Jazz & Blues Society Awarded NEA Grant

The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society is pleased to announce that it has received an Access to Artistic Excellence Grant in the amount of $12,500 from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Society's Executive Director, Robert Joyce, said the grant is a great honor and further validates the organization's educational outreach efforts.

"We are very excited to receive this grant from the NEA," Joyce said. "Funding from the NEA is quite competitive and to be recognized for our work shows that we are providing programming that is superior on a national level."

Money received from this prestigious grant will be used to support the Jazz Diversity Project, an educational program that brings live jazz music into middle schools across South Dakota.

"Ultimately this money will help us provide this program across the state of South Dakota and more kids will be able to enjoy the music and message the Jazz Diversity Project brings to their school," Joyce said.

Joyce added, "The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society has always strived for programming that is at the same level as arts organizations in larger markets. This helps to further validate our hard work and shows that we are succeeding."

The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society strives to bring jazz and blues educational experiences to youth and adults in Sioux Falls and the state of South Dakota through various educational programs and workshops.

The upcoming fundraiser on Saturday September 26th, Jazz & Brews, directly supports the Society's educational outreach programs, which includes: the Jazz Diversity Project, the All City Jazz Ensemble, scholarships, master classes and workshops, as well as free tickets to concert series performances for at-risk and underserved youth and families.

For more information please contact Robert Joyce, Executive Director, at 605-335-6101 or at info@sfjb.org.

Jazz & Brews Will Raise Funds for Music Education Programs

The fifth-annual Jazz & Brews beer tasting and silent auction will be held Saturday, September 26th at Vern Eide Motorcars from 7pm to 11pm. This event is a fantastic way to spend an evening, especially for all you beer lovers (dare-we-say "snobs"?) out there.

Jazz & Brews is the largest beer tasting in the area! In addition to a plethora of hoppy goodness, the event will also feature delicious appetizers from Chef Jeni and live music by Dakota Jazz Collective.

You won't want to miss bidding on great silent auction packages including a pair of his and hers bicycles from Spoke-N-Sport, a 52" Plasma TV and surround sound system from Karl's TV & Appliance, a private shrimp boil party at JazzFest 2010.

All proceeds from Jazz & Brews benefit the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society's music education programs including the All City Jazz Ensemble, the Jazz Diversity Project, scholarships, workshops and master classes with concert series artists. These programs benefit thousands of students each year.

Tickets to Jazz & Brews are on sale now! Call 605-335-6101 or purchase tickets online today.

NPR's The Picture Show: Jazz Ambassadors Jam Abroad

This slideshow with audio commentary is a wonderful look back to the import role that jazz musicians have played in our country and the to the world.

Kudos to NPR for reminding us that music and art can transcend global boundaries and make meaningful connections.