Chad's Concert Pix

Hairball/ZZ3, Sioux Falls, SD

2012-01-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

I've said quite a bit about the fun show Hairball puts on in earlier posts, so I'll let you look those up if you want to know more about this 70s-80s rock tribute band.

If you love the big stage spectacles that used to be produced by Van Halen, Prince, KISS, Motley Crue and the like, you'd enjoy Hairball.

These photos are from January 14, 2012 at the Ramkota Events Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Opening the show was Sioux Falls' own ZZ3, an incrediblely accurate recreation of ZZ Top. If you like the Texas blues boys with the beards, I highly recommend ZZ3.

My concert shots featured at South Dakota Magazine online

2012-01-04T12:23:00.001-08:00

You'll find several of my music photos and some ideas on shooting them at South Dakota Magazine's website.

Christmas in the Black Hills

2011-11-23T07:49:00.000-08:00

Here are the dates and times for the Great American Country TV Special "Christmas in the Black Hills" -

December 12, 2011 8:00 PM ET
December 13, 2011 12:00 AM ET
December 13, 2011 10:00 AM ET
December 13, 2011 7:00 PM ET
December 21, 2011 8:00 PM ET

I don't know, but guessing you'll also be able to catch it later on the GAC website.

Here are some more photos from the taping of the stage portion of the show last Monday night at the Deadwood Mountain Grand.

Andy Gibson. Learn more about him at his website. Unfortunately for us South Dakotans, this is not the Andy Gibson from Sioux Falls.

Bradley Gaskin. Learn more about him at his website.

Probably one of the coolest things that happened Monday night was an impromptu jam session when Big Kenny Alphin of Big & Rich and Nick Hoffman of The Farm joined Bradley on stage.

Speaking of The Farm, here they are - Krista Marie, Damien Horne and Nick Hoffman. You can see my photo from two posts ago on The Farm Website.

The Farm really impressed me and I think they've got a bright future ahead. Here's another shot of Krista.

Thompson Square was a crowd favorite. They are husband and wife duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson.

After their Christmas tune duties, Thompson Square did an acoustic version of their hit "Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not?" With 12 awards show nominations in 2011, Thompson Square is also on the rise in the music industry.

With other performances filmed throughout the Black Hills, including Tracy Lawrence on the 1880 Train, the TV show should be a lot of fun to see and a great promotion for South Dakota to a national audience.

Big and Rich, Deadwood, SD

2011-11-22T05:14:00.001-08:00

As promised, more Big and Rich from the taping of the "Christmas in Deadwood" TV special for GAC. Don't forget to tune in one December 11, 2011 for the show!

"Christmas in Deadwood" TV special being taped

2011-11-21T22:46:00.001-08:00

Big and Rich, Thompson Square, The Farm, Andy Gibson and Bradley Gaskin are all being taped performing around the Black Hills this week for a TV special called "Christmas in Deadwood" that will air on Great American Country (GAC) on December 11.

During taping at the Deadwood Mountain Grand on Monday night, Big Kenny did his best Elvis impersonation in "Blue Christmas."

The trio known as The Farm delighted the audience with a bonus non-Christmas tune, their new single "Home Sweet Home."

More info and pictures to come...

Joan Jett, Deadwood, SD

2011-09-11T19:53:00.001-07:00

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts tore through a setlist of hits at the Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, South Dakota on Sept. 4, 2011. As Jett grows older she has lost none of the fire and desire that make her one of the top women rockers of all time.

Guitarist Dougie Needles was particularly on his game this night. Blistering solos punctuated several songs. Here he shares an intimate guitar battle with Jett.

I don't know how many years Joan has had this specific Gibson Melody Maker guitar, but I've seen it in action five times now and it's gone from pristine white to covered with stickers, to mostly worn bare and back to sticker-adorned again. You can see more pictures of it and Joan here at Chad's Concert Pix. A couple years ago Gibson was making replicas of this guitar so she was playing a new model on stage, but other than one 2009 show in Mitchell, SD, I've seen her play this exact guitar every time I've seen her live.

Brule, Brookings, SD

2011-08-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

On a very hot July weekend, Native American/New Age masters Brule performed several times a day at the 2011 Brookings Arts Festival.

Performances in South Dakota have been few and far between in the last few years for Brule, but I'm told to expect more shows throughout the state coming soon.

Brule's website is BruleRecords.com. For more of my photos of the band, click here.

Hairball, Aberdeen, SD pt. 2

2011-07-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

More of the Aberdeen Music Fest appearance by Hairball. First "Sports" on bass -

...and "Happy" on lead guitar...

....Rockstar Bob as Jon Bon Jovi....

...and Brett Michaels...

...and Kris Voxx as Dee Snider from Twisted Sister...

....and Freddie Mercury from Queen...

...and Prince.

Unfortunately lightning and heavy rain cut the show a bit short, but what could be more appropriate than Prince in the "Purple Rain?"

See more of my Hairball photos here and check out the band's schedule, videos and more at www.hairballonline.com. They will be in Flandreau, SD on July 22 and in Sturgis for the motorcycle rally on August 8 and 9. They've also got a return trip to Aberdeen planned for late this fall.

Hairball, Aberdeen, SD

2011-07-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

The incredible 80's music tribute show that is Hairball headlined the first night of the 2011 Aberdeen Music Fest. With two lead singers alternating full-costumed impressions of numerous iconic rock groups and a great band backing them up, the Hairball stage show is one not to be missed.

Is it Gene Simmons of KISS or Hairball's Rockstar Bob emerging from the dressing room/trailer and tearing into "Strutter" and "Detroit Rock City?"

It's very hard to tell, even for a KISS fan like me. I'd venture to say this is the best Gene Simmons impersonator I've seen, and probably has the old moves down better than the real Gene at this point in KISStory. Especially when Bob does the full fire-breathing trick.

Stay tuned for more Hairball!

Black Stone Cherry, Aberdeen, SD

2011-07-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

If you like the southern style rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, etc., you'll probably like Black Stone Cherry. They brought their version of the genre to the Aberdeen Music Fest in Aberdeen, SD on July 8, 2011.

Highlighting the hair-flinging party was the single "White Trash Millionaire." Here are drummer John Fred Young and guitarist Ben Wells.

Check them out at BlackStoneCherry.com.

Pop Evil, Aberdeen, SD

2011-07-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I come across a musical act that I'm impressed with more than I expected. Such is the case with Michigan-based Pop Evil. I had heard their name, but that was about it before I saw them at the Aberdeen Music Fest on July 8, 2011.

With their hard-core heavy metal looks complete with lots of tattoos they just didn't look like my kind of band. I was wrong. These guys are very good at what they do and really got the crowd fired up.

Yes, that's a GoPro mini video camera strapped to bassist Matt DiRito's forehead. I don't know if you'll be seeing the Aberdeen fans in a Pop Evil video soon, but it had to be an interesting vantage point.

I also don't think you'll be seeing me running out and buying the latest Pop Evil music, but it's a lot better than I anticipated. I wouldn't be surprised to see them around South Dakota more often, they seem a perfect fit for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Hairball t-shirts now feature my photo

2011-07-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

You just never know where this photography stuff is going to lead you. I've had my photos of bands used in CD and DVD booklets, websites and souvenir books, but Hairball just provided a first by printing one of my photos on a t-shirt.

You can pick up one of these beauties at any Hairball show this summer or at www.hairballonline.com.

The picture was taken at the World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD earlier this year. You can check out more photos from that show here, and watch for new Hairball photos from the Aberdeen Music Fest coming soon.

Beach Boys, Mitchell, SD

2011-07-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

Mitchell's Prehistoric Indian Village began what hopefully becomes an annual series of concerts with the legendary Beach Boys performing on a beautiful summer evening, June 18, 2011.

Actor/musician John Stamos proved to be the crowd pleaser of the evening. Stamos has become an official member of the band when he's not busy with television or movie obligations. The crowd at Mitchell seemed to enjoy the energy he injects into the Beach Boys show. Between playing guitar, drums and bongos he posed and pranced around the stage, much to the delight of the female portion of the audience.

Fort Hays Wranglers, Rapid City, SD

2011-05-18T22:17:00.001-07:00

It's hard to go wrong with a meal and a music show like the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper near Rapid City.

I didn't catch the names of all the band members at this show on May 18, 2011, but it's a pretty talented group. This is lead guitarist "Wishbone."

And this is Keenie Word, who has recorded a collection of songs in Nashville and is hoping to make a name for herself in the music industry.

You can checkout more about Keenie at her official website.

Hairball, Mitchell, SD

2011-05-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hairball's show at the Corn Palace in Mitchell was so fun that I decided to post a second set of photos. They have generated a good bit of interest on Facebook as well.

Thanks again to Rockstar Bob, Happy, Sports, Colt Python and Kris Voxx for the most entertaining evening I've experienced in a long time. The official attendance was 1,200, just a few less than legend Wayne Newton's performance in the same venue the night before.

