Detroit Jazz Fest Maiden Voyage

Detroit Jazz Fest Maiden Voyage

A fundraiser for the 30th Anniversary of the Detroit International Jazz Festival Sets Sail August 26, 2009 ~ Limited Reservations On Sale Now

DETROIT, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit International Jazz Festival (DJF), America's largest free jazz festival, is adding a new dimension this year. In celebration of DJF's 30th Anniversary, a fundraiser is being made possible, in part, by Citizens Bank. The Detroit Jazz Fest Maiden Voyage, presented by Citizens Bank, will set sail on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at 7:30 PM.

The two-hour cruise will take place aboard the stylish Ovation Yacht. Launched in 2005, this 138-foot vessel has a "distinctly metropolitan flair" and includes three decks and an outstanding slate of amenities. Guests will be treated to dinner, cocktails and live jazz performed by Detroit legend and Mack Avenue recording artist Johnnie Bassett. The cruise will also feature the much anticipated release of the 2009 Detroit Jazz Fest CD - a compilation of some of the world-class performers who will appear on Labor Day Weekend.

Reservations are $150 per person, and only 220 are available for this special event. Sixty three percent (63%) of the price of admission is tax-deductible. Proceeds from the cruise will help support the festival, including educational programs, throughout the year.

With an estimated $90M economic impact to the local economy, "Citizens Bank is excited and proud to be a part of this great Detroit event that means so much to the region," says Lissa Chartier, Citizens Bank Region President. "The Jazz Cruise adds an exciting element to this already important and spectacular Detroit event." Detroit Jazz Fest Events Chair Sharon Banks added, "We are grateful to Citizens Bank and so pleased to offer this elegant and intimate experience with a great American art form in a great American city. It will be an evening to remember."

Citizens Republic Bancorp is a diversified financial services company providing a wide range of commercial, consumer, mortgage banking, trust and financial planning services to a broad client base. Citizens Republic serves communities in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana as Citizens Bank, and in Iowa as F&M Bank, with 233 offices and 266 ATMs. Citizens Republic Bancorp is the largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan, with roots dating back to 1871. Citizens Republic is the 42nd largest bank holding company headquartered in the United States.

The Detroit International Jazz Festival is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that works year-round to promote music education in schools and in collaboration with other non-profit organizations in and around Metro Detroit. While most jazz festivals throughout the country are now charging admissions, DJF is America's largest free jazz festival. It is made possible by grants, sponsorships and individual donations from Chase, Carhartt, Mack Avenue Records, The Kresge Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, DTE Energy Foundation, Absopure, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Citizens Bank, Whole Foods, Pepsi, Solaire, Michigan Council on Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, Comcast and others. With an annual attendance of 750,000 on Labor Day Weekend, and research has show that the average party of two spends $266 per day on hotels, local transportation, food and beverage and entertainment.

Reservations for the Inaugural DJF River Cruise can be made by calling 313.715.0199 or emailing Organizer Peggy Goodwin peggygoodwin@goodwinconsulting and purchased online at http://www.detroitjazzfest.com/rivercruise.

Contact: Peggy K. Goodwin, APR
248.414.4533
248.376.0390 cellular

Source: Detroit International Jazz Festival

CONTACT: Peggy K. Goodwin, APR, +1-248-414-4533, mobile,
+1-248-376-0390, for Detroit International Jazz Festival

Web Site: http://www.detroitjazzfest.com/

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