Sound Mind takes center stage at Levitt, creates jazz fusion waves

Student-led jazz fusion band, Sound Mind, hit a high note this summer with a performance at the Levitt in downtown Sioux Falls. The band seized an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a crowd of nearly 2,000, opening for the LowDown Brass Band.

Aiden Beckstrom, a senior at Augustana, formed the band almost a year ago driven by the desire to explore music opportunities outside university ensembles.

“I love being in ensembles here at Augie, but when you form a band outside of school, you can also just do so much more: pick different music you want to play and different things you want to explore,” Beckstrom said.

Sound Mind features five to six rotating members, including Augustana students Beckstrom and Jacob Moeller on guitar, and Zachary Van Meter on trumpet. They are joined by Billie Bright III and Jesse Dodd on drums, Kamal Albousafi on  alto saxophone and Clare Dvoracek, an Augustana graduate, on piano.

The band played for the first time at the Full Circle Book Co-op to an audience of mostly family and friends.

“The band definitely looked different,” Beckstrom said. “I don’t even think we even had the name at that point.”

Since then, the band has played at various other venues, including the Phoenix Lounge, Bigs Bar and Trio Jazz Club.

“We had a three-hour gig at the downtown Trio Jazz Club, and that was a big gig to have,” Van Meter said. “A lot of people who know jazz music came to listen, and we got quite a few compliments.”

Senior Lilly Roberts attended their Trio Jazz Club performance.

“They all played with so much talent and energy,” Roberts said. “Seeing people I’ve played with over the years perform at an amazing venue and at such a high level was incredible. I could see the absolute joy on their faces as they played, and I know all the hard work it took to get there. It was a really memorable performance for the audience and the band.”

Sound Mind’s repertoire ranges from funk and modern jazz to swing standards. They draw inspiration from contemporary jazz fusion acts like SnarkyPuppy, covering songs like “Quarter Master,” while also embracing the classics.

“There’s an old jazz standard called ‘Georgia on My Mind’ by Hoagy Carmichael,” Beckstrom said. “It is kind of the whole other direction. It’s a lot more traditional song, but it’s a lot of fun.”

Junior Sydney Hansen, a close friend of the band, attended their performances at the Trio Jazz Club and Levitt.

“Seeing my friends perform in front of audiences and getting the recognition they deserve is incredible. I’m so proud of all they have done with Sound Mind,” Hansen said.