Hairball, Mitchell, SD

2011-05-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Check out the pictures first! Whether your taste in 1980s music runs from Twisted Sister....

... to Prince...

....to Journey....

...or Alice Cooper...

...or KISS...

... Hairball is for you. Now consider that yes, all of these pictures are of one band!

Minneapolis-based Hairball rocked the World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD on May 14, 2011. This unusual band includes two lead singers that alternate time on stage with changing costumes to replicate over 20 artist tributes into an action-packed two-hour show.

Along with great musicianship and uncanny impersonations, a huge pyro display completes the illusion that the '80s are still alive. I wondered if anyone had pointed out to these guys that tons of fireworks in a building decorated with corn might create the world's largest Jiffy Pop.

If you liked any of the bands mentioned above or Van Halen, Poison, AC-DC, Bon Jovi, Queen, etc., I highly recommend Hairball's show. It's a ton of fun and actually probably more entertaining than going to see one of those bands by themselves.

For information about where you can catch them, check out the Hairball website. If you're in South Dakota this summer you can catch Hairball at the Aberdeen Pig Out Festival on July 8 and at the Easy Riders Saloon in Sturgis during the Motorcycle Rally on August 8 and 9.

Powerplay, Mitchell, SD

2011-05-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

South Dakota's own Powerplay hit the World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell on May 14, 2011 to open for Hairball. Their high-energy show got the crowd very warmed up.

British Invasion, Epcot. Florida

2011-04-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

British Invasion, a great Beatles tribute band, has been playing at Walt Disney World's Epcot United Kingdom pavilion for 14 years. For those of us who missed the Beatles themselves, you aren't going to find a much better recreation than this.

The band covers all of the Beatles' distinct eras, so when you catch their performances you never know whether you'll see early Beatles as pictured here, Sgt. Pepper's uniforms from the psychedelic-era, or the longer-haired late-Beatles look.

More information about British Invasion is available at their website.

Starship, Walt Disney World, Florida

2011-04-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Starship starring Mickey Thomas was featured as part of Walt Disney World's "Flower Power Concert Series" on April 2, 2011 at Epcot. Beginning as Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s, evolving into Jefferson Starship in the '70s and Starship in the '80s, the band has also included many members over the years. The lineup at this show was (left to right) guitarist Mark Abrahamian, vocalist Stephanie Calvert, drummer Darell Verdusco, vocalist Mickey Thomas, keyboardist Phil Bennett, and bassist Jeff Adams.

Not surprisingly the setlist included the band's biggest hits from the '80s - "Sara," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," "Jane," and "We Built This City," but they also dug way back into the files for "White Rabbit." Judging by the first several rows of audience in the American Gardens Theatre, Starship still has a strong fan following.

All in all, it was a very fun show.

My photos make Stryper book

2011-02-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

Just received my copy of the book "Stryper - By His Strypes" by Brett Christensen. It is a beautiful hard-cover photo album of the Christian heavy metal band from their beginnings in 1977 through a successful 25th anniversary tour and features two of my photos.

I'm proud to see my photos alongside shots by rock photography legends that I've looked up to like Neil Zlozower and Geri Miller.

Check out more of my Stryper photos here. Apparently I may have received one of the last copies of the book available, as it is no longer listed at the band's website or anywhere else that I can find.

Brock Finn, Pierre, SD

2011-01-25T14:25:00.001-08:00

Brock Finn and his band entertained the South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism crowd on January 19, 2011 in Pierre.

Lee Greenwood, Pierre, SD

2010-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

A very well-kept secret of the 2010 South Dakota Governor's Invitational Pheasant Hunt in Pierre was an appearance by country singer/songwriter Lee Greenwood. Even Governor Mike Rounds had no idea that the patriotic performer was in the building until Greenwood took the stage for a three-song show.

I was able to react quickly, switch over a camera that was set up for taking studio group photos later in the evening and capture the star-spangled performance.

Greenwood of course is most well-known for his huge hit "God Bless the USA." Check out more info about him at www.leegreenwood.com.

Village People, Mitchell, SD

2010-10-03T09:48:00.001-07:00

True disco music has been gone for a long while, but a few of the originators are still touring and reliving past glories. The colorfully-costumed Village People conquered the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota on October 2, 2010 during Dakota Wesleyan University's 125th anniversary celebration.

The somewhat odd combination of a Disco-era singing group, a church college and the World's Only Corn Palace makes more sense when you realize that the Village People's cowboy Jeff Olson is a DWU alum and still has friends and family in the Mitchell area.

So an enthusiastic audience enjoyed "Macho Man," "Trash Disco" and here is "In the Navy."

For those wondering, yes there are original members left in the Village People. Native American Felipe Rose, soldier Alex Briley and construction worker David Hodo have been joined over the years by Olson, policeman Ray Simpson and biker Eric Anzalone. Even so, the lineup has been solid since 1995.

Even if you aren't a big fan of the Village People, I bet you can guess which song the crowd is signing and singing along with here.

For official Village People info, check out Village People.

Creed, Sturgis, SD

2010-08-12T15:49:00.000-07:00

Creed finished off a night of loud heavy music at the Rock'n'Rev Festival in Sturgis, South Dakota on August 10, 201. With a huge light show and lots of pyro flames, they put their all into a show for just an estimated 600 people.

http://www.creed.com/

Jetstream, Sturgis, SD

2010-08-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Remember you heard it here first - I'm thinking these kids just might hit it big. Jetstream is three young men from Southern California and they made the long road trip to Sturgis, South Dakota for the Rock'n'Rev Festival on August 10, 2010.

They look like the Jonas Brothers, but their playing is deeply rooted in classic rock. Jetstream is (left to right) 16-year-old Garrett Zeile on lead vocals and guitar, 16-year-old Ben Zelico on drums, and 14-year-old Kevin Grimmett on bass and vocals.

What really impressed me about their performance was Zeile's guitar solo on the Lynryd Skynyrd classic "Free Bird." This kid can play!

Good stuff guys, I'll be watching your progress.

www.myspace.com/jetstreamrocks

Theft, Sturgis, SD

2010-08-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know a whole lot about the band Theft, but they played August 10, 2010 at the Rock'n'Rev Festival in Sturgis, South Dakota.

http://www.myspace.com/theftspace

Skillet, Sturgis, SD

2010-08-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

For a first-time Sturgis Motorcycle Rally concert venue that was thrown together in a few short weeks, the Rock'n'Rev Festival at Monkey Rock is an unbelievable site for some really big-name musical acts this week.

At the urging of South Dakota Tourism photography intern Jenna Nagel, I attended the August 10, 2010 show there by Skillet, Creed, Jetstream and others.

Wow, what a facility! After years of attending concerts in all kinds of places, I can say this is the biggest and nicest stage I've ever seen. The thing must be 5-6 stories tall with massive video screens making up the entire back wall of the stage and the side wings. Here it is as teen wonders Jetstream began playing early in the evening. More on them later.

Christian rockers Skillet took the stage by storm and didn't let up all through their set. With violin and cello sounds added to the loud heavy guitars and drums, their sound is pretty unique.

Skillet includes two female members and I concentrated on shooting them. Drummer/vocalist Jen Ledger was fun to watch...

...but it was guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Korey Cooper that really attracted my attention. She is the wife of lead singer/bassist John Cooper who we met backstage before the show. Korey puts every ounce of energy she can muster into the show and it makes for great photos.

This was a really great performance at a great venue, but unfortunately did not draw much of a crowd at all. My estimate was somewhere around 500-600 people, which was a shame.

http://www.skillet.com/enter.php

Little Texas, Watertown, SD

2010-08-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Little Texas rounded out the Redlin Art Center Summer Celebration on August 7, 2010 in Watertown, South Dakota.

The guys were happy to let me share their stage with them, so drummer Del Gray wasn't as surprised to see me next to him as it may appear here.

Hanging out in the band's "office" while they are working is a special treat that I always relish. It gave me a great angle to show off my buddy Duane Propes' unusual stage footwear (or lack of it). Here the band jams through a version of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train."

Blending vocal harmonies as well as any band out there, Little Texas sings one of their big hits, "What Might Have Been."

It was a very fun show. Don't miss my earlier posts with pictures below and coverage of Blackhawk and Restless Heart immediately below this post.

Special thanks goes out to Julie Ranum and the Redlin Art Center for allowing me to roam the area around the stage, to Little Texas for allowing me to roam on the stage, and to all three "Triple Threat Tour" bands for putting on a great show.

Blackhawk, Watertown, SD

2010-08-09T20:25:00.001-07:00

Peforming second on the bill for the Redlin Art Center Summer Celebration on August 7, 2010 was Blackhawk.

Returning to the band shortly before the show was Blackhawk veteran keyboard player Dave Robbins.

Restless Heart, Watertown, SD

2010-08-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

Part of the "Triple Threat Tour" that played the Redlin Art Center Summer Celebration in Watertown, South Dakota on August 7, 201 was country act Restless Heart. The crowd was estimated at 35,000 for the annual concert.

