JazzFest, organized by the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues nonprofit organization, was a multistage, multiday festival celebrating live music, art, food and culture. It began in the 1990s and continued through 2019. The festival showcased a wide range of musical styles, including blues, jazz, rock, zydeco, reggae, and Cajun.
Starting small, JazzFest quickly grew to attract thousands of attendees. Over time, it expanded to multiple days and stages, along with a multitude of food vendors, art vendors, corporate parties, beer gardens, and festival-goers. By the early 2000s, its popularity had surged, drawing crowds in the tens of thousands.
With a small staff of just three people, a dedicated committee of volunteers, a board of directors, and strong support from the people and city of Sioux Falls, JazzFest hosted artists such as Taj Mahal, Jonny Lang, Sheryl Crow, George Thorogood, Tower of Power, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Delbert McClinton, Gary Clark Jr., Gov’t Mule, Grace Potter, Robert Cray, Keb’ Mo’, Los Lobos, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Bruce Hornsby, The Fray, Joe Bonamassa, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Little Feat, Andra Day, Koko Taylor, The Yellowjackets, John Hiatt, Mavis Staples, Bo Diddley, Boz Scaggs, Buddy Guy, and Joe Walsh-- to name just a few.
JazzFest showcased hundreds of bands and artists throughout the years, including some of the most talented local musicians in our city and state. Many are Hall of Fame inductees, along with favorite hometown artists such as Mike Miller and Mark Craney. Local acts including Little Scotty and the Big Tones, Rich Show, Spooncat, Zero Ted, and many others were prominently featured on the main stage and introduced to thousands of new fans.
The festival could not have been made possible without the tremendous number of volunteers who contributed each year, helping to deliver world-class entertainment year after year—all the while keeping the festival free. Thanks are also due to the many sponsors and donors who also made this possible.
Funds raised by JazzFest supported scholarships for young local musicians, a downtown jazz crawl, numerous educational programs—including a statewide touring ensemble, music camp, workshops and masterclasses, and a 25-year annual concert series.
Many people contributed to the success of JazzFest over the years—too many to name individually—but all played a role in creating lasting memories of a free festival that became a summer staple in Sioux Falls and a destination for thousands of music fans from around the country. “It’s free, it’s hot… be cool.”
Awards