Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Awards Major Grant to The Red Jacket Jamboree

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October 16, 2018
For Immediate Release
 
Date: October 16, 2018
From: Rebecca Glotfelty
Real People Media a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
 
Subject: Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Awards Major Grant to The Red Jacket Jamboree
 
Copper Country Preservation has received a $22,500 grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for the 2018/2019 season of The Red Jacket Jamboree.  The Red Jacket Jamboree, an old-time radio variety show, features stories and songs celebrating the history, culture and landscape of the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. The program is recorded in front of a live audience at the historic Calumet Theatre for later radio broadcast.
 
*Optional Material in Italics.
The purpose of the project is to:
 record and share stories from the Keweenaw and its Copper mining history. 
 
produce a quality educational and entertaining cultural program for residents and tourists. 
 
foster the appreciation/interest in history & historic preservation through storytelling.
 
generate income for artists and production staff within the community.
 
stimulate tourist revenue in the community (food, lodging, gas, retail purchases, etc.) 
 
showcase the Calumet Theatre, a heritage site within the KNHP. 
 
promote the KNHP and Calumet across Michigan with radio distribution of the RJJ
 
Stimulate interest in the Keweenaw National Historical Park and affiliated heritage sites.
 
Foster the creation of artistic work which represents contemporary life in Calumet.
 
To accomplish these goals, Copper Country Preservation has partnered with Real People Media, a nonprofit with the mission to help communities share their stories through literary, visual, performing and media arts.  By combining our skills and resources, we're able to bring a unique experience to Keweenaw residents and visitors.  Furthermore, episodes of the Red Jacket Jamboree are now being broadcast on Interlochen Public Radio, which serves people of northwest Lower Michigan, and  WNMU-Marquette.
 
“The Red Jacket Jamboree would not be possible without this grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.” states Rebecca Glotfelty, Executive Director of Real People Media.  “We are deeply grateful for the grant and to the people of Michigan who support cultural events in our community. The arts add to the quality of life for our residents and to the visitor experience.  We welcome the opportunity to share the stories of Michigan's Copper Country with the people of Michigan and beyond.”
 
The MCACA Grant helps pay for the rental of the Calumet Theatre, marketing/advertising and artist fees.  “This grant money directly benefits the community,” added Glotfelty, “Visitors to The Red Jacket Jamboree stay in local hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, and AirBnB's; and visit local restaurants, cafes and other establishments.  Moreover, visitors and radio listeners across the state are learning about the rich history of the Keweenaw Peninsula and all that the area has to offer.” 
 
The Red Jacket Jamboree is performed/recorded to coincide with other community events such as the Copper Dog 150, Pasty Fest and other festivals to encourage visitors to extend their stay.  The next performance/recording is Friday, December 21st.   Two-hourlong episodes will be recorded celebrating the Winter Solstice and Christmas.  The full schedule is available at www.redjacketjamboree.org.