Jazz in the Park is held on Thursdays in Cathedral Park every June through September. The event offers musical acts ranging in genre from jazz to swing to Latin influence. While many of the groups are local to the Milwaukee area, several others come from all over the United States. The event is free and ends in September each year.
Patrons typically bring blankets and chairs, along with picnic baskets of food and beverages. They find a spot on the spacious Cathedral Square grass and relax to enjoy the music, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Food and beverages are also sold on-site by several area vendors and restaurants.
Alcoholic Beverages Not Allowed in 2009
In previous years, attendees were allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages into the event. Beginning with the 2009 season (which opened June 4th), this is no longer permitted. However, patrons can still purchase alcoholic beverages sold at the event.
Jazz in the Park CD Benefits Local Music Programs
Jazz in the Park is the creation of the East Town Association, which first begin in the 1960s as a way to help Milwaukee-area businesses grow their customer base. In 1991, the group came up with the idea of offering free music in Cathedral Square Park throughout the summer.
Each year, a Jazz in the Park CD is sold which contains music from the artists who performed at that year's event. One hundred percent of proceeds from the CD are donated to support music education in Milwaukee-area schools. Cathedral Square is located in downtown Milwaukee, and bordered by East Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee Street, East Wells, and North Jackson.
Schedule for the 2009 Season
- June 11, 2009 - Bonerama
- June 18, 2009 - Sugar Blue
- June 25, 2009 - Pete Carney & Orange Alert
- July 2, 2009 - King Comets
- July 23, 2009 - The Donna Woodall Group
- July 12, 2009 - (Jazz in the Park performance held on Sunday at the Bastille Days celebration) 1pm - Swing Nouveau; 5:30pm - Nabori
- July 16, 2009 - The Dixon-Rhyne Project
- July 30, 2009 - The Alex Wilson Band
- August 6, 2009 - Madisalsa
- August 13, 2009 - The Clyde Stubblefield Show
- August 20, 2009 - De la Buena
- August 27, 2009 - The Tempters
- September 3, 2009 - The Jazz Orgy
- September 10, 2009 - Chicago Afrobeat Project
- September 17, 2009 - Garaj Mahal
- September 24, 2009 - Bumpus
Jazz in the Park is a wonderful experience, where family and friends can gather together to chat and people watch. It is one of best places in Milwaukee to listen to a free concert. Those new in town can get a flavor of the city's culture, while long-time residents can relax at a fun, low-key event.
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