Media Contact: John Moultrie Live Music Matters (773) 450-2319 www.lighthousejazzfestival.com For Immediate Release Michigan City Hosts Inaugural Lighthouse Jazz Festival Michigan City, IN Live Music Matters is pleased to present the inaugural Lighthouse Jazz Festival on July 9 in Michigan City s lakefront Guy Foreman Amphitheatre, located inside historic Washington Park. The one-day festival features live music by top jazz artists, craft beers and wine, local cuisine, interactive activities for children and more. The Lighthouse Jazz Festival kicks off at 11 a.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Tickets for this unique entertainment experience are now on sale at http://j.mp/lighthousejazz Michigan City is on the upswing of change and everyone, including me, wants to be a part of something big, said Lighthouse Jazz Festival Artistic Director, John Moultrie. His regionally based firm is producing the music festival. Michigan City reminds me of many of the neighborhoods in Chicago where I grew up. The culture and diversity makes me feel right at home. Not to mention the people that I've come to meet--from small business owners, to corporate retailers, from the locals to visitors. We all want to do our part and support the new vision. Moultrie was inspired by the announcement of Michigan City s new slogan, Create. Play. Repeat developed for the city by a firm commissioned to devise a plan to rebrand Michigan City. When the city went through the new branding session, I saw how music and events could attract more people to the downtown businesses as well as entertain a diverse population. I knew then, I had to be a part of this. Lighthouse Jazz Festival attendees will be treated to diverse musical sounds from the big band era, traditional straight ahead jazz, chamber music, soul, funk and smooth jazz.
Lighthouse Jazz Festival Lineup The Lake Effect Jazz Big Band Mimi Jones Band, with Special Guest Tammy McCann Shana Tucker Jimmy King and The Revolt Alex Bugnon Noon to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. About the Performers 12:00-1:30 pm The Lake Effect Jazz Big Band The Lake Effect Jazz Big Band is committed to preserving the uniquely American art form of big band jazz. Music educators are the heart and soul of the band and are joined by an eclectic mix of professional musicians and devoted lovers of big band music. Lake Effect's blends classic big band jazz and modern compositions for a sound all their own. 2:00-3:30 pm Mimi Jones Band, with Special Guest Tammy McCann -- New York native Mimi Jones (aka Miriam Jones) is a multi-talented bassist, vocalist and composer whose elegant sound is an eclectic mix of genres based on a strong jazz foundation. Jones has performed with such talents as the great Lionel Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Tia Fuller, Sean Jones, and Kenny Barron. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, she has studied with Lisle Atkinson, Ron Carter, and Milton Hinton. She has toured extensively internationally and is a U.S. Jazz Ambassador. Tammy McCann is an internationally recognized jazz vocalist who merges classical vocal technique and gospel esthetic with jazz to create a sound uniquely her own. 4:00-5:30 pm Shana Tucker -- Shana Tucker is a singer-songwriter and cellist who credits her genre-bending ChamberSoul journey to the influences of her jazz and classical roots, interwoven with 80's & 90's pop music, movie soundtracks, and world music. A radio interview on NPR led to an invitation to join the musical cast of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, where Shana currently splits time when she is not on the road.
