LJO Concerts and Events
The LJO is proud to be a part of The Cappella Performing Arts Center - Jazz Series
Diva's and Drummers
Thursday, October 9 and Friday, October 10, 2025
7:30 p.m. Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI
Signature vocals inspired by jazz’s greatest divas, paired with compositions from renowned drummer and bandleader composers.
Featuring Vocalist Cathy Reitz.
Cathy Reitz has devoted her career to the lifelong benefits of singing and music. Whether she is performing, conducting, or teaching, she believes in the power of sharing music.
Cathy has been singing with the La Crose Jazz Orchestra for 35 years and the songs chosen for tonight’s concert are some of her favorites. She fronts her own bands, Cathy Reitz & 7Swing and the Cathy Reitz Trio, based out of Eau Claire. She also is a regular vocalist with the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra and area combos.
Cathy has taught choral and vocal music in the state of Wisconsin for over 50 years, continues to adjudicate for WSMA and was music and artistic director of the Stand in the Light Memory Choir, a choir for those living with early to mid-stages of memory loss and a singing partner that she helped found in 2016. Starting last January she began work with Giving Voice Initiative, Minneapolis, to start memory choirs in rural Wisconsin. Bringing music to all ages and abilities is Cathy’s passion.
Making sure there is good music and someone to share it with delights Cathy. She describes herself as a “sharer of music”. To be able to share some of her favorite songs in this beautiful venue and with this band is a treat. Bonus to this performance, she will be performing with her husband, Jeff, who plays bari sax with LJO.
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Thursday, October 9 2025, 7:30 pmDiva's and DrummersLocation: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WISignature vocals inspired by jazz’s greatest divas, paired with compositions from renowned drummer and bandleader composers.
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Friday, October 10 2025, 7:30 pmDiva's and DrummersLocation: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WISignature vocals inspired by jazz’s greatest divas, paired with compositions from renowned drummer and bandleader composers.
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Thursday, December 11 2025, 7:30 pmHolly Jazzy ChristmasLocation: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WIDebbie O’Keefe returns, singing holiday favorites along with entertaining new spins on classics. The program also features selections from The Nutcracker Suite and incredible jazz arrangements from the orchestra’s library.
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Friday, December 12 2025, 7:30 pmHolly Jazzy ChristmasLocation: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WIDebbie O’Keefe returns, singing holiday favorites along with entertaining new spins on classics. The program also features selections from The Nutcracker Suite and incredible jazz arrangements from the orchestra’s library.
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Thursday, March 19 2026, 7:30 pmSinging All About That BassLocation: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WIJazz bassist and vocalist Kristin Korb returns from Denmark for an exclusive U.S. performance, exploring the artistry and rhythm of jazz’s foundational instrument—the bass.
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Friday, March 20 2026, 7:30 pmSinging All About That BassLocation: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WIJazz bassist and vocalist Kristin Korb returns from Denmark for an exclusive U.S. performance, exploring the artistry and rhythm of jazz’s foundational instrument—the bass.
Upcoming Events
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Sunday, August 3 2025, 7:00 pmJazz In The ParkLocation: Riverside Park Bandshell, La Crosse, WIRain Site: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King StreetJust a Good Ole' Boy Swings with Guest Artist, Tom Wopat.
Tom Wopat, one of the most recognizable faces on television in the 1980s, as Luke Duke in the action-comedy series "The Dukes of Hazzard" transitioned smoothly from TV stardom to a fulfilling career on stage and in the recording studio. Known for his charismatic presence and versatile talent, Wopat has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, embodying a range of roles and musical styles.
Wopat's Broadway credits include starring roles in productions such as City of Angels, Guys and Dolls, and Annie Get Your Gun, where he starred alongside Bernadette Peters which earned him a Tony Award nomination, further establishing his reputation as a talented stage actor.
He has released twelve albums that showcase his love for jazz, country, and pop standards. His debut album, Tom Wopat was released in 1983, and his most recent album Simple Man was released in 2023. Wopat's musical versatility allows him to effortlessly switch between genres, endearing him to a diverse audience.
Wopat's talents are not confined to the stage and recording studio.
He has appeared in numerous television shows and films, further demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Notable appearances include TV roles on Cybill, Home Improvement, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He also has appeared in the films County Line: All In, County Line: No Fear and Django Unchained, showcasing his ability to take on a variety of roles.
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Sunday, July 27 2025, 7:00 pmJazz In The ParkLocation: Riverside Park Bandshell, La Crosse, WIRain Site: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King StreetMusic From America’s Parks
Harry Potter’s Epic Universe, the Grand Canyon and Riverside Park, here’s music from America’s spectacular park venues.
Whether you’re in the Grand Canyon, Universal’s Epic Universe or Riverside Park you do appreciate the spectacular array of beautiful venues that make up America. Today’s concert presents music that is in some way representative of this splendor.
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Sunday, July 20 2025, 7:00 pmJazz In The ParkLocation: Riverside Park Bandshell, La Crosse, WIRain Site: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King StreetThis concert is titled "My Man Quincy" and the LJO pays tribut to Quincy Jones. He was one of America's most prolific composers. His work encompassed virtually all forms of popular music. A titan of the music industry, Jones worked with many of the biggest names in jazz, rock, rhythm and blues, pop, and hip-hop. Among his many legendary achievements is his work serving as producer on Michael Jackson’s blockbuster albums Off the Wall (1979) and Thriller (1982). Featured vocalist for this concert is Tim Henke.
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Sunday, July 13 2025, 7:00 pmJazz In The ParkLocation: La Crosse Riverside Park BandshellRain Site: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King StreetThe LJO kicks off the season with Sammy's Groove - A Tribute to Sammy Nestico. Though best known for his work for the Count Basie Orchestra, Sammy has been a frequent writer for the German WDR big band, Michael Bublé, Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra and Natalie Cole. Featured vocalist for this concert is Cathy Reitz.