For the 90,000 of you that attended JF08, thanks for coming out! We are grateful that you patiently waited out the storm and came back to enjoy a great day of music on Saturday!
To the many sponsors and hundreds of volunteers: You are the heart of the JazzFest. It just wouldn't be possible without you! Thank you for your generosity of funding, time, energy and resources!
A very special thanks goes out to the JazzFest Committee. This amazing group of nearly 70 volunteers are the gears that make the JazzFest machine go. Every facet of the festival is coordinated by this wonderful group of volunteers. These people plan months in advance and work for several days in the hot July sun to ensure everything at the festival runs smoothly. There wouldn't be a JazzFest without them.
Check the JazzFest website for new photos!
Things are slowly getting back to normal around the SFJB office now. On to the 08-09 Concert Series, educational programs, our Jazz & Brews fundraiser, and much more!
Of course we're already planning for JazzFest 2009! Mark your calendars for July 17-18!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
JazzFest 1 DAY Away!
Jazz and blues fans won’t have to wait much longer until the start of the seventeenth Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival – JazzFest. The festival is free as always and will be held July 18-19 at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, SD. There will be a $10 parking fee to park inside Yankton Trail Park. Shuttle buses will run from O’Gorman, Roosevelt, and Lincoln High Schools for $3 round-trip and Spoke-N-Sport will be providing a free bike valet at JazzFest so you can take the bike trail.
The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival is organized by the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
JazzFest Main Stage Performers At-a-Glance
Friday, July 18
Joyce Cooling – 6:00pm
Joyce Cooling’s penchant for eclectic music crystallized when she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 1980s and began dabbling in keyboards and percussion. She taught herself to play guitar by ear, and developed a personal style of finger picking that gives her playing its unique sound and feel. Her latest album, Revolving Door is different in that it tells a story first, and then lets the music follow. http://www.joycecooling.com/
Tab Benoit – 7:30pm
With all of the makings of an American music icon, Tab Benoit has become one of the premier roots stylists of the century. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Benoit barely remembers how he learned to play the guitar. “I had a book that showed you how to play chords, after I learned the first three; I got rid of the book.” Benoit says. Since that time, the music has seemed to come naturally to him. http://www.tabbenoit.com/
Taj Mahal – 9:30pm HEADLINING FRIDAY
Taj has been playing his own distinctive brand of music – he has been described as Afro-Caribbean blues, folk-world-blues, hula blues, folk-funk, and a host of other hyphenations – for more than 40 years. Caribbean, Hawaiian, African, Latin, and Cuban
sounds and rhythms mix with folk, jazz, zydeco, gospel, rock, pop, soul, and R&B, all layers on top of a solid country blues foundation. A self-taught musician, Taj plays more than 20 instruments including the National Steel and Dobro guitars. His remarkable voice ranges from gruff and gravelly to smooth and sultry. http://www.tajblues.com/
Saturday, July 19
Blues Bashers – 12Noon
A force as powerful as a Midwest tornado is gathering steam and rolling out of America’s forgotten state and into your eardrums – The Blues Bashers. The band features a man who’s forgotten more musical adventures than most of us will ever have: Bobby Berge. Wanting to add some new blood to the mix, Bobby hooked up with Jesse Christen. On harmonica and vocals is Derek Snow. Rounding out the group on bass is Brian Masek, who’s been playing in the Midwest for over a decade.
