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| Erie Art Museum Reveals 2011 Blues & Jazz Festival Lineup The 19th Annual Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Festival returns to Frontier Park on Saturday, Aug. 6 & Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011. For two days and two nights, Frontier Park comes alive with what has proven itself to be the region's most dynamic musical event; this free community event is held rain or shine. The Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Festival, attracting more than 20, 000 visitors, features musicians that range from regional favorites to international super-stars. The event opens Saturday, Aug. 6, 12 p.m. until 10 p.m., and Sunday, August 7, 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. Hands-on art activities will be offered at the EAM Kids' Tent. Headliners include Red Holloway, Campbell Brothers on Saturday, and Amina Figarova Sextet, and the Holly Hofmann/Mike Wofford Quartet on Sunday. Other groups include Eric Brewer and Friends, Charles Ventrello and HelioSound, the Bill Burke Trio, Mahajibee Blues, the Gem City Jazz Ensemble, and a group of refugee women from EAM's Old Songs, New Opportunities program. Almost as signature as the legendary music at the Festival is the original artwork for the 2011 limited edition Festival poster created by artist David Nene. Nene states, "It was a distinct honor to be asked to design the artwork for this year's Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Festival. Posters from previous years have expressed the joy and intense feelings that are created by this truly American music and that was also my intention in creating this design. By using typography as the instrument and color as the score, I hope this year's poster is music to the eyes." Local vendors will cook-up festival fare ranging from Pittsburgh-style sandwiches and veggie burgers to funnel cakes and fresh squeezed lemonade. Again, this year, the Festival has partnered with Waste Management, the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park and WJET-TV, Fox 66, and YourErie.com build upon the Festival's efforts to reduce the environmental impact and to create awareness of the need for environmental stewardship. The public can support the Festival's efforts by recycling what they bring, walking or riding bikes- a secure, complimentary Bike Corral is offered for those riding their bikes-, or considering an optional $2 to the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park to offset their carbon footprint from driving. One of the most notable elements of the Festival is its unique green community park setting. "It's one giant music celebration, " said Eller. "It's the only Festival in town that becomes an all-day outing for families. And there is something for everyone to enjoy." In addition to regulating tent placement, the Erie Art Museum does not permit any tents to be set-up prior to 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. Tents set-up prior to this time will be taken down and can be redeemed at the Festival's Information Tent. Also enforced, are the prohibition of overnight camping and open-flame cooking. Hallmark to the Festival is the Bucket Brigade – a group of community volunteers, which circulate through the crowd to collect a minimum $5 donation per person. "We ask Festival visitors to help the Erie Art Museum keep the Festival free by making a contribution to the Festival. We only ask a visitor once – in exchange for their donation, we give the patron a commemorative Festival button, " said Eller. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Jazz News :: home page |