This will be my 23rd Sturgis Rally. This year runs August 7-16 but we’ll be on the streets starting July 31st. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing on stage for twenty years—playing bass with Zwarté, Judd Hoos and a one time show with Blacklite District. Since putting my musical career on hold to focus on my family and work in media, I’ve had the opportunity to work for both the Sturgis Rally Department and The Loud American, a HomeSlice music venue (the parent company of The Rapid City Post). At “The Loud,” I get to direct digital promotions and book the majority of the acts. The Rally is truly special—it’s the one time of year to catch up face-to-face with touring bands and production crews, though most of that work happens well before the first engines start roaring.

This year, I’m excited to be working alongside our team to cover the Rally for The Rapid City Post. Veteran photographers and videographers Russ Hadden and Scout Wheeler practically view the long days and nights at the Rally as a vacation; they absolutely love it. Jakob Kjerstad is a fantastic man-on-the-street reporter who is always ready to jump into an interview or tackle whatever needs doing. We also have longtime broadcasters Gary Matthews and Francie Ganje, who I’m convinced know every single person in Sturgis. The rest of our broadcast team, led by Mark Houston, will be conducting interviews and gathering content outside the Real Rock Bar on Main Street at our mobile media center. Finally, our newest hire, journalist Jerry Steinley, is a force to be reckoned with. His deep community roots, broad range, and years of experience in journalism and broadcasting add a level of integrity and depth to our coverage that I’m incredibly grateful for.

From all of us at HomeSlice and The Rapid City Post, have a safe and fun Rally. We’ll see you out there!