The River Valley Jazz Society and Wausau River District are partnering up this summer to bring you a new weekly concert series – Jazz on the River. The series will take place from 5-7pm on the new stage in the plaza behind the Marathon County Public Library every Sunday evening July 9 through August 27. Every concert is free and open to the public, and people are encouraged to bring their own chairs, tables, and picnics for the evening.

Jazz on the River brings a new sound to the riverfront, and marries the rich histories of riverfront commerce and jazz music in Wausau. The series is the brainchild of Denise Sauter, a local jazz singer who is actively involved in the River Valley Jazz Society, sings in the area and around the state, including First Thursdays and other Wausau River District functions. She saw the potential in the plaza behind the library as a stage for local musicians, and the collaborative opportunities between the two organizations.

Sauter is a passionate supporter of Wausau’s arts culture and is excited to see it grow.

“I love the spirited creative energy and enthusiastic support for live music and the arts in Wausau, and am thrilled to be a part of Jazz on the River,” Sauter said. “We have a dynamic series planned and we look forward to adding a strong jazz element to Wausau’s vibrant arts community.”

Sauter and her team of local musicians have put together a stellar line-up of summer jazz groups and musicians for the series. Upcoming performances include:

July 9: John Greiner’s Swing Shift Big Band

July 16: Jazz Central Voices

July 23: UWSP Faculty Quintet

July 30: Christine Salerno & Ziji

August 6: Janet Planet

August 13: Omnos Quintet

August 20: Denise Sauter

August 27: Tim Buchholz

More information on Jazz on the River can be found on the River Valley Jazz Society’s website: https://www.rivervalleyjazz.org/jazz-on-the-river/. Because the concert series is outdoors, the Masonic Temple, across the street from the library plaza, will be the rain location.

The concert series is made possible by a generous grant from the B. A. and Esther Greenheck Foundation, along with support from ENT Associates, BMO Harris, Sauter Home Design and Consulting, and Ruder Ware.

The purpose of the Wausau River District is to promote and facilitate the economic vitality and historic preservation of downtown Wausau for the benefit of the entire community.