney and looks forward to recreating the magic of the Beatles at every 1964 The Tribute show.
Tom Work (George Harrison):
Tom Work (George) is a co-founder of “1964” The Tribute, and is the act’s first George. Tom began playing guitar at the age of 7, and following high school he studied music at the University of Akron. Since the late 1960s Tom has played and sung in a variety of ensembles. During high school and college he played flute, sousaphone and bassoon in the marching and symphony bands; professionally, Tom has worked in well over a dozen “cover bands,” most notably Dogs ‘n Kids, The Lou Ciriano Combo, My Old School and The Jerry Bruno Orchestra. Tom even sang Lead for 8 years in a barbershop quartet (believe it or not, it’s true!).
Tom also worked in over 20 musical theatre productions, both onstage in leading roles, and behind the scenes as Producer and Music Director. “Performing onstage in a band is really where I belong,” Tom says, “although conducting the pit orchestra, for me, is every bit as exciting—and even more challenging!
It’s a very rewarding experience to help extract top-notch performances from people, to guide performers to their pinnacle. There’s nothing quite like sitting in the orchestra pit on opening night and hearing an actor deliver his or her best-ever performance!” In 2006 Tom returned to “1964” The Tribute, ending a 12-year sabbatical. “During my time away from 1964 I worked with a few of the other Beatles shows,” he notes. “I learned a great deal and forged close friendships with some great people, but there’s nowhere I’d rather be, no group of performers I’d rather work with than “1964”. It’s great to be back
Tickets for “1964”…The Tribute go on sale for Deadwood Mountain Grand Reward Members at 10 a.m. Friday, January 5th. NOTE – This is a seated general admission show with open seats available on a first come, first served basis, day of show. They will be available at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Box Office or at ticketmaster.com. Ticket buyers should note that TICKETMASTER is the only official ticket broker for Deadwood Mountain Grand. Beware of third party websites and offers. Both hotel reservations and ticket arrangements may be made by calling 877-907-GRAND.
For more information, visit www.deadwoodmountaingrand.com or call 605-559-1188. To open your free Grand Rewards Center membership and enjoy the benefits of purchasing advance tickets ahead of the general public, bring a photo ID to the Grand Rewards Center counter, located in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Resort Casino.
Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, a Holiday Inn Resort is the restored 1906 Homestake Mining Co. ore processing plant that overlooks Historic Deadwood, which features a 98-room luxury hotel, full service restaurants, 210 state-of-the-art casino games, high stakes gaming action including Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill, a 3,000 person entertainment and event center and a multi-level parking garage.
Ian Munsick Bringing Two Days Of His ‘Boots, Buckles & Bolos’ Tour To Deadwood Mountain Grand
DEADWOOD, S.D. (11/29/23) – One of the most popular rising stars in country music will be headlining two days of live music at Deadwood Mountain Grand and is bringing along some pretty impressive friends, when Ian Munsick’s Boots, Buckles & Bolos Tour hits the stage on June 7 & 8, 2024.
Joining Munsick on the June 7th show will be Ryan Charles as well as The Munsick Boys, while on June 8th William Clark Green and Tyler Halverson will round out the slate of impressive talent on the Deadwood Mountain Grand stage.
Breathing fresh Rocky Mountain air into the Nashville music scene, Ian Munsick is pioneering a new brand of country. The Wyoming-born singer / songwriter’s upbringing was a mix of working the ranch and working crowds. Under the tutelage of their fiddle-playing father, Munsick and his two older brothers grew up playing everything from bluegrass to The Beatles. Captivated by traditional lyrical truth and the modern soundscape, Munsick followed his ear to Music City.
After establishing a robust touring career as an independent artist, he signed a major label record deal with Warner Music Nashville in 2020. Since then, he has accumulated more than 250 million global streams as well as accolades from Spotify (“Hot Country Artist to Watch”), MusicRow magazine (“Next Big Thing”) and more.
Ian Munsick is painting a stampeding, spirited portrait of the American West with his sophomore album White Buffalo, out now. The18-track album spans unfiltered tales of romance and ranch life, hard-working anthems with honkytonk hooks and mountain-time odes to family and forever-young fun. It builds upon the spacious roots-pop beauty he introduced on his major label debut, Coyote Cry.
Over the past three years, the 30-year-old has accumulated over half a BILLION global streams and a host of accolades. He has been named an “Artist to Watch” by Spotify, CMT, Fender, Music Row and more. A seasoned entertainer, having grown up tending cattle by day and playing music in a family band each night, Munsick toured recently alongside country music superstars Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson.
Beyond his noteworthy professional accomplishments, he has also become both a husband and a father. Now the Warner Music Nashville recording artist and multi-instrumentalist is representing his home, and its special cast of people, like never before.
The first release from White Buffalo, standout duet “Long Live Cowgirls” (with Cody Johnson), hit No. 1 on Sirius XM’s The Highway Hot 30 Countdown, was named one of Amazon Music’s Best Country Songs of 2022 and recently received RIAA Gold-certification alongside “Long Haul” off his debut album Coyote Cry. Fans of Ian Munsick will always find an open heart, natural awe and plainspoken honesty as he rides on… bringing the West to the rest
“We are so happy to welcome our Wyoming hero back at Deadwood Mountain Grand,” said Susan Kightlinger, General Manager. “He thrilled our audience during the Red Dirt Music Festival in 2021, a sold out show in ‘22 and we can’t wait to have him headlining in June of 2024.”
