Things to do: Derez De’Shon at Bigs, big things in Brandon and the opening of Catfish Bay

SIOUX FALLS — It’s another wonderful week to be alive in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as another gamut of events rolls in.

I maintain that getting older is as fun as a barrel of monkeys. I used to need my parents to buy me ice cream to be happy, now I’m just content to have consistent highs in the 80s. I could still do with more free ice cream and fewer lower back problems, but beggars can’t be chiropractors. Let’s jump into the week ahead.

Derez De’Shon is coming to Bigs Bar Friday at 8 p.m. Few artists have had as auspicious a start as this Atlanta-born rapper. His single “Hardaway” hit number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100, and saw 2 Chainz, DJ Envy, and Yo Gotti hop on the remix.

Brandon has long been a feather in the Sioux Falls metropolitan area’s cap, and it’s time to celebrate all things Brandon with Brandon’s Big Celebration! On the evenings of Friday, May 26th through Saturday, May 28th, stop by McHardy Park for carnival rides, live music, food trucks, games, and much more. Admission is free, but guests must purchase wristbands to ride the rides. Visit this website for more information.

Have you ever wanted to attend an album release party? How about a $10, all-ages album release party where the artist plays the whole release front-to-back in front of you? Live out your dreams at the Full Circle Book Co-op, Friday at 7 p.m. as Sioux Falls native Tony DePaolo performs Indiana Avenue.

Rock band Gallivant is returning to Monk’s Ale House Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday will see local folk-rock group Back Alley Band perform at the same place at the same time.

Sioux Falls native Doug Allen Nash will be performing at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8:30 p.m. Country savant and down-home farmer’s son, Nash began performing in talent shows at age 5 and formed his own band at 12. Since then, Nash has toured 87 countries while entertaining U.S. troops overseas, earning the U.S. Defense Department’s Certificate of Esteem Award and Certificate of Recognition Award in addition to the Republic of Korea’s Apple of Excellence Award along the way. The event is free, but attendees must be 21 or older.

The Great Plains Zoo will be starting its summer activities (and celebrating its 60th season!) Saturday, May 27th with a full day of activities. Visitors can expect giraffe feedings, chats with zookeepers, private zoo tours and animal encounters. Click here for a full schedule of events.

Never let it be said that Sioux Falls is uncultured. Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. BronzeAge Art Casting is hosting an art market for your consideration. Their website describes “original artwork, artful activities & demos” free to the public. Swing by 1110 N. Weber Ave. for the latest and greatest in local sculpture, and since it’s a Saturday, grab something from the Falls Park farmer’s market while you’re in the area.

Good Earth State Park is hosting another can’t-miss musical event this Sunday, May 28th from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Witness the musical stylings of CommonGround, an acoustic cover band based right here in Sioux Falls. The band consists of musicians Brady and Katie Wrede. Brady is a sixth-generation songwriter that brought a fresh perspective to the acoustic style with his 2021 debut album Wandered This Far, in addition to his EPs Dark and Light. The other half of the duo is Katie Wrede, a piano savant and graduate of advanced piano and composition at Minnesota State University: Mankato. Katie followed such inspirations as Lori Line, Yanni, and Steven Marq when she released her debut album A New Beginning in 2020. According to CommonGround’s website, they have “provided music for several different types of events and venues including restaurants, shops, farmer's markets, weddings, state parks, anniversaries, and private events. In 2018 and 2020, we were featured at the annual downtown Sioux Falls Block Party.” Tickets will be free with a park license.

The 29th marks the last Monday in May, meaning it’s time to celebrate Memorial Day. Many cities claim to be the first to institute the holiday, but it was first recognized nationally on May 30th, 1868 by proclamation of Commander in Chief John A. Logan to honor the Union dead in the Civil War. One-hundred and fifty five years later, we gather together to remember all those who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.
Locals will celebrate at East Nidaros Lutheran Church, 47560 252nd St., Baltic, at 10:45 a.m. Monday. Those not in attendance on the 29th are also welcome to visit Veterans Memorial Park, 1021 W. Bailey St., on the 31st at 10 a.m. for a similar program.

Live in Sioux Falls long enough and you’ll no doubt hear about our greatest summertime claim to fame: Catfish Bay’s Greatest Show on H2O. Monday, May 29th from 2 to 4 p.m. stop by 5500 Show Place to witness thrilling skiing and boating stunts in a family-friendly extravaganza.

Don’t we all have some room for improvement in our culinary lives? YouTube videos and binging whole seasons of Food Network shows only takes one so far. Luckily, Plum’s Cooking School is here for those of us that need a helping hand. On Tuesday, May 30th, Chef Lizzie Stewart will host a course centered around making a classic English dinner. Make your reservations and swing by 401 E. Eighth St. for some British sausage rolls, chicken tikka masala, and scones with clotted cream and fruit compote.

Country legend Colt Ford will be performing at Bigs Bar on Thursday, June 1st at 7 p.m. Ford has released collaborations with such names as Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Jermaine Dupri, and Brad Paisley. Ford celebrates five consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart, and is the first and only artist to have a number one album on Billboard’s Top Country and Top Rap Albums.

What a week! Stay tuned to Sioux Falls Live for more.