Company Cowboys Celebrating 40th
Once upon a time, country bands were a dime a song in the towns and cities of the West. They made a few bucks at rodeos and wedding dances. Life was good.Unfortunately, DJs and recorded music have put most of our guitarists and drummers out of business. But a few bands still roam the countryside — and the most enduring is surely the Company Cowboys Band that was started 40 years ago by Wessington Springs' Kyle Evans, who many will remember as the Centennial Troubadour for South Dakota.
Kyle died in a motorcycle accident a few years ago but his musical heritage was carried on by his son Dustin and others. On Friday night (Sept. 11) the band will celebrate the anniversary with two special shows at Wessington Springs' 1905 Opera House. Proceeds will go toward maintenance of the opera house.
I'm going to be in Custer State Park that weekend with our magazine staff, but my second favorite place to be would be Wessington Springs. The band members will tell stories and play the music that we all love. It will be a unique event in South Dakota.
If you go to Wessington Springs for the musical celebration, stay overnight and attend the second annual Foothills Bull Bash at the rodeo grounds. It will be quite a weekend in one of South Dakota's coolest small cities.
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We often enjoyed Kyle & Company’s music at the Plains (the big pheasant) in Huron when it was THE PLACE for entertainment in those days. The ‘Company” members (often Kyle’s cousins I think) were very young. Amazing how fast the forty tears have gone. Those were good days.
I agree, Wessington Springs is a special place. ——–Leonard
Comment by Leonard — September 3, 2009 @ 3:28 pm
Thanks so much for the article drawing attention to the shows on the 11th. Actually, there will only be one “unplugged/storyteller” type of a show at the Opera House, starting at 7pm, followed by a dance at the Prairie Lounge at 9:30pm. Both will feature the Company Cowboys, Dustin Evans & Good Times, and other special guests.
It should be a lot of fun, and we hope to see a lot of familiar faces!
–Dustin Evans
Comment by Dustin Evans — September 6, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
“I have gotten to hear some of Kyles songs,
and very much enjoy listening to them.
And Also have gotten to hear the Company Cowboys play at the Huron Fair’ Its an event everyone and their families should experience.
And for Dustin Evans ” Good Times Band” they are so very much unique in their own.
They are all very gifted and talented musicians
Who God has blessed” May Kyles music shine on through each and everyone of them, cause God knows he has touched everyones hearts with his gifted talent to write music. An original song comming from a true original cowboy”.
Lavonne Larson
Comment by lavonne larson — September 8, 2009 @ 4:58 pm