Welcoming Note from the Jazz Fest Director 

The dates for the next Great River Jazz Fest (GRJF) are August 7-10, 2008.  Thursday night, August 7th , is a pre-fest concert, featuring two Festival Bands & maybe some students. Then regular sessions begin Friday, August 8th with the Patron’s Reception and subsequent Mardi Gras-style parade from the La Crosse Center to the Fest Grounds. It is unlikely that we will change this time-honored approach to the fest.

The year 2007 was the 22nd Annual Great River Jazz Fest and also the Sesquicentennial year for the City of La Crosse! So there were extra  activities in Riverside Park designed to highlight the historical aspects of La Crosse concurrently with our great music. They may have highlighted the history of La Crosse to the detriment of the future of Jazz Fest, since attendance revenues were down about $7,000. But lest that sound like a death knell, let me hasten to say that losing money is one of the things GRJF does best; and thanks to the loyal backing of Jazz Society members and friendly business supporters there are still enough shekels in the Treasury to forge ahead into 2008 and beyond.

But it would make us feel really, really great if attendance numbers rose back to normal in 2008. Yes, I'm talking to you!

This year we are planning to bring back some of the all-time favorites as well as a few new smoothies. (I thought "new wrinkles" might be off-putting - especially to folks my age.) Speaking of favorites, the All Star band this year will be made up of players who were at the very first Great River Jazz Fest in 1986. In particular we welcome Eddie Higgins back after a year's absence and Reuben Ristrom, guitar; Bobby Lewis, trumpet; Eric Schneider, reeds; Russ Phillips, trombone; Charlie Braugham, drums; and John Bany, bass. (Hmmm..maybe the low attendance last year was because Eddie Higgins was away on a tour in Japan....??)

Chuck Hedges' Milwaukee Connection returns after a few years off and must-have regular Bob Hirsch comes dragging along the entire Golden Gate Rhythm Machine band from California. Bob loves to show off his hometown to those west coasters. And some new groups mingle with the familiar to complete a balanced musical program. Check the BANDS link for specifics.

Of course there will be the same elevated level of music, fun, frolic, hi-jinks, friendly atmosphere, gorgeous Mississippi river scenery, great shops and restaurants and, not least of all, small-town prices.

Speaking of the Mississippi River, if you come to town a day or so early, you might get a spot aboard the Julia Belle Swain, a vintage steamboat, which will feature a special two-hour Dinner Cruise on Wednesday leaving at 6:00 p.m., August ^6th, complete with three course meal and a jazz combo.  For details of this rare opportunity, call 800-815-1005 or check www.juliabelle.com .

The complete listing of bands to be found by clicking the "Bands" link on this page.  However, the  almost probably exact approximation of when and where each band is playing touted to be at the "Schedule" link. is, at this writing, a flat-out lie, even after all the weasel words. The schedule for 2008 won't be available until June or thereabouts because of possible last-minute venue changes and so forth. But when it is ready it will assuredly meet the conditions of 2007, but with different bands...mostly.

So thanks for reading all this stuff and please make the decision early to come to La Crosse in 2008. We suggest that retired people notify all family members to postpone weddings, childbirth, reunions and so forth to a more convenient time. And working people are advised to complete sick leave forms well in advance.

Thanks for your cooperation,

Best Regards,
Wayne Arihood, Director
Great River Jazz Fest - 2008