Riverfront Jazz Fest 2025 Lineup
Interested in Performing at Jazz Fest? Email riverfrontjazzfestival@gmail.com with your press kit and website
and visit our official facebook page for updates on this year’s fest!
Saturday August 30
2-330PM - Mitchell Shiner Latin Vibes
Mitchell Shiner Latin Vibes is a Milwaukee-based Latin Jazz band that delves into the rich musical traditions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Spain, and Brazil.
The band masterfully blends popular and folkloric grooves from these regions with contemporary jazz elements. Featuring the talents of vibraphonist, drummer, and composer Mitchell Shiner, bassist Joey Sanchez, percussionist Bony Benavides, and vocalist Marija Temo, Latin Vibes delivers performances brimming with creativity, virtuosity, and "el espiritu del Caribe" (the spirit of the Caribbean).
4-530PM -
Eric Jacobson Quintet
Milwaukee-based trumpeter Eric Jacobson is renowned for his propulsive yet clear trumpet playing. Inspired by jazz greats including Horace Silver, Wayne Shorter, and Roy Hargrove, his performances feature ear-catching melodies atop blues-infused chord structures. Eric has captivated audiences nationwide, making a lasting impression at prestigious venues such as the Green Mill in Chicago and the Django in New York City. Expect a dynamic mix of tracks from his award-winning albums "Discover" and "Heading Home" along with some of his favorite jazz standards.
"Eric is the real deal! A truly world class jazz trumpeter...strong, assured technique, a hip dark sound on the trumpet, and expressive without gimmicks." - BRIAN LYNCH, two-time Grammy winner
6-730PM -
G. Thomas Allen
Renowned for his exceptional talent and groundbreaking achievements, G. Thomas Allen emerged onto the Chicago music scene in 2015, captivating audiences with his extraordinary vocal range and innovative approach.
His soulful melodies, deeply rooted in sacred harmony, propelled him to become the first male artist in history to secure victory at the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Jazz Competition, as recognized by Downbeat Magazine.
Sunday August 31
2-330PM -
Mercer Patterson Quintet
The Mercer Patterson Quintet's mission is to create an immersive musical experience that blends rhythmically intricate compositions and captivating melodies, drawing inspiration from contemporary classical and Black American musical traditions.
Influenced by a wide array of musical styles, ranging from Herbie Hancock and Kenny Garrett to Frank Zappa and The Bad Plus, and through years of dedicated collaboration and refinement during their undergraduate journey, they have honed their distinctive sound. They aim to reach lovers of popular and underground musical styles, from rock to classical, and captivate them through unexpected turns of familiar and relatable melodies and harmonies.
4-530PM - Una Historia de Afro Cuban Jazz feat. Yorvanis Duran and Nick Moran
Madison bassist Nick Moran and Cuban percussionist Yorvanis Duran Cordoba bring together an all-star ensemble to deliver a vibrant celebration of Afro-Cuban Jazz.
This electrifying performance reimagines classic compositions by trailblazers such as Machito and his Afro-Cubans, Israel 'Cachao' López, Orlando 'Cachaito' López, Angá Díaz, and many more. Join us for a powerful tribute that honors the enduring legacy and vibrant soul of Afro-Cuban music.
6-730PM -
Patricia Barber
Patricia Barber has earned international acclaim as a dazzling and uncompromising jazz artist. Long known for her sultry vocals, compelling pianism, and sophisticated songwriting, she has come to be regarded as a significant American composer as well-a deeply visionary artist who blurs the lines between poetry, jazz, and art music.