Taking the stage before Ian on June 7th will be western rapper Ryan Charles. The musician hails from the valley of Buffalo, WY. Similar to his hometown, once referred to as the most lawless town in America, Charles brings a style all his own — meshing the cowboy lifestyle with flow of 2000’s rap. A natural-born entertainer, Charles quickly became one of the most skilled freestyle rappers on the school bus, eventually making the move to Seattle, WA to pursue his music career more seriously.
As an artist, Charles has released a few singles, including the jiggy buckaroo bop “Gettin’ Western” in 2020 and most recently, “Old Dirt Fancy” in 2021. Known for his signature fashion sense, light hearted twang and high-energy live shows, Charles continues to work on new music in Nashville, TN.
Opening the show on the 7th will be The Munsick Boys. The Munsick Boys Band has become a staple in the field of western entertainment. This Sheridan, Wyoming family has been making music together since dad Dave could get his sons to fit their hands around a guitar neck.
All now accomplished musicians in their own right, each member of The Munsick Boys sing, play multiple instruments, and join forces to forge new directions in the world of western roots music. Dave, a former New Mexico State Fiddle Champion and band leader of several bands, writes, plays, and sings of times and places with no borders. Tris, leader of Tris Munsick and The Innocents, writes, plays, and sings of the west that nominated him for album of the year for both Wyoming as well as the Rocky Mountain region. Sam writes, plays, and sings of the cowboy life that runs deeply in his veins and Ian is out forging new directions in western music from his home in Nashville.
The Munsick Boys have a sound, a harmonic blend of open sky folk and classic country, that has long been a favorite among those traveling the journey down the trail of western culture. They have opened for acts that include Lyle Lovett and Suzie Boguss and were voted the 2016 Western Band of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists in Fort Worth, Texas.
Taking the stage before Ian on June 8th is one of the biggest names in Red Dirt music, William Clark Green. Boasting sandpaper vocals and country-rock sound at the crossroad of back alley grit and gravel-road grace, the Flint, Texas native emerged like many others before –sauntering out from Lubbock’s live music loving college-bar scene. But William Clark Green has since carved a space that is uniquely his own.
Pairing singer-songwriter tradition with a progressive musical mindset, he’s both a troubadour of troubled souls and maestro of lyrical mischief. He’s renowned for underdog anthems filled with sardonic wit, vivid characters and even historical curiosity.
Opening the show on June 8th is rising star and South Dakota native Tyler Halverson. Tyler Halverson’s unique style of country music takes inspiration from classic country and western music, while also looking ahead to the genre’s future. At the age of 20, Tyler moved to Nashville, to attend Belmont University where he studied music business and refined his songwriting craft. However, Tyler’s favorite thing about Nashville is leaving Nashville. Tyler finds joy in taking his songs on the road and playing for fellow hippies, cowboys and everyone in between.
Tyler’s first album was co-produced by himself, Ryan Youmans, and Muscadine Bloodline’s Gary Stanton. “Beer Garden Baby,” the first release from his self-titled record in February 2021, has been well received by Texas radio. He recently joined the roster at True Grit Talent and is looking forward to touring in 2024.
Tickets are available for Deadwood Mountain Grand Reward members On Thursday, November 30th at noon, and to the general public on Friday, December 1st at 10am. They may be purchased through the Deadwood Mountain Grand Box Office or at ticketmaster.com. Ticket buyers should note that TICKETMASTER is the only official ticket broker for Deadwood Mountain Grand. Beware of third party websites and offers. Both hotel reservations and ticket arrangements may be made at 877-907-GRAND.
For more information, visit www.deadwoodmountaingrand.com or call 605-559-1188. To open your free Grand Rewards Center membership and enjoy the benefits of purchasing advance tickets ahead of the general public, bring a photo ID to the Grand Rewards Center counter, located in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Resort Casino.
Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, a Holiday Inn Resort is the restored 1906 Homestake Mining Co. ore processing plant that overlooks Historic Deadwood, which features a 98-room luxury hotel, full service restaurants, 210 state-of-the-art casino games, high stakes gaming action including Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill, a 3,000 person entertainment and event center and a multi-level parking garage.
Five Time Grammy Winner Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives Announce Date At Deadwood Mountain Grand
DEADWOOD, S.D. (11/20/23) – Deadwood Mountain Grand is pleased to announce the return of Country Music legend Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives in concert at Deadwood Mountain Grand on Friday, March 15th.
If you were to give country music an address, you might say it's at the corner of sacred and profane, two doors up from the blues and folk, and just across the street from gospel, R&B and rock 'n' roll. And on a deeper emotional and spiritual level, it resides where Saturday night meets Sunday morning.
No one understands these coordinates better than Marty Stuart. For over forty years, the five-time Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, photographer and Historian has been building a rich legacy at this very crossroads.
Marty Stuart picks up where he left off on Altitude, his first new album in five years, exploring a cosmic country landscape populated by dreamers and drifters, misfits and angels, honky-tonk heroes and lonesome lovers. There’s a desert flare to the music here, a sweeping, spacious feel that conjures up wide-open horizons and endless stretches of two-lane highway, and the production is raw and cinematic to match, tipping its cap both to Bakersfield and Laurel Canyon as it balances jangle and twang in equal measure.
