Augustana University Partnering With Levitt at the Falls’ Share the Stage Program

Augustana University is partnering with Levitt at the Falls' Share the Stage Program this summer in support of local artists and their professional development.

Ensuring access to professional performing arts for everyone in the community, Levitt at the Falls hosts 50 concerts each summer - free and family friendly. Thanks to a generous Augustana alumni couple, the university is sponsoring the 2026 Share the Stage Program Opening Acts, which kick off each concert. The opening acts consist of a dynamic performance featuring a small ensemble, showcasing a wide range of musical styles.

"Share the Stage reflects the very best of what can happen when education, community partnerships and the arts come together. Augustana provides our students an education grounded in the liberal arts, and the Levitt at the Falls provides Sioux Falls with similar learning through creativity and performance. These concerts not only entertain, but they connect our community," said Matthew Erickson, interim dean of the Augustana School of Music (SoM).

Augustana University will be hosting the following Share the Stage Opening Acts:

• AU School of Health Professions on Thursday, June 18, featuring Jetly Park
• AU College of Arts & Sciences on Saturday, June 27, featuring That Sounds Decent
• AU School of Music on Saturday, July 11, featuring the Jacob Moeller Trio and headliner Matthew Whitaker, GRAMMY Award winning pianist and Augustana artist-in-residence
• AU Rydell School of Business on Saturday, Aug. 8, featuring Freya Jane and the Nightshades
• AU Sharon Lust School of Education on Friday, Aug. 21, featuring Mooncats

Each night, music begins at 7 p.m. with the opening act, followed by the headliner taking the stage at 8 p.m.

"Levitt is deeply grateful to Augustana for their support of our Share the Stage Program, which creates meaningful opportunities for artists and community members to connect. This partnership reflects a shared belief that the arts are essential to student growth - not only as creators, but engaged and inspired audience members. Together, we are building a vibrant cultural environment where creativity, learning and community thrive," said Nancy Halverson, president and CEO of Levitt at the Falls.

For the last three years, the Augustana SoM has also partnered with Levitt at the Falls for its Summer Jam Camp. The camp offers dynamic summer camp experiences for elementary through high school-aged kids, where music intertwines with community - fostering friendships, learning and musical inspiration.