LJO Concerts and Events

This summer, the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra invites you to be part of something truly special. Our 51st Jazz in the Park concert series an unforgettable celebration of music, community, and creativity—featuring tributes to jazz legends Sammy Nestico and Quincy Jones, plus a stirring homage to America’s Parks. We’re especially excited to welcome Tom Wopat as our featured guest artist for our August 3rd concert. Tom brings his signature energy and artistry to the stage with selections from his recent album Simple Man and some new swinging arrangements.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, July 13 2025, 7:00 pm

Jazz In The Park

Location: La Crosse Riverside Park Bandshell

Rain Site: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King Street

The 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.
Sunday, July 20 2025, 7:00 pm

Jazz In The Park

Location: Riverside Park Bandshell, La Crosse, WI

Rain Site: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King Street

This 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.
Sunday, July 27 2025, 7:00 pm

Jazz In The Park

Location: Riverside Park Bandshell, La Crosse, WI

Rain Site: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King Street

Music 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.
Sunday, August 3 2025, 7:00 pm

Jazz In The Park

Location: Riverside Park Bandshell, La Crosse, WI

Rain Site: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King Street

Just 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.
Thursday, October 9 2025, 7:30 pm

LJO at Cappella PAC

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

The LJO moves inside for the first concert of six for the 2025-2026 Cappella Jazz Concert Series,
Friday, October 10 2025, 7:30 pm

LJO at Cappella PAC

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

The LJO moves inside for the second concert of six for the 2025-2026 Cappella Jazz Concert Series,
Thursday, December 11 2025, 7:30 pm

Holly Jazzy Christmas

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

The 4th annual Holly Jazzy Christmas featuring guest artist Debbie O'Keefe.
Friday, December 12 2025, 7:30 pm

Holly Jazzy Christmas

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

The 4th annual Holly Jazzy Christmas featuring guest artist Debbie O'Keefe.
Thursday, March 19 2026, 7:30 pm

LJO at Cappella PAC

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

The 5th concert of six for the 2025-2026 Cappella Jazz Concert Series,
Friday, March 20 2026, 7:30 pm

LJO at Cappella PAC

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

The final concert of the 2025-2026 Cappella Jazz Concert Series.

Past Events

Friday, April 25 2025, 7:30 pm

LJO at Cappella Performing Arts Center

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

Featuring Saxophonist Sue Orfield and Vocalist Andrew Temte
Thursday, April 24 2025, 7:30 pm

LJO at Cappella Performing Arts Center

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

Featuring Saxophonist Sue Orfield and Vocalist Andrew Temte
Saturday, December 7 2024, 7:30 pm

LJO presents a Holly Jazzy Christmas III

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

Holly Jazzy Christmas III
Featuring Vocal Sensation, Debbie Okeefe and Big Band Holiday Classics.
Friday, December 6 2024, 7:30 pm

LJO presents a Holly Jazzy Christmas III

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

Holly Jazzy Christmas III
Featuring Jazz Holiday Classics and Vocal Sensation, Debbie Okeefe
Friday, October 18 2024, 7:30 pm

Martinis & Sinatra with the LJO & Special Guests - Matt Curtis and Chris Olson

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

Featuring The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra with Guest Artists;
Matt Curtis, voice and Chris Olson, guitar.

For Tickets:
https://cappellaperformingartscenter.com/concerts-events/performances/la-crosse-jazz-orchestra-fall-concert/
Thursday, October 17 2024, 7:30 pm

Martinis & Sinatra with the LJO & Special Guests - Matt Curtis and Chris Olson

Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center - 721 King St., La Crosse, WI

Featuring The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra with Guest Artists;
Matt Curtis, voice and Chris Olson, guitar.

For Tickets:
https://cappellaperformingartscenter.com/concerts-events/performances/la-crosse-jazz-orchestra-fall-concert/
Sunday, August 4 2024, 7:00 pm

Jazz In The Park with Guest Deborah Brown

Location: Riverside Park Bandshell

Rain Site: Cavalier Theater - 114 5th Ave. N

Renowned Jazz Vocalist Deborah Brown and the Best Of European Big Bands!
Sunday, July 28 2024, 7:00 pm

Jazz In The Park

Location: Riverside Park Bandshell

Rain Site: Cavalier Theater - 114 5th Ave. N

Featuring the music of Ella Fitzgerald and Band Favorites
Sunday, July 21 2024, 7:00 pm

Jazz In The Park

Location: Riverside Park Bandshell

Rain Site: Cavalier Theater - 114 5th Ave. N

Uptempo with the Music of Tony Bennet and Lady Gaga. Featuring Tim Henke and Cathy Reitz
Sunday, July 14 2024, 7:00 pm

Jazz In The Park

Location: Riverside Park Bandshell

Rain Site: Cavalier Theater

New Charts and the Music of Bobby Darin