While it would be easy for an artist as accomplished as Stuart to rest on his laurels, Altitude instead showcases the work of a searcher with an insatiable appetite for growth and reflection, one whose ambition, much like his keen wit and rich imagination, only seems to grow with each and every release.
Marty’s passion for country music began when he taught himself to play mandolin as a child. By the time he was 13, he had been recruited to join the legendary Lester Flatt’s band. Marty had performed with some of country music’s most notable musicians, including fiddler Vassar Clements and guitarist Doc Watson. He also spent several years in Johnny Cash’s band before pursuing a solo career.
A mid 80’s deal with Columbia Records served up the Top 20 hit “Arlene,” but a move to MCA Records proved more fruitful. In 1990, he hit the Top 10 for the first time with the title track of his album Hillbilly Rock. In 1991, he released “Tempted” and the title track became a Top 5 single. In the early 90’s, he also teamed with Travis Tritt for such hits as “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’” and “This One’s Gonna Hurt You.”
Tickets will go on sale to Deadwood Mountain Grand Reward Members on Tuesday, November 21st at 10am and to the general public at 10am on Friday, November 24th. They are available at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Box Office – The Spotlight Store – or at ticketmaster.com. Beware of third party websites, ticketmaster.com is the only online ticket distributor for Deadwood Mountain Grand.
Both hotel reservations and ticket arrangements can be made by calling 877-907-GRAND. For more information, visit www.deadwoodmountaingrand.com or call 605.559.0386.
To open your free Grand Rewards Center membership and enjoy the benefits of purchasing advance tickets ahead of the general public, bring a photo ID to the Grand Rewards Center counter, located in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Resort Casino.
Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, a Holiday Inn Resort is the restored 1906 Homestake Mining Co. ore processing plant that overlooks Historic Deadwood, which features a 98-room luxury hotel, full service restaurants, 210 state-of-the-art casino games, high stakes gaming action including Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill, a 3,000 person entertainment and event center and a multi-level parking garage.
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‘Takin’ Care Of Business’ – Bachman-Turner Overdrive (Bto) Reunites For New Tour – Date At Deadwood Mountain Grand
DEADWOOD, S.D. (10/30/23) – One of the biggest bands in rock-and-roll is reunited with one of the most prolific songwriters in history, Randy Bachman for a new tour in 2024. Bachman-Turner Overdrive, better known as BTO will be making a stop at Deadwood Mountain Grand on Friday, February 16th as part of their all new tour throughout 2024.
Founder Randy Bachman states, "After a very long time Bachman-Turner Overdrive/BTO is back on the rock and roll highway and kicking it into OVERDRIVE! Full tilt pedal to the metal rock and roll is back to melt your face and rock your soul.”
After many decades, selling tens of millions of records with multi-platinum and number 1 awards, Bachman-Turner Overdrive is back in gear! BTO is back with all the hits: "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet", “Takin' Care of Business", “Let It Ride", “Roll on Down the Highway", "Hey You", "Four Wheel Drive”, “Looking Out For #1”. PLUS other hits written by the architect of Canadian Rock, Randy Bachman: "American Woman", "These Eyes", “Undun”, No Time", "No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature”.
BTO's origins began in 1970 when Randy, after co-writing such major Guess Who hits as "These Eyes," "No Time, “Undun," "Laughin’" and "American Woman." left the Winnipeg-based group. Backed by its high-powered stage performances, Bachman-Turner Overdrive was a nuclear reactor of fuzz-toned aggression churning out such pounding signature tunes as "Takin' Care Of Business," "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet." "Gimme Your Money Please," "Roll On Down The Highway," and "Let It Ride" that begged for a cranked-up car radio, and a steering wheel to hit for hours on end.
In his home country, Randy has received the Order of Canada, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, 11 JUNO awards, the SOCAN Lifetime Achievement Award, and is a double-inductee in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. In 2011 the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) presented Randy with its Global Impact Award, and he was inducted into the U.S. Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville in 2014.
After many decades, selling tens of millions of records with multi-platinum and number 1 awards, Bachman-Turner Overdrive is back in gear!
Tickets go on sale for Deadwood Mountain Grand Reward Members at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 31st and to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday November 3rd. They will be available at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Box Office or at ticketmaster.com. Ticket buyers should note that TICKETMASTER is the only official ticket broker for Deadwood Mountain Grand. Beware of third party websites and offers. Both hotel reservations and ticket arrangements may be made by calling 877-907-GRAND.
For more information, visit www.deadwoodmountaingrand.com or call 605-559-1188. To open your free Grand Rewards Center membership and enjoy the benefits of purchasing advance tickets ahead of the general public, bring a photo ID to the Grand Rewards Center counter, located in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Resort Casino.
Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, a Holiday Inn Resort is the restored 1906 Homestake Mining Co. ore processing plant that overlooks Historic Deadwood, which features a 98-room luxury hotel, full service restaurants, 210 state-of-the-art casino games, high stakes gaming action including Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill, a 3,000 person entertainment and event center and a multi-level parking garage.
