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Kenosha – HarborPark Jazz Rhythm & Blues organizers have announced that GRAMMY®-award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum returns to headline the 2026 HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival, Saturday, August 15, at Celebration Place on Kenosha’s Lakefront.

Soulful, passionate, stirring...these are the words most often used to describe Whalum's music. Forged from his Memphis, Tennessee, gospel roots and his 1980’s initiation into the thriving Houston, Texas, nightclub scene, Whalum’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The ‘80s were highlighted by Whalum’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was there that Whalum ultimately developed both his “voice” and songwriting in the crucible of the local club scene especially at a rooftop club called Cody’s.

It was also in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James discovered Whalum and brought him on tour, which led to five successful albums with Columbia Records, including “Cache,” Whalum’s first #1 album. Whalum and James received a Grammy nomination for their collaboration album “Joined at the Hip.” 

After moving to Los Angeles, Whalum became an in-demand session player for top artists like Barbra Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and others. Perhaps most notably, it is Whalum’s saxophone heard on Whitney Houston’s mega-hit “I Will Always Love You.” In a career spanning decades, Whalum has a sound that is uniquely his; it is a sound that leaves an indelible imprint on the listener.

An ordained minister, Whalum earned a Master of Arts degree in religion. It’s in this spirit that he serves his community. In addition to music and ministry, Whalum has a passion to educate young, aspiring musicians and is currently engaged as a music professor at Visible Music College in his hometown of Memphis.

Whalum is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgments including three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and has won two Stellar Awards – gospel music’s highest honor. A 12-time Grammy® Award nominee, Whalum won his first Grammy® Award in 2011 for Best Gospel Song “It’s What I Do,” featuring Lalah Hathaway. Whalum has also been honored with a Brass Note on the Memphis Walk of Fame, and a Star on the Nashville Walk of Fame.

“We are excited to welcome back Kirk to Kenosha and continue the tradition of providing amazing musical talent on our scenic lakefront. He has the perfect music for a Saturday evening at HarborPark Celebration Place. Whalum knows how to entertain an audience” says Tim Mahone, Mahone Foundation chair.

More musical acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

The festival takes place Saturday August 15, at HarborPark Celebration Place. Gates open at noon. The festival kicks off around 12:45 p.m. with a popular cooking demonstration called “Cooking Studio.” The Cooking Studio provides the gourmet foodie and aspiring cooks a gorgeous lakefront atmosphere to learn a few valuable pro-cooking secrets in a mock Kitchen TV-show environment. “We are really excited that the Cooking Studio is back this year,” says Cooking Studio Captain Teri Jacobson. “We have a tradition of working with local and regional chefs to teach our audience tips of the culinary trade. They help to create an interactive environment where attendees learn to make fun new meals their families are sure to enjoy.”

Visit Kenosha President Dennis DuChene says the organization is proud to continue its support of the Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation. “HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival, which helps support the great work of the Mahone Foundation, is an iconic event in Kenosha’s lineup of summer fun,” DuChene said. “The combination of talent on the stage and Lake Michigan for a backdrop makes it an enjoyable and memorable experience.”

Foodies and music fans alike look forward to the opportunity to enjoy great live music, dancing and celebrating with people looking to have a fun time at Celebration Place. Additional musical performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets can be purchased now online at mahonefoundation.org or at Tenuta’s Deli starting June 22nd. General admission lawn seats are $35 in advance and $45 at the gate. VIP tickets are $95 (includes concert ticket, food, complimentary beer, and wine – alcoholic carry-ins are prohibited). All proceeds benefit the Mahone Foundation and its mission to provide educational opportunities for economically and academically deserving youth and to support healthy lifestyle initiatives in communities of color. 

The HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival provides a wonderfully diverse mixture of music showcasing Kenosha’s beautiful lakefront and highlighting the city’s dedication to the arts and cultural activities. Drawing thousands of visitors from all over the Midwest and beyond, the event welcomes national and regional jazz artists, including Paul Taylor, Alex Bugnon, Spyro Gyra, Nelson Rangell, Euge Groove, Eric Marienthal, David Benoit, Richard Elliott, and Norman Brown just to name a few.

"I can tell you Celebration Place was just a point on the map until the HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival arrived on Kenosha's lakeshore 26 years ago. And I can’t think of a better opportunity to celebrate and support the legacies of Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone.”, said Bill Siel, District 2 Alderperson

Silent Auction, Wine Pull and Raffle

Besides listening to quality music throughout the day, patrons will be able to purchase tickets for the 50/50 raffle and participate in the very popular Silent Auction and Wine Pull, giving supporters the opportunity to win top-quality wine and fun prize packages including weekend getaways in Chicago, a Milwaukee Bourbon Tasting experience, Jazz Experiences, exquisite dining at Capital Grille and Bartolotta’s restaurants along with ticket options for the Packers, Brewers, Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. If interested in providing an auction/raffle item or wine for the wine pull, please visit mahonefund.org or contact Teri Gamble at tgamble235@gmail.com

Volunteer and Vending Opportunities

Volunteers for the festival are needed in the following areas: security, ticket admissions, wine/beer garden, I.D. verification, VIP area, volunteer tent, hospitality, crowd control, stage crew, ground crew (setup and cleanup). Shifts will be determined by a volunteer’s availability and a 4-hour minimum is required. Benefits include a volunteer T-shirt, refreshments during the time of the shift and admission to the festival. If you are interested in volunteering, please email your request to chairman@mahonefoundation.org.

If interested in registering as a food, non profit or corporate vendor visit mahonefoundation.org or contact Anthony Kennedy at anthonykennedykenosha@yahoo.com. For sponsorship and corporate package information visit the Mahone Foundation website at mahonefoundation.org.