Dakota Backline

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Rapid City, SD
Dakota Backline

Concert equipment rental for the Great Plains region. Drums, keyboards and organs, guitar and misc a

06/08/2026

🏍️🎸 Sturgis 2026 Is Closer Than You Think! 🎤🥁

We know it feels like summer has just started, but we’re already in full swing with Sturgis Rally backline advancing and bookings for August 8–15, 2026!

Whether you’re bringing in a national touring act, a regional favorite, or hosting live music throughout Rally Week, Dakota Backline has the professional gear and local support to keep your show running smoothly.

✅ Drum Kits
✅ Guitar & Bass Amps
✅ Keyboards
✅ DJ Equipment
✅ Specialty Backline Requests
✅ Delivery, Setup & Support

Skip the hassle of hauling gear across the country and let us handle the backline so your artists can focus on putting on a great show.

📍 Serving Sturgis and the surrounding Black Hills area
📞 605-415-1188

Prime rally dates are filling up fast—contact us today to reserve your backline needs for Sturgis 2026!

04/17/2026

In our quest to be as full service as we can, Dakota Backline has added Pro level DJ equipment to our backline inventory. From digital to vinyl we have your back!

03/07/2026

Come join our team! Details in comments.

03/04/2026

“We sharpened up our rigging chalk to share some exciting news! PowerHouse and Depot Music are proud to announce our acquisition of Dakota Backline from Don Lerdal. Don’s been an icon in the Black Hills, building an epic legacy that’s inspired everyone in the industry. We’re truly humbled by this opportunity and the big shoes we have to fill, and we’re honored to carry the torch forward. We’re pumped about the future and the innovative possibilities this partnership will unlock by combining our strengths. ”

02/02/2026

Another interesting and rewarding chapter of my life has come to an end. I have sold the Backline Company. There will be more details on the new ownership soon. I’m looking forward to claiming back some time, especially in the Summer months. It’s amazing to me that I’ve been able to work alongside some of the “Rock Stars” of my youth, Country Music Legends and just to be involved in the Concert/ Production business at a level I never believed possible. The real “Rock Stars” though, are all the incredible and hard working people that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and now consider dear friends. I’ve learned a lot from some great mentors and will always be grateful to them. The next time you attend a Concert event, please take a look around the stage area and consider all you see - stagehands, audio crew, security, hospitality and so much more. These are the people that use their incredible skills and talent to make certain the show happens. Thanks to everyone who trusted me to be a part of it.

08/09/2025

Once again we pulled out all the Marshall’s and SVT rigs for the Sturgis Rally. We were at Shade Valley Resort again this year for Shot of Poison, Dokken, Quiet Riot, Bullet Boys and Sebastian Bach. A big thank you to Ryan at Shade Valley and also to Jory Berge, Paul, James, Hoops and Joe from Nightlife Productions for all the help getting me through another Rally.

07/21/2025

Last night I finished up what I believe was my 10th Hills Alive festival. We dealt with some weather issues on Saturday but overall, this year went well. I am privileged and grateful that I get to work with some of the best production staff and stagehands in the business. Again this year, the all-volunteer stage crew at Hills Alive did their usual amazing job at keeping this show on track. This crew gets together once a year and rivals any stage crew anywhere. I couldn’t do this without them and can’t thank them enough.

07/06/2025

A beautiful day became a stormy mess with Starship and Mickey Thomas last night in Deadwood. Too bad - Mickey Thomas is still an amazing singer. We started a little early and had to stop the show four songs in. Ironically, their final song was “Nothings Going to Stop Us Now”. A huge thank you to Jason and his Powerhouse Audio crew, Outlaw Square staff, the Security staff and Starship’s crew for their quick action in keeping the gear dry and safe.

05/14/2025

Once again, it’s Hammond day at Dakota Backline. I take one day - a couple times a year to clean, oil and run my inventory of B3 Hammonds and Leslie’s. Every time I do this process, I think of my dear friend Ricky Jacobson. Ricky was a master at the Hammond organ and I learned a lot from him about these magnificent instruments. Sure miss that man.

04/18/2025

Added a few more interesting items this week. Maybe I should learn to play lap steel. Also, I’m finally starting to see some summer backline activity.

Address

4114 Brooke Street
Rapid City, SD
57701

Website

http://www.dakotabackline.com/

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