Voices With Purpose and Harmonies That Feel Like Home: Breathe Bravely and Flat River Band Shine at The Levitt
Free never sounded so good at Levitt at The Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota • July 18, 2026
Another beautiful Saturday evening welcomed music lovers back to The Levitt at Falls Park. With comfortable weather, a lively crowd, and another free night of live entertainment, the stage played host to two very different acts that were united by one thing. Authenticity. The evening featured a local nonprofit whose music serves a life changing mission alongside a family bluegrass trio whose lifelong passion for music radiated through every note.
By the end of the night, attendees had experienced not only excellent performances but also reminders of the power music has to unite people, tell stories, and bring communities together.
Breathe Bravely Opens With a Mission Bigger Than Music
The evening began with a performance from Breathe Bravely, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals living with cystic fibrosis find their voices through music. Following a brief introduction from one of the organization’s board members, founder Ashley Ballou-Bonnema welcomed the audience and immediately established that this would be more than just another opening set.
Throughout the performance, Ashley shared pieces of her own story as someone living with cystic fibrosis. Her vulnerability gave every song additional meaning, allowing the audience to see that each lyric carried experiences that were deeply personal. There were moments where emotion visibly surfaced as she spoke about the challenges of living with the disease, but there was even greater joy as she described how music has become a source of hope for so many others facing similar circumstances.
sINgSPIRE Brings Hope Across the Globe
One of the central focuses of the evening was Breathe Bravely’s sINgSPIRE program, which provides virtual voice lessons for people living with cystic fibrosis around the world.
Because individuals with cystic fibrosis cannot safely gather together due to the risk of dangerous cross infection, technology has become an incredible bridge for connection. What would normally be impossible has become reality through online lessons, allowing students from across the globe to improve their singing while building relationships with others who truly understand their journey.
Ashley was joined on stage by Maren Engel and Betty Kay, whose beautiful harmonies complemented not only the music but also the stories shared between songs. Their chemistry made the performance feel personal and inviting rather than simply rehearsed.
Please consider Donating to Sponsor an article even $1 helps!
A World Premiere That Moved the Entire Crowd
The emotional centerpiece of the evening came when Breathe Bravely unveiled the world premiere of a brand new music video featuring participants from the sINgSPIRE program.
Knowing the unique circumstances behind the project made the presentation especially moving. Every singer appeared individually, yet through thoughtful editing and modern technology they were able to perform together as one unified choir.
For many in attendance, this wasn’t simply another music video. It represented people overcoming barriers that most of us never have to consider. Despite being physically separated by necessity, these singers were able to create something beautiful together.
As the video concluded, there was a noticeable sense of pride throughout the audience. While Breathe Bravely undoubtedly delivered an impressive musical performance, they also reminded everyone that meaningful work is happening right here in Sioux Falls. Their set became a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the belief that music can reach places where physical presence cannot.
Flat River Band Brings Southern Roots to Sioux Falls
After the heartfelt opening performance, Flat River Band took the stage and immediately shifted the atmosphere into one of carefree country living.
From the opening song, it felt as though The Levitt had been transported somewhere deep in the Appalachian hills, where life slows down, front porches become gathering places, and music is woven into everyday life.
The trio consists of three brothers whose musical heritage stretches back through multiple generations. With parents and grandparents who also performed professionally, it was immediately obvious that performing isn’t simply what they do; it’s part of who they are.
That authenticity came through in every interaction, every harmony, and every story they shared throughout the evening.
Three-Part Harmonies Steal the Show
One of the biggest highlights of Flat River Band’s performance was their vocal harmony.
There’s something uniquely satisfying about hearing three part harmonies performed by siblings who have spent a lifetime singing together. Their voices blended naturally with remarkable precision, creating rich textures that elevated every song they performed.
Whether singing upbeat bluegrass tunes or slower country ballads, their harmonies remained consistently tight, serving as the foundation for an already impressive performance.
It was one of those concerts where you could close your eyes and simply enjoy the sound without needing any elaborate stage production.
Outstanding Musicianship From Start to Finish
While the harmonies were exceptional, the musicianship across the board was equally impressive.
The brothers showcased an impressive collection of traditional instruments throughout the evening, including mandolins, banjos, harmonicas, acoustic guitars, and even a lap steel guitar. Each instrument added another layer to their unmistakably country rooted sound while keeping every arrangement fresh and engaging.
Their comfort on stage was evident as they effortlessly traded instruments, shared solos, and interacted with one another in ways that only siblings can. Nothing felt forced. Instead, every moment reflected decades of playing together.
The stories shared between songs only enhanced the experience, giving listeners context for the music while transporting them into the places and memories that inspired each performance.
Music That Invited Everyone In
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable parts of the evening was watching how naturally the audience connected with the performance.
Some people danced near the front of the stage while others relaxed in lawn chairs, tapping their feet to the rhythm. Even residents watching from nearby apartment balconies paused to enjoy the concert from above, a reminder that The Levitt’s reach extends well beyond those seated directly in front of the stage.
Flat River Band created the kind of atmosphere that encourages strangers to smile at one another, families to dance together, and everyone to forget about the busyness of everyday life for even just an hour.
If you ever have the opportunity to catch them live, don’t pass it up. Their combination of exceptional musicianship, family harmonies, and engaging storytelling makes for an unforgettable performance.
Afterglow
As the final songs faded into the evening and the sun slowly disappeared behind the skyline, it was impossible not to appreciate what makes The Levitt such a unique part of the Sioux Falls community.
Few venues consistently provide opportunities to discover both nationally touring artists and incredible local organizations on the very same stage, all while remaining completely free to the public. One moment you can be introduced to a nonprofit changing lives through music, and the next you can find yourself swept away by world class bluegrass performed by musicians who have spent their lives perfecting their craft.
That balance of community, culture, and accessibility is what continues to make each night at The Levitt feel special. Every concert offers something new to discover, whether it’s a new favorite band, a meaningful local cause, or simply another summer evening spent surrounded by great music and even better company.
If this weekend was any indication, there’s plenty more to look forward to as The Levitt’s summer concert season continues.
Please consider Donating to Sponsor an article even $1 helps!
You captured the night perfectly. I was volunteering and that is why I do it. Something different every night. This one was one of my favorites.