Sammy's Groove: Celebrating 51 Years of Jazz in the Park
07/09/25Join the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra Sunday, July 13 for the kick-off to its 2025 Jazz in the Park series with a vibrant tribute to legendary jazz composer and arranger Sammy Nestico.
"Nestico is best known for his iconic work with the Count Basie Orchestra, but his influence stretches far beyond," says LJO director Greg Balfany. "Over his prolific career, he composed and arranged for musical greats such as Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Michael Bublé, Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Toni Tennille and many more."
The program begins with Nestico’s exhilarating “Ya Gotta Try Harder,” a chart that opens with an easy swing before building into a high-energy showcase featuring soaring solos for saxophone, trumpet, and piano, Balfany says. The concert will also highlight Nestico’s range – from Latin grooves and funky rhythms to classic swing and tender ballads.
Balfany will perform Nestico’s lyrical composition “The Quintessence,” showcasing the emotional depth and elegance of the composer’s writing. Vocalist Cathy Reitz will lend her voice to Nestico’s only known published vocal arrangement, “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries,” originally arranged for Toni Tennille.
The concert is free and starts at 7 p.m. in Riverside Park, 100 State St., La Crosse. Rain site is the Cappella Performing Arts Center, 721 King St., La Crosse.
Expect an evening of joy, energy, and pure musical delight – perfect for a summer night in the park.
ABOUT THE BAND
The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra is the premier big band of western Wisconsin. Under the direction of Greg Balfany, the ensemble is best known for its long-running Jazz in the Park concert series. The LJO is committed to preserving and promoting the art of jazz through high-quality, free public performances. The group operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the La Crosse Community Nonprofits Association, an affiliate program of the La Crosse Area Community Foundation.