Big and Rich

As a partner in the new Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel, Event Center and Casino, “Big” Kenny Alphin of country music duo Big & Rich says his interest in the historic gambling town is more than business-related.

“It’s not only one of the naturally prettiest places in the country, but it has a bunch of friendly people there. It’s a fun, heartwarming place to go to,” Alphin said.

Big & Rich — Alphin and his recording partner John Rich — are quite familiar with Deadwood. The first concert the duo played that had “Big & Rich” printed on the tickets was at a bar on Main Street, Alphin said.