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.
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.
Kidz Beat
Children of all ages will love the new "Kidz Beat" music tent. 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.
River Boat Shuttle
Avoid the traffic congestion and head to the Lansing JazzFest in style! River Boat Taxi Tours will be running a water taxi from the Lansing City Market to Burchard Park, next to the Brenke Fish Ladder in Old Town. For a $1 fare, festival guests can ride to or from the festival on the scenic Grand River.
Bicycle Corral
Lansing's River Trail is a favored route for the community to enjoy a scenic ride. JazzFest guests wishing to head into Old Town via the trail will have an opportunity to use a FREE Family Bicycle Corral provided by Mid-MEAC and staffed by volunteers. Open Friday 4-8 pm and Saturday 1-8 pm, guests simply check their bikes into this monitored space and check them out when leaving.
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.
