St. Joseph Today is inviting you to “Kick-start the Summer” with their Compass Music Fest on Saturday, May 21 from 12:00p-8:00p. It’s in Whirlpool Centennial Park, below the Bluff, an 8-hour music event welcoming all ages and set to the beautiful backdrop of Lake Michigan.
Attendees will enjoy local food, craft beer, regional wine and live music. “This will be a great way for families and friends to celebrate the end of spring as we head into beach season,” said Amy Zapal, executive director, St. Joseph Today. “Tickets are on sale now and are $30 in advance and $35 day of with kids 10 and under free. We’ll have lots of drinks and mouthwatering local food for purchase. So come on down for an afternoon of fun, rain or shine.”
This event is produced by St. Joseph Today (SJT) with philanthropic support from Edward J. Todd and many other community partners. SJT is excited to bring this year’s Compass lineup to the community as well as to introduce this premier music festival to Southwest Michigan. Scheduled show times are:
12:20p: The Backups and The Get Downs
1:40p: Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions
3:15p: Mary Lambert
4:50p: Morningsiders
6:45p: JP Saxe
About Headliner JP Saxe
Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter JP Saxe is a soulful performer who makes yearning, R&B-influenced pop. He gained wider acclaim with his Grammy-nominated 2019 song “If the World Was Ending” off his Hold It Together EP. Building upon his acclaim, Saxe delivered his 2021 full-length debut, Dangerous Levels of Introspection.
A native of Toronto, Canada, Saxe grew up in a creative family as the grandson of award-winning Hungarian-born cellist Janos Starker. Inspired by his grandfather, Saxe initially studied the cello as a teenager. Later, after discovering jazz and R&B, he switched to the piano and guitar, and began writing his own songs. By the time he was in his twenties, he was performing weekly in Toronto and posting his songs online. He caught the attention of producers in California, who invited him to record some of his material, an invitation that resulted in Saxe relocating to Los Angeles.
In 2017, he released his debut single, “Changed,” followed by “Anybody Else.” The single “The Few Things” appeared in 2018 as did the EP Both Can Be True: Part 1. More songs followed, including 2019’s “If the World Was Ending,” which was produced by Finneas and featured Julia Michaels. Included on Saxe’s sophomore EP, 2020’s Hold It Together, the single reached the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Song of the Year. In 2021, Saxe returned with his debut full-length album, Dangerous Levels of Introspection, which featured guest appearance by Maren Morris.
More about Compass Music Fest
The beverage tent, sponsored by Bud Distributing, Inc., Dowagiac, Mich., will showcase a variety of local and regional brews and wines. Guests will have beverage options from a variety of Michigan brewers and winemakers. A soda stand will also feature a variety of non-alcoholic soda flavors as well as bottled water for purchase. Food vendors will provide a range of tasty local Southwest Michigan offerings to please every palate.
SJT encourages event attendees to EAT, SHOP, STAY, PLAY in Michigan’s Great Southwest all weekend long. There’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. From local art exhibits and stunning beaches to local shops, breweries, wineries, distilleries, delicious restaurants and so much more.
Zapal said in addition to Edward J. Todd and Bud Distributing, Inc. event sponsors include Holt Bosse and Beaudoin Electrical Construction, with special thanks to the City of St. Joseph, 97.5 Y-Country, 98.3 The Coast, Rock 107 WIRX and News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day of the event for the all-day festival, with an additional charge for drink tickets on site. Food will be available for cash purchase. Zapal said local lodgings are geared up to host festival guests. Ticket, parking and overnight stay information is available at stjoetoday.com/compassmusicfest or the Welcome Center at 301 State St. in downtown St. Joseph.
Zapal said Edward J. Todd is devoted to supporting the education of our local youth as well as supporting the growth of local businesses through community events. St. Joseph Today and the whole community benefit from the generous support for great music.
St. Joe Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to producing fantastic events and promoting local businesses in St. Joseph, Michigan and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events and details call St. Joe Today at (269) 985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.