Slim Man – 1:30pm
Slim Man’s first gig? He was in fifth grade, and he played guitar and sang a few Beatles songs for the sixth grade graduation. While in middle school he took up bass, and Slim Man’s band ‘Momma’s Max’ opened up for Iggy Pop and the Stooges, The Raspberries, and others. Slim Man went back into the studio in the early 90s, re-sang the songs he’d written for Brian Jack, added a few new songs, and End of the Rainbow, the very first Slim Man CD, was born. The CD yielded a Top Ten Hit, “Faith In Us”, and the CD went on to be included in over a dozen Top Ten lists for the year (1995). http://www.slimman.com/
Jonah Smith – 3:00pm
Smith’s a throwback, for sure, and there’s something very familiar about his music, but it doesn’t really sound like anything you’ve heard before. It does, however, sound very of the moment. His voice soulful and magnetic and his songs awash in the warm, distinctive tones of his Fender Rhodes, Smith writes songs that sound brand new. Tastefully rootsy and endlessly soulful, Smith’s self-titled national debut- the premier release from Relix Records – ranges from vintage, pedal steel-laced Americana to classic, Rhodes-drenched, blue-eyed soul. http://www.jonahsmith.com/
Simone – 5:00pm
Simone was born Lisa Celeste Stroud in Westchester, NY. She is the daughter of musical legend and freedom fighter Nina Simone. She was raised across three countries and in turn experienced a life full of music, foreign language, culture and constant movement. Simone’s career has consisted of touring in musical productions, jazz, bands, as a vocalist, in Broadway performances, and with international touring artists. When Nina Simone passed away, her entire estate was left to her daughter, leaving Simone a large collection of charts for composition she had used for recording and performing over the years. These charts became the basis for Simone’s newest record, Simone on Simone. http://www.simonesworld.com/
Robben Ford – 6:30pm
Robben Ford is one of the premiere electric guitarists today, particularly known for his blues playing as well as his ability to be comfortable in a variety of musical contexts. A four-time Grammy nominee, he has played with artists as diverse as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, George Harrison, Phil Lesh, Bonnie Raitt, Claus Ogerman, Michael McDonald, and many, many others.
http://www.robbenford.com/
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk – 8:30pm
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk is a group of musicologists that transcend age and styles in a free-flowing approach to their art. Dumpstaphunk weaves a vocal and musical tapestry from key members of Dave Matthews & Friends, Trey Anastaio, Jewel and the Neville musical families. The band’s music incorporates drops of Sly and the Family Stone and Meter-esque jams as well as other diverse influences into a spicy musical gumbo. Dumpstaphunk’s brand of New Orleans deep fried funk has them heralded as the most hypnotic and riveting band to come out of New Orleans in many decades.
http://www.dumpstaphunk.com/
Jonny Lang – 10:00pm HEADLINING SATURDAY
The Grammy winning, former prodigy instrumentalist, who topped the Billboard New Artist chart with his first album at age 15, stands now as a mature creative force, made more sensitive yet also toughened by life’s adventures. He’s learned what it means to rise above hard times and to find meaning where chaos seemed to rule. A professional musician since age 12, Lang rocketed from his hometown of Fargo, North Dakota, to international renown in his mid teens. http://www.jonnylang.com/
Second Stage Features Local/Regional Talent
Friday July 18
6:00pm Bluetanes
8:00pm Soulcrate Music
Saturday, July 19
12noon M80
1:30pm Jazz Portraits
3:00pm Victoria Pennock Band
4:30pm Dakota Jazz Collective
6:00pm Snakebeard Jackson
7:30pm Truth & Adapt
8:45pm Solution
ARTISTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Sanford Children’s JazzQuest – Just for Kids!
Friday, July 18
5-9pm: Inflatable games open
Saturday, July 19
1-9pm: Inflatable games open
2-7pm: Artist-in-Residence Kelly Quamen
2-3pm: Instrument Petting Zoo
3pm: Story Lady
4pm: Little Bird Band
5pm: Larry Hoover’s Karate For Kids Exhibition
5:30pm: Mr. Fun and Funtime Funktions Performance
6pm: Mr. Twister Magic Show
6:30-7:30pm: Mr. Twister balloon twisting
7:30pm: Mystik Toyz children’s parade
JazzFest Poetry Tent 2008
Saturday, July 19
2pm: Open Reading
4pm: Featured Readings from SD Poet David Allan Evans, Dee Nelson, Cory Heidelberger, David Evans, Jr., and Norma Wilson
6pm: Poetry Slam Competition
And More...
JazzFest features music, kid’s activities, poetry and much, much more!
The festival will feature over twenty food vendors, nearly thirty arts, crafts and informational booths, beer gardens, a cigar booth, a misting tent, and fireworks!
