No Injuries Reported as Tents Collapse at JazzFest Due to High Winds Friday Night

JazzFest experienced strong winds last night, which collapsed one large tent at the festival.  Several smaller tents were totaled in the wind storm on Friday evening, which lasted just over 2 hours.

The main stage headliner, Boz Scaggs, was still able to perform a majority of his hits and entertained the crowd for nearly an hour before the weather approached.

Festival organizers met with Boz Scaggs representatives to expedite the start of his show, to help to beat the weather which moved from Nebraska into southeast South Dakota during the evening.

There were no injuries reported due to the tent collapse or high winds.  “Thankfully everyone had been evacuated just minutes before the winds picked up,” said Executive Director Robert Joyce.  “We know many were disappointed that we closed down early, but we want to keep people safe. “ The Sioux Falls Police Department representatives were on the scene immediately along with Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue to ensure no one was trapped beneath the structure.

We are working hard this morning to clean up after last night’s storm and plan to resume the festival on time at noon today.”  Robert Joyce

Scheduled to take the main stage at noon is "Jazzed" with Bobby Gripp and the JazzFest Jazz Camp on second stage.

source: Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society press release