Corey Kent, Jackson Dean Headline 9th Annual Red Dirt Music Festival At Deadwood Mountain Grand
DEADWOOD, SD. (10/16/23) – Now in its 9th year, the Deadwood Red Dirt Music Festival at Deadwood Mountain Grand has fast become one of the biggest music festivals in the upper mid-west. The event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 12th and 13th will feature Corey Kent and Jackson Dean as headliners along with a roster of some of the best performers in Red Dirt music.
The event produced by Deadwood Mountain Grand, debuted in 2015 with nearly 5,000 fans attending two days of the best in music from the Red Dirt genre. Red Dirt is the color of soil found in Oklahoma and Texas. They are the homes of a music genre that spawned Outlaw Country legends like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson and created a home grown movement of Americana, folk and alt-country sounds. Some define Red Dirt music as “country music with attitude”. Others say it’s a state of mind as much as it is a sound – a sound that successfully closes the gap between rock and country.
Regardless of definition, Red Dirt fans are loyal and have come in droves in previous years to Deadwood Mountain Grand. “We absolutely love this event,” said Susan Kightlinger, General Manager of Deadwood Mountain Grand. “The music is incredible, the fans come to party and the atmosphere is electric. Plus, it’s nice to bring 5,000 people to Deadwood in the middle of January.”
Headlining the festival on Friday night is the wildly popular Corey Kent. With the small-town charm of a boy from Bixby, OK, the big-city energy of Dallas, TX, and vocal prowess that rivals Nashville’s best – Corey Kent has been poised for a career in music from the beginning.
Growing up influenced by various genres and artists, Corey started his journey in music at an early age. Taking the stage at age 11 as the lead singer for a touring Western Swing band, Corey hit early career milestones opening for legendary acts like Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys. A few years later, he would be booking gigs around his hometown of Bixby, OK and by 17 he made his way to Nashville.
In 2020, Corey released his From the West LP which garnered 3.5+ million aggregate streams and set the stage for his next chapter. His song “Gold” and fan favorite “Ain’t My Day” has nearly 15 million streams combined. In December of 2021, Corey released his sophomore album, ’21, to an overwhelmingly positive reception and landed on multiple playlists across the streaming platforms with his single “There’s Always Next Year.” Both albums were released via Combustion Music. On March 4, 2022, Corey released his smash hit single “Wild As Her” and shortly after signed his deal with Sony Music Nashville and their RCA Nashville Imprint.
A road warrior, Corey has been seen out on the road performing over 100 shows a year in 2021 alone. Along with headlining his own shows and playing the top music festivals across the country, Corey has been the supporting act for artists including Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, Chase Rice, Eli Young, Josh Abbott, Flatland Cavalry, and Kolby Cooper. Corey also has major success writing songs for others including Kolby Cooper, Brandon Jenkins, Clark Green’s #1 hit “Hit You Where It Hurts” and more under his publishing deal with Combustion Music.
Supporting Kent on Friday night is regional favorite Ned LeDoux along with Braxton Keith.
One of the most incredible things about great music is that it has the ability to take the listener to a place they’d rather be. A compelling song can carry someone back in time to a treasured memory, or transport a person to a spectacular western prairie they’ve only visited in their dreams. Ned LeDoux’s music has that kind of power.
As a songwriter, he has a knack for bringing people, places and emotions vibrantly to life with his insightful lyrics, and warm, strong voice that makes him sound like a beloved friend you always want to hang out with. Those gifts are fully on display on LeDoux’s new album Buckskin.
“I’m writing my own story and if people take a liking to it, that’s wonderful,” says LeDoux. “As long as I’m writing from the heart, and writing about what I know, I can definitely listen back to it and be proud.”
On his third full-length album, LeDoux again delivers songs that transcend mere entertainment to celebrate a life that many aspire to, but few actually live. Like his father, LeDoux’s music is as expansive as the western sky he was raised under and celebrates the ranch lifestyle that is such an integral part of his heritage. There’s an authenticity to his songs that brings our nation’s beloved western culture to life, even for listener’s who’ve never ventured onto the Great Plains.
“I’m proud to carry on the tradition and a lot of songs that I write are going to relate with songs that my dad wrote and recorded because I lived the same life,” the young singer/songwriter says. “I was born and raised on a ranch, which my family still owns outside of Kaycee, Wyoming. That was my life and it’s reflected in the songs I write. I just think back to those days working on a ranch and hanging out with my granddad, who taught me how to drive a tractor, work cows and everything that is associated with ranching, but music has always been my dream.”
LeDoux began pursuing that dream at an early age, and even though he grew up in the shadow of his legendary father, he’s successfully carved his own path. “If I can be half the man he was I think I’ll be okay,” he says with an easygoing grin, “but when it comes to songwriting I’ve got to write my own story. I’ve played drums for years and got my first band when I was in junior high. I went on to play drums with my dad from 1998 until he passed away in 2005, and then I started doing solo gigs.”
LeDoux is well respected for his high-energy live shows that mix his western roots with the rock and roll influences he acquired in his youth. He routinely headlines his own shows as well as earning coveted opening slots for Toby Keith, Aaron Watson and Garth Brooks. “We opened for Garth at the 125th anniversary for Cheyenne frontier Days last July which was crazy,” he says. “When people are coming out to our shows and spending their hard-earned money on a ticket, I don’t want to leave them disappointed. We’re going to give you a show and leave you wanting more. I’m always out of breath and soaking wet when we’re done, but it’s so much fun!”