Midcontinent Communications is going to be on hand to make JazzFest a “HotSpot” by providing free wireless internet access on festival grounds. The Midcontinent Big Screen will provide festival goers with a bird’s eye view of what’s taking place on the main stage.
The festival remains free to the public with the support of 60 sponsors and over 800 volunteers.
We would like to send a sincere thank you to these JazzFest 2008 Sponsors:
Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health System, Midcontinent Communications, Carlson Distributing.
Beal Distributing, Hoffman Graphic Design, Holiday Inn City Centre, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, BillionAuto.com, Blend Interactive, Inc., Results Radio/Cumulus Media, Howalt-McDowell Insurance, Inc., Medical X-Ray Center, CITI, The Design Studio, Inc., Imagenation, United Rentals, Argus Leaders, KELO/MyUTV, Sanford Children’s, South Dakota Arts Council.
Ag United for South Dakota, Dakota Beverage, Eide Bailly, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, HenkinSchultz Communication Arts, JAZZIZ Omnimedia, Yellow Book, Granite City.
Karl’s TV & Appliance, Lewis Drug, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Xcel Energy, Poet Nutrition, CNA Surety, Spoke-N-Sport, Good Spirits Fine Wine and Liquor, Schmitt Music, AAA Travel of South Dakota, Strange Farrell & Johnson PC, State Steel, Sioux Falls Green Project, US Bank, Chef Jeni & Co., Schaap’s RV Traveland.
First National Bank in Sioux Falls, K&M Music, Electric Construction Company, Sioux Falls Zombie Walk, Millennium Recycling, Novak Sanitary Services, Pfeifer Implement, Royal Limousine, Stogeez.
Risty Benefits, CH Robinson, Lew’s Fireworks, City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation.
The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival is organized by the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
JazzFest Main Stage Performers At-a-Glance
Friday, July 18
Joyce Cooling – 6:00pm
Joyce Cooling’s penchant for eclectic music crystallized when she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 1980s and began dabbling in keyboards and percussion. She taught herself to play guitar by ear, and developed a personal style of finger picking that gives her playing its unique sound and feel. Her latest album, Revolving Door is different in that it tells a story first, and then lets the music follow. http://www.joycecooling.com/
Tab Benoit – 7:30pm
With all of the makings of an American music icon, Tab Benoit has become one of the premier roots stylists of the century. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Benoit barely remembers how he learned to play the guitar. “I had a book that showed you how to play chords, after I learned the first three; I got rid of the book.” Benoit says. Since that time, the music has seemed to come naturally to him. http://www.tabbenoit.com/
Taj Mahal – 9:30pm HEADLINING FRIDAY
Taj has been playing his own distinctive brand of music – he has been described as Afro-Caribbean blues, folk-world-blues, hula blues, folk-funk, and a host of other hyphenations – for more than 40 years. Caribbean, Hawaiian, African, Latin, and Cuban
sounds and rhythms mix with folk, jazz, zydeco, gospel, rock, pop, soul, and R&B, all layers on top of a solid country blues foundation. A self-taught musician, Taj plays more than 20 instruments including the National Steel and Dobro guitars. His remarkable voice ranges from gruff and gravelly to smooth and sultry. http://www.tajblues.com/
Saturday, July 19
Blues Bashers – 12Noon
A force as powerful as a Midwest tornado is gathering steam and rolling out of America’s forgotten state and into your eardrums – The Blues Bashers. The band features a man who’s forgotten more musical adventures than most of us will ever have: Bobby Berge. Wanting to add some new blood to the mix, Bobby hooked up with Jesse Christen. On harmonica and vocals is Derek Snow. Rounding out the group on bass is Brian Masek, who’s been playing in the Midwest for over a decade.
