Riverfront Jazz Festival announces lineup for 23rd annual event

My Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT — The Riverfront Jazz Festival will return to Pfiffner Pioneer Park over Labor Day weekend, bringing two days of live jazz, food and family activities to the downtown riverfront.

The free festival, now in its 23rd year, will run from 2 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Pfiffner Pioneer Park Bandshell. Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

Saturday’s lineup opens with Paul Dietrich’s Elemental Quartet, followed by Wayne Salzmann’s Groove Society. Clark Sommers WaBaSH will headline the evening.

Music continues Sunday with the Laura Caviani Trio, followed by The Art Blakey Project, led by Marc Jimos. Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble will close out the festival.

Food will be available from UW-Stevens Point’s Stevie Pointer’s Food Truck, Charly’s Tacos, King Cone and Busted Spud.

Children can also get in on the music during the first break each day. Heid Music will provide instruments and other sound makers for a hands-on activity focused on music and rhythm.

The Riverfront Jazz Festival is a nonprofit venture held in partnership with Create Wisconsin. Money raised during the festival helps provide scholarships for students in the UW-Stevens Point Jazz Program.

Organizers will sell 50/50 raffle tickets and festival merchandise throughout the weekend, and donations will also be accepted. Those who donate $50 or more through the festival’s website can show their receipt at the event to receive a specially designed thank-you tote bag.

Major sponsors this year include Sentry Foundation, Dave and Amy Bakken, Bernie Hlavac, Lee Ayers Jewelers, Ho-Chunk Gaming, John and Beth Omernik, David and Cindy Worth, North Wind Solar, Susan Henry in memory of David Henry, and the Prais family in memory of John and Gail Prais.

Admission is free. More information is available at riverfrontjazzfest.org.