It all started 18 years ago as a salute to Benton Harbor native son Gene Harris, who had gone on to fame and fortune in the world of famous Jazz musicians. Now, the annual Gene Harris Coming Home Coming Together Concert is a mature teen-ager and continues to draw sizable crowds to the center of Harris' beloved hometown…and it's still a free deal for everyone.
The city that Gene called home will play host to the free concert event again this year on Sunday, June 26th with "doors" opening at 5pm and entertainment launching at 6:15pm. The outstanding open air concert marks its 18th year at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park in downtown Benton Harbor at the corner of Pipestone & Main. The featured artist this year is The Bruce Katz Band with special guest Niki Haris…the equally renowned adult daughter of Gene Harris.
While Blues is a very important part of his repertoire, Bruce's music has more angles and influences, occupying a unique space where blues, "soul-jazz", jam-band rock, and all aspects of Americana Music collide into a style of original music all his own. He is equally comfortable playing early piano “stride” style jazz, Hammond B-3 Organ and rock. Besides leading the Bruce Katz Band, Bruce is currently a member of the Gregg Allman Band, and plays regularly with John Hammond, Delbert McClinton and other artists as well.
A graduate of Benton Harbor High School and a former Miss Benton Harbor, Niki Haris is known for her jazz singing, but also performs in the inspirational, dance and funk genre’s. Daughter of Grammy nominated jazz pianist Gene Harris, Niki is a multi-talented artist, who has worked with a multitude of recording artists. Her live performances and recording experience reads like a Who¹s Who of the music world with names such as; Ray Charles, Leann Rimes, Michelle Branch, Santana, Kylie Minogue, Luther Vandross, Wilton Felder of the Jazz Crusaders, Stanley Turrentine, the Righteous Brothers, Julian Lennon, Anita Baker, Mick Jagger, Whitney Houston, John Legend, Will I Am, Madonna as well as others.
Opening the show this year will be home-grown talent including the Lake Michigan College Jazz Band and the Benton Harbor Drum Line.
Attendees are encouraged to invite friends and family, and to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and other comfortable seating for this outdoor event. Tables that seat ten can be purchased for $250. Donations are accepted to cover the cost of the free event.
Rain location is the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome in the City Center for the concert; however, no food or beverages will be allowed at the Mendel Center rain location.
The New Territory Arts Association is honored to be the principal and fiduciary sponsor for the 2016 Gene Harris’ Coming Home Coming Together Concert. The NTAA has been working to develop and promote the Benton Harbor Arts District for almost two decades. Creating a strong spirit of community through creative and artistic programming forms the foundation of the NTAA’s mission and this annual concert exemplifies both of these goals.
To reserve a table, please e-mail Jamie Balkin at jbalkin@comcast.net, visit www.newterritoryarts.org, or call 269-757-1586.