Drummer John Dittrich also handles lead vocals on several songs for Restless Heart.

More Little Texas

2010-08-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

Some more fun from Little Texas last night.

I'm back on the road again, but there will be more Little Texas pictures on the way as well as Blackhawk and Restless Heart.

Little Texas, Watertown, SD

2010-08-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

I will have more from the "Triple Threat Tour" of Little Texas, Blackhawk and Restless Heart at the Redlin Art Center in Watertown, South Dakota later today.

For now, here's a teaser shot of my friend, Little Texas bass player Duane Propes rockin' out. You can't really see it here, but Duane did a little shopping before the show and is wearing a brand new Watertown Arrows t-shirt.

Bomshel, Ipswich, SD

2010-06-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

Photos this time around by guest blogger Jenna Nagel. Jenna is an intern for the South Dakota Office of Tourism this summer and enjoyed shooting up-and-coming country duo Bomshel at Ipswich Trail Days on June 12, 2010.

Bomshel is singer Kelley Shepard and fiddle/guitar player Kristy Osmunson. Their high-energy show has been traveling around the upper Midwest this year, but also including stops in Switzerland, California and the Nascar Hall of Fame in North Carolina. They will be appearing in Aberdeen, SD at Country Jamboree USA on July 2.

Thanks to Jenna for sharing these great shots.

Kory and KISS, vote now!

2010-06-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

South Dakota's own "Kory and the Fireflies" are in a contest to open for KISS in Detroit, Michigan. The band is doing very well and just needs to stay in the Top 5 to have a chance. They're currently in 3rd place. If Kory and the Fireflies are selected they'll also have a chance to win a $10,000 music store shopping spree and the band has decided they'll donate the entire $10,000 to school music departments across South Dakota.

It only takes seconds to Place Your Vote Online:

http://eventful.com/competitions/kiss2010/detroit

Everyone that votes for Kory and the Fireflies lets the band know about it on their Facebook page will have a chance to win two VIP Tickets to see KISS anywhere in U.S. this summer, $250, a Bag of KISS Swag AND a Signed Guitar from Kory & the Fireflies! As long as they're kept in the Top 5 they'll award their prize whether they win or not. After voting for Kory and the Fireflies at the link above let them know you voted for your chance to win here:

http://www.facebook.com/koryfireflies

John Denver, Rapid City, SD

2010-04-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

Can't tell you exactly when this concert was, sometime in late 1980 or early '81, but John Denver at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City was a great show. Of course I have been a huge John Denver fan from the beginning. In fact, this may come as a surprise to some, but he's my favorite artist of all time.

Just taking a guess here, but judging from the fiddle in his hand and the band clapping along, I think this is "Thank God I'm a Country Boy."

Lakota Music Project, Pierre, SD

2010-01-22T07:57:00.001-08:00

South Dakota's annual Governor's Conference on Tourism wrapped up last night with an awards banquet and a great performance of the "Lakota Music Project" by the South Dakota Symphony's Chamber Orchestra and the Porcupine Singers.

My photos of the Badlands and Black Hills were projected on three giant screens as the combined musical groups presented a blend of tribal drums, traditional Lakota singing and symphonic instruments.

I was proud to provide a backdrop for the fantastic performance.

For more information on the Lakota Music Project and to purchase a DVD of one of their performances, visit South Dakota Public Television.

KISS, Minneapolis, MN

2009-11-08T18:55:00.001-08:00

Sometimes it's fun to just sit back and watch a concert instead of working it up front with a photo pass. Last night was one of those times. So here are my impressions of KISS and Buckcherry from the upper deck of the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN on November 7, 2009. Any KISS concert is a spectacle of incredible proportions, on stage and in the audience. The number of people in costumes and makeup is always fun to see. And with the band celebrating it's 35th anniversary tour, that audience is made up of people ranging in age from 60 to 6.

Also amazing is the amount of merchandising the band behind the makeup pumps out. Souvenir booths at the show were swamped with people buying shirts, posters, keychains and live CD recordings of the very show they were witnessing that night.

Once the lights went down the famous "You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best..." intro thundered through the arena and the ever-explosive KISS took the stage.

Blasting through the hits "Deuce," "Hotter Than Hell," and "Lick It Up," they kept things at a fever pitch. Of course, a KISS concert isn't complete without Gene Simmons breathing fire and spitting blood, Tommy Thayer shooting rockets out of his guitar, and Paul Stanley smashing his guitar. Thrown into the mix were Simmons spreading his bat wings for a flight to the top of the lighting rig to sing "I Love It Loud" and Stanley flying on a trapeze to the back of the arena for "Love Gun."

Thayer's rendition of "Shock Me" was great and was preceded by those of us in the audience wishing him a Happy Birthday.

"Modern Day Delilah" was the lone representation of the band's new album Sonic Boom. Tributes to Led Zeppelin and the Who were mixed into other KISS favorites. A confetti blizzard of epic proportions, all four band members rising on hydraulic platforms and enough flames, smoke and concussion bombs to blind and deafen even those of us in the upper seats capped off the massive performance.

Oh yeah, and Buckcherry opened the show. For fans of their music, it was a pretty good performance. I got the feeling however, that most of the sold-out crowd was like me, just waiting for KISS.

My blogger buddy Matt Becker was there with a real photo pass, so for his view from right in front of the stage, check out his photos at Melodic Rock Concerts. My pictures from other eras of "KISStory" are here.

Sherwin Linton, Huron, SD

2009-09-03T19:20:00.001-07:00

Who is Sherwin Linton? Well, he's only an inaugural inductee into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and will also be inducted into the South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame later this month. Pretty good credentials, I'd say.

On September 3, 2009, Linton, his wife Pam, and their band the Cotton Kings began a five-day, three-shows-per-day engagement at the South Dakota State Fair Freedom Stage in Huron. This photo of Pam and Sherwin is from the first of those shows.

Find out more about the Lintons and where you can catch them live at SherwinLinton.com. They have a full schedule, clear through this time next year.

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Mitchell, SD

2009-08-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts treated Mitchell, South Dakota's Corn Palace to a night of hot, sweaty punk rock on Friday, August 28, 2009.

With their usual minimum of stage decor (a large banner with the band's logo), the Blackhearts ripped through all the big hits and covers they are known for. "Crimson and Clover" and "I Hate Myself For Lovin' You" got great responses from a large crowd.

Not surprisingly with a new movie coming next year about Joan's teenage band The Runaways, several tunes from that era of her life were sprinkled throughout the set. "Cherry Bomb" has always been a fan favorite, but this was probably the first time in a long while for fans to hear "I Love Playing With Fire," "You Drive Me Wild," and "School Days."

Here are Joan and guitarist Dougie Needles.

Blackhearts drummer Thommy Price.

Despite a row of lights at the back of the stage that were causing Joan to sweat so much puddles were forming at her feet, she seemed to be having a good time and putting on the best show she could for the audience. I'm not sure why I could figure out that she wanted those lights turned off, but the lighting crew couldn't.

See older Joan Jett photos here.

One other thought - Any of you who are familiar with my tastes in music will recognize that KISS has been one of my favorite bands for a long time. It occurred to me after watching Joan Jett for the fifth time that her shows are pretty much the antithesis of the gigantic costumed, fire breathing, blood spitting, levitating drums, spark-shooting guitar spectacles that KISS does. Stripped-down punk rock played quick and loud is just as much fun!

Steven Tyler talks about fall, TOUR CANCELLED

2009-08-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Finally some word from Steven Tyler himself about his fall off the Buffalo Chip stage last week during the Sturgis Rally. This from People Magazine -

Steven Tyler says that in thousands of concerts he's only fallen off the stage four times – but this last one was worthy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"I landed upside down, and after twenty stitches on the back of my head, and a broken left shoulder, I just want to say that I'm plain grateful that I didn't break my neck!" the 61-year-old Aerosmith lead singer said Thursday in his first comments since last week's accident that left him with a broken left shoulder and 20 stitches on the back of his head.

Tyler said everything seemed to be going perfectly at the Aug. 5 show in Sturgis, S.D., where after a storm caused a one-hour delay, "Tens of thousands of my biker buddies were ready to rock!" He called it "one of the best shows we've played in a long time! The band was slammin' and I was lovin' every minute of it!"

Read the full story at People Magazine

Still no official word on whether the tour will continue. All of this week's Canadian leg was postponed for now.

EDIT 8/15 - The remainder of the Aerosmith tour for 2009 has officially been cancelled according to Aerosmith.com and their official fanclub AeroForceOne.com.

Big & Rich, Sioux Falls, SD

2009-08-13T15:56:00.001-07:00

Take equal parts country, rock and roll, rap, circus, patriotic rally and South Dakota tribute and shake well. You'll get the Big & Rich show at the Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls on August 12, 2009.