Kicking off the Friday night event is newcomer Braxton Keith. Keith calls San Antonio home, but the 20 something songwriter hasn't spent much time there in recent years. He leaves town nearly every weekend, driving his band—and his own tour bus toward the next show. "That bus is actually the only vehicle I own," he says. "I drive it everywhere I go."
Whether he's onstage or behind the wheel, Braxton doesn't just play country music. He lives it. Inspired by the traditional twang of storytellers like Marty Robbins and Merle Haggard, he writes songs that blend modern sounds with the best elements of old-school country. It's a balance of the contemporary and the classic, glued together by a proud Texas native who's learned to create autobiographical music about universal experiences. "These are songs about love, heartbreak, and drinking, which are things everybody knows about," he explains. "I'm not the only person to write songs about those things. But I'm the only person to do it my way."
Saturday night’s show will be headlined by fast-rising Country singer/songwriter Jackson Dean. He is quickly earning a reputation for his old school, gritty, lyric-driven, outlaw style of Country following a breakout year that landed him on Pandora’s Ten for 2023 (all genre), Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch 2023, the CMT Listen Up class of 2023, CRS New Faces 2023, Amazon Music’s 2023 Breakthrough Artists to Watch: Country Class as well as a slew of other artist to watch lists.
Mature beyond his years, Jackson opted to move out to a cinderblock, concrete floor, one-room shack on the back of his grandfather’s property with no heat and no plumbing at just 18 years old. An adventurous and carefree spirit, the 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist, is also an old soul and skilled artisan whose pastimes include making leather goods, wood-burned art and disappearing into the woods to sleep under the stars.
Bringing that same sense of adventure and down home vibe to his songwriting, the “modern-day Country rambler” (Taste of Country) burst on the scene, showing people how real music can be with his atmospheric, musically-forward debut album Greenbroke (out now via Big Machine Records). The Maryland native’s single, “Don’t Come Lookin’” was the fastest debut to reach No. 1 in 2022 and cemented Jackson as the youngest solo male Country artist to reach the top of the charts with a debut.
Landing spots on the Billboard Hot 100, the soundtrack for Netflix’s The Ice Road and a John Dutton scene in Yellowstone. His sophomore single, “Fearless (The Echo)” is currently climbing the Country radio charts after being Most Added upon impact.
Following an early career of local performances in his hometown, Jackson has joined bills with superstar acts like Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Kane Brown, Jake Owen, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Brice, HARDY and Brothers Osborne and found himself on the bill for credible events like Austin City Limits and Stagecoach. The young talent just kicked off the Back to the Honky Tonk Tour with Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce and will join dates with Eric Church and Parker McCollum later this year.
Warming up for Jackson is multi-talented rising star Tanner Usery. The Texas-born singer, songwriter, and guitarist pairs straight shooting storytelling with country grit, rock ‘n’ roll energy, and Americana eloquence. As such, he channels a classic spirit from a personal perspective. After piling up tens of millions of streams, packing hundreds of shows, and landing syncs on the likes of Yellowstone, he bares it all on a series of 2023 singles for Atlantic Records and much more to come.
“I let the songs be what they’re going to be, and I pride myself on that,” he notes. “Musically, it ranges from southern rock to country to Americana. When it comes to songwriting, I want to focus on what’s real – I don’t shy away from saying the hard things.”
After catching Wade Bowen and Brandon Rhyder in concert, his destiny crystallized in high school. “I remember saying to myself, ‘That’s what I want to do’,” he recalls. “That’s what led me to picking up a guitar.”
Inspired by everyone from George Strait, Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Rolling Stones to his favorite band Whiskey Myers, he wrote countless songs and cut his teeth at gigs anywhere with a stage.
In between holding down a job as a skip tracer, he carefully honed his signature style. Quitting his job in 2019, he unveiled the Medicine Man EP. “Come Back Down” generated 19.1 million Spotify streams followed by “Beautiful Lies” with 18 million Spotify streams. During 2021, he tirelessly gigged in between releasing the SÕL Sessions EP. “The Light” also notably soundtracked the finale of Yellowstone Season 4. Along the way, he cemented himself as an electrifying and energetic live presence with over 180 shows in 2022.
“When we’re on stage, our goal is to have the audience clinging to the edge of their seats,” he shares. “I get to play with a bunch of badasses, and I don’t take it for granted. We pounded the pavement and put at least 100K miles on the van in a year-and-a-half.”
Kicking off the Saturday night show will be Clayton Mullen. While still a senior at Texas Christian University, 22-year-old Clayton Mullen spends weekdays in the “classroom” and weekends cutting his teeth in Texas bars.
Clayton was raised with little ties to the music world. It wasn’t until college that he learned his first barre chord or even wrote his first song. His music career was able to jump-start due to opportunities raised by local artists such as the Josh Abbott Band, Corey Kent, Randall King, Carson Jeffrey, and Jacob Stelly.
In his first year, Clayton released 8 songs, including fan favorite “South of Forever”, which has topped 1 million on-demand streams. He is keeping his fans on their toes as he gets ready to launch a whole new set of songs in 2023.
