Jazzfest crowd
Full Lineup

“Jazzed” with Bobby Gripp

“Jazzed” is a state of being – an anticipation of something special unfolding as you are witnessing it – in this case, in a musical context.

 Drummer/drum instructor/musician/mentor Bobby Gripp leads an All-Star lineup of some of the areas best jazz musicians when they take the Main Stage at noon, Saturday, at this years JazzFest. Joining him on stage will be Chris Champion – guitar & vocals, Eddie Dunn – bass & vocals and special guest, Justin Kisor – trumpet. They will be playing a mix of jazz standards and modern jazz tunes by artists such as Cole Porter, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Timmons and many others. The members of “Jazzed” each bring their own unique approach to this music in a tasty jazz gumbo.

Gripp has been a long-time supporter of the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society and toured extensively, state-wide, as an original member of the organizations Jazz Diversity Project. In addition, he has performed with a wide variety of regional artists and groups since the early 1970’s. In 2015 he was inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Blueberry Buckle band. As other opportunities presented themselves, Gripp found himself performing on stage with national artists such as The Dixie Cups, Maurice John Vaughn, LaVerne Butler, Bruce Barth and Vincente Archer, Mike & Mark Miller, Daniel & Benjamin May, Scott Hesse and the legendary trumpeter/composer/music director Clement Toca, to name a few.

He has shared his love and passion for music through drum instruction and mentoring the next generations for over 35 yrs and is totally focused on their success, wherever their passions take them. He has been a professional photographer for over 35 yrs as well.

Gripp would like to thank the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society for all its support over these many years and for the opportunity to perform at this year’s festival.

 Videos: YouTube
“Jazzed” with Bobby Gripp

Dakota Jazz Collective

Ray’s Mid Bell Music

Musicians:
Chris Champion has been playing guitar for over 40 years. Chris graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology in 1987 and from 1997 to 2008 he was on the jazz faculty at Arizona State University as the Jazz Guitar Instructor. Since 2010 Chris has been performing regularly in the Sioux Falls area.

 Chris Champion’s website

Move and Groove

Join us for a workout at Yankton Trail Park before JazzFest gets started on Saturday, July 21st! This year Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield will be sponsoring YOGA + ZUMBA + CYCLING! Register today and you could be the lucky winner of an Apple Watch!

 

 

 

Mobile App sponsored by Howalt+McDowell, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC

The JazzFest 2018 mobile app is sponsored by Howalt+McDowell, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC! The app will be available to download prior to JazzFest!

 

 

Use Lyft at JazzFest!

Use coupon code SFJB2018 for Lyft Credits! Due to the time it takes to walk from within the park to the designated parking lot make sure to request a Lyft AT THE HEGG COMPANIES lot.  There will be cars waiting!

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