Campus Connection

Listen to sounds of great jazz in downtown La Crosse as the 42nd season of Jazz in the Park continues at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, in Riverside Park. Sunday’s free program features internationally-recognized jazz vocalist and Wisconsin native Janet Planet Washatka with the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra, directed by UWL Professor Emeritus Greg Balfany. In addition to her incredible renditions of favorites like “That’s Life,” Janet will sing selections from her new recording “Just Like A Woman - The Music of Bob Dylan.” This music has been reimagined and orchestrated for a big band jazz setting and has received rave reviews. Her husband, Tom Washatka, wrote most of the arrangements and will perform with Janet. Tom is a saxophonist with a special blend of post-bop and funk in his artistry. Other selections include “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright,” “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You,” “A Hard Rains A-Gonna Fall” and more. The Coulee All-Star High School Jazz Band, directed by James Knutson, kicks off the concert at 6 p.m. The concert is presented free as part of the Gertrude Salzer Gordon Jazz in the Park Concert Series. Free busing to and from the concert is also available. Visit www.lacrossejazzorchestra.com and click on Jazz Party for the bus schedule. The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra is Western Wisconsin’s only jazz repertory orchestra. The band specializes in the preservation and performance of music in the tradition of Basie, Mill, Ellington, Goodman and other name bands. See more about the orchestra at: www.lacrossejazzorchestra.com. If you go — Who: Jazz vocalist Janet Planet Washatka with the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra What: Jazz in the Park Where: Riverside Park, downtown La Crosse When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7 Admission: Free