Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 4
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<strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | Inspire / 20<br />
Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials<br />
Artistic Expressions on Stage and Canvas<br />
By Michelle Lessmann<br />
How far must you travel to find world-class<br />
musicians and up-and-coming artists? Fortunately<br />
for <strong>Siouxland</strong>ers, the answer is not far. A short trip to our<br />
downtown brings you to Vangarde Arts, where you can<br />
find both in one location. Led by music and art enthusiast<br />
Brent Stockton, Vangarde Arts showcases both visual and<br />
performing artists.<br />
This local non-profit was formed in 2012 by a group of<br />
<strong>Siouxland</strong> art and music aficionados who share a vision to<br />
bring a unique cultural arts center combining a stage for<br />
professional performing arts with an art gallery housed in<br />
a singular space. From that shared vision, Vangarde Arts<br />
were formed. Here, you can find Grammy Award-winning<br />
musicians and groups from around the world performing<br />
on stage.<br />
While the same can be said of Sioux City’s opulent<br />
Orpheum Theatre, there are differences between the<br />
two venues. First, there is the size and vibe of the rooms.<br />
Audiences will likely never be closer to the performers<br />
than at Vangarde Arts, where the stage is set in the<br />
intimate atmosphere housing an audience of under<br />
one hundred. Another difference is something that<br />
Vangarde Arts prides itself in being able to do. Thanks<br />
to their generous donors and dedicated volunteers,<br />
Vangarde Arts can make their world-class experiences<br />
very affordable to their audience. Most of the acclaimed<br />
artist’s performances have ticket prices from $15 to $20.<br />
John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band<br />
Many people attending the live acts drop extra money in<br />
the tip jar after their experience, saying it was worth more<br />
than the ticket price.<br />
During a typical month, Vangarde Arts likes to host 4-6<br />
different acts, whether it is a comedian or live music,<br />
including local bands, soloists, or world-renowned<br />
performers. Audiences will hear all genres of music,<br />
including classic rock, R&B, jazz, reggae, and everything<br />
in between. The only significant criteria for the musical<br />
performers is that Vangarde Arts prefers having bands<br />
play only original music. Occasionally a group will perform<br />
cover music, but Vangarde Arts likes to promote original<br />
ideas and original music, not something you can hear in<br />
other venues.
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