SF Jazz and Blues Society dissolving after 35 years of bringing music to the community

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - After 35 years of impacting countless musicians and music lovers, the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society will be dissolving, and the remaining funds will be distributed to carry on their legacy.

The organization celebrated jazz and blues music by creating live music and educational events including The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival – JazzFest, a Concert Series, The Jazz Diversity Project, The All-City Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Camp, scholarship programs, and more.

“Through these events and programs, the organization impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, bringing life-changing music experiences that developed young musicians into lifelong appreciators and artists, supported recreational and professional musicians, and was central to the arts scene in the state and region,” said Erin Bosch, SFJB board member.

The Board of Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society will dissolve the organization, giving the rest of its funds to the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation and the Sioux Falls Arts Council’s Artist Micro-Grant program.

An endowment held at the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, in the amount of $55,000, will benefit Levitt at the Falls to be used specifically for music education in our area, a direct tie to Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society mission, according to a press release from the Sioux Falls Jazz Board.

“Levitt at the Falls is grateful to receive this endowment gift from the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society,” said Nancy Halverson, Executive Director of Levitt at the Falls.

In addition, Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society will donate $40,000 to the Sioux Falls Arts Council’s Artist Micro-Grant program, which supports artists across all disciplines with $250 or $500 grants funding supplies, professional development, and a variety of other necessities for work.

“There is no doubt the positive impact Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society has had on our community over decades of their vibrant programming,” Kellen Boice, Executive Director of the Sioux Falls Arts Council, said. “We are honored for the opportunity to continue Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society legacy through our Artist Micro-Grant program and the ripple effect those grants have on our arts community.”

“The last few years, including during the pandemic, have been challenging not just for SFJB but also other smaller arts non-profits. We are proud of the programming we supported during this time and especially proud that we are able to continue our mission of music and arts education through Levitt at the Falls and the Sioux Falls Arts Council. THANK YOU to the community, volunteers, staff, directors, and sponsors for their support over the years.”

Copyright 2023 KSFY. All rights reserved.