A special festival in Sioux City is returning this weekend on Saturday the 22nd.
This Frequency show will give insight into not only the key Sounds of West 7th Sioux City Music Festival details, but also the history of West Seventh Street, plus also some recent city infrastructure that has helped give a new modern vibe and feel to that corridor over several blocks.
Joining me for this show are Jim Tillman, a notable Sioux City author and historian, and Jill Wanderscheid, who is the Neighborhood Services Manager for the City of Sioux City.
Back in the 1930s to 1950’s, West Seventh was home to businesses owned by the Jewish population, plus people of the Black, Hispanic and Asian communities.
At one point, the area was dubbed the Jewish Mile.
It was also the place with a lot of live music taverns, where blues, gospel, jazz and rock and roll were played by musicians.
Eventually, the area got a rundown look, and West Seventh from Wesley Way to Hamilton Boulevard and farther west became known as a rough place.
A rebirth began when the city of Sioux City started spending substantial money on the West Seventh Corridor Rebuild in spring 2014.
The aim was for it to be repurposed as a neighborhood concept commercial area.
Some pieces included diagonal parking with bike lanes and tree lined/landscaped sidewalks.
Building facades were rebuilt and restored where possible to their original designs.
To give the West Seventh Street corridor a distinctive look and feel, and to increase walkability and economic growth, landscape elements, gateway elements, Perry Creek bridge aesthetic enhancements, new lighting, colored pavements, and unique bus shelters were added.
The upshot from that is that many new family-owned businesses have emerged on West Seventh in recent years.
The 2026 Sounds of West 7th Sioux City Music Festival is designed to Celebrate music, art, history, and community. It takes place from noon to 4 p.m., and the festival entrance at West 8th & Market Street.
People can experience live music performances by local artists, watch live painting, grab something tasty from a food truck, and learn about the rich history of West 7th Street.
*Click on the audio link above to hear the entire show.
What's The Frequency, Episode 116.
