Amy LaVere and husband Will Sexton have been music collaborators and touring companions for 11 years.  The quality of their craft, the miles traveled and their original catalog is ever growing. 

LaVere’s songwriting is pointed and clever with lyrics that are hard to shake. Once you hear her captivating voice, it will be forever instantly recognizable. Over the past three decades, Will Sexton has grown into a skilled musical polymath: an esteemed writer, producer, session player and solo artist with a string of acclaimed LPs to his credit. Sexton’s seasoned guitar playing and velvet vocals are a superb fit to LaVere’s distinctive talent and smooth, percussive upright bass prowess. Amy and Will are among the finest musical craftsmen and performers in the Americana genre. Their spellbinding show is incomparable, something you must see for yourself. 

Tickets only $15 at the door or online!

Sugaray Rayford is a man with a message, a larger-than-life personality, and a voice to deliver it. The soul-blues powerhouse has crafted an incendiary sound and narrative, contributing to an exciting new chapter in American soul music. It's a sound that combines classic soul melodies and funky R&B grooves with raw blues power. “Somebody Save Me”, earned Rayford a 2020 Grammy nomination. Later that year, he won Blues Music Awards for 'Soul Blues Male Artist' and 'B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.' Rayford's follow-up, 2022's In Too Deep, won many awards, including the Blues Music Award for 'Soul Blues Album of the Year'. 

Tickets only $25 at the door!

Dave Moore is one of the great songwriters to come out of the state of Iowa.  Known for his elegant songwriting and instrumental prowess on blues guitar, button accordion and harmonica he has become somewhat of a legend. In the 60s and 70s, he honed his skills on harmonica and guitar. In 1980 Moore teamed up with local songwriter Greg Brown who was just beginning to develop a national reputation.  For the next few years he backed up Brown on recording projects, extensive tours and several appearances on Garrison Keillor’s popular A Prairie Home Companion on NPR. It was about that time when Moore stumbled onto his next musical love,,, the button accordion. Over the years he has toured extensively blending world class songwriting, warm vocals and a multi-instrumental approach to build a loyal following! Don’t miss this Vangarde debut of one of America’s finest singer/songwriters!

Tickets only $15 at the door or online!!!

“One of Texas’ finest guitar-slingers…from blues to country to rock ‘n’ roll and beyond, she is fiery and deeply soulful.”—Austin American Statesman

Carolyn Wonderland, with her dynamic guitar playing, formidable songwriting, and pure Texas vocals, has more than earned her reputation as a fiercely independent artist. Wonderland plays original, bluesified, cosmic soul music, mixed with heavy doses of Tex-Mex and riff-fueled rock ‘n’ roll. She has been performing professionally since the age of 15 and has led a colorful and adventurous life. On the road her entire career, she’s played with icons from Townes Van Zandt to Levon Helm, from Buddy Guy to Hubert Sumlin, from Bob Dylan to John Mayall, all while writing her own story.

Tickets only $25 day of show!

Vangarde is sponsoring three Fridays of killer live music on the Missouri riverfront!!! All of the shows will held outdoors, in the beautiful backyard of the Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center! The series wraps up with MAYGEN & THE BIRDWATCHER on Friday June 27! The Americana folk band adventurously blurs the sounds of country, bluegrass, folk, and blues. Lead singers Maygen Lacey, and Noah Neumann intentionally work to draw on their vastly different musical influences and vocal styles to bring a fresh and unexpected mix of songs to light. They have won the Americana Artist of the Year and Album of the Year multiple times! They have also been featured acts at some of the top roots music festivals in the country!

All of the shows start at 6:00 pm. There will be delicious hot food and a full bar with your favorite cold drinks!!! Only $10 at the door or online!!!

From Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium to listening rooms throughout the United States, husband-wife duo GOLDPINE has been offering their own brand of bold harmony-driven Americana to audiences large and small. WINNER of the 2022 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest, their distinctive harmonies are clearly a channel for their sometimes-raucous, sometimes-reminiscent compositions. With an incredible collection of stories about life, love, and purpose, their live performance is a powerful projection of everything Goldpine is about: striking vocals, bold harmony, and introspection into the human experience.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Vangarde is sponsoring three Fridays of killer live music on the Missouri riverfront!!! All of the shows will held outdoors, in the beautiful backyard of the Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center! We are pleased to present JOSH HOYER & SOUL COLOSSAL on Friday June 20! "If James Brown and Otis Redding had a love child, it would be Josh Hoyer. The Lincoln, Nebraska, soul shouter, and his band of merry soulsters, Soul Colossal, deliver a sound so big, so funky, so wring-the-sweat-out-of-you energetic that it reaches through the speakers and shakes you until you start moving to its groove." - NO DEPRESSION

All of the shows start at 6:00 pm. There will be delicious hot food and a full bar with your favorite cold drinks!!! Only $10 at the door or online!!!

Vangarde is sponsoring three Fridays of killer live music on the Missouri riverfront!!! All of the shows will held outdoors, in the beautiful backyard of the Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center! The series begins with the DIRK QUINN BAND on Friday June 13. The DQB is a fusion of Funk, Jazz and Jam band from Philadelphia. They have performed across the U.S. for over a decade.

All of the shows start at 6:00 pm. There will be delicious hot food and a full bar with your favorite cold drinks!!! Only $10 at the door or online!!!

What kind of music is it? Wandering Music. Whiskey Gospel.  American Roots music. Borrowing from the blues, American folk and country, classic rock and Americana! Todd was the leader of the critically acclaimed roots rock band KING OF THE TRAMPS! They released several albums and toured throughout America and Europe.

The Todd show is a foot stompin’, hand clappin’ rock and roll gospel, with lyric-forward, heartfelt ballads and sing-a-longs.  Reviewers said about the recent record: “Desert Fox Blues” resonates with raw authenticity, capturing the essence of the human experience while inviting the listener to immerse themselves in varied soundscapes. The combination of Partridge's voice, acoustic and electric guitars, and percussive elements creates an atmosphere that is both introspective and dynamic. Comparisons are as varied as Todd's music;  Van Morrison, Mick Jagger, JJ Cale, Steve Earle, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Jon Spencer and Black Keys.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Arkansauce is Tom Andersen on bass, Zac Archuleta on guitar, Ethan Bush on mandolin, and Adams Collins on banjo. Their music features improvisational string leads matched with complex melodies, intriguing rhythms, and deep thumping bass grooves. Each member sings lead and harmony parts as well as contributes to the lyrics, which offer authentic, intelligent songwriting with hard-hitting hooks.

On April 21, Arkansauce will independently release their fifth album, OK to Wonder. The melodies of the Ozark Mountains' rolling hills and raging rivers can be heard in this progressive string quartet’s distinct blend of newgrass. The 11-track album is filled with songs of revelry, wonder, insight, and whimsy—inspired not only from their home state of Arkansas, but also throughout their travels.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

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Explore an abstract glimpse into the human experience through BLINK featuring original acrylic paintings by Tracie Tuttle. This collection reflects five years of creative and personal growth featuring bold colors, dynamic shapes, and expressive faces that bring each piece to life.

Tracie is a versatile artist who draws inspiration from the thriving local arts community. She is passionate about sparking creativity, collaboration, and engagement through arts focused events in Sioux City.

Meet the artist and experience the show Friday, May 9 at 7:00pm at Vangarde Arts / 416 Pierce Street! This reception is FREE and open to the public.

Kris Lager is an uncompromising musician and charismatic performer who has cultivated a grassroots following and a career spanning over two decades. He has developed a unique  'Celebrate Life' message and mantra that emanates with every performance.  A message that creates a congregation of dancing, singing, and clapping people with smiles on their faces everywhere he goes. 

