Dakota Dave Hull
Fargo native Dakota Dave Hull strummed his first guitar chord when he was about 10. He's still at it. After moving to the Twin Cities in the late '60s, he became a key player on the West Bank music scene. Now, with his infectious blend of jazz, ragtime, folk, blues, Western swing, and vintage pop, he entertains audiences coast to coast and beyond.
'Victory Rag'
Since touring has not been possible during the pandemic with most theaters shuttered, what has the pandemic looked like for you?
It’s been a very interesting year at my place. I haven’t been in one place for this length of time since I graduated from high school. 2020 was looking to be my busiest year ever until it wasn’t.
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'The Way You Look Tonight'
How have you kept busy?
Gigs were dropping like flies and in April, taking a cue from others that were doing similar things, I started doing three tune mini-concerts every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/ddhull/ ). That’s still happening. Saturday’s shows have evolved into “Guitar Day (the best day of the week!)” where in addition to the tunes I blab about guitar related stuff, anything from practice tips to caring for instruments to listening habits. I get quite a few suggestions for topics from members of the audience and it’s been a lot of fun. Mostly it’s keeping me engaged and interested even though the travel and the regular gigs are suspended.
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A Few songs from
'Old Sweet Songs: A Prairie Home Companion 1974-1976' BUY >>>
'Beaumont Rag' feat Dakota Dave Hull, Peter Ostroushko & Garrison Keillor
'Miss the Mississippi and You' feat Dakota Dave Hull, Sean Blackburn & Garrison Keillor
'Salty Dog' feat Dakota Dave Hull, Bob Douglas, Sean Blackburn & Garrison Keillor
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Any plans for new music or have you been writing while at home?
I’d been planning on a live recording, something I’ve never done as a soloist, and naturally those shows had to be postponed indefinitely. In June I decided I’d better get to work on a studio album so I’d have something to show for my time and something for the folks who supported the live project in advance. The album, “Six-Guns and Fountain Pens” came out a few weeks ago and is available on my website, www.dakotadavehull.com.
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'The Exttempore Rag'
What are you most looking forward to now that a sense of normalcy looks possible?
For now I’ll continue to do the virtual gigs, learn and compose new tunes every day, and remain cautiously optimistic about getting back to work in the near future. Better days ahead.
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Ways to stay connected with Dakota Dave:
Website >>>
Facebook page >>>