Michael Woolheater Media

Last night at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center was absolutely packed for Cody Johnson with special guests Kip Moore and Emily Ann Roberts. From the pit all the way to the top seats, the building was full before Cody even hit the stage, and Sioux Falls showed up in a huge way for every artist on the lineup. Emily Ann Roberts opened the night with the kind of classic country sound that immediately grabs attention. A lot of people know her from The Voice, but songs like “He Set Her Off” and “Whole Lotta Little” have helped her build a strong following of her own. Kip Moore came out next and completely shifted the energy in the room with that gritty, road-tested style he’s known for. The second “Somethin’ ’Bout a Truck,” “Beer Money,” and “Last Shot” started, the crowd was locked in. Then Cody Johnson took over and turned the PREMIER Center into a full country singalong with songs like “’Til You Can’t,” “Dirt Cheap,” and “The Painter.” The production was massive, the crowd stayed loud all night, and it felt like one of those shows where every section of the arena was fully engaged from start to finish.

We hosted Lily Rose last night bringing her mix of modern country, rock influence, and straightforward songwriting to Sioux Falls. Known for tracks like “Villain” and “Whatcha Know About That,” her set leaned heavily into the style that has made her stand out in the current country scene — strong vocals, guitar-driven production, and songs that feel more grounded in real life than polished radio-country clichés. Sioux Falls showed up strong for this one was at The District last night bringing her mix of modern country, rock influence, and straightforward songwriting to Sioux Falls. Known for tracks like “Villain” and “Whatcha Know About That,” her set leaned heavily into the style that has made her stand out in the current country scene — strong vocals, guitar-driven production, and songs that feel more grounded in real life than polished radio-country clichés. Sioux Falls showed up strong for this one. Opening the night was Jake Banfield, a country artist originally from Oklahoma who is now based in Nashville. His sound pulls from country, pop, and southern rock influences, and he has been building a large following online while touring heavily across the Midwest and South. He came into Sioux Falls with a

Last night we hosted a full night of live music that delivered, with James Keegan, Tomas McCarthy, and Geoff Tate all bringing serious talent to the stage. The lighting and haze were locked in all night—clean, intentional, and exactly where they needed to be.

James Keegan opened at 7:30 with a strong, stripped-back set rooted in singer-songwriter and rock. Confident vocals, clean sound, and no wasted movement.

Tomas McCarthy took the stage at 8:10, coming out of Ireland with a rock-driven sound and a sharp vocal. He was joined by his wife, who is incredible—boldly talented, moving between vocals and multiple instruments with total control. Sioux Falls shows up for artists like this, and it showed.

Closing the night at 9:25, Geoff Tate delivered exactly what you’d expect from a voice that defined a generation of rock. Decades in, and it still holds.

Coming up next at The District: Nazareth this Friday, May 1st, Lily Rose on May 7, Christopher Cross on June 16, and Charles Wesley Godwin on July 14.

The first WNBA game ever played in South Dakota happened tonight at the Sanford Pentagon. Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky—and it ended up feeling a lot more competitive than you’d expect from a preseason game. Nate Tibbetts coming back to this region as the head coach of Phoenix gave the whole night a different tone. You could feel it early. The Mercury had real support in the building, and it carried throughout the game. Add in the SDSU connection on the coaching staff, and Sioux Falls showed up for them in a big way—hundreds of miles from Phoenix, but it didn’t feel like it. From a photography standpoint, this was one of those assignments you stop and take in for a second. A lot of these players are people I’ve watched on TV for years, and now they’re right in front of me in a gym like the Pentagon where you don’t miss much. As for the photos—I hope you like them. Don’t stop scrolling until you see the K-9 that can detect bombs and firearms with his nose. Phoenix controlled most of the game and came away with the win. Big thank you to Ian and my friends at

Yesterday’s groundbreaking for the new men’s prison in Sioux Falls marked a real turning point in a project that’s been building for years. The wind was relentless all afternoon, which made it hard to ignore what was happening visually. A massive American flag was suspended from a crane with the South Dakota flag hanging beneath it, and the way they were moving in that wind—especially knowing the state flag was completely hand-stitched by a local company—gave the whole site a sense of weight before anything even started. What stood out most in the remarks wasn’t just the scale of the project, but the direction behind it. Governor Larry Rhoden acknowledged the amount of work it took to get here—years of discussion, planning, and alignment to even reach a day like this. Mayor Paul TenHaken took it a step further and focused on what happens after incarceration, talking about reform and the responsibility to serve people in a way that actually helps them reenter communities like Sioux Falls in a better position than when they left. It wasn’t just about building something new—it was about doing something better. And across the board, there was a clear recognition of the level of