He has fused together his passion for blues, soul, funk, zydeco, country, and almost every other ‘American Roots Music’ into a contemporary and refreshing musical gumbo full of soul and spiritually uplifting rhythms and melodies. Many people are calling him one of the finest songwriters, performers, and guitarists of his generation and for good reason too. Kris Lager’s gravely voice and stirring lyrics combine the realness and authenticity of the blues with a keen sense of the human condition.  

Tickets only $15 at the door!

MoonShroom is a vibrant, up and coming jamgrass band, based in Kansas City, known for blending their bluegrass roots with futuristic cosmic grooves. Formed by Lily B Moonflower & Jake Keegan, along with their bandmates Zach Bozeman & Colby Allen Walter, the band is a group of seasoned musicians with a shared love for both roots music and the expansive, improvisational vibe of the jam scene. MoonShroom’s sound is both nostalgic and fresh, appealing to a diverse audience.

Since their formation in 2022, MoonShroom has become a staple in the Midwest music scene, captivating audiences with dynamic live shows that showcase instrumental prowess and tight, organic harmonies. Supporting bands like Yonder Mountain String Band, Split Lip Rayfield, Kyle Tuttle Band, Arkansauce & more, they have won the hearts of many music lovers & quickly established themselves as a jamgrass favorite. MoonShroom’s unique, earthy sound is characterized by intricate dobro, mandolin, and guitar work, punctuated by rhythmically rich bass lines and driving percussion, all woven together with vibrant vocal melodies.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

“Chris Cain,” the great B.B. King declared years ago, “now that boy can play the guitar.”

Today, blues musician, songwriter and vocalist Chris Cain is playing guitar better than he ever has. “I’ve stopped overthinking,” he says, “and now just play and sing what I feel.” With more than three decades of touring and fifteen previous albums under his belt, Cain, once known as “one of the greatest guitarists you’ve never heard,” is now celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike as being among the blues’ most talented and exciting players. His original songs overflow with surprising hooks and feature razor-sharp lyrics that are moving and humorously insightful. With his powerful, soul man’s voice and his inventive guitar work—inspired by Grant Green and Wes Montgomery as much as by B.B. King and Albert King—Cain’s talents are unparalleled in the blues world.

Tickets only $25 day of show!

Weaving together modern and traditional styles of American music, Never Come Down is a Portland, Oregon based band composed of Joe Suskind (guitar), Crystal Lariza (vocals), Lillian Sawyer (fiddle), and Kaden Hurst (mandolin). Their dedication to thoughtful songwriting and dynamic arrangements highlight polished technical skills and a commitment to listening to each other. Formed in 2018, the band began touring extensively- steadily cultivating a passionate fan base at home in the Pacific Northwest, and eventually around the country. NCD released their first studio album “Better Late Than Never” in 2021 and their second LP “Greener Pastures” is slated for release late 2023. They’ve toured internationally and have found acclaim at festivals such as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Iceland Airwaves, John Hartford Memorial Fest, Americanafest, FreshGrass and RockyGrass.

Tickets only $15 advance, $20 day of show!

Two of the top roots acts from the heartland come together for a killer night of string music with a jam band vibe!

Haymakers takes the concept of the string band and plugs it into a broad swath of acoustic music that stretches from Americana to bluegrass, from Appalachian folk music to bluesy western swing, and even into the realm of the jam band. They lock into an array of grooves that go in and outside the box of traditional acoustic music. The Wichita, Kansas-based group formed in 2012, since then they have developed a reputation for lively performances that blend a wide variety of original and traditional songs performed in their own unique style.

Pretend Friend is a nationally touring progressive bluegrass and folk-rock band based in Wichita, Kansas. Known for combining musical elements from a variety of genres, Pretend Friend melds raw energy and soulful expression into timeless original songs "that seem to have always been." Pretend Friend grew from the combined inspiration of rock and roll, Kansas bluegrass culture, and the campground jamming tradition of the Walnut Valley Festival. Their music is a fusion of styles, showcasing intricate musicianship and delivered through electrifying performances comparable to any rock show.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Jesse Christen is taking the classic electric guitar sound into the 21st Century. Armed with only a guitar, amp and cord he brings the best sounds around to his blues-based repertoire. And he’s not afraid to apply his sound to other musical styles.  His sound, “Bluesion”, a funny take on musical label Fusion, is featured on his latest album “Don’t Forget to Tip the Band”.  “I wanted to sound like a classic blues band playing different styles of music,” he says. “There’s a zydeco song, some progressive songs, blues songs with jazz inspired chord changes and other fun stuff. It’s exactly the musical statement I wanted to make.” A guitar playing kid from Huron, SD, Christen has developed his guitar skills over the years and was invited to play with musical legend Alphonse Muzon and in the Tommy Bolin Tribute Band!

