Follow a Trail of Live Jazz Music Through Downtown Rapid City
**A City Comes Alive with Jazz**
In the heart of downtown Rapid City, a trail of live jazz music will unfold, enticing passersby to indulge in the sounds of the city’s vibrant jazz scene. The Black Hills Jazz Fest, a community-driven event, promises an afternoon and evening of unparalleled jazz experiences, as it makes its debut on Saturday, April 26. **A Diverse Lineup of Musicians**
This inaugural event will feature an array of talented musicians, showcasing the region’s unique sound. The lineup includes teen jazz enthusiasts, well-known regional bands, a retired military pianist, and more. The event will bring the spirit of New York City’s Winter Jazz Fest and New Orleans Jazz Fest to downtown Rapid City, according to festival organizer Alex Massa. **Community Engagement**
Massa, a master trumpeter and composer, is the artistic director of the South Dakota Jazz Orchestra. He has performed nationally and internationally, and his passion for jazz is evident in the community-driven nature of the Black Hills Jazz Fest. “Everyone was so on board to help lift the entire community,” Massa said. “It’s a community-based event really meant to showcase not only the deep pool of talent we have here but to showcase downtown Rapid City businesses.”
**A Day of Jazz Delights**
The event will kick off with Alex Massa’s Sketchbook featuring Linda Boyle, performing at 1:30 p.m. at Lost Cabin Beer Co. Sketchbook is a new 10-piece chamber jazz ensemble Massa put together for the Black Hills Jazz Fest. The ensemble will perform new music Massa wrote, alongside Boyle’s songwriting and storytelling. **Teen Jazz Talent**
Miles Wennblom’s P8 Jazz Collective will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. at Bruce H. Lien Cultural Café at Dahl Arts Center. Wennblom, a senior at Rapid City Stevens High School, will showcase a repertoire of jazz, including an original interpretation of video game music. **Veteran Jazzist**
Guitar professor Jeremy Quick will perform at 6:15 p.m. at bb’s natural wine bar and the Suzie Cappa Art Center. Quick is a veteran jazz musician, having studied with some of Boston’s and New York City’s great musical masters. **The Festival’s Finale**
The Black Hills Jazz Fest will conclude with a lively set by the Blue Collar Brass Band at 7:45 p.m. at The Brass Rail. This New Orleans-style band, featuring Massa and local musicians, will bring the house down with their energetic performance. **A Family-Friendly Experience**
The event will take place in various family-friendly venues throughout downtown Rapid City. Admission is free to hear the music at each location, making it accessible to all ages. **Highlights of the Festival**
Some of the highlights of the festival include:
• A showcase of teen jazz enthusiasts
• A performance by a well-known regional band
• A set by a retired military pianist
• A unique interpretation of video game music
• A lively performance by the Blue Collar Brass Band
**Conclusion**
The Black Hills Jazz Fest promises to bring the spirit of New York City’s Winter Jazz Fest and New Orleans Jazz Fest to downtown Rapid City. With its diverse lineup of musicians, community-driven nature, and family-friendly atmosphere, this event is sure to delight jazz enthusiasts of all ages. Join the trail of live jazz music through downtown Rapid City and experience the city’s vibrant jazz scene for yourself.
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