Jazz in the Park 2020 Season Update
06/01/20The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra won’t be performing in Riverside Park this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is looking at alternative ways to bring great big band jazz to the area.
“In consideration of the safety of our audiences and our musicians, we have cancelled all outdoor concerts this season,” says Greg Balfany, LJO director. “The challenge of safe distancing so many people in the seats and on the stage, along with finding an adequate rehearsal space, make this decision essential.”
The group's June 18 concert at Moon Tunes in La Crosse's Riverside Park is also off this year. Valley View Rotary, the concert series producer, has pushed back its summer 2020 show schedule to 2021.
LJO is exploring other ways to bring music to La Crosse area jazz fans, including its own YouTube channel, currently under development. More details will be available soon. To receive the latest updates, sign up for the free LJO newsletter here.
“We thank you for your continued support and generosity. You make all our practice, rehearsals and performances worthwhile,” Balfany adds. “We look forward to a successful return of the outdoor series in 2021! Stay safe and healthy until we are together again.”
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.