Sounds of West 7th festival returns to celebrates Sioux City’s cultural history

Sioux City’s Sounds of West 7th Street festival returns for its third year to celebrate the rich jazz history that lies within the area. The event, which is free to the public, was organized by a group of volunteers alongside the Sioux City NAACP, Yummi Box and Knoepfler Chevrolet, taking place from 12-4 p.m. on Aug. 22 at 712 Market St., the corner of West 8^th and Market Streets.

It began two years ago, organized by Semehar Ghebrekidan, formerly the city’s community inclusion liaison, not only to commemorate West 7th Street’s history but also the accomplishments of the musicians who cemented its legacy. West 7th Street’s reputation for culture and diversity began in the 1930s, with people of various ethnicities and backgrounds coming together through jazz, rock’ ‘n’ roll, blues and R&B. It was the location where Sioux City’s musical landscape thrived. This festival serves as a tribute to remember all those who worked towards it. Matt Anderson, curator of history at the Sioux City Public Museum, will offer attendees insight into the cultural significance of West 7th Street.

“A tour of West 7th Street includes business and architectural history, but the heart of the story is the diverse people who have lived and worked there over the past 150 years,” Anderson said in a press release.

The event took a hiatus in 2025 to evaluate how best to proceed with a future festival. After speaking with participants and performers, the event returns with food trucks, music and performances to celebrate West 7th’s past and its future. Monique Scarlett, the Sioux City NAACP president and an event committee member, said this year’s event will be one to remember.

“The committee has been meeting regularly with participants and performers to determine what the public would most like to experience,” Scarlett said in a press release. “We believe this year’s presentation will be a tremendous musical and cultural experience.”

Attendees can expect performances from The Fabulous Fitty, the MLK Community Choir, Sam Irish, Pete Hittle and Terry Brooks.

To find out more, visit the Sounds of West 7th Sioux City Facebook.