Gilchrist Foundation Helps Bring Big Musical Acts to Sioux City
For more than 30 years, the Saturday around the Fourth of July has been dedicated to the area’s premier music festival, Saturday in the Park. Held annually in Sioux City’s Grandview Park, the event attracts about 25,000 music fans, many lured by the big names organizers line up for the main and Abe stages. Thanks to support from the Gilchrist Foundation, fans get to see major musical acts for free.
Main Stage Line-Up 2025
The Main Stage bandshell showcases a diverse lineup of talented musicians, from local favorites to renowned headliners.
Teddy Swims: Grammy nominated Teddy Swims was brought to the forefront of the music scene in 2024 with record-breaking songs, sold-out global tours and iconic performances. Swims’ music blends R&B, soul and pop. Swims’ multi-platinum chart-conquering hits “Lose Control” and “The Door” are from his debut album, “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1)”. Swims takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Mavis Staples: Mavis Staples is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer and civil rights activist. She rose to fame as a member of her family's band The Staple Singers, of which she is the last surviving member. During her time in the group, she recorded the hit singles “I'll Take You There” and “Let's Do It Again.” She’s worked with artists like Prince and Bob Dylan to Arcade Fire and Hozier and has blown away countless festivalgoers from Newport Folk and Glastonbury to Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. Staples takes the stage at 6:30 p.m.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is a Grammy-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter who has quickly become the defining blues voice of his generation. Hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi, he has played stages around the globe, headlining multiple U.S. and European tours, and amazed fans in Australia, New Zealand, and India. Selected in summer 2022 to open for The Rolling Stones in London’s Hyde Park, Kingfish has also performed and toured with friends including Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell, Steve Miller and Buddy Guy, a mentor of his, with whom he appeared on Austin City Limits. Kingfish takes the stage at 4:20 p.m.
Kelley Hunt And The 5: Kelley Hunt is an American blues pianist, singer and songwriter. She has a decades-long career in the blues circuit. Her 2004 album, New Shade of Blue, peaked at number 9 in the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. In 2006, Hunt was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. Her sixth album, “The Beautiful Bones”, was released on 88 Records in May 2014. She’ll perform at 2:45 p.m.
Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal: Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal is a hard-working band that plays funk and real-deal soul while paying homage to the past soul/classic R&B giants. Hoyer formed Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal in 2012 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The award-winning six-piece band includes Hoyer (keyboards/vocals), Myles Jasnowski (guitar), Mike Keeling (bass), James Cuato (saxophone), Blake DeForest (trumpet) and Matt Arbeiter (drums). The band takes the stage at 1:45 p.m.
Ghostcat and Ralph Dittman & Friends round out the opening acts and national anthem kicks off the event at Noon. The event caps off with a fireworks show happening at 10:30 p.m.
Abe Stage Line-Up 2025
The Abe Stage has grown into a destination for respected national, regional and local hip-hop and rock acts. From legendary artists such as Sir Mix A Lot, Face to Face, and Fetty Wap to up-and-coming artists such as Black Pistol Fire and Con Brio, the stage has grown into a solid stage with its own following.
That Mexican OT: That Mexican OT is a Mexican-American rapper known for blending Southern hip-hop with Chicano rap influences. He gained mainstream recognition with his 2023 hit single “Johnny Dang,” featuring Paul Wall and DRODi, which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and led to the release of his debut album Lonestar Luchador. He takes the Abe Stage at 8:30 p.m.
Riff Raff: Riff Raff began rapping in 2005, creating homemade CDs of his rapping over other artists’ beats, and passing them out at various malls in the Greater Houston Area. On October 25, 2019, Riff Raff released his fourth studio album titled Cranberry Vampire, with appearances from Simon Rex, Andy Milonakis, Chief Keef and others. Riff Raff takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Joey Cool: Joey Cool is a pillar of the Kansas City hip-hop scene. He has had collaborations with Ces Cru (who featured Joey on their 2015 EP Recession Proof), Tech N9ne and JL. Joey Cool is a seasoned veteran with a distinct style featuring a knifing drawl, fleet flow and dense lyrics. He takes the stage at 6:25 p.m.
From This Day Forward: From This Day Forward is a melodic metalcore band from Omaha in Nebraska, formed in 2017. The band takes the stage at 5:15 p.m.
Midwest Dilemma: Midwest Dilemma is the chamber-folk project of Omaha-based singer-songwriter Justin Lamoureux, known for blending intimate storytelling with sweeping orchestral arrangements. With a sound that layers acoustic guitars, lush strings, brass interplay and rich harmonies, Midwest Dilemma crafts deeply evocative songs rooted in the human experience. The group takes the stage at 4 p.m.
cri$Is: cri$is is an emerging music artist in the hip-hop scene known primarily for his work in the genres of trap, hip-hop, and alternative rap. He has gained attention in underground music circles for his raw and emotional style. cri$is provides a unique sound and lyrical depth, often blending introspective lyrics with modern production. He takes the stage at 3 p.m.
Other bands rounding out the Abe Stage include Banda Nueva Tradicion and Exit 141.
Beyond Music
Saturday in the Park is a family-friendly event that offers more than great music.
Arts Alley: Arts Alley features an eclectic array of art vendors. In 2025, visitors will find a diverse selection of arts and creations for sale, ranging from jewelry and crystals to tie-dye apparel and wood designs. There are also chair massages and caricature artists.
Kid’s Zone: The Kid’s Zone offers many activities to keep young ones occupied during the festival. Kid’s Zone 2025 will feature carnival rides, inflatables, pony rides, balloon animals, a petting zoo, butterfly house and face painting. An all-day wristband for inflatables costs $20.
Eats Street: The great lineup of food vendors features festival favorites like barbecue, gyros, tacos, pizza, funnel cakes, smoothies, slushes and more. Vendors will be set up near the Main Stage, Abe Stage and Kids Zone.
SITP is a much-anticipated annual event for Sioux City and the surrounding areas. The event, which brings live music and the arts to the community, aligns with the Foundation’s purpose to further the missions of nonprofit organizations committed to the arts.
About the Gilchrist Foundation
The Gilchrist Foundation was established by Jocelyn Gilchrist of Sioux City to honor her family and their philanthropic interests. Jocelyn supported the arts, wildlife and conservation, public broadcasting and disaster relief throughout her lifetime both personally and through the Foundation. After her death in 2008, the Gilchrist Foundation continued to support these philanthropic interests.
Today, the mission of the Gilchrist Foundation is to further the philanthropy of its founder and her family with an emphasis on fostering the long-term viability of the charity and enabling special projects rather than supplying current operating funds.
To learn more about the Gilchrist Foundation, contact us today.