Slim Man – 1:30pm
Slim Man’s first gig? He was in fifth grade, and he played guitar and sang a few Beatles songs for the sixth grade graduation. While in middle school he took up bass, and Slim Man’s band ‘Momma’s Max’ opened up for Iggy Pop and the Stooges, The Raspberries, and others. Slim Man went back into the studio in the early 90s, re-sang the songs he’d written for Brian Jack, added a few new songs, and End of the Rainbow, the very first Slim Man CD, was born. The CD yielded a Top Ten Hit, “Faith In Us”, and the CD went on to be included in over a dozen Top Ten lists for the year (1995). http://www.slimman.com/
Jonah Smith – 3:00pm
Smith’s a throwback, for sure, and there’s something very familiar about his music, but it doesn’t really sound like anything you’ve heard before. It does, however, sound very of the moment. His voice soulful and magnetic and his songs awash in the warm, distinctive tones of his Fender Rhodes, Smith writes songs that sound brand new. Tastefully rootsy and endlessly soulful, Smith’s self-titled national debut- the premier release from Relix Records – ranges from vintage, pedal steel-laced Americana to classic, Rhodes-drenched, blue-eyed soul. http://www.jonahsmith.com/
Simone – 5:00pm
Simone was born Lisa Celeste Stroud in Westchester, NY. She is the daughter of musical legend and freedom fighter Nina Simone. She was raised across three countries and in turn experienced a life full of music, foreign language, culture and constant movement. Simone’s career has consisted of touring in musical productions, jazz, bands, as a vocalist, in Broadway performances, and with international touring artists. When Nina Simone passed away, her entire estate was left to her daughter, leaving Simone a large collection of charts for composition she had used for recording and performing over the years. These charts became the basis for Simone’s newest record, Simone on Simone. http://www.simonesworld.com/
Robben Ford – 6:30pm
Robben Ford is one of the premiere electric guitarists today, particularly known for his blues playing as well as his ability to be comfortable in a variety of musical contexts. A four-time Grammy nominee, he has played with artists as diverse as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, George Harrison, Phil Lesh, Bonnie Raitt, Claus Ogerman, Michael McDonald, and many, many others.
http://www.robbenford.com/
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk – 8:30pm
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk is a group of musicologists that transcend age and styles in a free-flowing approach to their art. Dumpstaphunk weaves a vocal and musical tapestry from key members of Dave Matthews & Friends, Trey Anastaio, Jewel and the Neville musical families. The band’s music incorporates drops of Sly and the Family Stone and Meter-esque jams as well as other diverse influences into a spicy musical gumbo. Dumpstaphunk’s brand of New Orleans deep fried funk has them heralded as the most hypnotic and riveting band to come out of New Orleans in many decades.
http://www.dumpstaphunk.com/
Jonny Lang – 10:00pm HEADLINING SATURDAY
The Grammy winning, former prodigy instrumentalist, who topped the Billboard New Artist chart with his first album at age 15, stands now as a mature creative force, made more sensitive yet also toughened by life’s adventures. He’s learned what it means to rise above hard times and to find meaning where chaos seemed to rule. A professional musician since age 12, Lang rocketed from his hometown of Fargo, North Dakota, to international renown in his mid teens. http://www.jonnylang.com/
Second Stage Features Local/Regional Talent
Friday July 18
6:00pm Bluetanes
8:00pm Soulcrate Music
Saturday, July 19
12noon M80
1:30pm Jazz Portraits
3:00pm Victoria Pennock Band
4:30pm Dakota Jazz Collective
6:00pm Snakebeard Jackson
7:30pm Truth & Adapt
8:45pm Solution
ARTISTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Sanford Children’s JazzQuest – Just for Kids!
Friday, July 18
5-9pm: Inflatable games open
Saturday, July 19
1-9pm: Inflatable games open
2-7pm: Artist-in-Residence Kelly Quamen
2-3pm: Instrument Petting Zoo
3pm: Story Lady
4pm: Little Bird Band
5pm: Larry Hoover’s Karate For Kids Exhibition
5:30pm: Mr. Fun and Funtime Funktions Performance
6pm: Mr. Twister Magic Show
6:30-7:30pm: Mr. Twister balloon twisting
7:30pm: Mystik Toyz children’s parade
JazzFest Poetry Tent 2008
Saturday, July 19
2pm: Open Reading
4pm: Featured Readings from SD Poet David Allan Evans, Dee Nelson, Cory Heidelberger, David Evans, Jr., and Norma Wilson
6pm: Poetry Slam Competition
And More...
