Jazz is uniquely American and this program tells the story of America through music. Paul Schilf, professor of jazz education at Augustana College says this about the program: “…the greatest benefit of this program is one of barrier breaking. It introduces audiences to new musical, social and educational concepts about American culture; engages students to listen to varying types of music; and uses everyday ideas to allow the students to understand historical and social perspectives and concepts.” Dakota Jazz Collective is a Sioux Falls-based ensemble rooted in the classic and contemporary sounds of jazz. Featuring a horn driven ensemble, members of DJC have developed a strong reputation as some of the region’s finest and most recognized jazz musicians. Celebrating the local jazz scene, committed to jazz education, and performing across the region, Dakota Jazz Collective shares their passion for jazz with every performance. Dakota Jazz Collective serves as the exclusive band performing the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society’s informative jazz concert, the Jazz Diversity Project. The Jazz Diversity Project began as a touring educational performance geared toward middle and high school students in 2005, and has currently been presented to over 50,000 students throughout the state of South Dakota. The program has now been adapted to serve adult audiences as well as students. sfjb.org

Members will include:
Jeremy Hegg: piano and vocals
Joel Shotwell: Saxophones
Jim Speirs: Trumpet
Jim McKinney: Drums
Andrew Reinartz: Bass

Schedule of the night includes:

• 4:00pm  Lawn Opens (food/drink vendors and lawn activities begin)
• 5:00pm-7:00pm  Headliner: Jazz Diversity Project

Featured food trucks: Front Porch Concessions and Dakota Snow

Partner Community Organization: EmBe FIRST LEGO League, Therapy Dogs International, and Sparky Hula Hoops for Hope

Sponsored by: