Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival facts for kids

The Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival, often called JazzFest, was a big outdoor music event held every year. It featured two stages and was completely free for everyone to enjoy. This festival was one of the largest free music events in its area. It took place annually at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The festival usually happened during the third weekend in July. In 2019, it was announced that JazzFest would be stopped for a while. The organizers said it needed to be "refreshed and retooled," meaning they wanted to make it new and better for the future.

What is JazzFest?

JazzFest was a special event where people could listen to live music, mostly jazz and blues. It was held outdoors, which means people could sit on the grass and enjoy the show under the sky. The festival lasted for three days, usually from Friday to Sunday. Because it was free, many families and music lovers could attend without worrying about ticket costs.

Why Was it Popular?

The festival was very popular because it brought many different musicians to Sioux Falls. It was a chance for people to hear famous artists and also discover new ones. Being free made it accessible to everyone, which helped it grow into one of the biggest events in the region. It was a great way for the community to come together and celebrate music.

How JazzFest Started

The idea for the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival began in 1991. A group of people worked together to make it happen. These founders were Chris Carlsen, Ann McDowell, Nettie Myers, Sharon Reynolds, and Michael Turner. They wanted to create a fun, free music event for their city. Their hard work helped JazzFest become a beloved tradition for many years.

The First Festival

The very first JazzFest was a smaller event, but it quickly grew. The founders had a vision to bring high-quality jazz and blues music to South Dakota. They believed that music should be available to everyone, and making the festival free helped achieve this goal. Over time, it became a major attraction, drawing visitors from all over the state and beyond.

Where Was JazzFest Held?

JazzFest was always held at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls. This park is a large, open space that was perfect for hosting a big outdoor event. It had enough room for two stages, food vendors, and thousands of people. The park's location by the Big Sioux River also added to the nice atmosphere of the festival.

Yankton Trail Park Features

Yankton Trail Park is a well-known park in Sioux Falls. It offers plenty of space for outdoor activities. For JazzFest, the park was transformed into a lively concert venue. People would bring blankets and chairs to sit on the grass. There were also areas for food trucks and other activities, making it a complete experience for attendees.

Music and Performers

The festival was known for featuring a wide range of jazz and blues artists. Over the years, many famous musicians performed on its stages. This included both well-known national acts and talented local bands. The variety of music meant there was something for everyone, whether they loved traditional jazz, soulful blues, or more modern styles.

Types of Music

While the festival's name included "Jazz and Blues," it often featured other types of music too. Sometimes, rock, funk, or soul artists would perform. This mix of genres kept the festival exciting and appealing to a broader audience. It was a great way for young people to learn about different music styles.

Why JazzFest Paused

In 2019, the organizers announced that JazzFest would not happen that year. They said they needed to "refresh and retool" the festival. This meant they wanted to take a break to plan how to make it even better for the future. Sometimes, big events need time to rethink their plans to keep them exciting and successful.

Future of the Festival

The pause in 2019 was meant to be a chance for the festival to grow and improve. The organizers hoped to bring it back with new ideas and energy. This kind of break can help ensure that a long-running event stays fresh and continues to attract new generations of music fans.