Elkhart Jazz Festival Celebrating 25th Anniversary
Posted
Staff Report-
ELKHART – Strong momentum is rolling toward the 25th anniversary of The Elkhart Jazz Festival, with early ticket sales already higher than they were last year at this time. “We are primed for an extraordinary three days in June and I’m pleased to report that our box office numbers are confirming just how many jazz lovers can’t wait to experience the star-studded festival that we’ve proudly celebrated here for a quarter of a century,” said Elkhart Jazz Festival chairman Tim Shelly. Local enthusiasm for the illustrious event, as demonstrated by almost 500 tickets already sold, also points to a re-energizing local economy and to the people of Elkhart’s continuing demand and support for quality, affordable entertainment and cultural experiences in the city’s downtown, said Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore. “Elkhart is breaking through a very challenging recession and jazz brings people together for memorable times that benefit the whole community socially and economically. This year, when thousands of people tap their toes, clap their hands and snap their fingers to the beat, we’ll be recognizing 25 years of civic pride around this fabulous event. We live in a determined, creative and happening place and The Elkhart Jazz Festival is always a vital force in the city’s downtown renaissance. I try to go every year and this year, I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” said Moore. With a start in 1988, the festival first welcomed 67 performers and 3,000 visitors. This year, organizers hope to see more than 250,000 jazz enthusiasts, said Shelly. Many more volunteers will be recruited in the coming days and weeks to help ensure this is the best festival yet, Shelly said. “The Elkhart Jazz Festival is perhaps the only volunteer-delivered jazz festival in the nation. And it’s only one reason that Elkhart is known as ‘The City with a Heart,’” he said. The Elkhart Jazz festival will be June 22-24. For tickets, call 1-800-294-8223, order online at www.downtownelkhart.org/elkhart-jazz-festival or visit The Lerner Box Office (corner of Franklin Street and South Main Street) during Box Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The telephone is 574-293-4469 or 800-294-8223. Online sales at www.thelerner.com
