JAZZ IN THE PARK!
2018 CONCERT TIMES ARE 6:30-8:30 PM.

Concerts are held at Ah-Nab-Awen Park off  Pearl Street in front of the Gerald R. Ford Museum facing the Grand River . Bring a picnic or buy from various vendors, gather there and listen to the classic sounds of America’s original genre of music….Jazz!

August 13 - Organissimo

Organissimo’s music draws an audience of a healthy mix of people from all walks of life- young and old, black and white, from hippies to corporate professionals and everything in between. Organissimo’s music skirts over fences and satisfies a diverse range of tastes.You’re as likely to witness people dancing as to see a group of folks intently listening.

This trio has traveled around the globe garnering international acclaim and receiving lots of air time for their compositions. The group has created six CDs.

August 20 - The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

For more than 35 years, The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra has been one of Michigan’s premier jazz ensembles, featuring some of the finest musiciansin the area playing swinging original compositions and arrangements as well as traditional favorites. The musicians that create the live sounds are some of the area’s best soloists and sidemen available.

Many have jazz projects of their own yet dedicate time to fostering the performance of live big band jazz. GRJO members include: saxophones- Bob Nixon, Mike Lutley, Greg Marsden, Tom Stansell & Gary McCourry; trumpets- Dave Wells, James Sawyer, Ted Craig, Rob Warmels & Matt Sumner; trombones- Mark Wells, Paul Brewer, Dave Collee & Paul Keen and the rhythm section- Steve Talaga, Tom Lockwood & Tim Froncek. Visit the website GRJO.com for more information on live streaming, performances, CDs are also available.

August 27 - Kathy Lamar and Friends

Vocalist Kathy Lamar will be joined by pianist Bob Vanstee, drummer Mark Weymouth, bassist Warren Jones and John Gist playing saxes and flute. Lamar's diverse repertoire includes a blend of jazz, R&B, soul and pop hits pulled from many decades.

She can please most any crowd as there is always something for everyone. Her enthusiasm and heartfelt desire to entertain audiences is evident in every performance. Lamar has a lively stage presence and audiences love her powerful yet soothing voice as well as her infectious laugh.

After singing for more than 40 years, many of those in Las Vegas,  Lamar says she feels blessed and her mantra remains- “Singing is where I feel the most comfortable and I’m the happiest, especially when I see other people digging it, too, that’s the real gift".

Attendance for each concert ranges from 1,500 – 3,000 people each Monday night. The concert series has a rich history of word-of-mouth advertising that has brought successful community engagement over the years.  In addition, we are broadening the reach of the series with our new media partners and anticipate that our attendance will continue to grow in our new location downtown. Special Thank You to:

- WYCE
- Blue Lake Radio
- WGVU

Various levels of sponsorship are available.

November 19 - Elgin Vines and Company

January 21 - Paul Brewer

February 18 - TBD

March 18 - Jim Cooper

April 15 - Mary Rademacher-Reed, Rick Ruether with the Tom Hagen Quartet