The Dead City Orchestra was formed in late July 2018 in Topeka Kansas to perform some of the large catalog of music by Shawn Ames but done acoustically with stringed instruments as well. 

The group rehearsed from July through September 2018 for a one time only performance at the Jayhawk Theatre in Topeka Kansas on September 22, 2018. The show was a fundraiser for the the Jayhawk Theatre and Toys for Tots. It was also the release party for Shawn's "The Last of My Kind" CD. A few other performances were given for free up until Halloween night when the band performed their last show.