May 23, 2025 - May 24, 2025 Outlaw Square is happy to present the Summer Kickoff in the Square Concert Weekend, featuring free concerts from country music star Ned LeDoux on Friday, May 23, and rock legends Night Ranger on Saturday, May 24. Both acts will hit the Sue Lundberg Memorial Stage at 8:00 p.m.
This third annual event is free of charge to all guests and will officially kick off the summer season at the picturesque Outlaw Square in the heart of downtown Deadwood.
Friday night’s headliner Ned LeDoux, the singer-songwriter and son of country legend Chris LeDoux, has built a career honoring his forebears while still forging his own path. LeDoux, who has been releasing solo music since 2017 but has been a touring musician since his teenage years, has infused all of his records with realistic stories of life as a cowboy, his relationship with music royalty, and the pain and joy that infuses his work.
His first record, Sagebrush, features rock-tinged country jams, built around LeDoux’s approachable delivery and inimitable ability to turn a memorable phrase. Next in Line, released in 2019, proved its title prophetic, introducing LeDoux to a wider audience than ever before. With 2022’s sterling Buckskin, he introduced the renegade spirit of 70s outlaw country into his sound, cooking up simmering jams indebted to his experiences as a ranch hand. On his latest album, touchingly titled Safe Haven (out April 4, 2025) after the tragic loss of his daughter, he uses the memories of those he has lost to help him carry on with joy, celebration, and a faith that they are guiding his work. There’s a tribute to his late father in the form of “One Hand in the Riggin’, which magically features Ned singing along with a vocal performance his dad tracked 20 years ago. Safe Haven is far and away the artistic statements LeDoux has always wanted to make. “My songwriting maturity is more confident than it’s ever been before,” he explains before adding that his fans will still recognize some of his signature style. “There’s also some stuff on here that relates very well with what I’ve done already, because it’s familiar and comfortable.” Safe Haven is an intoxicating blend of risk-taking, bold songwriting, and songs that find LeDoux in his familiar, comfortable territory. Both sides of the coin are equally worthy pursuits, one a reminder of where he’s been, and one an assurance that the path forward is still worth exploring.
The excitement doesn’t end on Friday, head back to the Square on Saturday at 8 p.m. for Night Ranger!
Having sold over 17 Million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4000 stages, and captivated a radio audience that exceeds 1 Billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. The band continues to grow their ever-evolving fan base and they are proof that powerful songs alongside, incredibly talented musicians are the perfect formula for continued success.
Night Ranger has earned widespread recognition that includes both multi-platinum and gold album status all while leaving their indelible mark on the music industry with a long list of best-selling albums (Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life, and Man In Motion). Their popularity is fueled by an impressive number of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks. Over the years, the band’s music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of global media and pop culture. Night Ranger was one of the first big “video” bands on MTV, with over ten #1 hit videos. Their songs can be heard in TV Shows like The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Dad, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, and Parks & Recreation. The band has also had music featured in video games such as Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Grand Theft Auto, plus hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages, the Oscar-Nominated film Boogie Nights, and other feature films such as Friday the 13th, Teachers, Sixteen Candles, and The Secret of My Success. Most recently the band’s classic hit “Sister Christian” can be heard in a Dr. Pepper commercial. They can also be heard throughout JBL’s “Hear The Truth” brand campaign.
This event is sponsored in part by Do Deadwood Properties. CLICK HERE to book your stay.
