he 14th Annual Elkhart Jazz Festival in Elkhart, IN was a real crowd-pleaser thanks in part to festival staff, more than 200 volunteers, and several Yamaha pianos. During the three-day event last June, more than 150 musicians played 110 music sets in jam sessions that showcased America's original music. Ten Yamaha pianos, including Disklavier® GranTouch™ DGT2 and DGT7 models as well as Disklavier DGH1B grand pianos, were provided by Shirk's Piano and Organ in Mishawaka, IN.

Jazz from the Heartland

"The musicians seem to enjoy the Yamaha pianos," says Sandy Geiser, executive director of Elkhart Centre and producer of the Festival. "A few years ago, I had a musician request a Yamaha piano, and Shirk's has made them available for us ever since. They're beautiful pianos and work out really well for jazz's diverse styles."

That's vital, because a hallmark of the Elkhart Jazz Festival is a commitment to present a wide range of jazz music, from bebop and swing to fusion and Latin. "We pride ourselves on our diversity," says Geiser. This up-and-coming Festival has yet another reason to be proud, she adds. "Travel America magazine named us one of the Top Three reasons to visit Indiana, right behind the Indy 500 and the Indiana State Fair."

Yamaha specialist Sue Downs

The line-up for this year's Festival included jazz veterans and newcomers alike, with featured pianists Taylor Eigsti, Eddie Higgins, Art Hillery, and Mike Longo playing the Yamaha pianos.

Mike and Lisa Roth of Shirk's directly attribute sales of three Yamaha DGTs to interest generated at the Shirk booth. "Yamaha specialist Sue Downs played at the booth, including a phenomenal Disklavier duet with Eddie Higgins," says Yamaha District Manager Denny Glander. "Sue is unbelievable, she can really rip it up! And, the TV coverage that we got inspired a lot of people to make a beeline to our booth, just to see Sue play the Disklavier. It was great!"

(for CD compatible modules) Pop Hits Dane Madsen pianist Yamaha PianoSoft•Plus An eclectic selection of original great radio hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s The Gilbert and Sullivan Collection Bryan Pezzone pianist Yamaha PianoSoft•Plus This great selection of nine songs also features the Czech Symphony and the Prague Philharmonic Choir Alan Pasqua–Latin Jazz Alan Pasqua pianist Yamaha PianoSoft•Plus The masterful pianist performs seven beloved classics from the Latin jazz songbook, and one original composition