Elkhart Art Walk targeting different forms of art to attract locals
Hundreds are expected to visit downtown Elkhart Thursday evening It’s the Elkhart Art Walk’s 6th year and organizers say they’re targeting all the different arts.
The art is set and will continue to be set out throughout the day but this time, if you’re walking in the downtown Elkhart area, you might actually be able to hear this one from a few blocks away. Art walk organizers say they’re pumping up the jams now. They will feature local music talent this evening ahead of the upcoming Elkhart Jazz Festival's 30th year. That begins on June 23rd. The Art Walk is scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month from through November 8th.
With different musicians lined up, organizers say they have different themes and a different focus each time. This time, that focus is music. Organizers say it not only benefits local businesses in this area, but now, it opens up that window for local musicians to become recognized as well.
Jazz master and virtuoso musician Jim Catalano will perform on vibraphone at Arts on Main. The tight bluegrass trio Pine Lunch will be located near the Midwest Museum of American Art. Acoustic guitarist Don Kilgren will perform at the Elkhart Art League in their new studio location in the west wing of the Amtrak depot at 131 Tyler Street.
Other musicians include local favorite Paul Decker at Black Crow on Main, Wyatt Nowak at Juxtapose Gallery. The duo Gemini will perform at Hopman Jewelers. Rex Ellsworth and Mike Keagle at Our Place on Main. There will also be impromptu "sit in" musicians joining some of these acts.
"We've really beefed up the presence of local musicians this year - after all, music is an art too. The City seems to come alive when there's a strong element of music in the air,” said Art Walk organizer Steve Gruber.
Organizers say this event will happen rain or shine from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Renowned bassist Buddy Pearson and his band After Ours will headline the main stage at Civic Plaza, beginning at 5:30 pm.