![Download the Map! [Click here]](http://siouxfallsjazzfest.com/wp-content/themes/jazzfest2011_v3/images/btn_download-the-map.gif)
JazzFest 2012 Performers
2012 Main Stage Line-Up
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTS: JOE WALSH
Eagles front man and former member of The James Gang, Joe Walsh has been performing, producing and writing since 1968. Walsh made a name for himself as a solo artist with the hit “Rocky Mountain Way” off of The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get in 1973. Adding a more rock-oriented edge to the Eagles in the place of Bernie Leadon’s more country-flavored style, his contributions to the guitarwork of the title track and the famous riffs of “Life in the Fast Lane” are especially notable. Walsh toured with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band in 1989; reunited with The Eagles for the Hell Freezes Over tour in 1994 and most recently joined Sir Paul McCartney for a performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards. He has had numerous successful songs in the Top 40, such as Life’s Been Good, Rocky Mountain Way, In the City and others. His music has also been featured in several motion pictures such as Heavy Metal and Urban Cowboy. Walsh will be hitting the road in May 2012 for a Spring US solo tour in support of his upcoming album, Analog Man.
ROBERT RANDOLPH AND THE FAMILY BAND
Pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph started playing and touring around New York City in 2000,and started selling out large New York clubs. Signing to Warner Brothers got the attention of Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews and B.B. King. The group has also toured with The Roots, Pharrell and John Mayer. Randolph was listed on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list. The song Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That was used in several commercials for NBC and the Discovery Channel. The song Thrill of It was used throughout the 2007 college football season by ABC during their College Primetime games.
JJ GREY & MOFRO
Born into a family with generations-old roots in rural Florida, JJ Grey’s ear for detail rings through in true storyteller fashion. After over a decade of hard touring and five studio albums Grey still spends eight months of the year on the road, bringing his music to his loyal, ever-growing, worldwide fan base, laying it all on the line with each and every performance. JJ has played countless festivals, including Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, Austin City Limits Festival and has shared stages with the likes of B.B. King, The Allman Brothers Band, Lenny Kravitz, and many others. Grey’s songs have appeared in film and network and cable television programs including House, Friday Night Lights, and The Deadliest Catch.
SOULIVE
Soulive has never made any bones about what they do best; it’s right there in their name. Since forming in 1999, the trio of guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and keyboardist Neal Evans has carried the torch for the soul-jazz organ trio. In their 13 years together, Soulive has followed the muse in the direction of hip-hop, R&B, blues and rock, collaborating with the likes of Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, Talib Kweli, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Robert Randolph, The Roots, Ivan Neville and so many others. But, no matter how they push the limits of the organ trio, they always come back to their bread and butter: blistering solos and grooves that don’t quit.
MONOPHONICS
Over the past seven years, Monophonics have staked their claim as one of California’s premier bands. Raised amid the 
Bay Area’s rich musical culture, Monophonics has proudly carried on the tradition of music native to their hometown, which flourished during the birth of psychedelia. Formed in 2005, Monophonics has a psychedelic soul & heavy funk sound, which harks back to the stylings of the late 60’s and early 70’s, all while keeping its feet planted in the present. Their touring schedule has brought their signature rowdy, hard-hitting live set to over 400 dates from California up to Motown and down to Louisiana establishing themselves as yearly residents at the legendary New Orleans Jazz Festival.
JAMES COTTON “SUPERHARP” BAND
The musical pedigree of Grammy Award winner James “Superharp” Cotton consists of a veritable who’s who in the world of the Blues. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006, the Smithsonian Institute in 1991, and winner of countless W.C. Handy Blues Awards, he has shared the stage with B.B. King, Johnny Winter, the Allman Brothers, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Sam and Dave, The Grateful Dead among many others. In 1966, Cotton formed his James Cotton Blues Band which continues to showcase his immense talent and keeps him one of the most sought-after, hard-driving, seminal blues musicians touring the world today. Cotton and his harp have been inseparable in the entertainment industry now for almost 70 years. What an amazing adventure “Superharp” is experiencing with his little harmonica.