JazzFest features music, kid’s activities, poetry and much, much more!
The festival will feature over twenty food vendors, nearly thirty arts, crafts and informational booths, beer gardens, a cigar booth, a misting tent, and fireworks!
Midcontinent Communications is going to be on hand to make JazzFest a “HotSpot” by providing free wireless internet access on festival grounds. The Midcontinent Big Screen will provide festival goers with a bird’s eye view of what’s taking place on the main stage.
The festival remains free to the public with the support of 60 sponsors and over 800 volunteers.
We would like to send a sincere thank you to these JazzFest 2008 Sponsors:
Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health System, Midcontinent Communications, Carlson Distributing.
Beal Distributing, Hoffman Graphic Design, Holiday Inn City Centre, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, BillionAuto.com, Blend Interactive, Inc., Results Radio/Cumulus Media, Howalt-McDowell Insurance, Inc., Medical X-Ray Center, CITI, The Design Studio, Inc., Imagenation, United Rentals, Argus Leaders, KELO/MyUTV, Sanford Children’s, South Dakota Arts Council.
Ag United for South Dakota, Dakota Beverage, Eide Bailly, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, HenkinSchultz Communication Arts, JAZZIZ Omnimedia, Yellow Book, Granite City.
Karl’s TV & Appliance, Lewis Drug, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Xcel Energy, Poet Nutrition, CNA Surety, Spoke-N-Sport, Good Spirits Fine Wine and Liquor, Schmitt Music, AAA Travel of South Dakota, Strange Farrell & Johnson PC, State Steel, Sioux Falls Green Project, US Bank, Chef Jeni & Co., Schaap’s RV Traveland.
First National Bank in Sioux Falls, K&M Music, Electric Construction Company, Sioux Falls Zombie Walk, Millennium Recycling, Novak Sanitary Services, Pfeifer Implement, Royal Limousine, Stogeez.
Risty Benefits, CH Robinson, Lew’s Fireworks, City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
JazzFest Does Its Part To Go Green
The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival – JazzFest is doing its part to go green for a healthier environment. JazzFest has joined up with Millennium Recycling and Novak Sanitary Services to implement recycling of aluminum and plastic at JazzFest 2008. Both businesses will donate a portion of the proceeds from recycling to the SFJB Scholarship Fund. So make sure you throw away your bottles and cans in the bins marked recycling and give a young musician the chance to learn.
The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, the organizers of JazzFest, recommends that festival-goers either ride their bikes or take the JazzFest shuttle, bus, trolley, or bike trail to the festival.
Shuttle Information:
-Shuttle Locations: Roosevelt, Lincoln and O’Gorman High School Parking Lots.
-Shuttle Price: $3 per person for the round trip. 5 and under ride free.
-Shuttle Times: 5pm to 12:30am Friday; 11am to 12:30am Saturday.
Downtown Trolley Information:
-The downtown trolley will pick up/drop off at the downtown Holiday Inn City Centre at 8th Street between Phillips and Main Avenues (Downtown Crazy Days is also taking place this weekend!)
-Trolley Price: FREE!
-Trolley Times: 5pm to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Bike, Walk, Rollerblade or Jog to JazzFest!
Spoke-N-Sport is providing an on-site, free bike valet to festival goers that choose to pedal to the festival. Biking is a great way to arrive at JazzFest, as Yankton Trail Park is located on the city-wide bike trail. The bike trail map is available through the JazzFest website.
Sioux Falls Green Project will also be at the festival this year providing some helpful tips on living green that everyone in the Sioux Falls community can benefit from.
Green art will also make a statement at JazzFest. Minneapolis visual artist Erik Ritter will display and create artwork made from unwanted junk at JazzFest 2008.
Ritter’s latest project, entitled de-JUNKed, is a commentary on America’s plastic throwaway culture. deJUNKed is a call for people to send in their favorite junk and Ritter will make a piece of art out of these items. So bring a shoebox full and see what he can create.
In addition to displaying his art in a booth during JazzFest, Ritter will work on new pieces and create “green art” with children in the Sanford Children’s JazzQuest on Saturday afternoon.