Tickets for the Deadwood Red Dirt Music Festival go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, October 20th. They will be available at The Spotlight Box Office at Deadwood Mountain Grand – or at ticketmaster.com. Both hotel reservations and ticket arrangements may be made by calling 877-907-GRAND.
For more information, visit www.deadwoodmountaingrand.com or call 605-559-1188. To open your free Grand Rewards Center membership and enjoy the benefits of purchasing advance tickets ahead of the general public, bring a photo ID to the Grand Rewards Center counter, located in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Resort Casino.
Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, a Holiday Inn Resort is the restored 1906 Homestake Mining Co. ore processing plant that overlooks Historic Deadwood, which features a 98-room luxury hotel, full service restaurants, 210 state-of-the-art casino games, high stakes gaming action including Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill, a 3,000 person entertainment and event center and a multi-level parking garage.
From ‘Bad English’ To ‘The Baby’s’ – John Waite “40 Years Of Missing You” Tour Comes To Deadwood Mountain Grand
DEADWOOD, S.D. (09/19/23) – One of the biggest hit makers from the 80’s and 90’s with bands ‘The Baby’s’ and ‘Bad English’, John Waite will be performing his catalogue of hits from his 40 year career as a solo artist on March 23rd at Deadwood Mountain Grand.
John Waite’s catalogue of hits features some of the most loved songs of the 80s and 90s – including the #1Worldwide hit ‘Missing You’, The Baby’s ‘Isn't It Time’ and the Bad English hit ‘When I See You Smile’. These songs rank amongst some of his biggest international hits and are still heard on radio today.
Others hits include ‘Tears’, ‘Change’ and ‘These Times Are Hard For Lovers’. ‘Every Step Of The Way’ and ‘If Anybody Had A Heart’ appeared on the soundtrack to the 1986 Demi Moore film About Last Night. ‘Deal for Life’, penned by Martin Page and Bernie Taupin, was featured in the Days Of Thunder soundtrack.
As a solo artist and as the lead singer of The Baby’s and Bad English, John Waite was a fixture of album-oriented rock radio stations during the '70s and '80s. John Waite had a talent for power ballads and driving arena rock, occasionally touching on new wave-styled power pop as well.
Tickets for the John Waite “40 Years of Missing You” tour go on sale for Deadwood Mountain Grand Reward Members at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 20th and to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, September 22nd. They will be available at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Box Office or at ticketmaster.com. Ticket buyers should note that TICKETMASTER is the only official ticket broker for Deadwood Mountain Grand. Beware of third party websites and offers. Both hotel reservations and ticket arrangements may be made by calling 877-907-GRAND.
For more information, visit www.deadwoodmountaingrand.com or call 605-559-1188. To open your free Grand Rewards Center membership and enjoy the benefits of purchasing advance tickets ahead of the general public, bring a photo ID to the Grand Rewards Center counter, located in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Resort Casino.
Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, a Holiday Inn Resort is the restored 1906 Homestake Mining Co. ore processing plant that overlooks Historic Deadwood, which features a 98-room luxury hotel, full service restaurants, 210 state-of-the-art casino games, high stakes gaming action including Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill, a 3,000 person entertainment and event center and a multi-level parking garage.
12th Annual Wild West Songwriters Festival Oct. 12-14
Featuring all-new regional songwriting contest with $2,500 cash prize
DEADWOOD, S.D. (08/16/23) – What do songs like “Kerosene” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” by Miranda Lambert, “Wild Angels” by Martina McBride, “She’s Country” by Jason Aldean, “International Harvester” by Craig Morgan, “Truck Yeah” by Tim McGraw and many more hits have in common? They were all written by songwriters that will be performing at the 12th annual Wild West Songwriter’s Festival October 12-14 in historic Deadwood, South Dakota.
New to this year’s event will be a regional songwriting competition where artists may submit an original song to be one of 15 chosen to participate in the ‘National Songwriting Rounds’ with world renowned songwriters as well as a grand prize of $2,500 cash. Artists may submit their entry at https://bit.ly/WWSF2023 by September 1st. The top 15 entries will be chosen by a panel of judges and will be notified by September 8th. Songwriters that aren’t chosen as part of the top 15 may still participate in local rounds throughout the weekend. If you were not chosen as one of the top 15 but would still like to participate, you can email jallen@dmgrand.com for details.
Dubbed one of the “best live music festivals for fans” and one of the “top ten songwriter’s festivals you don’t want to miss”, the three-day event (produced as a collaboration between the Deadwood Chamber & Visitors Bureau and local business leaders) will feature songwriters that have produced or co-written hits for artists such as Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Reba McEntire, Linda Ronstadt, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks and many more.
The festival will feature three days of free “writer’s rounds” which will showcase songwriters who are excellent performers in their own right, singing the hits they have written and telling the story behind the music. These rounds are fan favorites most notably because they are able to listen to songs that have sold millions across the world in very intimate venues throughout the historic town of Deadwood.
Already slated to appear and perform are Danny Myrick, Megan Linville, Kent Blazy, Travis Howard, Dean Alexander, Matraca Berg and more. Writer’s rounds will begin Thursday night and continue through Saturday including many local and regional songwriter’s playing locations throughout historic Deadwood.
Friday evening will culminate with the local songwriter’s jam at a soon to be named location. Also scheduled for Saturday is a national Songwriter’s Showcase at Deadwood Mountain Grand beginning at 8:30pm featuring many of the national writers performing newly written material as well as old favorites.
