VENUE CHANGE: Lake Breeze at Sunset Moves Indoors

Due to the high potential for storms Saturday night, the Lake Breeze at Sunset Music Festival is moving indoors to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center – Jenkins Theatre.

Address: 1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor
Doors open: 5:00 PM
Show begins: 6:30 PM
Parking: Available in front of the Mendel Center off Napier Avenue

Lineup Update:
Jazz flutist Althea René will now open the festival, stepping in for Cindy Bradley, who had to cancel due to a medical emergency. René is known for her Billboard #1 hit In the Flow and brings her powerhouse soul-jazz sound to the stage for the first time in St. Joe/Benton Harbor.

She’ll be followed by acclaimed saxophonist Tim Cunningham, whose career includes sharing stages with jazz greats and R&B legends alike.

The show will go on—tickets are still available and beverage service will be offered.
Visit our [website] for ticket info and updates.

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Ready to enjoy the best of Summer? See you there! Purchase your tickets HERE.

“Sponsoring Lake Breeze at Sunset has been a tremendous benefit to our business our clients are blown away by the venue, the artists, and the hospitality of the community. We are committed to sponsoring this spectacular event”

— 2020 – 2025 Sponsor

“Lake Breeze at Sunset has become our annual Girls-Trip! We have made this community our second home now and look forward to coming back year after year!
”

— 2022-2024 Concert attendee, Florida

The 2025 Artists

Tim Cunningham

When Tim Cunningham faced the choice between the football field and the musical stage, he chose the latter. Having played the saxophone for over half his life, Tim spent his college years at Michigan State splitting time between playing defense and performing music. Though a football scholarship helped him through school, his passion for the saxophone carried him further. Passing up an NFL contract, he pursued a music career, crafting high-energy stage shows that blend smooth jazz and soulful R&B, captivating audiences of all ages. His talent has led him to open for jazz legends like Dave Koz and George Benson, while his R&B flair has paired him with icons like Earth Wind & Fire and Boyz II Men.

Signed to Atlantic Records in 1994, Tim’s debut album Right Turn Only released in 1996, featuring collaborations with Will Downing and Brian Culbertson. Its single "This is the Life" reached #19 on the Smooth Jazz Chart. His discography includes Sax Change Operation, A Change in Altotude, and Freedom, released in 2022 after a recording hiatus. Married for 32 years with three children, Tim credits his strong Christian beliefs and family for keeping him grounded. Known for explosive live performances and a personable approach, Tim connects deeply with fans, staying after every show to sign CDs and take photos, a quality that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Althea René

Born on December 25th in Detroit, Michigan, Althea René began her musical journey at the age of four. She studied classical music at Howard University. For over 10 years, she worked as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff by day and performed in jazz clubs by night. Today, she endorses Altus Flutes as a full-time recording artist.

Inspired by her father, Dezie McCullers (of Motown’s Funk Brothers), Althea developed her own soul-jazz style. Najee calls her the “Maceo of the flute.” In 2013, she released In the Flow with Grammy-winning producer Michael Broening. Its title track became the first flute-led single to reach #1 on the Billboard and Smooth Jazz charts.

She authored Becoming Chocolate Barbie, a guide for women in music, and co-founded the nonprofit Colors & Song. In 2021, she received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

In 2023, she became the first soul-jazz flutist featured on the Dave Koz Cruise and hosted her Third Annual Colors & Song Jazz Fest in San Antonio.

Become a sponsor

Become a Sponsor of Southwest Michigan’s Fastest-Growing Music Experience!

In its fourth year, Lake Breeze at Sunset stands as the premier music event in the region, attracting music lovers and patrons from around the globe. Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 12, 2025, and get ready for an unforgettable experience of world- class performances.

Support the world-class event by becoming a sponsor and showcasing your company’s commitment to Michigan’s Great Southwest as a vibrant place to live, work, play, and stay. By partnering with Lake Breeze at Sunset, you’ll help foster tourism and commerce, benefiting the entire region.

Join the wave and become part of the Lake Breeze Family!

Lake Breeze at Sunset offers a range of sponsorship packages designed to suit businesses of all sizes.

Benefits Include:

On-Site Activation Opportunities
Prominent Branding on Concert Collateral Materials
Online and Social Media Promotion
VIP Passes for staff and Clients
An much more!

Platinum Sponsorship

Diamond Sponsorship – $5,000 -4 available

Premium signage placement at Festival stage
Large logo in premium position for all marketing materials (including website, social media, and print materials)
Opportunity to distribute collateral material
Live acknowledgment as Festival Sponsor(s)
15 passes to the Festival to VIP Tent and 15 reserved seats
Access to Food and Beverage provided at VIP Tent