Shawna Bleecker | Capital Journal staff

PIERRE — For more than 20 years Juell Johnson has been a part of the Short Grass Arts Council annual jazz festival. But this year, there is one major change.

“This will be the first year my dad is not part of it or at least in the audience,” said local musician and retired high school band director Larry Johnson, his voice tinged with sadness. “He passed away in September.”

Shawna Bleecker | Capital Journal South Madison Street Blues singers Tim Larson, Michael Pangbrun, Diane Kehrwald, Katie Duenwald, Laura Mehlhaff, Scott Jones, Mary Ellen Garrett, Larry Johnson and (front) Mary Jo Johnson practice for Saturday’s Juell Johnson Jazz Festival. Group members not pictured are John and Jill Wellhouse, June Hansen and Julia Jones. Advertisement

Juell Johnson was the man behind the fundraiser who coordinated the volunteer singers, bands and directors to help the Short Grass Arts Council raise money.

But as they say in showbiz, “The show must go on.”

And it will.

This year, Larry Johnson’s sons will take part in the festival as his youngest son, Tom, will play pre-show guitar from 7-7:30 p.m., and his oldest son, Chris, will be the evening’s emcee

For the second year, the Juell Johnson Jazz Festival will be at the King’s Inn third-floor ballroom.

“It is a more relaxed atmosphere rather than a concert situation,” Johnson said. “A lot of musicians are more comfortable performing when people are more relaxed.”

The format will be similar to last year’s concert as well with a cash bar and time for dancing. This year hors ‘deouvres will be available, too.

“The big band will play for another hour for those who want to stay and dance,” Johnson said. “Last year we decided to play for an hour afterwards. A lot of people stayed and danced the whole time. There are very avid dancers and the opportunity to dance to big band doesn’t come around very often so you grab it when you can.”

The concert will feature area musicians performing big-band music, dixieland and perhaps even a bit of blues.

New to the program this year is Jonesin’ For Jennie and The Hot Club of Pierre. Individual performers include Mary Ellen Garrett, Diane Kehrwald and Michael Pangburn.

With music from George Gershwin to Lou Gellington to Antonio Carlos Jobim, there is sure to be something for every jazz-music lover out there.

Tickets to the jazz festival are $7 and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, with pre-show entertainment from 7-7:30 p.m. Open dancing will be from 9-10 p.m.