Press Release
Live at Idlewild, A One Day Music Festival Headlined by Maysa and Featuring Martha Reeves and The Vandellas Rekindles the Magic of Michigan’s Black Eden, the Historic Resort Community, Idlewild
Live at Idlewild, a new one day music festival, headlined by Maysa and featuring Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Alexander Zonjic, will bring back the magic of the historic lakes community, once known as the Black Eden of Michigan, on Saturday June 29th from 1 to 8 p.m. The festival was created by longtime Idlewild resident and Detroit native, Blair Evans along with Artistic Director Alexander Zonjic, known for producing music festivals throughout Michigan and nationally and presented by the Lake County Merry Makers 501 (c) (3)
From 1912 through the mid 1960s, Idlewild was an active year round community and was visited by well known African American professionals and entertainers from all over the country. It was one of the few resorts in the nation where African Americans were allowed to vacation and purchase property before discrimination was outlawed with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Founded in 1912, Idlewild attracted the African American middle class largely composed of professional and small business owners including well known national figures like NAACP co-founder W.E.B. DuBois and self made millionaire, cosmetic entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker and many more. As time went on it also became known as an entertainment mecca, attracting the most famous musicians, singers and dancers of the era including Louis Armstrong, Della Reese, Sarah Vaughan, The Four Tops and more.
“The musical heritage of Idlewild is truly inspiring, ” said Zonjic. “The idea of combining world class music on a new stage, here at Idlewild, and at the same time learn all about this historically rich community, is a unique and exciting opportunity for performers and audience alike.”
Located 35 miles east of Ludington on beautiful Lakes Idlewild and Paradise and surrounded by the Manistee National Forest, the setting is perfect to celebrate the excitement and rich heritage of Idlewild, by bringing out the stars to perform seven hours of Soul, R&B, Motown, Funk and Jazz. Headliner of the festival is Emmy nominated R&B singer, Maysa, adored for her soulful, sultry and jazzy vocals. She will perform with her 10 piece ensemble. Motown legend, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, make their way from Motown to Idlewild to perform classics including Dancing in the Street, Jimmy Mack and Nowhere to Run. Funky Smooth Jazz will be front and center when award winning flutist Alexander Zonjic teams up with legendary keyboard player James Lloyd from Pieces of a Dream along with the Motor City Horns. Chart topping trumpeter Lin Rountree will perform many of his radio hits and Larry Lee and the Back in the Day Band will perform old school R&B and funk and will have everyone on their feet.
“Idlewild is a pristine location today and our goal is to offer folks the chance to revisit the magic of Idlewild’s rich history by recreating the sense of music and excitement that was so much a part of the legendary Idlewild, ” said Evans. ” When Alexander Zonjic visited us, I knew he had the experience and knowledge to help us pull this off.”
The music festival will be held on the grounds of the Yates Township Complex in historic Idlewild, Michigan. Bring your own chair. The gates open at noon and performances start at 1 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m. General Admission is $45 and VIP Reserved seating area and amenities is $125.
The complex is located at 6347 S. Nelson Road in Idlewild, Michigan.
For tickets and information go to Liveatidlewild.com or call Phyllis at 419-280-1073.