Latest festival news

Jul14

JazzFest Jazz Camp to Perform on Main Stage Saturday at 1:30

Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues and Augustana College will sponsor the 1st Annual JazzFest Jazz Camp which runs July 12-16 at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.

Performing and visual arts at Augustana College represent the heart of the arts in the Sioux Empire. Augustana’s long-standing tradition of excellence in the arts reaches out to all students — from majors preparing to enter professions as musicians, theatre and visual artists or arts educators, to those simply interested in the arts — and to members of the local community, who can attend multiple performances and exhibits throughout the year.

photo by reistroffer design

photo by reistroffer design


The award-winning Northlanders Jazz Band of Augustana College will perform with talented student musicians of the JazzFest Jazz Camp band in a finale concert on the Main Stage at JazzFest 2011,which is also the festival’s 20th celebration. Campers will get a backstage visit with JazzFest artists and will be featured on South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s “Best of JazzFest” TV show.

During camp week, JazzFest Jazz Camp will spend time working with Augustana College faculty, guest clinicians, a guest solo artist and others to enhance their talent as both ensemble and solo performers. Students will be engaged in performances such as big-band rehearsals, guest lectures, guest artist master classes, and improvisation classes. And of course, students will also have fun activities thrown in to make camp memorable.

“We want kids to know they are a part of the JazzFest and so having them come out the night before to see the size of park, the stage and of course all the people should be pretty exciting,” Executive Director Robert Joyce said. “The whole idea of the camp is to give young musicians in our region a chance to learn more about jazz and have the chance of a lifetime to perform at one of the biggest festivals in the country. I think they’ll have a lot of great memories from this week of camp.”

At JazzFest Jazz Camp, student musicians will have the opportunity to work along side world renowned trumpet player, guest clinician and artist, Allen Vizzutti. Vizzutti has performed on over 100 movie soundtracks, and his music can be heard on television programs, commercials, and video games. He will be featured with the JazzFest Jazz Camp Big Band and the Augustana College Northlanders Jazz Band on the main stage at JazzFest, Saturday, July 16 at 1:30pm.

Dr. Paul Schilf, Director of Jazz Studies at Augustana College, is the Musical Director for the camp. Other faculty from Augustana College will specialize in areas of jazz instrumentation – brass, saxes, and rhythm section.

“This jazz camp is designed to enhance the student’s school experience by performing high quality literature with detailed, quality instruction,” Schilf said. “As a bonus, the students will have an amazing experience performing with Allen Vizzutti, one of the world’s finest trumpet artists.”

Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues has been awarding music scholarships to outstanding young musicians for the past 11 years and bringing jazz into middle schools through its Jazz Diversity Project for the past 6 years. The addition of the JazzFest Jazz Camp to the list of educational programs organized by Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues gives local students yet another opportunity to learn and grow from the music itself and the rich culture and history behind jazz.

The JazzFest Jazz Camp is sponsored by: Augustana College, CorTrust Bank, Midcontinent Communications, South Dakota Arts Council, Jasper Stone Company, Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues and the Sioux Falls Community Foundation.

Jul12

JazzFest Visitor Hotel Packages Available!

While you’re in town enjoying JazzFest, we want you to be able to explore lively Sioux Falls, the proud host-city of one of the largest free Jazz and Blues festivals in the United States.  Choose one of the four available hotel packages in order to make the most of your stay!  Sioux Falls is thrilled to have you as a guest.

An Extraordinary Trio:  JazzFest, Nightlife & Shopping!

After a day of music and fun at JazzFest, continue the celebration downtown with an array of restaurants, bars, boutiques, nightclubs, and galleries to suit any personality.  While you’re in town, visit the largest shopping center in the area, the Empire Mall, with over 180 stores.

This package includes one king or double room at the Downtown Holiday Inn City Centre, complimentary breakfast for two, discount coupons for the hotel lounge and restaurant, and shuttle service to and from JazzFest.  Also, receive a variety of discount coupons to downtown merchants along with a dining and shopping booklet for the Empire Mall.

