SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — “To me, music is healing,” Arlinda Peacock of Brandon said. “It’s freedom, it’s a voice, it’s standing up for yourself, and it’s confidence.”
If Peacock’s face is familiar, perhaps live music fans saw her perform in 2023 at the Levitt Shell in downtown Sioux Falls.
“Definitely got me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “That was the biggest crowd I’ve ever played for.”
Or maybe she’s recognized from the giant mural next to the Levitt’s stage, where her profile welcomes concertgoers.
“It’s inspiring,” Arlinda said about the art. “I’m just very humble with things, so I feel very blessed to see that, and I think, I hope that I can inspire people to get out and be themselves.”
Arlinda, her brother Bobby Peacock and three others will play at the Levitt on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 7:00 p.m. For Bobby, music goes well beyond a catchy groove.
“It’s like encompassing soul,” said Bobby, who lives in Sioux Falls. “It’s encompassing maybe even a closeness to God.”
There’s also a closeness with his sibling.
“From a younger age, that’s what brought me and my sister together was us playing music,” Bobby said. “I mean, we went through a lot of garbage as a kid but music was something that always brought us together.”
“I grew up in the foster care system,” Arlinda said. “I kind of didn’t have the best of childhood, and I always felt, it’s always good to be humble, grateful and know that you don’t have to be so extraordinary. Just do what you love and be confident about it and be strong and people will follow.”
“I think we do have a musical chemistry,” Bobby said about Arlinda. “I think part of it is, like, growing up watching her play keys and then we would just make up songs, random songs.”
Now, Bobby and Arlinda will soon perform as an opening act at the Levitt.
“My sister loves to tell stories through music,” Bobby said.
Dan Santella: When people see you on August 3rd, you and Bobby, at the Levitt, what kind of show might they expect do you think, Arlinda?
“A story, some dancing and you might cry,” Arlinda said.
“We’re hoping when we go up there on August 3rd that people will hear the music, love the music, they’ll feel free to dance, to sing along, to clap along, to follow the beat and have fun,” Bobby said.
