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
The Whiskies
The Whiskies are a Minneapolis based band covering current & classic country hits, 90s alternative anthems along with some 80’s rock/pop hits. Their 3-part harmonies and upbeat energy are tailer made to get patrons up and dancing. Frontman David Phipps is originally from Cherokee, Iowa!
John Resch and Doggin Out
Formed in 2019, Doggin Out is led by singer/songwriter electric & upright bassist, John Resch. This 4-piece unit consists of guitar, bass, drums, & harmonica. and is based in Davenport, Iowa. Recent winners of the Iowa Blues Challenge, a competition open to blues bands from across the state, they will represent Iowa at the Blues Foundation’s annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Although the band performs MANY of the blues’ diverse genres, their emphasis is on West Coast Swing and Chicago Electric blues. Not content to just play standard blues progressions, their original material has unique interpretations that make their songs fun and refreshing. With an incredibly tight show and one of the top young guitarists in the area, John Resch & Doggin’ Out are a must see. John also recently found out he will be inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 2025!
The Faster Horses
The Faster Horses combine a blend of country, rock, & western to create a timeless sound. These storyteller performers always deliver a high energy set that will leave a mark. Their name hails from deep roots as homage to lead singer, Eli Alger’s, grandfather. You may have been able to catch them opening this summer at the Clay County Fair for Trace Adkins. It’s no surprise that with their accumulating notoriety they’ve recently been signed with a label in where they now call home, Nashville. Catch this unforgettable foot-stomping band Friday night at the Little Sioux Events Center.
Jason Mayer
Born & raised in small town Nebraska, Jason Mayer was born to be a musician and songwriter. He started writing and performing for family and friends at a very young age, and his obsession for music never stopped. He has been performing live for over 15 years, and tours extensively across the country with his band. He mixed country, rock, fold, and roots music with a unique voice and style to make his sound unmistakable! Mayer has twice been nominated for Outstanding Country Artist of the Year by Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards! He was also selected in 2023 as one of 15 finalists for the prestigious Wild West Songwriters Festival in Deadwood, South Dakota. He is currently on a nation-wide tour in support of his new releases! You can catch him at the Pastime during Kee Live Festival 2025!
Mark Pender
Raised in Kansas City and eventually migrating to New York and then Los Angeles, Mark Pender is a professional trumpet player vocalist. His credentials include tours with Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Robert Cray, Kenny Wayne Shepard, and They Might Be Giants.
He has played on multiple hit recordings with Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Power Station, Ricky Martin and many others. As a member of the house band for Conan O’Brien, he appeared in over 4000 television shows and performed in the 2009 Super Bowl halftime show with Bruce Springsteen and many other TV and movie appearances over the years. Most recently he has played on Jon Batiste record of the year, multiple America Salutes Guitar Legends TV shows, as well as multiple tours with They Might Be Giants and Bruce Springsteen’s 2024 tour- Canadian leg.
Not to be overlooked Mark is THRILLED to be returning to Cherokee for the Kee Live Music Festival’s 25th year being joined by longtime friend and guitarist Glenn Alexander.
Glenn Alexander
Growing up on a farm in Maize, Kansas Glenn Alexander found his passion for music. Starting at 12 years old when his mom decided to give up her guitar lessons so that he could pursue a blossoming dream. Following this dream eventually led him to becoming a full-time professor, running the guitar department at Wichita State teaching 30 guitar majors, ensembles, etc. Eventually he packed up his bags and moved to New York where for the past 20 years he has been the director of jazz studies at Sarah Lawrence College along with recording, writing, performing, composing, and touring. He’s shared his talents alongside many performers some of which include Jerry Hahn, Paul Newman, Lisa Loeb, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, The Coalition, The Mark Pender Band, The Max Weinberg 7, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, Chico Hamilton and many, many, many more.
Glenn returns to Kee Live Festival 2025 with his continuance of chasing his music dream and we couldn’t be more excited!
