Photos: Elkhart County CVB / Peter Ringenberg
Memories in the melodies
Elkhart’s love of music continues, and its economic impact has great potential
From the place that made the band instrument industry, sweet
sounds of success have returned to the community.
Music is alive in Elkhart County, rekindled by both local talent
and high-class facilities. The Elkhart Jazz Festival has brought in
hundreds of thousands of visitors since the late 1980s, but that
one weekend in the summer is now complemented by established
performers appearing at the Lerner Theatre and Goshen College’s
Sauder Concert Hall.
Gavin DeGraw. The Count Basie Orchestra. Pink Martini. Kris
Kristofferson. The Moody Blues. Something for everyone.
Smaller stages exist, too, as the springboard for local talent and an
attraction for indie acts passing through. And sometimes, all that’s
really needed is a sidewalk. Any place to make a memory play on.
Music as economic development
Austin, Texas, knows a thing or two about the power of live
performances. Civic leaders clearly cherish music’s economic
development possibilities. The city’s music division sees potential in
“job creation, talent export, trade development and industry revenue
growth,” according to its website.
While Elkhart County certainly isn’t on the same level of Austin as a
music magnet, the tradition and potential are rich … and certainly
adhere to those four economic initiatives.