Spearfish, S.D. July 4th Weekend

The Nehosoul Band joined Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill in S.D. to play the Black Hills Amphitheater in Spearfish.

It’s about a beautiful hour from Rapid City. Motorcycle paradise and we’re driving an SUV. We stayed at a resort hotel so far up in the canyons and away from any city lights, we were joking about running into BIG FOOT.

I took video clips of the band at sound check. I had planned to video some of the show too but during the concert I realized I was at 4000 foot elevation in a dry climate. It was all I could do to keep my voice coming through. At least I had something to blame the struggle on.

Phil Curry couldn’t make the gig but the Band played on with Dwight Goodman on keyboards. He talks and laughs a lot more than Phil, and he plays well. I still missed Phil but nothing felt missing in the music presentation tonight except Rich Davis and the BGV’s. It was a smooth flowing presentation with just enough audience interaction.

Still Dancin’ is always a crowd pleaser especially when Walter Finch and I demonstrate the old guy dance moves. We played an hour set and promptly went out to watch Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill together with Phil’s original players from Glass Harp. The harmony’s they brought were enough to make me jealous. And their sound was a wonderful blend… I would call it the “Everly Beatles”.

There were no fireworks here in Spearfish. I guess the local rules don’t allow it. But this is the first time in several years that I have worked on the Fourth of July so maybe things are picking up finally. I missed celebrating the weekend with my new wife though and I had to familiarize myself with a payphone again as there was absolutely no cell phone service where we were staying. I saw a lot of commercials on t.v. about the “Crowd” of people standing behind you on the phone. I guess it doesn’t apply in South Dakota though.

The Nehosoul Band

Phil Keaggy

Randy Stonehill