I spent a full Sunday with Pastor Adam Weber, documenting what people don’t see—to tell this story.... 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 The day started early at 5:45am, pulling up to Adam Weber’s home while the rest of Sioux Falls was still quiet. Entry came through the small metal gate at the front sidewalk—the one he obtained from a cemetery in Kentucky—and up to a beautifully paneled front door that felt just as intentional as everything outside. Adam lives in what’s believed to be the second-oldest home in the city, a place with real history behind it, including ties to Richard Franklin Pettigrew—which, fittingly, is where one of his dogs gets the name “Senator”… who also maintains a more active Instagram presence than most people. Out front, there’s an authentic gas lamp he sourced and had restored, and nothing about the space feels random. It’s all been chosen, kept, or brought in for a reason. Before even leaving the front yard, there’s a clear sense of how Adam operates—thoughtful, intentional, and deeply rooted in purpose. Inside, it doesn’t take long to see what matters most. Family photos are right there—Adam and his wife Becky, along

Clutch rolled through The District and brought exactly what you’d expect—tight, unapologetic rock with a crowd that showed up ready for it. Nights like this are a reminder of how dialed-in their following is… not just fans, but people who genuinely connect with the music. From the moment doors opened, the room had a different kind of presence—great merch setups, strong visuals, and lighting that gave the whole show a gritty, intentional feel that matched the sound perfectly. Sioux Falls continues to prove it can hold its own for acts like this, and The District is right at the center of it. Looking ahead, the calendar stays busy with more shows on the way, so keep an eye on what’s coming next.

Photos by Michael Woolheater Media

Last night at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center felt less like a concert and more like controlled chaos in the best way possible, and Bailey Zimmerman wasted no time making that clear—literally launching himself up through the floor of a second-tier stage with smoke, pyro, and fireworks all hitting at once before swinging Tarzan-style across the arena to the main stage like it was just part of a normal intro. From there, it never really slowed down. He leaned all the way into who he is, openly talking about his ADHD in a way that felt honest and unfiltered, bouncing from moment to moment with a level of energy that’s hard to fake and even harder to sustain, while also making it clear throughout the night how much his faith matters to him, bringing up God and Jesus between songs in a way that felt personal, not scripted. What stood out just as much as the production was how often he broke the barrier with the crowd—moving into the audience, popping up in unexpected spots, constantly finding ways to make a massive room feel smaller. Having Hudson Westbrook and Blake Whiten come back out during his set for a couple

Every year, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center pulls off a full reset—ice out, dirt in, and suddenly it’s PBR weekend again. One night this place is hockey or a concert, the next it’s chutes, gates, and bulls that clearly didn’t come here to cooperate, and it’s one of those setups where every seat in the building works—you’re never far from the action. I don’t last long in the venue if I’m being honest… I’ve got a severe allergy to bulls, so I pick my spots, get what I need, and get out. This year though, the bulls felt a little extra—pacing, turning back toward the chutes, almost baiting the riders before the gate even cracked. It’s quick, it’s chaotic, and it’s over in seconds, but when you’re that close you realize how much is actually happening in that short window.

Nebraska vs. Iowa State at the Sanford Pentagon isn’t something you expect to see in Sioux Falls, and that’s exactly what made this stand out. Nebraska handled business and came away with the win, playing clean and in control throughout. Aimee and I were there to photograph the venue and the play!

A great local angle in this one with Sioux Falls native Bergen Reilly running the offense for Nebraska. Getting to see her on that court, in front of a home crowd inside the Sanford Pentagon, is a rare and meaningful moment for the city and for anyone who’s followed her path.

Appreciate the opportunity to be there and capture it. Thanks to Ian Sacks and the team at KELOLAND News.

This morning was the Sioux Falls Mayoral Forum by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. A mayoral forum brings candidates together to talk through the future of the city—growth, development, public safety, and what Sioux Falls looks like in the next 5, 10, 20 years. It’s less about soundbites and more about how each person thinks when they’re put on the spot in front of a community that’s paying attention.

What stood out to me wasn’t just what was said, but how it was said. You start to see differences in leadership style, priorities, and the way each candidate connects with the room. Sioux Falls is in a unique position right now with how fast it’s growing, and you could feel that reflected in the questions and conversations.

Journey took the stage at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center here in Sioux Falls, and it carried a different kind of weight. The setlist leaned into exactly what you’d hope for—hit after hit, no filler—songs that have held up for decades and still land the same way. Being in the pit for it, hearing those songs live and working in that space at the same time, was surreal—especially knowing how many times I’d heard them growing up. One thing that makes a band like Journey interesting all these years later is how it evolves. Neal Schon has been there since the beginning, still driving the sound and identity of the band, alongside longtime keyboardist Jonathan Cain—who even threw on a Sioux Falls Canaries jersey for part of the second half, a subtle nod to the city that didn’t go unnoticed. At the same time, the lineup has naturally shifted over the years—most notably with Arnel Pineda stepping in as lead vocalist and carrying those iconic songs in his own way. It’s a mix of legacy and continuation, and last night it worked. The sound, the feel, the intention—it’s still there. And then the closing stretch hit - Faithfully, Any Way

Last evening I had the opportunity to photograph the NCAA Men’s Wrestling Division II Championships at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls. While the action on the mat is obviously the focus, I always enjoy working my way around the arena to capture everything else happening throughout the night — the warmups, the reactions in the corners, the coaches watching closely, and the moments that unfold away from the spotlight.