With special guests onstage like dwarf "Two Foot Fred," the black country rapper "Cowboy Troy" and "Tim the Electrician" who owns the Dungeon Bar in Sturgis, SD, things just never seemed like a normal music concert.

For those not familiar with Big & Rich's history, the duo of Big Kenny and John Rich spent much of their early time together playing in Deadwood, South Dakota. Many of their songs are filled with the area's history and flavor. Here is the set list from last night's show, but it doesn't include a few notables.

Before "Eighth of November," which is about South Dakota native Niles Harris and his experiences in Vietnam, John Rich surprised Kenny and the rest of the band by saying it was only right that they perform "Deadwood Mountain" while in the state. Kenny joined in, but the rest of the band had obviously never rehearsed the tune from the duo's first album and respectfully stood waiting their turn.

Despite 90 degree temperatures and sticky humidity, Rich made his onstage entrance in a fur coat. He quickly shed it after the first song.

Kenny did as much prancing and posing as he did singing.

"Tim the Electrician's" time onstage amounted to what Rich called "folding chair bronc riding" while the band played "The Orange Blossom Special," which morphed into Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues."

More Johnny Cash tributes and rap from Cowboy Troy sprinkled throughout the Big & Rich hits lead up to a finale that included Rich setting a guitar on fire and then he and Cowboy Troy smashing two acoustic guitars to smithereens to the delight of the rowdy crowd.

Check out my pictures of Big & Rich from a more sedate performance at B&R. Learn more about the duo at their official website.

Sawyer Brown, Watertown, SD

2009-08-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

By my estimate, around 10,000 people enjoyed Sawyer Brown's free concert at the Redlin Art Center Celebration in Watertown, South Dakota on August 8, 2009.

Threatening skies created an unusually cool evening for the time of year, but the rains held off and a beautiful sunset snuck under the clouds as the band played.

Home state hero and lead guitarist Shayne Hill of Spearfish, SD propelled the pop-country legends through their biggest hits and some surprises including the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and the Steve Miller Band's "Keep On Rockin' Me Baby."

Lead vocalist Mark Miller demonstrated some fancy dance moves during "The Race."

Saywer Brown's rhythm section is Jim Scholten on bass and Joe Smyth on drums.

Steven Tyler in motion

2009-08-08T04:34:00.000-07:00

Can't let the kid have too much acclaim, so here are more of my pictures of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith in action.

As you can see, Tyler never stops moving and is a whirling blur of motion most of the time while performing. That is until he falls off the stage...

Here are guitarist Joe Perry and Tyler on the "catwalk" stage projection that Tyler later fell off of and injured himself. (See posts below)

More Aerosmith, Sturgis, SD

2009-08-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

As promised, more Aerosmith concert pictures from the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, South Dakota.

These pictures are by guest photographer and first-time concert shooter Cody Coppess. After being the subject of many photos on this blog, he took to the other side of the camera like a pro, capturing Brad Whitford and Steven Tyler in all their rock and roll glory.

He went for the artistic view of Whitford's Gibson Les Paul and I think it's a cool enough shot that I made a computer wallpaper out of it. Click on the photo to enlarge, then right click and "Set as Background."

Aerosmith, Sturgis, South Dakota

2009-08-06T15:08:00.001-07:00

More from Aerosmith's ill-fated August 5, 2009 concert at the Buffalo Chip Campground in Sturgis, South Dakota.

The concert was going along really well with great performances by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and crew.

A cool highlight of the show was when guitarist Brad Whitford's (below) son Graham joned the band on stage for one song. It was unfortunately after the first three songs that photographers were able to shoot.

Funny how even when I was shooting Whitford, that huge mouth of Steven Tyler's dominated the shot.

Here's a bit more artistic shot of Tyler in his sequined pimp outfit that he first appeared in. More photos like this coming, including some by my son Cody who shot his first concert last night.

Unfortunately the concert ended all to soon when power blew to the main stage PA system during "Love In An Elevator" and then Steven Tyler fell off the stage and was injured. See posts below for that story, or check all over the celebrity gossip sites on the web. Video of the fall is available on YouTube.

Latest news is that Tyler is going to be okay, but the band's next show in Winnipeg, Canada has been postponed.

Don't miss Dakotagraph.com for photos of the rest of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2009.

Steven Tyler at Buffalo Chip, South Dakota photos

2009-08-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler at the August 5, 2009 concert at the Buffalo Chip Campground in South Dakota during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Tyler fell off the stage later in the show and was injured.

If these are copied and published, please include the credit on the photos.

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler hurt in fall from stage

2009-08-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

I've seen some strange rock concert events over the years, but last night is right near the top. Aerosmith was rocking the Buffalo Chip Campground during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally when lead singer Steven Tyler took a misstep and fell off the stage.

From where I watched he was dancing around one second and the next he just disappeared. I would guess the stage was approximately five feet high and according to reports he fell onto a couple people in the audience.

The Buffalo Chip is saying that Tyler had slight head and neck injuries and also a shoulder injury. He was airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Tyler's fall came just a few minutes after the main PA system failed. The band was continuing to play with just their smaller amplifiers on the stage, but we could barely hear them. Tyler moved out onto a small "catwalk" portion of the stage projecting out into the middle of the audience and began dancing around when he slipped.

Some crazy comments are appearing on the web already that it was all planned and that Aerosmith was ripping off fans who paid up to $120 a ticket. Trust me, that was not planned and his injuries are real. He looked in serious pain when they lifted him back onto the stage and he headed backstage. My perspective is that the band was doing their very best to put on a show for the fans when Tyler lost his footing and it all ended too soon.

Don't forget also that it had rained for over an hour just before Aerosmith took the stage. I watched the stage crew do their best to dry everything, but I'm sure there were still damp spots.

More info and pictures of the beginning of the show will be coming later today.

For some entertaining reading, check out the comments on the stories about Tyler's fall at the Rapid City Journal. People are having a great time applying Aerosmith lyrics to the unfortunate incident - the band was playing "Love in An Elevator" when it happened, which includes the the line "Livin' it up when I'm going down." How about the song "Livin' On the Edge" and the line "You can't stop yourself from fallin'?" You get the idea, I'll let you go there and read more if you want.

Little Texas contest

2009-08-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hey Little Texas fans! Want a hat?

The first two readers two comment here with the name of the first act featured at this site and the date of that post will win a Little Texas ball cap. These were sent to me directly by Little Texas bass player Duane Propes.

Thanks and good luck!

Happy KISS Day

2009-08-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

That's right, it's the first anniversary of KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota.

UPDATE - I sent a Happy KISS Day message to KISS and whadda ya know? It appeared on their website with pictures! www.kisssonline.com

So HAPPY KISS DAY and I'll be shooting Aerosmith tomorrow. New stuff up soon!

For updates on how things are going at the Buffalo Chip Campground during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, check out my buddy Matt's blog at Melodic Rock Concerts. Matt is interning as a photographer at the Chip this week, so covering all the bands.

Little Texas, Belle Fourche, SD

2009-07-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

As I've said before, Little Texas is one of my favorite country bands. They played the Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche, South Dakota on July 4, 2009.

For 20 years these guys have been playing their blend of country and rock. I've seen them do Beatles and Eagles tunes in the past. This time it was "Crazy Train" from Ozzy Osbourne with Dwayne O'Brien on lead guitar.

Always a great show, no matter what the size of the crowd or venue. Check out an older shot of Duane Propes at "Little Texas."

Here's me with the band (left to right) Duane Propes, Del Gray, me, Porter Howell, and Dwayne O'Brien. How friendly are these guys? They did two meet-and-greet sessions before and after this show to make sure that every fan there got the chance for an autograph and/or photo.

For more official information about Little Texas, check out their website at Little Texas Online.

How about this connection between Little Texas and South Dakota? Fun stuff!

Judd Hoos, Pierre, South Dakota

2009-06-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

Pierre, South Dakota's annual Oahe Days festival for 2009 featured the Judd Hoos in concert as well as other entertainment over three days.

Judd Hoos are based out of Sioux Falls, but have members from all over South Dakota and Minnesota. They are popular throughout the Midwest, and usually play the full week of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally each August. Lead Singer Bob Zwart is a veteran of another popular South Dakota act, Zwarte.

Find out more about the band at Judd Hoos.

Hailey Steele, Mitchell, SD

2009-06-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hailey Steele is one of South Dakota's bright young talents trying to make it in Nashville and the world of country music. Here she is performing with country legend Willie Nelson at the Corn Palace in Mitchell in August 2003.

Hailey will be back at the Corn Palace this August opening for Blake Shelton. Get tickets at the Corn Palace website.

You can also check out more info and hear Hailey's music at Hailey Steele.