JAMES CARTER ORGAN TRIO
James Carter is a powerhouse musician and one of the most admired saxophonists of his generation, garnering 
plaudits for his role in helping to propel jazz full tilt into the future over the past twenty-five years. His music is fueled by deep respect and intimate knowledge of the jazz tradition. Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1969, James Carter began playing saxophone at age 11, first recorded with a Detroit student ensemble in 1986 and, by 1991, had recorded with legendary trumpeter Lester Bowie on The Organizer and contributed to the 1991 collection The Tough Young Tenors. Mastering a family of reed instruments, from sopranino to contrabass saxophones to contrabass and bass clarinets, James Carter mesmerized the jazz world after arriving in New York City in 1988 to play under the auspices of Lester Bowie. His debut recording, JC On The Set, released in Japan when Carter was a mere 23 years old, heralded the arrival of a significant and powerful new musical force in jazz.
CHRIS VADALA AND JAZZFEST JAZZ CAMP WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE SIOUX FALLS BIG BAND
Chris Vadala, one of the country’s premier woodwind jazz artists and educators, Selmer Performing Artist, Saxophonist and composer is a guest clinician for the 2012 JazzFest Jazz Camp at Augustana College under the direction of Paul Schilf. Mr. Vadala will perform with the top jazz band on the main stage on Saturday afternoon. Also featured will be the Sioux Falls Big Band under the direction of Mark Isackson.
SENA EHRHARDT BAND
Roots music label Blind Pig Records has signed singer Sena Ehrhardt, one of the freshest and most dynamic young voices on the blues scene today. The buzz about the Minneapolis-area vocalist is poised to go nationwide as word is getting out about her incendiary performances at clubs and festivals across the upper Midwest. Sena has taken her influences and several years of experience to forge her own personal and intelligent take on the blues. Though her band’s repertoire includes a wide range of blues, soul and funk cover tunes, Sena chose to record ten original compositions that she co-wrote with her father for Leave The Light On. Her band – father Ed Ehrhardt on guitar, bassist Steve Hansen and drummer Tim Hasler – performs flawlessly throughout, matching Sena’s drive and intensity.
THE HEGG BROTHERS BAND
Born and raised within an hour of Sioux Falls the Hegg Brothers have spent many years performing music around the region. Their first appearance at JazzFest was over a decade ago with their 9-piece original horn band Spooncat!, who played a total of five performances between the main and secondary stage. In recent years the two brothers, Jeremy and Jonathon, have primarily played as a duo. The Hegg Brothers’ current incarnation finds them matching wits with a new group of cohorts, covering singer/songwriter music of all styles and sophistication. Members of the band have performed nationally and internationally with legendary artists such as Smokey Robinson and Maynard Ferguson.
BRANDON SPRAGUE BLUES BAND
Hailing from Deadwood, SD, blues guitarist Brandon Sprague has opened for: B.B. King, Smokin’ Joe Kubek, Indigenous, George Thorogood, The Reverend Horton Heat and The Georgia Satellites. From Fender Stratrocasters, dobro guitar, slide guitar, and acoustic guitars, Sprague is a master of his craft.
2012 Second Stage Line-Up
RICH SHOW AND THE WORKING POOR
Rich Show was the leader of such acclaimed bands as No Direction, Flag With Hank, and Violet, and is considered by many to be the area’s best songwriter. Over the last 30 years his music has been compared to recording artists like Steve Earle and Neil Young, a style somewhere between an alternative pop/rock and alt-country. He began with punk rock, the first ever in South Dakota and even dabbles in electronic pop. Some additional bands Rich has fronted are: The Body Electric, Oxford Comma, The All Get Outs and Das Helden Katze. The Working Poor are Lance Beier on Drums, Paul Erickson on guitar, and Erik Nelson on Bass. The Working Poor actually were a band that was formed back in 1998, which at that time featured an accordion, banjo, mandolin and acoustic guitar. The thought was to create a large ruckus out of acoustic instrumentation and trying to create a sound somewhere between Tom Waits and the Pogues. This reincarnation of the Working Poor will be performing songs from that time and also songs from the songwriter’s large catalog.
