The members of Dakkota, the Elon-based country western band has come a long way since their first performance on January 21, 1994 at the
Kappa Alpha house
.
This summer has been a successful one for its five members, which include lead singer Joe Beckham, Stan Powell on bass, Patrick Riddick on rhythm guitar, Brian Spangler on drums, and Andrew Timmons on lead guitar.
Dakkota has gained local recognition this summer by playing with national acts around the Triad area.
"We have been opening up for nationally known bands which have allowed us to meet alot of people and make alot of contacts," Powell said.
Some of the acts that the band opened for this summer include David Allen Coe and Tracy Lawrence.
A highlight of this summer was meeting famous musician Jerry Lee Lewis.
Dakkota was also the houseband for the North Carolina Sports Arena in Goldston.
"This show was great experience for us," Powell said about the event. "The arena held 5,400 people. The shows were really huge."
Another major step for the band was being named the houseband for the Longbranch restaurant in Raleigh.
Dakkota opened for George Jones there Friday.
"The Longbranch's last housebands were Slicker Billy and Confederate Railroad, which were signed to record deals," Powell said. "So, I guess we're just going to have to wait and see what happens."
In addition to the many performances the band has played in, they have been honored as Country Music Entertainers of the Year by NACAN, a college-based program.
The upcoming fall promises to be a successful one as well for Dakkota.
Starting this month, Dakkota is doing a college tour from New York to Florida.
The band is opening for Kenny Chesney on September 14 at the Longbranch in Raleigh.
In addition to the very busy schedule the band must follow, it promises to play at least once a month at the Lighthouse.
"It is very important to stick wth your roots. Elon is where we started and therefore, we must stick to our roots," Powell said.