The Nora Jean Blues Band returns to perform on the Snap-On stage Saturday, August 15, at Celebration Place, HarborPark Jazz Rhythm & Blues organizers have announced.
Nora Jean Bruso, born June 21, 1956 is an American Chicago and electric blues singer and songwriter. She has penned over 700 songs and worked with Carl Weathersby and Dave Specter. Fellow blues singer, Koko Taylor once commented, “Nora Jean sounds just like I did when I was her age. She is one of the new upcoming women that’s singing the real blues” Bruso was named one of the ten great women in Chicago blues by Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. She has been nominated various times for a Blues Music Award.
Nora’s gritty-rough and calmingly sweet blend of Koko Taylor and Etta James is a highlight to her show-stopping, jaw-dropping live performance. “HarborPark Celebration Place is a great location for me to showcase my Mississippi and Chicago style blues music. I’ve been blessed to be able to perform for so many years. I’m looking forward to returning to Kenosha’s scenic Lakefront to share my love of blues music and groove with the fans”, says Nora Jean.
“We are excited to welcome back Nora Jean’s soulful, high energy style back to Kenosha. Her tradition of engaging the audience to be part of the show is unmatched. She has the perfect Mississippi and Chicago stage presence for a Saturday evening at HarborPark Celebration Place. Nora Jean knows how to entertain an audience” says event organizers.
GRAMMY®-award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum will headline the lakefront festival.
Soulful, passionate, stirring…these are the words most often used to describe Whalum’s music. Forged from his Memphis, Tennessee, gospel roots and his 1980’s initiation into the thriving Houston, Texas, nightclub scene, Whalum’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The ‘80s were highlighted by Whalum’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was there that Whalum ultimately developed both his “voice” and songwriting in the crucible of the local club scene especially at a rooftop club called Cody’s.
The remaining musical performances will be announced in the coming weeks.
The festival takes place Saturday August 15, at HarborPark Celebration Place. Gates open at noon. The festival kicks off around 12:45 p.m. with a popular cooking demonstration called “Cooking Studio.” The Cooking Studio provides the gourmet foodie and aspiring cooks a gorgeous lakefront atmosphere to learn a few valuable pro-cooking secrets in a mock Kitchen TV-show environment. “We are really excited that the Cooking Studio is back this year,” says Cooking Studio Captain Teri Jacobson. “We have a tradition of working with local and regional chefs to teach our audience tips of the culinary trade. They help to create an interactive environment where attendees learn to make fun new meals their families are sure to enjoy.”
Visit Kenosha President Dennis DuChene says the organization is proud to continue its support of the Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation. “HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival, which helps support the great work of the Mahone Foundation, is an iconic event in Kenosha’s lineup of summer fun,” DuChene said. “The combination of talent on the stage and Lake Michigan for a backdrop makes it an enjoyable and memorable experience.”
Foodies and music fans alike look forward to the opportunity to enjoy great live music, dancing and celebrating with people looking to have a fun time at Celebration Place.
Tickets can be purchased now online at mahonefoundation.org or at Tenuta’s Deli. General admission lawn seats are $35 in advance and $45 at the gate. VIP tickets are $95 (includes concert ticket, food, complimentary beer, and wine – alcoholic carry-ins are prohibited). All proceeds benefit the Mahone Foundation and its mission to provide educational opportunities for economically and academically deserving youth and to support healthy lifestyle initiatives in communities of color.
The HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival provides a wonderfully diverse mixture of music showcasing Kenosha’s beautiful lakefront and highlighting the city’s dedication to the arts and cultural activities. Drawing thousands of visitors from all over the Midwest and beyond, the event welcomes national and regional jazz artists, including Paul Taylor, Alex Bugnon, Spyro Gyra, Nelson Rangell, Euge Groove, Eric Marienthal, David Benoit, Richard Elliott, and Norman Brown just to name a few.
“I can tell you Celebration Place was just a point on the map until the HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival arrived on Kenosha’s lakeshore 26 years ago. And I can’t think of a better opportunity to celebrate and support the legacies of Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone.”, said Bill Siel, District 2 Alderperson
Silent Auction, Wine Pull and Raffle
Besides listening to quality music throughout the day, patrons will be able to purchase tickets for the 50/50 raffle and participate in the very popular Silent Auction and Wine Pull, giving supporters the opportunity to win top-quality wine and fun prize packages including weekend getaways in Chicago, a Milwaukee Bourbon Tasting experience, Jazz Experiences, exquisite dining at Capital Grille and Bartolotta’s restaurants along with ticket options for the Packers, Brewers, Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. If interested in providing an auction/raffle item or wine for the wine pull, please visit mahonefund.org or contact Teri Gamble at tgamble235@gmail.com
Volunteer Opportunities – Volunteers for the festival are needed in the following areas: security, ticket admissions, wine/beer garden, I.D. verification, VIP area, volunteer tent, hospitality, crowd control, stage crew, ground crew (setup and cleanup). Shifts will be determined by a volunteer’s availability and a 2-hour minimum is required. Benefits include a volunteer T-shirt, refreshments during the time of the shift and admission to the festival. If you are interested in volunteering, please use the following link to confirm your interest – https://forms.gle/YPMnuLKJWkDvt83u5
Vending Opportunities – If interested in registering as a food, nonprofit or corporate vendor visit mahonefoundation.org or contact Anthony Kennedy at anthonykennedykenosha@yahoo.com. For sponsorship and corporate package information visit the Mahone Foundation website at mahonefoundation.org.