LANSING, MI – The Lansing JazzFest is back for its fifteenth year as an annual FREE community music festival August 7th and 8th on the streets of beautiful, historic Old Town Lansing! Big names, big stages and big crowds will come together at this premiere gathering of jazz artists and the people who appreciate them from around Lansing, Michigan, and the Midwest.
Set against the back drop of a unique shopping district and an inviting atmosphere, this year’s line-up hosts a wide variety of creative jazz stylings. Smooth jazz, fusion, be-bop and big band will take turns around quartets and trios to offer the Lansing JazzFest crowd a fantastic weekend of music. “We’ve pulled together an interesting array of musicians to represent the many faces of Jazz this year to give our audience a great show. We’re looking forward to the best JazzFest yet” states JazzFest committee member Mike Skory,
The JazzFest, and its sister festival the Old Town BluesFest, are shining examples of community success. They continually create an open, inviting space where thousands of people gather, make friends, celebrate live music and support the revitalized spirit of Old Town Lansing. Sharen Lange, festival coordinator and publicity director says, “The festivals serve multiple purposes for our community. While they certainly promote and support the art of live music, they also act as a conduit for the local economy and provide a wonderful experience for all of the members of our communities to enjoy. They lift up our collective quality of life.” Once a decrepit neighborhood, through the vision and positive commitment of community leaders, residents and progressive businesses Old Town has shifted into a trendy destination that continues to grow.
This year’s festivals boast creative changes, expanded programming and a continued standard of excellence in music. “We’re getting more creative,” states Sharen Lange. “There are 6 new and exciting changes that will enhance the overall experience of our attendees – among them, a bigger music budget, funding 18 live performances delivered by local, regional and national bands. Both festivals are implementing a ‘green initiative’ to become better stewards of our environment. In response to festival guest surveys, we’re adding to on-site comfort with more restrooms, recycling bins and better accessibility.”
A FREE parking and shuttle service is Lansing JazzFest’s biggest addition to this year’s 2-day event.
Rita Webster, committee member heading up the development of the transit system, states, “We are encouraging everyone to take advantage of this wonderful new system. It’s more convenient, quicker, and greatly helps ease parking congestion in Old Town.” Five FREE parking stations in the Lansing area will be serviced with non-stop shuttles from DEAN Transportation into Old Town. Route maps are available at www.jazzlansing.com.
In a time when most things in Michigan are contracting, Old Town Lansing and events such as the Lansing JazzFest and Old Town BluesFest are growing and expanding to meet the needs of the community. A tremendous amount of creative talent, generous business leaders, dedicated volunteers positive people come together to make the JazzFest and Old Town BluesFest two of Lansing’s premier events of the year!