Kids! Don’t throw away old toys. Bring old toys and other household junk to create a dinosaur sculpture on Saturday in the kid’s area.
The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, the organizers of JazzFest, recommends that festival-goers either ride their bikes or take the JazzFest shuttle, bus, trolley, or bike trail to the festival.
Shuttle Information:
-Shuttle Locations: Roosevelt, Lincoln and O’Gorman High School Parking Lots.
-Shuttle Price: $3 per person for the round trip. 5 and under ride free.
-Shuttle Times: 5pm to 12:30am Friday; 11am to 12:30am Saturday.
Downtown Trolley Information:
-The downtown trolley will pick up/drop off at the downtown Holiday Inn City Centre at 8th Street between Phillips and Main Avenues (Downtown Crazy Days is also taking place this weekend!)
-Trolley Price: FREE!
-Trolley Times: 5pm to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Bike, Walk, Rollerblade or Jog to JazzFest!
Spoke-N-Sport is providing an on-site, free bike valet to festival goers that choose to pedal to the festival. Biking is a great way to arrive at JazzFest, as Yankton Trail Park is located on the city-wide bike trail. The bike trail map is available through the JazzFest website.
Sioux Falls Green Project will also be at the festival this year providing some helpful tips on living green that everyone in the Sioux Falls community can benefit from.
Green art will also make a statement at JazzFest. Minneapolis visual artist Erik Ritter will display and create artwork made from unwanted junk at JazzFest 2008.
Ritter’s latest project, entitled de-JUNKed, is a commentary on America’s plastic throwaway culture. deJUNKed is a call for people to send in their favorite junk and Ritter will make a piece of art out of these items. So bring a shoebox full and see what he can create.
In addition to displaying his art in a booth during JazzFest, Ritter will work on new pieces and create “green art” with children in the Sanford Children’s JazzQuest on Saturday afternoon.
Kids! Don’t throw away old toys. Bring old toys and other household junk to create a dinosaur sculpture on Saturday in the kid’s area.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Who has been the loudest JazzFest set?
Dickey Betts in 2002. There were reports that his set was heard as far west as Wall Lake!
Who will be the loudest this year? Hear it for yourself at JazzFest July 18-19.
For more information visit the website at www.jazzfestsiouxfalls.com
Three weeks away! It's Free! It's Hot! Be Cool!
Who will be the loudest this year? Hear it for yourself at JazzFest July 18-19.
For more information visit the website at www.jazzfestsiouxfalls.com
Three weeks away! It's Free! It's Hot! Be Cool!
Some Fun Facts!
As of 2007 the festival had 162 musical acts—812 musicians, (give or take a few who didn’t know they were here) and 256 hours of music, nearly 10,000 cases of beer (or 238,500 servings). Coincidently 518 porta pots have been used. The festival has gone through about 17,312 bottles of water, 45,032 lbs of ice, one wedding, 2 wedding receptions, 31 office parties, two birthday parties, thirteen high school reunions and hosted one singles group from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Number of tents we’ve rented? About 220.
Average attendance in the last five years is around 90,000 people-- about 15,000 of them from out of state.
The festival is one of the largest jazz and blues festival in the Midwest, coming in 2nd to Chicago.
Furthest inquiry about visiting Sioux Falls for the festival- Tel Aviv, Israel (via phone call) in 2001.
Furthest media interview for the festival—London, England for the BBC Radio Network in 2006.
Number of tents we’ve rented? About 220.
Average attendance in the last five years is around 90,000 people-- about 15,000 of them from out of state.
The festival is one of the largest jazz and blues festival in the Midwest, coming in 2nd to Chicago.
Furthest inquiry about visiting Sioux Falls for the festival- Tel Aviv, Israel (via phone call) in 2001.
Furthest media interview for the festival—London, England for the BBC Radio Network in 2006.
Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival - JazzFest History
JazzFest has been an annual event since 1988. The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival, JazzFest is a free, two-day music festival that features two stages and over 18 hours of music including jazz, blues, rock, reggae, foul, funk among other musical genres.