For more information, email info@dmgrand.com. To enter the regional competition and submit an original song visit https://bit.ly/WWSF2023
Jay Leno Deadwood Mountain Grand Performance Postponed - New Date December 16.
New date December 16th
DEADWOOD, S.D. (08/14/23) – The performance by legendary comedian and television personality Jay Leno originally scheduled for Thursday, September 28th has been postponed and rescheduled for Saturday, December 16th at Deadwood Mountain Grand.
An official statement from Leno states, ‘Hey. It’s Jay Leno here. Looking forward to telling some jokes at Deadwood Mountain Grand, but something came up in September, so now I’ll be there on Dec 16. Hope to see you there’
If tickets were purchased for the show in September, they may be used for the new date. Refunds may be received through the respective ticket outlets they purchased from. If tickets were purchased through the Deadwood Mountain Grand Spotlight Store, please call 605-559-1188 for details of your refund.
They’re ‘Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight’ - The Oak Ridge Boys Return To Deadwood Mountain Grand
DEADWOOD, S.D. (07/24/23) – Theirs is one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of Country hits and a Number One Pop smashes, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. The group will make a return visit to Deadwood Mountain Grand for a Sunday, October 1st performance.
Every time they step before an audience, the Oaks bring four decades of charted singles, and 50 years of tradition, to a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere. And each remains as enthusiastic about the process as they have ever been.
“When I go on stage, I get the same feeling I had the first time I sang with The Oak Ridge Boys,” says lead singer Duane Allen. “This is the only job I've ever wanted to have.” “Like everyone else in the group,” adds bass singer extraordinaire, Richard Sterban, “I was a fan of the Oaks before I became a member. I’m still a fan of the group today. Being in The Oak Ridge Boys is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.”
The two, along with tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden, comprise one of Country's truly legendary acts. Their string of hits includes the Country-Pop chart-topper Elvira, as well as Bobbie Sue, Dream On, Thank God For Kids, American Made, I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes, Fancy Free, Gonna Take A Lot Of River and many others.
In 2009, they covered a White Stripes song, receiving accolades from Rock reviewers. In 2011, they rerecorded a thirtieth anniversary version of Elvira for a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store project. The group has scored 12 gold, three platinum, and one double platinum album—plus one double platinum single—and had more than a dozen national Number One singles and over 30 Top Ten hits.
The Oaks’ high-energy stage show remains the heart and soul of what they do, and they refine it several times a year, striving to keep it fresh well into the future. “We‘re not willing to rest on our laurels,” Golden says. “That gets boring. As a group, we do things constantly to challenge ourselves, to try to do something different or better than the last time we did it.”
“I feel like I can do what I do on stage just as good now as I could 20 years ago,” says Bonsall. “I plan to be rockin’ my tail off out there as long as I’m healthy. The people who come out, who bring their families to see us, deserve everything I’ve got.” “We’ve experienced a lot of longevity,” adds Sterban. “I think the reason is the love we have for what we do—the desire, the longing to actually get up there and do it. We love to sing together...to harmonize together. It’s what our lives are all about.”
Tickets go on sale for Deadwood Mountain Grand Reward Members at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 25th and to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, July 28th. They will be available at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Box Office – The Spotlight Store – or at ticketmaster.com. Ticket buyers should note that TICKETMASTER is the only official ticket broker for Deadwood Mountain Grand. Beware of third party websites and offers. Both hotel reservations and ticket arrangements may be made by calling 877-907-GRAND.
Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, a Holiday Inn Resort is the restored 1906 Homestake Mining Co. ore processing plant that overlooks Historic Deadwood, which features a 98-room luxury hotel, full service restaurants, 210 state-of-the-art casino games, high stakes gaming action including Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill, a 3,000 person entertainment and event center and a multi-level parking garage.
“Rumor Has It” Clay Walker Returning To Deadwood Mountain Grand
DEADWOOD, S.D. (07/17/23) – Multi-Platinum country music artist Clay Walker will be bringing his brand of high energy country back to the Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center on Friday, November 17.
There's more to the duality of Clay Walker's debut ‘Show Dog’ Nashville album ‘Texas To Tennessee’ than the title. Certainly, the realities of place are as central as this comeback album's name implies: Nashville busily working toward the next fresh hit; Texas moving at its inimitable and familiar pace. There's also a mix of songwriting and production approaches, evident and more nuanced relationships between the songs themselves, and the overarching presence of a naturally gifted vocalist who relentlessly pursues his own development as a singer.
But don't mistake those dualities for dichotomy –and certainly not polarity. In a storied career dotted with smash singles, platinum albums and countless honors and acclaim, maybe the connection between country's timeless themes and music-of-the-moment timeliness has been there all along. Many of the country fans behind the almost 20 million on-demand and video streams for his latest single "Need A Bar Sometimes" –who may also be among his 750,000 TikTok followers –are wholly unaware of Walker's history.
Discovered in a Beaumont area bar by noted producer and head of Giant Records James Stroud (Toby Keith, Tracy Lawrence, Tim McGraw, Kenny Rogers), Walker was in his early twenties when he started rattling off a string of smash hits. Among them, “Live Until I Die,” "Dreaming With My Eyes Open," “This Woman And This Man,” "Hypnotize The Moon," "Rumor Has It," “Then What,” "I Can't Sleep" and "She Won't Be Lonely Long." His self-titled debut album rocketed to platinum status, the first of four to cross the million-sold mark.
