Fusing country with rock

Talk about it

A Kentucky-based band will bring its contemporary country sound to Dickinson during a performance on Thursday.

The Michael D Band is appearing under the auspices of Sneak Pique Productions at 7 p.m. in the Odd Fellows Lodge, 30 First Ave. W.

“We play 200 shows a year — it’s full time,” bandleader Michael Diekhoff said while recently touring in Wisconsin.

The band also includes Kevin Rawlings, Brent Johnson and Josh Watson.

“We travel from California to Florida and from North Dakota to New Mexico,” Diekhoff said.

He described their music as a very modern country sound.

“We have one album out and are currently working on material for an upcoming album,” he said.

He described the latest album, “Rowdy,” as an edgy record with breakout songs “Thinkin’ About You” and “Let’s Get Rowdy.”

“Our fans all over the country have been asking for it for a long time now, but we took the past year to make sure the material was right before we decided to release the album,” he said.

It should be released at the beginning of summer, he added.

Diekhoff writes for the band, but ultimately the sound is a group process, he said.

The band is looking forward to its Dickinson appearance.

“We really enjoy smaller venues because they’re intimate,” he said. “Anyone who plays music appreciates the feedback and vibes from the audience.”

He’s been asked why the band likes to tour North Dakota.

“We go because the people are fun and enjoy the shows,” he said. “They seem to be having a good time, and for us it’s fun to come there — they appreciate what we’re doing.”

Even while the musicians present a high-energy stage show, they encourage dancing.

“It makes for fun — that’s a great form of expression,” he said. “We don’t take ourselves seriously — for us, we’re putting out the best product we can at the same time we’re having fun.”

Booking agent Chris Tedesco said the band has fans throughout the United States, but with a strong following in the upper Midwest.

“It’s a power-house quartet of modern country and some rock with some great originals and a very large list of covers they can tap into,” he said.

Tedesco, who is a partner with Wayne Zank Enterprises out of New York, promotes bands that are committed to their profession.

“A majority of the bands on our roster are full-time touring bands — up-and-coming bands who put their other careers aside for a few years to pursue their music,” he said.

Kevin Holten, who books entertainment for Sneak Pique Productions, looks for national entertainers who may be touring in the Midwest.

“We have so many sensational musicians in the area, but it’s fun to bring in other musicians,” he said.

He described the band’s appearance in the Odd Fellows Lodge as an opportunity to have fun in an intimate setting.

“You’re right on top of the band to share in the musical experience,” he said. “I think people will appreciate the music — it’s always fun to watch good professional musicians.”

Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Tags: lifestyle, dickinson