Jazz Fest
1 Location:
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Jazz Fest
301 S Main, Sioux Falls, SD 57104phone: 335-6101
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JazzFest 2012 sets record attendance with 125,000 people
The three-day 2012 JazzFest, organized by the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, shattered the event’s attendance record, previously set in 2005.
The crowd size for Thursday was estimated at 10,000 people, with Friday’s attendance peeking at 35,000 people. On Saturday there were 80,000 in attendance with an estimated crowd size of nearly 60,000 for Joe Walsh alone – a new JazzFest record.
JazzFest 2012 Saturday Crowd of over 60,000
It was really Saturday’s evening push that brought in tens of thousands of additional audience members,” said Executive Director Robert Joyce. “I’m certain that the reason for the large crowd was the fact we had such a major headlining act on Saturday night.” Beautiful weather with temperatures in the 80s also helped contribute to the high volume of attendees.
The total attendance for the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival was at 125,000 people for 2012. The previous record was 105,000 people in 2005.
In 21 years, JazzFest had never seen a headliner quite as big as Eagles front-man, Joe Walsh, a hall of fame inductee and former member of The James Gang. This incredible performer wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contribution made by long-time JazzFest sponsor – Midcontinent Communications, the upper Midwest’s leading providers in wideband internet, video, phone and cable.
JazzFest is one of the largest free concerts in the United States, attracting an average of almost 85,000 people each year from all over the Midwest. It is considered one of the major events Sioux Falls has to offer. Over 800 volunteers assist with JazzFest along with the support of various city departments and other community businesses.
JazzFest is free, but relies on nearly 100 cash and in-kind sponsors, donations from attendees and the sale of beverages during the JazzFest.
Dates for next year’s JazzFest are July 18-20, 2013.