Racking up more than 30 charted singles and 11 No. 1’s wasn't without its struggles, however." Being born and raised in the Houston area, I thought of myself in the line of George Strait and Clint Black, but my first producer had other ideas," Walker says. "James Stroud pushed me more towards pop sounds I fought with. What he was saying, and I think he was right, was, 'Clay, you've got some gears to you that will excite people if you let it. 'I was young –23 –and didn't really settle with that. But now I'm in a sweet spot in music, in life, and I definitely feel the audience has swung around to appreciating music that makes those connections.
"Those links are obvious on Texas To Tennessee. ”Anything To Do With You" opens the album with smooth bore country that would feel right at home on any of Walker's four platinum CDs. Song two is the counterweight single, with its processed steel guitar lick, wistful pandemic-perfect theme and explosive streaming numbers. Production was handled in tandem by acclaimed multi-platinum producer Michael Knox (Jason Aldean) and chart-topping songwriter Jaron Boyer ("Somewhere On A Beach," "Hell Of Night," "Girl Like You").
Recording took place in Galveston and Nashville. "Jaron Boyer is the best songwriter I've ever written with," Walker says. "He's had a bunch of No. 1s and lots of album cuts. Plus, he's a phenomenal singer and track builder. The total package. As a writer, his phrasing and melodies are just insane."
While Boyer is second only to Walker himself on writing credits, the duo of songs at the heart of the album finds Walker working with the formerly married songwriting powerhouse of Jennifer Hanson and Mark Nesler. "Cowboy Loves A Woman" embodies the "Texas" in the album title. It's sequel, the title track, narrates Walker's journey. Together, they are the most direct encapsulation of his core as an artist and as a man.
"Catching Up With An Ol' Memory" is perhaps the album's singular moment. The exception that stands astride both worlds with its fresh sonic bed, echoes of heroes past and an airy, vocals-up mix. "The studio can be intimidating for artists because we don't do this all the time," Walker says. "I'm sure this is part of producers doing their job in being cheerleaders, but when I was singing 'Memory,' Michael Knox got on the talk-back mic with the band and goes, 'We got us a real singer, boys. I think this might be the album take. 'That was nice to hear. And then for him to show the respect for that vocal in how it was mixed with vocals at the forefront and all that space around it... Singing well is important to me. Having integrity in my vocal cords, continuing to take voice lessons and working on having what I'm going to call free tone –hey, if you're not trying to get better you never will."
"Cowboy" is inarguably the album's "Texas" anchor. "It reminds me of what made country music great," Walker says. "Not that it's the greatest country song. Don't misunderstand. Nor am I the best singer in country music. I have never and would never claim those things. But I might be in a place where I can connect the value in a song that sounds like 'Need A Bar' and one like 'Cowboy.' And vocally, I'm at my best right now. There's an ease in my voice –particularly on 'Cowboy'–that just makes sense. I sang it through a couple times and we were done. I didn't have to press. We just had it."
Walker is quick to point fingers. "Throughout my career, there have been key people who helped me put albums together, find or write good songs and get them out to fans," he says. "But I saw something with this album I've not experienced: what it takes to make a championship happen. The songs are your deep-threat wide receivers. The full support of your record label is the offensive line. Michael and Jaron–these guys ran through walls for me. Everyone has done their part and it's impressive. You can have talent, be famous or have a few hits, but you can't win the Super Bowl without champions around you. Man, I've got 'em”.
Teamwork is also at the core of Walker's battle against Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Diagnosed in 1996, he has become a passionate advocate and fundraiser for others with the disease through his Band Against MS. Among his efforts are the annual Clay Walker Charity Classic at Pebble Beach. The golf event highlights the highly active way Walker has approached MS, continuing to perform and raise a growing family while showing no signs of slowing. "It's very gratifying to be at a point in my life where I can offer something in its fullness," he continues. "I've never quite had that before. I was pegged as a neo-traditionalist early on, but I don't think I fit that mold. For a lot of reasons –maybe the pendulum of music is in the perfect spot –but today's music and my style have hit center on this album."
Tickets go on sale for Deadwood Mountain Grand Reward Members at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 18 and to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, July 21. They will be available at The Spotlight Box Office, 605-559-1188 – or at ticketmaster.com. Both hotel reservations and ticket arrangements may be made by calling 877-907-GRAND. Please note Ticketmaster and The Company Store Box Office are the only official ticket outlets for Deadwood Mountain Grand shows. Beware of third party ticket brokers.
For more information, visit www.deadwoodmountaingrand.com or call 605-559-0386. To open your free Grand Rewards Center membership and enjoy the benefits of purchasing advance tickets ahead of the general public, bring a photo ID to the Grand Rewards Center counter, located in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Resort Casino.
Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, a Holiday Inn Resort is the restored 1906 Homestake Mining Co. ore processing plant that overlooks Historic Deadwood, which features a 98-room luxury hotel, full service restaurants, 210 state-of-the-art casino games, high stakes gaming action including Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill, a 3,000 person entertainment and event center and a multi-level parking garage.