6:00-7:30 pm Jimmy King and The Revolt Jimmy has an impressive career that spans several years and has worked with many noteworthy and accomplished musicians. Currently, Jimmy is playing with Bruno Mars, but is actively pursuing a solo career. Jimmy King and his band, The Revolt, recently released their debut EP, titled His Pathways. The album showcases King's vast talent and wide range over soulful tracks. 8:00 p.m. & 9:30 pm Alex Bugnon The soulful, funky contemporary jazz of Montreux-born keyboardist Alex Bugnon (boon-yahn') has set him apart from his peers. Inspired by his jazz musician father, and uncle, late trumpet great Donald Byrd, Alex Bugnon cultivated his love for a wide range of jazz and soul-based artists and styles. Bugnon has created one of the most recognized styles in today's contemporary jazz piano. It is a sultry mixture of contemporary jazz, funk, and R&B with hints of gospel. While enjoying the wonderful sounds of live jazz, guests can savor a wide range of food and beverages from an array of local vendors, including: Herb-N-Juice Da Pizza Dude Big Daddy's BBQ Lulu's Licks Beach Bucket Fudge & Popcorn Budweiser Round Barn Treasury Wines Goose Island Shady Creek and more! Redamak's Valpo Velvet
The Lighthouse Jazz Festival will deliver lots of fun and games geared to guests of all ages: Kids Quest: Enjoy arts and craft projects, face painting, singing, dancing and other fun activities designed especially for elementary through middle school aged children. Harley-Davidson JUMPSTART : Experience the thrill of the throttle that only comes with riding a Harley-Davidson during the jumpstart Riding Experience. The Harley-Davidson Shop of Michigan City presents an innovative demo tool that safely puts riders in the saddle of a running Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Absolutely no riding experience is necessary. Game Truck: It s more than a truck and trailer it s an experience! Attendees 7 years and older enjoy cutting-edge video gaming technology while creating lasting memories with family and friends. Game Truck is staffed with an experienced team of Game Coaches, dozens of video games and the latest consoles. Musical Instrument Petting Zoo: Curious kids and adults can see, hear and touch musical instruments seen on the festival stage. Professional musicians will demonstrate how to hold and play the different instruments to make beautiful music. Wine and Canvas Adult Art Experience: Let the sounds of live jazz and the taste of wine inspire you to paint a masterpiece with guidance from professional artists. Whether you re artistically challenged or a seasoned painter, you ll enjoy this unforgettable hands-on arts experience. Cookies and Canvas Children's Art Experience: Every child is an artist during this hands-on arts experience. Children will be guided through the process of painting a canvas from start to finish. And they ll be able to snack on cookies as they create a masterpiece that they can bring home. VIP tickets are now on sale for those who want upfront, all-day reserved seating in the Guy Foreman Amphitheatre. VIP ticket holders will be able to take in all the festival sights and sounds with confidence, knowing their seats are guaranteed to be there. General admission ticket holders can bring portable chairs and blankets and enjoy the expansive lawn space around the Amphitheatre stage. Tickets are on sale now! Purchase your tickets for this unique music experience in advance and save. Buy your tickets online at http://j.mp/lighthousejazz. Online general admission tickets for guests 21-years-old and older and VIP tickets for guests of all ages start at just $10.00 (That s a $5.00 savings!) Tickets may be purchased at the gate on July 9, 2016 beginning at 11:00 am. Prices at the gate start at: 12 and under FREE - 13-20 yrs. old $5.00-21 and older $15.00
Strengthening Communities. Making a Difference The Lighthouse Jazz Festival mission is to create positive cultural and economic impacts for Michigan City and surrounding communities. In addition to the festival activities, Lighthouse Jazz Festival offers an educational program for young people: Living Classrooms is a project-based learning program designed to strengthen communities and inspire young people to achieve their potential. Through hands-on education and job training that uses journalism, social media, multi-media and concert production as living classrooms, participants learn through direct experience and develop skills that will benefit them in the classroom and workforce. About Live Music Matters: The Lighthouse Jazz Festival is presented by Live Music Matters, a non-profit arts organization committed to celebrating the live music experience through performance, education and community outreach. Live Music Matters works in conjunction with performers, artists, writers and musicians sharing a vision of enriching lives through various media and expression. Festival Artistic Director John Moultrie, founder of Live Music Matters, was recently named one of 20 Game Changers by Michiana Life Magazine and is the host of the irock Jazz Radio Show on 88.1 FM WVPE. Moultrie will relocate the popular Ship and Shore Blues Festival to Michigan City on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-4. Visit us online for more information at www.lighthousejazzfestival.com. information on ###