Formed in early 2011 by original members Zack Hay (Guitar & Vocals), Colin Hunt (Bass), and Mark Retajczyk (Guitar & Vocals), The North & South Dakotas set out crafting a sound that paid homage to the spirit of old time american music, mountain folk, and singer-songwriter traditions. Though the band spent many years as a five-piece with drummer Mike Graves, and the past two years as a more traditional bluegrass quartet with utility man Nayt Patenaude (Dobro, Banjo, Mandolin), the Dakotas continue on as an ever-rotating cast of string players from the Upstate NY region. In this more intimate setting, the band continues to write original, genre-sweeping music that makes use of their trademark vocal harmonies and the musical sensibilities of each band member's different background.

Frequent celebrity appearances featuring members of Brain Medicine, Rambler's Home, Let's Be Leonard, and The Saratoga Strings Band.
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You can find The Dakotas on 102.7 WEQX (The Real Alternative) and 97.7 WEXT (The Exit), and supporting such touring acts as:
The Gibson Brothers, Travelin' McCourys, Jeff Austin Band, Twiddle, Cabinet, Deer Tick, Ryan Montbleau, Waylon Speed, Floodwood, Dangermuffin, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Sam Bush, Driftwood, Donna The Buffalo, and The Mallett Brothers Band.

No discrimination y'all... All gigs considered!