Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers top off jam

By Crystal Hohenthaner, Journal staff | Saturday, September 13, 2008

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Now in its 18th year, the Deadwood Jam continues to evolve as a multi-genre music festival. This year’s jam may be the biggest and best, with headliners The Wallflowers featuring Jakob Dylan, The Atlanta Rhythm Section and The Young Dubliners.

George Milos, director of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, is looking forward to this weekend’s jam and said those who come to the festival can expect two days of great music from many genres, including rap, country, rock and blues.

“I’m looking forward to seeing The Wallflowers,” he said. “I’m a fan of Bob Dylan, and Jakob is kind of a legend in his own right with his new solo album.”

Milos also said that one of the interesting aspects of the jam is that there is usually a surprise for the audience.

“There’s always one quirky band that gives an amazing performance no one is expecting, that kind of ends up being the breakout band of the jam,” he said. “And it’s always a surprise. That’s the fun of it. My guess is this year it’s going to be Reverend Peyton and the Big Damn Band.”

Milos said that free parking for the event is available at the Sherman Street parking lot about a half-mile from the performance space, but parking garages and metered parking also will be available.

“Very seldom do you have to walk more than a mile from where you park,” Milos said. “Plus, you can catch the trolley from pretty much all the parking spots.”

Melody Dennis, a member of the Deadwood Jam’s board, has been involved with the festival since 1990.

“My first job at the jam was to sweep the street afterward,” Dennis said. “I picked up a lot of beer cans.”

Dennis also is excited about this year’s lineup, and suggests that audience members bring their lawn chairs and a jacket for the festivities.

“It’s going to be beautiful during the day, but it gets a little chilly at night,” she said. “And you should plan on coming for the whole day.”

The whole day is a possibility, because food and drinks will be available and a variety of services will be within walking distance in downtown Deadwood.

“They always take breaks between the music,” Dennis said. “So a lot of people will go downtown to eat, meet up with friends, play a few slots and then come back for their favorite acts.”

Dennis also suggested that jam attendees stay after the festival closes each night.

“After the jam, the music doesn’t stop,” she said. “A lot of the businesses downtown have music so it doesn’t end at 10 — it goes all night. People can even get a hotel room and spend the weekend.”

If you go

What: Deadwood Jam, a two-day music festival, featuring a variety of musical genres including country, rock, reggae and blues.

When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. today; and 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.

Where: Downtown Deadwood in the History and Information Center parking lot, on S.D. Highway 14A.

Tickets: $20 in advance or $25 day of show for today; $30 in advance or $35 day of show for Saturday. Tickets are on available at area First Western banks, Shankar Jewelry and Arts, Inc. Call 1-800-344-8826 or 578-7702.

Contact Crystal Hohenthaner at 394-8329 or crystal.hohenthaner@rapidcityjournal.com.