JazzFest is a unique event that relies on funding from over 50 local, regional and national sponsors and assistance of over 800 volunteers, making it one of the largest community events in the state.
Over its fifteen-year life, JazzFest has accumulated an impressive roster of performing acts consisting of Grammy Award winners, jazz and blues legends, and many of the most sought- after musicians in the world. Some past headlining performers at JazzFest include the Derek Trucks Band, the Robert Cray Band, Susan Tedeschi, Mavis Staples, John Hiatt, Koko Taylor, Dave Koz, Chris Botti, Bo Diddley, Kenny Wayne Shpperd, Los Lobos, Buddy Guy, the Neville Brothers and this year’s headliners include Taj Mahal and Jonny Lang.
JazzFest also offers other attractions at the festival, including a second stage featuring local and regional acts, a children’s area, an increased number and variety of vendors, and a poetry tent.
The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival, JazzFest, began as a small event in 1988, with three musical acts and one food vendor. Approximately 250 attended that year. Over the next few years, planners investigated new and larger venues, ticket pricing and increased budgeting for musical acts. In 1996, the planning committee and new board of directors decided the event would be free, with financial support based largely on sponsorships and volunteers to run all aspects of festival coordination. In this year, the festival was officially named the “Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival, JazzFest” and found a home at Yankton Trail Park in south Sioux Falls.
Attendance numbers have fluctuated from 65,000 to 105,000 over the past three years with two stages, a children’s area that includes live children’s music and an artist-in-residence, poetry tent and over 30 food vendors and 20 non-food vendors.
The positive impact that JazzFest has on the community of Sioux Falls and state of South Dakota is shown by the overwhelming positive response voiced by community and government leaders and attendees from across the nation and Canada. JazzFest is an important event because it provides high-quality live music to citizens from all walks of life.
Comments from attendees over the past fifteen years have provided proof to the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society that JazzFest is important because of its contribution to the culture and arts in our state.
JazzFest is a unique event that relies on funding from over 50 local, regional and national sponsors and assistance of over 800 volunteers, making it one of the largest community events in the state.
Over its fifteen-year life, JazzFest has accumulated an impressive roster of performing acts consisting of Grammy Award winners, jazz and blues legends, and many of the most sought- after musicians in the world. Some past headlining performers at JazzFest include the Derek Trucks Band, the Robert Cray Band, Susan Tedeschi, Mavis Staples, John Hiatt, Koko Taylor, Dave Koz, Chris Botti, Bo Diddley, Kenny Wayne Shpperd, Los Lobos, Buddy Guy, the Neville Brothers and this year’s headliners include Taj Mahal and Jonny Lang.
JazzFest also offers other attractions at the festival, including a second stage featuring local and regional acts, a children’s area, an increased number and variety of vendors, and a poetry tent.
The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival, JazzFest, began as a small event in 1988, with three musical acts and one food vendor. Approximately 250 attended that year. Over the next few years, planners investigated new and larger venues, ticket pricing and increased budgeting for musical acts. In 1996, the planning committee and new board of directors decided the event would be free, with financial support based largely on sponsorships and volunteers to run all aspects of festival coordination. In this year, the festival was officially named the “Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival, JazzFest” and found a home at Yankton Trail Park in south Sioux Falls.
Attendance numbers have fluctuated from 65,000 to 105,000 over the past three years with two stages, a children’s area that includes live children’s music and an artist-in-residence, poetry tent and over 30 food vendors and 20 non-food vendors.
The positive impact that JazzFest has on the community of Sioux Falls and state of South Dakota is shown by the overwhelming positive response voiced by community and government leaders and attendees from across the nation and Canada. JazzFest is an important event because it provides high-quality live music to citizens from all walks of life.
Comments from attendees over the past fifteen years have provided proof to the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society that JazzFest is important because of its contribution to the culture and arts in our state.
Want to be a volunteer at JazzFest? Here's how...
Volunteers are an extremely important factor to the success of JazzFest. They play a key role, working with the public to ensure safety, security and enjoyment for all who attend. Volunteers work in a variety of areas at the festival and volunteering is fun and a great way to meet new people wile assisting the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization!
