BridgeFest Music Line-up Offers Something for Everyone

Music buffs have plenty of toe-tapping variety in store at the Bay BridgeFest 2009.

Rochelle Harper consistently delights fans with her strong and melodic vocal style.

The musical offerings range from jazz to classic rock and from country to rhythm and blues. Live entertainment begins at 11am on May 16th and rocks on in Old Town until 8pm.

Early in the planning stages, Hollywood Casino signed on to sponsor the entertainment for this year’s event. John Chaszar, General Manager of Hollywood, called BridgeFest “extremely important” to the community and said he was delighted to have the opportunity to help.

“Hollywood Casino recognizes that the event gives Bay St. Louis and Hancock County exposure in a regional market,” Chaszar said. “We’re very passionate about Bay St. Louis. Our mission is to help improve the quality of life here which will attract visitors, new residents and businesses. We’re committed to being an active participant in the community.”

Local favorite Rochelle Harper kicks off the festivities on Friday evening at a private party for BridgeFest patrons and sponsors, held at the Silver Slipper Bay Café on Main Street. From 6pm – 9pm, she’ll be performing jazz classics as “Sista Jazz.”

On Saturday during the festival, the main Hollywood stage will be set up at Beach Blvd. and Main Street. Featured acts are Bo and Dee, the Navy’s twenty-piece military band, Suthurn Touch and Al “Lil Fats” Jackson, with a New Orleans style piano performance.

A second stage sponsored by Hollywood Casino, the city of Bay St. Louis and the Hancock County Board of Supervisors will be located at the corner of Main Street and 2nd Street. Acts include Hogwash – featuring Shea Michaels – the Navy’s Rock band and Joni Compretta performing traditional country favorites.

The food court area on the first block of Main St. has been dubbed the Silver Slipper Bay Café for the event and will also feature live music from 11am – 5pm by local artists Dancing Peasants, Kork and Island of Rhythm.

Chazar, who has been a Coast resident for over 8 years, said that Bay St. Louis has a tremendous amount of potential. He visualizes it becoming a “mini Sausalito,” a California Bay area town, world renown as a charming arts colony.

“BridgeFest gives us a sterling opportunity to show the region that we’re a very special place,” Chaszar said. “Hollywood Casino is very proud to play a role in letting the rest of the world know how much we have to offer.”

For more information, contact the Chamber office at 228.467.9048.
 

Bridgefest 2009 is sponsored by Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, City of Bay St. Louis, Hancock County Board of Supervisors, City of Waveland, Hollywood Casino, Silver Slipper Casino, Coast Transit Authority, Sun Herald Multi Media, The Sea Coast Echo, South Mississippi Living, and the MS Department of Transportation.

Listing of All BridgeFest Pages:

Bridgefest Artists

BridgeFest Art Village

BridgeFest Artwalk

BridgeFest Bay Café

BridgeFest Family Art (Artrageous!)

BridgeFest Family Fun

BridgeFest Letter from the Mayor

BridgeFest Letter from the President

BridgeFest Music Line-Up

BridgeFest Official Poster / Art Auction

BridgeFest Run / Walk

BridgeFest Salutes the Military

BridgeFest Schedule of Events

BridgeFest Vendors