The re-opening of Oak Park wasn't the only festivity attracting a crowd this weekend. In another park across town there was another celebration this one for jazz musicians and fans alike. The Fifth Annual Integrity Jazz Festival filled the Scandinavian Heritage Park with music, artisans and food vendors from 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
The jazz festival was a family-friendly event featuring The Chris Hanson Jazz Quartet, Soulshine and Youth Spotlight, along with other local jazz bands. Starting at 6 p.m., Amanda Carr and the Everett Longstreth Orchestra took the stage with a tribute to Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee. Carr is a multi-styled vocalist and pianist who has been in the music industry for 30 years and recently has been focusing on new interpretations of the Great American Songbook.
Artisans at the festival were showcasing and selling their artwork. They also were enjoying the calm jazz tunes in the warm June afternoon. Donna Watts, art instructor and owner of Art Relief, was having a pleasant afternoon sitting under a tent with her artwork displayed. She hadn't sold any of her work, but had some people sign up for her upcoming art classes in the fall.
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Jill Hambek/MDN
From 1 p.m until 6 p.m., musicians took to the stage and played jazz tunes for the appreciative audience at the 2012 Integrity Jazz Festival. At 6 p.m., Amanda Carr and the Everett Longstreth Orchestra performed their tribute to Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee, and at 9 p.m. a jazz jam session took place at Off the Vine. This was the fifth annual jazz festival.
Integrity Jazz Festival continued with a jazz jam session at Off the Vine from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
In support of Minot's flood recovery and rebuilding efforts, the 2012 Integrity Jazz Festival was presented free to the public. In past years, there has been an admission fee, but the generosity of the festival's sponsors helped to keep the event free.