The Deadwood Jam is a long-running, legendary live-music festival featuring artists and tunes from many genres – a little something for everyone.  And it’s Deadwood’s last official outdoor event of the summer. A definite MUST do!

The Deadwood Jam is held at Outlaw Square on historic Deadwood Main Street. And this year it’s FREE! That’s right – you can enjoy listening to all the bands at no charge. WOW!

Sip your favorite beer or wine outside while you listen - open container is in effect Friday from 5 – 10pm and again Saturday from noon to 10pm. All you need is an official Deadwood Event Cup to participate. They’re available from many establishments – check for availability and pricing.

2023 lineup

Karl Denson’s Tiny

In 2023, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe celebrate their 25th anniversary as a band.

KDTU has electrified audiences around the world from the fields of Naeba in Japan at the infamous Fuji Rock Festival to the hallowed stage of Madison Square Garden where they previously joined the Dave Matthews Band and The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. From performing as Sexual Chocolate (Karl was in the original band in the movie Coming To America and its sequel) at the Outside Lands Music festival in San Francisco, to being the first late night act at the inaugural Bonnaroo festival, KDTU have been a dominating force in music for the past 25 years.

Yonder Mountain String Band

At 25 years old, Yonder Mountain String Band continues to exist at the forefront of the progressive bluegrass scene as undeniable innovators and pioneers of the modern jamgrass movement. Blending bluegrass with elements of rock, alternative, psychedelic and improvisational music, Yonder Mountain String Band brought their high-energy acoustic sound and light show into rock n’ roll settings with tremendous success, proving it was possible for a bluegrass band to not only exist but excel in a rock world, without drums. The inroads they made created opportunities for like-minded acoustic bands to perform at festivals, rock clubs, theaters and stadiums previously considered off-limits for string bands. Yonder Mountain's high-energy sound, compelling original music and anything goes attitude cultivated a spirit of collaborative improvisation that continues to fuel today’s progressive bluegrass and jamgrass scenes.

Diggin' Dirt

The Deadwood Jam wouldn’t be complete without some funk & soul!!! We are excited to welcome Diggin Dirt to bring the dance party to the Jam on Saturday, September 16, at the Sue Lundberg Memorial Stage at Outlaw Square on Historic Deadwood’s Main Street!

This seven-piece band emerging from behind the redwood curtain in Humboldt County,

California, is skyrocketing through the west coast music scene. Shoveling out their own path, and consistently wowing audiences and filling concert venues, Diggin Dirt is no ordinary funk and soul band. Their sounds explode off the stage with a pure authentic energy, and once they have you in their clutches, the relentless dance party does not let up. Their intoxicating and infectious sound is fueled by a blazing horn section, pulsating rhythms, and searing guitars, that when combined into one, have been known to entice even the shyest of wallflowers to start movin and groovin. 

Atlanta Rhythm Section

Atlanta Rhythm Section have entertained audiences all over the world with their many Top 10 hits, gold and platinum albums. Along with contemporaries Lynyrd Skynyrd, they carry the mantle of “Southern Rock,” but by performing more musically diverse hits with a softer, pop flavor, they have a sound all their own Hits include “So Into You,” “Imaginary Lover,” “Champagne Jam,” “Doraville,” “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight,” “Do It Or Die” and “Spooky”.

Formed from the cream of Atlanta’s studio musicians, the Atlanta Rhythm Section (actually hailing from nearby Doraville, Georgia) came together in 1970 after working on a Roy Orbison recording session.

Keyboardist Dean Daughtry and drummer Robert Nix had been members of Orbison's backing group, the Candymen, and Daughtry and guitarist J.R. Cobb had been members of the Top 40 hitmakers Classics IV (“Spooky,” “Stormy,” “Traces”). Rounding out the original ARS lineup were vocalist Rodney Justo (replaced after the first album by Ronnie Hammond), guitarist Barry Bailey, and bassist Paul Goddard.

Pure Prairie League

From their beginnings in mid-Sixties Ohio as a group of friends playing cover tunes to the present-day unit featuring founding member/pedal-steel innovator John David Call, veteran bassist Mike Reilly, propulsive drummer Scott Thompson and guitar ace Donnie Clark, PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE continues to embellish the rich 43-year history of one of Country-Rock’s pioneering forces. As one reviewer recently wrote: “PPL’s sound combines sweet memories with edgy, contemporary muscle. Their vocals are as strong as Kentucky moonshine and the musicianship and performance skills are as sharp as a straight razor”.

Their eponymous first album - featuring the Norman Rockwell/Saturday Evening Post cover that introduced fans to PPL’s trademark cowpoke “Sad Luke” - has been hailed as a “major early influence in the emerging popularity of Country-Rock music”. Their second effort, the multi- platinum “Bustin’ Out” brought us the Craig Fuller-penned classic “Amie”, along with other gems of the genre. With “Two Lane Highway”, nine more albums and countless shows, a legacy has been forged and enriched during the

‘70s and 80’s, highlighting contributions from several noteworthy members, including original co-founder George Ed Powell, Cincinnati’s legendary Goshorn Brothers, Country Hall of Famers Gary Burr and Vince Gill, award-winning writer Jeff Wilson (3 Top-20 singles) and a host of other guest appearances from Chet Atkins, Johnny Gimble, Emmy Lou Harris, David Sanborn, Eagle Don Felder, Nicolette Larson, and many more.

Tommy Castro & The Pain Killers

Tommy Castro won the B.B. King entertainer of the year award for the second year in a row at the 2023 44th Annual Blues Music Awards.

The road has always been Castro’s home away from home. He’ll instantly ignite a crowd, turn them into loyal fans and then keep those fans coming back for more. He has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles and performed thousands of gigs, leading his bands at clubs, concert halls, and festivals all over the world. Famed guitarist Joe Bonamassa says, “Tommy has always been top of the heap among blues guitar players. He always puts on a great show.”

?Stephen Wilson Jr.

We are so excited to welcome singer/songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr. to rock the Sue Lundberg Memorial Stage at Outlaw Square on Saturday, September 16, at the 33rd annual Deadwood Jam!!!

Stephen Wilson Jr. is a singer/songwriter from rural Southern Indiana. Self-described as “Death Cab For Country,” Stephen Wilson Jr. draws upon indie rock, grunge and country to create a distinct sound that is influenced by artists as diverse as The National, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Nirvana.

Wandering Hearts 

The Deadwood Jam is excited to welcome the UK based Americana band The Wandering Hearts to the Sue Lundberg Memorial Stage at Outlaw Square on Saturday, September 16 on Historic Deadwood’s Main Street!!!

The Wandering Hearts shot to the forefront of the UK folk-Americana scene with their debut album ‘Wild Silence’. Earning glowing comparisons ranging from First Aid Kit to Fleetwood Mac, the album propelled them upon a remarkable journey during which they played some of America’s most storied venues. After a personal invitation from the legendary Marty Stuart, they became the first band to make their US debut at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium and then play the Grand Ole Opry in the same week.

2023 Schedule of Events

September 15, 2023; 5:30 pm

Atlanta Rhythm Section

Pure Prairie League

Tommy Castro & The Pain Killers

September 16, 2023; 12 pm

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

Yonder Mountain String Band

Diggin' Dirt

?Stephen Wilson Jr.

The Wandering Hearts

The Rathco

FREE MUSIC

Date: September 15th-16th 2023

Location:  Outlaw Square, 703 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA

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