Damon Dotson is a singer/songwriter based out of Des Moines, IA;
originally from Okoboji, IA. Dotson is a 2026 Iowa Rock n Roll Hall of
Fame Inductee. His better than 25 year career includes opening slots for
legendary performers like BB King, Willie Nelson, The Beach Boys, Huey
Lewis and The News, as well as modern artists like Matt Nathanson, The
Band Perry, Edwin McCain, and The Lone Bellow. He has recently been
named the 2026 “Best Local Musician” as well as “Best Local Band” by
City View Magazine. An honor he as won multiple times over the past
eight years after moving back to Iowa from Nashville. Dotson was also
recently selected as a semi-finalist for the “American Songwriter”
international songwriting competition for his new original song “Girl
Dad.” This honor put him in the top 1% of the roughly 18,000 songs that
were submitted. Dotson has sustained his career for over 25 years
including the release of four original albums. His album, Tumblin’,
reached #24 on the iTunes Rock charts. He has done this all with no label
or management.
Damon Dotson has performed for some very impressive events! Besides
his list of legendary opening slots, he has also played for an all-time
millennial athlete. Dotson was invited to play for the Bo
Jackson#FillYourGrill event in Auburn, AL for the Iron Bowl. Bo Jackson
attended the event and said he “really enjoyed Dotson’s performance.”
He has also sang "America The Beautiful" on the floor of the House of

Representatives at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Damon is only
one of two people to share this honor; the other being world renowned
opera singer Simon Estes. He has sung the National Anthem at national
sporting events at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, IA; Wells Fargo arena in Des
Moines, IA; and TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, NE. Damon Dotson is
the creator and organizer for LAKE AFFECT on Lake Okoboji. LAKE
AFFECT is the highly popular event that hosts bands on a barge in the
middle of Miller’s Bay. The event is attended by thousands and Dotson
and his band headline every year. 2026 will be the 17th Annual LAKE
AFFECT. He has also played big events year after year at The Iowa State
Fair, Des Moines 80/35 Festival, Jasper Winery, and The National
Balloon Classic in Indianola, IA. He has headlined many town festivals
and fairs with his band. Dotson’s band consists of some of the states most
sought after musicians.They deliver a heartfelt performance together by
mixing originals and covers spanning decades of music.
While they play some cover music, Dotson is far from a “cover band.”
His unique style and delivery along with his band's high level proficiency
makes for something entirely new and exciting.
Damon Dotson continues to perform both solo and full band shows
throughout the Midwest. He released a new track “Hope n Time” in
December of 2025 and has many more on the way. His blend of
originals and covers keeps the audience engaged and entertained.