JazzFest set for Aug. 30

Monday, August 17, 2009
Joe Miles, left, and Randy Salman stand outside of Chief's, a sponsor of JazzFest, discussing plans for the sixth annual JazzFest Aug. 30 with music, food, and fun at the FYCDP Community Center.

GREENCASTLE -- An afternoon of music, food, and socializing is planned for the sixth annual FYCDP JazzFest, set for Aug. 30 at 605 Crown St.

Gates open at 1:30 p.m. and entertainment runs from 2 to 7 p.m., with emcee Matthew Headley presiding over the day's events.

The JazzFest is the main fundraiser for the Family Youth and Community Development Program, which operate a community center with programming for all Putnam County residents.

Musicians featured this year are The Hauskatz, Anon and the Late Show, The Crown Street Blues Band, Sandy Williams and Randy Salman.

"These local musicians are eager to perform for a hometown crowd," said FYCDP board member Joe Miles. "I think we have wonderful local talent, and they have all wanted to do this for the past couple of years, so we are making it happen."

Food available this year will include pork barbecue, a varied menu from the Greencastle Lions Club, and the traditional homemade desserts the loyal followers of the event have come to expect.

"The Greencastle Lions Club has really stepped up and joined with us this year to help in the kitchen and with our food sales," said board member Pam Guthrie.

Another popular fundraiser at the JazzFest is the silent auction. Items available this year include a one-week Florida vacation, an IU basketball package with game tickets and dinner, a football signed by Tony Dungy, a basketball signed by NBA Hall-of-Famer Robert Parish, the opportunity to have a menu item named for the winner at Chief's, a chance for any teacher in the Greencastle School Corporation to have one class taught by Superintendent Robert Green, and other services and items contributed by local celebrities.

Raffle items, with tickets available the day of the event, are widely varied this year.

"We have never in the past had such generous contributions from local businesses," said Guthrie. "We have gift certificates to local restaurants and stores, merchandise, and sports items."

"Advance ticket sales for the event are going well," added board member Charles Miles.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate. Senior citizens age 65 and older and students with an ID pay half-price. Children age 10 and younger are free. For advance ticket sales, go to Cross Cuts at 819 East Franklin St., see a board member, or call 653-6325 or 653-5811.

Parking the day of the event is available at Ridpath School across Crown Street from the community center.

FYCDP has been serving the community since 2003 providing after-school tutoring, summer programs, holiday events, fitness activities, organized basketball clinics, and family game nights. The facility is also available for use by community organizations and is currently being used by the Girl Scouts and 4-H Clubs.

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