Campus Connection

The Gertrude Salzer Gordon Jazz in the Park Concert Series with the Great River Big Band swings into its 36th concert season at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 13, in Riverside Park in La Crosse. The first of four concerts features several outstanding vocal and instrumental selections. Vocalist Cathy Reitz’s selections include Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” Natalie Cole’s “Orange Colored Sky,” and June Christy’s version of “When the Sun Comes Out.” Trumpeter Tom Brown will recreate Roy Elldrege’s performance of “Rockin’ Chair.” Tim Henke will croon some Sinatra with “Fly me to the Moon.” A Special treat will be the upper Midwest premiere of the Christian McBride bass feature “In a Hurry” presented by bassist Karyn Quinn and the band. Swing era favorites in the performance include Jimmy Dorsey’s greatest hits medley and Glenn Miller’s “At Last.” Jazz fans will appreciate the band’s performance of the Buddy Rich “Westside Story Medley.” The Great River Big Band is directed by UW-La Crosse Music Department Chair Greg Balfany. The series continues with concerts at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 20, and 7 p.m. Sunday, July 18. The rain site for the concerts is Forest Hills Club House. Admission to the 90-minute concerts is free. The series closes with the third annual Riverside Jazz Party from 3-10 p.m. Sunday, July 25, in Riverside Park. Admission is free. Guest artist will be Janet Planet and the Janet Planet Quartet. The rain site is Valhalla in the UW-L Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. For more information on all concerts and the Riverside Jazz Party visit: www.greatriverbigband.com.