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From well-known jazz acts to up-and-coming stars, Jazz in the Park, newly presented by Johnson Financial Group, is back and has something for everyone to enjoy starting Thursday, July 21 at 5 p.m. Throughout the summer on Thursday nights at Cathedral Square Park, a feature band will be playing, running through September 29. There will be a great balance of entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

“We are so excited to be back after not being able to put together shows for the last couple of years due to the pandemic,” said East Town Association’s Interim Executive Director Eddie Sturkey. “Our lineup this year embraces more of our roots representing a diverse set of talented artists while reconnecting Milwaukee with the Jazz community.”

The free concert series in Cathedral Square Park opens with Cigarette Breaks on Thursday, July 21. Cigarette Break is one of Milwaukee’s most progressive contemporary music acts, performing with several well-known national artists such as Eric Roberson and Conya Doss.

Other notable artists, bands and organizations featured include Milwaukee native and multi-Grammy winning jazz trumpeter Brian Lynch performing with the Bill Bonifas Electric Band on August 11 and Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, one of the biggest blues bands in the Wisconsin, playing July 28. Jazz in the Park is also pleased to partner with Fresh Coast Jazz Festival, performing August 4, and the Milwaukee Jazz Institute, created by dedicated jazz musicians and supporters to help continue the legacy of jazz in Milwaukee, is featured on August 18.

2022 Jazz in the Park Full Lineup:

  • July 21 – Cigarette Break
  • July 28 – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys
  • Aug. 4 – An Evening with Fresh Coast Jazz Festival featuring Marcus Adams
  • Aug. 11 – The Bill Bonifas Electric Band featuring Brian Lynch
  • Aug.18 – An Evening with the Milwaukee Jazz Institute
  • Aug. 25 – Esquires II
  • Sept. 1 – Kal Bergendahl Project
  • Sept. 8 – Barbara Stephan Band
  • Sept. 15 – Steez
  • Sept. 22 – Nineteen Thirteen
  • Sept. 29 – The Eric Jacobson Latin Jazz Quintet

“Together with Eddie Sturkey and the East Town Association team, we are thrilled to bring back Jazz in the Park,” said Jim Popp, president and CEO of Johnson Financial Group. JFG is the presenting sponsor of the live music concert series for the next three seasons. “Nothing compares to a live, musical performance in the warmth and beauty of our newly renovated Square,” continued Popp. “Thank you to the East Town Association team for all their efforts and for putting together this exciting lineup. We look forward to enjoying this summer concert series together with Milwaukee.”

OnMilwaukee will also offer Jazz in the Park VIP Experiences with three packages available for each night of the series. The experiences for up to eight people include two bottles of wine, a picnic table ‘backstage’, a charcuterie board by Charcuter-Me , and a backstage parking pass. Tickets to the VIP Experience can be purchased here.

Jazz in the Park is fully funded by sponsors, donors, and beverage sales. If interested in donating or becoming a sponsor, then please email info@easttown.com.

Jazz in the Park

Established in 1991, Jazz in the Park attracts more than 5,000 concertgoers each week and offers a variety of food and beverage options from local vendors. Attendees can purchase wine, beer and cocktails from the various onsite beverage tents as alcoholic beverage carry-ins are discouraged. Proceeds from the concert series support the event and are returned to the community through neighborhood improvement programs and civic events, such as the popular Cathedral Square Market and Bastille Days. For more information, visit www.easttown.com or call 414.271.1416.

Jazz in the Park is presented by Johnson Financial Group. Additional 2022 sponsors and community partners include: Bud Light, Gruber Law Offices, Milwaukee County Parks, STIR Advertising & Integrated Messaging, OnMilwaukee, Urban Milwaukee, WMSE 91.7

As seen on urbanmilwaukee.com