What a GREAT way to kick off Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues festival!

It was a hot, windy afternoon, but as early evening came, the winds and temps both died down, but Kansas City blues band Trampled Under Foot made temperatures rise again!

The family band of Danielle, Nick and Kris Schnebelen hit town with the #1 album on the blues charts with 'Badlands" and proceeded to show the crowd what I've been touting for years: that they are a fantastic blues BAND.

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Photo Courtesy of Crash/B102.7
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Nick is a great guitar player who has won the Albert King Rising guitar player award. His brother Kris is a solid drummer, giving his band that pocket they love to live in. And what can I say about Danielle that hasn't already been said. The woman gives me goosebumps from her first note sung to her last, and never fails to bring a tear to my eye when she sings 'Goodbye' from their first album 'Wrong Side of the Blues'.

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Photo Courtesy of Crash/B102.7
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Did I forget to mention that she's also a bad-ass bass player, who despite just picking the instrument up about ten years ago, has already been nominated for best bass player at the Blues Music Awards? Yeah, if you haven't heard of TUF yet, do yourself a favor and get some!

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Photo Courtesy of Crash/B102.7
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Thursday's headliner was rock & roll Hall of Famer Dr. John. The hoodoo king of New Orleans is just 'cool'. Striding on stage wearing a purple suit, a necklace made of what appeared to be alligator teeth, and alligator shoes, a feather-covered walking stick and big sunglasses, he brought the crowd to it's feet with hits like "Right Place Wrong Time' and his version of cajun, blues, rock & roll.

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Photo Courtesy of Crash/B102.7
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A great start to a great weekend of music!

Gates open at 4pm Friday with music starting at 6 from the Scott Holt Band, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, and headliners the North Mississippi All Stars.

For a complete list of bands, parking & shuttle information, kids area and more, click here.

Courtesy of my friend Spirit Sparks, here's Trampled Under Foot doing the Gershwin classic 'Summertime'.

For 167 shots from night one of JazzFest, you can go to the B102.7 Facebook page.

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