Williams & Ree special show

2009-06-06T03:16:00.000-07:00

Comedy/music team Williams and Ree began their career as part of a band while attending Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. They will reunite with former band members for a special show next week at BHSU.
Joining Bruce Williams and Terry Ree will be Jim Roberts, Dennis Van Vactor, and Jerry Burton. Also appearing will be nationally-known comedian Gary Mule Deer, a Spearfish native, and longtime Black Hills musician Kenny Miller.
The show will be Tuesday, June 8 at the Clare and Josef Meier Recital Hall on the BHSU campus. Tickets are available by calling 605-642-638.
For my pictures of Williams and Ree, click here. For pictures of Gary Mule Deer, click here.

Brule, Pierre, South Dakota

2009-04-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Found a couple more shots of the Brule concert that I just couldn't resist posting.

Nicole LaRoche adds vocals to her many talents...

...and one last look at Moses Brings Plenty and his hair.

Moses Brings Plenty, Brule, Pierre, SD

2009-04-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is Moses Brings Plenty, tribal drummer for Brule. When you've got hair hanging past your waist you might as well make it part of the show and Mo does that well.

With long locks and blowing fans accentuating his drumming style, Moses at times is a complete blur of motion. I did my best to capture the power and beauty of his performance with slow shutter speeds.

For more pictures, check the previous two posts below. Moses is also an accomplished actor with television and movies to his credit. Read more about that side of his career at www.cinemasouthdakota.blogspot.com.

More Brule

2009-04-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report that Monday night's concert by Brule in Pierre was well-attended and well-appreciated by the audience.

The unique combination of Native American/New Age/rock music combined with a great light show and amazing Native dancers makes a spectacular show. I've heard nothing but glowing reviews from those who attended.

Nicole LaRoche was named the 2007 Best Female Artist by the Native American Music Academy and it's not hard to believe when you see her perform live. The spirit and enthusiasm she moves through a flute is incredible.

Here is keyboardist/band leader Paul LaRoche and that ghostly figure in the back is tribal drummer/singer Moses Brings Plenty.

Moses is worth a set of pictures on his own, so I'll post that next.

See my other posts about Brule here.

Brule, Pierre, South Dakota

2009-04-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a first for this blog - pictures of a concert before it happens. Brule will be playing tonight in Pierre, South Dakota and did a couple preview shows for school kids this afternoon. Here are band leader Paul LaRoche and drummer Moses Brings Plenty.

Moses has also acted in several movies and I'm off to interview him about that in a few minutes. Featured with the band today were a group of Lakota dancers including Pierre resident and movie actor Michael Spears. Michael starred in the recent film "Imprint." Here are Moses and Michael hanging out backstage.

Check out more about the band at Brule and "Imprint" and other South Dakota films at Cinema South Dakota.

Randy Travis, Mount Rushmore

2009-04-01T17:23:00.001-07:00

Randy Travis performs during the Regis and Kathy Lee show at Mount Rushmore National Memorial that I posted about earlier.

Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi was also a guest on this show, but I haven't come up with any of my pictures of him yet. Hopefully they will resurface and that will be a future post.

Cinderella, Evansville, IN

2009-03-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

Cinderella frontman Tom Keifer screams out a song during the band's "Heartbreak Station" tour in about 1991 or '92 at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, IN.

I don't remember any good stories about Cinderella, but I do remember a funny one about Kip Winger opening for them in 1989.

If you're a fan of 80's hair metal, you'll remember Kip as the bass player for Alice Cooper before forming his own band Winger. I saw them open for Cinderella at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, SD in 1989.

As a local DJ dramatically announced the band, Kip came sprinting across the stage directly toward my seat. As he reached the end of stage right and started to slow down, his feet slipped out from under him. I was looking right into his eyes as they grew about three sizes and he hit the stage hard on his rear end. He quickly rolled over into a sitting position with his feet dangling off the front of the stage and didn't miss a beat playing the first song.

Sorry Kip, you didn't fool me, I saw the fear in your eyes. But it sounded good and what a great entrance.

Big & Rich/Steve Miller/Beach Boys, Pierre, SD

2009-03-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

This is my second post on the Vietnam War Memorial Dedication concerts held in Pierre, South Dakota on September 15 and 16, 2006. Check out the full story here.

Big and Rich and their song "Eighth of November" were a featured part of the actual dedication ceremonies.

Here are Medal of Honor winner Patrick Brady, Big Kenny Alphin, subject of the song "Eighth of November" and Vietnam Vet Niles Harris, South Dakota National Guard General Michael Gorman, South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds, John Rich and Adrian Cronauer, the real-life disc jockey portrayed by Robin Williams in the movie "Good Morning Vietnam."

I've never quite understood why John Rich calls himself the "Cowboy Stevie Wonder," but here's a closeup of his guitar.

Two nights of Vietnam-era music capped off the weekend's festivities. Here is the Steve Miller Band.

And the Beach Boys.

Deadwood Jam

2009-03-01T12:30:00.001-08:00

As long as we are talking concerts in Deadwood, here's the big annual fall blues festival - the Deadwood Jam. John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band started "The Jam" in 1990.

Deadwood's historic train depot has been converted to a visitor information center and the Jam is held in the parking lot.

That's Steve Earle on the stage above on Sept. 17, 2005. Past entertainers have included the Wallflowers, Young Dubliners, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Blues Traveler, Kenny Wayne Sheperd, Arlo Guthrie, Poco, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Firefall, Edgar Winter, Jefferson Starship, and The Georgia Satellites.

The 2009 lineup for the Jam has not been announced yet, but will be here.

.38 Special, Deadwood's Historic Main Street

2009-02-27T12:27:00.000-08:00

Deadwood, South Dakota's Historic Main Street is used as a concert venue during several events throughout the year. This one is .38 Special during Wild Bill Days in 2005.

I posted a picture of Donnie Van Zant at this concert a while back here.

The combination of an authentic Old West town, classic rock and roll, and beer sales on the street always brings out large crowds. Here's the view from one of the apartments above Main Street's casinos.

And the view from the stage.

You can check out the happenings in Deadwood for this year here.

.38 Special is scheduled to play on August 4, 2009 at the Broken Spoke Campground outside of Sturgis during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Live with Regis and Kathie Lee

2009-02-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

Not really a concert, but entertainers anyway. "Live With Regis and Kathie Lee" taped two shows at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on September 14, 1998.

Both Regis and Kathie Lee had trouble keeping their tongues in their mouths apparently.

Richard Simmons was one of the guest stars that day.

Lonely Rangers, Pierre, SD

2009-01-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

The Lonely Rangers entertained the crowd at the 2009 South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism in Pierre. The band is from Rapid City and features graphic designer Ross Johnson and photographer Johnny Sundby on guitars and vocals with Lisa Sherrod on bass and Terry Rathbun on drums.

Check them out at www.lonelyrangers.com.

South Dakota gets it's own R&R Hall of Fame

2009-01-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

Don Fritz of Sioux Falls has spent a lot of time and money collecting early rock and roll memorabilia from South Dakota. He is now working to create an official Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the state.

Check out the official website at South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Although there is no permanent location for the hall yet, the first members will be inducted May 24 at the Shrine Mosque in Sioux Falls. The Shrine Mosque itself will be inducted as it's earlier identity, the Arkota Ballroom. A concert, auction, and autograph session will be included in the ceremonies.

Inductees will be Myron Lee and the Caddies (Sioux Falls), Gene Carroll and the Shades (Sisseton), Sherwin Linton (Watertown), The Byrnes Boys Band (Pierre), The Mystics (Aberdeen), The Jadesmen (Sioux Falls), Gary Miller and the Vaqueros (Rapid City), promoter/booking agent Ken Mills, disc jockeys Bob Helgeson and Jack Shaefer, and Bobby Vee as a regional celebrity, the Arkota Ballroom, the Spearfish Pavilion, and Bill Van Dusen's UA Recording Studio in Sioux Falls.

Anyone wanting to donate posters, photos or other memorabilia may email Don Fritz at ddfritz@sio.midco.net.

I know there are lots of worthy potential inductees from many eras, so it will probably be a few years before some of my favorites make it in. No problem, I can wait. Good luck with the project Don!

Thanks to South Dakota Magazine for much of this information. Check them out at www.southdakotamagazine.com.

Buckcherry/Avenged Sevenfold concert rescheduled

2008-12-17T03:14:00.000-08:00

News from the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City.

The Buckcherry/Avenged Sevenfold concert that was originally scheduled for November 6 and was postponed due to extremely hazardous blizzard conditions, has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2009. Buckcherry, Avenged Sevenfold, Saving Abel, and Papa Roach will perform in the Don Barnett Arena starting at 6:30 pm. If you have tickets for the original date, they will be honored for the new date.

Blackhawk, Mitchell, SD

2008-11-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

Just came across a couple more interesting shots from this concert at Mitchell's "World's Only Corn Palace." Blackhawk played the Corn Palace Festival in August 1997. You'll find my original post about this concert here.

So here's what it looks like from the light control board, which is interesting the first time you see it. When you realize stage shows are designed to be seen from the audience side, the backstage view isn't always that cool.

If you really like seeing the little details of an artist's gear or what happens and gets said between songs, backstage is fun. Unfortunately, I've found sometimes it ruins the illusion and I would have much rather seen a show the way it was designed instead of how the crew does.

