Exit One Events brings people together through intimate, high energy festivals where great music, local food, and regional culture all share the spotlight. Designed as walkable ‘micro festivals,’ each event feels like a neighborhood gathering, inviting friends, families, and visitors to relax, connect, and celebrate the best of our lakeshore community.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to foster local community engagement through events while simultaneously promoting year-round tourism that strengthens the local economy.
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish New Buffalo as a thriving cultural hub where world-class festivals and events, local talent, and community spirit come together to create a year-round destination recognized for its creativity, connection, and economic vitality.
exit one events board of directors
The Exit One Events Board of Directors is a collective of community leaders, educators, artists, and industry professionals dedicated to celebrating culture, creativity, and connection across Harbor Country and the Great Lakes region.
Together, they bring decades of experience in hospitality, finance, tourism, education, and the arts — guiding Exit One Events with vision, integrity, and a shared commitment to uniting people through music, food, and cultural celebration.
John Moultrie
Executive Director
John Moultrie is an acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and award-winning jazz documentary filmmaker, as well as a longtime resident of New Buffalo, Michigan. In the 1990s, he owned Chicago’s iconic Jazz Oasis in the River North neighborhood and later hosted the syndicated iRock Jazz radio show on NPR. As founder of iRock Jazz Media Group, he has helped document and promote the global jazz scene, collaborating with legendary artists and major festivals across the U.S. and abroad.
Throughout his career, John has owned and operated restaurants in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, Old Town, and South Loop neighborhoods, as well as in New Buffalo. He currently leads Bistro on the Greens in LaPorte, Indiana — blending his culinary expertise and creative vision across the food, wine, and music festivals he produces.
In 2014, he launched the inaugural iRock Jazz Festival in New Buffalo, Michigan — transforming ten local restaurants into live jazz venues over Veterans Day weekend. The festival expanded to Holland, Michigan, in 2015 and continued through 2016, setting the stage for future music, wine, and culinary experiences across the region. In 2016, he launched the Ship & Shore Blues Festival in both New Buffalo and Michigan City. He now serves as Executive Director of Exit One Events, a nonprofit dedicated to building community through culture, cuisine, and creativity.
“My purpose is to create spaces where joy meets purpose, where commerce meets culture, and where neighbors become friends — reminding us that the soul of a town is measured not by its size, but by its spirit.”
dale cooper
Co-Director
Dale Cooper serves as Community Relations Director for the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau. In this role, she has strengthened tourism, partnerships, and community engagement throughout the region. With Exit One Events, Dale continues this work in a similar capacity—building connections, leading marketing initiatives, and developing corporate partnerships that support Exit One events in promoting New Buffalo as a premier destination for culture, entertainment, and community celebration.
Kevin Ross
Treasurer & Finance Chair
Kevin brings decades of executive and financial leadership to Exit One Events. Having served as Vice President for Waffle House and Wal-Mart Corporation, he combines corporate discipline with community-minded vision. As Finance Chair, he oversees budgeting, fiscal strategy, and sponsor relations — ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability and integrity. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and “clean-to-the-core” approach, Kevin helps guide Exit One Events with both accountability and heart.
Ivonne Sambolin
Secretary & Community Engagement Chair
Ivonne brings a wealth of leadership experience through her role as Director of Community Engagement with the City of Chicago. At Exit One Events, she oversees community partnerships, volunteer programs, and outreach initiatives — ensuring every festival reflects civic pride, inclusion, and genuine community connection. Her blend of public service and event experience makes her an invaluable voice for collaboration and outreach.
troy yeager
Culinary & Cultural Chair
An educator by profession and passionate supporter of music and food, Troy helps shape the culinary and cultural experiences within Exit One’s festival lineup. His perspective bridges education, creativity, and community — helping curate events that are flavorful, inclusive, and inspired by local artistry.
