Green Initiative
JazzFest proudly continues its greening efforts under the direction of the Sweaty Mouse Old Town Green Team, led by Erin Slayter. Schupan recycling bins will facilitate waste management. The Board of Water and Light has also donated the use of two watering stations for all guests to refill their water bottles for free. The festival has taken other measures to reduce waste production, such as a reduction in printing and repurposing of materials.
MICA Stage
JazzFest will offer attendees an educational experience, thanks to the MICA Stage's performers and instructors. The Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art (MICA) is a non-profit organization acting as a catalyst for quality arts programming, historic renovation and community development. Educational opportunities in the arts are the focus of the MICA Stage. See more on our performers page!
Kidz Beat
Children of all ages will love the new "Kidz Beat" music tent, open 4-7 PM Friday and 2-7 PM Saturday in a lot just north of 1224 Turner (see map here). Marshall Music's Instrument Petting Zoo will be on site, allowing youths to touch, play and explore the sound of a variety of musicmakers. Children will also be able to design and decorate a music maker with repurposed items at the Instrument Crafting Station. Free small hand-held instruments such as kazoos, recorders and wood flutes will be given away to young visitors of Kidz Beat (while supplies last).
The highlight of this wonderful addition to JazzFest programming is an instructor-led parent/child musical exploration time, including singing, dancing, playing simple musical instruments and ending with an interactive drum circle experience. No musical talent is necessary, just a love of music and a willingness to have a little fun.
Bus Shuttle, River Boat Shuttle, and Bicycle Corral
Check the details here!
ePIFanynow Party: Pass It Forward
JazzFest is teaming with the ePIFanynow.org Pass It Forward Party held at Perspective2 Gallery in Old Town (319 E. Grand River Ave.). The event starts at 11:00 am Saturday and is an opportunity to "pass it forward" with a large group of people.
Participants break into teams and go out into the community to do something nice for a stranger. There is no cost unless participants want to spend money to help others; there are plenty of cost-free ideas on how to pass it forward. At 1:00 pm, participants will gather at Perspective2 to share their stories. All stories will be recorded and shared at ePIFanynow.org.
Participants have the opportunity to enjoy JazzFest afterward and will be provided a free ticket to the festival beverage tent.
Happy Hour
From 4:00-6:00 pm on Friday there will be FREE admission to the beverage tent (for age 21+). Come on out with friends or come make new ones and enjoy happy hour with the sounds of jazz on Turner Street.
Old Town Nightlife
After the final note on Turner Street, Old Town invites you to continue to celebrate at one of its nightlife spots. Spiral (Center & Clinton) showcases a DJ, while The Chrome Cat, Grand Café Sir Pizza and the Unicorn Tavern all offer live music within walking distance of the festival on E. Grand River.