The JazzFest Committee is made up of 65 members that assist the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society staff and board of directors with all aspects of festival organization.
There are over 800 volunteers that assist with making JazzFest one of the largest community events in the state. Areas that volunteers assist with at the festival include: Beverage Sales, Signage, Security, Trash Pick-Up, Site Management, Food Vending, Non-Food Vending, Children’s Area, Sponsor/VIP Hospitality, Merchandise, Volunteers, Marketing, Parking, Front/Back Gate Donations, and Transportation.
Here are some JazzFest Volunteer Quick Facts!
What are the requirements for volunteering?
The minimum age for volunteers is 15. Younger volunteers are welcome, but we ask that they work along side Mom or Dad. Volunteer areas will coincide with age appropriateness. Volunteers ages 15 through 17 will need a signed parent release to work at the festival. Volunteers must be able to withstand heat and sun, as JazzFest is an outdoor event.
How long do volunteer shifts last?
Volunteer shifts can be four or more hours long depending on the area.
JazzFest begins at 5pm on Friday July 18th, but volunteers begin working on the set up for the festival as early as 9am Friday morning (Any pre-festival assistant you can offer is great!) JazzFest continues on Saturday the 19th at 11am and goes until midnight both nights.
Do I get anything for volunteering at JazzFest?
Along with that “warm and fuzzy” feeling for helping out one of the largest community events in the state of South Dakota, all volunteers will receive a free JazzFest t-shirt with an exclusive design. It’s free, it’s hot… be a cool volunteer!
What happens after I fill out the on-line volunteer form?
Your information will be collected and a JazzFest Committee representative will contact you about specific requirements for the area that you are interested in working. Please note that by filling out an on-line form you are not assured a volunteer spot. If you have not been contacted by July 1, it is unlikely that you will be placed.
Will I be trained to perform my job?
Of course. Your training will be held before you shift, and you will receive a volunteer handbook via email prior to the festival.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
If you have any questions about volunteering please contact Katrina at the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society office at 605-335-6101 or info@sfjb.org.
The JazzFest Committee is made up of 65 members that assist the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society staff and board of directors with all aspects of festival organization.
There are over 800 volunteers that assist with making JazzFest one of the largest community events in the state. Areas that volunteers assist with at the festival include: Beverage Sales, Signage, Security, Trash Pick-Up, Site Management, Food Vending, Non-Food Vending, Children’s Area, Sponsor/VIP Hospitality, Merchandise, Volunteers, Marketing, Parking, Front/Back Gate Donations, and Transportation.
Here are some JazzFest Volunteer Quick Facts!
What are the requirements for volunteering?
The minimum age for volunteers is 15. Younger volunteers are welcome, but we ask that they work along side Mom or Dad. Volunteer areas will coincide with age appropriateness. Volunteers ages 15 through 17 will need a signed parent release to work at the festival. Volunteers must be able to withstand heat and sun, as JazzFest is an outdoor event.
How long do volunteer shifts last?
Volunteer shifts can be four or more hours long depending on the area.
JazzFest begins at 5pm on Friday July 18th, but volunteers begin working on the set up for the festival as early as 9am Friday morning (Any pre-festival assistant you can offer is great!) JazzFest continues on Saturday the 19th at 11am and goes until midnight both nights.
Do I get anything for volunteering at JazzFest?
Along with that “warm and fuzzy” feeling for helping out one of the largest community events in the state of South Dakota, all volunteers will receive a free JazzFest t-shirt with an exclusive design. It’s free, it’s hot… be a cool volunteer!
What happens after I fill out the on-line volunteer form?
Your information will be collected and a JazzFest Committee representative will contact you about specific requirements for the area that you are interested in working. Please note that by filling out an on-line form you are not assured a volunteer spot. If you have not been contacted by July 1, it is unlikely that you will be placed.
Will I be trained to perform my job?
Of course. Your training will be held before you shift, and you will receive a volunteer handbook via email prior to the festival.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
If you have any questions about volunteering please contact Katrina at the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society office at 605-335-6101 or info@sfjb.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