Bon Jovi, Rapid City, SD

2008-10-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

It's Bon Jovi opening for RATT at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, SD on Sept. 10, 1985. I believe this was Bon Jovi's first big national tour.

I have better closeup pictures of Bon Jovi at this show, but I shot them on Kodachrome film and the combination of my slide scanner and my lack of knowledge of how to use it makes the images unusable. Perhaps some day I'll have someone show me what I'm doing wrong.

Anyway, here's the good story from this show. With my photo pass, I was able to be in the "pit" between the audience barricade and the stage for the first three songs. As seemed to be very common back in those days, the crush of people in the front center area of the audience (plus whatever substances they had been using) was a bit overwhelming for some. The security guards began lifting a passed out girl over the barricade to get her to some medical attention. In the process they were bumping into me as I tried to shoot, so I was doing my best to get out of their way. I leaned forward toward the stage and reached for the edge of it to steady myself. You guessed it - Jon Bon Jovi choose that moment to run to the edge of the stage and step right on my fingers!

Here a couple shots of RATT at this show, which I've already covered at RATT.

Snakebeard Jackson, Yankton, SD

2008-09-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

Snakebeard Jackson is an eclectic collection of musicians from Sioux Falls that have been gaining popularity in the region over the last few years. They played "Rockin Ribfest" in Yankton on Sept. 6, 2008.

I'm pretty sure I've never seen a country/rock/bluegrass band with a standup string bass and a washboard player before.

Check them out at www.snakebeardjackson.com.

Williams and Ree, Huron, SD

2008-08-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Williams and Ree, "The Indian and the White Guy," did two shows at the South Dakota State Fair on August 29, 2008. Mixing music with their familiar humor poking fun at people of various ethnic backgrounds, they always make the point that "we are all the same."

Check them out at www.williamsandree.com/.

Bay City Rollers/The Heywoods, Deadwood, SD

2008-08-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

Deadwood, the historic old west town in South Dakota's Black Hills, started a 50s-70s themed weekend a few years ago called Kool Deadwood Nites. It includes a huge car rally/show competition and great music of the era. This year's concerts were by Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods and the Bay City Rollers.

The concert stage is set up on Main Street with people bringing their own lawn chairs for seating. Both nights were jam packed with spectators for two full blocks. Here are Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods with the crowd. You might remember their 1974 No. 1 Hit, "Billy, Don't be a Hero."

And S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y night's headliners - The Bay City Rollers. A little bit of plaid and a lot of bubblegum music makes for a fun evening.

Last KISS Day picture

2008-08-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here's the final picture of KISS Rock and Roll Day - Cody and I with the band! Thanks very much to KISS photographer Lou Antonelli and KISS Online webmaster Keith Leroux for making sure we received the picture.

If you've somehow missed the rest of my coverage of the festivities on Monday, August 4, 2008 in Sturgis, South Dakota, check the posts below.

FYI - The axe-shaped guitar that Cody and Eric Singer are holding is one that Cody and I built for a Christmas party lip-sync contest a few years ago. It is a not-very-accurate replica of one that Gene Simmons plays. The band was nice enough to sign it for us.

And here are some of the press hits we had from the day:

Television
MTV, Italy
NBC6, Miami, FL
KCAU and KMEG, Sioux City, IA
KXMB, Bismarck/Mandan, ND

Radio
KNAC, Los Angeles, CA
WKHY, Lafayette, IN
THE FOX, Iowa City, IA
103.7 The BONE, Wilmington, NC
EXTRA 991, Chicago, IL
KBBZ, Kalispell, MT

Online
Official KISS site
KISS drummer Eric Singer’s site
www.kissasylum.com
kissonfire.blogspot.com
kissarmybrasil.com.br (Brazil)
kissarmysweden.com (Sweden)
kissarmyfinland.com (Finland)
kissnews.de (Germany)
kissweb-it.com (Italy)
metaleater.com (Canada)
diamnoir.free.fr (France)
bravewords.com (Canada)
estejodio.com (Mexico)
kissmaskwebzine.blogspot.com
kissfansite.yuku.com
vh1classic.com (VH1Classic forum)
roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net
libertyreporter.org
hairymetal.com
sturgisbikeweek.com
sturgis.com

Fourth batch of KISS Day stuff

2008-08-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

Can't forget drummer Eric Singer!

And the big finale to a great day!

Thanks again to everyone and to www.kissonline.com, kissfansite.yuku.com, kissasylum.com and any other websites out there that have reposted my stuff.

What a day and what a great time!

Third batch of KISS Day stuff

2008-08-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

Yet more KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota from Sturgis, August 4, 2008.

Paul Stanley in action.

And lead guitarist Tommy Thayer.

Second batch of KISS Day photos

2008-08-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here's another batch of photos from the KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota concert at Sturgis, South Dakota on August 4, 2008.

In this post we feature Gene "The Demon" Simmons.

In this shot Gene has flown to the top of the lights and is singing "I Love It Loud" from his perch there.

More to come!

KISS Rock and Roll Day, Sturgis, South Dakota

2008-08-06T00:17:00.000-07:00

ALRIGHT STURGIS!!! YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST! THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD! KISS!!!

What they are saying is the largest crowd in the history of the Glencoe Campground's Rock'n the Rally amphitheater made Monday, August 4, 2008 a special one for KISS and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. A reported 40 to 50,000 fans saw South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds and Sturgis Mayor Maury LaRue present the band with a proclamation making it KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota.

Here are (left to right) Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, Paul Stanley, Governor Rounds, and Eric Singer backstage before the show.

Eric Singer had fun adjusting the Governor's vest so that only Eric's picture on the shirt underneath showed.

And here they are onstage.

The Governor's proclamation saluted the band for their support of the military, which Paul Stanley reinforced near the end of the show. He dedicated the concert to all men and women serving in Armed Forces overseas and called America the "greatest country in the world."

Being backstage with the band was a surreal experience. The Rock'n the Rally facilities include small houses as dressing rooms for the bands and we spent a large amount of time standing around in the house that KISS was using to apply makeup and costumes. Seeing the look on the Governor's face the first time Paul walked out in full costume towering over everyone else in the room was priceless. Seeing Gene Simmons in makeup and a bathrobe dismayed at the number of people in the house was hilarious. Watching the wardrobe gals carry bits and pieces of costumes through was strange. I never expected to see Gene's codpiece or armored arm bands without him in them.

Here's Tommy Thayer signing an autograph in the kitchen.

The show itself was nothing short of the awesome spectacle you expect from KISS. The band lowered from the light rig at the intro, Eric's drum riser raised and lowered with smoke billowing out of it along with platforms for Gene and Tommy, Paul flew to the back of the audience to do "Love Gun," Gene flew to the top of the lights for "I Love It Loud," and so much confetti filled the air during "Rock and Roll All Nite" that at times it was hard to see the stage. Fire breathing, guitar-smashing, and fireworks they should have been able to see over at the Kid Rock concert across the road - it was all there. I was told it included $100,000 worth of pyrotechnics and fireworks.

Here are some photos.

I want to thank Doc McGhee and Melissa Madden at McGhee Entertainment, Cile Montgomery at Rozone Productions/Giant Media, Gary Lippold at Glencoe, Pepper Massey at the Sturgis Motorcyle Rally, Mayor Maury LaRue, Governor Mike Rounds, Mitch Krebs, Mike Mueller, Joe Hamm, and of course, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer for making this wild idea I had into reality. Also, all the members of our team at South Dakota Tourism - Melissa Bump, Wanda Goodman and Scott Howard especially, that helped create something really cool and generate a lot of good publicity. Special thanks to my son Cody Coppess for sharing the day and night with me and putting up with a lot of logistical problem-solving through the whole thing.

We wanted the best, we got the best!

One more pic from backstage - Who did we run into but Kory Van Sickle from Kory and the Fireflies and his lovely wife Traci. So, here they are with KISS. Gene seemed to think Kory needed some help with his expression.

KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota

2008-07-31T04:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's official! Monday, August 4, 2008 will be proclaimed "KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota" by Governor Mike Rounds with a presentation to the band at the Glencoe Campground's "Rock'n The Rally" during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!
Minor details are still being worked out, but it is going to happen, so you readers are the first to know. It's been a long road and a lot of coordinating, but we've got it done. The media has been notified and you should see some publicity about it in the next few days if you are around the Sturgis area. We've had some interest expressed in covering the presentation by MTV, Jay Leno, and it will also be anounced at www.kissonline.com in the next day or two.

In commemoration of the special night I've made the image above as computer wallpaper. Just click on the picture to enlarge it and right click and "set as desktop background." I made this when the event was titled "Nite," which has now changed to "Day."

KISS will have these Sturgis t-shirts for sale at the event.

