Building the Second Line
Where classroom music meets community jazz
Every jazz parade starts with a band — but the second line is where the community joins in, dancing, clapping, and carrying the music forward.
That’s what Traditions of Jazz is for Central Wisconsin: the second line of jazz education. Schools are the first line, where kids learn the basics. We are the second line, where they see the music come alive in jams, in workshops, and in the community.
Join us in creating that second line — our first $10,000 campaign will make sure the music doesn’t stop at the school doors, but flows into the streets, shops, and hearts of Central Wisconsin and beyond.
Traditions of Jazz is a new nonprofit organization based in Central Wisconsin, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the vibrant legacy of traditional jazz. Inspired by the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, we bring the joyful spirit of collaborative music-making to our community through live performances, educational programs, and storytelling. Our mission is to honor the great composers and performers of the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s by sharing their music, history, and cultural impact with audiences of all ages. Whether you're a lifelong jazz lover or a curious newcomer, Traditions of Jazz invites you to join us in keeping this timeless American art form alive and swinging.
As we embark on this exciting journey, Traditions of Jazz is just getting started with our initial fundraising efforts and building the foundation for our future programs. We invite you to follow us on social media, and enjoy reading our “Learning Out Loud” blog, where we’ll share stories, behind-the-scenes updates, and educational content that brings the world of traditional jazz to life. There are many ways to support our mission, and become part of a growing community that values the joy, history, and cultural richness of this timeless music. Together, we can keep the spirit of early jazz alive and thriving in Central Wisconsin.
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!