Band name: DAKOTA

Credits for the song: Written by Ray Schmarder. Performed by Ray Schmarder on vocals and bass guitar, Jeff Randall on drums, Steve Peao on guitar, Paul Wilson on guitar, and Chip Halstead on the B3 organ.

High school and location: East High School - Corning, New York 

www.facebook.com/pages/Dakota/162430117122947

"Story of a Lifetime," 1973

Band name: DAKOTA

Credits for the song: Written by Chip Halstead. Performed by Ray Schmarder on vocals and bass guitar, Jeff Randall on drums, Steve Peao on guitar, Paul Wilson on guitar, and Chip Halstead on the B3 organ.

High school and location: East High School - Corning, New York 

www.facebook.com/pages/Dakota/162430117122947

"Shade of Your Love," 1973

Before there was the Internet there was DAKOTA - a hard rockin' band from the early 70's.

In 1970 the four-piece band formed with Corning locals Steve Peao and Paul Wilson on guitars, Jeff Randall on drums, and Ray Schmarder on bass and lead vocals playing mostly North American rock.

One year later Chip Halstead joined the group on organ and piano expanding the playlist, adding British-style progressive rock as well as hard driving originals.

DAKOTA began performing more concert-oriented settings, rocking Western New York with their unique sound. The band went their separate ways in 1974. It wasn't until 2003, after a 17 year break, that Dakota began a highly anticipated series of reunion shows picking up where they left off.

DAKOTA continues to thrill fans with classic and original rock favorites, energetic live shows, and a sound that's withstood the test of time. Rock on!


DAKOTA '73

Popular tracks