Jazz in the Park is Going Virtual!

Jazz in the Park has been produced by East Town Association in Downtown Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park every summer since 1991. 29 years into this tradition, we can’t let the summer slip through our fingers without a few evenings of “Jazz.” Make a date to join us virtually in a grassy spot near you, and donate to sustain our organization and keep the music playing if you can. We appreciate every contribution.

August 20, 2020

Lockjaw, a name which is partially attributed to legendary saxophonist Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, is a trio that is rooted in the jazz tradition, but often dips its toe into a pool of a variety of genres, particularly where pop culture is concerned. Lockjaw’s core instrumentation of drums, bass, and saxophone is designed to feature a rotation of guest chordal instrumentalists. For this presentation, Jason Goldsmith (saxes), John Simons (bass) and Jeno Somlai (drums) are joined by dynamic pianist Scott Currier. All four players are known as educators, performers, leaders, and sidemen across the spectrum of musical styles. Their versatility allows them to explore new combinations of sound, while maintaining the integrity of its jazz ideology.

August 20 feature artists will also include Manty Ellis, Milwaukee’s own “Godfather” of Jazz

Jamie Briewick, trumpeter-composer-bandleader-educator-designer.

Toty Ramos, whose musical career spans numerous genres: traditional Latin, rock, rhythm and blues, fusion, blues, jazz and Latin Jazz. Toty Ramos has been the regional mainstay as a composer/ arranger for countless groups, which include Ko-Thi Dance Co., Matrix, Sigmund Snopek, and numerous other contemporary artists.

Luis Diaz, a regional legend with over 35 years experience in the world of Salsa, Latin Jazz and Afro-Caribbean Music.

August 27, 2020

Cigarette Break formed back in 2002 after working with a well known hip hop group called Black Elephant. Since then the Break has performed at many different festivals including Summerfest, Bastille Days, Center Street Days, Brady Street fest, and River Rhythms just to name a few. They have also performed with many local and national acts such as Marsha Ambrosia, J Holiday, Eric Roberson and Conya Doss. They often perform at weddings, birthday parties, the mayor’s ball as well as sorority balls. Cigarette Break consists of 5 members; Tim Ricketts (founder and bassist) Olen Franklin (music director and drummer) Darrien Williams (lead guitarist) Eric Lock (keyboardist) and Tobias Cannon (saxophonist). You can catch them performing at music venues and halls throughout Milwaukee such as Mr Js lounge and hall, Brownstone Social lounge and Truth Lounge.

Let’s Get Social [from a distance]!

We encourage you to share selfies of your socially distanced Jazz in the Park backyard picnic and connect with us and our beloved Jazz in the Park partners digitally. Share your photos and videos on social media using the hashtags #JazzintheParkMKE and please follow us and tag us in your posts on Facebook: @EastTownAssociation @JazzinthePark, Instagram: @easttownmke, and Twitter: @EastTown.

East Town Association, Inc. is a membership-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to use its events and programs to cultivate a vibrant community experience, enhancing the neighborhood image and appeal, and preserving and celebrating our rich heritage. East Town Association is producing VIRTUAL Jazz in the Park in partnership with ZandR Entertainment, ACA Music and Entertainment, and is hosted at North Co Center for the Arts.

We strive for Performance Diversity: Purposefully and continually broaden the musical spectrum of Milwaukee’s Jazz In The Park performances as a reflection of our patrons’ diverse communities and interests.

Interested in performing at Jazz in the Park? Contact Z and R Entertainment for all booking inquiries!