Dakota Jazz Quartet
These four gentlemen will facilitate the student music clinic, as well as performing Friday night.
Dr. Darin Wadley
Dr Wadley is the Director of Percussion Studies and Associate Professor of Music at the University of South Dakota. An active performer, Darin is the principal timpanist with the Sioux City Orchestra.
Alexander Olsen
With a foundation in classical piano and a passion for exploring diverse musical landscapes, Alexander Olsen has established himself in the Midwest as a sought-after sideman. One of the most adaptable players in the region who has spent his career learning to accompany and complement various styles, while maintaining the ability to add torrential improvisational solos on demand.
Michael Andersen
Michael has maintained a multi-faceted career as a bassist, teacher, and brass player. He has performed with symphonies, big bands, small jazz combos, and concert bands throughout the South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa area.
Joel Shotwell
Joel is and active freelance artist, saxophone player, and educator based in Sioux Falls. He has produced multiple albums under his own name as well as bands his is involved with. As an educator, he has a large private studio and teaches at various camps and clinics around the area.
Performers
Avey Grouws Band
Avey Grouws Band resonates with the raw power of the Mississippi River, infusing their roots rock sound with a diverse blend of blues, rock, and soul. Fronted by dynamic vocalist Jeni Grouws and fueled by the guitar prowess of Chris Avey, this two-time top ten Billboard charting band has carved out a reputation for a gritty sound paired with electrifying live performances. Sophomore album, “Tell Tale Heart” debuted at #7 on the Billboard Blues Album chart. The band has captivated audiences across the nation with their energy and talent. Notably, their appearance at the renowned Big Blues Bender alongside legends such as Keb’ Mo’, Shemekia Copeland, Danielle Nicole, and Tab Benoit further cemented their status as rising stars of roots rock.
Family Photography Andera Photography Iowa Photographer
RAGTOWN
RAGTOWN is an upbeat country rock and dance band packed full of incredibly talented and seasoned musicians playing what we like to call “Pop Infused Country Rock”. Their high energy and chemistry on stage is infectious, and fans can’t stop wanting more of this kind of fun! Covering hits by the best in country like Kenny Chesney, Alabama, & Florida Geogia Line to mixing in dance rock like the Doobie Brothers and hits from Prince to current pop like Pitbull. you get the best of it all with RAGTOWN.
Buckmiller/Schwager Band
This story begins in 2015 when Tom Buckmiller and Brian Schwager we introduced by a mutual friend and band mate. These two ambitious musicians crossed paths and joined forces on many stages and with multiple bands before forming Buckmiller/Schwager band in 2019. Today they’ve grown in popularity by consistently delivering their electrifying originals and authentic blues classics in a wide range of venues throughout the Midwest. Whether you’re witnessing their high energy duo/trio group OR the power of their full band, they consistently engage the audience with their own hard-driving, personalized recipe for the blues. Winners of the 2021 Iowa Blues Challenge & Semi-finalist of the 2022 International Blues Challenge – this is one band you DO NOT want to miss!
Outlaw Jim & the Whiskey Benders
WARNING! Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders are blowing into town to raise the roof and entertain all the many ramblers in search of good music and great honky-tonking times. The Whiskey Benders have played the Grand Ole Opry Plaza Parties in Nashville, as well as the famous venues on lower Broadway. They’ve opened for John Michael Montgomery, Tracy Lawrence, Black Shelton, Craig Morgan, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and many, many more. Playing sing-along favorites and a unique list of original songs from their three albums, many are comparing them to the original outlaws, but with a flare all their own.
Josh Hoyer & the Church of Blues
Featuring Josh Hoyer, Levi William, Joe Gourlay, and David Boye. Church of Blues plays classic and original Blues to get you movin’ and groovin’. Keyboardist and singer Josh Hoyer has led his own band, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal touring nationally and internationally for 13 years. Winning Best Band at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2025. Josh and his band were one of the most anticipated bands to hit 2025 Saturday in the Park festival – opening for Teddy Swims. Guitarist and singer Levi Williams has performed for 23 years in the Levi William Band and Shawn Holt & the Teardrops touring Europe and most of the US. Drummer, Joe Gourlay, stated playing live in 1974 at 12 years old and has played with Midwest legends, The Heartmurmurs, Not All there, The Darlings, and Magic Slim. Bassist, David Boye, grew up playing punk rock in the 70s and toured heavily with Midwest rock legend, Charlie Burton for many years. Over his 50+ year career David has also played with James Harman, Popa Chubby, Murali Coryell, and many more.
