JAZZ ON THE RIVER
Jazz on the River is a series of free summer concerts held in downtown Wausau, Wisconsin at Kickbusch Plaza, directly behind the Marathon County Downtown Library. Concerts start at 5:00 PM and run until 7:00 PM. There is parking in the lot directly behind the library building. Food trucks provide snacks, or you can bring your own picnic. Bring a chair. You might come early and enjoy the beauty around you before and after the concert, as you walk or bike the trail by the river.
WE HAD A GREAT SERIES IN 2024
come back in the spring for the 2025 line-up
——————————————————————————————————-
July 14, 2024
The Tim Buchholz Quintet. The Tim Buchholz Quintet, featuring jazz singer Tim Buchholz, performs a mix of classic and modern jazz standards. Tim is a Professor of Vocal Jazz and Contemporary Voice at UW-Stevens Point and has performed at Carnegie Hall, New York City’s Lincoln Center, and has toured internationally in South Africa and throughout Europe.
July 21, 2024
DADDIO. DADDIO is a contemporary improvisational group, comprised of some of the most experienced players in Wisconsin. Their musical offerings vary from fresh takes on other's work (Sting, John Scofield, The Yellowjackets, Steely Dan, Steve Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Ornette Coleman, Average White Band, Grover Washington) to original material composed by the band in a wide range of grooves and styles.
July 28, 2024
The Bob Kase Quintet. Bob Kase, who has performed on over 200 albums and shared the stage with music legends, including Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee, will perform top-shelf mainstream jazz with his group. Kase has served as dean of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and chair of the UW-Stevens Point Music Department.
August 4, 2024
ZIJI. ZIJI plays Brazilian and Contemporary Jazz, featuring rhythms from Brazil, Africa, and the different fusions of American Jazz and Rock. Christine Salerno leads the group performing both original music and that of greats such as Antonio Jobim, Egberto Gismonti, Djavan, and more.
August 11, 2024
JANET PLANET. Cadence Jazz magazine says “Planet defies expectation…anything she graces with her vocal cords benefits.” Janet Planet has over 25 albums in her discography. Janet has graced renowned jazz festivals and intimate clubs, performing with small combos and full orchestras from Rochester to Russia, NYC to Johannesburg. Janet will be joined by, Tom Theabo (guitar), Matt Buchman (piano), Mark Urness (bass) and Ryan Korb (drums/percussion). Among other favorites they will be featuring songs from their latest release, “Hope Springs” the music of Susan Weinschenk.
August 18, 2024
The Jeff Erickson Quartet. Jeff Erickson, a saxophonist who is the director of jazz studies at UW-La Crosse, will bring his quartet to play contemporary and mainstream jazz.
get involved
There are great ways you can get involved as we present Jazz on the River and other events. If you love live music, we would welcome you to help us as we present these concerts. You might help with setup, cleanup, or connecting with and welcoming our audience. Contact uw at rivervalleyjazz@gmail.com. Perhaps you have an idea and would like to help make Jazz on the River better and better each year. Connect with us!
Our corporate sponsors for 2024 were the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin, the Wausau Pilot and Review, and Marathon Cheese.. Foundation sponsors were: The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Arts Board, the Greenheck Foundation, the Dudley Foundation, the Clyde F. Schlueter Foundation, and the Ed & Joyce Creske Family Foundation.