Steve Garner
Spirits & Wine Chair
Steve adds deep beverage industry expertise to Exit One. A former Brand Manager at Southern Wine & Spirits with prior experience at Sysco Foods, he leads winery and distillery partnerships, tasting programs, and premium guest experiences—elevating the beverage profile across our festivals.
Donna Messenger
Community Outreach Chair
Donna is a former New Buffalo City Council member, a local business owner, and an active supporter of New Buffalo Area Schools. As Community Outreach Chair, she strengthens Exit One’s connection to residents, schools, and neighborhood partners. Her leadership and local insight ensure that each festival reflects the heart of the community it serves.
advisory board
Greg Konieczny
Music & Sound Chair
As a Talent Buyer and Sound Director at Blue Chip Casino and an active member of the LaPorte County Fair Board, Greg brings extensive experience in live event programming, production, and community engagement. He oversees artist booking, stage management, and sound operations for Exit One festivals — ensuring top-quality performances and exceptional production for every event.
Jody Rogers Lazar
Marketing Chair
Jody Rogers Lazar began her publishing career at LAKE magazine, where she developed a deep appreciation for the hidden gems and vibrant communities that line the Lake Michigan shoreline. That early experience inspired her passion for storytelling and community connection—values she continues to champion today as the proud owner of three regional lifestyle magazines: Lakefront Neighbors, Lakelife, and Granger Living.
Jessie Sexton
Art & Design Chair
As Marketing Manager for the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Jessie brings creative vision and design expertise to Exit One Events. She shapes the artistic identity of each festival, curating visual experiences, installations, and cultural programming that highlight local artists and celebrate creative expression.
Andrew Fisher
Artistic Co-Director of Jazz
Andrew Fisher is an accomplished vocalist, composer, and educator
based in Southwest Michigan. He leads the Andrew Fisher Quartet, performs with the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, and stars in their annual Fly Me to the Moon Sinatra tribute. A voice instructor at the Citadel Dance and Music Center and former board member of the Southwestern Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Andrew also hosts The Backstage Lounge Podcast on Spotify.
Nate Miller
Artistic Co-Director of Music
Nate Miller, of La Porte, Indiana, is a bassist and trumpet player who has been performing and producing shows across Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan for nearly twenty years. A graduate of Ball State University, Nate has dedicated his career to elevating the region’s live music scene and fostering community pride through performance and collaboration. He also serves on the Band Selection Committee for Arts in the Park La Porte, helping curate diverse and high-quality live music for the community.
Tim Bauer
Artist & Hospitality Liaison
Tim has been active in the regional music scene since 2004, starting with shows at Benny’s Basement in Michigan City and later expanding to Kalamazoo and crew work for the Pitchfork Music Festival. He has booked talent for Mainstreet Association events including Swale, Shelf Ice, and Taste of Michigan City, earning a reputation for curating honest, original local and regional acts.
At Exit One Events, Tim serves as Artist & Hospitality Liaison, helping ensure artists feel supported, organized, and welcomed throughout each festival.
Community Ambassadors
Our Community Ambassadors are the heartbeat of every festival — local residents, business owners, and community leaders who proudly share the spirit of New Buffalo. They extend a warm hand of hospitality to every guest, helping visitors feel at home while showcasing the best our community has to offer.
Pete Rahm
Pete Rahm is a respected civic and business leader in New Buffalo. He currently serves as a Township Trustee on the New Buffalo Township Board and as a member of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Previously, he served as Township Clerk and as a township appointee to the Pokagon Fund. Pete is the Managing Broker for Keller Williams Realty Southwest Michigan’s New Buffalo office and is a dedicated member of the New Buffalo Lions Club, remaining deeply engaged in service to the community.
Krystan Iazzetto
New Buffalo native Krystan Iazzetto channels her international fashion expertise into The Love Spell Boutique, curating style and championing community in Harbor Country.
Jamie Flick
Jamie Flick serves as the Fire Chief for New Buffalo Township, leading emergency response, firefighter training, and public safety efforts. He is also an active member of the New Buffalo Lions Club and a consistent presence in community service across the township.