Tickets are only $10 at the door!

Sonny Sundstrom has been performing for over 40 years! He has performed throughout the Midwest and written and recorded 12 independent records. Sonny was in the popular Sonny Austin Band as well as several other regional acts. He will be joined by a talented group of friends including Mark Scott on guitar, Brad Larvick on bass and Doc Funk on drums! They will bring a mixed bag of original songs, Classic Rock, Gospel and Folk covers!

Only $10 at the door!

Buffalo Nichols is an artist who honors the traditions of the blues while adding 21st century accents to music that's centuries old. Nichols plays acoustic guitar in a style with its roots in country-blues and he incorporates electronics and samples that add to the powerful atmosphere of his songs.

His music travels from sparce, raw acoustic Blues to incorporating drum machines, sampling, and synthesizers along with acoustic guitar and banjo. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the leading voices in the Blues world today!

Tickets are only $25 day of show!

It's the Grand Championship of Art Brawl IV!

After two nights of paint flying through Vangarde, the remaining six artists will furiously brawl it out for the title of TOP BRAWLER Friday, March 28 starting at 7:00pm. Be there to witness the creation of masterpieces in 30 minute live painting challenges!

Who will paint in the Grand Championship?
That's for you to decide! Be at Vangarde Arts on Night 1 & 2 to cast your votes.

See a painting you love? The paintings are for sale! Stay until the end of the night on 3/28 for the LIVE AUCTION of the two grand championship paintings.

Night One: Friday, March 14
Night Two: Saturday, March 22
Grand Championship: Friday, March 28

Artists and Musical Acts TBA

$5 at the door / 416 Pierce Street

Join us for Night Two of Art Brawl IV on SATURDAY, MARCH 22 at 7:00pm, as twelve more randomly selected artists go brush to brush. Who will win? Thats for YOU to decide! Be at Vangarde Arts to cast your vote.

This fast-paced live painting challenge encourages artists to paint a spontaneous masterpiece in only 30 minutes surrounded by a live audience cheering them on! Not to mention, live music will be keeping the energy high all night long.

Twenty-four artists will go brush to brush for the coveted title of Top Brawler once again Friday 3/14, Saturday 3/22, and Friday 3/28!

Artists and Musical Acts will be announced soon!

$5 at the door / 416 Pierce Street

Saxophonist, singer-songwriter, arranger, and Gulf Coast Records recording artist, Jimmy Carpenter is on a roll! He is a member of the “Blood Brothers” with Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia! His latest record, “Just Got Started” dropped in 2024 to high acclaim! He is the Musical Director of one of the hottest blues festivals in the world, The Big Blues Bender, as well as the leader of the Bender Brass Band, the house band for the festival!

He won the 2021 and 2022 Blues Music Award for Best Instrumentalist/Horn. And he is now a Grammy-Winning Composer, for a composition he contributed to the New Orleans Nightcrawlers’ winning album, Atmosphere. Jimmy has toured internationally with Tinsley Ellis, Jimmy Thackery, Walter Wolfman Washington, Eric Lindell, and Mike Zito and the Wheel.

Tickets are only $25 day of show!!!

Tae & The Neighborly, a Wisconsin based Soul-pop R&B group, found themselves playing music together in a very unconventional way. They were all neighbors, each one living alone on one floor of a five-story flat. Cake baking is a shared passion of the five member group, but in the sugar shortages early in the 2020 pandemic, they found themselves so continually knocking on each other's doors asking for a single cup of sugar that a group decision was made to all move in together and share cake-baking resources. And since everyone knows all good rhythms begin in the kitchen, it wasn’t before long that the group began to write and perform together  across the nation.

