25th Annual Elkhart Jazz Festival

This is not just any year - it’s the 25th anniversary of a festival that started small and has grown year-over-year to bring national attention to the City of Elkhart. The unrivaled 25th Anniversary Elkhart Jazz Festival promises another year of great entertainment for thousands of people.

The event comes to life on six downtown stages June 22-24 in Elkhart, Indiana. With new faces, new venues and an ongoing commitment to bring fans the best jazz festival ever, the 2012 event will really make your summer swing.

To host a superior Jazz Festival that appeals to true jazz fans (a highly selective audience) requires exceptional talent. This year, while there will be some regional favorites at the festival, the Elkhart Jazz Festival is flying in renowned musicians and performers from across the country to appear at the event.

“If you’re a long-time jazz fan, you’ll recognize these names,” asserts talent organizer, Van Young. “If you’re a music lover, you’ll want to make sure to come to the festival to hear these performers. It’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.”

2012 Jazz Festival Headliners
As always, the 2012 event will bring in new and renowned musicians and performers from across the country to appear at the festival. National jazz headliners include: The Four Freshmen, Davina and the Vagabonds, Tim Cunningham, Alfonso Ponticelli and his Swing Gitan, Joan Collaso

Other featured acts include:
Alejo Poveda’s Latin Quintet, Bobby Lewis Jazz Quintet, Dave Bennett Quartet, Eddie Metz Trio,
Kilgore Quartet, Stephanie Trick Trio, Blue Sky, Buffalo Ridge Band, Dave Hepler Trio, Gull Lake Orchestra, Laub Duo featuring Bucky Pizzarelli, Wally’s Warehouse Waifs.

Mayor Dick Moore is exceptionally proud of the city’s downtown historic Lerner Theatre which hosts three festival stages, and rightly so. The Lerner Theatre and Grand Ballroom are unparalleled arts and culture venues for the Elkhart community.

In 2012, festival goers have the opportunity to explore the theatre and experience live jazz music in this stunning venue. “If you come to the festival for no other reason, it is worth it just to hear music in this beautifully historically restored theatre,” promises Mayor Moore.

Now celebrating its 25th year, the Elkhart Jazz Festival is an annual musical event coordinated by Downtown Elkhart, Inc. DEI brings together downtown stakeholders to focus on economic development in order to build a thriving downtown attractive to residents, new businesses and visitors.