If you are looking for a fun way to end the summer, look no further than the Riverfront Jazz Festival at Pfiffner Park in Stevens Point. The festival is a FREE event and takes place over Labor Day weekend on Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2. We were fortunate enough to track down Jennifer Bellmer Callope, the Event Manager, to get the inside scoop on the festival.
performs on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Randal Harrison is a native of Appleton, Wisconsin, but would travel to Stevens Point for violin lessons when he was growing up and has a special connection with the area. “A part of me is coming home every time I perform in Stevens Point. My musical connections with Point have continued over the years” with multiple performances and tours throughout the area. Harrison will be releasing his new CD, Randal Harrison: The New String Trio, at the Riverfront Jazz Festival this year. More information about Randal Harrison can be found on his Web site.
Another jazz musician performing at the festival is Janet Planet, who says she is looking forward to the end of summer athome in Wisconsin. Janet has been doing a lot of touring over the past 8 years, including trips to Russia, South Africa, and New York City. All these exciting locations can’t keep Janet away from Central Wisconsin, as she states that the area “has always been good to us. We’ve performed at the Riverfront many times in the past, to a respectful and exuberant crowd of jazz fans.” Janet Planet performs on Sunday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. and more information can be found on her Web site.
Even if jazz music isn’t your favorite, you should still swing by the festival. There will be several food vendors from the area, including Habibi’s Gyros & Kabob House and Michele’s Restaurant. You may even be surprised at the range of different jazz styles and find a new favorite musician, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Wisconsin River.
Did we mention that the Riverfront Jazz Festival is FREE for all to enjoy? This is made possible by the festival’s wonderful sponsors, including their Platinum Sponsors who contribute $3,000 or more. Special thanks to all the sponsors!
Visit the festival’s Facebook page and Web site for a full schedule, list of vendors, information about sponsors, and more. Hope to see you there!
-Sam
Special thanks to Jennifer Bellmer Callope, Randal Harrison, and Janet Planet for contributing to this post.