And NOW we can officially celebrate the start of the Great Milwaukee Summer, as Jazz in the Park – one of the most beloved of the city's free outdoor concert series – recently announced the dates and musical lineup for its 2024 return.

Hosted as always in Cathedral Square Park, Jazz in the Park will bring its signature combination of lovely atmosphere, live music and lively local crowds across ten Thursday nights this summer, each evening kicking off at 5 p.m. with a happy hour before the bands hit the stage at 6 p.m. The summer showcases will feature tasty food and drink options surrounding the park, as well as – of course – great music filling the Downtown air, this year including a Grateful Dead themed night, a tribute to Aretha Franklin and all sorts of local jazz favorites. 

“We’re thrilled to once again use Cathedral Square Park to bring the community together and celebrate the importance of music throughout the diverse Milwaukee community,” said East Town Association executive director Edgar Sturkey, in a release. “Jazz in the Park has been an institution
in the Milwaukee community for over 30 years and we’re proud to keep this tradition alive for another season.”

Here's the lineup of performers coming to Jazz in the Park this summer:

• June 6 – Bonifas Electric Band featuring Brian Lynch
• June 13 – Septeto Charambo featuring Salsasobritas
• June 20 – The People Brothers Band
• June 27 – The Paul Spencer Band
• July 25 – The Stephen Hull Experience
• Aug. 1 – Fresh Coast Jazz Festival presents Marcus Adams & Friends
• Aug. 8 – Jazz Goes Dead: A Grateful Dead Night featuring Deadelijk
• Aug. 15 – Respect! A Tribute to The Queen of Soul
• Aug. 22 – Stephen Cooper & The Nobody Famous
• Aug. 29 – De La Buena

You can, of course, bring a blanket or some folding chairs to claim your spot each night – or you can once again snag the best seats in the house with the return of Jazz in the Park's Side Stage Experiences, sponsored by OnMilwaukee and Johnson Financial Group. For $80, attendees can purchase a VIP package for up to six people including a reserved private picnic table and bathroom, a bottle of wine courtesy of Door Peninsula Winery, a charcuterie board from Lupi & Iris and dessert served up by Sweetly Baked. To purchase your VIP package, click here – but act fast, because only five are available each night. 

For more information about Jazz in the Park 2024, visit the East Town Association's website. And for more summer outdoor concert series info, stay tuned to OnMilwaukee!