Want to make someone feel incredibly old?Â
Tell them that 1991 was the year the Soviet Union officially dissolved, the long-running sitcom "Home Improvement" made its debut, and the very first Saturday in the Park (SITP) was held at Grandview Park.
A promotional video provided by Fantasy Drone Shows. The Norfolk, Nebraska, company will present a drone show at the conclusion of the Saturday in the Park music festival on July 4.
For 36 Independence Day weekends, SITP has brought legendary performers, critically acclaimed darlings, up-and-coming groups and regional royalty to light up Sioux City's historic Bandshell in a free music festival.
Given its illustrious history, here are 15 things every SITP aficionado must know.
WHO HEADLINED THE FIRST SITP: Blues musician Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown had the honors. Other 1991 acts included Bad Manners, Buckwheat Zydeco and the Table Rockers.
WHICH ROYALTY HAS BEEN TO SITP: Aretha Franklin ("Queen of Soul") was here in 2015, Tito Puente ("King of the Mambo") graced us with his presence in 1996, and B.B. King held court in 2007.
People are also reading…
B.B. King performs at the 2007 Saturday in the Park festival.
OK, HERE ARE A FEW MORE KINGS: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram (2025), Elle King (2022), Earl King with the Butanes (1997), the Stockyard Kings (2016) and T. Wilson King and the Snake Charmers (2023).
SITP-ERS WHO WERE ALSO KENNEDY CENTER HONOR RECIPIENTS: Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Mavis Staples, Earth, Wind & Fire and Bonnie Raitt.Â
Earth, Wind & Fire plays on the Main Stage during the 2023 Saturday in the Park.
WHO HAS HAD THE MOST SITP ENCORES: Winnebago, Nebraska-based blues singer Curt St. Cyr, who has performed the festival at least eight times between 1991 and 2005.
FANCY MEETING YOU AGAIN: Some repeater acts include the Neville Brothers, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, and Santana. Trombone Shorty will make his second appearance at 2021's SITP. He was also here with Orleans Avenue in 2017.Â
LONGEST GAP BETWEEN SITP APPEARANCES:Â Jazz singer Kellie Hunt first came to SITP in 2004. Her encore occurred 21 years later in 2025.
Kelly Hunt sings as her band, Kelly Hunt and the 5, perform on the main stage during the 2025 Saturday in the Park festival. At right is bassist James Albright.
DOES SITP RUN IN THE FAMILY: In 1997, Rita Marley and her Maccabee Band played SITP. Her son, Ziggy Marley (along with the Melody Makers), played the festival in 1999 and 2014. The Allman Brothers Band, with Gregg Allman, was here in 2000. Gregg's son Devon Allman was here with Honeytribe in 2006.
DUDE, AREN'T YOU ON A MAP OR SOMETHING: See Taj Mahal (1996), North Mississippi Allstars (2015), Bangkok Rooster (1994), and Michigan Rattlers (2019). Special mention: Flo Rida (2019).
WOODSTOCK 1969 ALUMNI SOCIETY: That would be Santana (1994 and 2010) as well as John Fogerty (as a member of Creedence Clearwater Revival), who played 2021's SITP.
JUST A BUNCH OF ANIMALS:Â Samantha Fish (2023), The Black Crowes (2005), Counting Crows (2009), Garrett "Possum" Judice and the Couilions (2003), Ratdog (2000) and The Sharks (1991). Extra credit: The Brian Setzer Orchestra (with former Stray Cat Brian Setzer at the helm).
MISCELLANEOUS SPACE CADETS: Galactic (2018), Lazer Rocket Arm (2011) and Blue Moon (1998).
Galactic's members from left, Robert Mercurio, Erica Falls and Jeff Raines perform during the 2018 Saturday in the Park.
HORTICULTURALISTS AT HEART: Tallgrass (2013), The Wallflowers (2003) and The Zucchini Brothers (2004). Sorry, we will not allow Michelle Branch (2003) to be in this category.
MUSICIANS WITH NAMES THAT TERRIFY US: George Thorogood & The Destroyers (2019), Big Head Todd & The Monsters (1997 and 2016), Snakebeard Jackson (2008), and Walter Wolfman and the Roadmasters (1992).
BANDS THAT SOUND NAUGHTY BUT PROBABLY WEREN'T: Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs (2024), Bonerama (2011) and Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie (1998).
