RAPID CITY, S.D. — Kentucky-based band Ole 60 is set to make its first appearance in South Dakota this weekend with a performance at the Black Hills Stock Show, bringing what the group calls a fresh take on country-influenced music to the James Kjerstad Event Center.
Ole 60 has gained attention for describing its sound as “not your father’s country,” a label Young said reflects their approach to music. “I don’t really consider what we make to be traditional country music,” he said. “It might be a little country, but it’s all Ole 60.”
The band’s songs often draw from personal experiences, including relationships, small-town life and the transition from rural Kentucky to Nashville. Young said many of his recent songs reflect homesickness and adjusting to life in a larger city. “Whatever I’m going through at the time of writing is what the song is going to be about,” he said.
Ole 60 has been playing together for about three years and began touring nationally in 2024. Young said the group is now heading into its second full year on the road, traveling by bus as a six-member band. “It’s a rush being up there on stage,” he said. “That’s everybody’s favorite part of the job.”
Among the band’s most popular live songs are “Smoking a Light” and “Rose Next to You,” which Young said have become crowd favorites during shows.
Frontman Jacob Ty Young said the band’s name comes from a stretch of Highway 60 in western Kentucky that runs through his hometown and connects the group’s roots. “It kind of connected all of us,” Young said. “We thought it would be a good band name.”
The Black Hills Stock Show stop marks the band’s first visit to the region, something Young said they are especially excited about. “It’s one of the few states we haven’t checked off yet,” he said. “We’re excited to get up there.”
Ole 60 performs this Saturday at the Black Hills Stock Show. Fans can find the band on social media under Ole 60 Music.
