Jazz in the Park Announces Eight Nights of Live Music in Cathedral Square

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (May 7, 2025) – Jazz in the Park, presented by Johnson Financial Group, will take place every other Thursday from June 5 through September 25 in Cathedral Square Park. The free concert series begins with Salsa in the City on Thursday, June 5, featuring Orquesta Ayala Salsa Band with special guest Mezclando Dance Company. Happy hour drink specials will be available from 5 to 6 p.m., with live music from 6 to 9 p.m.

“Our Associates are proud to support Jazz in the Park for the fourth consecutive year and help bring Milwaukee’s favorite summer music series to life,” said Jim Popp, CEO of Johnson Financial Group. “We’re committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community and celebrating the diverse talents of local artists. We look forward to another incredible year of music and community engagement.”

This year, Jazz in the Park is evolving. The name remains, but the sound is expanding. From salsa and soul to indie rock and brass bands, this season’s genre-spanning lineup celebrates the diversity of Milwaukee’s music scene and the communities that shape it.

“Jazz in the Park has been a staple of downtown Milwaukee’s summer scene for more than three decades. This year, we’re introducing a fresh format that blends together a broader mix of music, local talent, and marketplace experiences,” said Eddie Sturkey, executive director of East Town Association. “We’re eager to grow alongside our city while keeping the spirit of community at the heart of everything we do.”

2025 Jazz in the Park lineup

June 5 Salsa in the City: Orquesta Ayala Salsa Band with special guest Mezclando Dance Company

June 19 Smooth Summer Grooves: Christopher’s Project

July 3 Stars, Stripes & Strings: Chris Haise Band with special guest Brady Lee

July 31 Avant Groove: The Claudettes

Aug 14 Soulful Summer: Respect! A Tribute to The Queen of Soul

Aug 28 Pride in the Park: Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers with special guest Our Voice Milwaukee

Sept 11 Halfway to Mardi Gras: The Hot and Dirty Brass Band

Sept 25 Jazz Goes Dead… Again: Another One

Jazz in the Park Side Stage Experiences return for the 2025 season, offering guests a reserved picnic table in a private area next to the stage. Each reservation includes one bottle of wine, a charcuterie board from Lupi & Iris, a selection of desserts, and access to a private restroom. Tables accommodate up to six guests, and five packages are available for each night of the series. Each package is $100. Buy tickets here.

For the first time, Jazz in the Park will feature a curated marketplace of local vendors each evening of the series. Attendees can browse local art, handcrafted goods, and small-batch bites while enjoying live music. The marketplace opens at 5 p.m. alongside happy hour and remains open throughout the evening. Interested vendors can apply here.

Jazz in the Park remains a free event thanks to the generous support of sponsors, donors, and on-site beverage sales. This year, we’re partnering with local law enforcement and implementing a stricter no carry-in policy to help boost beverage sales, which directly support the event. For perspective, your purchase of a single bottle of wine helps provide two minutes of free music for the community!

Thank you in advance for purchasing beverages from the East Town Association bar on Kilbourn Avenue. To plan ahead, visit our website for a full list of available beverage options. If you’d like to enjoy alcoholic beverages, please note that a $1 donation wristband is required for purchase.

To learn more about Jazz in the Park, visit easttown.com/jazz-in-the-park/ & facebook.com/JazzInThePark/.

About Jazz in the Park: Established in 1991, Jazz in the Park attracts more than 5,000 concertgoers each week and offers a variety of food and beverage options from local vendors. Attendees can purchase wine, beer and cocktails from the East Town Association bar as alcoholic beverage carry-ins are discouraged. Proceeds from the concert series support the event and are returned to the community through neighborhood improvement programs and events, such as the popular Bastille Days Festival and Cathedral Square Market. If interested in donating or becoming a sponsor, please email info@easttown.com. For more information, visit easttown.com.

Jazz in the Park is presented by Johnson Financial Group. Additional 2024 sponsors and community partners include: Madison Medical Affiliates, Gruber Law Offices, Milwaukee Pride, ACA Music Entertainment, Milwaukee County Parks, Vertz Marketing, OnMilwaukee, WMSE 91.7, and Milwaukee Record.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.