For our SDPB production crew, every day brings something different and rewarding. As part of fulfilling our commitment the Arts and South Dakota Culture, we have the privilege of meeting a lot of interesting people, visit interesting places around the state, and take part in some incredible events.
One of our favorite road trips involves our annual partnership with the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society’s Jazzfest. Each summer, tens of thousands of people from all over the upper-Midwest converge on Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls for a 3-day celebration of music. SDPB production crews are at the center of the action as we record the event, provide live video to the big screens, work with the hundreds of organizers and volunteers, and show off our live production skills. We also have a front row seat to some amazing performances by the best in the music business.
Tab Benoit has won the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award, was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, won the Blues Music Awards for Contemporary Blues Male Artist and Contemporary Blues Album. This summer he graced the stage at Jazzfest in Sioux Falls. Catch his amazing performance on the Best of Jazzfest this weekend on SDPB Television.
The Steepwater Band formed in Chicago in 1998 by the trio of Jeff Massey (guitars and vocals), Joe Winters (drums), and Tod Bowers (bass), taking their name from a cargo vessel that Massey sighted in a port on Lake Michigan. Since then they have released fourteen albums and have electrified music festival audiences around the world, including Jazzfest in Sioux Falls. Catch their performance on the Best of Jazzfest this weekend on SDPB Television.
Gene McGowan is a Dixieland Jazz fan. Gene has been part of the Sioux Falls jazz music scene since the 1970’s and his performances have included concerts and appearances at regional dance halls, clubs and other venues, including the main stage at Jazzfest in Sioux Falls. Catch the First Thursday Dixieland Band performance on the Best of Jazzfest this weekend on SDPB Television.
The Blues Foundation named Janiva Magness the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year in 2009, becoming only the second woman, after Koko Taylor, to be so honored. In the same year, she was named the Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year for the third time and was nominated for again in 2012. Since 2006, she has had 22 similar nominations. SDPB recorded her performance at Jazzfest this past summer for the Best of Jazzfest.
The performances are featured in a 2-hour special, The Best of Jazzfest, airing each September on SDPB Television. This year’s special premieres Saturday, September 10th at 8pm central time.