Kory & the Fireflies, Chamberlain, SD

2008-07-17T02:00:00.001-07:00

Kory and the guys played for the River City Racin' Unlimited Light Hydroplane boat races in Chamberlain, South Dakota on July 12, 2008. It was a quick shoot for me as I had two more hours to drive that night. So I spent a half-hour on stage with the Fireflies and then hit the road.

For more Kory & the Fireflies, check the artist list at right.

And here's a shot of opening act Liquid Thin from Sioux Falls.

See www.dakotagraph.blogspot.com for photos of boat racing action.

KISS wallpaper

2008-06-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here's something I whipped up for myself promoting the upcoming KISS concert at the Glencoe Campground's "Rock'n The Rally" during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Click on the photo to enlarge and then right click and "Set as Desktop Background."

Hope you like it.

And thanks to www.kissonline.com for posting a link to this site! Any of you that came here through that link, take a look around, there's lots of KISS and lots of other cool concert stuff as well.

KISS, Rapid City, SD

2008-06-28T12:58:00.001-07:00

Color versions this time of KISS on the Crazy Nights tour in Rapid City, South Dakota on March 19, 1988. You can see black and white photos from this same show in an earlier post. Check the list at right.

Gene Simmons and that famous tongue of his.

Paul Stanley in classic poses. As I said before, he knows how to find a camera.

I know this isn't a very good photo, but it's the only one I've got of the late great Eric Carr. RIP Eric.

Gene's basses ready for battle just before the show.

My friend Steve Meeker and I were at this concert together and both being big KISS fans, were very excited that we had secured backstage passes. We were also very disappointed when checking in at the backstage entrance afterwards to find that the meet and greet had happened before the show, which no one had told us. So, never giving up, we went to the Hilton hotel where we knew they were staying. Not knowing what to do next, we sat on a bench outside the elevator hoping something would happen. Believe it or not a few minutes later the elevator doors opened and out walked Eric Carr. He nodded to us, said, "Hi guys," and walked into the bar. After a while of hoping Gene and/or Paul would also show up, we wandered into the bar, found Eric and got a couple autographs and a picture of him with Steve. We decided that was enough excitement and left for home without knowing if we would have met any more of the band. It was sad to find out a couple years later that Eric had passed away from cancer.

Here's a couple audience members who went all out that night. This has become somewhat commonplace at KISS shows since they put the makeup and costumes back on in 1996, but at the time of this concert seeing the real guys in this getup was just a dream. Looking at this photo makes me remember thinking, "Dang that guy did a lot of work to show he's a fan of something that's never going to come back."

I was wrong and I'm glad I was. Can't wait to see the boys at the Sturgis Rally in August. If all goes as planned, I'll have more photos to show off then.

Kory & The Fireflies, Pierre & Yankton, SD

2008-06-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

It's more stuff of Kory and the Fireflies.

Here are Kory Van Sickle, drummer Al Berven, and guitarist Chris Beyer at Riverboat Days in Yankton, SD in August 2003.

And bass player Jason Vetos, Chris and Kory at Governor Michael Rounds' Inaugural Ball in Pierre in January of 2003.

Check out more pictures of Kory and the Fireflies in the Artist List at the right.

More Than Heroes, Pierre, SD

2008-06-22T13:50:00.001-07:00

More Than Heroes played at Pierre's "Oahe Days" celebration on June 21, 2008. An early in the evening time slot and a rain shower just before their set limited the audience and audio gremlins bit the PA system, but the boys still had fun. The large stage with extra equipment set up made the gig look impressive.

See the Artist List at right for more info on the band.

Alan Jackson/Jo Dee Messina, Sioux Falls, SD

2008-06-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

It's Alan Jackson and Jo Dee Messina at the Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, August 1996.

I bet Alan remembers this show because all the high-tech video screens, etc. didn't do any good when about halfway through the show a transformer on the fairgrounds blew up and all power to the stage died. It took a few minutes, but the crew got a backup generator going and got a single light working on the stage. To Alan and band's credit, they grabbed some stools and acoustic guitars. The crew could power enough amplifiers to get microphones working, so the rest of the show became an "unplugged" set. It was a little too dark for me to shoot at that point and I had a three-hour drive still to go, so I left before they were done. I've always thought it was a very cool thing for the band to not give up on the fans when it looked like the show was over.

This was Jo Dee's first big national tour and she sounded great.

Red Willow Band, Deadwood, SD

2008-06-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

This is the Red Willow Band at what amounted to a "command performance" during the Western Governor's Association annual meeting in Deadwood, South Dakota on June 10, 2007.

South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds hosted the meeting for governors of states in the western U.S. He brought in Red Willow to provide entertainment in a tent on Deadwood's Main Street.

The Red Willow Band was a very popular country-rock act in South Dakota and the surrounding states from 1974 to 1982. They recorded two albums before fading away. Since a reunion in 2006 they have been playing a handful of dates each year.

Red Willow core members are Chris Gage, Hank Harris, Kenny Putnam, Marley Forman and Barry Carpenter. Many others have been part of the band at various times.

KISS coming to Sturgis Rally!

2008-05-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm going to claim responsibility for this one! I don't usually include direct ads for concerts here, but this one is special to me.

For about two years, the Glencoe Resort at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has included a "Vote for who you'd like to see at Rock'n' the Rally" feature on their website. I have filled KISS in all three choices on the ballot and emailed it in probably a couple hundred times. And guess what? My wish came true!!!

Find all the info and order tickets at www.rockntherally.com or www.kissonline.com.

And yes, my tickets are already on the way!

More Than Heroes, Pierre, SD

2008-05-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Here's my son Cody's second project at the moment - More Than Heroes. This graduation reception show (see UnTold sTory post below) was there second gig ever, and the first was the night before.

More Than Heroes features Luke Schuetzle on lead vocals and guitar, Graham Schuetzle on bass and vocals, Raury Cruse on guitar and vocals, and Cody Coppess on drums.

UnTold sTory, Pierre, SD

2008-05-19T17:16:00.001-07:00

My son Cody's high school graduation reception/concert on May 17, 2008 featured the two rock bands he is playing in currently.

Here is UnTold sTory, featuring Cody Coppess on guitar and vocals, Reece Chambers on bass, Vince Montez on guitar and vocals, and Trevor Larson on drums.

For more info, check out http://untoldstorytheband.googlepages.com/home.

Next up will be the other project Cody is involved in, More Than Heroes.

Van Halen, Evansville, IN

2008-05-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

Honestly don't have the details on this show like I do for most. It was Roberts Stadium in March 1992. I remember that my photo pass let me shoot the first three songs and then all media were escorted out of the building. So my lack of memory can be attributed to the fact that I wasn't there very long at all.

From looking through the pictures, I obviously concentrated on my first and so far only chance to shoot the immortal Eddie Van Halen.

Here are the brothers Van Halen - Alex and Eddie.

Sammy Hagar was on lead vocals during this era of Van Halen.

And it was obviously back in the day when Eddie and Michael Anthony were getting along.

More Stryper, Rapid City, SD

2008-05-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

My second post on this show from October 5, 1988 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, South Dakota. Found some more photos, so you get a second look at it.
This was the "In God We Trust" tour for the religious rockers from LA, which explains the giant $100 bill backdrop.

Lead singer Micheal Sweet featured in these pictures is currently on tour with Boston as one of two lead singers replacing Brad Delp, who died in 2007.

Check the Artist Photo List at the right for the first post on Stryper.

Men at School, Pierre, SD

2008-05-02T03:13:00.000-07:00

Men@School is a fun band from Pierre, South Dakota's Riggs High School. The members are all teachers or their friends. Wigs and crazy costumes are part of the act, but there's no fooling the students who have sat in classrooms with these guys. Even in full KISS makeup, everyone knows who Men@School are!

Typical gigs for Men@School are pep rallies, community celebrations, and fundraising events. This set of pictures is from their appearance at the annual Parent-Senior Party for the Class of 2008 on April 26.

Blackhawk, Mitchell, SD

2008-04-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Here is Blackhawk at the Corn Palace Festival in Mitchell, South Dakota in August 1997.

I remember watching the entire concert from this vantage point, but not much else about this show. Apparently they didn't make much of an impression on me.

Asia, Hot Springs & Vermillion, SD

2008-04-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Asia was a hard rocking outfit from Rapid City in the late 1970s-early 80s. Yes, they had a minor hit on the radio, but they aren't the Asia you are probably thinking of. That Asia came from the United Kingdom and caused this Asia to eventually disappear.

At the time, the South Dakota version of Asia was well-known in the area. They recorded two albums, "Asia" in 1979 and "Armed To The Teeth" in 1980. Their song, "The Road of Kings," from the first album had some national radio airplay. Rapid City DJ John Derrek was a good friend of the band and played "Paladin" from the second album a lot on local radio.

Lead Guitarist Mike Coates did the "Armed To The Teeth" cover artwork pictured here, as well as writing all the songs on both albums.

