Lawren Erickson is a Rapid City–based songwriter and performer whose career stretches back to his teenage years. He began playing guitar at age 12, cutting his teeth on the Beatles and other British Invasion groups. By high school, he convinced his parents to let him hit the road with one of the region’s top local groups, playing bars, lounges, and even a stint in Las Vegas with an 11-piece horn band. After returning to college, Lawren majored in music despite not being able to read notation, and more recently, he has returned to songwriting in earnest. He has released two albums of original material, showcasing his ear for melody and lyrical imagery. His signature tune Night Breezes reflects the reflective, timeless quality of his work.

Hometown: Rapid City, SD

Primary Instrument: 1965 Dolphin’s Melody Maker

Influences: The Beatles, Seals and Crofts, Loggins and Messina, Buffalo Springfield

Signature Song: Night Breezes

First Performance: Vale Volunteer Fire Department New Year’s Eve dance (performed during a near blizzard to a nearly empty room)

Biggest Musical Achievement: Recording and releasing two albums of original songs.

Dream Collaboration: Sheryl Crow

Favorite Lyric: “...till the night breezes blow... and long shadows start fall”

Fun Fact: He has massively huge kneecaps.