Michigan Business Beat | Kellie Swiger, LAFCU Brings Art & Community to Smooth Jazz Fete

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Kellie Swiger, Head of Creative at LAFCU, Lansing, MI LAFCU Letter Painting at Phil Denny's Smooth Jazz Fete Q1: LAFCU has been a longtime supporter of Phil Denny's Armory Smooth Jazz Fete. Why is it important for LAFCU to be part of this event? A: At LAFCU, we believe strong communities are built by creating opportunities for people to connect. Whether it's through music, art or shared experiences, bringing people together strengthens relationships and creates a greater sense of belonging. That's why we're proud to support Phil Denny's Armory Smooth Jazz Fete. The festival is all about bringing people together, and this year we're adding a new interactive experience that lets attendees become part of the event in a fun and creative way. Q2: I understand LAFCU is bringing its giant letters to the event again. What's new about that this year? A: Yes, we have six-foot-tall letters that spell LAFCU – L -A - F- C – and U that are painted with different artwork from local artists. Our giant letters have become a familiar part of community events across mid-Michigan, and this year we're inviting the public to help paint one of them. People will be able to walk up and add color to the letter "F" through a paint-by-number activity. Local artists will be painting the other letters during the event. By inviting people to help paint a letter they're contributing to something that represents the connection between LAFCU and the communities we serve. It's a simple activity, but it reflects what this event is all about — bringing people together through creativity, music and community. People love to take pictures with the LAFCU letters, too! Q3: When and where can people participate, and what else can they expect from LAFCU? A: The event is happening Saturday, Aug. 8, from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Lansing Armory, 330 Marshall Street. The painting activity will be available throughout the festival, and people can also stop by the LAFCU table for giveaways and a chance to try our popular Money Machine, where participants step inside and try to catch cash swirling through the air. It’s a lot of fun! The festival itself features internationally acclaimed smooth and contemporary jazz musicians, along with soul, funk and R&B, food vendors, local artists, merchandise, and beer and wine. The event is for adults 21 and older. Tickets can be purchased at SmoothJazzFete.com/tickets Q4: Is there anything else you'd like listeners to know? A: We hope everyone attending the festival stops by the LAFCU booth to add a little color to the letter and make it their own. Every brushstroke becomes part of a piece that will continue to represent the connection between LAFCU and our community at future events. It promises to be a great time with music, art and community, and we hope to see everyone Saturday, Aug. 8, from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Lansing Armory. ### » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/