The Oregon Trail tour is a dramatic reimagining of a time long past gone. A time when Americans were filled with hope of possibility and opportunity. This very special week will feature two Humanities Series favorites, Daniel Neihoff and Lyal Strickland, joined by two musical friends, Rachel Laven and Dillon Hasten.
Join our troop of troubadours as they gather around the (onstage) campfire after a long day on the trail, regaling you with stories and songs from their lives and characters that have crossed their path. Follow along with their journey as they ford rivers, hunt for their dinner, and stave off hunger and disease.
We’ll set up camp right on stage and transport the audience to a starry night on the trail. Maybe if we’re lucky, we can recapture some of that magic that gave every single person hope for a better tomorrow, one campfire at a time.
Daniel Neihoff’s music blends Americana, folk, and country with soulful storytelling and heartfelt lyrics. His fingerstyle guitar and emotive vocals create an intimate, powerful connection, drawing listeners into his authentic, emotionally rich songs. Each performance resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression.
Rachel Laven is a Texas-born Americana songwriter whose clear, soulful voice and heartfelt storytelling captivate audiences. A finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Competition, she blends precision guitar work, honest lyricism, and mindful observation, crafting songs that are both deeply relatable and powerfully resonant.
Dillon Hasten is an Ozarks-based Americana artist whose songs blend folk, country, and roots rock. With raw acoustic tones and heartfelt storytelling, his performances capture love, loss, and life’s winding roads. His latest single, This Old Truck, showcases his evolving sound and growing presence.
Lyal Strickland is an Ozarks-based Americana singer-songwriter and seventh-generation farmer. His songs capture small-town struggles, resilience, and tradition with candor and humility. Balancing life on the farm and stage, Strickland delivers authentic, heartfelt music that honors both his roots and the present.