SOULDRIVE
Starting out as a duo in the fall of 2008 consisting of saxophonist Tyler Pridey from Sioux Falls, SD and pianist Ron Parker of Aberdeen, SD, the two began performing around Aberdeen. They display a charismatic playing style and their personalities complement their unique sound and wide range. After developing a great reputation around the Aberdeen area, a full ensemble was developed. SoulDrive has an impressive young cast with musical talent mature beyond their years. With their eclectic jazz/funk sound, the group brings a cosmopolitan flavor that you won’t want to miss.
BLUES BASHERS
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. Hailing from the small South Dakota town of Huron, Jesse managed to learn to do something good: play guitar. And thanks to a mind that never stops seeking the truth, he plays with melody, dynamics and emotion — no de-tuned guitars or walls of effects. On harmonica and vocals is Derek Snow. The harmonica isn’t always valued as a serious instrument; but when Derek peels off a few licks on the “harp,” that opinion is quickly changed. Rounding out the group on piano is veteran Terry Brooks.
Blues Bashers Website | Watch on YouTube
CHRIS BORCHARDT
Saxophonist, Chris Borchardt, is a young emerging talent from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He currently attends Augustana College in Sioux Falls and is pursuing a degree in Music Education. Chris has performed extensively throughout the Sioux Falls area in past years for both private parties and public events. He has performed at the Sioux Empire Fair, Lifelight Music Festival, and Flandreau River Days. Chris is a sub for the Sioux Falls Big Band, Municipal Band and the Dakota Wind Ensemble. Throughout his years of playing, Chris has had the opportunity to solo alongside such jazz artists as: Chris Vadala, Mike Tomaro, and Matt Wallace. Chris has performed with such groups as Shortfuse, Showbaby, Elisabeth Hunstad, and the Worthington Community Orchestra. He is also the former recipient of a Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues scholarship and was a counselor at the 2011 JazzFest Jazz Camp.
Chris Borchardt Website | Watch Video
BARE KNUCKLE BLUES BAND
Southwest Minnesota’s Bare Knuckle Blues Band exploded onto the scene in 2011, seemingly out of nowhere. But the truth is that they’ve been there the whole time. Tom Banks has been lighting up stages with his distinct brand of raw, 
powerful blues guitar for years with various bands. Mike Stolen has spent the last 25 years shaking the ground with his smooth, funky bass licks. Jim Stainer has been keeping the beat with an extensive resume covering a diverse sampling of musical styles for decades. The love and passion these seasoned veterans share for the blues is what brought them together. That same passion is also the reason their fans are so connected to them and they to their fans. Their motto: “If you love the blues as much as we do, then you’re family to us,” sums up their love and affection for their audiences and faithful fans.
LATER BABES
Later Babes formed in late 2011 as the brainchild of Isaac Show. The idea was to make a mix of popular and classic music to release as a free download. Eventually the project grew, calling on several revolving members (including fellow We All Have Hooks For Hands drummer and two-thirds of Soulcrate Music) to assist in creating multiple levels of stimulation for a live dance party. The group stands out amongst many regular DJs by providing not only mixers, but also keyboards and live drums. With the help of Tory Stolen, Mysles Gosmire, Corey Gerlach and Wes Eisenhauer, the lineup changes as often as the playlist. Never performing the same set twice, each mix released and party thrown is a brand new trill experience.
“JAZZED” WITH BOBBY GRIPP
“Jazzed” is a state of being – an anticipation of something special unfolding as you’re witnessing it, in this case, in a musical context. They will be playing compositions by artists such as Cole Porter, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and a host of other jazz and blues classics and standards. The members of “Jazzed” will bring their own unique approach to this music. Drummer Bobby Gripp leads the group. Gripp has been a longtime supporter of the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society and has toured with the organization’s Jazz Diversity Project. With Jeff Moe on bass, Tom Church on sax, Jonathan Kelly on keyboard, Dan Donahoe on guitar – this group is pure jazz.
