Bandmaster Christopher Hill Retires After 24 Years of Leadership

Sioux Falls, SD (5/17/2022) — Christopher Hill has announced his retirement as Bandmaster of the Sioux Falls Municipal Band. To ensure the band’s continued presence in the Sioux Falls community and take it to new heights, the Washington Pavilion is partnering with Augustana University, which will provide musical leadership for the Municipal Band.

“I’m grateful to the ‘Save Our Band’ organization for fighting for and saving the band, the City Council for voting to keep us funded and to Darrin Smith and the Washington Pavilion for stepping up and managing the band. I am also grateful to our wonderful band and audience members who have supported the band for generations. It has been an honor and privilege to be your Bandmaster for the past 24 years,” says Hill.

During his tenure, Hill was known for innovative programming, with soloists such as Spooncat!, narrators like Senator John Thune and former Representative and current Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, and nationally renowned vocalists such as Andrea Ross and Emily Lodine. Top composers, such as Rossano Galante, Dan Goeller, Bruce Roter and Christopher Stanichar, wrote pieces for the band under his direction. Hill greatly expanded the band’s outreach to retirement communities and carefully programmed music to suit the audience at each particular venue.

Moving forward, the Augustana University School of Music will provide musical leadership, including planning rehearsals, programming performances, recruiting band members, developing performance standards and maintaining the band’s assets. The Washington Pavilion will provide operational leadership, including administering the budget, booking venues, marketing and payroll. Band members will remain employees of Washington Pavilion Management, Inc., and conductors will be employees of Augustana University.

“We are honored to be a part of the more than 100-year tradition of the Sioux Falls Municipal Band, and we look forward to creating new opportunities for our students at Augustana and professional development opportunities for our faculty,” says Dr. Peter Folliard, Dean of the Augustana School of Music. “When Chris Hill shared his retirement plans with me, we sat down and talked about possibilities, and this immediately made sense to us. I am so grateful for Darrin Smith and his support of this idea. Together, we’ll help carry on the tradition of this community treasure and find new ways to elevate its prominence.”

The Sioux Falls Municipal Band is one of the oldest and most prestigious community bands in the Midwest and has been performing since 1919. Since 2021, the band has been managed by Washington Pavilion Management, Inc.

“We are so grateful for Chris Hill’s years of service to this community and the joy he brought to so many people through his leadership of the Municipal Band. We also are so excited to partner with Augustana University, which of course is recognized for its tradition of excellence in music,” says Regina Ruhberg, Director of Performances and Events at the Washington Pavilion. “Together, we can strengthen all three organizations by creating this amazing intersection between civic music performance, higher education and arts administration.”

To see the band’s full performance schedule for this summer’s season, go to WashingtonPavilion.org/SFMunicipalBand.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)

Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts & Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

In November Premiere will bring back their production of A Christmas Carol, a tradition initiated in Season 19 that they intend to continue for years to come.

On Thursday, May 12th at The Premiere Playhouse’s (TPP) opening night performance of Cabaret in the historic Orpheum Theater, Executive and Artistic Director Robin Byrne announced TPP’s 20th Season. The season will open in September 2022 with Mel Brooks‘s Young Frankenstein. In November Premiere will bring back their production of A Christmas Carol, a tradition initiated in Season 19 that they intend to continue for years to come. The 2023 calendar year begins with The Premiere Premieres in February, a new works showcase production featuring two one act plays written by local playwrights selected by a panel of adjudicators. TPP then continues their 20th season in April with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, followed by their season finale in June, Grease.

In his announcement, Byrne expressed his gratitude to the Sioux Empire community for their continued support of him and the playhouse for the past three years, and the many years prior. Cabaret serves as his final production as the Executive and Artistic Director. “I’m leaving behind a very different community theatre from the one that I inherited. I wish Oliver and The Premiere Playhouse continued success for the future.” Mr. Byrne asked the opening night audience to join him in welcoming TPP’s incoming Managing Artistic Director, Oliver Mayes, who will succeed Robin upon his departure from the company on June 30th, 2022. Mayes directed Premiere’s Cabaret, and Byrne expressed that the production is an example of the growth potential that TPP has with Mayes at the helm.

Sioux Falls, SD (May 5, 2022) Levitt at the Falls is pleased to announce their biggest concert season yet with a full calendar of 50 FREE concerts for the 2022 season. The Levitt team has assembled an exciting season of professional artists to perform for 50 FREE concerts at the Levitt Shell in Falls Park West starting on Friday, June 3 and concluding on Saturday, September 10. The 2022 season, sponsored by Sanford Health, will consist of local, regional, and national professional artists offering a variety of genres and musical styles. With 10 different musical series offered (Americana, Country, Funk & Blues, Garden Fresh, Homegrown, Rock & Roll, Vintage Vibe, Women of Song, World Music, and a Family Series), there will be something for everyone.

“Levitt at the Falls is excited for our 2022 season of 50 free concerts!  This year’s lineup is full of great artists that represent a diversity of styles and genres of music.  There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.  We can’t wait to welcome our community back to the Lloyd Lawn,” said Nancy Halverson, Executive Director of Levitt at the Falls.

