JazzFest Performers

From the local to the legends, this weekend’s Jazzfest features an outstanding roster of performers.  The Blues Bashers, Sioux Falls locals, open up the festival Friday night.  Described as a “force as powerful as a Midwest tornado,” the band features Bobby Berge, a regular drummer for the late Tommy Bolin.

Also home grown is the Dakota Jazz Collective, playing at 1:30 PM Saturday on the main stage. Rooted in the classic style of jazz, Dakota Jazz Collective describes themselves as a horn driven ensemble, featuring some of the top jazz talent in the region. 

In addition to performances, the Dakota Jazz Collective collaborates with the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society to bring live jazz music to local middle schools.  Scheduled immediately after the Dakota Jazz Collective is Augustana College’s Northlanders Jazz Band, featuring special guest artists Jeff Jarvis and Chris Vadala.

As the sun goes down, the night heats up with Betty LaVette taking the stage at 6 PM. LaVette is a Grammy nominee and the reigning “Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year,” and recently performed “A Change is Gonna Come” with Jon Bon Jovi at Barack Obama’s Inaugural Celebration. 

A personal favorite, Keb’ Mo’ takes the stage at 8 PM.   Keb’ Mo’ was born as Kevin Moore in South Los Angeles, to parents originally from the deep South.  His music tells the story of the blues, and for that he has won two Grammys and eight W.C. Handy Awards.  If you haven’t heard Keb’ Mo’ before, a quick listen to City Boy or his rendition of America the Beautiful will convince you that Keb’ Mo’ is a singer-songwriter not to be missed.

To see the whole schedule, check out the performers page on the JazzFest website.