Greg Balfany – director, saxophone
La Crosse Jazz Orchestra director Greg Balfany is Professor Emeritus of Clarinet and Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Dr. Balfany is active as a performer and music educator, giving workshops, clinics and performances throughout the greater La Crosse area. Greg performs extensively as a clarinet and saxophone soloist in both jazz and classical contexts. His La Crosse Jazz Quartet has been a mainstay of the regional jazz scene for the past two decades, appearing regularly at local festivals and clubs. He has served as both principal saxophonist and clarinetist with the La Crosse Symphony, and has soloed on both clarinet and saxophone with the La Crosse Concert Band. Greg has performed with Randy Brecker, Bob Minzer, Red Holloway, Al Grey, Bob Hope, Frank Wess, Red Skelton, Marv Stamm, Kurt Elling, Clark Terry, Ed Shaughnessy and many others.
ABOUT THE BAND
The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra is Western Wisconsin's premier big band. Directed by Greg Balfany, the group is best known through its Jazz in the Park concert series. The LJO mission: to promote, preserve and forward the creation of jazz music through free live performances available to all in our region. LJO operates under fiscal sponsorship from La Crosse Community Foundation.