The first time I saw Asia was August 21, 1981 at the Hot Springs City Auditorium. Here's Mike on guitar and Doug Johnson on drums. Yes, Mike did the artwork on the backdrop as well. He apparently was very into the Conan the Barbarian style of art.

Here's Michael English on bass and lead/harmony vocals.

Larry Galbraith provided rhythm guitar and high lead/harmony vocals.

Asia came to the infamous Old Style Saloon basement in Vermillion on Feb. 4, 1982. My birthday was the next day and they gave me the autographed copy of "Armed To The Teeth" pictured above that night.

Here's Michael, Doug and Mike rocking out. They did covers of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, along with lots of original stuff.

What did I say in an earlier post about bands with lighted signs and Marshall amps? Love 'em!

Even though I spent a lot of time talking with Mike at various shows, his looks always intimidated me.

If you've looked at my earlier posts about local South Dakota bands from this time period, you will notice that according to Ivory, the Tracterz, and Asia, at least one member of the band must have shiny pants.

Things were going along well for the boys from Rapid City when out of nowhere up pops this supergroup from England with lots more money behind them. The choose the name Asia and immediately have worldwide radio hits. Our local heroes attempt a lawsuit to protect their name, which has been serving them well for many years. According to what they told me at the time, a settlement was reached where they would give up the name, but would get a recording contract in exchange.

So, South Dakota's Asia became Solomon Kane. Larry Galbraith was replaced with a girl singer, who's name I believe was Deb. Here are Mike and Michael in Solomon Kane performing at the Redwater Revival in Beulah, Wyoming on August 7, 1982.

That was the last time I heard of the band, but in that year's time period from when I first saw them I can remember catching 10 shows all across the state, including an opening slot for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Their home club was on Jackson Boulevard in Rapid City and was called "The Barbarian." I saw them there with my best friend from high school Rob.

Michael English appeared in a nationally touring jazz/funk band called Midwest Coast for a period of time after the breakup of Asia/Solomon Kane.

Tracterz update

2008-04-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

Kind of an interesting result of having this blog - my post on the Tracterz band lead to a comment from their drummer Brad. Check out the updated info he gave me and links to more about the band.
http://chadsconcertpix.blogspot.com/2008/03/tracterz-vermillion-sd.html

Ivory, Rapid City & Spearfish, SD

2008-04-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

I've already written a bit about Ivory, one of South Dakota's top cover bands in the late 70s/early 80s. Check the Artist list at right.

The core of Ivory was brothers Darren and Mike Drew on dueling keyboards and drummer Craig Katt. Guitarists and bass players came and went through the course of the band's life, including Sioux Falls kids show favorite Phil Baker on lead guitar for a short stint.

Here's a show at the Four Aces bar in Rapid City in July of 1983.

Darren Drew was always flashy and sang David Lee Roth stuff to perfection.

This is a later show, probably around 1985 or '86 at Toomey's Mill in Spearfish with Jeff Dirkson on bass.

Quiet Riot, Rapid City, SD

2008-03-25T04:37:00.000-07:00

I didn't get a photo pass for this concert, and unfortunately did not write down the date. Quiet Riot appeared at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, South Dakota during their "Condition Critical" tour in about 1984.

Quiet Riot is credited with starting the 80s "hair metal" movement after they were booked as the opening band on Loverboy's 1983 tour. A lot of America was exposed to their wild guitar-banging, hair-flinging antics after buying tickets to see the much more sedate Loverboy (me included). Somehow Quiet Riot's act and their hit song "Bang Your Head" caught on with the public, paving the way for Def Leppard, Poison, Ratt, etc.

These pictures are from an autograph signing session in a record store in the Rushmore Mall.

Here's the late great lead singer Kevin Dubrow and driving force behind Quiet Riot. He died in 2007.

Drummer Frankie Banali and guitarist Carlos Cavazo. Check out Frankie's pants and how well they match his shirt!

Carlos Cavazo and bassist Rudy Sarzo. If Rudy looks familiar, it might be because he has also played with Ozzy Osborne and Whitesnake.

Carlos says, "Some day this will be in a blog, whatever that is."

The Tracterz, Vermillion, SD

2008-03-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

When the punk/new wave movement hit Vermillion, South Dakota, The Tracterz were at the forefront. For a University of South Dakota freshman who hadn't figured out many musical styles, this was cool stuff!

The Tracterz were a local band that played covers of Joan Jett, the Clash, the Police, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. I loved the fact that they dressed up for their shows and had a girl singer.

I coerced some of my friends from the dorm to go see the band and the next thing you know, we were all wearing black-and-white checked sport coats, skinny ties and more buttons and pins from punk bands than any one outfit should hold.

Here is the infamous basement of the Old Style on Vermillion's Main Street, January 29, 1982. My "notes" say that's Steve McFarland and Dalyce Dykehouse. I didn't have any idea what the drummer's name was until he commented on this post - see below.

And here Lynn Pralle and Rich later in the school year playing in the Dakota Dome for an all-night danceathon.

I transferred to Black Hills State after that first year of college, and never heard of the Tracterz again.

EDIT 4/18/08 - I've heard of the Tracterz again! Check out the comments below for more info straight from the drummer above who's name I couldn't remember - Brad Roberson! I filled in the names above with Brad's help. Thanks for checking out the blog, Brad!
Also, see thetracterz.blogspot.com. Who knew that a band that's been gone for around 20 years would have a blog just about them?

Gary Mule Deer, Spearfish, SD

2008-03-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here's another home-grown South Dakota comedian - Gary Mule Deer. Gary's been at his act for a lot of years, appeared in movies and TV, and on concert stages all over the country, yet still never hit it really huge. I'm not sure why.

He has the attention of his peers. Will Ferrell was asked by ESPN Magazine if it was the ninth inning of the Comedy World Series, who would he want on the pitcher's mound. His answer - Gary Mule Deer.

Gary attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota. This appearance was at an alumni reunion in July of 2001.

As soon as I approached the stage with my camera, Gary grabbed his. I don't know how his picture of me turned out, but I got this.

One of Gary's signature gags is tying a rubber chicken to his microphone stand, blindfolding it, and then executing it with arrows shot from his guitar strings.

The guitar is not just a prop, either. Gary does a very good Johnny Cash impression and has formed the "Duck and Cover" band with Steve Wariner and several other Nashville musicians.

Check out more about Gary at www.garymuledeer.com

On a side note, I went to high school with Gary's son Shawn Bitz. Shawn has his own band called "Abby Someone" that appears around the Black Hills area.

KISS, Sioux Falls, SD

2008-03-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

And yet more KISS! Hope no one minds, but this is going to be a long post with a lot of pictures. I just came across the main batch of stuff I took of KISS on the 1997 "Lost Cities" portion of the reunion tour with all four original members. Just can't resist showing them off.

KISS is on tour again this year, and I'm hoping to provide some 2008 photos when the U.S. leg of the tour gets rolling. But for now, here are some vintage shots of the "second coming" of the greatest show in rock.

Seconds later he spit that guitar pick off his tongue and it landed on my shoe.

As usual, it was very difficult to get a shot of the drummer behind his massive drumset. So even though this picture suffers a little from motion blur, you can at least see Peter Criss back there.

From the side of the stage you can see a couple interesting things. First, the pyrotechnics that KISS is famous for, but take a closer look. That large arm with the platform on top at the right side of the photo is for Ace and Paul to ride on out over the audience. And even more intriguing is that "wall" of amplifiers that forms the backdrop for the main stage. You can see the front of it in several shots above. Well, from the side, you can tell that they are not amplifiers at all, just a backdrop! KISS - it's all a big show!

Another interesting tidbit about this show - KISS's stage manager for the reunion tour was a guy named Tommy Thayer. He stood around and chatted with those of us who had media passes before escorting us up to the front of the stage for two songs. Tommy is a guitarist who had played in KISS tribute bands and also was a member of the 80s hair metal band Black and Blue. He then started working for KISS, doing all kinds of odd jobs including video cameraman and producer for several of their DVD releases. As of 2008, he plays the spaceman character and lead guitar in the "Hottest Band in the World." So for those of you who hope to someday be a rock star, keep at it and take the strange side jobs. They may lead to something big!

If you like KISS, don't miss my other posts about them. Click on the Artist Photo List over there in the right column to find more!

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Deadwood, SD

2008-03-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Joan Jett again, in her short, bleached hair days. Deadwood, South Dakota from time to time has held concerts during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This one was August 2, 1998.

It rained very hard about an hour before the show and I found myself huddled under a small tent with a radio dj and Joan for about 20 minutes hoping the rain would quit. It did and the show was held under sunny skies as you can see.

This picture was taken by Joan's long-time partner and manager, Kenny Laguna.

Fabulous Thunderbirds, Sioux Falls, SD

2008-03-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Here's another shot of the Fabulous Thunderbirds at Sioux Falls JazzFest in 1998. That's Kid Ramos on guitar wondering who gave the idiot photographer permission to walk out on the stage. (No one, he did it on his own accord and got told not to do it again.)