Levitt concerts will be held each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night of the summer from June 3 – September 10.  Levitt events will include opening acts featuring local performers, a variety of food vendors, and drinks available through JJ’s Wine & Spirits. Each concert will be live streamed and projected on the large Daktronics board onsite in partnership with South Dakota Public Broadcasting.  The lawn will open at 6:30pm each night with music beginning at 7:00pm. Additionally, Family Series performances for kids and youth groups will be held on 5 Friday mornings throughout the summer with the lawn opening at 10:00am and music starting at 10:30am.

The 2022 Season is presented by Sanford Health. Sanford Health is proud to once again be the Season Presenting Sponsor for Levitt at the Falls,” said Stacy Wrightsman, Executive Director of Community Relations for Sanford Health.  “We believe our investment in the Levitt is an outstanding reflection of Sanford Health’s continued commitment to positively impacting the health and wellness of all those who live in our community and our entire region.  Levitt’s mission of building community through music is in perfect alignment with Sanford’s core mission and values! We are so excited to celebrate another concert season!

Opening night on Friday, June 3 will feature the nine-piece powerhouse soul band The Burroughs, who bring a fresh and energetic take to their brand of “sweaty soul music.”  Closing night on Saturday, September 10

will feature Lee Rocker — a founding member of the GRAMMY-nominated rockabilly revival band Stray Cats. Other season concert highlights include the return of 2019 favorites Brulé and KORY and the FIREFLIES, a stop on the Levitt National Tour featuring Nashville pop trio The New Respects, and the return of international touring acts including Socks in the Frying Pan, Parranderos Latin Combo, and Lemon Bucket Orkestra.

The Levitt at the Falls 2022 season also features Innoskate Sioux Falls, a free festival event with concerts, skateboarding, invention activities, visual art, and panel discussions featuring top professionals from the skateboarding industry.  Innoskate Sioux Falls is offered as a partnership from Levitt at the Falls, The Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, and USA Skateboarding.  Featured concerts during the Innoskate Festival in Sioux Falls on July 7-9 will include the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, Dessa, and Meet Me @ The Altar.

Levitt at the Falls is a non-profit organization dedicated to building community through music.  In 2021, the second concert season on the Lloyd Lawn welcomed over 66,000 concert-goers to the Levitt Shell for 40 free concerts. Levitt Shell Sioux Falls is part of a national network of outdoor Levitt music venues and concert sites dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of communities. Presenting a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt venues bring together families, friends, and neighbors of all ages and backgrounds. The Levitt Shell is located in downtown Sioux Falls at 504 N. Phillips Avenue in Falls Park West.

2022 LEVITT AT THE FALLS CONCERT SEASON PRESENTED BY SANFORD HEALTH

Evening Performances:  Lawn Opens at 6:30pm / Music Starts at 7:00pm

The Burroughs | Fri, June 3

The Clover Fold | Sat, June 4

Sonia De Los Santos | Thur, June 9

Carrie Newcomer | Fri, June 10

D’DAT | Sat, June 11

Avey Grouws Band | Thur, June 16

Toronzo Cannon | Fri, June 17

Brody Ray | Sat, June 18

Inez Barlatier | Thur, June 23

Brian Hanegan Quintet | Fri, June 24

Joropo Band | Sat, June 25

Britnee Kellogg | Thur, June 30

Danielle Nicole | Fri, July 1

The Yawpers | Sat, July 2

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra | Thur, July 7 *

Dessa | Fri, July 8 *

A Visual Sound | Sat, July 9 | 6 p.m. *

Meet Me @ The Altar | Sat, July 9 *

Miss Myra and The Moonshiners | Thur, July 14

The Kris Lager Band | Fri, July 15

The New Respects | Sat, July 16

Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience | Thur, July 21

The Nadas | Fri, July 22

The Wilder Blue | Sat, July 23

Socks in the Frying Pan | Thur, July 28

Bette Smith | Fri, July 29

Brulé | Sat, July 30

Nate Botsford| Thur, Aug. 4

Chapel Hart | Fri, Aug. 5

Janitor Bob and the Armchair Cowboys | Sat, Aug. 6

Eddie 9V | Thur, Aug. 11

Hot Club of Cowtown| Fri, Aug. 12

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys | Sat, Aug. 13

Sophia Beatty | Thur, Aug. 18

Kuinka | Fri, Aug. 19

Lemon Bucket Orkestra | Sat, Aug. 20

Jazzed Up Big Band | Thur, Aug. 25

Everyday Everybody | Fri, Aug. 26

Eliza Blue | Sat, Aug. 27

Parranderos Latin Combo | Thur, Sept. 1

Making Movies | Fri, Sept. 2

KORY and the FIREFLIES | Sat, Sept. 3

Roanoke | Thur, Sept. 8

Mae Estes | Fri, Sept. 9

Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats | Sat, Sept. 10

Friday Morning Family Series Performances:

