Winters in Sioux Falls, SD, are long, snowy and bitterly cold, however it sporadically seems like the temperature will never climb above chilly.
- I am always uneasy for the sunshine, orange skies and warmth of summer, and every year I look forward to the Sioux Falls JazzFest, and hosted in Yankton Trails Park, always in the fourth week of June, the weather is usually perfect… While the festival draws in around 73,000 people, it’s something special for local residents.
It’s a celebration of culture, community and artistry of jazz. It showcases the commitment of Sioux Falls to the arts. Initially started in 1988 under numerous names and in a variety of locations, the JazzFest is the creation of a group of sentimental tunes enthusiasts who were determined to create a platform to honor jazz; Over the years, the festival has grown and evolved to include an impressive array of artists! A diverse roster encompasses traditional jazz, contemporary styles and fusion genres, but there is the opening to see and hear established jazz legends and rising stars. Two odd stages offer the smooth sounds of traditional jazz to the excitement of bebop. Along with amazing tunes, local businesses, artists and community organizations contribute to the festival. There are educational programs, workshops and interactive sessions galore. There’s also enjoyable food. The variety includes local specialities such as Indian Fry bread, tiger meat, walleye, buffalo burgers, lefse and mocha cakes, however my favorite is chislic, which is cubed red meat that is deep fried or grilled and served with a dipping sauce.