TONS OF ‘EM
Tons Of ‘Em, a new band on Sioux Falls’ burgeoning local scene, features musicians who have performed in several groups in the region including; Lewd Rudiments, Idyl Exhibit, Pandora’s Box and Lunar Funk Theory. The band has been hard at work composing new music that stretches their musical capabilities while staying true to their blues rock roots. The band’s lineup may be something of a surprise to new fans, but they definitely aren’t new to one another. Drummer Bob Cook and guitarist Bobby Cook are father and son. The elder Cook played drums for 1960′s-era Pandora’s Box, and passed on the love of percussion and live music to his kids. Vocalist Zeb Anderson sang in Lewd Rudiments, which featured Lunar Funk Theory’s Wes Daucsavage on bass before they both joined the band. Shawn ‘Beardman” Kinsinger joined the band in November 2010 as its bassist and keyboardist. Steve, Shawn and Bobby have been playing together for 10 years in various projects, most notably heavy metal band Idyl Exhibit.
THE TINDER BOX
Humbled by their south-eastern South Dakota roots, The Tinder Box (Chad Konrad, Dominic Osterloh, & Jon Wallner) offer a uniquely cohesive blend of folk, blues, & bluegrass. With their February 2011 release of their debut EP These Winds (recorded at Blacklodge Recording in Eudora, KS), The Tinder Box has emerged as a three-member band with the driving force of most full-bands. Foot-tapping kick hits, piercing banjo picking, complementary trumpet fills and full harmonies have helped to already create a name for this young band.
PHANTOM BALANCE
Music and passion run in the family when it comes to brothers Ezrah Ounce and Frank Villon, the two members of Sioux Falls, SD, based Phantom Balance. Hailing from a small town in the southwest corner of Minnesota, the two grew up spending hours perfecting their craft, from rhythm to lyrics. Initially creating music as two separate entities, each performer worked hard to create demos with whatever equipment they could get their hands on. Years down the road, both brothers found themselves in Sioux Falls, and decided to try making music together. In January 2010, the group released City of Smoke, followed up by Ocean of Rest in May 2011. Building off the experiences of growing up together, their lyrics reflect each member’s observations on the world. Hard at work to give their fans another new album in 2012, the two are taking no time to rest as they constantly fill shows in the local area and spend plenty of time on the road. Their diligent Midwest charm seems to be working, as Phantom Balance has gained the attention of both young and old hip hop fans in the area. It’s no question that the two are forming a revival for the future of the local music scene.
LIFE BEFORE COLOR
Formed as a power trio in the early 90’s, Life Before Color mixed original songs with blues oriented rock. Opening for The Dixie Dregs at The Pomp Room in 1993 and the 1996 release of The Lonely Parade CD were highlights of the band’s initial 5 year run. The members all moved on to a variety of other projects, but missed their unique musical symmetry and interaction. So, Brian Detmers (guitar & vocals), Mike Andersen (bass), and Dick Bartling (drums) reformed in 2011 with the addition of Terry Brooks (keyboards & vocals). Emphasizing paying tribute to the guitar stylings of Jeff Beck and Sioux City-born legend Tommy Bolin, Life Before Color is a must-see blues/rock/fusion ensemble.
EAST OF WESTREVILLE
East of Westreville is a blues to bluegrass road trip, with a few stops along the way! It is Americana roots music: bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk, and country from the people of South Dakota Acoustic Christmas and Always… Patsy Cline. Get ready for a great evening of old-timey foot-stomping, hand-clapping acoustic music and homespun humor with Kaija Bonde, Boyd Bristow, Al Slaathaug & Brian Bonde.
Archive
Take a look at the 2011 JazzFest Performers.
Take a look at the 2010 JazzFest Performers.
Take a look at the 2009 JazzFest Performers.