Lawn Opens at 10:00am/Music Starts at 10:30am

Sonia De Los Santos:  A Celebration of Latin America | Fri, June 10

Ayiti: Stories and Songs from Haiti | Fri, June 24

SJMO: Jazz for Kids| Fri, July 8 *

Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience:  Creole 4 Kidz! | Fri, July 22

The Secret Agency| Fri, Aug. 5

* Innoskate Sioux Falls (July 7-9) – A free festival celebrating skateboarding, invention, culture, and fun *

For the full concert details and artist bios, visit www.levittsiouxfalls.org

Sioux Falls, SD (3/22/2022) — The Washington Pavilion is pleased to announce the 2022-23 Pavilion Performance Series Broadway shows! This fabulous lineup includes both new blockbusters and fan favorites:

• DEAR EVAN HANSEN
• THE BOOK OF MORMON
• LEGALLY BLONDE – THE MUSICAL
• ON YOUR FEET!
• TOOTSIE
• MY FAIR LADY

“The support our region has shown for live theatre this past year has been nothing short of phenomenal. We offer our most sincere gratitude to our sponsors and donors for their investment, and to our subscribers for their continued patronage. This next series lineup is the best, from start to finish, in the history of the Washington Pavilion Broadway performance series, and we hope everyone is as excited for next season as we are,” says Darrin Smith, President and CEO.

THE BOOK OF MORMON will return to Sioux Falls for five performances in October. LEGALLY BLONDE – THE MUSICAL will take the stage in November. ON YOUR FEET! will bring the inspirational story and music of Gloria Estefan to the Pavilion in January 2023. TOOTSIE, a new musical but familiar story, will create laugh-out-loud moments in February 2023. Three performances of MY FAIR LADY will wow audiences in March 2023, and blockbuster DEAR EVAN HANSEN offers eight incredible performances in April 2023 to round out the Series.

“We’re so excited about next season’s lineup! There really is something for everyone from blockbusters like DEAR EVAN HANSEN and THE BOOK OF MORMON to beloved comedies like LEGALLY BLONDE and MY FAIR LADY to sensational new shows like TOOTSIE and ON YOUR FEET! It’s just such a fantastic roster, and we’re thrilled to bring all these shows to Sioux Falls!” says Regina Ruhberg, Director of Performances and Events.

A number of community businesses help support and sponsor the individual shows. Pavilion Performance Series Sponsors are: Avera, First National Bank in Sioux Falls, First PREMIER Bank & PREMIER Bankcard, MarshMcLennan Agency and Sanford Health.

Current subscribers can renew or upgrade their seats through April 8. New subscribers can purchase Pavilion Performance Series subscriptions later this spring or sign up for our waitlist with a deposit now. Single tickets to individual shows will go on sale this summer.

The remainder of the 2022-23 performance season continues to be programmed, with additional shows to be announced. Go to WashingtonPavilion.org/BroadwaySeries or call our Box Office at 605-367-6000 for more details.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)

Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

Sioux Falls, SD (September 14, 2021) Levitt at the Falls has successfully concluded the 2021 concert season and a return to the Levitt lawn for 40 free,

professional, outdoor summer concerts.  The 2021 concert season was presented by Sanford Health and featured free outdoor concerts from June 11^th – September 11^th at the Levitt Shell in Falls Park West.  Over 66,000 people attended concerts on the Levitt lawn this summer (an average of 1,788 audience members per show) and over 50,000 viewers live streamed the concerts online.

Executive Director Nancy Halverson is celebrating a successful return to the lawn.  “Levitt at the Falls was able to take our pivoted digital and neighborhood programming from 2020 and build on the success of the 2019 inaugural concert season to bring an integrated, robust programming approach to 2021.  We were able

to welcome our community back to live concerts outdoors on the lawn and also serve our online audience through a partnership with South Dakota Public Broadcasting that allowed us to live stream each of our concerts.  We saw in-person audience numbers grow from our record-breaking 2019 season and were able to significantly increase our impact online through live streaming as well as increase our artist outreach in the community. We are grateful that our community has continued to embrace the Levitt and our mission to build community through music.  We look forward to continued growth in 2022.”

The Levitt was able to employ over 300 musicians as a part of the 2021 season.  Over 118 volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours of community service to make the concert series a reality. The Levitt held 37 free concerts in the 2021 season. 3 of the 40 free shows planned were cancelled due to either severe weather or artist illness.  In 2022, Levitt at the Falls will be back with 50 free concerts.

Levitt at the Falls is a non-profit organization dedicated to building community through music.  In 2019, their inaugural season welcomed over 58,000 concert-goers to the Levitt Shell for 30 free concerts.  In 2020, their concert series went dark due to the pandemic, but pivoted to Levitt In Your Neighborhood outreach and Levitt In Your Living Room digital activities.  Levitt Shell Sioux Falls is part of a national network of outdoor Levitt music venues and concert sites dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of communities. Presenting a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt venues bring together families, friends and neighbors of all ages and backgrounds.