Levitt at the Falls Delivers Another Summer Win With The Elders and Buffalo Galaxy
A night of bluegrass and Celtic influences in Sioux Falls, South Dakota • July 10, 2026
A Community Celebration Before the Music
The evening began a few blocks away from Levitt at the Falls, where the Mosaic Arts & Events Center was buzzing with a different kind of entertainment. Before a single guitar was tuned, Health Connect of South Dakota hosted its Mocktail Mix-Off, giving seven contestants the chance to showcase creative non-alcoholic drinks while promoting fun alternatives for social gatherings.
The event was even more personal for me because one of the contestants was the daughter of a family from my church’s Gospel Community. Every drink offered something unique, making the judging feel almost impossible, but the final results felt well deserved. Third place earned $150, second place received $300, and the winning recipe took home a $500 grand prize. The stunning conclusion in which the daughter of my friends claimed first place made an already enjoyable event an unforgettable way to begin the night.
With the awards wrapped up, the short walk to Levitt at the Falls made for a seamless transition from community celebration to live music.
Free Music That Brings Sioux Falls Together
One of the best parts about the Levitt concert series isn’t just that admission is free. It’s the experience surrounding every show.
Food trucks line the venue before the music starts, and one of the things I appreciate most is how the lineup changes throughout the season. Regular attendees never feel like they’re getting the exact same experience twice with how many different genres are represented throughout the summer.
The fact that Levitt offers 50 free concerts every summer is still remarkable. Throughout the evening, organizers encouraged donations to help keep the series free for everyone. It’s a model that deserves support. Outdoor concerts spanning everything from bluegrass to Celtic rock without an admission charge have become one of Sioux Falls’ best summer traditions.
Buffalo Galaxy Warms Up the Crowd
Buffalo Galaxy immediately caught my attention long before they took the stage. Their self description as “Deep-Space, Light-Speed, Bluegrass” promised something beyond a traditional bluegrass performance, and the trio certainly leaned into that identity.
Interestingly, the band’s website lists four members, but only three musicians performed this evening. It left me wondering how the full lineup might have expanded the already layered sound.
Musically, the set featured excellent instrumental work and showcased the group’s technical ability. The musicians were clearly comfortable stretching songs into extended jams that gave each player room to shine.
That approach, however, is where my own tastes created a bit of distance. As someone whose concert calendar is usually filled with hard rock and metal shows, I found myself wanting more lyrical content and fewer extended instrumental passages. That’s less a criticism of Buffalo Galaxy than it is an acknowledgment that bluegrass improvisation simply isn’t my usual genre.
Judging by the audience response, though, plenty of people were more than happy to settle into those long musical explorations, making the set an effective and enjoyable warmup for the night’s headliner.
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The Elders Bring Irish Spirit to Sioux Falls
And then, The Elders took the stage.
There’s something uniquely infectious about Celtic music. The rhythms, melodies, and energy invite movement whether you’re planning to dance or not. From the opening songs onward, the crowd seemed eager to embrace that spirit.
Lead singer Ian Byrne joked about the band’s nearly 30 year career and how they’ve finally grown into their band name. The humor fit naturally with a performance that balanced musicianship with an easy connection to the audience. And the joke brought laughter throughout the crowd.
What continues to separate The Elders from many bands in the genre is how deeply Irish history and folklore are woven into their songwriting. Rather than simply borrowing Celtic sounds, the band tells stories rooted in generations of tradition.
One of the strongest examples came during “Banshee Cry.” Before hearing the song, I wasn’t familiar with the legend of the banshee appearing as a warning of death within a family. It’s a surprisingly dark piece of Irish folklore, yet hearing that story transformed the song into something much richer than simply another Celtic rock anthem.
Moments like that gave the performance an educational element without ever feeling like a history lesson. The music remained lively and approachable while offering glimpses into the culture that inspired it.
By the end of the set, The Elders had transported Sioux Falls across the Atlantic for a night filled with spirited musicianship, storytelling, and enough energy to make you forget you were sitting in the middle of downtown South Dakota.
Sunset, Soundscapes, and Strings: The Perfect Outdoor Match
Levitt’s outdoor setting continues to serve performances like this well. Both bands came through with clear mixes that allowed acoustic instruments to remain distinct without overpowering vocals. The natural backdrop, combined with the relaxed atmosphere of lawn seating and a summer sunset, complemented the Celtic and bluegrass sounds perfectly.
The production wasn’t flashy because it didn’t need to be. The focus stayed squarely on the musicians, allowing the performances themselves to carry the evening.
Breaking Barriers, Building Community
The Levitt audience once again reflected what makes these concerts special. Families spread out blankets alongside longtime music fans, children danced near the stage, and visitors casually wandered between food trucks before settling in for the performances.
Because admission is free, the barrier to experiencing live music is almost nonexistent. That accessibility creates one of the most welcoming concert environments in Sioux Falls.
Afterglow
As the final songs echoed across Levitt at the Falls and the sun disappeared behind the Sioux Falls skyline, it was hard not to appreciate what makes these evenings so memorable. A community event, local food vendors, talented touring musicians, and an outdoor venue that asks nothing more than a donation if you’re able to give one.
For a concert that didn’t require a ticket, I left feeling like I had received far more than I paid for. Whether you’re a local or simply passing through Sioux Falls on a summer weekend, Levitt at the Falls remains one of the city’s most rewarding live music experiences. If The Elders find their way back to town, I’ll gladly be there to experience another evening of Celtic storytelling and infectious energy.
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