The championships brought together some of the best Division II wrestlers in the country, and the level of competition was incredible. One of the biggest highlights for the local crowd was Max Ramberg from Augustana University capturing a national title. Seeing a hometown athlete rise to the top on a national stage adds an exciting element to the event.

Over the last several days, the Summit League Basketball Championships returned to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, and for the third year in a row I had the honor of photographing it on behalf of the Denny. From the opening tip to the championship celebrations, I photographed 16 games across five packed days — capturing everything from introductions and game action to cheer squads, dance teams, and the moments when seasons either ended or turned into championships. It was busy, exhausting work, but also incredibly rewarding to help document one of the biggest sporting events our city hosts each year. The Summit League is one of the most competitive mid-major conferences in Division I basketball and has called Sioux Falls home for its basketball championships for nearly two decades. This year’s tournament featured nine programs battling it out on the court — the Denver Pioneers, Kansas City Roos, North Dakota Fighting Hawks, North Dakota State Bison, Omaha Mavericks, Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, St. Thomas Tommies, South Dakota Coyotes, and South Dakota State Jackrabbits — all chasing a conference title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. When the final buzzer sounded, the North Dakota State Bison took

Polo G. The District. Sold out.

Last night was one of those reminders that Sioux Falls doesn’t play small. Wall-to-wall people, balcony packed, phones lighting up the room before Polo G even walked out. And when he did, it wasn’t overproduced or distant — it was raw, close, loud, and right in front of you. That’s what makes shows at The District hit different. You’re not watching from a mile away. You’re in it.

I’m always paying attention to more than just the stage — the kid at the barricade rapping every word, the balcony crowd leaning over the rail, the sea of screens turning into its own light show. Sioux Falls showed up and made it clear: when the right artist comes through, this city fills the room and makes it feel important. Grateful to document another sold-out night right here at home. Grateful for The District and their staff.

I was able to stop in for a bit at the SDHSAA State Wrestling Tournament at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and grab a small slice of what was happening, and honestly, I wasn’t prepared for how big it felt — way more people than I expected, the entire floor covered in mats, families filling the stands, and energy everywhere you looked. I didn’t cover the full day, just captured a handful of moments, but even in that short window you could feel what it meant to these athletes — the intensity, the focus, the emotion after a match, the way State just hits different. Grateful to step in and document even a small part of it.

The first image is 12 vertical photos stitched together to capture the entirely of the venue from the top of the bowl.

Saturday morning, 8am to 2pm, the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center looked different than it usually does for concerts or sporting events. Thousands of men filled the seats for RESGEN Men’s Summit 2026 — not for entertainment, but for growth. For worship. For hard conversations about leadership, discipline, faith, and what it actually means to show up well at home and in the community. The lineup was strong, highlighted by Tim Tebow.

I played a very small role in the day — capturing some of the worship and photographing Tim from the floor and from the back of the arena. From the signage and production details to the wide frames of a packed crowd, and then tightening in for close-ups mid-message — it was one of those assignments where you step back for a second and realize you’re documenting something meaningful for this city.

Sioux Falls showed up. And events like this matter. Stronger men build stronger families. Stronger families build stronger communities. If you weren’t there this year, follow @resgen_ministry and keep it on your radar for the future. It’s worth being in the room.

Sioux Falls. Smithfield. Sanford District. I had the opportunity today to document something that felt genuinely historic for Sioux Falls. I was invited by the Mayor’s Office and the Governor’s Office to photograph a major announcement involving Smithfield, the City, and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, with full access to the every room and the people shaping what comes next. Standing there watching it unfold — seeing Mayor Paul TenHaken and Governor Larry Rhoden again while meeting T. Denny Sanford for the first time — you could feel the weight of the moment. This wasn’t just another press conference. It was the kind of announcement that signals real change. Smithfield shared plans for a massive new facility on the northwest side of town, a move that keeps thousands of jobs in Sioux Falls while opening the door for the eventual transformation of the current downtown property near Falls Park. With the city, state, and local leaders working together — including a significant gift from Denny Sanford to help make the transition possible — it felt like one of those rare points in time where industry, growth, and community all intersect. I’m proud to have been invited into the room to