2008 JazzFest Performers:
Jonny Lang, Joyce Cooling Group, Tab Benoit, Taj Mahal, Blues Bashers, Slim Man, Jonah Smith, Simone, Robben Ford, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, BlueTanes, Soulcrate Music, M80, Jazz Portraits, Victoria Pennock Band, Dakota Jazz Collective, Snakebeard Jackson, Truth & Adapt, Solution, Little Bird Band
2007 JazzFest Performers:
Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks Band, Robert Cray Band, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, The Lee Boys, Bonerama, Jeff Golub, Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Northlanders Jazz Band with Chris Vadala, Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans, Steve Weingart and Mike Miller, Solution, Soulcrate Music, Snakebeard Jackson, Kyle Knutson, Derek Postini, Dakota Jazz Collective, Urban Blues
2006 JazzFest Performers:
Medeski, Martin and Wood, Shemekia Copeland, Mavis Staples, Ticket to Brasil, Albert Cummings, Hubert Sumlin and the G.E. Smith Band, Buckwheat Zydeco, Ana Popovic, Quarter Round, Derek Postini Band, Dan Mahar, South Dakota Jazz Orchestra w/Denis DiBlasio and Steve Wiest, Sioux Falls Municipal Band, Northlanders Jazz, Serenata, The BlueTanes
2005 JazzFest Performers:
Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tommy Castro, Joe Bonamassa, Kelley Hunt, Greyhounds, Claudia Acuna, Dotsero, Guitarboy, SD Jazz Orchestra, Stallions, Violet, Hailey Soyland Band, DNR, Dan Mahar, That’s The Time, Jazz Portraits, Red Road, Phil Baker and Jeremy Hegg
2004 JazzFest Performers:
John Hiatt, Little Feat, Chris Botti, the subdudes, Dickey Betts and Great Southern, Roomful of Blues, Shane Henry, The Mezcal Brothers, Standard Time, Reggae Cowboys, P. Skunk Willy and the Antibots, Spooncat!, Sleepeater, Wumpus, Isaiah and Joe, That’s the Time, Grant Manhart/Brian Harding Quintet
2003 JazzFest Performers:
Mighty Sam McClain, Chris Duarte Band, Tower of Power, The Rejivenators, The Mezcal Brothers, SF Big Band with Chris Vadala, Nachito Herrera and Puro Cubano, Tony Monaco Trio, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, The Neville Brothers, Rosie Ledet and Her Zydeco Playboys, Sioux Falls Municipal Band, Dave Moore, The Fabulous Jadesmen, Standard Time, Spooncat!
2002 JazzFest Performers:
Tinsley Ellis, Walter Trout and the Radicals, Delbert McClinton, Third Verse, Harmonious Wail, Billy Music, CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Los Hombres Calientes, Sista Monica, Tommy Castro, Jazz Portraits, Deadline, Rochford Jazz Ensemble, Jay Stulo, Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans
2001 JazzFest Performers:
Los Lobos, The Neville Brothers, Steel Pulse, Marcia Ball, Debbie Duncan, Kelly Hunt, Nelson Rangell, Omar & The Howlers, Bio Ritmo, Otis Taylor, Hadden Sayers Band, Spooncat!, Reggae Cowboys, Life B4 Color, Violet, North Main Blues Revue, Leghorn, Dr. Hector & The Groove Injectors
2000 JazzFest Performers:
Bo Diddley, Koko Taylor, Liquid Soul, Bernard Allison, Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers, Slim Man, Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, Connie Evingson, Spooncat!, Boom Shaka, Radio X, Little Slim & The Back Alley Blues Band, Blues Exchange, Friends, Standard Time, Bill Gibson Dixieland Band
1999 JazzFest Performers:
The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Terrance Simien, Big John Dickerson & Blue Chamber, Tommy Castro, Luther “Guitar” Johnson, Charlie Musselwhite, Eric Marienthal, Reggae Cowboys, Joanna Connor, Native Vibe, Sioux Falls Big Band
1998 JazzFest Performers:
The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Spyro Gyra, Kevin Mahogany, Johnnie Johnson, The Senders, Radio X, Spooncat!, Bill Gibson/Stephen Fulton Septet
1997 JazzFest Performers:
Nathan & The Zydeco Cha-Cha’s, Indigenous, Phil Perry, The Rippingtons, Dave Koz, Boom Shaka, Left Bank Jazz Society, Greg Koch, Pascal Bokar
1996 JazzFest Performers:
Earl Klugh, David Benoit, Little Scotty & The Spinners, Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, Irie, Native Vibe, Scotty Spenner
* Artists and schedule subject to change