MOUNT MORRIS – The first annual Encore! Mt. Morris Jam Fest will feature an afternoon of live music, tasty food, local artisan businesses and family fun on the historic Mount Morris campus, Saturday, Sept. 23.
Beginning at 1 p.m. on the bandshell, three of the top bluegrass musicians in the Chicago area, Rob Anderlik, Pat Otto and Mike Church will play a 90-minute set. This group of gifted players first met at a late night jam session and felt a deep musical connection from the moment they played together. Even better, they discovered they shared a wide range of musical interests, ranging from Southern and classic rock, blues, swing, jazz standards, cinematic instrumentals, folk music and of course, bluegrass.
They formed a trio in 2015 and quickly built a reputation as one of the most versatile acoustic bands in the Midwest. Steeped in a variety of musical genres with chops to spare, the trio plays together with great finesse and is capable of switching gears to constantly amaze and impress any audience. Come hear these talented pickers perform a wide variety of favorite tunes on Dobro, Mandolin and Guitar.
2:30-4 p.m.: Aireloom Music Studio and others will be participating in the Campus Jam. All musicians are invited to join in and Jam! Bring your instrument, be a part of the fun. Mary Ley leading a children's show, Dennis Stukenburg will head the Blues station, Chris Kolling will host the Rock & Roll zone, and local guitarist, Mike Bratt will be hosting the Country and Bluegrass station. Come out and play or just sit back and watch your community Jam!
4-5 p.m.: Ukulele Station America will be on the bandshell with John Lindhorst and the Rock River Strummers, featuring the Ukulele Club Players from Lindblom Math & Science Academy of Chicago. The academy is a selective enrollment 7th-12th grade school located in Englewood on the south side of Chicago. Lindblom's Ukulele Club was founded by senior Journey Monegain in 2013, in order to relieve stress and spread positivity and love through the ukulele. The club's diverse students represent a range of grade levels and musical experience, and often host concerts at school and around the Englewood community. They are thrilled to participate in Jamfest 2017 and thank Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center for hosting their stay.
5-6:30 p.m.: Solar Pulse takes the bandshell. Their musical backgrounds range from gritty guitar licks, rocking bass, popping drums, smooth jazz piano, sax, trumpet, and trombone all molded together for your listening pleasure! Featuring John Rodriguez - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals, Andrew Schneider - Keyboard/Melodica/Vocals, Luis Lopez - Lead Guitar, Duain Altepeter - Bass/Vocals, Alvin Russell - Drums, Cory Ellis - Trombone, Tyler Mauer - Trumpet and Anthony Mauer - Sax, Solar Pulse is a Jazz, Funk, & Rock infused band formed in early 2015.
Discover Market will be open for the afternoon. Cheese and Jam Slam special grilled cheese sandwiches will be featured along with Jen's Artisan Breads, Triple Cutt Designs, BerryView Orchard, Barker’s Brew Iced Coffee, Cakes by Dolores, Dietrich Ranch, Jan’s Honey, Oregon Soap Shoppe & Green Art, and more.
Bring the whole family, Encore! Mt. Morris has organized this as a super fun, family-friendly day, filled with a little something for everyone. The Kids Play Zone will be open from 2:30-6 p.m. Living Hope and Aireloom Music Studio, have teamed up to bring you a fun afternoon for the kids. We'll have bouncy houses, games, and kids music.
Noon-6 p.m.: Old Sandstone Gallery will be open hosting their fifth event of the summer, a juried Fine Art Show. Presenting over 80 works of art on display from 30 artists, several from Mount Morris and other close-by communities. The gallery is located on the campus, next to the bandshell.
Encore! Mt. Morris, a cultural initiative of the Mt. Morris Economic Development Corp, is composed of volunteers committed to developing Mount Morris into a unique, thriving rural and cultural arts destination in northwest Illinois. Learn more at EncoreMtMorris.com also on Facebook.
