Kenosha music festival confirms headliners

An annual event is returning to Kenosha’s waterfront, bringing fun to everyone.

The HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival takes place annually at Kenosha’s Celebration Place. In the past, regional and national jazz stars such as David Benoit and Ramsey Lewis have appeared at this event. Festivals like this benefit when organizers support them with advertisements made with poster printing.

The headliners this year are Kirk Whalum, and the Nora Jean Blues Band. Whalum is a smooth jazz and R&B saxophonist who has numerous nominations and awards to his credit including a 2011 Grammy in the Best Gospel Song category for “It’s What I Do,” his first win in 12 nominations. He has also won two Stellar Awards, the highest in gospel music.

Jazz is not the only item on the menu. Festival goers can watch experts in the “Cooking Studio,” play in the wine pull, and participate in a 50/50 raffle. The Cooking Studio is a favorite of foodies, who can watch or take part in an interactive demonstration and learn some of the secrets of great chefs.

The festival is produced by volunteers from the Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation, and the proceeds go to support the organization’s mentoring program for future CEOs. Its main goal is to support academic achievement that will enhance a student’s readiness for college, give them a start to a successful career, and help financial barriers that make it difficult for first-generation students to attend college.