The Elkhart Jazz Festival is ready to Strike a Chord in 2023 and announces that tickets are now on sale.
The event marks 35 years of bringing the community together for the party of the summer, celebrating incredible music from world-renowned jazz artists. Consistent with years past, it will celebrate 4 days of music across 6 stages, each with free and ticketed options. Over 50 performances are sure to show the variety jazz brings to this musical menu. New for pass holders, the Library Atrium stage at the Elkhart Public Library will allow a chance to make some noise in an otherwise quiet zone.
Notable for 2023, on Friday June 23rd and Saturday June 24th The Lerner Theatre headlining shows both come as a double-feature ticket.
Friday will include shows by not just one, but two award-winning singers and saxophonists. You may recognize the first as house band regular on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Grace Kelly at 6:00PM. Then at 8:30PM welcoming two-time GRAMMY Nominated, Mindi Abair.
Saturday, The Lerner Theatre ticket includes one of America’s longest enduring vocal groups as a matinee performance with The Four Freshmen at 3:00PM. Grab some dinner downtown, then return for three-time GRAMMY Nominee Joey Alexander taking the stage at 8:30PM.
Want to get started early? Thursday, June 22nd the Elkhart Jazz Festival kicks off at The Lerner Theatre hosting a FREE concert by Truth in Jazz Big Band from 7:00PM – 8:00PM. It will be easy to enjoy a summer night outside at the Wellfield Botanic Gardens while Groovin’ in the Gardens presents Emma Hedrick at 7:00PM and Blair Clark at 8:30PM. You can buy entry through the website in advance, at the gate, or admission is included with proof of purchase to the Elkhart Jazz Festival (just show your ticket, day pass, or receipt).
Friday, June 23rd the Day Pass starts at 5:00PM and includes access to two indoor stages with performances by Lao Tizer Quartet, Ilya Serov, Andy Brown Trio, Julieta Eugenio, and Bryan Eng Trio. Performing on outdoor (free) stages will be Davina and The Vagabonds, Lin Rountree, Ben Davis Trio, Jazz Assemblage, Whistle Pigs, and Darryl Buchanan’s Soul Motown Allstars.
Saturday, June 24th the Day Pass will allow for a full day of great jazz from 10:00AM to Midnight. The Crystal Ballroom will showcase Lucia Sarmiento, Sofia Goodman Group, Kris Brownlee, Emmaline, and Sharel Cassity, all with a more contemporary-modern feel.
Stroll over to the Library Atrium to experience a more traditional vibe with Christopher Lucas Wilson Trio, Emily Cavanagh, Third Shore Collective, Mike Smith Quartet, and Kanola Band.
Performing on outdoor (free) stages will be Teen Town, Isabella Isherwood, New Nostalgia, Couch, Paul Decker & the Real Deal, Shelly Cowling Quintet, David Hilliker Organ Trio, Dave Bennett Quartet, Q Sonics, and SWC.
Sunday, June 25th will have a ticketed Jazz Brunch from 10:30AM-12:30PM in the Crystal Ballroom. All other performances for the day are free. The Lerner Theatre will be hosting Dave Bennett for his 20th year in Elkhart at 1:00PM. Then at 3:00PM, a musician who has become part of the Elkhart family, Joan Collaso Trio is sure to reminisce on her memories over 30 years. The Central Park stage will start at 10:30AM with a River Oaks Community Church Praise Service, then The Dean’s List, Rafael Chavez Trio, and VibeNation.
The Elkhart Public Library also continues a collaboration of their free Curbside Concerts series with a rooftop stage rocking late-night. On Friday, they host Dylan Tolbert at 7:30PM and Bumpus at 10:00PM. Saturday, Lalo Cura gets started at 7:30PM and Empire Strikes Brass will bring the party at 10:00PM.
To learn more, to see the complete musician line-up and schedule, and to purchase access, go online to www.elkhartjazzfestival.com Tickets may also be purchased directly from the Lerner Theatre box office in downtown Elkhart.
For ticket information, contact the Lerner box office at 574.293.4469. For festival information, contact Elkhart Festivals Inc at 574.218.6477
Ticket information Festival Passes –
- FRIDAY, June 23rd
– $30
- SATURDAY, June 24th
– $45
- WEEKEND* – $70 *Includes Friday and Saturday, without Lerner Theatre shows
- SUNDAY Jazz Brunch – $40
Purchasers will need to add headlining options for Friday and Saturday, $25-$55
- FRIDAY, June 23rd: Grace Kelly / Mindi Abair
- SATURDAY, June 24th: The Four Freshmen / Joey Alexander
As an added bonus, you can show your festival pass at Wellfield Botanic Gardens from June 23-25, 2023 and receive one free adult admission per pass (a $10 value). Wellfield is open 10 AM – 6 PM daily. For more information, please visit their website: www.wellfieldgardens.org