Critics hail the group as “having more kick than a bagged-up mule” (Rotary Times)  and their live show “...going down smoother than a can of [beans] warmed on the campfire” (Cowboy Gazette). All in all, if you are looking for a dense show that will give you more inspiration fuel for self lovin’, world changin’, and consideration havin’ meet them where the music is made to be shared.

Tickets only $20 day of show!

Art Brawl is returning to the Groovy Little Room for the most epic showdown yet! Twenty-four artists will go brush to brush for the coveted title of Top Brawler once again Friday 3/14, Saturday 3/22, and Friday 3/28!

This fast-paced live painting challenge encourages artists to paint a spontaneous masterpiece in only 30 minutes surrounded by a live audience cheering them on! Not to mention, live music will be keeping the energy high all night long.

Join us for Night One on FRIDAY, MARCH 14 at 7:00pm, as the first twelve randomly selected artists go brush to brush. Who will win? Thats for YOU to decide! Be at Vangarde Arts to cast your vote.

Artists and Musical Acts will be announced soon!

$5 at the door / 416 Pierce Street

The Riverbreaks is a rock band known for its rowdy shows, raw emotion, and lyrical depth. Formed in 2009 around songs Ryan (lead singer) wrote in Central America during the Peace Corps, the band quickly developed a strong following in their home base of Washington, D.C. In 2012, they traveled to Chapel Hill, N.C., where many of the band members originally met at UNC, to work with acclaimed producer Chris Stamey (Whiskeytown, Roman Candle). The resulting album, Wildfire, featured long-term members Ryan, Jesse Prentice-Dunn (guitar), Andrew Satten (keyboard), Neela Rajendra (violin), and Drew Ball (bass), and was named a Top 10 Album of the Year by the Sun Herald.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Hector Anchondo has been on the roots rock and Blue Scene for over a decade. He won the Best Solo/Duo Act in 2020 at the International Blues Challenge. He was also named Best Guitarist in the competition that year. Anchondo is still following his calling to the blues with heart and dedication. “I’m really exploring my guitar playing and letting go to try and become the best musician and entertainer that I can possibly be.” Don’t miss the long awaited return of one the countries top young Blues artists!

Tickets only $15 at the door!

The Sioux Town debut of live band karaoke with KARAOKE CRIME SCENE!!! It’s KAT’S BIRTHDAY BASH!!! You choose the song… you’re the lead singer backed by a killer punk rock band!!! Fox Pelt and Sexy Cash will open the night!!!

Only $8.00 at the door!!!

Local photographer Britton Hacke and long-time artist Paul Chelstad are teaming up for an unforgettable collaboration at Vangarde! 

Hacke, famous for capturing some of the most iconic current images of Sioux City, is bringing a uniquely intimate perspective to life through Polaroid snapshots. Chelstad, famous for his larger-than-life murals and stencil work, is sure to keep you on your toes with whatever unique direction his art takes.

Be there to see what these two creatives have been up to all while Sioux City's own 4 piece punk "basket" SCHMOZ brings their own musical magic to the night. 

Get into the arts and support local creatives Saturday, February 8 at Vangarde Arts! The bar will be fully stocked with refreshing NA drinks, beer, and mixed beverage options.

This show is FREE and open to everyone!

Close out January with some inspiration! Join us Friday, January 31 from 6pm-8pm for an evening with the skilled artists behind the Siouxland Artists Inc. traveling showcase.

This exhibit mixes traditional techniques with fun textures and mediums - offering a dynamic experience that all art lovers are sure to enjoy.

Connect with the artists, explore their work, and a night of art at Vangarde Arts, 416 Pierce St. The bar will be fully stocked with refreshing NA drinks, beer, and mixed beverage options.

This show is FREE and open to everyone!