Price:  $109/night + tax
Phone:  605-339-2000
Email:  glen.minnick@sfcchotel.com
Web:  www.sfcchotel.com
(Use booking code JFP)

JazzFest Family Package

Treat your family to a day of fun at JazzFest and then relax poolside at the Buccaneer Bay Waterpark at the Ramada Hotel & Suites. From our Jolly Roger Pirate Ship to our 160’ Waterslide you will surely be the favorite parent with this package. Don’t forget to visit our Tiki Bar located poolside, Castaways Bar & Grill and also our Treasure Chest gift shop.

This package includes a Standard Room at the Ramada Hotel & Suites, Four Waterpark Passes, Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for four, and two coupons for discounted JazzFest merchandise.

Price: $112/night + tax
Phone: 605-336-1020
Email: anitacbraunschmidt@yahoo.com
Web: www.siouxfallsramada.com
(Use booking code JBSF)

Hampton Inn Sioux Falls JazzFest Package

Enjoy a family weekend of fun at JazzFest, where you will find the best music, food and people watching. Comeback to the Hampton Inn and relax in our indoor pool/ whirlpool or our outdoor patio.

The Package includes a 100% Non-Smoking room with a King or 2 double beds, our “On the House” full hot breakfast, shuttle service to and from JazzFest. Also, receive a dining and shopping booklet for the Empire Mall and coupons for discounted JazzFest Merchandise. All rooms have a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and 32″ flat screen. 100% Hampton Guarantee!

Price: $109.00/night plus tax.
Phone: 605-362-1700
Email: abby.mccabe@hilton.com
Website: www.siouxfalls.hamptoninn.com
(Use booking code JAZ)

Sheraton Hotel Sioux Falls JazzFest Package (includes shuttle service!)

Come enjoy our newly remodeled Fitness Center by Core Performance and receive Complimentary Internet in our LINK – located on the main floor of the hotel.

Rates include:

  • 2 breakfast buffet coupons in our Falling Water Grille Restaurant each day.
  • 2 drink tickets for our Waters Edge Lounge
  • Merchant Coupons for JazzFest
  • Will offer Complimentary Shuttle Service

Price: Varies, check with hotel.
Phone: 605-331-0100
Email:  darla.tuch@JQH.com
Book Online: http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/res?id=1106065148&key=2BB17
(Group rate available until June 16, 2011. Subject to Availability.)

Jul06

JazzFest – A ‘Party with a Purpose’

As JazzFest amps up for its 20th celebration this summer, we want everyone to be a part of the party! On July 14th, 15th, and 16th, you can look forward to over 20 artists featuring a wide variety of music including jazz, blues, Latin, Reggae, rock, soul, funk, and more.  This event is one of the largest jazz and blues concerts in the country, and like any party you’re invited to, we wouldn’t want you to have to pay to get in!  Entrance into JazzFest continues to be free to the public.

Besides the performances, there are over 20 food vendors selling anything from pizza to kettlecorn, gyros to barbeques.  And then there are the drinks – the fuel behind the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues’ mission.  The glass you’ll be holding is more than just a refreshing beverage; all proceeds raised from beer, pop, and water sales go towards educational programming put on by SFJB.

So wait – JazzFest is raising money?  For education? There is more to JazzFest than a larger-than life concert with wonderful performers – it’s a party with a purpose. Because of the proceeds raised at JazzFest, Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues has been able to give over $25,000 in scholarships to local youth musicians who are passionate about jazz.  Also, over 30,000 students have experienced the Jazz Diversity Project – an educational program put on by SFJB.  Finally, the SFJB concert series brings world class music to Sioux Falls all year long, which would be impossible
without the fundraiser we call JazzFest.

When you come to JazzFest, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the music, sun, food, drink, and hanging with friends… it’s a ton of fun!  Yet remember that you just helped a child attend Jazz Camp, students learn a history lesson, or an audience experience a famous jazz musician.

This summer, come on down and enjoy this great event.  It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s for a good cause.  We hope to see you there!