12th Annual Gene Harris Coming Home Coming Together Concert! June 19, 2010

The city of Benton Harbor plays host to the FREE Gene Harris Coming Home Coming Together Concert, on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 6:15 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Celebrating its 12th season, the event will be held in the Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park in downtown Benton Harbor (at the corner of Pipestone and Main).
Headlining this year’s event will be Benton Harbor’s own Niki Haris, world renowned jazz singer. A graduate of Benton Harbor High School and a former Miss Benton Harbor, Niki is known for her jazz singing, but also performs in the inspirational, dance and funk genre’s. Perhaps best known as Madonna’s backup singer, Niki Haris has worked with a multitude of recording artists including her father, jazz pianist Gene Harris as well as Ray Charles, the Righteous Brothers, Anita Baker, Mick Jagger, David Foster, Mary J. Bligh, John Legend and Whitney Houston, among others.

Backing Niki at this year’s concert is the Tim Fitzgerald Quartet.

Soulful, creative and entertaining, the Tim Fitzgerald Quartet represents some of the best qualities of the Chicago music scene. This band incorporates their love of jazz, soul, pop and world music into each performance, connecting with a broad audience while staying true to the jazz tradition.

Pianist Tom Vaitsas has played with Von Freeman on Von's legendary New Apartment Lounge gig. A swinging and sensitive accompanist, Tom is one of the most in demand pianists in Chicago.

Musically multi-faceted, Ben Jammin' Johnson is one of the most sought after drummer/composers on the Chicago scene.

A vocal chameleon, Sarah Marie Young has established herself as a highly in demand front person, recording artist and top tier background singer.

St. Louis native Matt Young is quickly becoming one of the most well known bassists on the Chicago music scene.

Guitarist Tim Fitzgerald's love of jazz comes through with every note he plays. Though Tim is well-versed in many styles of music, he remains connected to the jazz tradition through his performances with Von Freeman at Chicago's Cultural Center, with Dennis Charles in New York, and with his studies with piano great Barry Harris.

Opening this year’s show will be home grown talent from Southwest Michigan including All God’s Children’s Choir, Aiden Ankli, a local Mezzo-Soprano and the Benton Harbor High School Drumline.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating at this outdoor event. Tables of ten can be purchased for $225 (269-925-6100). Donations are accepted. This is a FREE event.

Rain/construction location is the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome in the City Center; however, no food or beverages will be allowed at the Mendel Center.