Harry Fest 17 set for May 30th

Harry Fest 17, the annual fund raiser for the Harry Stout Foundation presented by “Apogee New Dawn” is set for Saturday, May 30th. Once again, Bittersweet Ski Resort will be the venue and an amazing day of music, fun, family and friends is on tap, plus a few new wrinkles.

“We anticipate a huge turnout this year for Harry Fest based on the exponential growth we have seen the past four years and because of the new addition we have in place” said HSF President Matt Adams. “This year we will have seven area high school’s battling for $ 10,000 in musical equipment for their music programs. The top award of $ 5,000 goes to the school that brings the most people to Harry Fest. Last year, Gull Lake won the top award and they will be back this year to defend their title.” Competing against Gull Lake will be Otsego, Allegan, Vicksburg, Kalamazoo Christian, Mattawan and Kalamazoo Central.

The program for music gear called “Harry Stout Rocks” is just one of several causes the foundation contributes too. Now in its fifth year, HSF has provided over $ 60,000 to south west Michigan communities for scholarships, footwear for elementary aged school children, and various special needs for young people including assistance with hospital expenses. A 100% volunteer organization, HSF is now expanding its scope of giving to Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.

“All of our causes are focused on children and young adults, as well as things that were near and dear to our namesake, Harry Stout” said Adams.

Harry Stout was a 12-year old middle school student at Plainwell when he collapsed and never regained consciousness. The cause of his passing remains unknown but the legacy he created with his broad smile, kind heart and appreciation for the things he had lives on and is now touching the lives of many.

As in years past, Harry Fest will feature live music from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, festival foods, face painting, rides, volleyball, and many other attractions for people of all ages. There is no admission cost to attend Harry Fest. Donations, food sales, tee shirt sales and ride bracelets can be purchased and 100% of the purchase goes to HSF. Harry Fest is held outdoors (indoors if weather dictates)and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

New to Harry Fest 17 are three very exciting and fun additions.
 
  1. Poker Run. Motorcycle enthusiasts from the area will be treated to a great day of riding, and several stops along the way for playing cards with fifth and final stop being Harry Fest. For just $ 20.00 per person, participants will be treated to a great day of fun, prizes, awards and a great meal.
  2. Silent Auction. Vacations, BBQ Grills, golf, new business start up kit, pampering for men and women and much, much more will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. 100% of the auction purchase goes to the foundation and bidders will end up saving lots of money on incredible packages. The silent auction will run all day and evening.
  3. Comedy Night. After the bands are done, the fun moves indoors for an adult only night of hilarity featuring Bryan McCree! Bryan has appeared on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy and MAD TV.  The lounge at Bittersweet will be converted into a night club from 9:00 to midnight and when the laughing ends, the Karaoke begins! Advanced tickets for Comedy Night are just $ 10.00 and $ 20.00 the day of the show. Ticket info can be found at www.harrystout.org

The music line-up for Harry Fest 17 is exciting and diverse. Blues from “Seventh Son,” South of the Border fun with “Los Bandits,” a full horn section with sounds of the 60’ & 70’s with “The Kalamazoo Avenue Band,” Rockin’ Country with “Dew South” and opening the show with an acoustic set is “Tanner Thompson.” Of course, the evening will conclude with the annual appearance of “The Harry Stout All-Star Band” who will be dedicating their performance to their friend and bass player Deny Lee who is battling liver disease. This performance will feature two very special guests who will join the All-Stars for their spirited 45-minute set of eclectic tunes. On lead guitar will be the “legend from Indy,” Butch Taylor, who has played music with Denny since 1973.

Also on the bill, and filling in for Denny on bass will be national recording artist Graham Maby! Graham is most known for his work with Joe Jackson (“Is She Really Going Out With Him”) but has also played live and recorded with Shania Twain, Ian Hunter, Marshall Crenshaw, Natalie Merchant and They Might Be Giants. Considered to be one of the premier and foremost bass players in pop music, the All-Stars are excited to be sharing the stage with this legendary performer.

“This will be an incredible year… and considering the state of the economy, a great opportunity for families, music lovers and fun seekers of all ages to get out and have some fun without spending much of their hard earned cash” Adams said. “And thanks to our incredible partners, local businesses, countless volunteers and our hard-working board of directors, we can keep Harry Fest free and one of the premier events in south west Michigan.”

For all details on music line up, events, partnerships, volunteering, Poker Run and Comedy Night, please visit www.harrystout.org or call Joe Stout at 561-441-6459 or e-mail at joe@bigjoestout.com